Moby’s Favorite Drum Machine: A Love Letter to Vintage NYC Sound
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Some musicians are gearheads, and then there’s Moby—an artist whose relationship with vintage equipment runs so deep it feels like part of his DNA. Over the years, he’s amassed a staggering collection of synthesizers, samplers, and drum machines, many of which he’s since parted with in the name of charity. But as he recently revealed in a TikTok video, there’s one particular drum machine he just couldn’t let go of: the Electro-Harmonix Rhythm Matrix, a quirky piece of rhythm-making history born in 1976, right in the heart of New York City.
In the video, Moby shares a bit of nostalgia, explaining that he picked up this vintage drum machine from a second-hand shop near Times Square. But it’s more than just a cool old piece of gear—it’s a sonic time capsule. “When I listen to it, I can almost think of it as the soundtrack to walking through Times Square in the mid-70s,” he says. “Which, because I’m old, I actually did.”
That’s what makes this machine special. It’s not just about its warm, analog sound—it’s about where it came from, and the world it was a part of.
A Forgotten Classic: The Electro-Harmonix Rhythm Matrix
For most people, the words drum machine probably conjure up images of the Roland TR-808, the LinnDrum, or maybe even the Oberheim DMX—all icons in their own right. But the Electro-Harmonix Rhythm Matrix? That’s a deep cut.
Made in 1976 by Electro-Harmonix, a company better known for its guitar pedals, the Rhythm Matrix was a preset-based drum machine with a sound that was raw, gritty, and undeniably New York. Unlike programmable drum machines, which let you build custom beats, the Rhythm Matrix worked more like an old-school rhythm box, offering a collection of pre-made drum patterns.
What makes it special?
- Punchy analog drum sounds – Think lo-fi, warm, and unmistakably vintage.
- Preset rhythms – Simple, built-in beats that lend themselves to experimentation.
- Made in NYC – A drum machine born in the same city where punk, disco, and hip-hop were exploding.
It’s the kind of machine you might imagine sitting in a dusty recording studio in the East Village, pumping out beats for some forgotten funk or early electro track. And that’s probably why Moby holds onto it—it’s got history embedded in its circuitry.
Why Moby Still Loves This Machine
For Moby, instruments aren’t just tools—they’re storytellers. He’s always had a soft spot for gear with character, and the Rhythm Matrix fits right into that ethos.
Its gritty, imperfect drum sounds aren’t just a throwback—they’re a reminder of a time before music was quantized and polished to perfection. And for someone who spent his formative years in New York’s underground music scene, it’s a direct link to the city’s past.
Moby has spoken before about selling much of his collection to support The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, but the fact that he kept this one says a lot. There’s something about its sound, its quirks, and its NYC roots that makes it irreplaceable.
Why Vintage Drum Machines Still Matter
We live in an age where music production is easier than ever—you can fire up a laptop and have access to thousands of drum sounds at the click of a button. But for artists like Moby, there’s still something magical about the real thing.
Vintage drum machines like the Rhythm Matrix bring an organic, unpredictable feel that software just can’t fully replicate. That’s why artists across house, techno, ambient, and experimental music still hunt down old rhythm boxes—they add something that modern digital tools often lack: imperfections that feel human.
Moby’s Rhythm Matrix is a perfect example. It doesn’t have the worldwide recognition of an 808, but in the right hands, it’s a one-of-a-kind groove machine.
Want One? Good Luck.
If Moby’s TikTok made you want to hunt down your own Electro-Harmonix Rhythm Matrix, you might be in for a challenge. These machines are rare, and because they were never as famous as the Roland TR-808 or the LinnDrum, they don’t pop up for sale very often.
If you’re determined, here’s where to look:
- Reverb.com – The best bet for vintage music gear.
- eBay – Occasionally, hidden gems surface here.
- Vintage synth dealers – Some specialty shops carry oddball machines like this.
- Music forums – Sometimes, die-hard collectors sell off their gear.
If you do manage to find one, expect to pay a premium—quirky drum machines with historical charm don’t come cheap.
Moby’s Love for New York and Classic Gear
Moby’s music has always been steeped in nostalgia, and his love for vintage gear is a big part of that. Before he was a global electronic music star, he was a DJ and punk musician navigating New York’s underground scene, and it’s clear that those years left a lasting impression on him.
The Rhythm Matrix isn’t just a drum machine—it’s a piece of that history. And even though he’s downsized his collection, his obsession with analog sound and raw textures is as strong as ever.
Watch Moby’s TikTok Featuring the Electro-Harmonix Rhythm Matrix
Check out Moby’s TikTok where he showcases his favorite weird old drum machine:
👉 Watch here.
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