TWO EKO RHYTHMAKER DRUM MACHINES GO TO BATTLE

video upload by Vintage Audio Institute Italia

"EKO RHYTHMAKER - BIX BOX MODEL VS REGULAR SIZE - One is big - one is small - which one sounds the best?

1970 - the Rhythmaker is an analog drum machine from Italy's EKO, originally makers of guitars and amps. The Rhythmaker was one of their earlier attempts at drum machines that would later result in the legendary EKO ComputeRhythm, used by all the real synth pros of the 1970s - or at least those who could get their hands on one.

These are two different versions of the same model Eko Rhythmaker analog vintage drum machine - with identical features and preset rhythms - but they sound quite different.

Both front panels has 16 push buttons for rhythms of standard fare : Jazz, Mambo, Rock etc. These could potentially be engaged all at the same time, giving you a cacophony of poly rhythms.

On both units we find 3 potentiometers : Volume, Tempo and Sustain, the last one is a bit of a mystery since it only seems to change the pitch of a few sounds.

Quite a novelty at the time, and the reason we like the Rhythmaker so much, is the individual volume control of each of the 7 drum sounds.
Here the bigger version offers longer sliders, to more precisely dial in the volume desired.

The smaller guy is a bit punchier and warmer sounding maybe?

Light up the comment section and let us hear your thoughts."