In the world of music production, "feel" is the hardest thing to capture. You can have the best samples in the world, but if the rhythm is stiff, the track won't move. In celebration of their 38th Anniversary, EastWest is solving that problem by bringing a literal Hall-of-Famer into your DAW.

The newly announced DrumX™ Groove Machine isn't just another drum plugin; it is a historic collaboration with Jimmy Jam, the man behind the legendary production duo Jam & Lewis. This is the only place producers can access his signature, chart-topping rhythms in software form.

DRUMX QUICK SPECS:

• The Legend: Hundreds of exclusive grooves programmed by Jimmy Jam (Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, Prince).

• The Vault: 10 iconic drum machines (808, 909, LinnDrum, SP-12, etc.).

• The Engine: Meticulous multi-layer sampling with tape saturation and machine-specific controls.

• Availability: April 27, 2026, on ComposerCloud+.

THE SECRET SAUCE OF HIT RECORDS

Few producers have shaped the landscape of modern R&B, Pop, and Funk like Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis. With 42 Billboard No. 1 hits, Jimmy Jam’s "pocket"—that specific way his rhythms swing—has been the foundation of global hits for five decades.

DrumX is designed to put that exact feel into your tracks. While most plugins focus only on sound design, DrumX prioritizes swing and pocket, offering hundreds of exclusive grooves across R&B, Funk, Dance, Hip-Hop, and Electronic music.

QUOTE: "Groove is what makes people move. With DrumX, music creators can use my foundational rhythms and sonics to jump start their ideas, and then take them somewhere completely new." — Jimmy Jam

10 ICONIC MACHINES, ONE MODERN ENGINE EastWest has painstakingly sampled 10 of the most influential drum machines ever built. These aren't just one-shot samples; they are captured with multiple velocity layers and tape saturation to preserve the soul of the hardware:

• Roland: TR-808, TR-909, TR-606

• Linn Electronics: LM-1, Linndrum

• E-MU & Oberheim: SP-12, DMX

• Others: Drumtraks, DR-55, DR-110

A NEW KIND OF WORKFLOW

DrumX isn't just about nostalgia; it’s a modern production beast. The Groove Engine and built-in step sequencer allow you to:

• Customize: Tweak swing, timing, and velocity for a human touch.

• Drag-and-Drop: Move MIDI grooves directly into your timeline.

• Shape: Use per-pad controls and professional effects chains to modernize vintage sounds.

HOW TO GET IT

DrumX Groove Machine officially arrives on April 27, 2026. It will first be available to ComposerCloud+ subscribers, followed by a general release one month later.

If you aren't a subscriber yet, EastWest is running a 38th Anniversary special. This gets you DrumX on release day plus access to over 43,000 virtual instruments. It’s a massive value for any serious producer.