Tags: Analogue drum machine

Notes: Peerless beats generated by solid analog drum sounds and an Electribe-style sequencer.

A vintage-style analog drum machine from Korg's recently announced Volca series. The Volca Beats includes a 16-step sequencer and 6 x editable analog parts including kick, snare, Hi/Lo toms and open & closed Hi-Hats designed to provide sounds reminiscent of classic 80s drum machines. It also has an additional PCM engine which is said to produce 4 x Lo-Fi percussion sounds including clap, claves, agogo and crash sounds.

There is one-knob-per-function parameter control for crafting each of the six analog sounds including click, snappy, pitch, decay and grain. The PCM sounds have control over pitch and speed. There is also a Level knob allowing volume adjustment of each part.

The 16-step LED-lit sequencer has 8 x memory locations for saving patterns. It includes a recordable stutter function for generating repeated triggers (or drum rolls) and delay effects, an active step feature for quickly adding or removing individual steps, and a step jump function that will instantly play any step. Notes can be entered live as the sequencer is running.

You can also wirelessly synchronise playback of all of the units in the Volca series with any iOS music app that support Korg's Wireless Sync-Start Technology (WIST) using their SyncKontrol iPhone app. This also allows control of the swing settings and fine control of the tempo (including tap tempo).

The Volca Beats is battery powered (with optional AC power) and includes a built-in speaker. It weighs in at only 372g with dimensions of 193 × 115 × 45 mm (W x D x H).

The Volca Beats editable controls include:

Kick (click, pitch, decay, level)
Snare (snappy, pitch, decay, level)
Hi/Lo toms (hi pitch, low pitch, decay, level)
Open/closed Hi-Hat (closed decay, open decay, level)
PCM sounds (pitch, speed, level)

Notes: The little brother to the original DrumBrute arguably packs a bigger punch. Gritty analogue sounds are on offer, but the sequencer is just as inspiring. A great alternative to the usual Roland suspects.

Supplier notes:
This is the drum machine you've been waiting for.

Combining bold, hard-hitting analogue sounds, a monstrous output distortion, performable controls, superb connectivity, and a powerful sequencer, DrumBrute Impact will fill your music with energy and muscle.

Putting the focus on "Brute", DrumBrute Impact features 10 high-energy, refined, punchy analogue sounds.

You can also use the exclusive "Colour" sound-shapers to introduce unique, per instrument effect for some variation. Boost the harmonic content, add some drive, snap, or crack at the touch of a button, you can even automate tonal changes by creating a "Colour" sequence. If you want your drums to push even harder, use the built-in distortion on the output for some drum-optimized crunch.

DrumBrute Impact is a drum machine for musicians and producers who crave raw power and monstrous tone.

Awesome drums made easy:

Sharing the same prize-fighting sequencing architecture found in the original DrumBrute, you'll love the simple, fun, and intuitive sequencer in DrumBrute Impact.

Whether you want to create complex, phasing polyrhythms or straight, pounding rhythms; record a finger-drumming performance; punch in a step-sequenced masterpiece; DrumBrute Impact beats to your rhythm. Use the touch strip to create some real-time glitchy, beat-repeat breakdowns, spice up a single instrument or your whole pattern with a dedicated 'Random' knob, and add some syncopation and groove with the 'Swing' feature.

A true analogue experience:

Connect to your other gear, sync up, and make some music the old-school way.

Get away from computer screens, say goodbye to sub-menus, and jump into the world of tactile, instant, analogue satisfaction. Featuring a huge array of sync and connectivity options, you'll be able to hook up and jam with practically any other synth, sequencer, or MIDI-enabled instrument. Mix on the fly with dedicated controls for every function, multitrack, record, effect, and mix the sound your way with multiple bus outputs. Save patterns that you love, chain them together, and create full songs and live sets, all without looking at a single screen.

DrumBrute Impact is a massive sounding, creativity fuelling beast, with effortless workflow and amazing performance controls.

Notes: I'm the operator with my pocket calculator. Which is actually a drum machine. Cult classic digital beatbox which integrates really nicely with the Sonic Charge MicroTonic plugin.

Supplier notes:
Drum synthesizer and sequencer with para-meter locks, punch-in effects and unlimited sounds with micro-tonic VST through data transfer.

Unlimited sounds:

PO-32 is the first pocket operator which allows unlimited sounds. in addition to the 16 preset sounds, you can use sonic charge micro-tonic VST to craft your own unique sounds and transfer them wirelessly to PO-32 with the built-in microphone, or alternatively by using a cable.

Upgraded hardware platform:

PO-32 has a built-in microphone for transferring and receiving data over sound. it also has a removable lock tab for write protection of patterns. the hanger strength is increased for extra durability, and on the backside of unit there are some useful combo reminders.

New pro-case:

CA-X silicone pro-case is the best companion for PO-32. with an updated design, this case includes a hole for microphone, anti-slip feet, neck strap, battery protection and pro feel buttons. it is also compatible with all pocket operator models.

Notes: Not just a drum machine but a drum synth, the LXR-02 combines the best analogue and digital sound design options to great effect. Six drum voices each with over 30 adjustable parameters.

Supplier's Notes:
Two companies - Sonic Potions and Erica Synths joined efforts to develop a drum machine that would stand apart from the masses and the LXR-02 was born. The LXR is a full-fledged digital drum machine with an integrated sequencer. Its sound engine provides 6 different instruments, each with over 30 parameters to tweak, producing sounds from classic analog emulations to crunchy digital mayhem, thus offering some of the most extensive sound design capabilities found on a drum synthesizer. Its compact, durable design and clear user interface make it ideal for live gigs.

Features
6 drum voices
Powerful sound design engine
Over 30 adjustable parameters per voice
Voice volume sliders
Insert FX section
4 assignable 6,3" jack outputs (2x stereo or 4x mono)
Full-size MIDI in/out
Flexible, performance-oriented 64 step sequencer
Performance mode with mutes, rolls, master bitcrush, and kit morphing
Kit, Pattern, Performance, and Song memory
SD card for easy FW updates and Project backup
USB MIDI
Headphone output
Extensive MIDI implementation
Durable and compact aluminum casing

Notes: An analog kick generator that delivers powerful sounds from kick drum to kick bass.

The volca series has consistently brought renewed attention to classic groove machines and historical synthesis. It now has a new focus. This time, it's the most important sound in dance music: the kick.

The volca kick is an analog kick generator that's made for sound design. An analog circuit based on the powerful resonant sound of the original MS-20 filter, it lets you create a wide range of kick sounds only possible through analog circuitry, ranging from solid kick drums to crisp kick basses. The 16-step sequencer, a distinctive feature of the volca, now has a new Touch FX feature that lets you control an effect instantly, giving you even more live performance potential. Experience the stunning power of an analog kick that cannot be obtained from a plug-in or a sample.

Analog kick sounds generated by MS-20 filter oscillation:

The volca kick generates powerfully present kick sounds using a completely analog circuit. To create those sounds, it uses not a typical sine wave, but the sound of an oscillating filter from the original MS-20. The powerful Rev.1 filter of the MS-20 self-oscillates when resonance is increased to the maximum, and this is used to produce powerful kick sounds with complex overtones.

Simple and effective parameters are provided, allowing you to freely design a wide range of kick sounds to your taste. Start the sound design process by using MS-20 RESONATOR (PITCH/BEND/TIME) to control the sense of pitch that generates the "body resonance" of the kick sound. Then use PULSE COLOUR/LEVEL to adjust the clip components to control the sense of attack, and AMP ATTACK/DECAY to intuitively control the decay of the sound. From tight kicks to fat, slow-decaying kicks, and pitched kick bass, it's possible to create kick sounds that are appropriate for every type of dance music.

Aggressively control the sound using DRIVE and TONE:

In addition to the analog kick generator circuit based on the MS-20 filter, there's an analog drive that includes multiple stages of distortion. The distortion level and type can be varied by a single knob, increasing the variety and power of the kick sounds. You can use the tone control to transform the character of the sound by adjusting the high-frequency range.

Powerful kick bass that rules the beat:

The volca kick is not just a kick drum machine. You can use the 16-key touch-panel keyboard to perform dynamic kick bass, and take advantage of the volca kick's powerful analog circuitry to generate the sub bass sound that's indispensable to dance music styles such as grime or trap.

Since the volca kick covers a wide pitch range from low- to mid-frequencies, your sequences can include a variety of sounds including low tom, high tom, and sound effects.

16-step sequencer allows automation of all parameters:

The volca kick features a 16-step sequencer that gives you plenty of improvisatory freedom. You can use it to quickly lay out a kick drum pattern, and it also supports realtime recording, which is an ideal way to perform kick bass phrases. And the pattern chain function lets you connect multiple sequence patterns for successive playback, making it possible to construct large-scale developments of 32, 64, or even 256 steps by joining up to 16 sequences.

The volca kick's motion sequence function records your knob movements, letting you add time-varying change to the sound. This is great way to polish your loops, and also lets you generate highly original live performances. Up to 16 sequence patterns and sounds can be stored in internal memory.

TOUCH FX controls realtime sequence effects with for instant cuts, breaks and fills:

The new Touch FX function further strengthens the performance potential of the volca kick. You can instantly trigger a sequence effect simply by touching a step key, transforming your realtime performance in kaleidoscopic ways.

Sequence effects include the roll function that plays a sound repeatedly, the octave function that raises the pitch by one or two octaves, and the sustain function that immediately maximizes the amp decay. These are great ways to create punchy and powerful breaks.

Playback can be synchronized with another unit:

The volca kick provides a sync connector that can be easily connected to many of KORG's other synths and groove machines. Connect to other volca units, minilogue, electribe or SQ-1, and experience a session with synchronized sequencer playback. The MIDI IN jack lets you use the volca kick as a sound module for DAW and MIDI controller.

Notes: One of the hardest in the game. Dedicated kick drum synth from analogue experts Vermona. Shape your own sounds from scratch. Killer.

Supplier's notes:
The Kick Lancet generator is a handy analogue percussion synthesizer with priority to kick-drum sounds.

The heart of the Kick Lancet's sound structure is an analogue oscillator that produces sine and square waves, which can blend seamlessly from one to the other. 2 independent envelope generators with a decay/release phase can modulate the oscillator's frequency and the VCA. Additionally the VCO pitch can be modulated by the fast LFO (3Hz to 3 kHz, triangle). Noise and a pulse signal can be added in the mixer section. Vermona have a balls-controller for making it really big.

The Kick Lancet can be triggered by MIDI but beside that there are 3 different trigger inputs. A gate trigger, which impulse can trigger the Kick Lancet in normal way with additional accent or completely dynamical depending on the incoming voltage, a simply short current trigger (i.e. momentary foot switch) and an audio input, which offers the possibility to trigger the Kick Lancet by an audio signal statically or dynamically. Drum pads can also be connected here.

Notes: NOON is a passive analogue drum/synthesizer. Each of the eight channels uses a unique analogue circuit with its own characteristics. No power supply is needed. Each circuit is triggered and powered individually from incoming gates or control voltages provided by voltage sequencers or modular systems. By using this unique method, we can increase instability and magnify organic aspects of traditional analogue electronic instruments. The sound of analogue, at its core, is the sound of sculpted electricity. By removing the stabilizing elements of a constant power source, we can listen to the sound of electronic circuits loading and unloading, powering up and powering down, and we can increase the natural chaotic movement of electricity. The loading of circuits creates natural ways to access swing and groove or ways to deconstruct a programmed rhythm sequence to make surprisingly new ideas.
Each channel is represented by a tuning fork. Incoming voltage can be thought of as a way to "strike" each fork with momentary voltage. Between every channel there are Link buttons which allow voltage sharing between channels. Linking them provides a wide mix of results depending on incoming voltage, active or inactive channels, slider settings, gate lengths and multichannel linking. The results can be described as cross modulation, growth (creating a larger and more complex circuit), or processing (filtering, distortion). Due to the cycles of voltage and this inherent instability, a definition of what is actually occurring between channels can be hard to pin down. The eight Mod buttons, which are located at the bottom of each tuning fork, change the behaviour and sound of each circuit. The eight latching CV buttons along the top allow the "?" Even and "?" Odd CV modulation inputs to route to even and odd channels. When incoming CV is unmuted, a channel's behaviour can change drastically and this behaviour can change further when channels are linked. These CV inputs are a way to add microtonal pitch changes and/or large textural movement to voices. The Even and Odd CV inputs are summed to their respective channels to provide a rhythmic modulation reference between multiple channels.

Limitations & Recommendations

A voltage sequencer, modular system or some form of external control voltage is required for use. This is a powerless instrument which relies upon receiving voltage and control from external sources.
Using sequencers which have the ability to vary gate length is highly encouraged due to the increase in sound possibilities and rhythmic movement.
Each model of voltage sequencer can have slightly different effects on the tonality of the instrument due to variations between manufacturers and feature sets.
Given the passive design of the device the reaction of the touch plates will vary greatly based upon what voltages are being received in which channel, if channels in are being touched in tandem, skin moisture and gate lengths. Using only trig signals can significantly lessen the touch plate response.
Channels 7 & 8 (Larynx & Bacid) will give best results being fed gate and cv voltage simultaneously. Sending trigs instead of gates to these channels may have less interesting results than found in other channels.

Specifications

Dimensions: 32cm x 18cm x 2.5cm / 12.5" x 7" x 1"
Materials: Gold plated PCB (2mm fiberglass) / routed Birch plywood case with clear coat / metal shaft sliders with rubber caps / concave and dual LED latching push buttons
Weight: 0.9 kg. / 2 lbs.
CV Inputs: 10 x 3.5mm jacks
Audio Input: 1 x 3.5mm jack
Audio Outputs: 10 x 3.5mm jacks

Notes: Blue version of Soma's weird and wonderful 'organismic' semi-modular synth. Ideal for drum and percussion synthesis but also suitable for melodic sounds, FX and more. Unique.

Supplier's Notes:
Pulsar-23 is a multi-functional analog synthesizer and generator of complex rhythmic patterns.

The Pulsar consists of 23 different modules, including four flexible sound generators with completely different structures, four envelope generators, four looper-recorders, a clock generator with dividers, a controlled chaos generator, an LFO, a two-channel CV-controlled effects processor, distortion, two controlled amplifiers, an inverter, a controlled inverter and two controlled analog switches. In addition to these 23 main units, the Pulsar also contains 13 auxiliary units, such as a four-channel MIDI to CV converter, a noise generator, four attenuators, two dynamic CV generators with sensory control, two impulse converters and single passive electronic components for live circuit bending.

Pulsar-23 can be used for the synthesis of percussion instruments and rhythms, bass and melodic lines, effects and sound landscapes, as well as a source of control voltage. The Pulsar functions in three different modes: stand-alone, MIDI control and CV control. Moreover, all the above features and control modes can work simultaneously in any proportion or combination. Additionally, Pulsar offers live circuit bending capabilities and the use of the artist's body conductivity to create patches and cross modulations.

Pulsar continues the line of organismic synthesizers begun by LYRA-8, but now in the area of percussion instruments.

Also, it has MIDI control and synchronization and a lot of smaller modules such as 4 assignable attenuators and 2 dynamic CV sensors for CV generation etc. In general, there are 55 knobs, 11 switches and over 100 inputs and outputs for patching, Eurorack integration, external mixing and processing, live circuit bending!

It comes in a special HQ bag with 30 alligator clips cables and PSU.

Notes: The Michigan Synth Works SY-1 Drum synth is a full size, exact replica of the Pearl SY-1 Syncussion. Every detail has been replicated from the original board layouts to the mechanical construction. The assembled version has been modernized to use current manufacturing processes while still using the original board layouts and all parts have been carefully chosen to match the behaviour of the original. Case, boards, and I/O Boards are all interchangeable with the original Pearl device

The Syncussion:

The Syncussion is a 2 voice drum synthesizer with two oscillators per voice and six different modes. Five modes mix and modulate the oscillators plus a noise channel. Each voice has controls for TUNE, DECAY, SWEEP amount, SWEEP Speed, Sweep up/off/down, LFO amount, and LFO speed, LFO Shape (Tri or Square), and sample and hold

OSC Modes:

A: One oscillator sound, at this position the regular drum synthesizer sweep can be effected.

B. Sound of one oscillator adjusting the other osciIIator frequency; produces a metallic sound.

C. Sound of a mix of two oscillator outputs; sound is similar to that of a vibraphone.

D. Sound of mix of two oscillator outputs; produces a low to high sweep and is done by hitting pad softly or hard; there is no connection to SWEEP SPEED and SWEEP RANGE

E. Sound of one oscillator adjusting the other oscillator frequency with a mix of noise; produces a sound similar to hitting thin metal.

F. Sound of only noise

Triggering:

The SY-1 is designed to be triggered via drum triggers which output a very low pulse signal. Modern 5V trigger signals (v-trig) can be used, how it i recommended experimenting with simple audio samples or more dynamic triggers. One of the more interesting features of the Syncussion is the dynamic response to the drum triggers and just sending a straight pulse which maxes out the trigger inputs does not do the device justice.

Tuning:

The original SY-1 uses a tune pedal to adjust the pitch of both oscillators while playing. This functionality has been retained in the original configuration but is of limited use without the pedal. The expanded version DOES have per voice CV control (1v/Oct) as well as the MIDI.

MIDI equipped I/O Configuration: This is the same as the expanded i/o configuration but adds MIDI in place of the MOD input. The MIDI responds to velocity to gate level and pitch for each channel. 2 TRS-TS and TRS MIDI cables are included

Trig 1,2 In - MIDI In - Mute - Tune 1,2 CV in - Output 1, 2

The SY-1 ships with a metal base panel but the DIY wood case can be used instead. It is provided UNFINISHED and sold separately.

What's included:
SY-1 Synthesizer
Universal Power adapter (100-240V, 12V DC out, Tip Positive)
MIDI I/O: 2x 1.5m TRS 1/4" Phone to 2x TS 1/4" Phone, 1x 1.5M 3.5mm TRS to MIDI, 1x TRS 3.5mm to 1/4" TRS Adapter

Notes: The Michigan Synth Works SY-1 Drum synth is a full size, exact replica of the Pearl SY-1 Syncussion. Every detail has been replicated from the original board layouts to the mechanical construction. The assembled version has been modernized to use current manufacturing processes while still using the original board layouts and all parts have been carefully chosen to match the behaviour of the original. Case, boards, and I/O Boards are all interchangeable with the original Pearl device

The Syncussion:

The Syncussion is a 2 voice drum synthesizer with two oscillators per voice and six different modes. Five modes mix and modulate the oscillators plus a noise channel. Each voice has controls for TUNE, DECAY, SWEEP amount, SWEEP Speed, Sweep up/off/down, LFO amount, and LFO speed, LFO Shape (Tri or Square), and sample and hold

OSC Modes:

A: One oscillator sound, at this position the regular drum synthesizer sweep can be effected.

B. Sound of one oscillator adjusting the other osciIIator frequency; produces a metallic sound.

C. Sound of a mix of two oscillator outputs; sound is similar to that of a vibraphone.

D. Sound of mix of two oscillator outputs; produces a low to high sweep and is done by hitting pad softly or hard; there is no connection to SWEEP SPEED and SWEEP RANGE

E. Sound of one oscillator adjusting the other oscillator frequency with a mix of noise; produces a sound similar to hitting thin metal.

F. Sound of only noise

Triggering:

The SY-1 is designed to be triggered via drum triggers which output a very low pulse signal. Modern 5V trigger signals (v-trig) can be used, how it i recommended experimenting with simple audio samples or more dynamic triggers. One of the more interesting features of the Syncussion is the dynamic response to the drum triggers and just sending a straight pulse which maxes out the trigger inputs does not do the device justice.

Tuning:

The original SY-1 uses a tune pedal to adjust the pitch of both oscillators while playing. This functionality has been retained in the original configuration but is of limited use without the pedal. The expanded version DOES have per voice CV control (1v/Oct) as well as the MIDI.
The Michigan Synth Works SY-1 is available in 3 different versions:

Expanded I/O Configuration: The inputs and outputs use 1/4" Stereo to 1/4" (3 included) to greatly expand the capabilities of the device. The Mod input is open for user modification, factory mods will be available. Please contact for details.

Trig 1,2 In - Mod 1,2 In - Mute - Tune 1,2 CV in - Output 1, 2

The SY-1 ships with a metal base panel but the DIY wood case can be used instead. It is provided UNFINISHED and sold separately.

What's included:
SY-1 Synthesizer
Universal Power adapter (100-240V, 12V DC out, Tip Positive)
Expanded I/O: 3x 1.5m TRS 1/4" Phone to 2x TS 1/4" Phone

Notes: The Michigan Synth Works SY-1 Drum synth is a full size, exact replica of the Pearl SY-1 Syncussion. Every detail has been replicated from the original board layouts to the mechanical construction. The assembled version has been modernized to use current manufacturing processes while still using the original board layouts and all parts have been carefully chosen to match the behaviour of the original. Case, boards, and I/O Boards are all interchangeable with the original Pearl device

The Syncussion:

The Syncussion is a 2 voice drum synthesizer with two oscillators per voice and six different modes. Five modes mix and modulate the oscillators plus a noise channel. Each voice has controls for TUNE, DECAY, SWEEP amount, SWEEP Speed, Sweep up/off/down, LFO amount, and LFO speed, LFO Shape (Tri or Square), and sample and hold

OSC Modes:

A: One oscillator sound, at this position the regular drum synthesizer sweep can be effected.

B. Sound of one oscillator adjusting the other osciIIator frequency; produces a metallic sound.

C. Sound of a mix of two oscillator outputs; sound is similar to that of a vibraphone.

D. Sound of mix of two oscillator outputs; produces a low to high sweep and is done by hitting pad softly or hard; there is no connection to SWEEP SPEED and SWEEP RANGE

E. Sound of one oscillator adjusting the other oscillator frequency with a mix of noise; produces a sound similar to hitting thin metal.

F. Sound of only noise

Triggering:

The SY-1 is designed to be triggered via drum triggers which output a very low pulse signal. Modern 5V trigger signals (v-trig) can be used, how it i recommended experimenting with simple audio samples or more dynamic triggers. One of the more interesting features of the Syncussion is the dynamic response to the drum triggers and just sending a straight pulse which maxes out the trigger inputs does not do the device justice.

Tuning:

The original SY-1 uses a tune pedal to adjust the pitch of both oscillators while playing. This functionality has been retained in the original configuration but is of limited use without the pedal. The expanded version DOES have per voice CV control (1v/Oct) as well as the MIDI.
The Michigan Synth Works SY-1 is available in 3 different versions:

1. Original I/O Configuration: The inputs and outputs use regular 1/4" Mono phone plugs:

Trig 1 In - Trig 2 In - Mute - Tune (via Tune pedal) - Mixed Output

The SY-1 ships with a metal base panel but the DIY wood case can be used instead. It is provided UNFINISHED and sold separately.

What's included:
SY-1 Synthesizer
Universal Power adapter (100-240V, 12V DC out, Tip Positive)