Korg Volca Beats
A capable drum machine (analog) for hands-on beat-making.
The Best Grooveboxes (UK 2026)
Grooveboxes go beyond drums, combining drum machine, synth and sequencer (and often sampling) in one box - all-in-one beat-making studios you can use standalone. The Novation Circuit and Akai MPC are leading examples.
What to look for
- Drums plus synths for full tracks, not just beats.
- Sampling to bring in your own sounds.
- A capable sequencer for song building.
- Standalone operation with strong connectivity.
Our top picks
#1
#2 
Akai Professional MPC One+
A capable drum machine for hands-on beat-making.
#3 
Novation Circuit Tracks
A capable drum machine (groovebox) for hands-on beat-making.
#4 
Novation Circuit Rhythm
A capable drum machine (groovebox, sampling) for hands-on beat-making.
#5 
#6 
#7 
Teenage Engineering Op - Z
A capable drum machine (sampler / drum machine, sampling, portable) for hands-on beat-making.
#8 
Sonicware SmplTrek
A capable drum machine (sampler / drum machine, sampling, portable) for hands-on beat-making.
Frequently asked questions
What is a groovebox?
A groovebox is an all-in-one music machine combining a drum machine, synthesiser and sequencer (often with sampling) so you can build complete tracks - drums, bass, melodies - in one box without a computer. The Novation Circuit and Akai MPC are popular examples; they do more than a pure drum machine.
Bottom line
Our top pick is the Korg Volca Beats (our score 9.6/10) - A capable drum machine (analog) for hands-on beat-making..