LinnDrum
Drum machine
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The LinnDrum, often erroneously 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]
| LinnDrum | |
|---|---|
Front panel | |
| Manufacturer | Linn Electronics |
| Dates | 1982–1985 |
| Price | US$2,995 |
| Technical specifications | |
| Polyphony | Polyphonic 12 voices |
| Timbrality | Multitimbral 15 parts |
| Synthesis type | 8-bit digital samples, 28–35 kHz |
| Storage 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 | DIN sync (pre-MIDI), third-party MIDI Retrofit Kit, trigger inputs x5 |
Development
The LinnDrum was designed by American engineer Roger Linn.[4] 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.[4][5]
Release
The LinnDrum sold far more units than the Linn LM-1 and its successor, the Linn 9000, combined.[3] It was used by artists and producers including Trevor Horn,[6] Mark Knopfler, Naked Eyes, Stock Aitken Waterman (SAW),[7] Sandy Vee,[8] Justin Hayward,[9] and Michael Jackson.[10] When Linn Electronics closed in 1986, Forat Music and Electronics purchased its assets and offered service, sounds, and modifications for the LinnDrum.[11][12]