Capturing the Classics: How Samples From Mars Keeps Legendary Drum Machines Alive

Since the early ’90s, I’ve witnessed the evolution of electronic music production, from its raw underground roots to where the scene and sound stand today. The machines that have shaped this music are more than just tools—they’re part of electronic music’s DNA.

Take, for instance, the Roland TR-808. This drum machine has dominated electronic music for decades. Its feel, its price fluctuations throughout history, its scarcity, the countless clones attempting to replicate it, and—most importantly—its unmistakable sound are elements that every electronic producer encounters at some point. Owning a real 808 is a dream for many, but as they become rarer, their influence continues to dominate modern music production.

Beyond the 808, Roland’s entire drum machine lineup has left an indelible mark on electronic music. The TR-909 is another iconic machine, especially in house and techno music, with its punchy kick and crisp hi-hats shaping countless classic tracks. The 707 and 606 have been foundational in electro and techno. The 727 and 626 added percussion to countless productions, while even the 505 has found its place in various genres. Whether you realise it or not, these drum machines are deeply embedded in the subconscious of electronic music listeners. The familiarity of their sounds, having been used to define multiple genres, makes them instantly recognisable, even if you can’t always pinpoint why.

The Akai Legacy

Akai’s machines, particularly the MPC series, have also left a lasting impact. The distinct swing and sound of an MPC are instantly recognisable and have defined entire genres. From hip-hop to house, the groove created by these samplers is as crucial as the sounds themselves.

When I was teaching at Point Blank, a student brought in his MPC one day. While I was working in a different room, he fired it up, and I instantly recognised the sound and feel. At that point, I had never actually used an MPC before, yet the groove was so familiar, so ingrained in my psyche, that I had to run in and see what it was. It was a defining moment—I knew immediately that it was something I needed to explore further.

The Linn and Emu Influence

Alongside Roland and Akai, Linn and Emu have played a significant role in shaping electronic music. The LinnDrum and LM-2 drum machines were pioneers in defining the drum sounds of the 1980s, influencing everything from synth-pop to early house music. Their punchy, crisp drum sounds became instantly recognisable and remain sought after to this day.

On the Emu side, the SP-12 and SP-1200 samplers introduced a gritty, crunchy sound that became foundational for early hip-hop and house producers. The distinct aliasing and lo-fi warmth of the SP-1200, in particular, have kept it a staple in sample-based music even decades after its release. These machines weren’t just tools; they contributed to the creative process in a way that modern producers still seek to replicate.

Through the years, I’ve cycled through real drum machines, hardware clones, and now, high-quality samples. While nothing replaces the tactile experience of working with the actual machines, I’ve found that carefully recorded and processed samples can deliver an equally powerful experience—if done right.

The Best Samples for Capturing the Classics

Two companies stand out in delivering authentic electronic drum machine samples: Samples From Mars and Goldbaby. These collections are top-tier, recorded through high-end equipment and pristine converters. To achieve the same recording quality using actual gear would cost thousands. From a sonic perspective, these samples are the best you can get.

But sound alone isn’t enough. The feel matters just as much as the tone. That’s where Samples From Mars really shines. They provide groove templates captured from the original machines, allowing you to inject the authentic swing and timing of these legendary units into your productions. I have these grooves loaded into my Logic Pro startup template, ready to use instantly—and they work. Apply an MPC 60 groove to a kit, and you immediately get that iconic feel. The same goes for SP1200 and 909 grooves, each bringing a sense of familiarity tied to a particular era or genre of electronic music.

And it’s not just Roland, Emu and Akai—Samples From Mars covers Linn, Casio, Korg, Elektron, and more, bringing the evolution of electronic rhythm right up to the present day. Elektron, in particular, has carved out a significant role in modern electronic music, continuing the tradition of innovative, groove-based sequencing.

The Enduring Legacy

This isn’t an ad for Samples From Mars or Goldbaby. It’s simply the result of my years of working with these machines and the conclusion I’ve come to. The demand for these classic sounds remains strong, proving their value in today’s electronic music scene. Clones have their place, adding their own flavour, but there’s something truly special about what Roland, Akai, and other pioneering companies have created. Their machines—and the sounds and grooves they provide—continue to shape the landscape of electronic music to this day.

Through all this, I find that there isn’t a need for the original pieces of gear anymore, as these samples and grooves work. They replicate and reproduce in a pleasing way, extremely close to what the original gear does. There may be restrictions, but there are also new creative possibilities that emerge from working with these samples. Try them, have a go, and see how they can shape your sound.