Analog Drum ‘n Bass
Yesssss.
Although I doubt the genre would have ever been kick-started had it required a room full of modulars instead of just a sampler (or MOD tracker) and a handful of samples.
I must also note that it’s refreshing to see a large modular system put to use in making a tune rather than the usual exploratory squirblies (fun as they are).
All Hail The Beat by Nelson George
A short film overview of the highly beloved Roland TR-808 drum machine.
“It’s kick drum sound is legendary.”
Wow. Social Entropy Electronic Musical Instruments are selling a replacement TB-303 operating system chip called Quicksilver.
As well as supporting MIDI - including remote control of all the machines functionality - everything can also be manipulated in realtime. That includes entering patterns, editing notes, changing modes, and brand new features like “all accent”, “randomise” and “chop”.
I’ll just let that sync in for a moment whilst your mind races with the possibilities for live performance.
All data is stored in an EEPROM so batteries aren’t required, and the OS can also be updated over USB as they intend to add new features in the future.
This looks to be an essential upgrade for all committed acid heads. If you know anyone selling cheap 303s with dead OS chips then now is the time to snap them up before the prices skyrocket!
[via awesome Australian acid aficionado Dylabs]
Program Your 808 by Rob Ricketts:
A series of informative posters detailing how some of the most notable drum sequences were programmed using the Roland TR-808 Drum Machine. Each sequence has been analyzed and represented as to allow users to re-programme each sequence, key for key.
Ralph Dyck’s prototype digital sequencers, which then evolved into the Roland MC-8 MicroComposer.
Love the expression on that reel-to-reel’s face.
That’s a Roland MSQ-700 digital sequencer, I do declare.
Crappy picture of one of my 700s (still in use as an uber-reliable MIDI & DIN Sync master clock) for comparison:
Happy 909 day!
Here, have some Jeff hard at work with his machine.
