Today Cre8audio introduced Boom Chick, a “pure analog” drum machine in Euro-compatible standalone format.
Boom Chick blends the inspiration of classic drum machines with “cutting-edge analog circuitry” from Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers.
“Boom Chick fuses expressive percussion voices with an advanced and intuitive sequencer, offering deep rhythmic exploration for today’s musicians and producers,” they note.
Here’s the official Boom Chick intro video:
Revolutionary Analog Percussion. Inspired by the hands-on playability of classic drum machines, Boom Chick delivers the character of analog percussion while embracing “new, forward-thinking design”.
Its knob-per-function interface ensures easy jamming and fine-tuning, making it an immersive drum machine for musicians seeking a tactile beat-making experience.
Hand Crafted Analog Drum Circuits. Designed by Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers, Boom Chick features five uniquely designed analog drum voices: Kick, Snare, Drum 1, Drum 2, and Hats.
Rather than relying on vintage designs, Boom Chick utilizes new analog synthesis concepts that provide fresh sonic possibilities, while maintaining the punch and warmth of traditional drum machines.
The Sound of Boom Chick
- Kick Drum: Fat, deep, and punchy with extensive shaping controls.
- Snare Drum: Dynamic and expressive, from crisp to experimental.
- Drum 1 & 2: Multi-functional voices for toms, claps, cymbals, and creative textures.
- Hats: Custom oscillator noise matrix for bright, crisp hi-hats and metallic percussive elements.
Boom Chick’s percussion palette is vast and endlessly customizable, offering everything from classic drum machine sounds to far-out, futuristic beats.
Modern Sequencer. Boom Chick’s built-in sequencer offers depth without complexity, providing an intuitive workflow with two primary modes:
- Step Mode – Program beats with precision.
- Live Mode – Perform and record beats in real-time.
The sequencer also includes:
- Step Shift, Roll, and Chance – For intricate rhythmic variation.
- Humanize, Swing, and Quantize – To fine-tune groove and timing.
- Per-Voice Polyrhythms – Set different step lengths for evolving beats.
- Generative Rhythm Tools – Built-in Euclidean pattern and sequence generators.
- 64 Save Slots & 16 Song Memory – Store and recall your creations.
With up to 64-step sequencing and advanced sequencer effects, Boom Chick invites deep experimentation, whether in the studio or on stage.
Seamless Integration; Modular Flexibility. Boom Chick is designed to integrate effortlessly into any setup:
- Individual Drum Trigger Inputs and Outputs
- 3.5mm TRS MIDI In/Out (Type A)
- Analog Clock In/Out and Reset In/Out
- Dedicated Line and Headphone Outputs
- Eurorack Compatible (40HP, 30mm depth, +12V/250mA, -12V/200mA)
Boom Chick functions as a standalone instrument or as a Eurorack module, making it handy for both studio use and live performances.
Pricing and Availability:
Cre8audio’s Boom Chick is available for preorder now and is expected to ship to customers in mid–May 2025. Street pricing is projected to be $399.99 USD and €319.99 EUR.
For more information, visit the Cre8Audio website.
what’s the third thing. there’s always a third thing.
Probably a synthesizer.
guess not! :0) really like the name of this device though; “Boom Chick”. cute picture too.
Even though the YT compression, it sound really good on studio speakers….its a little bit out of my budget and it lacks midi….good looking chick tho?
There is MIDI (TRS not DIN but still).
“MIDI in and out to send and receive clock, trigger drums, or sequence external percussion.”
Thanks for taking the time Jim. I really appreciate ths info?
Even though the YT compression, it sound really good on studio speakers….its a little bit out of my budget and it lacks midi….good looking chick tho?
Looks super-fun. Discrete outs for each drum means you can run different FX on each, like compressor on the kick and ringmod on the drums, and a ping-pong delay on the hats.
All drum machines worth their salt have discreet outs, that’s a bare minimum. Any machine that doesn’t isn’t worth touching.
Nonsense
Original name for a drum machine…
https://www.matrixsynth.com/2007/02/boomchik-on-dave-smith-instruments-and.html
Why would you come up with such a nifty little device and then stick such a corny shitty name on it?
That seems to kinda be their thing at this point. They seem pretty set on not being taken particularly seriously. Which I think keeps a lot of people away from their stuff.
That being said, their ” Capt’n Big O ” (i know, i know, the name) oscillator module is legitimately one of the best and most flexible eurorack sound sources I’ve personally spent much time using, and is something like $150 brand new.
same reason kids say stuff like “skibidi” and “rizz” and “bippityboppityboo”
You can get some gaffer tape and a sharpie and give it a name like ZXR-8080. Nothing is stopping you from expressing your inner Yamaha.
Best comment I have seen on this website.
Yes, one of the best comments I’ve seen on any platform for a while. I laughed out loud.
Came out of hiatus to say, good post.
‘gaffer’, great word!
If they could make a version with a different badge, could just be “BC Analog Drum Machine” or something, in Helvetica or in the cre8audio font, they might sell more to the serious crowd. Like how you can get Harry Potter books with adult covers.
I don’t know how much that would cost them, and I don’t know how big the market is.
I’m sure I’m not the only one who laughed at seeing a Moog sticker on the back of a Yamaha monosynth somewhere. I don’t recall if that was a Depeche Mode prank, but I wouldn’t be surprised. They’re smart guys, they’d get it.