808 Documentary Getting Simultaneous Apple Music/iTunes & Theatrical Release

Atlantic Films and You Know Films have announced plans to release the Roland TR-808 documentary, 808, simultaneously on Apple Music/iTunes and in theaters, later this year. The film chronicles the story of the Roland TR-808 drum machine and its use in popular music. The film features commentary and contributions from Pharrell Williams, Afrika Bambaataa, The… Read More 808 Documentary Getting Simultaneous Apple Music/iTunes & Theatrical Release

April 18, 201610 Comments

Build Your Own Roland TR-909-Inspired Drum Machine

e-licktronic has introduced the Nava – a DIY kit to build a Roland TR-909-inspired drum machine. According to the company – the analog circuitry of the Nava reproduces the design of the 909 and uses the original components. The sequencer, though, is redesigned ‘for a more intuitive approach to rhythmic composition’. Here’s a sneak preview of… Read More Build Your Own Roland TR-909-Inspired Drum Machine

April 13, 2016April 13, 201622 Comments

Roland TR-808 Drum Machine Teardown

Markus Fuller got his hands on a rare vintage Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer drum machine. So he decided to open it up and look the rare beast’s guts. He notes, “No fix and no important info, just a quick look around.

April 5, 201611 Comments

Tempest Drum Machine Users Petition For An OS Update

A group of owners of the Dave Smith Instruments Tempest have launched an online petition, asking the company to make updating the operating system of the drum machine a priority. Signees feel that “there is still a sizable list of problems and glitches to address” with the Tempest.

March 24, 2016March 24, 2016115 Comments

Free Sample Library Features Classic 808 Sounds With Vintage 12-Bit Crunch

Portland downtempo electronica duo Soquelle has shared a free sample kit, based on a Roland TR-808 drum machine sampled with a vintage E-Mu SP-1200 sampler. What makes this Roland TR-808 sample kit unique? The samples were captured first through an E-mu SP-1200. They were then recorded through an Api Channel Strip into an Antelope Orion AD/DA. No effects, eq or processing… Read More Free Sample Library Features Classic 808 Sounds With Vintage 12-Bit Crunch

March 19, 20165 Comments

Teenage Engineering Pocket Operators Review – ‘Limited, But Fun’

Teenage Engineering introduced three new Pocket Operator synthesizers at the 2016 NAMM Show, In this video, Gaz Williams shares his Pocket Operator review of the new Office, Arcade and Robot models.

March 14, 2016March 14, 20167 Comments

Orpho Modular Drum Modules Offer 8 Different Drum Synth Voices

This video, via HOX808, offers a sneak preview of Orpho Modular Drum – a set of drum synth modules for Eurorack systems.

February 28, 20166 Comments

DIY Arduino Based Minipops 7 Rhythm Box Clone

Developer Jan Ostman let us know that he’s released source code for an Arduino-based Minipops 7 clone. The Korg KEIO Minipops was featured prominently in Jean Michel Jarre’s classic electronic album, Oxygène. Ostman says that the code should work unmodified on any Arduino.

February 20, 2016February 20, 20165 Comments

Akai Pro Tom Cat Drum Machine Hands-On Demo

This video, via HardtekStudios, captures a demo of the sound of the Akai Pro Tom Cat drum machine. It’s not a technical overview, but instead focuses on exploring the tweakability of the Tom Cat’s sounds.

February 18, 2016February 18, 201641 Comments

Korg Volca Beats Snare Mods

This video, via Mark Steiner, documents and demos three Korg Volca Beats snare mods.

February 15, 20169 Comments

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Tag: drum machine