Aly James Lab has introduced VProm 3.0, a major update to their virtual instrument for Mac & Windows.
VProm is a virtual instrument that emulates the EPROM-based drum machines of the 80s, primarily the LM-1. In addition, it lets you create and load custom EPROM sound files.
Here’s the video intro:
Here’s what’s new in VProm 3.0:
- Enhanced circuit emulation:
- Enhanced circuit emulation, including some OB DMX voice cards features like VCA and filter tracking, customizable start and end memory points and loop control.
- Upgraded voltage-controlled CEM filters with expanded controls—adjust trimmer, decay, pulse time, envelope response, or keep it simple with legacy mode (just one pulse control).
- µLaw madness
- Real-time variable sample rate decoding of EPROM sound data using the precise AM6070 DAC response, ensuring unparalleled authenticity.
- New unique µLaw DAC real-time transfer response customization per voice—allowing precise control over the µLaw decompression ratio. By tweaking the transfer function slightly, you can subtly refine the response to better approximate real-world variations between original AM6070 DAC chips. At extreme settings, this feature transforms into a unique powerful creative transient / distortion shaper: with ratios closer to 0.5/1, quieter details are brought forward significantly, while values above 1/1 enhance snappiness and impact, delivering a uniquely dynamic and tonal character, a unique feature taking advantage of digital processing while keeping some level of authenticity.
- Sample/Convert/Burn
- VProm now features a built-in EPROM creator, allowing you to generate custom EPROM binary files without any external tools and ready for use in VPROM or hardware drum machines.
- Import any .wav file and sample it just like in the classic hardware days. The resampling process uses a crude emulated R2R ADC with tweakable input settings and home-made tweaks* before capturing at ? 27 kHz. If the original .wav file rate is less or equal than 27 kHz, resampling is bypassed. You can also disable the resampling stage if needed.
- Once sampled, preview the file with µLaw 8bit (12bit quality) compression applied or save it directly as a µLaw-encoded .bin EPROM file.
- Maximum EPROM size is 64K ? 2.5 seconds @ 27Khz —larger sampled .wav files will be automatically truncated to fit during sampling.
- Make your own:
- New EPROM Management Panel – Manage all 14 custom EPROMs in one window with **waveform visualization**, direct loading on click, real-time auditioning, quick reset, and more.
- New EPROM Library Browser – Easily access, preview, and organize your custom and vintage EPROMs from a dedicated internal library.
- New .VPromKit Format – Save and reload an entire custom EPROM set as a .VPromKit file, allowing you to switch drum kits instantly without affecting other settings.
- That ‘Mythical Feel’:
- Authentic 48 PPQN Timing Emulation – Recreates the subtle groove and feel of vintage drum machines. Unlike modern high-resolution clocks (~960 PPQN), this low-res 48 PPQN pulse locks trigger events in real-time, syncing tightly to your DAW. The effect is subtle but noticeable, especially on swung or loose beats, adding that extra bit of human feel without overhyping the impact.
- Real-Time Clock Drift – Recreates the natural clock drift found in vintage drum machines, where internal clocks were never perfectly stable. Unlike the subtle effect of the 48 PPQN clock, this feature introduces a more noticeable, organic timing shift, mimicking the imperfections of classic hardware. With a tweakable drift range from 1ms to 40ms, you can achieve anything from a realistic analog-style drift to a more exaggerated laid-back groove, similar to a drummer playing with extreme looseness and feel.
VProm Audio Demos:
Pricing and Availability:
VProm 3.0 is available now for €56.
trade dress.
I play drum sounds by hand on a controller as a rule. I haven’t been much of a drum machine player, but this one is hitting my personal sweet spot. The GUI isn’t a PITA like many others are; it’s inviting, with just enough of the right controls. Being able to drop in your own WAVs seals the deal well. It feels like a good partner for newer, higher sample rate options. It’s a lot for a low price.
Looks like a LOT of love went into this (and all the Aly James plugins). Don’t think I’ll be able to resist em.
Aly James’ stuff is resource heavy, Synth Edit junk.
He’s also a big crank about piracy, which is ironic because everything he sells is an unlicensed ripoff of existing hardware (the first version of VProm was called “VLinn” until someone, I assume Roger Linn, asked him to change the name) and his efforts to curtail piracy of his products has made it more difficult for people who want to purchase and legitimately own them.
You can find a better sounding, more user friendly version of every VST emulation that Aly James sells. Plogue, G-Force, Arturia and others are all more deserving of your time and money than Aly James.
Good luck finishing and releasing (without legal repercussions) your Fairlight ripoff, Aly.
A quick general Google search returns forum after forum praising Aly James’ work. Maybe I missed it but I didn’t read of a single one of your points / criticisms within hundreds of forum entries by active users.
If you think that G-Force or Arturia not only is a better solution, but more deserving, then you truly don’t know what you are talking about and have no clue as to the differences in how these plugins operate. Not to mention Aly is a one man show that codes, designs, tests, markets, runs his own website… are you that ignorant?