Top 10 machines for BIG techno kicks in 2025
- 23/06/2025
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In the world of techno, there’s a simple rule: no big kick, no power. Whether you’re into dirty rave, industrial techno or heavy hard techno, the kick is your anchor. In 2025, the machines for producing massive kicks have never been so varied.
Here’s our TOP 10 of the most effective machines for hitting the low end of the spectrum, whether live or in the studio.
This ranking is not intended to establish an absolute hierarchy, but rather to help you discover 10 machines that are well worth the detour, depending on your needs and sonic sensibilities.
| Machine | Type | Estimated price (€) | Polyphony | Main assets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elektron Analog Rytm MkII | Analog + samples | 1500 | 8 voices | Hybridization analog/sample, disto, FX |
| Erica Synths LXR-02 | Digital | 650 | 6 voices | Precise control, advanced sequencer |
| Moog DFAM | Semi-modular analog | 750 | 1 voice | organic kicks, modulation, raw |
| JoMoX Alpha Base | Analog + samples | 1700 | 11 instruments | Massive sound, integrated compressor |
| Behringer RD-9 | Analog | 350 | 10 tones | Affordable TR-909 clone |
| Roland TR-8S | Digital + sample | 800 | 11 instruments | Multi-kits TR + samples + effects |
| Erica Synths Perkons HD-01 | Hybrid (Analog / Digital) | 1 980 | 4 voices | Brutal, textured sound, perfect for live techno/EBM |
| Korg Volca Kick | Analog | 160 | Monophonic | Low price, highly modellable kick |
| AVP Synth Ritmobox | Analog | 850 | 6 sounds | Abrasive and underground sounds |
| Vermona DRM1 MkIV | Analog | 950 | 8 instruments | Total envelope control |
1. Elektron Analog Rytm MkII
Type : Analog + samples
A hybrid monster capable of fusing analog synths with samples for tailor-made kicks.
Its analog motor is formidable, and the internal distortion allows you to saturate your subs like never before. An absolute reference.
Highlights: Layering of analog kicks + samples, integrated FX, Elektron sequencer.
2. Erica Synths LXR-02
Type: Digital
A precision Latvian drum synth, the LXR-02 gives you surgical control over the shape of the kick. Throw in a 300ms decay or ultra-stiff envelopes and you’ll already feel the walls vibrate.
Highlights: Perfect for industrial techno and modular distortion.
3. Moog DFAM (Drummer From Another Mother)
Type : Semi-modular analog
Not a classic drum machine, but a real powerhouse of organic, dirty, deep and unpredictable kicks. Ideal for those who want a kick that lives and breathes.
Highlights: Modulated patches, natural distortion, ideal for noisy techno.
4. JoMoX Alpha Base MK2
Type : Analog + samples
Top-of-the-range German machine, adored by hard techno and EBM producers. The built-in analog kick is a legend for its metallic click and ultra-clean subwoofer.
Strengths: Integrated compression, large pots, incisive sounds.
5. Behringer RD-9
Type : Analog
A highly successful clone of the TR-909. Ultra-affordable, perfect for beginners to hardware and a real punchy 909 warehouse sound.
Highlights: 64-step sequencer, accent, flam, swing, etc.
6. Roland TR-8S
Type: Digital + sample
The all-rounder. It embeds the sounds of TR-808, 909, 606, 707 and lets you add your own samples. The secret: its ability to stack layers and add powerful FX.
Strengths: Modern, high-performance live interface.
7. Erica Synths Perkons HD-01
Type: Hybrid Drum Machine (Analog + Digital)
The Perkons HD-01 is a hard-hitting drum machine. Designed for fans of raw, industrial textures, it combines 4 hybrid voices with a massive sound, ideal for live techno, EBM or breakbeat sets. This isn’t a machine for making sweet little loops – here, every kick, snare or rhythmic synth slams like an uppercut. The workflow is direct, brutal, and highly inspiring for live improvisation.
Highlights :
– 4 ultra-powerful analog/digital hybrid voices
– 64-step sequencer with parameter automation
– Multi-mode filters and integrated effects (delay, drive, etc.)
– Superb, intuitive touch interface, perfect for live use
– Robust, 100% performance-oriented construction
8. Korg Volca Kick
Type : Analog
Small but fierce. Uses the MS-20 filter to sculpt huge kicks in a box costing less than 200 euros. Unbeatable for nomadic producers.
Strengths: Affordable, portable, punchy and rough kicks.
9. AVP Synth Ritmobox
Type : Analog
Handmade in Russia. Very underground, it delivers a raw, abrasive sound, ideal for indus and rave. Dirty kicks, destructive drives.
Strengths: Rare, strong character.
10. Vermona DRM1 MkIV
Type : Pure analog
A veritable analog percussion laboratory. Sculpt your kick like clay. Widely used for custom sound design.
Highlights: 8 dedicated voices, ultra-precise envelopes, superb build quality.
Conclusion
The big techno kick is a never-ending quest. Some want it dry and metallic, others round and subby. But all these machines have one thing in common: they hit where it feels good.
Depending on your style and budget, you’re bound to find a lethal weapon in this selection.
Our all-rounder: Elektron Analog Rytm MkII
Low budget & fast kick: Korg Volca Kick
Eric, le capitaine du navire TechnoMag, est développeur web, consultant SEO, rédacteur de metier, et surtout fanatique de musique ! Depuis l’enfance, il est attiré par les basses et les kicks, passant des heures à écouter et jouer sur machines pour le plaisir, avec son frère et ses amis, depuis plus de dix ans. Globe-trotteur, il a exploré des free parties sauvages et illégales jusqu’aux plus grands festivals internationaux. Dans son passé, il a aussi été VJ et impliqué dans l’organisation de soirées pas toujours vraiment autorisées. Aujourd’hui, il aime capturer l’énergie des événements pour la retranscrire aux autres, que ce soit derrière l’appareil photo, la caméra, ou en rédigeant un article. Avec quelques missions bénévoles à son actif et une association toute neuve, il rêve d’un lieu autonome où chacun pourrait balancer son set sans craindre de perdre son matos.
