Let’s take a quick look at the Zoom RT223 Rhythm Trak drum machine. As it is gaining a lot of popularity among solo artists, DJs, and bands looking for additional percussion effects, there is certainly a lot to discuss about this particular drum machine.
First of all, the Zoom RT-223 Rhythm Trak is quite versatile, with acoustic drum sounds for standard rock, jazz, funk and blues applications, along with other nifty sound features. These include analog drum kits for urban music like hip-hop and dance, Latin and island percussion, and perhaps the most extraordinary feature… the human drum machine!
You can literally create your kick, snare, hi-hat, and scratch sounds from five separate human voice banks. So much!
In total, the Zoom RT223 Rhythm Trak drum machine comes pre-installed with 70 drum kits and has enough space for you to create and store 127 of your own.
And the RT-223 doesn’t stop at just the drums. There are also 12 realistic bass sounds available. Some of these include slap, pick, fretless, acoustic, and synth. You can program an entire rhythm section from a single machine.
Another great feature of the Zoom RT223 Rhythm Trak drum machine is also loaded with COMP EQ and reverb to create the ambience you’re looking for, whether it’s silky smooth or nasty (for industrial music and the like).
The general themes I discovered from reading various customer reviews are that this machine is very well priced (as low as $150 from one source I know of), has some pretty nifty features, and has good overall sound, especially if connected to a high-quality keyboard amp or surround sound system.
I’ve seen it compared to the more expensive Alesis SR-18 and Boss DR-880 drum machines, and it seems that people actually think the Zoom RT223 Rhythm Trak is better value for money.
It typically receives the equivalent of a solid average of 8 out of 10 stars, in categories including ease of use, sound, convenience, value, durability, and features.
The Zoom RT223 Rhythm Trak Drum Machine is available both offline and online, although I personally think online is the way to go, for the following reasons:
1. More competition drives prices down.
2. You can shop at many different stores in a very short amount of time, optimizing your time and saving gas!
3. Shipping is often FREE for stereo.
4. It’s just easier. There is no need to transport your own equipment!
Some reviews I’ve read put the Zoom RT223 Rhythm Trak as the best drum machine you can buy anywhere, for the asking price. This is a tremendous compliment, considering there are much better known and more frequently purchased machines available.
The truth is that many of these other drum machines have less features than the RT223. Something to think about.