The Linn LM-1: The Drum Machine that changed everything

[@AlexBallMusic]

The music track heard at the end: alexball.bandcamp.com/track/linn-lm-1-synths

[@liljons6753]

How do you add effects to each...sound?

[@Taeuschkoerper]

finally. too bad its so short. thx tho

[@free2playgangwr176]

Alex, could you perhaps make it into a full song sometime? It sounds really nice

[@MrCt302]

That sounds just like the human league..

[@MrCt302]

Sounds like the human league

[@lamfy6838]

Roger Linn is not only a genius, he's one of the nicest and most humble human beings on the planet. I just got off the phone with him an hour ago. I bought a LinnStrument about a week ago and it stopped being recognized by my PC yesterday. After a few emails back and forth, he gave me his home phone number to give him a call. We tried a few things and couldn't get it working, so he's overnighting me a new one tomorrow. Now that's customer service! Then he asked me about my music making and we chatted a bit about that. Who does that these days? What an amazing guy.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Lamfy What a great story! Those big US three (Dave Smith, Tom Oberheim, Roger Linn) all seem so humble and down to earth, considering what they invented and pioneered!!

[@sneifert1968]

Lamfy Awesome story. It was cool watching him in the movie Sound City talk about making the first one. He described it as just another tool, but not a replacement for a real drummer. Drum machines for all their technology will never recreate “ feel”.

[@TransistorBased]

He's honestly just amazed someone bought one

[@skipintroux4444]

It’s a shame that Rogers work on DSI Tempest was brought to a halt with the final OS still being incomplete/buggy. That said even with its faults the Tempest is truly mind bending and flexible, equally strong as a drum machine and at the same time a 6 voice analog/digital hybrid synthesizer. It remains my favourite all time instrument.

[@tdemaq2354]

@@AlexBallMusic I would say four with Dave Rossum ;)

[@Joe-mz6dc]

One of the most significant things to happen to music ever. Absolutely huge. These devices laid the foundation for so much of what we have now. Awesome stuff.

[@paulbaloukas90]

The Linn LM-1 is my number one favorite drum machine! I also love that Prince used it on 1999, Purple Rain etc! 💯💯💜💜

[@WynningWellness]

Prince got more out of the Linn Drum Machine than anyone else in music history. It was the perfect musical marriage.

[@FoxyChariot]

Absolutely. Linn LM-1 is to Prince as Stratocaster is to Jimi

[@grantrennie]

oo oo oooh ai hahooo ooh yea ai doobeedoo doo when doves cry

[@lawrencedoliveiro9104]

What’s that one that features so prominently in _1999_ ? I think he used it in severral other places as well.

[@dcarbs2979]

Stock Aitken Waterman had their fair of share Linn drums to compete with Prince

[@NOWtheband]

That's because He is the Righteously Masterious Hero.

[@michaell.8938]

Back in 1986, I found a LinnDrum at a local music store. I talked the salesman into selling it to me for $200. Yep, $200! It was in excellent condition too. I loved that thing. I used the triggers in the back with Simmons pads also. Fun 80's stuff ensued. It was stolen from me, unfortunately. :-(

[@AlexBallMusic]

Ouch, what a thing to get stolen! Did you have it for a long time?

[@therealtony2009]

did you ever find out who stole it?

[@rosieclark3661]

@@therealtony2009probably was stolen by the very people who knew he had it and knew what it was

[@ABN6565]

I still can picture Prince late at night working with the Linn Drum to the wee hours of the next day.

[@devonhughes3805]

Dark VadeR and afterwards they would share a cigarette! ; )

[@dopedrums]

with a chard of glass with some coke on it and a bad bitch with red lipstick begging him to come to bed.

[@BossySwan]

He wore a raspberry beret

[@adamharris7775]

The LinnDrum and Linn LM-1 were heard in the song "Thieves in the Temple" (1990).

[@avace917]

I wonder if he synced the two machines together or just swapped out Eproms

[@jimrogers7425]

Roger Linn was a recording engineer and guitarist who worked for Leon Russell. From a conversation with Roger Nichols (engineer for Steely Dan) I learned that both of them were enrolled in the same 8086 microprocessor machine coding course, both with the idea of making a drum machine. Roger Linn's samples were of Jim Keltner. A friend of mine who worked as another engineer for Leon told about the process of Roger making the first prototype and how terrible the drums sounded, so no one believed it would happen. But when it did, Leon used it extensively in his many recordings... no need to argue with, or pay a drummer again.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Very interesting. I've seen a video of Roger Nichols sequencing drum samples in a computer using bespoke software he created. He joked that inventing a new bit of technology would be quicker than getting the drums as consistent as Donald Fagen required. I hadn't heard that he studied with Roger Linn, but that makes sense. Fascinating. They seem to have both made programmable, digital drums at the same time but with Linn making a physical product out of it and Nichols making a tool for his own productions. Does that sound right?

[@jimmybuffet4970]

Jim Rogers Whoa! Some Leon information I didn’t know! I’m from Tulsa , too, so that’s saying something.

[@arturomadera4916]

Actually the samples were recorded by session drummer Art Wood.

[@walshythemusician]

The LM-1 is quite possibly my favourite musical instrument. The snare, toms, clap, kick, hats and rimshot are all pure fucking magic.

[@antigen4]

Walshy the musician LM2 is better ...higher fidelity

[@Coasterdude02149]

I agree Walshy. They were and still are magic

[@kensmechanicalaffair]

Eggzactly.

[@ianpritchard6375]

Many thanks for making the samples available. Very generous! No idea if I'll use them, but they are part of our musical DNA. Thank you!

[@bcequalsBC]

I came here for the Linn LM-1 info but that drum machine history at the beginning was a nice bonus!

[@danielreiff6175]

I’m reading the book The Master of Space and Time about Leon Russell. Russell was THE FIRST musician to use the Linn drum, and inspired its invention, working closely with Roger Linn to create something he envisioned in his head. Yet somehow his name is nowhere to be found. Russell’s music and songwriting was past its peak at this point, so maybe that’s why he gets forgotten about, but he was on the forefront of a lot of technical musical innovation

[@AlexBallMusic]

Yes indeed. All of this has been discussed in the last 2 or 3 years. I made this video 6.5 years ago when there wasn't any info about that unfortunately.

[@Huelogy]

Never knew the history behind these machines. What a guy, I can't believe people are arguing about this VS a real drummer. Music is so expressive that both are great options depending on the sound you have in mind! Great invention!

[@Coasterdude02149]

It's nothing new. A similar argument arose with the Fairlight and musicians fearing the Fairlight would put them out of business. Why pay session musicians when one could hire a Fairlight. Obviously, the fear was unfounded.

[@80ssynthfan48]

I'm staggered that you have been kind and forward-thinking enough to provide free samples. I may never get round to using them, but appreciate the gesture as much as everyone else here.

[@R_Durand]

The most loving and genuine tribute to the LM-1 I’ve seen on KZbin 💖💾

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thank you. It's a deserving machine.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

Great sounds and a great story. This is why Alex ball is one of my favorite music channels. fantastic upload thank you

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks Woody! Right back at you.

[@joaquinodriozola4963]

good to see you here Woody. Cheers!

[@sliccricc1654]

Hi Tim :)

[@hammercanttouchthis]

Yeah this was really cool. Historical and audiological.

[@rexterrocks]

I used to think it was ironic that Phil Collins had a drum machine, and that it was on his biggest hit.

[@eelcovvliet]

Im the air tonight is a roland cr-78, not a linn Mamma by genesis is a linn drum

[@Crunkboy415]

He used Rolands. What's strange is on the song "Take Me Home" he had another drummer, Chester Thompson, program the drum machines as well play regular drums.

[@D84D]

Phil was a fan of the 808

[@pullthereins]

It’s not the tool, it’s how you use it.

[@BunnychanFarabee]

@@eelcovvliet Sussudio is most definitely a LinnDrum..

[@dnch]

best snare ever

[@morten1]

I always loved the kick too

[@hardcorehouse]

Those were some of its best sounds. Owner of both, I’d say the Oberheims were just as good on many sounds, just different.

[@cnfuzz]

its because it has an error and the start transient is missing from the sample , when you tune it low it has more energy that the kickdrum :)

[@Jellybeantiger]

After the Ludwig Black Beauty.

[@earlward6374]

The music track you made with the Linn is incredible. I think I speak for everyone that we would like a whole 4 or 5 min song with a bridge and breakdown stuff.

[@neilfoodguy8667]

What’s the difference between a drummer and a drum machine ? You only have to punch the information into a drum machine once.

[@AlexBallMusic]

And no dribble to clean up.

[@Username_Invalid]

A drummer has soul, vibe, and swagger. A drum machine does not.

[@MacXpert74]

A drum machine *CAN* keep a steady beat. ;)

[@wes4439]

@@Username_Invalid A drummer has soul, vibe, swagger......and drugs. Don't forget drugs :)

[@johnparr347yrsand2]

The old ones are the best

[@jonathanredman8497]

Another great Alex Ball documentary. Really enjoyed and thanks for the bonus sample link.

[@dometriuschantelle-pini9456]

I have always wanted a history of the drum machine.... and now i have it. PRICELESS.

[@YnnonTal]

Great video, I enjoyed the 80's vibe with all those legendary synths

[@AlexBallMusic]

Ynnon Tal Thank you, glad you enjoyed.

[@michaelcox5166]

Oh God when I was out in L.A. you couldn't get away from this thing.

[@StanleyKubick1]

and 4 years later, the link is still live. thank you

[@rommix0]

Thanks for the samples. I also recommend the Aly James Lab VPROM vst plugin. It's 40 euros but it's worth the money.

[@adamharris7775]

In the 2015 song "Go Slow", the Roland TR-909 was heard.

[@RustyCurtainsSound]

Just listened to your album : loved it. It's really well worked out and the humor throughout is great :) There's always a surprise in the harmony, instrumentation or the mix itself until the end that keeps me hooked !

[@AlexBallMusic]

Pablo Cortina Thank you! Glad you liked it. Was on the bucket list to do an album, so it's a bonus if anyone likes it.

[@sweetvioletstar]

I don't know a lot about music,or studio sound equipment, but I'm a Prince fan,and I've been going through interviews with various band members and sound engineers who worked with him,and they kept mentioning this Linn drum machine- I became curious and started searching for details- thanks so much for the musical history lesson!😊 It was interesting to learn about this.

[@Jobobaboss]

Thanks for this amazing video. I love how you take the time to have us hear the music for our selves. I love old music stuff!

[@amrkoptan4041]

Alex this is an amazing work, thank you for putting this all in one video !!

[@EspenKraft]

Finally got around to watch this. Excellent video Alex! Entertaining and educational, great cuts, smooth voice and I REALLY love the outro tune as well. Congrats my friend!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks Espen, much appreciated! I've possibly got access to some other "holy grail" synths / drum machines from the 80s soon. Should get some good material from that.

[@dwightgilbert7596]

Holy Crap, its Vulf comment guy, Alex Ball! I came here by means completely unrelated and am quite psyched to see you are doing your own thing. Good Stuff, man!

[@AlexBallMusic]

I've been known to pass through Dean Town. ;) Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@boywonder1444]

The LM1 was the start of the beginning and is still a great machine!!

[@stevenparry83]

Thank you so much for the samples! 🙏😀

[@2disbetter]

Super well done. I really enjoyed it. Especially the closing credits track at the end. Just great!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks very much!

[@saarin0tsorry]

How anybody gave this a thumbs down is just beyond reason! Thanks you for posting this wonderful video! I just about teared up hearing all the classic sounds. The demo song at the end was gorgeous. My childhood was resurrected.

[@TheRealJerseyJoe]

I had one. Sold it and have regretted it ever since.

[@londonroulette]

Roger Linn will haunt you. I had a Juno 106 and a Roland VP Vocoder. Had to sell. But what I hate most is how much they go for. Also around early 90s saw a Jupiter 8 for £350 second hand, I hear they go for $20,000 😭

[@TheRealJerseyJoe]

@@londonroulette -- You are so right! I also had a Jupiter 8 and sold it on because I grew tired of lugging it around in the anvil road case it was destroying my back. Big mistake on my part. Cheers M8 !

[@TheWorld_2099]

That was an excellent documentary! You really brought the era to life. Thank you!

[@ROCKNROLLFAN]

Prince owns that entire Linn drum sound......

[@AlexBallMusic]

Yep, totally. He was probably most creative with it.

[@brothacharlesward8]

True

[@luketzuiio9897]

No Phil collins

[@hardcorehouse]

Can’t agree, ‘cause the Linn and Oberheim owned most of popular music early to mid 80s. He was one of the first to use it because he was one of the first to be able to afford it. The Linn sound really took off due to the Linndrum, which sounds as good or better, was cheaper, easier to use, portable, etc.

[@annother3350]

Prince would have copyrighted it if he could

[@adamharris7775]

In the 2015 song "Go Slow", the Linn LM-1 was heard.

[@JeffoftheShout]

Thank you so much for the free samples pack! You have no idea how much this means to me! 😃👍🏼

[@fmontpetit]

I'm so glad I discovered your channel! I love your music and now I'm looking forward for more "educational" videos like this one! Thank you so much for the samples!

[@AlbertoMartinezDelRio]

Probably the best review of the Linn. Thanks.

[@YUSSEB8E]

How your channel doesn’t have more subscribers , I’ll never know. Great as always

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks. Glad you liked the video.

[@c.c.7687]

That music at the end does something I once thought would be impossible - it makes me want to go back to the 80's. Bravo to the conjuring devil who accomplished that.

[@Coasterdude02149]

😂 I've wanted to go back to the 80's since January 1, 1990.

[@MikeHancho663]

Thanks so much for the download! Keeping the legacy alive for the next generation

[@NonymAn0]

How is the music genre of the song at 3:34 min called? I love the sound but I‘m not able to find simmelar music

[@AlexBallMusic]

Mix of 80s Electro and 80s synth pop.

[@mountain177]

Mid 80s electro synth pop

[@ToreHansen]

Thanks for a very cool video, and the LM-1 is mentioned many times on a YT series about Paisley Park and Prince from the people which worked there...

[@Seeattle]

whenever i see this drum machine i automatically think "prince". Awesome video

[@GhostOfLorelei]

Alex, help, I can’t stop watching all of your stuff.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Cheers!

[@muralist_]

What is that track at 3:39 ?

[@adamharris7775]

The Linn LM-1, LinnDrum and Linn 9000 were heard in/on Kidsongs.

[@Tigrou7777]

1:23 leaving a pair of sneakers in the dryer 👟

[@carstenaltena]

Why you don't have a million subs yet is beyond me. Great video!

[@georgehollis4133]

Very cool history lesson I didn’t realise drum machine went that far back in time Great video mate👍

[@AlexBallMusic]

Yes, same with synths. It starts decades and decades before the point that most assume it did. Was interesting to look it up.

[@nebstaism]

Lm1 I love the sound of it so much.... I wish I owned one

[@Magnus_Loov]

But apparently it didn't have a crash cymbal, which the Oberheim DMX got in 1981. A big plus for the DMX! But the sound otherwise is fatter on the Linn!

[@wizzie65]

Great machine, great video. Thanks for the samples Alex!

[@AlexBallMusic]

wizzie65 Thanks. Enjoy the samples.

[@titovalasques]

My favourite drum machine of all time! :) RIP Pince!

[@SewerTapes]

I'd love to play with one of these. I have a free VST version and samples from the original LM-1, and love them. Truly iconic sounds. . . . . . . . EDIT. . . . By the time I posted you got around to mentioning the unit you sampled. Followed link and downloaded, and . . . yeah. . . your samples blow what I have out of the water by a long shot. Holy crap! Thank you so much.

[@ichhasseamerika]

5:19 Blue Monday anyone? and @ 5:25 the predecessor to the legendary 808? (as in the legendary 808 State)

[@WatchdogVideo]

Just ran into your vid by chance .... excellent! I own an "LM-2" and the 9000 plus some other Roger electronic goodies. The used "LM-2" arrived with backup batteries floating around inside the chassis. Once I figured out the sequence of wiring and repaired the unit a radio signal emanated from the outputs. That was rectified by re-inserting all the sample chips. The 9000 almost never made it here safely from the UK to the US. Seller only packed it in bubblewrap. Unit would not turn on consistently. Apparently despite the fact that the AC power could be switched the internal relay was set up for UK 220 and I had to source a US voltage alternative. Wow ... the thing is huge. Roger Lynn is a great guy and brilliant and amazingly very accessible and open. Great demo! I subscribed .... glad there are still some keeping the vintage dream alive!

[@AlexBallMusic]

It's great that you know how to fix them! I have to use a technician for repairs. Other than changing the keyboard on my Pro-One, which isn't electronics based. Was in a studio with the LinnDrum "LM-2" recently but didn't have time to record it as was recording something else. Will have to go back to try it properly. Had the samples for years but yet to use the hardware. 9000 - amazes me that people don't wrap them tightly AND box them with foam. They literally get thrown around in transit. The 9000 was famously unreliable though, so expect that doesn't help!

[@WatchdogVideo]

The LM-2 to me sounded like Bonham in a box. The 9000 I wound up using some Roland case to store when not in use. I still can't believe the shear size and weight of the thing.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Think there actually was a Bonham set of EPROMs available at the time. Although, not the stock ones. Yeah, having seen (and lifted) an LM-1 and LinnDrum they're massive and heavy! Feel like real instruments. I love that about that old tech. My 1981 Pro-One is about twice the height of my 2017 REV 2 with about a 10th of the functionality! Times have changed!

[@cvvv6166]

Linn LM-1 = Prince & the Revolution ! 🎼😎👌

[@YotamPiano]

Man, you're such an inspiring artist and content creator. Every single vid is genius. U should get 10000000 views but I don't know why you don't get them. You definitely have my support my friend!!! and thank you so much for the videos and the samples, you're the best!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks Yotam! Kind if you. Enjoy the samples.

[@joebrown6112]

I love the crazy ass prerecorded drums on the Chamberlain rhythmate

[@antonwitter]

Excellent and very enjoyable doc!

[@adamharris7775]

The Linn LM-1 and Oberheim DMX are/were heard in the 1986 IVE (now Artisan Entertainment) theme.

[@donaldcorbet6877]

Well done! It brought me back to my early days of wanting to have my own 'home studio'.

[@AlexBallMusic]

And now home studios are easy to setup and all these sounds are just a download away!

[@BrianFunkMusic]

Thanks for the samples!

[@AlexBallMusic]

You're welcome.

[@HazeAnderson]

OMG what an easter egg. :D Thank you!

[@beatles7798]

Thanks, Alex, was about to write the same

[@goldlinranjit]

I loved your album. Especially 🏠 home & get your 💖 through the 📻. Listening to them in midnight again and again. Just beautiful & perfect.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks. Good to hear.

[@dicrylium-2868]

These are quality samples!! Thank you!!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Enjoy!

[@lonophonic117]

Great video Alex! Probably my favourite drum machine of all time from its iconic great sounds used in drum tracks to many classic 80s hits! Also thank you for leaving a link the description for the sounds! 👍 And that dong you composed at the end containing those synthersizers and the Linn Drum kinda gave off Stranger Things vibes 😂

[@adamharris7775]

The Roland TR-808 cowbells, Roland TR-808 claps and Linn LM-1 are/were heard in the song How Will I Know (1985) and I Wanna Dance with Somebody (1987).

[@PanDownTiltLeft]

I interviewed with Roger in the early 80s to write new Firmware for a new drum machine that would be the successor to the LM one. Sadly that project never took off. Roger was extremely nice and I had a nice long look at the source code for the 6502 firmware in the LM one when I was at his house. He wrote some very nice tight code.

[@RobertoGinsburg]

A legend! the Linn LM-1 also was used by *Falco* on their first great debut "Der Kommisaar/ Junge Romer" , *ABC* on "The Look Of Love" , *Malcolm McLaren* on Hip-Hop tracks on their "Duck Rock Album".

[@forgottengrooves6073]

Rose Royce also used it on Love Don't Live Here Anymore.

[@marcusk299]

you're doing gods work by posting those sample wav files

[@bertvdlast]

A trip down memory lane. I had the JX3P and the Pro One. Still have the MS20. Also had the SQ10.😍

[@AlexBallMusic]

Great synths. The Pro-One is pretty special, just sounds great on everything and dead easy to use. MS20 has a real character, it's just weirder to get your head around. Mine is the mark 1 with the type 35 filter, so it screams in an awesome way. Is yours the mark 1? SQ10 - wow, the original sequencing beast! Love the look of those. The guy I bought the MS20 from was also selling an MS50 which I understand are quite rare. Think those two worked together as a sequencer / modular combo?

[@MysticFrequencies]

Got my LinnDrum some time back originally to be able to better perform Giorgio Moroder covers since he widely used a LinnDrum, wasn't long before I was using for more than just covers or 80's tunes... I now blend it with an RX-5 and Digitakt via midi and the combinations are amazingly great! My LinnDrum was completely restored by Forat in California and their full Midi in-out-thru added. 38 years later and its still keeping right up withtodays gear and music. love it! Thanks for posting this video!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Excellent. Always wanted a LinnDrum but they're too famous and too expensive. I've managed to borrow them a couple of times, so at least got to have a go on one. RX-5 and Digitakt with LinnDrum sounds like a cool combo!

[@MsPiggysHusband]

1:54 Last Living Souls?

[@roryhungrrr]

Enola Gay - OMD too

[@dosgos]

Fantastic history of the drum machine. Well researched and entertaining to boot. This is not far from television quality production. . .

[@AlexBallMusic]

dos gos Thanks!

[@annother3350]

I used to have an oberheim prommer and program my own eprom drum samples for a Drumtraks -- but you can put the same eproms in this machine. One thing the documentary misses out is that all the sounds are changeable by replacing the eprom chips with ones that contain different samples. Sorry, the rest was great!

[@Peat030]

He said that the chips are removeabke

[@joelandersmith2735]

I actually have a Roland TR-626 which was pictured here briefly. I originally wanted a LM-2 but I actually really appreciate the samples, features and portability of this thing. Most people tried to use it for electronic music but it fits a much more LinnDrum esque role than the TR-707 or TR-909 so perfect for me

[@spongechuck14]

Where can I find that tune that starts at 4:00? Love it!!

[@darksideofmemes]

Yes, it’s lovely

[@AlexBallMusic]

It's something I wrote for the film with my synths and the samples of the LM-1. Glad you like it. :)

[@AJ-on-youtube]

@@AlexBallMusic so it's not on your albums, right?

[@AlexBallMusic]

@@AJ-on-youtube Not on my albums. It's just a short track. It's heard in full at the end of this video.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Here you go: alexball.bandcamp.com/track/linn-lm-1-synths

[@aftershock2013]

Thanks for the awesome video and the awesome samples; absolutely astonished your channel isn't more popular! Defo earned my sub; was engrossed throughout.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for subscribing!

[@DrRussPhd]

Thank god we had those old drum machines . . we never would've had the band Wall of Voodoo.

[@rommix0]

They sure did rely a lot on those analog ones, especially for Mexican Radio.

[@CKT1138]

It's absolutely INSANE how much Wall of Voodoo got out of the Rhythm Ace and other accompaniment style rhythm boxes!

[@lobitome]

Mexican Radio is still one of my faves from back then.

[@brandbusters183]

You just saved my life bro thank you a million times I hopefully will make it up to you someday 😘

[@petez470]

Oh, that 80's "drum-hit"

[@buickmonte]

Awww man...the outro jam at the end is kick ass,the sound takes me back to my teen years,lol!!!

[@SeVinKru3ger]

I love that Prince (Clap), those sounds are too dope..... I need it.

[@rommix0]

The low pitched sidestick also sells the "prince" sound too.

[@SeVinKru3ger]

Yessss.

[@RobertoGinsburg]

TriL TV Prince was knowed by the *detuned Rimshot sound* , that made sound like hit a wood table.

[@paulbaloukas90]

@@RobertoGinsburg more like someone knocking on a door lol

[@adamharris7775]

At 3:38/3:39, the Yamaha DX7 internal patch “Bass 1” was heard.

[@AbdulHamid-uo2ok]

What the song at 3:40?

[@responsibleparty]

That's amazing that you have audio of those old devices.

[@elweinhoffer]

1:49 Last Living Souls :D

[@guitarmaniac004]

ARE WE THE LAST... LIVING SOULS?

[@ghostshadownova3266]

Im glad I wasn't the only one

[@adamharris7775]

In the song "Whip It" (1980), the Linn LM-1 was heard.

[@MrBradleyykidd]

I need the track at 3:40 in my life!!!!

[@JFP757]

riiiiiight

[@GeminoSmothers]

Feels

[@AlexBallMusic]

alexball.bandcamp.com/track/linn-lm-1-synths

[@JonKelly]

Thanks, Alex. I liked your chords so much in the demo at the end and made a small study of the arrangement on my synths :)

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks, glad you like them. Just the usual 80s sound, sus2 and sus4 all day.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Another trick the LM-1 had up its sleeve. Roger Linn really eked everything from the tiny memory chips: kzbin.info/www/bejne/maqpdKxmecuZkMU

[@DarrenGlen]

daym man thanks for this link! this variation in each sample means EVERYTHING to the ear...makes it more "alive". Explains a LOTTTT

[@AlexBallMusic]

Yep! Very clever. Should be possible to copy the envelope technique in a DAW. Here's the same thing demonstrated on the SCI Drum Traks: www.nattvard.com/cmi/how-the-hihat-in-sci-drumtraks-works/

[@Nocatsmusic]

the LM-1 sounds are FAT, I don't know how, but they are very substantial sounding compared to the others

[@AlexBallMusic]

As well as the raw recordings and the crunch from the low sample rate and bit rates, the companding also contributes to that. If you want to get very nerdy: en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Companding

[@Nocatsmusic]

Thanks that was new to me. I thought that lower bit rates were higher noise, I'm doing more searching on this. I have an old sp505 that makes my samples sound better than recording them in a DAW, they seem compressed or processed and shiny, fat. I don't know what's going on in the process. It's like I'd rather do all my recoding in the 505 rather than any DAW since it makes it sound finished, or mastered. I seems counter intuitive to say that lower bit rate makes a sound more full when higher bit rates are supposed to be superior, unless it's the compression or companding in which the sound is being processed, and processed better than any of my own compressor units can achieve.

[@davefk]

Alex, 'Worth Living', what a wonderful track, reminds me of the band Klaatu. Thanks for compiling the drum samples.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks Dave. Think you're the first person to ever mention that song! That's for dropping by.