Zoom MRT-3B

Preset sounds and the preset rythms sound very good. You can hook it up and start creating right away.
Editing is not hard because it doesn't have that many options. I programmed an electronic drum pad in three diffrent pitches. It sounds dated and cheesey, if you will, but that is just the sound I needed.
The manual is written in plain English and not hard to master, but then again, this machine is not made to do your laundry or go to the moon. It is just a good sounding, basic drum machine. If you can live with that, this is your ticket.

Effects are limited. You have some dry samples and some with effects, and with a myriad of choices, your'e bound to find one that you will be happy with.
As far as I know, it does not have any expansion capabilities. What you see, is what you get.
It only has MIDI In. I use it as a slave with a Yamaha PSR 1500 and it actually makes the rythms sound fuller. It works very well for me.
No onboard sequencer.

The pads are touch sensitive, so with creative programming you can make up some pretty good rythms that don't sound so robotic. It's funny how a little open hi-hat here and there, or small variances in congas or shakers can really make a difference.
I really like the Latin percussion sounds. That is the type of music I play and I am a happy camper. The congas, timbales, bongos and assorted percussion are nice and crisp and really cut through the mix. I had a Roland DR3, an Alesis SR16 and honestly, this little guy sounds better. The snares are good and varied. Hi-hats are pretty clean and usable. The crash cymbals are OK. The kicks are not something to rave about, but like always the higher end machines have the edge, but thesre are not that bad.
It will work well with Rock, Dance, Punk, Hip Hop ( it's got those nice TR samples ) and although I am not a qualified Jazz musician, some of those rythms swing. And of course for Latin.

I is really well made. Mine is black. I haven't had it that long, but it looks solid.
I do use it without a backup and so far, so good.
I have a friend that has one of the first ones...the Grey colored ones, for about more than a year, and he has not had a problem with it.

I have not had the need to contact them yet.

If lost or stolen I would defenitly get another one of these little guys.
I have been a musician for 35 years. Music is my bread and butter.
I perform solo with three keyboards and drum machine. I play Latin, Oldies, Instrumentals and a little of everything.
I compared it with a Roland DR3, and an Alesis SR16 and for the type of music I play and for what I need...just basic good sounding drums..this is it. And it doesn't hurt your wallet.
I love the sounds, the ease of use, and that I turn it on and it performs. I don't hate anything about it.
I do wish it had a programable footswitch for drum rolls ( sigh )
It really spiced up my rythms and It is always on time, doesn't drink or curse and does not have an attitude.
If you need a no frills drum machine with GOOD basic drum sounds, and do not need it do do brain surgery or know rocket science. This little guy will make you very happy. I promise.

This MICRO rhythm trainer is a good deal at $99. The sampled drums sound fine. Zoom has their StreetBox unit out now but that is more of a groove box. Editing is somewhat tedious but you learn to work with the system quickly. The manual seems fine to me but I've dealt with some very cumbersome and balky manuals.

Polyphony is stated at 20. 99 user patterns. I'm comparing it to the Alesis SR16 which is still sold and something like the Boss DR770. Capabilities are fine- no fine tweaking (such as nuance and decay on the Boss unit) of the sample except tuning. Pads seem fine. If you want the facts just go on to a catalogue site where specs are available. I down loaded the manual before buying and was pleased at the features. Somehow I sensed the samples would be fine.

I am not sure if the samples are "dynamically" sampled but since most of us have been raised on compressed drums in pop music they are useful for our preferences. If one is into subtle snare independents ala jazz drumming the unit still can be made to deliver by creative pad assignment.

Haven't had it long enough. I'd need months of actual use before I'd gig without a backup. I still take out an Alesis SR16 when using my Boss DR770. My guess is that the unit will perform admirably.

Have not dealt with Zoom but they are dietributed evidently by Samson and I have dealt with Samson and found them responsive but that was from 1999 to 2003. Can't vouch for Samson as it presently exists.

It will not be lost or stolen. I'm past that adolescent stage. I have been using drum machine units since the early Roiland/Boss DR55 which I think was released in early 80s. The important feature on the Zoom is a foot switch that can be assigned to open/closed hihat. I encourage students at two schools where I run the music program to look for pad to midi units like the Roland PM16 on Ebay so they can build their own electronic drum pad/trigger sets. The PM 16 does not have that feature and the KAT midiKITI Pro has a very awkward to assign and program open/closed hihat feature. I would highly recommend the Zoom.