Yamaha RX15

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$56.35 Price Tier: Budget

4.0 (12)

1 Critic Review

2 Reviews

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1 community setup

2 wishlisted

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Page last updated Jun 06, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 6, 2026.

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5.0 (4)

$56.35 14 available Used

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Average Price: $56

Budget/Beginner

$150

$601+

Price Tier

In the Drum Machines category, Yamaha RX15 is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

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Description

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The Yamaha RX15 drum machine is a classic piece of DJ gear that has carved out a place in the world of electronic music with its distinctive sound and intuitive design. Released in the mid-1980s, this drum machine remains a favorite for musicians seeking that iconic vintage vibe in their productions. Designed with 12-bit digital technology, the RX15 offers a rich and warm sound that has captivated both amateur and professional musicians for decades.

The RX15 is equipped with 19 built-in drum and percussion sounds, all of which can be modified and sequenced to suit your creative needs. From punchy kicks to crisp hi-hats, each sound can be adjusted in terms of pitch and volume, allowing for a wide range of rhythmic possibilities. Its straightforward interface makes it easy to program patterns and grooves, while the step-write mode enables precise control over each beat. This makes the RX15 not only a versatile tool for live performances but also an excellent companion in the studio.

Whether you're a seasoned DJ looking to add a touch of retro flair to your set or a beginner eager to experiment with electronic rhythms, the Yamaha RX15 offers a robust platform for musical exploration without the steep learning curve.

Key Features:

12-bit digital sound engine
19 preset drum and percussion sounds
Programmable pitch and volume for each sound
Step-write mode for easy pattern creation
User-friendly interface for simple sequencing
Ideal for both live performance and studio production

Product specs

Brand	Yamaha
Model	RX15 Digital Rhythm Programmer
Finish	Black
Year	1980s
Categories	Drum Machines
Analog / Digital	Digital
MIDI I/O	MIDI Input, MIDI Output
Number of Pads	12 Pads

FAQs

What kind of sounds can the Yamaha RX15 drum machine produce?: The Yamaha RX15 offers a variety of classic digital drum sounds typical of the 1980s, including kicks, snares, hi-hats, and toms. It's known for its distinctive, punchy sound that suits electronic and retro music styles.
Does the Yamaha RX15 support MIDI connectivity?: Yes, the Yamaha RX15 features both MIDI input and output, allowing it to be integrated easily with other MIDI-compatible devices for sequencing and synchronization.
How many pads does the Yamaha RX15 have for live performance?: The Yamaha RX15 is equipped with 12 pads, enabling users to trigger different drum sounds directly from the unit during live performances or studio sessions.
Is the Yamaha RX15 suitable for modern music production?: While the Yamaha RX15 is a vintage drum machine, its unique digital sounds can add a retro flair to modern music productions, especially in genres like synthwave and electronic music.
Can the Yamaha RX15 be used for live performances?: Yes, the Yamaha RX15 is suitable for live performances, offering real-time control with its 12 pads and MIDI capabilities, making it versatile for various music setups.

Videos

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PRINTMATICTV

YAMAHA RX-15 DRUM MACHINE: Demo & Review

PRINTMATICTV

Bad Gear - Yamaha RX-15 - Big Machine, Small Drums???

AudioPilz

YAMAHA RX15 Drum Machine Sound Check / Some Rhythm Patterns

Gear For Guitars

Yamaha RX15 Drum Machine - Quick Demo

tafony

A Review of the Yamaha RX 15 Drum Machine : Vintage Music Gear Review

Tech Review Guy

Four old drum machines quick comparison | Boss DR-550mk2, Yamaha RX-15, Zoom RhythmTrak-234 & DR-670

Pixel Notes Music

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha RX15.

Features and functionality

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The RX15 includes both pattern and song modes, allowing users to create and sequence multiple drum parts without interruption.
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The RX15 lacks tuning and envelope control, offering only pan and level adjustments, limiting sound customization.
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It features only a stereo output with no individual outs, affecting mix separation for recording purposes.
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Unlike some other drum machines, the RX15 does not include grid programming, offering only real-time or step mode.
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The RX15 is recognized for its kick and snare, with comparisons drawn to the drum sounds in Boston's "Walk On".
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User experience

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Owners report the RX15's interface is intuitive and functional, making it accessible even for those new to drum machines.
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Some owners find programming the RX15 challenging, with one noting it turned them off drum machines for a decade.
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Use cases and applications

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The RX15 can effectively replace a live drum kit for home recording, especially when paired with a Tascam Portastudio.
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Works well when paired with distortion pedals; the kick drum benefits from a high-pass filter cut at 50Hz with near max resonance.
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The RX15's snares, claps, rims, and cowbells mix well with 808 sounds, although the crash is generally considered ineffective.
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Some users prefer sampling RX15 sounds into a DAW, finding its direct use not integral to their setup.
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Software and compatibility

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The RX15 manual provides detailed guidance on utilizing these features, enhancing user understanding and operation efficiency.
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Comparisons

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Compared to the RX5 and RX7, the RX15 is more straightforward, avoiding complex menu diving and job systems.
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The RX15 is considered less advanced than models like the Korg DDD-1, Alesis HR-16, and Yamaha RX11, which offer more features but are easier to use.
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Setup and maintenance

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It's advised to change the coin cell battery early to avoid losing stored work.
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Critic Reviews

Yamaha RX15 drum machine (12T Oct 84)

muzines.co.uk

The Yamaha RX15 drum machine offers a smart, budget-friendly entry into digital drumming with commendable sound quality, particularly its bass and snare. However, it lacks the ability to tune sounds or insert new chips, unlike some competitors. With only two outputs and a somewhat clunky user interface, it may not satisfy advanced users. Still, its affordability and decent sound palette make it an attractive option for beginners or those on a budget.

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4.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 12 Ratings

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lq8

over 8 years ago

DRUM MCHINE FIRST DRUMACHIEN I HAVE

3.67/5 note: currently circuitbending. easy to circuitbend, would recommend to circuitbend (ic 4556 (all the way to the right when looking at the left of it) pin 3 to 7, 1 to 3 or 7 works nice too. i got creative and bent it to the other ic 4556 chips so try that but DO NOT get solder stuck in the pins.) drum pads are really fun to smack. patterns are great to program. no tuning though, and i can't get my midi to work. pros cons neutrals: - drum pads feel nice to smack - relatively easy ui - sliders are great - tempo button offers alternative to tempo slider - some steel on the sides or so - has alternative snare, hi hat (sounds great) and cowbell/shaker - has clap which is a nice alternative to the snare |- toms are decent |- many sounds are cheesy in some situations, but not too bad |- unattachable power chord (won't lose, but short, but long enough) /- sample technology (good for circuitbends), not an 808 if you're looking for that /- corrosion causes buttons to spam on some issues /- gets HOT - gets HOT for the winter /- gets HOT for the winter /- once again, i can't figure out the midi. probably mine since i got it for $60

cillitbanggang

186

about 5 years ago

Very usable sounds

It’s basic but at least it’s cheap and comes with some very usable sounds. It lacks individual outputs for the different instruments and is a bit tricky to programme but is overall a very usable machine.

Roles:

Keyboardist

Genres:

Electronic