LinnDrum II - Dave Smith & Roger Linn

Analog model - Click for bigger pic


All-digital model - Click for bigger pic


"In January 2007, Dave Smith and I (Roger Linn) pre-annouced BoomChik, a new drum machine product that we are creating together. Since that time, we received many enthusiastic comments and suggestions from musicians around the world that caused us to rethink and enhance the product's design. The bad news is that this design change (along with Dave's release of Prophet '08 and my release of AdrenaLinn III) has delayed our development. The good news is that the product has grown into a far more capable instrument. Also, we've decided to change the name to LinnDrum II, recalling an innovative drum machine from a bygone era. Please read on for more details.

There will be two models: the all-digital “LinnDrum II”, available from Roger Linn Design and the “LinnDrum II Analog”, which adds four voice analog synth voices and 27 dual-function voicing knobs, available from Dave Smith Instruments. We're currently estimating street prices of around $1000 for LinnDrum II and around $1500 for LinnDrum II Analog. Here's a brief summary of the product features:

Features common to both products:
* Operating system is optimized for realtime live performance, with the ability to switch between beats, drop in and out of record on different beats, switch in and out of song mode and much more, all without stopping play.
* Digital voices have nearly the same signal and modulation path--including modulated filters and resonators--as shown on the LinnDrum 2 Analog panel. Total number of voices is not yet determined.
* 16 standard 1.1 inch square velocity and pressure-sensitive drum pads, assignable to sounds, tunings, beats, track mutes, pad mutes or sequence steps.
* Both MPC-style real time and 808-style step recording are provided, and the 16 pads are backlit for visual animation.
* Real-time stereo digital effects on output mix--modulated multi-mode filtering, guitar amp model and bit/sample rate reduction distortion, modulated resonator, compressor, deley, reverb and EQ--with 6 dedicated on/off keys to switch them individually in or out in real time.
* Compact flash slot for data save/load/backup, or for expansion of internal sound storage.
* Internal RAM and flash size is yet to be decided; at least 16 mbytes for each.
* 128 x 64 dot graphic LCD.
* USB port for transferring samples and other files, MIDI messages and audio I/O to and from computer.
* 4 pushbutton soft knobs below the LCD, acting either as soft knobs or soft keys.
* 52 lit buttons for extensive real-time performance control.
* 2 sliders assignable to a large variety of real-time functions.
* HELP key gives descriptive text for any screen, data field, function key or knob.
* Pressing DETAILS key followed by any panel key presents a screen of settings related to the key pressed.
* 2 pairs of stereo outputs, with phones output fed from either pair.
* Stereo inputs for sampling, audio processing or triggering sounds.
* MIDI in and out.
* 2 inputs for either foot switches or expression pedals, assignable to a wide variety of functions.

Additional features on Dave's LinnDrum II Analog:
* Four complex analog voices based on the same Curtis-chip synth voices used in the highly-aclaimed Prophet '08 and Evolver keyboards.
* Four direct ouputs for the four analog voices.
* 27 dedicated dual-function rotary encoders for voicing the analog and digital voices.

There's still a lot of work to do so late 2008 is our best estimate of when the products will be ready."


http://www.rogerlinndesign.com/products ... ndex.shtml
http://www.davesmithinstruments.com/products/linndrum2/

Memory expandable by compact flash = incredibly awesome

That's if I understand it correctly that samples will be able to stream off the card, rather than have to be loaded into ram.

Imagine being able to have 4GB of samples ready to go without having to load them up!

can you sample with that baby?

tag wrote:can you sample with that baby?

No, you record samples and load them via CF card or usb.

that's a bummer

I'll take one, matter of fact, both of them.

tag wrote:that's a bummer

It's is a dedicated drum machine. Not a sampler/sequencer like the MPC.
I like the idea of putting in my favourite sounds and having access to them the minute i turn on the machine.

looks sweet
any idea when theyll be available??

too sick, I'll have to get the analog joint for sure...wish they would have only made one though...would have made the choice much easier

cool, but definitely not something i think i could find a use for.
the evolver, on the other hand...

I liked the original design better, it's a shame it dont got a sampler tho

konc3pt wrote:I liked the original design better

I was thinking the opposite I like how this one looks alot more. I kind of like the idea of a dedicated drum machine. I'm glad they didnt just dump everything.

wack juice

TheFirstJimBo wrote:

konc3pt wrote:I liked the original design better

I was thinking the opposite I like how this one looks alot more. I kind of like the idea of a dedicated drum machine. I'm glad they didnt just dump everything.

I meant, one with more knobs to **** with I think I'd dump my MP if that thing was a sampler too.

I'm assuming it's going to be one hell of a drum machine, if that's only purpose it serves.