Tags: Drum synthesizer

Notes: It's no secret that we love Teenage Engineering's quirky little Pocket Operator synths and drum machines. Huge portable entertainment value but also proper usable sounds from this drum-focused model.

Supplier's notes:
A pocket-sized drum synthesizer and sequencer with parameter locks, individual step re-trig and punch-in effects.

Pocket operators are cleverly designed on a single circuit board. By placing all vital and sensitive components under the LCD display there's no need for an outer case. By saving this cost, high quality components could be used to guarantee the best possible sound and very low power consumption. The space under the display also doubles as a speaker box.

Experience a fresh new way to create music using your thumbs. With its pocket size, its animated graphics, real synthesizer engines, sync, punch-in effects, built-in speaker, alarm clock and impossibly low price, making electronic music has never been this much fun!

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: Sonicware's 'neo-hyperactive' drum machine takes a proudly digital approach to rhythm, offering some fascinating creative takes on synthesis and beat making. Create and perform with generative patterns and randomisation.

Supplier's Notes:
CyDrums | Expressive Drum Synthesiser

4D Drum Sound Evolution
22 Custom-Built Sound Structures
Versatile Effects & Flexible Routing
Powerful 8-Track Beat Making
Endless Creative Possibilities

Included:

- CyDrums unit
- 32GB SD card preloaded with many preset programs
- Power Supply Unit
- Warranty
*Batteries, USB cable and the other connection cables sold separately.

4D Drum Sound Evolution

Wavetable x Velocity & Pressure Modulation = 4D Drum Sounds That React, Transform, and Evolve

22 Custom-Built Sound Structures

22 Sound Structures Tailored to Each Instrument for Endless Sonic Possibilities

Versatile Effects & Flexible Routing

Two Insert Effects, Reverb, and Master Effects with Flexible Routing for Versatile Sound Processing

Powerful 8-Track Beat Making

Non-Stop, Intuitive Beat Making Powered by an 8-Track Drum Sequencer

Endless Creative Possibilities

Generative Patterns with Randomization and Probability, Plus Numerous Performance Features incl. VariSpeed and Snip Loop

Wavetable x Velocity & Pressure Modulation = 4D Drum Sounds That React, Transform, and Evolve

CyDrums offers 64 original wavetables, each comprising up to 256 single-cycle waveforms. With full control over start/end positions, playback directions with modes, speed, and curves, the sonic possibilities go far beyond imagination.

22 Sound Structures Tailored to Each Instrument for Endless Sonic Possibilities

CyDrums features 22 sound structures specifically tailored to each instrument, combining dual Wavetables, Noise, and Pulse sources to deliver sounds that range from classic drum machine tones to deep, innovative sonic exploration.
No need to start from scratch

CyDrums offers 520 ready-to-use preset sound patches, covering classic drum machine tones, synth bass, and FX.

Find them quickly with the tag search feature.

Two Insert Effects, Reverb, and Master Effects with Flexible Routing for Versatile Sound Processing

CyDrums delivers five versatile effect routing modes, allowing you to assign any track to specific effects via BUS Routing.

Non-Stop, Intuitive Beat Making Powered by an 8-Track Drum Sequencer

CyDrums boasts a powerful 8-track, 128-step sequencer based on the acclaimed workflow of the Lofi-12 XT. Unlock the freedom to experiment with odd time signatures and evolving polyrhythms.

Store up to 128 patterns per project, enabling you to create complex song arrangements or seamlessly switch patterns during live performances.

Generative Patterns with Randomization and Probability, Plus Numerous Performance Features incl. VariSpeed and Snip Loop

CyDrums empowers your creativity with powerful generative pattern tools.

Randomization lets you craft unique variations per track or control all parts in real time, while Probability allows you to set trigger chances from 25% to 100% for tracks or individual notes-sparking endless possibilities and new musical discoveries.

Seamless Integration with Your Setup

TRS analogue output, digital output via USB, MIDI in/out, and AudioSync for effortless DAW and hardware compatibility.

Compact, Battery-powered, and Built-in Speaker

CyDrums is designed for inspiration anywhere-from your living room to the outdoors.

- A single project contains:
128 patterns (incl. 32 preset patterns)
16 songs
Up to 256 projects can be stored.
- 1,024 sound patches (incl. 520 preset sounds)
- 256 effect patches
- 128 drum kits
- Polyphony: 1 voice per track + USB & External stereo audio
- Realtime non-quantize recording (with MicroTiming edit)
- Directly enter notes for each step when playback is on or off
- Duplicate to extend a sequence
- Copy and paste function for various parameters between tracks
- Parameter Lock function to record parameter settings for each step
- Drum roll with the D-pad
- Play chromatic/scales in Pad mode
- Enter longer notes (Tied notes)
- Diverse Mute features?
- Pattern BPM / Global BPM can be set
- Switching between half-speed and double-speed BPM
- Metronome and pre-count function

Hardware specifications

Pads: 15 velocity-sensitive pads with RGB LEDs

Controllers: Control knob x 5, Directional pad with 2 button controls

Display: 1.5 inch OLED display
Built-in Mic: Mono x1 (Omni-directional, 94dBSPL)

Built-in Speaker: Mono x1 (1.5W 4O)

Audio Inputs
INPUT L/Guitar (Switchable 10k and 1M impedance)
[LINE Gain] PAD: -20dB
[Hi-Z Gain] LOW: 0dB, NORMAL: +10dB, HI: +20dB
INPUT R/Dynamic Microphone
[LINE Gain] PAD: -20dB
[MIC Gain] LOW: 0dB, NORMAL: +28.8dB, HI: +50dB

Audio Outputs
STEREO LINE OUTPUTS (Max +6.5dBV)
*The above jacks are all balanced 1/4" TRS Jack Connectors
PHONES jack (stereo 3.5mm mini jack type)

USB port
micro USB Type-B
[USB Audio] USB 2.0 Full Speed, 48kHz-16bit Input: 2 channels, Output: 2 channels
[USB MIDI]
[Mass Storage Class] USB2.0 High Speed
*For iPhone, Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter required separately

MIDI ports
MIDI IN connector (5-Pin DIN type)
MIDI OUT connector (5-Pin DIN type)

Other connectors
SYNC IN jack (mono 3.5mm mini jack type)
SYNC OUT jack (mono 3.5mm mini jack type)
SD card slot (Standard size *Supports SDHC cards up to 32 GB)
DC IN connector

Bottom side hole
1/4-20UNC screw for tripod mount

Size and weight
Width: 147mm | approx. 5.8 inch
Depth: 175mm | approx. 7.8 inch
Height: 46mm | approx. 1.8 inch
Weight: 550g | approx.1 lbs 3.5 oz

Power supply
DC12V output AC adapter (500mA, Inner Diameter: 2.5mm, Outer Diameter: 5.5mm, Polarity: Center +)
Ni-MH AA SIZE Rechargeable Battery or Alkaline AA SIZE Dry Battery x 6
(Alkaline dry batteries life: approx. 4 hours)
*Batteries sold separately

Accessories

32GB SDHC card preloaded with many preset programs
Power Supply Unit
Warranty
*USB cable and the other connection cables sold separately

Notes: A uniquely characterful drum machine, based on FM synthesis inspired by early 90s PC soundcards. Six drum voices and four synth parts can be controlled by a built-in step sequencer or MIDI.

Supplier's Notes:
At the heart of BlastBeats is a vintage FM chip called YMF-262 also known as the OPL3 chip & previously found in computer sound cards of the early 90s.

These chips were notoriously hard to program and were rarely used to their full potential. However, they can produce surprisingly rich beautiful and utterly dirty sounds with a bit of exploring...

By putting so many parameters within easy reach BlastBeasts makes it fun and easy to master the signature sound of the DOS era!

Rhythm & Synth

BlastBeats is a 10 voice groove box offering 6 drum voices and 4 synth instruments.

The many faders offer full control over the parameters of the instruments and can be automated and modulated per step

Beats and melodies are a pleasure to program thanks to the high quality illuminated buttons

Dimensions: 29.5cm x 16.5cm x 4.5cm (11.6" x 6.5" x 1.8")

Weight 944 g ( 2 lb)

Notes: An exact replica of the legendary Pearl SY-1 Syncussion drum machine, featuring expanded I/O board. Classic analogue sound with individual trigger inputs, two voices and six different oscillator modes per voice.

Supplier's 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.

Assembled versions come with the METAL back standard, the wood case is available as a DIY kit separately.

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 oscillator 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 inputs and outputs use 1/4" Stereo to 1/4" (3 included) to greatly expand the capabilities of the device. The Mod input is prewired to VCF freq but can easily be switched to decay via jumper on the voice cards.

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.

Whats included:

SY-1 Synthesiser

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