drum machine

noun

1. a device that simulates percussion sounds in various combinations and rhythms, and can alter digitally stored drum sounds or make digital recordings of drum sounds.

drum machine

noun

1. a synthesizer specially programmed to reproduce the sound of drums and other percussion instruments in variable rhythms and combinations selected by the musician; the resulting beat is produced continually until stopped or changed

Example Sentences

Families bounced and gently moshed along to the drum machine beats as “Juan,” also known as Kid Congo Powers, regaled them with a story about his hair catching on fire while playing a candlelit punk show with the Cramps.

From Los Angeles Times

Yet the musical invention at play in “Family Affair,” which spent three weeks atop the Hot 100 — and helped drive “Riot” to Stone’s only No. 1 showing on Billboard’s album chart — makes clear that he hadn’t lost his creative drive: It’s a startling piece of experimental R&B with Billy Preston on organ, Bobby Womack on guitar and a primitive drum machine coughing up a mutant funk beat.

From Los Angeles Times

Producer Mike Chapman wanted to synchronise Burke's playing to a Roland drum machine - an experimental procedure that led to the drummer playing each of his drums individually, then piecing together the rhythm track over the period of a week.

From BBC

Other visitors sit attentively, following the step-by-step tutorials on how to use a drum machine or create a sample.

From Los Angeles Times

“Not everybody’s going to become a musician, but having somebody show you what a drum machine or what sampling is, that’s when you start to have a deeper appreciation for music,” Emmons said.

From Los Angeles Times