Akai Tom Cat review!

OK OK, I know, it's a channel called GroovyDSP and all I've done is release videos of analog machines. But this one is really cool! Trust me.
(full disclosure: I've worked on software related to a specific Akai product, but not related to the Tom Cat. Seriously Akai, you should promote this Tom Cat more.. it's a rad box)

[@shediosessions]

Really thorough review - thanks for posting!

[@lavishdeluna6099]

Looking forward to the DS-8! As I watched this review, the Tom Cat's limitations seemed to stick out to me a lot more than its strengths. I agree that the kick sounds kind of flaccid without a snap, but what you said about 'mixing the resonator in' as a way to get that snap went over my head. I love synth drums and I love designing synth drums based on what little I know about it, but I'd love to hear you talk more about various ways to get different drum sounds!

[@t55a2]

Really good video and we'll - explained run - through

[@ThatDamFly]

excellent demo! Thank you.

[@New_Zealand_Music]

Can"t emember if I've already commented, sorry if I have. I love this machine and I agree with you it's completely underrated. Absolute underground classic. Other synthesizer manufacturers could learn from the build quality of the Cat. Another difference between this and the Korg Beats ( I have 4 dedicated drum machines, including Beats; TR8 TR-09, Tomcat), and some other sounds are PCM not analogue like this. I love playing this with another drum machine, for better sequencer control and sonic variation. This is one of those machines they really didn't build a lot of. Sadly the last of the glory days of Akai I think. And I think actually is a investment. I mean my four tracks are worth 4K now, crazy.

[@jeroensigmond2135]

I use the claps as snare and set the whole machine more rhythbox style

[@robertsyrett1992]

I'm glad that you agree the tom attack doesn't do much.

[@jevogroni4829]

love your gear. whyd they stop making stuff like this

[@tylergates4075]

I think it was underappreciated ,everyone else wanted MPCs so that's the focus now

[@PaulBoos]

Thanks for this review. I am currently looking for an analog drum machine. While I'll probably go with something newer, I still want to consider older machines. I appreciate you talking about the Gate in/out. The Beats (and Korg Volcas in general) I think is known for having a different way of looking at timing than most other devices. I woudl have loved for you to cover how you think this machine would be for altering during live performance with muting and soloing. So have you done any of that and what are your thoughts? Stay groovy!

[@AveMcree]

it's no point to route the waveforms to the vcf because it's the body of the snare drum. plus it might be dependent on the filter either being a 24db or 12db which shapes the snap. I honestly wish it had a reverb to damp the snares loudness or for a bigger snare.

[@ShadowPilot]

Hey man, great video.. you may want to reference the Beats you're referring to in the description.. took me 2 minutes to realize you were talking about the Volca Beats.

[@ALL_ONE_SUN]

Note: 01:07 to hear the sequence.

[@klaasj7808]

thanks, save me some boring time.

[@bombbasses3750]

great !

[@D.Z.A.-kp8lf]

I just got the akai Tom cat and the akai rhythm wolf both of these drum machines made look alike but they are very different and both of them Kick-Ass. there are a lot of reviews on both of these analog drum machines on KZbin and I will say it's about 50/50 likes and dislikes. But the only way to find out for yourself is the play one for like a few days this thing got its own identity and so does the rhythm wolf both of them are too bad ass drum machines I am not disappointed

[@leonavinlu]

Which is better to buy, this or Rhythm Wolf?

[@fabio.lor.]

Hi, today I bought it but I notice that disco tom attack knob doesn't change sound...I not listen any change of sound...

[@fabio.lor.]

This is what happens: dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/26254782/1.mp4 You can hear that sound haven't variation

[@fixedcross]

Sweet. Whats the difference with the Rhythm Wolf? The two look identical like twins... the sounds are somewhat different. sY2q_6tDVTI?t=4m18s

[@OGGalleryCrew]

Please can you tell or show how you connect the tom cat up as i will be using Ableton and a MPC Ren so were do i connect it to > Thanks

[@Sklang32]

Get an audio interface and a mixer.

[@TROGULAR10000]

pads are not velocity sensitive

[@groovydsp1716]

They have some limited sensitivity. There are three velocity layers: hard, normal, and soft. It works like an accent on a traditional drum machine though, not necessarily just volume.

[@spicetbedhead]

Plus that is not the point of this drum machine!!! It isn't a MPC so no velocity pads, however the sequencing that it is made for is pretty cool for the price and sounds it give it you love analog :) I mean this in all love and respectful opinions ;)

[@Goth108]

TROGULAR 10,000 The velocity of the pads makes for quite expressive differences. Yes they are velocity sensitive!

[@Interstellarsun]

Cam back to see if this device still sucks and it does

[@EnochDark]

It rubs the lotion on its skin!

[@petervdveenmuis]

Who needs disco toms?

[@jnkmal9519]

Why are these compared with the Volcas? The Volcas actually function properly.

[@alternatingbitmusic]

Great review - thanks.