Array of 529 Hip Hop Sounds

Take your pick: kicks, snares, claps, beatbox, percussion and tons of other rhythm sounds. Select fat synthesizer or acoustic instrument sounds. Or go for special effects: strings, scratch, orchestra hits and more. The SB-246 comes with a total of 529 dedicated hip hop sounds already built in. Since no data loading is required, you can start to lay down tracks right away.

Loop Pattern Sequencer Optimized for Hip Hop

The loop pattern sequencer is great for putting together complex tracks. Just loop a few measures and add rhythm sounds in real time by playing the pads. Non-stop programming helps you stay in the groove. When you have created a number of patterns, switch to song mode and line them up in any order. You'll have a song ready in a flash.

Drum Kits Support a Variety of Styles

East Coast, West Coast, Old School, and plenty of other styles in various categories make up a full complement of 80 "kits". Each kit features a layout of 13 pads x 3 banks. Bank 1 holds the core rhythm sounds that carry the loop pattern. Bank 2 has sub rhythms and percussion to snazz up the basic beat, and bank 3 gives you guitar chords, brass, synth hits and other pitch sounds. With the SB-246, all that you need is right at your fingertips.

Create Original Kits

In kit edit mode, you can go right in and alter the existing kits. But no need to stop there: freely combine 39 sources to form your very own drum kits. Parameters that can be adjusted for each pad include sound source, pitch, level, and panning. Up to 127 kits can be created and stored in memory.

24 Bass Sound Sources

Sine wave for that earthshaking rumble, acid style synth bass with resonance, and many other Hip Hop favorites are ready to spring into action. Add to that acoustic bass, sitar, strings, synth pad and other bass sounds that also can be used for non-rhythm parts. To input the bass line, the pads are assigned to a chromatic scale and can be played like a keyboard. A dedicated switch lets you instantly mute the bass track whenever necessary.

210 Preset Patterns Produced by Beat Kangz

All 210 preset patterns of the SB-246 have been pre-programmed by upcoming U.S. hip hop artists "Beat Kangz". Masters of current styles and classic hip hop beats the Beat Kangz have programmed tracks that are ready to go into the studio today. Intros, Fills, Endings and other variation patterns can be combined to create tracks that are ready to record.

Real-Time Song Programming with Remix Feel

Freely assign patterns to the pads and then play and switch them in real time: that is what real-time song recording with the SB-246 means. Play loops in DJ style and end up with a finished song. Alternatively, line up patterns one by one using step input, or use the FAST (Formula Assisted Song Translator) method to specify a pattern sequence and then write it out in one go.

Groove Play Brings Out the DJ in You

In this mode, patterns assigned to the pads can be played and looped as if you were using a sampler. Get into the groove and bring down the house with your live DJ performance.

Powerful Effects Include Compressor, EQ, Reverb, Chorus and Flanger

Compression/EQ is a powerful tool to shape the overall drum sound. Reverb effects let you control the ambience. These effects can be used simultaneously. Effect settings can be stored in 40 different patches for each effect.

Jam Function for Free-Style Sessions

Simply by operating a single foot switch, you can move through a sequence such as intro, pattern 1, fill-in, pattern 2... ending. While MCing or controlling the turntables for scratch effects, you can still do a freestyle session of any length using your feet. The foot switch (FS01) is available as an option.

Use the Metronome for Rhythm Training

For simple rhythm training, the metronome function with its dedicated key comes in real handy. In addition to the standard 2 - 8 beat, you can also use 6/8 beat, 7/8 beat, 2+3 beat, 3+4 beat and other mixed beat settings.

Touch-Sensitive Pads Enhance Playing

13 drum pads with built-in touch sensors bring out not only your timing, but also the dynamics and delicate nuances of your finger work. Programming is made even easier through visual cues provided by the self-lit pads.

MIDI IN Connector and External Line Input

The MIDI IN connector allows synchronized play with an external device. By receiving note messages, the SB-246 can serve as drum sound source module in a desktop-music system. The line input accepts the signal from a CD player or other line-level source. Mix the input signal with the sound from the SB-246 and output the combined result.

2-Way Power from Batteries of AC Adaptor

The unit will operate continuously for eight hours on a set of four IEC R6 (size AA) batteries. Whether in the DJ booth or on the street, the SB-246 is always ready. For extended studio work, an AC adaptor can also be used.