DRM1 MKIV
analog drum synthesizer
Tradition
Since the mid-nineties, the DRM1 has been synonymous with electronic drum and percussion sounds based on analog circuitry coupled with an uncompromising control surface. The DRM1 MKIV continues this tradition.
The DRM1 MKIV’s structure
The DRM1 MKIV has eight channels that, like the components of a real drum kit, are specialized to produce specific percussive instruments:
KICK: Covers a huge spectrum of bass drum sounds from soft to hard and from short to loooooong.
DRUM 1 and DRUM 2: Toms, tom toms, metallic percussion sounds, wood blocks, bongos, kick drums and more.
MULTI: Cowbells, Zaps, Laser sounds and Bongos.
SNARE: All kinds of Snares including Rimshots.
HIHAT 1 and HIHAT 2: Hihats, Cymbals and Triangles, each in open and closed versions.
CLAP: Handclaps of all kinds.
Seven handy soft-grip knobs for controlling sound-related parameters, completed with a panorama and a volume control build the heart of each instrument channel. All in all, 73 control elements make the DRM1 MKIV a creative playground for your electronic beats’ phonetic realization.
Connectivity
The instrument channels can be triggered by MIDI via USB or DIN jacks. Optionally, the DRM1 MKIV is available with analog trigger inputs. This allows controlling it by classic analog sequencers with gate signals or realizing its integration in modular systems. In addition, the DRM1 MKIV’s trigger option can convert the analog trigger impulses into MIDI messages. Both, MIDI and trigger inputs support dynamics (velocity).
A classic’s makeover
The MKIV-update starts with lovingly detailed improvements and optimizations to the instrument channels and ends with a complete overhaul of the power supply including the control center and the trigger option. Nevertheless, it remains a DRM1 and thus its original. A list with all changes to the DRM1 MKIV can be found here.
Features
I love drum machines and have had quite a few, but kept 4 specifically for the reasons stated below DRM1 mkiv (also had mkiii but it died). Great range of analog bass drums and overall I love the sound of all the voices. The I/o and internal mixing are brilliant for connecting to a...
...- $1800 Elektron Analog Rytm - $800 Elektron Syntakt - $1000 Arturia DrumBrute - $400 Arturia DrumBrute Impact - $300 IK UNO Drum - $220 Vermona DRM1 MKIV - $719 Vermona Kick Lancet - $279 Soma Labs PULSAR-23 - $2250 Akai Rhythm Wolf - $300 Akai Tom Cat - $300 Jomox Alpha Base - $1799 Jomox MBase 11 - $279 Jomox MBrane 11 - $279 Jomox Airbase 99...
...effortlessly. While layering works well for some, I find better results without it. For instance, the clap on the Vermona DRM1 MKIV is outstanding right from the start. A touch of compression, and it truly shines.
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