drum synthesizer

This is a sneak preview of Eric Archer’s DIY Andromeda MK-1 and MK-2 minimal drum machines, with hand cut cardstock enclosures:

The enclosure is actually an afterthought. I added it to address any concerns about the bare board, to make it easier to put the device in your pocket, and to offer six surfaces for your artwork. Although as a friend pointed out, the enclosure covers up the surface bend /body contact points inside. So its just an option.

This video demonstrates different ways to use/abuse the infrared wireless signals that keep the instruments synchronized. The unit on the far left is the master clock.

Archer says kits will be available soon.

This percussive synth jam is OrbVroomer’s drumKat take on Crystal Method’s High Roller.

The drumKat is percussion control surface that features 10 velocity sensitive MIDI triggers. Read more…

Eric Archer’s Mini Space Rockers is a pushbutton analog drum with four transistors; you choose three capacitors to customize pitch and envelope.

via EA78751:

Its nice hot output level is guaranteed to distort any guitar amp more than Stevie Ray.It is designed as an intro-to-soldering project for Handmade Music Austin. The unit in the video is a prototype; real PCBs will be used in the workshop.

Chris Randall of Audio Damage has announced Tattoo, a percussion synthesizer for Mac & PC:

With the caveat that the UI isn’t 100% finalized, here you go. Have a gander at Tattoo, our first instrument. Some salient points:

1. No samples. This is a drum synthesizer. Each voice is purpose-built, as well, rather than just having a general percussion synthesis voice.
2. Every synthesis control has a sequencer attached to it.
3. If you own Replicant, you can immediately see how the randomization/likelihood works for each channel/voice.
4. The sequencer also outputs MIDI (in the VST only, of course) so you can use the randomization features in other drum synths or external hardware.

So, there you have it. We haven’t decided on a price, and I have no idea whatsoever as to when it will be done. We’ve got the synthesis all in place, but not “tuned,” and the sequencer is about 80% complete, but the hardest parts haven’t been done yet.

It’s just a teaser, at this point, but it looks like an interesting mix of old-school drum synthesis and modern features.

Here are some official demo videos for the new Korg Wavedrum.

The Korg Wavedrum can be used as a stand-alone percussion instrument, or integrated into an existing drum kit or percussion rig. The Wavedrum uses a real drum head as the playing surface, providing an authentic and familiar feel. This allows the performer to employ sticks, brushes, mallets and/or traditional hand-drum techniques (mute, slap, bend, etc.) to play. Read more…