ARMKII: All in all not bad, it is the most feature complete drum machine I’ve owned. Individual outs. But I don’t really like the sound until it’s compressed and distorted to a crisp, and then it’s gimmicky. Don’t care much for samples.
Drumbrute Impact: Some nice bread and butter sounds out of the box. Not much more. Cheap. Some individual outs. But very limited sound palette and not all drums are tunable. Mono.
Ditigakt: Nice box but as I said earlier I don’t care much for drum samples. No individual outs.
Nord Drum 3p: Stunning amount of synthesis possibilities. No individual outs. No sequencer. No module.
So far I’ve preferred Nord approach to drum synthesis. But I need individual outs or at least one assignable individual out to be able to trigger a ducking effect (mostly on the kick).
I’ve resorted to using the Nord Drum with the Digitakt as a sequencer, and using a dedicated MIDI track to trigger a H-Pi Flash (a synth not much larger than a pen cap) to trigger my Pill pedal which is responsible for the ducking effect on non-drums synths that go through it. But it’s a bit cumbersome.
Are there modded Nord Drum 2 modules with individual outs? Have I overlooked a box that could fit the bill of having at least an individual out and a Nord-like drum sound palette?
I don’t know what the Nord sound is, having not owned one, but if you are open to modules, programming your own sounds on an antiquated ui, and external sequencing you could take a look at the Kawai XD5.
Thanks for your answers, I’ll try to address each:
Dave Smith Tempest: Seems fire, but I’m wary of firmware bugs
BMX: I don’t want samples
Nord Modulars: It looks super tedious to program
TR8-S: Actually not a bad idea
A4mk2: Hey! I’ve already got one. And it sounds great as a drum machine. But it’s currently used as my main quad mono synths. Maybe I could get another one (a mk1 would suffice) for drumming purposes.
Nord Drum 2: I thought about it: smallest footprint (important for a live setup), and it’s the sound I’ve come to like.
Syntakt: I’ve considered it but… no individual out. I still think I’ll give it a try if I sell the Rytm.
OTO Boum: yeah it’s nice but isn’t having a drum machine that sounds right ootb even better?
Nord drum module: no to sampling
I don’t like sampling. It’s always the same: I spend a weekend every two years listening to samples and building a library, and when I use it I’m frustrated that I can’t modulate it the way I want.
I prefer having a few FX as hands-on tools to fine tune the sounds and adapt them to the place.
Volume level, compressor/distorsion, filters and/or EQ are pretty useful. But you might get the same or even better on a mixer. Might be the right place for these.
You ruled out MD mk2 from your list? I know it’s very expensive, but it has separate outs and ace sounds, as well as internal (and external) resampling, that you can use to mangle the sounds further…
My own favorite.
Mk1 only have 32 steps.
Non +Drive can’t save multiple projects.
MD mk2 UW+ are the bee’s knees. But yes, expansive. For a (good) reason (IMO).
If you take your time, you might find one for 1500€ (there was one last month on AudioFanzine, I almost bought it as a spare).
The Perfect drum machine will probably remain elusive to you as it does to most. Still if you’re looking for something compact, v good sounding with individual outs - take a look at the MFB’s Tanzmaus / Tanzbear lite, or 522.