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Description

Unleash your creativity with the Zoom RhythmTrak RT-234, a powerhouse drum machine designed for both budding musicians and seasoned professionals. This versatile tool is packed with features that cater to a wide variety of musical styles, from the heart-thumping beats of hip hop to the intricate rhythms of world percussion. Whether you're crafting demos or performing live, the RT-234 ensures that your beats are always on point.

With a staggering 124 drum kits and 50 bass programs, this device doesn't just keep up with your imagination—it inspires it. The RT-234 is equipped with 32 voices and 297 rhythm patterns, so you can explore endless rhythmic possibilities. Its Sound Jammer feature allows you to modify sounds in real time, adding a dynamic flair to your performances. From DJs looking to spice up their sets to musicians needing a break from the monotonous click of a metronome, the RT-234 has something for everyone.

The 13 velocity-sensitive pads offer intuitive control, while the synchronized MIDI IN ensures seamless integration with your existing setup. Explore, experiment, and elevate your music with the Zoom RhythmTrak RT-234.

Key Features:

  • 124 drum kits including world percussion and contemporary styles
  • 50 bass programs and 32 voice polyphony
  • 297 rhythm patterns (99 preset, 99 user, 99 preset groove)
  • Sound Jammer feature for real-time sound alteration
  • 13 velocity-sensitive pads
  • Synchronized play using MIDI IN
  • Supports a maximum of 99 songs and 13,000 notes
Keyboards - review - repair

Keyboards - review - repair

ZOOM RhythmTrak 234 (patterns demonstration) RT-234

Video thumbnail for ZOOM RhythmTrak 234 (patterns demonstration) RT-234 by Keyboards - review - repair

ZOOM RhythmTrak 234 (patterns demonstration) RT-234

Keyboards - review - repair

Keyboards - review - repair

Video thumbnail for Zoom RhythmTrak 234 Drum Machine Demo #1 by tad sharpe

Zoom RhythmTrak 234 Drum Machine Demo #1

tad sharpe

tad sharpe

Video thumbnail for Zoom RT-234. How to mute the BASS sound (Except User Pattern mode). by Quiege Hattle

Zoom RT-234. How to mute the BASS sound (Except User Pattern mode).

Quiege Hattle

Quiege Hattle

Video thumbnail for gilneyparson zoom Rhythmtrak 234 by gilneyparson

gilneyparson zoom Rhythmtrak 234

gilneyparson

gilneyparson

Video thumbnail for Four old drum machines quick comparison | Boss DR-550mk2, Yamaha RX-15, Zoom RhythmTrak-234 & DR-670 by Pixel Notes Music

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

Pixel Notes Music

Pixel Notes Music

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Zoom RhythmTrak RT-234.

Features and functionality

  • Some owners appreciate the pattern play feature for jamming, including a slider for basic play effects.

    Source
  • The RT-234 can be used with an iRig to route audio directly into a phone for recording, offering a portable setup option for quick captures.

    Source
  • The RT-234 allows bass parts to be played over MIDI on a separate channel from the drums, offering additional layering options for compositions.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the ability to make custom kits and scroll through them while playing, enhancing live performance flexibility.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Zoom RT-234 lacks a proper House/Techno kick compared to classic Roland sounds.

    Source
  • Compared to modern drum machines, the RT-234 is appreciated for its non-drum capabilities, reminiscent of the multi-track features found in vintage models like the Boss DR-5.

    Source
  • Some users prefer the RT-234 over Boss and Alesis drum machines for its capabilities, despite a lack of MIDI out for external control.

    Source

User experience

  • An owner completed 18 full-length DJ battle scratch tracks using the RT-234 and Zoom Street Box.

    Source
  • The sequencer on the RT-234 is enjoyed by users, noted for being usable despite not matching the versatility of Roland TR series.

    Source
  • One user reported satisfaction with the RT-234 after just three days of ownership, suggesting an intuitive user experience and immediate utility.

    Source
  • Users express a desire for more outputs and the ability to sequence external gear, highlighting potential areas for improvement in future models.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners report needing to replace internal batteries in older units, indicating a maintenance requirement for longevity.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Known for its versatility, the RT-234 is a primary tool for artists like I Hate You When You're Pregnant, highlighting its suitability for creative, unconventional music production.

    Source
  • Known for its "cheesy" sounds, when pitched correctly, they can provide unique tonal qualities suitable for creative jamming sessions.

    Source

1.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
jimmarchi1

what were they thinking?

when i think about dumb purchases I made as a young man this is way up there with the pointless ebtech treble elim---- err, I mean hum eliminator.... this has no redeeming qualities. I won't get into details. Sound, itnerface, connectivity. Often when people have lousy cheap gear I think "you got what you paid for." You don't even get what you pay for here. Its not even heavy enough to serve as a doorstop.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Tendon Levey uses Zoom RhythmTrak RT-234

Tendon Levey

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Tendonlevey

From the Tendon Levey website:

” For my fourteenth birthday (2003) I received a Zoom Rhythmtrak 234 drum machine and I ended up sticking with it until the very end. After five or six years the buttons began to stick and malfunction, leading to a lot of foibles in my later recordings (since I insisted on playing them live during recordings, as opposed to setting aside the time to actually program patterns).”

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Zoom RhythmTrak RT-234, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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