LinnDrum

LinnDrum
Front panel
ManufacturerLinn Electronics
Dates1982–1985
PriceUS$2,995
Technical specifications
PolyphonyPolyphonic 12 voices
TimbralityMultitimbral 15 parts
Synthesis type8-bit digital samples, 28–35 kHz
Storage memory56 user patterns, 42 preset drum patterns, 49 songs
EffectsIndividual level and pan for all sounds, tuning for snare, tom and conga only
Input/output
Keyboard15 hard plastic "pads"
External controlDIN sync (pre-MIDI), third-party MIDI Retrofit Kit, trigger inputs x5

The LinnDrum, often erroneously referred to as the LM-2, is a drum machine manufactured by Linn Electronics between 1982 and 1985. About 5,000 units were sold.

Development

The LinnDrum was designed by the American engineer Roger Linn. It was cheaper and more widely produced than his first drum machine, the Linn LM-1 Drum Computer, which was affordable only to wealthy musicians and studios.

Release

The LinnDrum sold far more units than the Linn LM-1 and its successor, the Linn 9000, combined. It was used by artists and producers including Trevor Horn, Mark Knopfler, George Michael, Naked Eyes, Stock Aitken Waterman (SAW), Sandy Vee, and Justin Hayward. When Linn Electronics closed in 1986, Forat Music and Electronics purchased its assets and offered service, sounds, and modifications for the LinnDrum.

References

  1. ↑ French, Josh (15 March 2019). "An introduction to the Linn LM-1 and 10 records it helped define". The Vinyl Factory. Archived from the original on 24 June 2021. Retrieved 20 June 2021. The models also had some teething issues, but those were addressed with two revisions of the LM-1, before a cheaper successor, the LinnDrum – not the LM-2, as it is commonly mis-titled – was introduced in 1982.
  2. ↑ "Linn Electronics LinnDrum". Vintage Synth Explorer. Archived from the original on 16 March 2015. Retrieved 6 March 2015.
  3. 1 2 "Past Products Museum". Roger Linn Design. Archived from the original on 6 February 2015. Retrieved 7 March 2015.
  4. 1 2 French, Josh (15 March 2019). "An introduction to the Linn LM-1 and 10 records it helped define". The Vinyl Factory. Archived from the original on 29 January 2022. Retrieved 24 April 2022.
  5. ↑ McNamee, David (22 June 2009). "Hey, what's that sound: Linn LM-1 Drum Computer and the Oberheim DMX". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 14 December 2014. Retrieved 9 February 2018.
  6. ↑ "Classic Tracks: Frankie Goes To Hollywood 'Relax'". Sound on Sound. Archived from the original on 11 April 2023. Retrieved 27 July 2023.
  7. ↑ Bonson, Fred (1992). The Billboard Book of Number One Hits. Billboard Publications. p. 608. ISBN 978-0823082988.
  8. ↑ "Production Line, Music Technology - Jun 1987". muzines.co.uk. Archived from the original on 27 July 2023. Retrieved 27 July 2023.
  9. ↑ "Sandy Vee: Recording Katy Perry's 'Firework'". Sound on Sound. April 2011. Archived from the original on 8 April 2024. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
  10. ↑ Justin Hayward talks The Moody Blues, Guitars and New Single "Living For Love" | Interview 2022, archived from the original on 14 November 2023, retrieved 14 November 2023 – via YouTube
  11. ↑ "Forat History". Forat Electronics. Archived from the original on 30 May 2023. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
  12. ↑ "The LinnDrum". Forat Music and Electronics. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 7 March 2015.