A drummachine has either a step program memory ( you manually enter drum sounds and the rest quotes to the apropriate step and then when played back it will sound like a beat , if you placed them correctly ) .
The second is real time programming ( you play the beat i.e. bass and snare in a rhythm and it will store it , then you go back and play the hihat and other drums ) .

An arpeggiator automatically steps through one note at a time and it will run through the notes you hold down . Most arpeggiators can only go - up , down , up then down , and some can randomize their pattern . It will still only play the notes you hold down .

Only with a drummachine or sequencer can you program complex rhythms and store them .