The Yamaha RX11 Drum Machine is a classic and reliable piece of gear known for its solid build quality, versatile sound palette, and user-friendly interface. Introduced in the mid-1980s, the RX11 has since become a favourite among musicians and producers looking for authentic vintage drum sounds and straightforward programming.
The RX11 features 29 onboard drum and percussion sounds, all sampled at 12-bit resolution, providing a distinctive, punchy character typical of 80s digital drum machines. These sounds include a variety of kick drums, snares, toms, cymbals, and percussion instruments, each with a unique tonal quality that can be used across various musical genres, from pop and rock to electronic and hip-hop.
One of the standout features of the RX11 is its programmable sequencer, which allows users to create intricate and dynamic drum patterns with ease. The machine supports up to 100 user patterns, each with a maximum of 99 measures, offering ample space for detailed rhythm programming. The RX11 also includes features like step editing, real-time recording, and song mode, where multiple patterns can be chained together to form complete compositions.
Connectivity options on the RX11 are robust, featuring individual outputs for each drum sound, allowing for separate processing and mixing of each instrument in a studio environment. Additionally, it includes MIDI in and out ports, facilitating synchronisation with other MIDI-compatible equipment, such as synthesisers, sequencers, and recording devices. This integration makes the RX11 a flexible addition to both live and studio setups.
Overall, the Yamaha RX11 Drum Machine is a durable and versatile tool that offers a rich selection of vintage drum sounds and comprehensive programming capabilities. Its combination of high-quality samples, flexible sequencing options, and extensive connectivity makes it a valuable asset for any musician or producer seeking to add classic drum machine sounds to their recordings or live performances.