Drum and Bass Producers Employing Hardware Instruments once More
In 2025, the drum and bass scene is witnessing a resurgence of analogue gear, with several artists embracing a blend of vintage hardware and modern digital production to achieve their unique sound. This creative rebellion, rooted in feel, risk, and character, is not a nod to nostalgia but a testament to the enduring value of hardware in music production.
Artists like Vincent Welch (@venjent), a major influencer in drum and bass with a large following, are known for combining classic analogue synths with digital production techniques. Metrik and Grafix, who frequently perform b2b sets, are also respected for maintaining a hands-on approach, often incorporating analogue synthesizers and hardware effects in their live sets and studio work. Other significant artists include Justin Hawkes, Delta Heavy, and Dr. Apollo, noted for their hybrid workflows that leverage analogue warmth and dynamics alongside DAW flexibility.
The Melbourne Instruments' RotoControl, a standout new product presented at NAMM 2025, is a motorized MIDI controller with touch-sensitive knobs that integrates seamlessly with both analogue synths and DAWs. Its customizable setup and haptic feedback optimize control over analogue gear parameters in a modern workflow. The upcoming Nina polyphonic sequencer from Melbourne Instruments is anticipated to enhance analogue synth sequencing with multi-track capabilities, streamlining both studio production and live performance workflows focused on analogue sound design.
Classic analogue synthesizers and drum machines continue to be favoured for their warmth and texture, often complemented by modern MIDI controllers like the RotoControl for precision and ease of parameter manipulation. There is a distinct hybrid workflow trend, where artists use analogue gear for sound generation and initial processing, then integrate with powerful DAWs and plugins for mixing and final production. Plugins remain essential for polishing sounds, but many producers prioritize hands-on control of analogue instruments to keep the tactile and sonic authenticity of drum and bass.
Tools like Overbridge (Elektron) and Expert Sleepers enable tight integration between analogue and digital domains, keeping timing locked while preserving the character of outboard gear. Outboard FX units like Eventide H9 are popular for spatial and pitch modulation in drum and bass. The physicality of hardware encourages spontaneity, and many artists claim they write faster and more instinctively when using it. The sound character of analogue circuitry is still not fully emulated by plugins, especially in drum and bass where depth is crucial.
This blend of vintage and modern is praised for enhancing creativity and maintaining the genre’s characteristic energy and depth. Drbidge frequently speaks on the value of analogue gear in retaining a "feel" that software can iron out. Gremlinz and Jesta's ambient and gritty production style often features analogue processing and field recordings. Loxy is a vocal advocate for hardware's role in maintaining sonic individuality in drum and bass production.
Devices like the Elektron Digitakt, Korg Electribe, MPC Live II, and Akai MPC One are popular among modern drum and bass producers. Popular samplers among drum and bass artists include the Elektron Octatrack, SP-404 MKII, and Akai MPC One / Live II. Resampling is a common technique in hybrid workflows, where a loop is recorded back into the computer for arrangement and fine-tuning.
In conclusion, the integration of analogue gear into modern drum and bass production offers a unique blend of warmth, texture, and spontaneity that software alone cannot replicate. The resurgence of hardware is not a step back in time, but a creative leap forward, pushing the boundaries of sound design and performance in the genre.
Artists like Vincent Welch, Metrik, Grafix, Justin Hawkes, Delta Heavy, and Dr. Apollo incorporate a mix of classic analogue synths, digital production techniques, and modern MIDI controllers like the RotoControl in their work, blending the old with the new for an unique sound in drum and bass music. Tools such as Overbridge (Elektron) and Expert Sleepers help artists integrate their analogue and digital equipment, preserving the character of outboard gear while keeping the timing precise. These combinations create a novel blend of warmth, texture, and spontaneity that cannot be fully emulated by software, particularly in drum and bass where depth is crucial.
