Modor DR-2 tutorial Part 1: Getting started

The Modor DR-2 is one of what I consider the "Big Five" in the drum machine world. There's the DR-2, Perkons, Pulsar-23, Rtym MkII and the Alpha Base.
This is not a sound design video, nor do I go through the many sound models and parameter options, that's for later videos. This one is a guide to the DR-2's basic operations, although of course there's plenty of hits along the way. The intention is to explore the many functions of the DR-2 in an ongoing tutorial series.
I've admired this machine for a couple of years and am excited to have got this one on loan from Modor. So it was very cheeky of me to switch out all the knobs for big black grippy ones from Erica Synths, but, well, it just looked too sweet and clean and my Big Box of Knobs is always looking for opportunities.
Soundwise there is a limiter on the output just to avoid any surprises and my voice is damping the drum machine level whenever I speak, which should explain any volume fluctuations.
0:00 Overview
0:29 Power & firmware
1:00 Front panel
2:10 32nd notes
2:55 Sound models
4:37 Knobs
5:28 Ergonomics
6:50 Envelopes
7:55 Change patterns & kits
9:40 Bars
10:15 Track length
12:15 Muting
12:42 Play modes
14:15 Saving
16:41 Tilt filter
17:50 Clear tracks
18:57 Initialize
19:59 Copy & paste
20:55 Random fill
22:05 Random steps
23:59 Random value
25:17 Parameter locks
26:46 Alpha & beta channels
32:00 For next time
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[@patrizio7]

I love the grippy knob makeover.

[@ModorMusic]

A bit of a weird knob makeover, to my opinion.... But hey, we don't tell our reviewers what they can and can not do 😉 Thanks for a great tutorial! Half an hour, and that's only part 1... I especially like the remark on the LCD screen (around 5:25), special thanks for that one!

[@RichardDeHove]

Greetings Mr Modor ! :) The menu discovery was very welcome. Whenever a machine has a display there's always the suspicion that there may be obligatory menu diving, so a huge relief. The overall ergonomics are excellent especially considering the number of options. As for the knobs .... I knew you wouldn't like me changing them, otherwise you would have used other ones in the first place, but I just can't help myself. Now can we talk about an all-black version :D

[@thearrayprojectmusic]

I've long admired this machine too!

[@RichardDeHove]

It's odd how some machines get all the talk and excitement and others stay quietly in the background, regardless of their features. It's always been so I suppose.

[@omarzamudio617]

Thanks so much for this! Ive been waiting for a tutorial like this on the Modor DR-2 for months and months. since i have to do a lot of different reading didnt have enough time for the manual. We all really appreciate you! : ) You have a new subscriber here. Btw the grippy knob make over looks so cool!! I personally love the original white knobs

[@RichardDeHove]

I really appreciate your kind comments Omar. The printed manual is very good but I much prefer video manuals as well so you can see exactly how things are done. Am working on part 2 now, but it's already clear I'll need part 3 as well (at least), there's so much depth in this machine!

[@mamakuproject]

fantastic tutorial for a fantastic machine

[@RichardDeHove]

Thanks. More to come :)

[@mamakuproject]

Love what you did with the knobs and sides too

[@Kevvywevvy]

The power should be marked centre neg or positive. Other than that. Neat machine, great walk thru 👍

[@ruffian01]

Very nice!! More of this please.. I just got mine 😊

[@RichardDeHove]

Part 2 is imminent although even with that I can see I won't be able to cover all the remaining controls. Parts 3 and 4 necessary.... If I can stop myself just noodling about with it and having fun I could get the video out :)

[@ruffian01]

@@RichardDeHove I hear what you are saying, I even stopped making music (for now) I'm having too much fun playing with it. I feel like a little boy playing with my weewee Hahaha!

[@dietervoser4425]

Keine Frage, die hübschen schwarzen Drehregler stehen dieser Maschine deutlich besser. Ein interessantes Gerät in neuem Gewand !

[@RichardDeHove]

Ich denke, das Ganze würde in Schwarz viel besser aussehen - aber das sage ich zu jeder Maschine :D

[@dirtyduchamp]

Hot tip: you can scroll through the models by holding down the model button and turning the select encoder

[@RichardDeHove]

Nice one, thanks. I suspect there's a loads of hidden combos.