On the surface, Playbeat might look like a straightforward sample-based drum machine, but there’s a lot more to this beat sequencer than first meets the eye. Atlas’ adaptable interface can also be adjusted to replicate a variety of common hardware controllers, such as Ableton Push, Arturia’s Beatstep or Novation’s Launchpad range.

With over 1,500 drum samples included, there’s plenty to get your teeth into even without your own library to explore. As such, it’s a great tool for those who feel confined by repeatedly drawing on the same go-to drum samples or who reckon their sonic palette is in need of a shake up. This all makes the process of building and customising drum kits incredibly quick and flexible. Where Atlas sets itself apart is by putting its drum pads and sequencers upfront, allowing for rapid auditioning, editing and arrangement of sounds. As the name suggests, Atlas again makes use of sample ‘maps’, built by intelligent algorithms that create clusters of similar drum and percussion sounds. Other plugins have more complex sequencersĪtlas exists in a similar realm to XO (above), in that it puts as much emphasis on the process of navigating your library of samples as on beat creation itself. However, Roland’s Cloud subscription has the added benefit of also including a wealth of iconic instrument emulations, plus access to an array of samples and effects. If you’re solely interested in drum sounds, there are better value solutions – Roland’s hardware TR-6S drum machine, for example, can be had for under $400/£400, and includes the same emulated sounds and a good level of DAW integration. This makes them one of the more expensive options when it comes to accessing vintage drum sounds.

These come as part of the ‘Legendary’ instruments offered in the Ultimate tier of the company’s Cloud subscription service, or as a bundle priced at $499 (plus tax) for a lifetime key. Roland’s Drum Machine Collection includes spot-on recreations of the 808 and 909, but also the lesser-known but still worthwhile TR-606, TR-707 and TR-727. In the software realm, if you want the authentic look, sound and workflow of the original machines, you can’t beat Roland’s own official emulations. This ubiquity doesn’t make the sounds any less essentia,l though. Even plugins that don’t explicitly ape the look or workflow of Roland’s beatmakers will more often than not include sounds that owe a debt to the TR range. Inevitably, these machines have been sampled, emulated and replicated ad nauseum. Four decades on, the TR-909 remains the go-to machine for house and techno drums, while the TR-808 - or, at least, sampled versions of its sounds - provides the backbone of contemporary hip-hop. There have been countless excellent drum machines over the past few decades, but no instrument has dominated the beatmaking landscape like Roland’s TR machines.

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