Why do you like a drum machine, and what do you use it for?

Question

YES, I KNOW WHAT A DRUM MACHINE IS

Answer 1

The reason why "any" person likes a Drum Machine is usually because the people that like'em are usually writers who either don't know how to play drums or play another instrument and they need drums to accompany them in their music.

It's also much cheaper to purchase a drum machine than it is to buy drums, and it's more convenient to use when recording or writing. Although actual drumming sounds better (at least to me), a drummer can tire and lose the tempo or make a mistake (e.g., rim shot, break a stick, etc.) whereas a drum machine will never lose its tempo, break a stick, or even get tired. In the studio, you can't afford to do re-takes because the drummer loses the tempo, does a rimshot, etc.. A drum machine will guarantee a steady, mistake-less beat every time.

Of course you'll need to get the right drum machine, but that's another answer.

Answer 2

I'm going to do a gig on Friday with a drum machine, with a bassist, two horns, guitar, and myself on the keyboard. Why? Because the place has no room for a drummer with his set. Do I like to do this? No, because the drum machine cannot respond to the other musicians. It also may not come to a halt with the band once the button is pressed to stop the machine. But the alternative is to do without the drum sound, and that would be bad too.

Answer 3

I use a drum machine to provide a basic back-up beat, since I am a guitar player, not a drummer.

Answer 4

I use it sometimes,only to keep time and beat though. no machine(that i've ever seen) can beat a real drummer. but you have to do with what you have.