Arturia
DrumBrute Impact
$299
Released 2018-08
Best Drum Machines · head-to-head
DrumBrute Impact vs PO-32 tonic
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. PO-32 tonic is cheaper at $89. Every spec and price links to its source.
Teenage Engineering
PO-32 tonic
$89Cheaper
Released 2017-04
Which is better: the DrumBrute Impact or PO-32 tonic?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The PO-32 tonic is the cheaper at $89.
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Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | DrumBrute Impact | PO-32 tonic |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $299 | $89 |
| Brand | Arturia | Teenage Engineering |
| Released | 2018-08 | 2017-04 |
| Sound engine | Fully analog synthesis, 10 fixed analog voices | Sonic Charge Microtonic-derived digital drum/percussion synthesis engine (co-developed with Sonic Charge) |
| Voice count | 10 | 16 sound slots (unlimited additional sounds via Microtonic VST data transfer) |
| Sequencer steps | 64 | 16 |
| Sample playback | No | No |
| Onboard effects | Output distortion (bypassable), per-step/per-instrument 'Color' drive/snap/crack shaping, Swing, Pattern Looper and randomness generator | 16 real-time performance/parameter effects (beat manipulation and sound distortion) |
| Output count | Master out + 4 optional individual outs (Kick, Snares, Hi-Hats, FM) + headphone | 1 (3.5mm audio I/O) + built-in speaker |
| Midi support | Yes | No |
| Battery powered | No | Yes |
| Pad count | 8 | 16 |
Sources — DrumBrute Impact: arturia.com (verified 2026-08-01). PO-32 tonic: teenage.engineering (verified 2026-08-01).
What's the difference between the DrumBrute Impact and PO-32 tonic?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (8 of 9). Matching specs are omitted.
- Sound engine: DrumBrute Impact Fully analog synthesis, 10 fixed analog voices vs PO-32 tonic Sonic Charge Microtonic-derived digital drum/percussion synthesis engine (co-developed with Sonic Charge)
- Voice count: DrumBrute Impact 10 vs PO-32 tonic 16 sound slots (unlimited additional sounds via Microtonic VST data transfer)
- Sequencer steps: DrumBrute Impact 64 vs PO-32 tonic 16
- Onboard effects: DrumBrute Impact Output distortion (bypassable), per-step/per-instrument 'Color' drive/snap/crack shaping, Swing, Pattern Looper and randomness generator vs PO-32 tonic 16 real-time performance/parameter effects (beat manipulation and sound distortion)
- Output count: DrumBrute Impact Master out + 4 optional individual outs (Kick, Snares, Hi-Hats, FM) + headphone vs PO-32 tonic 1 (3.5mm audio I/O) + built-in speaker
- Midi support: DrumBrute Impact true vs PO-32 tonic false
- Battery powered: DrumBrute Impact false vs PO-32 tonic true
- Pad count: DrumBrute Impact 8 vs PO-32 tonic 16