Beats Behind The Wall: Vermona DRM (1987)

When I came upon this rare analog drum machine made in the GDR in 1987, it seemed like such an odd instrument for the year it was released. As I could find no information on it, I travelled to where it was made, the "Musikwinkel" in Vogtland. The story I found there ended up being fascinating.
SOUNDPACKS, MUSIC and LOVE: / hainbach
MY SIGNATURE SOFTWARE:
THE HAINPACK IS HERE: www.audiothing.net/bundle/hai...
GRANULAR SYNTH: apps.apple.com/de/app/fluss-g...
MELLOTRON www.gforcesoftware.com/produc...
MY MUSIC: hainbach.bandcamp.com
FASHION: teespring.com/de/stores/hainbach
CONNECT: / hainbach
BUY THE GEAR I USE (EU):
redir.love/thocf/n2lm9oo2ym
BUY THE GEAR I USE (US):
bit.ly/3nsnE9Q
(affiliate links, I get a few % if you buy through them)
BUY THE GEAR I USE (UK)
www.gear4music.com/blog/what-...
Thanks to Vermona, Harmonika Museum Zwota and the Musikinstrumentenmuseum Markneukirchen (more on the latter to come).

[@Hainbach]

Big Soundpack and the best way to help me make more videos: patreon.com/hainbach

[@RegebroRepairs]

No luck with finding that prototype link. But if you ever see an Alpha 5 somebody has made major surgery on, it's probably that. 😀

[@martinwagner4960]

Can you make it free for former citizens of the GDR? after all these sounds were "Volkseigentum" already. By the way, sure militarization is a heavy burden on economies, but in your "explanation" of the GDR economy you forget to mention all kinds of free social services and a structurally effective health system.

[@gottliebheinrich8413]

Hahaha, Volkseigentum! And why should anything be "kostenlos?" Jeder hat seine Ausgaben, und wer jetzt seine Rechnungen zu bezahlen hat, dem nützt der frühere "Sozialstaat" nix. "Subvention" ist euphemistisch für "Korruption"

[@_c_y_p_3]

Man you been making some goodies lately! Lovely sweater too.

[@jesipohl6717]

Are you based out of Berlin? It would be nice to see some old record players from the 20s that would have been used for illegal swing kid parties to play "black music" the first raves in Berlin, though I understand this was more popular in Hamburg. Always spinning!

[@ilyatsukanov8707]

Every single East German product I have come across in the former USSR (RFT cassette player, Ruhla digital wristwatch, 16-bit Robotron computer) has been of exceptional quality and unique and special design. It's not surprising at all to me that this Vermona drum machine has its fan base, and it's wonderful to know that the company's legacy lives on via HDB electronic. Thank you Hainbach for your work!

[@kaitlyn__L]

Yep. There may not have been a ton of variety (mechanical watches and cameras too), they were almost always very well built and robust. And also often very easily recyclable as well! Which makes sense for a planned economy really - no concern about quarterly turnover, but a lot of concern about total brass spent on watches.

[@baronmeduse]

@@kaitlyn__L I still wear an 'Ostblok' wristwatch as my daily watch. Marketed to the west as 'Saxon'. It's never been serviced and still keeps time. I also have 3-thread overlock sewing machine (like a block of iron)made in East Germany and it is perfect. Clearly the same brilliant people who built machines before the partition still existed in the East.

[@Ss-zg3yj]

Sovkodrocher. I bet he support Putin also.

[@kaitlyn__L]

@@baronmeduse exactly! I’m really glad your mechanical watch still works well :) I’ve got a couple small mechanical clocks from HK from the 70s and 80s but they regularly run into issues needing the gears realigned. It’s a world apart in reliability.

[@in.der.welt.sein.]

I found the same with some of the Lomo mics I have: exceptionally well built! I guess it's not hard to defy expectations given the popular ideology that everyone in "really existing socialism" except for the leaders was starving and wearing burlap sacks.

[@adamstan84]

I have this machine (the 1987 DRM). I think it has the absolutely best analog hi-hat I've ever heard.

[@hreggerino]

I really enjoyed this format, felt like a lovely celebration of a historic brand.

[@vinylarchaeologist]

Ahhh, the ‘80s. The time when it was really cool to put the word “DIGITAL” on an all-analogue drum machine 😂

[@FloydAtema]

Yes, the device is either on or off hence digital.

[@vinylarchaeologist]

@@FloydAtema Best comment ever 😂

[@nunofernandes4501]

People used to put "Turbo" stickers on non-turbo cars back then. Fits the zeitgeist like a glove.

[@annother3350]

There's a digital chip in there somewhere though right?

[@vinylarchaeologist]

@@annother3350 Surely something regarding that 32-step sequencer. And isn't an LCD display technically digital?

[@mechasartre3694]

This was so dope! More like this please!

[@SuperLibu]

I really like this style of documentary. I understand it must have cost a lot, so thank you for investing the money and time!

[@bleigh6562]

Great history lesson and wonderfully shot and produced video. Thanks for making KZbin better by posting this.

[@fakshen1973]

There's a world of electronic instruments out there that we in the "west" have never heard of.

[@mirzosharifjalolov4247]

In my memory, Vermona was well-known in USSR among pop singers (called "estrada" singers). First my encounter with Vermona was in 1994, it was Vermona Piano-Strings. Still remember its soft and warm sound . My friend used to modified it to produce some new sounds. Such a lovely memory. Thank you for the video!

[@legionnairegonk4425]

It's like having early 80's Depeche Mode in a box isn't it! Considering how popular they were in DDR before the wall came down that may well be the sonic signature they tried to capture! The story of their East German popularity is well captured in Dennis Burmeister and Sascha Lange's 'Monument' book.

[@AlexBallMusic]

So cool to hear the history and context of these machines. Great sounds too.

[@bigkingsha]

Videos like this are truly a gem. Hainbach takes time and care to make sure we understand the historical and cultural significance of early electronic music and the tools those musicians used. The way you document this equipment is unlike anything I've seen on KZbin. Every episode is like a mini documentary. Thanks for your hard work and patience!

[@mudi2000a]

I remember that in the 80s before the fall of the wall the Vermona amps and mixers were also sold in the West by Conrad Electronic (mail order retailer)

[@bricelory9534]

What a fascinating era and heritage - thank you for sharing this experience and the excellent video! It is beautifully captured!

[@robingroulx]

I love how you and Jeremy are doing more of these history videos. Love this format.

[@pworminkle]

loving this documentary format! Thank you for taking the time and effort to share this with the world :)

[@caseyholford]

This is such important work you’re doing, shining a light on all this technology that so many people would never get to experience otherwise. It’s unique! I also really appreciate the artful way you produced and edited the video. Thank you!

[@dangerbird64]

Thanks for making this, Heinbach. I love my Vermona gear and it’s fascinating to learn more about their history.

[@Ismail-cf6xu]

To have access to all these sounds…unsure if emotionally I would’ve been as calm.

[@StephenMcLeod]

This was awesome. Really enjoyed you heading to the studio and outlining the history.

[@jonprudhomme7694]

Whenever I watch one of your videos, I want to drop what I'm doing and go play with my synths. Always inspiring.

[@mrtuttle]

Thank you for another lovely video! So fortunate to have you out in the world making things like this, so I can tuck into a charming walk though history on a Sunday morning over a cup of coffee.

[@andresgrumann4079]

this kind of videos are really the best way to now about the history, present and future of the mashines we love, thank´s Hainbach!!! (please more and more of this kind of content!)

[@emiliusemilius4260]

as usual, your work feels authentic and touching, both artistically and personnally. Thank you !

[@CharlesSchaum]

I have a great-great grandfather from the Vogtland, so this was a treat. The Vermona DRM sounds so contemporary, heavy, and cool.

[@NihilQuest]

I live in Poland. When I started to sing in rock bands in the mid 90's, Vermona's amps were still in use. Kids just used any gear that was around.

[@LuisTorres-qz5kr]

Loved this video....the history, the company, the products, and the family(ies). I have a Vermona Perfourmer MK2 and absolutely love it. Planning to get a DRM1 MKIV as well. Thanks for sharing!

[@uremawifenowdave]

Ah I have a wealth of Vermona FX, always wanted their drum machine as it has such an amazing distinctive sound. Amazing video as always.

[@Frozen_Smoke1972]

An absolutely superb history lesson and some beautiful sounding machines. Thank you!

[@cobsonics2569]

love the documentary style video! appreciate the effort you put into this

[@tekvax01]

WOW!!! What an amazingly full sound! I wasn't expecting it to sound like that!

[@WelderMetal]

Great episode ! Thank you !

[@matthewchism3733]

The Adventures of Hainbach- love everything about this video.

[@TriangleWaveRecords]

Fascinating device, glad you made a soundpack so I don't have to track that down though! 🙂

[@djphil.m.4952]

Vielen Dank für die schönen Erinnerungen!

[@Hainbach]

Gern geschehen!

[@franksemi_modular]

Looking forward to see the story about this one 🙂

[@InVacuo]

This history of Vermona is really fascinating! I only knew Vermona as high-end Eurorack modules (I love the Melodicer) but even though I live in Germany (albeit only 12 years) I've never heard of them outside of Eurorack. Thanks for the enlightenment, Hainbach/Stefan!

[@BataraKado]

your soooooo good at messing around with synths @Hainbach.... your amazing to watch... crazy skills my friend...keep doing these great videos please

[@pixelfrenzy]

Loved this! More please!

[@lewis9898]

Thanks for this video. I must say, Vermona make some of my favourite gear, period. The DRM1 bass drum and claps are legendary in my opinion. Their modular gear is really great sounding, fun and feature packed too.

[@awanderer5446]

Beautiful story, thank you for sharing!

[@tomahzo]

Fabulous! I love these documentary videos, like this one and the one you did in Italy :D.

[@sound.workshop]

Lovely story from history. Thank you for sharing it.

[@dictabeat]

"Hi I'm Hainbach and it's good to have you Hain back." New catch phrase. You're welcome. 😅

[@erikribeiro5772]

Thanks for this video. The DRM1 MKII was my first real drum machine, and I've had it for a long time. I finally traded it to a friend last weekend as I've had the MKIII for several years. I love seeing more of the history of Vermona. The OG one looks gorgeous, though I love the ability of the later generations to shape sounds so extensively. I'm hoping to add a PERfourMER to my studio soon. Long live Vermona!

[@suitandtieguy]

This is a beautiful story. Thank you.

[@maka1510]

SUPERinteressant. Was für eine schöne kleine Reportage. Bitte mehr davon!

[@alecyuzhny]

Thank you for making this video! Very interesting story!

[@MrSiwat]

Really interesting stuff as always. Great video and information. Thanks so much.)

[@donit.]

this was a truly fantastic video!

[@juanbinckoski]

I have the drm1 mk3 and it's amazing, a very special sounding machine. Best kicks, snares, hats and claps ever

[@Pheonix0114]

Love the mixture of documentary and dope tunes.

[@CaseJams]

Thank you. I always wondered about the story of Vermona.

[@mcflysfireworks]

gracias por existir hainbach

[@lo-firobotboy7112]

Yes, love this type of video. More Please!!

[@sxipshirey]

Fascinating, thank you!

[@michaelmueller9816]

I own a Vermona Retroverb Spring (not lanced) and I love it ❤ since the first day. I use it on every production in the last 12 years.

[@eyesintheskies]

Had not heard of this one looks/sounds awesome. Thank you for the history lesson 👍

[@JureJerebic]

So cool that you go and tell the stories of these companies where most of us have no idea they are based so close to us

[@jibberism9910]

The Suiko ST 50 you reviewed and this one would probably have a decent market in this day and age. Love seeing and hearing all these exotic machines, and this video had some really nice background to go with it.

[@Gin-toki]

Thanks for sharing this interresting story :)

[@Oliver310583]

Der Prüfhans 😅, wie geil ist das denn. Coole Einblicke, danke.!

[@Robert_Babicz]

vermona is super cool, and great that there are still here

[@traitortotheliving]

Great video! Love the history

[@deniszbuhran]

this was amazing I was just looking to get more info of vermona since I moved to warszawa and saw all the vermona organs and amps in the marketplace! Hope you can do a video about UNITRA brand someday as well!

[@seanspartan2023]

Such cool sounds! 😎

[@DaveSlutzky]

Dope! Love those crunchy hi hats.

[@DuckTronic]

Very interesting! I once had two Vermona E-Pianos, which were unfortunately very simple. Unfortunately, I never had the chance to test the Vermona synthesizers from GDR times. Thank you for the video! 🙏

[@stefanmertz840]

Ohh Haimbach, Deine Videos sind immer traumhaft 😊! LG von der Lübecker Bucht, Stefan

[@Hainbach]

Herzlichen Dank 😊

[@cj7091]

Just here to echo everyone else: loved this style video! I have a newfound appreciation for Vermona now

[@0.G.]

Oh yeah WOW! sounds fresher than today 🙏🏼💙

[@lukaskoninger3312]

What a great documentary!

[@MrAnselm77]

HAINBACH YOU ARE A KING 👑 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥👌🏿🫡🇨🇦

[@scottvogel8477]

This was really cool. Hope you do a follow up video in the future.

[@harmanburns]

6:06 another instant Hainbach classic right here

[@effiksmusic]

I nearly was not going to watch this video because I was not interested in another drum machine. But I’m glad that I watched it, because it’s an interesting story you told here and I learned a lot. Thanks for sharing this story.

[@Hainbach]

Yeah drum machine is not as important as the story

[@birdsiview6845]

That hand clap from the vermona sounded great!

[@birdsiview6845]

That first bit you recorded sounded like the doors. You always find the coolest shit!

[@fredrichl]

My first guitar amp here in sweden was a east german Regent 50w. Simple thing, but used right it could make a quite unique garage rock sound.

[@MaggieKeizai]

Eastern bloc instruments are a fascinating subject, and tough to find in the US. I hope to get some old, weird Vermona instruments someday.

[@felipesancho]

This is pure gold

[@dimensionstomorrow]

I’ve enjoyed all of the Vermona videos I’ve seen. I own a Retroverb Lancet and love it. I’d really like to get some more of their stuff.

[@MySynthDungeon]

Really enjoyed!! Well done! Cheers!;-)!

[@muddymike10]

Thank you Hainbach; a wonderful adventure. Now, I need to learn more about the "basset" keytar! ☺...

[@Hainbach]

I will make a short on it - it’s like the Claviset Incovered here already, only way more cool

[@muddymike10]

@@Hainbach thank you very much !

[@viralempire1986]

More Hainbach walking in a field, feels like grand designs for obscure drum machines

[@xerossorex]

Ahhhh Vermona. i had the Vermona Synthesizer during 6 years :) what a beast !

[@Loscha]

Really great video. I look forward to a video about Viscount and their synths, drum machines and effects units.

[@Hainbach]

I have some of the drums here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aX_OeohspaqCZ6M

[@annother3350]

Great sounds!

[@BeatMax2023]

Interesting video. Thanks for this! You really enjoyed it it seems ;)

[@maximiliansofke5414]

find es als Musiker absolut faszinierend, wie jedes stück gear in diesem Video älter ist als ich... starkes Video, liebe

[@Hainbach]

Danke dir!

[@MCtheultiMO]

Mega Vid! Danke dir :)

[@Hainbach]

Ich danke dir!

[@angaudlinn]

I used to have a MAM DRM-1 which I still consider one of the best "modern" drum synthesizers. And on one of my shelves stands a Vermona synthesizer. :) The eastern block gear is fascinating in their way of often doing this differently and often sounding amazing.

[@MichaelSchuerig]

That little Nagra reel-to-reel recorder is very cute.

[@anthony_leckie]

Cool video!

[@magicseadog8674]

I loved this.

[@lukassbeataddicts]

I wanted synthesiser badly when I was 10, my parents here in Poland ordered one in 1988, we got it in 1989 and it worked for 3 hours. Never came from the repair as they didn't have the parts and later manufacturer got liquidated. It was Unitra Eltra, I don't remember actual model.

[@pindebraende]

Your videos really helped my 4 year old learn about rare analog drum machines, it's way better than that cocomelon stuff. she always asks for "the glasses man" (: thank you so much

[@Hainbach]

That warms my heart!

[@RaquelFoster]

10:54 The Rhythm Ace FR-1 (1965) let you combine the patterns by pressing multiple buttons. I think all the Rhythm Ace models did, including the Multivox FR-3.

[@Hainbach]

Nice! I only played rhythm boxes that had the auto-eject feature

[@tonyrolando1964]

I enjoyed the historical knowledge shared here.