LinnDrum

The LinnDrum, also referred to as the LM-2,[1] is a drum machine manufactured by Linn Electronics between 1982 and 1985. About 5,000 units were sold.[2][3] It was used on many recordings in the 1980s.

LinnDrum
LinnDrum digital drum machine
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

Development

The LinnDrum was designed by the American engineer Roger Linn.[4] His first drum machine, the Linn LM-1, was released in 1980; it retailed for $5,500,[5] making it affordable only to wealthy musicians and studios.[6] The LinnDrum was cheaper and more widely produced than the LM-1.[4]

Release

The LinnDrum was popular for its high-quality samples, flexibility and affordability. It sold far more units than its predecessor (the LM-1) and its successor (the Linn 9000) combined.[3] It was used by artists and producers including Trevor Horn,[7] Stock Aitken Waterman,[8] Haim,[9] Sandy Vee[10] and Michael Jackson.[11] When Linn Electronics closed in 1986, Forat Electronics purchased its assets[12] and offered service, sounds and modifications for the LinnDrum.[13]

References
  1. French, Josh (15 March 2019). "An introduction to the Linn LM-1 and 10 records it helped define". The Vinyl Factory. 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. Retrieved 6 March 2015.
  3. "Past Products Museum". Roger Linn Design. Archived from the original on 6 February 2015. Retrieved 7 March 2015.
  4. French, Josh (2019-03-15). "An introduction to the Linn LM-1 and 10 records it helped define". The Vinyl Factory. Retrieved 2022-04-24.
  5. McNamee, David (2009-06-22). "Hey, what's that sound: Linn LM-1 Drum Computer and the Oberheim DMX". The Guardian. Retrieved 2018-02-09.
  6. French, Josh (2019-03-15). "An introduction to the Linn LM-1 and 10 records it helped define". The Vinyl Factory. Retrieved 2022-04-24.
  7. "Classic Tracks: Frankie Goes To Hollywood 'Relax'".
  8. "Production Line, Music Technology - Jun 1987".
  9. "Haim show you their favourite vintage gear in a studio tour".
  10. "Sandy Vee: Recording Katy Perry's 'Firework'".
  11. "The 5 drum machines that changed music forever". faroutmagazine.co.uk. 2021-08-17. Retrieved 2023-07-28.
  12. "Forat History". Forat Electronics.
  13. "The LinnDrum". Forat Electronics.
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