Vintage Synth Explorer

Vermona • DRM-1 / DRM-1 mkII

Attention analog freaks!! The Vermona DRM-1 mkII is a true analog drum synthesizer. You can synthesize up to eight drum sounds and they can be triggered by MIDI and by an optional set of 10 Trigger Inputs. Each sound has about 9 knobs for shaping the sound. And since it really is analog (and not some virtual emulation) the sounds are more unique and unpredictable than any other electronic drum synths currently available.

With eight drum sounds and nine knobs per sound, the face of the DRM-1 is covered with over 72 knobs! The drum synthesis theory is based around five predetermined percussive sound types. There are three DRUM channels for creating bass drums, toms and numerous effect sounds. One MULTI channel for creating typical analog Cowbell sounds and effect sounds. One SNARE channel, which can generate numerous analog snare drums as well as wacky sonar pings. Two HI HAT channels (open or closed), and one analog CLAP channel. There are seven real-time sound controls plus panning and volume on each channel.

It has a stereo output but each channel also has its own audio output which doubles as an insert patch for externally processing each channel before reaching its main stereo mix outputs. A big unfortunate over-sight is the lack of program patch memory. With all those knobs it sure would be nice for some sort of instant recall of your favorite drum sound settings. The front panel tilts so the DRM-1 is at home rack-mounted or as a tabletop module. Anyone interested in creating their own unique ANALOG drum sounds should check out the DRM-1! It makes a great companion to the Vermona Perfourmer Analog Synthesizer module. The original DRM-1 is gold and was released by Touched By Sound while the DRM-1 mkII (pictured above) from Vermona is blue.

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2N3904

Posted 225 days ago

I have the mkIII and think its pretty great, though i always find the output of the clap is way too quiet compared to the rest of the drums. The kick drums can really...er...kick. I always find the high hats to have a slightly annoying ring and I wish the hh channels or one was more crash like. Overall though this thing gets high marks for sound esp the kick, snare, clap and multi sounds

wet lettuce

Posted 363 days ago

I have the mark 3
Great analogue roundness, a very real sounding snare, the clap is great.
Very organic and the kicks can be subtle or thump.
You won't get 808 kicks but it sounds more organic than an 808.
The hats sizzle....i rate this drum machine alot..sounds alot more polished yet harps back to machines before the 808.

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