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Yamaha RX21 Drum Machine

Photo of Yamaha RX21 Drum Machine in a studio, signal chain, and closeup

Yamaha RX21 Drum Machine

3.5 (9)

2 Critic Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

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2 community setups

1 wishlisted

22 saved

Page last updated Aug 10, 2025

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Description

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Experience the classic rhythm of the Yamaha RX21 Drum Machine, a staple in electronic music production and DJ setups. Known for its vintage charm and straightforward operation, this drum machine delivers a robust selection of sounds that harken back to the golden age of electronic music. Perfect for both studio sessions and live performances, the RX21 offers a user-friendly interface that appeals to both beginners and seasoned musicians.

The RX21 features 32 built-in PCM drum voices, giving you the flexibility to craft diverse and dynamic beats. These voices include classic kicks, snares, toms, hi-hats, cymbals, and percussive sounds that are synonymous with 80s and 90s music production. Its intuitive programming interface allows users to easily create and modify patterns, making it an ideal tool for those who enjoy experimenting with rhythm and sound.

Connectivity is a breeze with the RX21, offering MIDI compatibility to integrate seamlessly with other gear in your setup. Whether you're laying down tracks in the studio or performing live, the RX21's reliability and ease of use make it a valuable addition to any musician's arsenal. Its enduring popularity in the music community speaks volumes about its quality and performance.

Key Features:

32 built-in PCM drum voices
Easy-to-use programming interface
MIDI compatibility for seamless integration
Ideal for both studio and live performances
Classic sounds perfect for vintage and modern music styles

Videos

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PianoVintage

DEMO YAMAHA RX21 DRUM MACHINE

PianoVintage

REVIEW of Yamaha RX 21 - "Regret"

Basement Arcade

Real time write on the RX-21

tommilsom

Yamaha RX21 Drum Machine - Quick Demo

tafony

Yamaha RX21 Drum Machine - Is it any good? - 1985

OMEGA QUADRANT

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 RX21 Drum Machine.

Features and functionality

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The RX21L variant is highlighted as having unique, desirable features compared to the standard RX21 model.
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Comparisons

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The kick sound of the RX21 is noted to be identical to that of the Yamaha RX15, suggesting similar sound characteristics between the two models.
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Software and compatibility

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The RX21 is equipped with MIDI out capabilities, enhancing its integration with other MIDI-compatible devices in a setup.
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Setup and maintenance

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The Yamaha RX21 requires a power supply between 9 and 12V, with a minimum of 300mA and center pin positive configuration for proper functionality.
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Owners found that a universal power supply rated at 2000mA works effectively with the RX21, ensuring reliable operation without power issues.
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Critic Reviews

Yamaha RX21 (IM Nov 85)

muzines.co.uk

The Yamaha RX21 is a budget-friendly, portable drum machine that's perfect for beginners. It offers ease of operation, with nine voices and 40 preset patterns that can be customized. Its compact design and included manual make it a great fit for first-time users. However, its limitations include flat tom sounds and the lack of individual outputs. Despite these drawbacks, the RX21 provides good value for its price, making it a solid entry-level choice for those looking to experiment with drum machines.

positive

Full Review

Yamaha RX21 (12T Oct 85)

muzines.co.uk

The Yamaha RX21 drum machine is a budget-friendly, nine-voice digital device that offers simplicity and comprehensive MIDI capabilities. Its manual is a standout feature, praised for clarity compared to its predecessors. While it lacks the RX11's labor-saving features, it compensates with user-friendly programming and a mix of preset and programmable patterns. However, sound quality varies; the snare is deemed "merely adequate," while other voices like the bass drum and hi-hats are strong. The RX21 is praised for its value and ease of use, despite limited sound variety and stereo positioning. Its main competitor, the Korg DDM110, lacks MIDI options, giving the RX21 an edge. Overall, it's an appealing option for musicians seeking a simple, affordable drum machine.

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3.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 9 Ratings

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