MFB-522

Back in 2009, this compact analog drum machine hit the scene as an affordable nod to the Roland TR-808's iconic workflow, packing genuine analog circuitry into a palm-sized powerhouse that delivers that heavy, tweakable punch without breaking the bank.

Its fully analog sound engine drives 9-11 instruments including bass drum with decay, tune, tone, and level controls plus two programmable lengths per pattern; snare with noise, tone, and level; rimshot; handclap with attack, filter decay, and level; tom/conga switchable with three pitches, tune, decay, and level; plus cowbell, clave, cymbal, and hi-hat sharing a tuner knob. The TR-style 16-step sequencer stores 72 patterns, 72 fill-ins, and 8 songs up to 64 patterns long, with global accent track and three shuffle levels for groove. Hands-on editing comes via 26 knobs and 7 buttons across its 175 x 125 x 72 mm metal chassis, powered by 12-15V DC; MIDI In handles velocity-sensitive triggering and clock sync, with individual 1/4" outs for BD, snare/rimshot, clap, HH, and a 1.5mm stereo main out.

Users have long praised its raw, modifiable tones—especially the beefy bass drum and claps—that layer beautifully in mixes, earning a cult spot among bedroom producers chasing 80s vibes on a budget, though some note certain hits like cymbals feel thinner without external processing.