Let's take a quick glance at the Zoom RT223 Rhythm Trak drum machine. As it is gaining a lot of popularity among solo artists, DJ's, and bands looking for extra percussion effects, there is certainly quite a bit 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 such as hip-hop and dance, latin and island percussion, and perhaps the most extraordinary feature... the human beat box!
You can literally create your kick, snare, hi-hat, and scratch sounds from five separate human voice banks. Too cool!
In total, the Zoom RT223 Rhythm Trak drum machine comes pre-installed with 70 drum kits, and has enough room for you to create and store 127 kits of your own!
And the RT-223 doesn't just stop at drums. There are also 12 life-like bass sounds available, too. Some of these include slap, pick, fretless, acoustic, and synth. You can program an entire rhythm section from just one machine.
Another great feature of the Zoom RT223 Rhythm Trak drum machine is also loaded with COMP EQ and reverb to create just the ambiance you're looking for, be it smooth as silk or nasty as can be (for industrial music and the like).
The overall themes I've discovered from reading multiple customer reviews are that this machine is very well priced (as low as 0 from one source I know of), has pretty ingenious functions, and has an overall good sound, especially if plugged into 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 people truly believe the Zoom RT223 Rhythm Trak is a far better value for the money.
It generally receives the equivalent of a solid 8 out of 10 stars on average, in categories including ease of use, sound, desirability, value, durability, and features.
The Zoom RT223 Rhythm Trak drum machine is available both offline and online, though I personally believe online to be the way to go, for the following reasons:
1. More competition drives the prices down.
2. You can shop many different stores in a very short time span, optimizing your time and saving your gas!
3. Often times shipping is FREE for music gear.
4. It's just plain easier. No need to haul your own gear!
Some reviews I've read put the Zoom RT223 Rhythm Trak drum machine as the very best drum machine you can buy anywhere - for the price that's being asked. This is a tremendous compliment, considering there are far more well-known and more frequently purchased machines available.
The truth is, many of these other drum machines have fewer features than the RT223. Something to think about.
