This video, via Uniquesquared, offers an overview and demo of the Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1 MKII.
The Machinedrum SPS-1 MKII offers four drum synthesis methods:
- TRX emulates classic drum computers.
- EFM introduces Elektron’s Enhanced Feedback Modulation algorithms. The generated sounds range from realistic acoustic drums to wild, chaotic effects.
- P-I simulates the behavior of acoustic drums.
- E12 ‘carries the legacy of those gritty, hard to find beatboxes’. The carefully processed percussion samples offer a wealth of sound possibilities.
The Machinedrum SPS-1 MKII also has a bigger brother, the Machinedrum SPS-1UW+ MKII. They are almost identical, but the SPS-1UW+ MKII features a sampling engine and a +Drive.
See the Elektron site for details.
Although I’ve sold my own Machinedrum (I didn’t use it that much compared to software drum libraries), I have to admit that it is a great drum synthesizer. Elektron always has a very sophisticated way of designing hardware.
But one thing always bugged me – and now that I see it again in this video, it came back to mind: I can’t think of ANY reason why they would make the display in a bright red. Seriously, I always got eye pain within minutes when working with my Machinedrum…this really ruined the fun for me to a certain degree 🙁
indeed. it is hard to read. also the red leds of the “sound selection” part are hard to read : when they all flash it is difficult to know which sound is selected.
I’ve been dreaming about a Machinedrum for some time, especially for the sequencer, but yeah, the price is steep if you want gear of this kind.
If you’re into DIY and like me don’t have the money to buy a Machinedrum, I suggest you take a look at this project here: http://www.sonic-potions.com/
Looks mighty good if you ask me, and it’s got one thing in common with the Machinedrum, it’s got its own kind of sound and personality.
always wanted a machinedrum, unfortunately for the time being it exists a little outside my price range.
that Sonic-Potions project looks very very interesting though. I will most def be keep my eye on it. thanks for the heads up kurodama!!
I see I’m not alone in dreaming of one of these. I came close several times, but could never quite pull the trigger. There was always some other piece of gear that seemed more useful. One of my first machines was a MC-303 and the MachineDrum always felt like a pro version of those grooveboxes. But $1100-$1600 is just a bit of a stretch for a drum machine for me. Maybe someday.
This is a synth,not a drum machine,lol.You make the drum sounds out of synthesis.They give you some drum beat presets,but they’re only guide points to get you started into programing your own beats.This machine officers no samples like maschine,lmao.
This is a very capable machine,but most people use this machine for other reason:Like sequencing other gear.They don’t use the drum sounds,and this mother is also dated for drum sounds,lol.If you want something like a beat box,buy a Tempest,.