LinnDrum
| LinnDrum | |
|---|---|
 LinnDrum digital drum machine | |
| Manufacturer | Linn Electronics |
| Dates | 1982–1985 |
| Price | US $2,995 |
| Technical specifications | |
| Polyphony | polyphonic 12 voices |
| Timbrality | multitimbral 15 voices |
| Synthesis type | 8-bit digital samples, 28–35 kHz |
| Memory | 56 user patterns, 42 preset drum patterns, 49 songs |
| Effects | Individual level and pan for all sounds, tuning for snare, tom and conga only |
| Input/output | |
| Keyboard | 15 hard plastic "pads" |
| External control | pre MIDI, third-party MIDI Retrofit Kit, trigger inputs x5 |
The LinnDrum (also called the Linn LM-2) is a drum machine manufactured by Linn Electronics as the successor to the Linn LM-1. It was introduced in 1982 at a list price of $2,995. Approximately 5,000 units were sold between 1982 and 1985.[1][2] The Linn 9000 was the successor of the LinnDrum.
Its high-quality samples, flexibility and affordability made the LinnDrum popular; it sold far more units than its predecessor (the LM-1) and its successor (the Linn 9000) combined.[2] Roger Linn re-used the moniker on the LinnDrum Midistudio and the Roger Linn Designs' LinnDrum II. The LinnDrum was used on many recordings throughout the 1980s, including international hits such as a-Ha's "Take on Me" and Tears for Fears' "Shout." Much of recording artist Prince's early 1980's material also featured heavy use of the LinnDrum. His 1999, Purple Rain, Around the World in a Day, and Parade albums are examples of this.
When Linn Electronics closed in 1986, Forat Electronics purchased their remaining assets[3] and offered service, sounds and modifications for the LinnDrum.[4] The LinnDrum was pre MIDI, but Retrofit Kits were offered by JL Cooper[5] and Forat Electronics.[4]
Features
The LinnDrum has fifteen 8 bit 28 kHz ~ 35 kHz digitally sampled drum sounds: bass, snare, rimshot, hihat, crash, ride, three toms, cabasa, tambourine, high and low congas, cowbell, and clap. Like the LM-1, it provided a sequencer for programming rhythm patterns, a built-in mixer and individual output jacks for each sound.
The LinnDrum improved on the LM-1 in many ways including: the addition of crash and ride cymbal samples, five external trigger inputs and the ability to replace built-in sounds with new sounds on EPROM chips. The LinnDrum sampled sounds from 28 to a 35 kHz sample rate. Also, the LinnDrum was $2,000 less than the LM-1.
One drawback: on the LinnDrum only the snare, tom and conga samples can be tuned, whereas the LM-1 allows every sound to be individually tuned.
Brochure (1982)
LM-2
The LinnDrum is often erroneously called the LM-2, alluding to its predecessor, the Linn LM-1. LM-1 stood for Linn/Moffett/1. Alex Moffett,[6] an early investor in the Linn drum computer development, wasn't with the company by the time the LinnDrum came around.
Drum Samples
According to some, the LinnDrum sounds were sampled from real drums played specifically for the machine by noted Los Angeles drummer Art Wood, good friend of Roger Linn, who also played with Linn as well as Peter Frampton, Gary Wright, Cher, Tina Turner, Bette Midler and James Brown, to name a few.[7][8] However, "The LM-1 was the first drum machine to use samples of a real drum kit, Roger Linn confirms that it was indeed Art Wood session drummer that played the majority of the sounds that he used.[9] To further add to the mystery, an entry in the online museum of the Roger Linn Design company credits L.A. session drummer Art Wood with most of the samples."[1] While the Roger Linn Designs Past Products Museum page credits Art Wood for "most" of the LM-1 sounds, there is no credit for the drummer who played the sounds for the LinnDrum.
Influence
Although there have not been any official virtual instrument versions of the LinnDrum, several manufacturers have either emulated its interface and/or included samples of it. Such notable examples are as follows:
- Steinberg's LM-4 drum machine plug-in;
- Arturia's Spark, which includes samples of both the LM-1 and LinnDrum; as well as its successor, the Linn 9000.
- and the "Lend Drum" patch from Native Instruments' Battery drum machine, which was sampled from an actual LinnDrum.
Discography
References
- 1 2 "Linn Electronics LinnDrum at Vintage Synth Explorer". Retrieved 6 March 2015.
- 1 2 Linn, Roger. "Past Products Museum". Roger Linn Designs. Retrieved 7 March 2015.
- ↑ "Then in 1986 Forat Electronics Corporation was born after purchasing Linn's remaining assets...". Forat Electronics - History.
- 1 2 "Forat Electronics LinnDrum".
- ↑ "LINN LM-2 Drum Machine with JL Cooper Midi Mod & Instructions". MATRIXSYNTH. Retrieved 23 April 2015.
- ↑ Moffett, Alex. "Alex Moffett - LinkedIn". Retrieved 6 April 2015.
- ↑ "Art Wood has full credit for programming the drum sounds for the Linn Drum Machine...". Linn Electronics LinnDrum at Vintage Synth Explorer. Retrieved 7 March 2015.
- ↑ Katrina Wood, wife of Art Wood, updated and confirms information regarding data of who imputed the majority of the sounds into the Linn Drum Machine. Roger Linn concurs.
- ↑ Hey, what's that sound: Linn LM-1 Drum Computer and the Oberheim DMX by David McNamee The Guardian
External links
- Roger Linn Design
- LinnDrum at Vintage Synth Explorer
- Classic Linn Drum beats on YouTube part 1: pop
- Classic Linn Drum beats part 2: slow / midtempo
- Classic Linn Drum beats part 3: disco / high energy
- Linn LM-2 LinnDrum Vintage Drum Machine Basic Demo
- Top Ten Classic Drum Machines - Attack Magazine
- Forat Electronics LinnDrum
- DESIGNER DRUMS - The Return Of Roger Linn - Ssound on Sound
- LinnDrum LM-2 - Gearslutz.com