Akai Professional XR20 Drum Machine review with 700 sounds and beat-making features

Description

My Experience with the Akai Professional XR20 Beat Production Station

Testing the Akai Professional XR20 Beat Production Station has been quite the musical adventure. As someone who dabbles in beat production and often collaborates with friends on music projects, I was immediately drawn to its features. This compact drum machine packs a punch with over 700 sounds produced by Chronic Music, making it a versatile tool for various genres. Whether you’re into hip hop, R&B, or electronic music, this device has something to offer.

I’ve used drum machines before, but the backlit pads that glow to the beat on the XR20 add an unmatched visual element. It’s not just functional; it’s fun, too. Let’s dive deeper into the specifics of this device, exploring its strengths and areas that could use improvement.

Design and Build Quality

The design of the XR20 is both practical and stylish. It has a compact and lightweight body, making it easy to transport for gigs or studio sessions. The backlit LCD screen is sharp and clear, ensuring that settings and patterns are easy to navigate, even in dimly lit environments.

What stood out to me the most is the bright, glowing, backlit pads. They’re not only visually appealing but also highly responsive, allowing for fast and precise beat creation. I found this especially useful during live performances or jam sessions with friends. However, I noticed that the plastic build feels a bit fragile. While it hasn’t caused any issues so far, I’d be cautious about handling it roughly.

Sound and Performance

The sound library is where this machine truly shines. With over 700 sounds produced by Chronic Music, the variety is mind-blowing. From punchy kicks to crisp hi-hats and everything in between, there’s enough here to cater to almost any musical style. I particularly enjoyed experimenting with the preset patterns. The 99 preset patterns offer a great starting point, while the 99 user patterns let you dive into customization.

The note repeat function is another standout feature. As someone who enjoys creating intricate rhythms, this option was a game-changer. The beats I created sounded professional, and the workflow was smooth. That said, I found the onboard effects a little limited. For someone who enjoys tweaking sounds extensively, this might be a slight drawback.

Who Is This Device For?

This beat production station is perfect for beginners and intermediate producers. If you’re starting out with beat-making and need a machine that’s easy to learn yet powerful enough for serious production, the XR20 is a solid choice. The microphone input and headphone output make it ideal for solo creators who want to practice or record without disturbing others.

For live performers, the glowing pads and intuitive controls are a great addition. However, advanced producers might find the lack of deeper sound design tools a bit limiting compared to higher-end drum machines.

Key Benefits

• Extensive sound library: With over 700 sounds, there’s no shortage of creative possibilities.
• Customizable patterns: The 99 preset and 99 user patterns offer a blend of ready-to-use beats and room for creativity.
• Responsive backlit pads: These are not just responsive but also visually engaging, making live performances more dynamic.
• Compact and portable: Easy to carry around, whether for gigs or studio use.
• User-friendly design: The backlit LCD and simple controls make it accessible even for beginners.

Areas for Improvement

• Build quality concerns: The plastic body feels slightly fragile and might not endure heavy use over time.
• Limited onboard effects: Advanced users might find the range of effects restrictive.
• No MIDI in/out: The lack of MIDI connectivity might be a dealbreaker for those who want to integrate it into a larger setup.

Product Rivals

Comparing the XR20 with other options on the market, it becomes clear where it excels and where it could improve. For instance, the Roland TR-6S offers a similar footprint but provides deeper sound design tools and modern connectivity options, such as USB and MIDI. However, the XR20’s glowing pads and vast sound library give it an edge in terms of usability and creativity for live performances.

The Korg Volca Beats, on the other hand, is another competitor. It’s more affordable and has an analog sound engine, which some producers might prefer. Yet, it lacks the extensive preset options and user-friendly interface of the XR20.

For those focused on hip hop or R&B production, the XR20 might still be the better pick due to its tailored sound library and intuitive controls. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of competitors, its simplicity is a strength for certain users.

Value for Money

In terms of value proposition, the XR20 delivers a solid package for its price range. It’s an excellent entry point for aspiring producers who want a reliable, easy-to-use device. The combination of extensive sounds, glowing pads, and customizable patterns makes it worth considering. However, if you’re looking for more connectivity options or advanced sound design capabilities, you might need to look at pricier alternatives.

Overall, this beat production station offers a unique balance of features that cater to specific types of users. It’s a reliable choice for beginners and those who prioritize ease of use, portability, and a diverse sound library.