Good question. In "drum-machine" i understand a kind of rythm computer used to program drum lines. Not to confuse with "synth-drums" like "syndrum" or "simmons" pads used by Roger to trigger external sounds. Syndrums can be heard on live killers (those whirling sounds at the beginning of DOTL)
Queen made their first use of drum machine on Hotspace It was probably brought by mack, as musicland studio was a kind of temple for drum machines (remember it was Giorgio Moroder's studio). I'm pretty sure it was a "Linn Drum". (there wasn't many around at that time). Staying Power, Backchat, Dancer are all "rythm programmed". I don't think that the drum machine was driven by Roger, it was surely a help for the others to do their own thing without needing any approval by Roger (who want to play this, don't want to play that... etc.) At this time drums soundbanks were quite poor but, as you can hear in this album from 1982.
Later, For the works, this time soundbanks were more developped and Roger used the classic linndrum snare/kick sounds on radio gaga (the same are used in countless 80's songs ex : Tonight Tonight, from Genesis) and routed the drum machine to effects rigs to add thickness and presence to these still mechanical sounds.
For AKOM, I think they used a Yamaha. You can hear all the classic sounds (especially snare) on Don't Lose Your Head. At this periode, they were trademark "house music sounds" (Listen to The Sound of C, by Confetti's) By this time Queen gained in mastering those machines and drum programations were smoother and more sounding.
When Queen reunited for the miracle session drum machine have been considerably improved. Mostly by the use of sampling. Sound weren't just generated by synths, but were recorded. If you want to hear a good bench of sampled drums of the late 80's listen to The Miracle or Music For The Masses, from Depeche Mode. They're quite good examples. Programmed drums were used in virtually all songs : Party, Invisible Man, The Miracle, My Baby Does Me, Breakthru, Scandal, etc.. etc..)
Same goes for Innuendo and Made In Heaven. Better sound quality, more realistics and more "parts" of the songs (Days of Our Lives, Delilah, All God's People, Mother Love, Heaven For Everyone, You don't fool me...
Hope I wasn't too boring ;)
Sorry for my "not too perfect" english ;)
Thanks for that info - much appreciated!
I didn't realise how much they'd used a drum machine.
That explains why the drums on later albums always sound (to me) a bit rubbish. Roger isn't playing them!!!
I thought it strange that on the early albums and at concerts Roger's drumming was VERY loud and deep, while the drums on later albums wasn't. Now we know why.... :(