Rhythm/Backing Machine or Software

[ChrisNabil]

Hi guys,

Instead of going down the keyboard arranger route is there a rhythm/backing machine or software out there for good-quality rhythms that you would get on an arranger? I ask because all I am able to find are drum machines which I might get for certain types of music but at the moment I am looking for something that offers standard rhythms for Trad Jazz etc...

Thank you!

 

[happyrat1]

An oldie but a goodie. Get a Boss DR-880. 500 rhythms in the can and 500 user slots for your own.

Dunno if they still make them but mine is loads of fun.

Plenty of used ones on Ebay.

boss dr-880 for sale | eBay

Get the best deals for boss dr-880 at eBay.com. We have a great online selection at the lowest prices with Fast & Free shipping on many items!

www.ebay.com

Gary

 

[happyrat1]

 

[happyrat1]

A second choice would be an Alesis SR-18 or SR-16.

No USB ports on those though.

Just DIN MIDI.

 

[happyrat1]

Cheapest one of all:

zoom drum machine rt-323 for sale | eBay

Get the best deals for zoom drum machine rt-323 at eBay.com. We have a great online selection at the lowest prices with Fast & Free shipping on many items!

www.ebay.com

 

[ChrisNabil]

Hey! thank you so much, Gary. I am liking the Alesis SR-18, the quality of the rhythms sound really good.

 

[ChrisNabil]

These are good but are still not what I am ideally looking for, to be honest, I don't know if it exists! I think what I am looking for is a machine that has styles already loaded Like a Jazz quartet or a Ballad, Rock, or Latin style. Professional sounding backing like you would get on a very good arranger keyboard or perhaps even better?...

 

[Biggles]

Yes there are, check out this recent thread which lists them

Chord/Accompaniment progression or sequencing software

Hi Guys, Can any one please help me to find a Chord/Accompaniment progression or sequencing software to use real time for playing a keyboard? downloaded so many software but none of them are working to sending the output to keyboard. I am trying to have one file loaded to PC using this...

www.keyboardforums.com

 

[ChrisNabil]

Yes there are, check out this recent thread which lists them

Chord/Accompaniment progression or sequencing software

Hi Guys, Can any one please help me to find a Chord/Accompaniment progression or sequencing software to use real time for playing a keyboard? downloaded so many software but none of them are working to sending the output to keyboard. I am trying to have one file loaded to PC using this...

www.keyboardforums.com

Thank you, I will check it out!

 

[happyrat1]

Yes there are, check out this recent thread which lists them

Chord/Accompaniment progression or sequencing software

Hi Guys, Can any one please help me to find a Chord/Accompaniment progression or sequencing software to use real time for playing a keyboard? downloaded so many software but none of them are working to sending the output to keyboard. I am trying to have one file loaded to PC using this...

www.keyboardforums.com

To be fair those are all software options.

Chris originally was asking about drum machines.

There are high priced arranger modules out there.

There's the BK-7m from Roland, several from Ketron, all out of production I think.

Then there are grooveboxes, Like the Roland MC-101 or MC-707 Or the Novation Circuit Tracks.

It really depends on which one is preferable. Canned or Roll-Your-Own?

For the traditional tempos and beats like jazz shuffle, C&W, Waltzes, Latin, Rock, Fusion, etc, then the DR-880 or SR-18 are terrific.

Full disclosure : I own both

Gary

 

[ChrisNabil]

Your right, Gary, I did ask about Drum Machines but also mentioned software in my title. However, I would prefer a drum machine-type piece of equipment. The only trouble is I am finding that the Alesis SR-18 is pretty dated and every time I search for more up-to-date drum machines all I am able to find are machines that cater to electronic, techno, or other more modern styles.

 

[happyrat1]

That's why I suggest buying vintage.

The DR-880 sold new in 2004 for $499 USD.

They still sell for around $300 used,

The SR-18 was never discontinued but they still sell them today to people with your needs.

Like I said, I own both and do not regret either.

Fantastic practice tool for keeping your chops.

Gary

 

[happyrat1]

Don't think of them as "dated."

Think of them as "perfected"

 

[ChrisNabil]

Don't think of them as "dated."

Think of them as "perfected"

Hahaha... All good points, Gary. Thanks!

 

[thesoundsmith]

Another vector - I write backing tracks using Band-In-A-Box. I master them and play them from my iPhone or iPad. Works great but they are fixed arrangements. NOW, BiaB have released a version that you can play on a laptop, and while they play, press various keys to control the track - Loop till I say stop. Loop till i say go to last chorus - or bridge - etc. You control where and when. I play Great American Songbook and jazz, so it works well for me. Country and straight rock players will find a lot of usable stuff, i don't know about the modern grooves.
You can hear some examples on my website, the only ones using primarily BiaB for backing are on the "Recordings-> Especially For ->Groovers I'd post a link but I don't know if that's allowed. These were for sale at my (pre-Covid) gig at the Mission Ranch in Carmel CA.

 

[Old No7]

Maybe.... As another option...

Check out the new Roland FP-E50 (e-piano) which is like their FP-60X but with arranger features added; that would get you the easy selection of playback and all the styles you wanted -- with piano and other tones included. There are some good videos on it. But you could play along with a synth as a 2nd board too.

Old No7

 

[happyrat1]

I believe Chris is going in a different direction now with an analogue synth.

 

[ChrisNabil]

I believe Chris is going in a different direction now with an analogue synth.

Yep! Thanks, Gary.

 

[happyrat1]

BTW Chris. By routing the bass output channel on the drum machines, I can port the bass MIDI signals to any of my other synths.

This technique can deliver spectacular results.

Gary

 

[ChrisNabil]

BTW Chris. By routing the bass output channel on the drum machines, I can port the bass MIDI signals to any of my other synths.

This technique can deliver spectacular results.

Gary

Wow, that's an interesting idea! I am checking out the Rev2 on Monday so that shall be fun! it's going to take a lot to change my mind about the Novation Summit though!