In this video, via Sense Music & Media, Martin Stimming takes an in-depth look at the Vermona DRM1 mkIV, a new version of their analog drum synthesizer.
The DRM1 has been on the market since the mid-nineties. The mkIV version has been updated with a complete overhaul of the power supply, along with other tweaks and optimizations. A list of the changes is available at the Vermona site (pdf).
In the video, Stimming puts this new version through its paces and shares his thoughts on it.
Features:
- Eight analog instrument channels
- 73 knobs for real-time access to all parameters
- Single output/insert per instrument channel
- Stereo and headphone outputs
- MIDI (trigger) via DIN or USB port
- Optional analog trigger inputs that recognizes dynamic levels and converts gate to MIDI messages
- Switching power supply (100…240 V AC; 50/60 Hz)
See the Vermona site for more info.
IMO this video about the DRM1 MK4 is much better
https://youtu.be/NSx8aPXtbGE
I think both your linked video and Stimming’s video for some reason concentrate on the special effecty, weird and non-drum-like sounds. I would be much more interested how this machine sounds in its’ intended purpose, a drum machine, not a special effect box. If I wanted a special effect box, a semi modular synth is much better for that. Also, neither video really show or comment how the drum machine works as a part of a mix, almost no one uses a drum machine as a stand-alone device, especially one without a sequencer.
The machine itself seems interesting though!
Stimming speaks specifically about how it’s not good for people who want “drum-y” drum sounds, and also how it is tough to get it to fit into a mix. (From my experience with the DRM1 MkIII, I agree.) He uses it with a sequencer for the second half, and then shows how it really shines, as sample fodder for a sequencer. I also would hesitate to call it a “drum machine” – it’s an analog drum synth that by its very nature is almost only capable of “special effects”. To me, “drum machine” implies a sequencer as well.
The DRM1 has been around for decades with only a few small revisions. It’s a box for hands-on experimentation, not for dialing in perfectly functional tones.
I have the MKII for almost 20 years now and I think captain pikant did a good job capturing the drum sound the DRM1 is known for. Classic pattern and drum sounds are from 10:57, If you don’t think it’s sound like “drums” maybe it’s just not for you…
I dunno, this Stimming video is one of the most entertaining and insightful pieces of gear review I’ve seen. Different tastes, of course, just wanted to offer a counter.
Yes different tastes, I’m a little disgusted by his presentation and almost couldn’t bare it, maybe it’s the dj like gestures.. something feel not honest imo
Brilliant video as always from Stimming. You can really sense his love of music and sound.
In the end, though, his recommendation is to buy it and sample it, which presumably takes a bit of the fun and immediacy out of it, although it sounds great.
I think this was one of the most genuine expressions of musical enjoyment that I have ever seen in a gear review. Seems like an awesome dude. Really like that the drm can also receive cv input. Nice.