Korg Drumlogue Hybrid Drum Machine Hands-On Review

In his latest Sonic State Sonic Lab video, host Nick Batt does a deep, hands-on review of the Korg Drumlogue drum machine.

The Drumlogue features 4 newly developed analog circuits (Bass Drum, Snare Drum, Low Tom and High Tom), plus 7 digital parts; 6 sample based and 1 synthesis based (Multi-Engine).

Batt says that it’s ‘definitely worth checking out’, but has some reservations that he shares in the video.

Check out the review and share your thoughts on the Drumlogue in the comments!

12 thoughts on “Korg Drumlogue Hybrid Drum Machine Hands-On Review

  1. Perfect Xmas-stocking-stuffing partner with the new Roland SH-4d. It could only be better if they mashed them into one box, with all of the bells & whistles of both. *Sigh*, huh?

    1. Ok
      50% analog sounds where the attack portion “transient” is digital is a unique approach.
      The sequencer is ok.
      As nick batt mentions in the end, other drummachines do way more for only little more cost.
      Maybe good for those who specifically like one of its features, are into the logue multi engine or taken by the unique digital/analog hybrid sounds.

      Unique, niche drumcomputer.

    2. The SH-4d drum part is pretty extensive on its own!
      So much so that there is a review/tutorial exclusively for the SH-4d drum part by starsky carr.

      Funny how:
      sh4d is a synth with a drum machine.
      drumlogue is a drum machine with a synth.

  2. I still don’t understand why they did not integrate multiple Multi Engines (four to six), ideally being compatible with revious ‘logues. Would have made the machine much more unique and interesting.

  3. it looks like a proper Korg in a modern version, seems cool overall

    ultimately im not a fan of the fragmented approach where you need 4 different machines but i get it, also elektron is probly my favorite synth company so its complicated

  4. For my use case, the drumlogue checks all the right boxes: individual audio outputs so I can record different parts onto different tracks, (but still be able to just use a single MIDI channel if I want); lots of different presets/kits that are easy to modify; enough options to quickly create a groove but not an overwhelming array of options; small-ish form factor so it fits neatly in my already crowded setup.

    I pre-ordered it last fall and finally got it in in late January. So far I am having a lot of fun with it and have no regrets.

    It’s worth pointing out that this is my first dedicated drum machine and previously I used software or drum patches on synths. I can see why the drumlogue might not be right for everyone but it’s great for me.

  5. Also a little underwhelmed- Needed compatiblity and more ‘logue engines. I suspect these things will end up heavily discounted as the SH-4d is a lot more bang for the buck.

    1. – Drumlogue or SH-4d?
      – Syntakt!
      😉

      Seriously,

      Drumlogue: Nice character but flawed and niche. Definately not revolutional.
      The synth part is hardly working currently.

      Syntakt: Best groovebox in a long time! Polyphony only via chord synth machine.
      Does so much at once like: standalone groove box, computer interface, 12 track sequencer, effects processor, analog synthesis, digital synthesis etc. etc.

      SH-4d: modern polysynth and drumcomputer plus a splash of groovebox.
      I see it as the comeback of roland synths and will most likely go for it once it is clear if there will be a keyboard version or not.

    2. korg abandoned their last SDK with so much unfinished; not interested in going through that again with a new logue SDK. two development environments is too much work for so little gain.

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