Ace Tone (Roland) Rhythm Ace Drum Machines Comparison Test

Published on Jan 27, 2018 SUBTOKYOSHOP

"Ace Tone (the forerunner of Roland) Rhythm Ace Drum Machines Comparison Test

1. Ace Tone Rhythm Ace FR-6
2. Ace Tone Rhythm Ace FR-7L
3. Ace Tone Rhythm Ace FR-8L

recorded with Drawmer LX-20 compressor and Ableton Live"

subtokyoshop on eBay | subtokyoshop on Reverb

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1972 Ace Tone Rhythm Ace FR-6 Videos by Synthies & Ronan

Published on Feb 19, 2018 Synthies & Ronan

Playlist:
1. making techno with a drum machine from 1972
2. session w/ rhythm ace fr-6 + effects (first hands-on)
3. EDM Jam w/ Ace Tone Rhythm Ace FR-6 (Roland TR-55)
4. I am in love with the Rhythm Ace FR-6 (*Roland TR-55) Techno Techno, ja

"*The FR-6 design would later be updated and released by Ikutaro Kakehashi in Roland’s TR Series. (Roland TR-55 Rhythm Arranger)

...and by the way Moby has two of these 😎 check out the seventh second in the link below:"

Moby's Drum Machine & Synth Collection

Vintage Drum Synth Demos by You Are The Robots

video uploads by You Are The Robots

Arturia Keystep Pro was used to sequence those w/o built in rhythm sections. Use the player controls to skip around.

Playlist:
Sears Rhythm-Matic vintage analog drum machine with built-in speaker
SYNSONICS ELECTRONIC DRUM MODEL 5300 - A Very Rare Vintage Analog Drum Synthesizer | DEMO
POLLARD SYNDRUM 178 Vintage Analog Drum Synth Triggered By Arturia Beatstep Pro | DEMO
BOSS DR. PAD DRP-1 - Vintage Digital Drum Pad | DEMO
ROLAND CR-68 COMPURHYTHM - Vintage Analog Drum Machine | DEMO
ACE TONE RHYTHM ACE FR-1 - Vintage Analog Drum Machine | DEMO
NOMAD RHYTM MAKER 12 - Vintage Analog Drum Machine | DEMO
Vintage Analog WHIPPANY ELECTRONICS RHYTHM MASTER RM -10 Drum Machine W/ DIY Mods | DEMO
KEIO DONCA MATIC KORG MINI POPS 5 - Vintage Analog Drum Machine | DEMO
WURLITZER SWINGIN’ RHYTHM 5020 Vintage Analog Drum Machine | DEMO
WELSON SUPER-MATIC S12 Vintage Analog Italian Drum Machine 1971 | Demo
Mattel Synsonics Drums - Vintage Drum Machine
Univox SR-95 Vintage Drum Machine
Nomad Rhythm 12 - Vintage drum machine
Realistic Concertmate - Vintage Drum Machine / Metronome
Oberheim DXa (DX w/ factory midi) - Vintage drum machine
Roland CR 5000 - vintage analog drum machine
Modified Roland TR 606 - Vintage analog drum machine
Tama Techstar TAM500 - Analog Drum Synth
Rhythm Ace FR-2L With Issues - Vintage Drum Machine
Univox SR 55 - Vintage Analog Drum Machine
Whippany Rhythm Master - Vintage Analog Drum Machine
Sears Rhythm Matic R1000 - Vintage Analog Drum Machine
Simmons Digital Clap Trap - Vintage Clap Machine
Mattel Synsonics Pro - Analog Drum Machine
Univox MR8 Micro Rhythmer - Vintage Analog Drum Machine
MTI Auto-Orchestra Analog Drum Machine Bass & Strings Machine
Wurlitzer Swingin' Rhythm Analog Drum Machine
Ace Tone Rhythm Ace FR-3 - Vintage Analog Drum Machine For Sale On Ebay

Ace Tone Rhythm Ace FR-3

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"Ace Tone Rhythm Ace FR-3 in excellent aesthetic condition except for the handle that show little aging signs."

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Vintage Drum Machine Demos & Book - RHYTHM MACHINES The Rise and Fall of the Presets

video upload by Momtnz

"RHYTHM MACHINES - The Rise And Fall Of the Presets - by Alex Graham

Rhythm machines – the precursor to what we in the modern age refer to as a drum machine. This book documents the emergence of the preset pattern electronic rhythm instruments that (for a time) were used as a viable alternative to the drummer. Contained within are the Rhythmates, Rhythm Aces, Rhythm Boxes, Rhythmers, Rhythm Kings, Rhythm Masters, Donca Matics, Mini Pops and many more. Nearly three hundred rhythm instruments are documented here, with over two hundred pictures and information provided on their country of origin, instrument sounds, patterns and features. The book is a ‘must have’ for collectors, vintage instrument enthusiasts and recording artists.

For information on purchasing this unique book, follow the links here:

https://www.amazon.com/Rhythm-Machine...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rhythm-Machi..."
video uploads by Momtnz

This is one massive playlist of 68 videos. You can use the player controls to skip around.
The Godwin DM32 gets my vote for best looking rhythm machine.

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Japanese Rack Reverb Comparison Test 02 with Ace Tone FR 6 Rhythm Ace

Published on Oct 18, 2018 SUBTOKYOSHOP

"Japanese Rack Reverb Comparison Test 02
with Ace Tone FR 6 Rhythm Ace Drum Machine

1. Vesta Fire RV-2 Dual Reverberation Device (Stereo Spring Reverb)
2. Yamaha SPX90II Multi Effect Processor (Digital Multi Effect - #64 Rev4 Plate)
3. Sony DPS-R7 Reverberator (Digital Multi Effect - #2 Studio Ambience for Drum)

with
Ace Tone FR-6 Rhythm Ace Drum Machine
Drawmer LX20 Dual Expander Compressor

subtokyoshop on eBay | subtokyoshop on Reverb

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Ace Tone Rhythm FR-1

via this auction

"Ace Tone Rhythm Ace Full Auto FR-1... I read online that this is a drum machine from about 1970, the sticker on the back says Rhythm Ace Full Auto Model FR-1 AC 117V, 50 60 C/S, 3 W, Made in Japan, Ace Eectronics Industry Inc., this has many sound effects including Cow Bell..."

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Tubbutec Introduces UniPulse Universal MIDI Interface for Vintage Drum Machines

Rhythm Ace FR-3 midi (Tubbutec UniPulse demo)

Published on Apr 5, 2016 tubbutec

"Ace Tone Rhythm Ace FR-3 midi triggered with full velocity control via Tubbutec UniPulse. UniPulse is an universal midi interface for drum machines."

"uniPulse – universal drum machine midi interface

Main features

Highly customizable, compatible to almost any drum machine
16 pulse outputs
Full velocity sensitivity
5 different pulse shapes
Outputs positive and/or negative pulses up to 12V/-12V
Voltage and length can be mapped to velocity, controller or CV-input
4 Digital outputs for gates and clocks
Up to 21 simultaneous clock outputs with different midi dividers
Analog output with various functions
Potentiometer / CV input to control length or voltage of pulses
Internal clock multiplier for DIN sync
Easy to use configuration app with preset database for common drum machines
Very small, fits in most drum machines
Various midi socket configurations
Runs off a single supply voltage between +15 and +25V, generates negative voltage internally

Some features in more detail

PULSE SHAPES
Various pulse shapes can be selected for each output: Rectangular, Triangular, Decay, Gaussian and Open Rect. The latter is similar to the rectangular pulse, with the exception, that instead of returning to zero volts, it goes into a high impedance state. This allows it to make use of the characteristics of an existing pulse shaping network, such as an RC network built into the drum machine.
The pulse shapes have different sonic characteristics, experimenting which suits best is recommended. The Gaussian pulse for example contains less higher harmonics and can be used to simulate drums hit by a felt headed mallet.pulseshapes

CLOCK AND SYNC GATES
The analogue output and the four digital outputs can be configured to act as sync clocks and gates. This allows it to sync the drum machine to the midi clock. Clock dividers and polarity are adjustable in order to achieve compatibility with all drum machines. Clocks speeds between 48PPQN (din-sync 48) and 1PPQN (one pulse per quarter note) are possible.
By using the 16 pulse outputs, the uniPulse can output up to 21 different clocks simultaneously.tempo-small

CONFIGURATION PROGRAM
The uniPulse configuration program, available for windows and OSX, uses midi sysex to configure the uniPulse. We are constantly working on expanding a database of presets for common drum machines.
For each channel, you can select pulse shapes, polarity, length, midi channels, note numbers and mappings. For sync outputs clock dividers can be chosen.

A velocity sensitive test button an be used to instantly listen and refine your configuration, and thus choose what sounds best for your particular drum machine and taste."

You'll find additional details at https://tubbutec.de/unipulse.

1967 ACE TONE RHYTHM ACE FR 3 ANALOG DRUM MACHINE by Distance Research

Published on Dec 19, 2012 distanceresearch

"1967 to I think 1974 Ace Tone analog drum machine. Ace Tone was pre Roland and made some pretty cool sounding drum machines. This unit has several presets that can be mixed and matched to create some usable patterns. Definitely has that vintage sound reminiscent of that early TG sound or Jarre- Oxygene, Mixed with some effects and cool, I suspect there is ways of aftermarket midi/dun sync-ability."

The Ace Tone Rhythm Ace family: FR-1 Full Auto

video upload by ohm_studi_ohm

"Here is a glimpse of the analog drum machine range from japanese manufacturer Ace Tone. Quite popular in the late 60s and early 70s, they were probably the leader in those presets rhythm units at the time before Roland came into the game.

Full analog, only transistors and diodes, no integrated circuit yet.

FR1 and FR2 are basically the same unit. They do sound similar (same PCB) and have the same presets. The main difference is the cancel buttons. On the FR1 you can cancel "bass drum", "cowbell", "claves" and "cymbal", whereas on the FR-2L you can cancel "snare", "claves" and "cymbal".

Of course it is very easy to mod these units and add other mutes buttons, individual levels, outputs etc

The FR20 is quite similar soundwise to the previous ones. The patterns are different, they are fewer but you have 3 "customizable" presets with differents variations of snare and cymbal, thus effectively giving it a wider range of possible patterns, and this time you have cancel for "bass drum", "snare" and "cymbal" which make more sense then the previous ones' choices.

But the main feature of the FR-20 is that it has a built in amp powered speaker cabinet. And it sound loud and deep, it's a great combo. Plus ther is an input so you can plug you organ or synthesizer and play along the rhythm (start stop with foot pedal is possible on all units btw).

The FR6 is quite a different beast. It sounds very different to the other 3, soundwise and in terms of patterns. Sound is brighter, crispier even harsher.

Note all the units where fully recapped so difference in sounds isn't due to ageing component but to design. I don't have the schematics for this one but it's definetly not the same layout. It might have been designed or "inspired" by some other model available at the time. (could be the Roland TR-66 with which it shares many features).

So here is a demo of the first one: The FR-1.

Recorded through a Teisco 120 to add some reverb."

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BugBrand Modular triggers controlling Rhythm Ace FR-1 test.MP4

YouTube Uploaded by thetonewrecker on Apr 11, 2011

"I recently picked up a very nice Ace Tone Rhythm Ace FR-1(This company became Roland). This is an early transistor drum machine that has a variety of presets you can select. You may also press multiple choices and use some mute buttons to vary things. I noticed in the back there is a port for some type of plug. I thought it might be individual triggers for the independent drum sounds which would let you program your own beats.
I chopped off a few old wires and connected them to some of the banana jacks on the BugBrand to see what would happen. I only cut 3 wires so you only can hear 3 sounds I hook up. Kick, Tom, Hat. Clock is coming from the Acidlab Bassline V2."

07 30 21 Rhythm Ace, Minimoog & Fenix

video upload by batchas

"I took out my Musonics Minimoog to calibrate it and jammed a bit with the Ace Tone Rhythm Ace FR-6 I modified and the Synton Fenix 2 & 3."

Moby's Drum Machines For Sale

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

You can find them on Reverb here.

Don't miss the video here.

Update: some pics and details captured. I made the mistake of trying to capture them all and then realized how many were listed. :) I ended up switching to the more esoteric models. Quite a few have never been featured here on MATRIXSYNTH before. What's a little bit interesting, is only two new labels were needed, one for Domino and one for Side-Kick-Er. All other brands have been featured before. See the labels at the bottom of this post. Side note: Blogger limits the number of characters to 200 for labels, so I wasn't able to capture them all for this post. You can always search for the brand names featured for more. I assume most do this anyway. The labels are more for maintenance and for finding posts that may not feature brand names in descriptions.

Pictured:

Realistic Concertmate Electronic Accompanist-Metronome

"Fully analog rhythmic companion utilizing 5 beat buttons to combine how you wish. Features metronome, speaker and line out, and tempo control.

Serial: 42-2103. Works with no issue."

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Rare ACE TONE FR-3 Rhythm Ace

via this auction
See abertronix (RSS) for more.

"Rare early drum machine manufactured by ace electronics , the complany that preceded Roland. In fact the fr-3 is almost identical to the drum machine Roland released as the tr-33. Great analog sounds and beats."

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SCTV cooking with Edith Prickley

Uploaded by numike on Aug 29, 2010

Ace Tone Rhythm Ace FR-3

Roland Museum Germany Massive Synthesizer Selloff - Most Gear for Sale in a Single Auction

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

This one in via Marko of Retrosound.de.

26.000,00 Euro gets it all.

via this auction

Someone needs to contact the Guiness Book of World Records. Longest list of gear for sale ever:

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70's Vintage Rhythm Machines Comparison

Published on Oct 8, 2019 SUBTOKYOSHOP

70's Vintage Rhythm Machines Comparison

1. Korg Keio Minipops 35
2. Rhythm Box TS-2000 Mk-2 [one more demo here]
3. Kawai (Teisco) R-3C Rhythmer
4. Ace Tone (pre Roland) Rhythm Ace FR-6

Recorded with DBX 160X Compressor

04 26 23 Synton Fenix

video upload by batchas

"The camera on the smartphone is out of focus, I guess because the room was too dark and I didn't took enough care.
Synton Fenix 2, 2d, 3.
Ace Tone Rhythm Ace FR-6."

Vintage ACE TONE - RHYTHM ACE MODEL FR-3 DRUM MACHINE

via this auction

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Vintage Roland & Ace Tone Rhythm / Drum Machines

video uploads by Check Equipment

Playlist:
1. Ace Tone FR-6 579258
2. Roland TR-66 × Yamaha SPX50 Fusion of Analog and Digital
3. Roland CR-68 Demo
4. Roland TR-77 Demo
5. Roland TR-66 Check