New DrumBrute Impact Review and Full Sound Test

[@ramsessingeling8405]

'How it's made' for synths, borderline therapeutic. Love it.

[@olGrandpaby]

So true. I often fall asleep to tutorials I’ve already seen for gear that I don’t own.

[@JH-lo9ut]

A little trick I discovered that is not mentioned in this review: When using the step repeat bar, you can hit any step in the sequence and it will repeat from that point. So if I want a snare roll, I don’t need to shift to the roll function, I just hit step repeat 1/16 and step 5, or wherever I know there is a snare hit. Not exactly the same, but pretty useful.

[@triandgle]

▲ thanks a lot for this little-known but useful trick!

[@qndj6449]

Every single time I consider parting with some devices I discovered through your unvaluable channel, I first watch your review again and decide to keep it for all the good reasons you so pedagogically give. Thanks!🤗🤩🙏🏻

[@ldp7090]

Just bought one today and watched this instead of reading the manual 😂 Thank you! very informative time to drop the beat

[@powermix24]

I walked into a pawn shop here in town and I wasn't going to buy anything music-related was looking for tools and behold I saw the Drumbrute Impact on display in mint condition and I glanced at the price and I couldn't resist @ 148$ Steal Deal. SOLD! what a drum machine, it's got thick sounds and even for 299$ it's totally worth it. thanks for this review!

[@ken.adhitya]

Awesome deal! How is it keeping up?

[@powermix24]

@@ken.adhitya working good!

[@mikedegrazia]

Just bought one from a friend for 150.. 😎

[@ericfricke4512]

This machine looks perfect! I already play a ton of different instruments, so I like this nice, simple, bared-down, analog drum machine. And the polyrhythm functionality looks incredible for working on modern jazz rhythm chops.

[@concorde__]

Bear down?

[@stoatystoat174]

Fur? ​@@concorde__

[@LouisSerieusement]

The cymbal/hats are way more musical than on the drumbrute and the clap feels really awesome ; I'm sure this piece of hardware could do really well free party music, with a big saturated kick and weird FX, it definitely has enough punch to do that ;

[@Claidheambmor]

This is the first analog synth I've heard where I adore the sound of the snare. I mean seriously, it sings!

[@johnny711]

dude your videos are perfection. machine is a beast guys you totaly have to try it to say the least. congratulations to Arturia this was an achievement.

[@saardean4481]

Oh my God I have watched so many videos of instruments, samplers, groove boxes ..... I realize that the workflow and ease of use is becoming more important by the minute for me. I mean the way you programmed the polyrhythms at 14 min in the video makes so much sense and looks so intuitive. This machine looks more attractive to me the more I watch relevant videos. If I had to wish for something , the only thing and I mean the only thing would be t one a blue to import samples. Like I want EXACTLY this machine and workflow but being able to import any drum sound I want. This for me would be the ultimate "keep it simple thus have more time for the important stuff" groove box

[@jakeconibeer]

Not precisely the same, but using a Beatstep Pro to control a sampler would do a lot of what you're asking. Pretty much has the same interface as the Drumbrute Impact. Plus you get the bonus of two mono sequencers too.

[@d3maccus]

exactly .. I have it....best workflow, sequencer, and setup of any drum machine ive ever had. and the random is FANTASTIC. Its not sample based, though, its analog soundscaping. you can map it to samples in your daw and control with the DB over midi, though.

[@saardean4481]

@@d3maccus i hear ya. Well the mapping of the daw is what i want to avoid. Its not like i cant program polymeters in 5 minutes in ableton. It is the whole „contained“ experience i try to practice more. Less posibilities , more concentrated to the sound itself. I have a similar feeling about my tr6s. Its a wonderous little machine. If it was a bit bigger and and had a bit longer sampling capacity it would be perfect. The tr8s is too big for my current space restrictions i have and also has the same storage as the tr6s. But it is „business class level complaining“. All of these machines are so freaking good already

[@lawrencegreenwood4002]

It's really cool that analog synthesis is getting cheaper and maintaining quality. Digital interrupted the process of the cost reduction of analog in the 80s, but it wasn't necessarily better. Now that we're now returning to it, I'm hopeful of the great sounding and engaging future of synthesis in general. The future looks bright, we should be grateful, the inverse is horrible. The cheapness and sonic quality of the Behringer gear is blowing my mind. I own a Moog Model D and have played around with the Behringer Model D and I'm not ashamed to say it sounds every bit as good, just ever so slightly different. Pumped.

[@andrewlarking7492]

This is a really nice overview, showed things I’d struggled to find elsewhere. Also convinced me to buy. Thanks for posting.

[@Dogboy73]

This is a winner. Very nice. Was interested in the Drumbrute. But a little pricey? Quite large? This is absolutely spot on in terms of size & price.

[@nomchomsley854]

Just got one. The interface is what really sold me. This video is very helpful in understanding it so thanks for making it!

[@esthermoonmusic]

Love the beat at 0:56, reminds me of Guild by Earl Sweatshirt! This has some great sounds and I just might have to buy one

[@k5r2d2]

Drum Brute Impact sounds great and the interface is so intuitive I think this video is about all I would need to start using it, chapeau for this great review. The immediacy of the TR-08 with a bunch of Arturia goodies thrown in. Cowbell? Your Masterpiece is perfect ; )

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

but it is made in china crap

[@disarmsox]

@@GuitarsAndSynthswhat isn't?

[@Yosser70]

That fm drum is a real plus for this. I like heavier stuff, so sending that out through the individual out and into some effects could be interesting.

[@kmontzka]

Thanks for another great video! I always wish my DrumBrute were smaller, and then here comes it’s little brother....with cowbell and distortion. Nice...

[@michaelzoltan7988]

Thank you loopop for all your reviews/tutorials/demos, keep up the good work man.

[@chrissearle23]

You have just sold another one for Arturia! Exactly what I was looking for! Thanks.

[@SpectrumDIY]

That was a really awesome review! I just ordered one for my rig... I'm glad you did this video as it was really relieving to have bought this one over the original, not that there's anything wrong with the original, but it felt like it wasn't punchy enough, this sounds the part! So I'd say it's a trade off depending on what you're looking for. This meets my EDM/Hardstyle needs quite nicely, though if say reggae, would love to own the original for that purpose :D

[@mikehydropneumatic2583]

Forget the Tr-08 and 09, this is what you want and it is even reasonably priced.

[@gctechs]

Tr 08 and 09 are having full MIDI CC in/out parameter control, in other words a proper MIDI implementation

[@shaft9000]

Ahem, not with an un-tunable snare and a single woolly tom (never mind 808 conga/bonga/rimshot/clave it doesn't have, either) ....it helps to understand the basics of drums before thinking you've 'got it all' :P

[@mikedegrazia]

As far as having a really cool analog drum machine, capable of amazing pristine 808s that can be pushed into peaking with either color or distortion (basically any 808 sound you would ever need...why buy sample packs?) Then your able to get really usable fm synth tones for stacking on samples to build fat sounding drums that SHMACK and an easy to use sequencer that ratchets on the individual pads...this is a more than capable machine built for a specific purpose...it does not do everything but when coupled with say my mpc one( especially after 2.10)....this thing was hard to beat. I paid 100 bucks for something that was built (LIKE A TANK) for trap style beats, that is basically infinitely useful for sampling some amazing beats and sounds.....try running it through some analog effects and then resampling it...i need to see if i can control the actual device through automation on the mpc like i can do with my minilogue....I guess if your a purist who needs specific things i get that. But hell im going to use the crap out of it...haters be damned...

[@mikemeengs5720]

I have the Drumbrute, but I'm thinking TR-6 next. Pricey though for a "cutdown" unit.

[@stephenstrang590]

Are those even analog sounds?

[@andrewprice6605]

Brilliant review. Straightforward, comprehensive.

[@txanklero]

BEST Drumbrute review I’ve seen. THNX!!

[@dvdny]

Great, detailed video as usual, thanks for posting! The 'color' function, step nudging, non-quantized recording and poly betray its very approachable street price. Sounds great and looks like a lot of fun, they'll sell a lot of 'em.

[@KorhanErel]

Poly Betray would make a great experimental techno project name :D

[@dvdny]

Agreed, now that you mention it. It's all yours :-)

[@KorhanErel]

Dreux Donelan please, sir, it is your invention and yours to use. :)

[@ogasi1798]

as usual, great delivery, hats off great little product too - neat tricks

[@benjaminbrodie9801]

Just purchased a Drumbrute Impact and your review helped seal the deal. You provide excellent in-depth reviews and tutorials as always. I'm going to start calling you The Professor....

[@MaynardAndEuniceShow]

Once again thank you for a great demo! It's on order! Yessss!

[@theartofdiaspora]

I've got this practically new for 200€, and it is the best drum machine you get for the price by far.

[@pvpatel230]

Oh man what a beautiful instrument

[@setphaser]

yeah i’ll be interested to see how diverse it can sound. i want something portable that i don’t have to think too hard about... but i do need some versatility

[@Pelimuistelot]

Once againt a top quality review and in depth analysis. Never change!

[@loopop]

Thanks for taking the time to write!

[@Pelimuistelot]

@@loopop Do you think you will review Behringer RD-9 at any point?

[@loopop]

@@Pelimuistelot no, I don’t think I will review it.

[@paul_bismuth]

Thank you, your reviews are always very clean.

[@micklbx9125]

best demo i've seen thank you ;)

[@fortheloveofnoise]

The FM bit is a hint that Arturia is coming out with a knoby FM synth. ;)

[@gizka6816]

man I hope you're right. there's still time

[@jimivandebeek]

This is the best quickstartguide I’ve seen!

[@ShiftaelV2]

I just want one that could do gabber, 90's era hip hop beats and maybe Frenchcore

[@Godmesser]

Best review so far! :)

[@russellwoodstechno]

i’m in the market for one of these atm but i’ll be watching your vids just to learn some things for a long time.

[@speedingjet]

Sold. Thanks - best review out there. But that's typically the case. Great work.

[@markeast634]

Always great breakdowns of new gear from you, keep it up 👊

[@thom-alphaxiii-5106]

Almost perfect, just wished a way to automate pitch and knobs etc like novation did with the mono-station , or a patchbay .....but for the price.....great

[@Jewdly]

THOM AlphaXIII could the beatstep pro be used to sequence parameters?

[@JoelMartinez]

@@Jewdly No ... unfortunately. That would definitely have taken this to the next level ... but I still adore my impact, it sits right on my desk next to my laptop

[@DeBanked]

Exceptional videos always. It sounds great also

[@OneWithTheDark]

Outstanding review! I have been looking for something that can be used in a live setting. This looks like it would fit the bill nicely!

[@acefstripe]

wow still learning features to this machine. Polyrhythms is nice!

[@jordanbenson2980]

Just got mine. It's superb

[@randomcat1]

I guess I’m in the minority here, but I really dig the roll ribbon thing that Arturia uses. Reminds me of the roll system that the Kong Monotribe used. I always thought that was one of its best features.

[@HordurSmariJohannesson]

I love mine. Debating whether the lack of midi cc controls is a pro or a con. The hands on performing is great fun but some times I'd like to automate the knobs with an external sequencer.

[@voreshbo7031]

Jo , great post, do you know if there has been any updates for this mashine? A version 1.1. or 1.2. sometimes they makes updates via download and voila small things gets corrected 🍀

[@m.castillo2757]

Thanks as always for the comprehensive review! I'm very excited about the polyrhythms. This will be a great companion for my Subharmonicon, DFAM, and Keystep/Neutron team.

[@christopherpederson1021]

Flex much?

[@m.castillo2757]

@@christopherpederson1021 Haha! I figured Loopop would appreciate the sort of rhythmic screwiness that will ensue. Would it be less of a flex if I admitted the absurd amount of debt I've taken on to gather this stuff?

[@gpr4eva]

Sounds way better than the big brother!

[@mikemeengs5720]

I love your videos, but every time you played the kick, I had to turn down the volume to my mains to a point where I couldn't hear you speak anymore...that kick can BOOM!

[@GullySyde28]

Thats a good thing. Its between the RD8 and this for me atm

[@FuZZbaLLbee]

Would look nice next to the minibrute

[@tradrudeboy]

I was able to pick up a used Impact for $100US cheaper than retail cost that looks like it was never touched. Looking around online, it looks like there's a really good resale market for them, which makes it an even better piece of kit.

[@MrAntonmo]

Very nice review. I don"t actually like big drum brute, but this thing have perfect sound for it's size and price.

[@psicosomaticmen9836]

I was gonna ask something that you already covered. Nice vid man! keep it up! PS: subscribed

[@sprungingforvoltage]

this machine sounds good!

[@a_nick_t]

I’ve watched several of your videos recently. Well done and very helpful. Thanks! 😎👍🏼

[@michelnassarofficial]

Beautiful review as always!!

[@maxmartinez6430]

great vid.....finally it has a good sounding kick

[@cuba1956]

Kick in original Drumbrute is great.

[@soundfx68]

I didn't like it either, too woody / thunky for me. I prefer this. Still, we all have different tastes eh.

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

but the claps still suck

[@jm6734]

Yeah, claps and cymbals are weak. Love the sequencer, not so much the sound. A pity as I really wanted to want it.

[@stephenkyburz6529]

Yeah that was the repulsive aspect to the older version. this seems to be an affordable good analog drum machine. But when it comes to analog kicks I wouldn't trade my JOMOX MBASE11 for nothing else ! :P

[@Old_Man_Jay]

This video helped me decide that I need to buy one today! Thanks!

[@loopop]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@Old_Man_Jay]

@@loopop unfortunately I couldn't get one where I live and I really didn't want to wait the long shipping times (I'm not in the states at the moment) but I DID get a minilogue xd and MAN! it is AWESOME! I can't get enough if how easy and flexible it is!

[@realadamgood]

Can't wait to hear about the SampleBrute ... that's gonna be a thing, right?!!

[@LouisSerieusement]

not sure they never did samples

[@noaftermath]

They never did analog before the minibrute, but hey! here we are!

[@j-ltekbrain2177]

They had Spark in the past.

[@Heathcliff_hensel]

Adam Good I hope so, once you use a sampling drum machine its hard going back.

[@rdean150]

Beatstep Pro + Volca Sample = SampleBrute! I use my DrumBrute as a hybrid analog & sample drum machine by connecting it via midi to a drum rack in Ableton. That's actually my goto drum machine setup currently (entirely in studio tho, not live).

[@sensemusicofficial]

great tutorial since i just got this unit and was wondering how to do some things.. this video helped alot .. although its a straight forward unit it can be quite deep and interesting.. one thing you didnt mention is the sync modes :D

[@loopop]

Thanks and which is the reason it’s good we have a comment section

[@sensemusicofficial]

@@loopop :) I ended up using midi sync because I honestly can't work out how to use it slaved to a daw over usb using bitwig

[@sensemusicofficial]

also have NO IDEA how to save a pattern :)

[@loopop]

senseTUBE I highly recommend reading the manual after you buy something. I don’t cover everything in these videos you know

[@matturmy]

@loopop Have you explored how this synth interacts with the Keystep Pro? For example, can the KSP's sequencer communicate back and forth w/ the Impact's? Curious how these two will play together given they have the same sequencer engine. Great video, as always!

[@fredthebasspro2256]

leaving the decays so long during the first little intro left me with PTSD

[@WrvrUgoThrUR]

I keep looking down on these new drum machines as limited in their kit-ability(limited sounds--so to speak), but I forget that the original beat boxes had limited kit-ability as well. The Linn, the DMX the 808, etc. had the same limitations, but they were fine. I mean you could swap a few of the eproms, but you had the sounds you had and that was it. limited tune-ability and coloring. I guess Logic Pro X and DAWs in general have spoiled me. I may get this.

[@stoatystoat174]

Have got one. Is nice using the Accent most of the time on Kick and Snare. You can then use use the slightly quieter regular sound for kinda Ghost beats in between. Thanks for the guide :)

[@MickBenjamins]

Love the intro! :D

[@ArcticAnalysis]

intro is insanely good, loopop obviously prides himself on knowing his technical shit, and his ability to laymanise it, but this opening groove shows he has deeper musical instinct, amazing, just keep playing that opening... "there’s a new kid in town..." Epic!

[@SandcastleTheory]

That roller strip though... Sketchy!

[@WarradioTest]

also the color function adds distortion to individual pads/steps. So you know and dont force use the external outputs ;)

[@TylerSmith-wm7hn]

I need more moneyyyy

[@xXkupsuXx]

great vid as always. keep it up. this will be the companion to my microbrute. this will fit just perfect i think. maybe there is chance for a small video with both machines until i get mine😜

[@loopop]

I don’t think so because I have a ton of other things in the near term pipeline... but the microbrute is a little beast ;)

[@frankschneider7190]

Simply excellent explained. Thanks

[@Loopingstar]

Beats without the menu diving . Sold !

[@Garethduffy707]

Super video, gonna go get one of these now 🤗😎

[@niklassilen4313]

Great video as always! Cheers!

[@soyallergy]

great review, as always. the price difference between original drumbrute vs impact doesn't seem like a big deal at this point since used drumbrutes seem to now be going for around $300-$350. i feel like it'd only make sense to get this over the fully-feature drumbrute is if you need something more compact and don't need mind accessing some parameters with that color button. the new features (distortion and fm drum) didn't impress me all that much to justify all the other tradeoffs.

[@josephwright5140]

soyallergy i disagree i feel the snare and hats have improved considerably. as an owner of the original I've been toying with selling it for a year now for these reasons - half the sounds i need are garbage! this seems like a costless improvement for someone in my position

[@soyallergy]

oh i didn't notice because i still felt a little underwhelmed by those sounds on both versions but never actually HATED the snare and hats on the original lol. but i guess if that's a big deal for people, that could be worth it.

[@parafernalia66]

HI, what about the triplets?

[@hafstrat]

Great review. Best so far.

[@modgrip805]

Just ordered one ☝️

[@marlonjarek9071]

Great video as always. Did you ever consider doing these reviews for older synths? After this Video the tempest comes to mind...

[@loopop]

Thanks! I did consider the Tempest but it’s too expensive for now... if I found one used at a good price I would consider it

[@psmaulehlien]

Thanks as always for the great info

[@xp3rtxp]

Hello! I have a question. Let's say that for various reasons I want to connect an UNO Synth Pro directly to some studio monitors (or headphones) and at the same time connect this DrumBrute Impact. Can they be interconnected/synchronized in a way (without a mixer) to communicate with each other in order to play the sound on the studio monitors?

[@detrechter5416]

Looks interesting and - as always - Loopop delivers a great video. I would really like to hear a comparison between the Impact and the original Drumbrute. Do they sound different? That' the question.

[@tuneboyz5634]

awesome review, awesome synth!

[@jeandoyon7532]

In addition to using the DrumBrute as an analog drum machine, would it be also possible (and viable) to use the DrumBrute as a MIDI controller in Ableton Live to trigger drum samples in the drum rack, use the sequencer as a MIDI sequencer, and midi map the knobs to create automation or for the mixer (e.g., for volume and pan control)? If not, do you have any recommendations for drum machines that could be used for its original design as well as a MIDI controller in Ableton Live?

[@mohq9573]

Yes you can trigger midi samples with the pads. You can't map the knobs though

[@salamandersm]

Fantastic video- thanks so much for posting. I'm sold :)

[@korhansoydan]

Very nice review! Im new to drum machines and this one seems really productive, would you advise this for a starter on drum machines? Or should I go for some other, then dig in to this?

[@draztiqmeshaz6226]

You're like the 3blue1brown of synths, or maybe he's the loopop of maths, either way I love you both.

[@christopher-yw5lh]

Good demo, but I definitely prefer the original DB. The tambourine and finer controls take it beyond the limitations of standard EDM. This one is stuck coloring inside the lines, more or less, without processing.

[@johnpaulirvine5845]

Great review, thanks... are the looper/repeat outputs recordable?

[@loopop]

Thanks! What do you mean looper/repeat outputs and recordable? You can record the audio outputs of course

[@MrGeoffashley]

The clock in/out in the back..would that sync with Volcas and the Monologue??

[@turbotoke]

did for me the other night

[@gianfrancobianchi1835]

Excellent review, as ever! tks

[@purpled4864]

How much you bet me that Gus Muller used this on Machin Learning Experiment

[@NeoLudditevisons]

Looks an sounds great. Seems like the kick drum is way better than previous one. Is the unit heavy??

[@loopop]

It’s doesn’t feel heavy at all - there are specs on their site

[@NeoLudditevisons]

loopop good stuff! Im very tempted after this demo.....

[@whitelightenergydads]

Can you get any 70s sort of drum sounds out of it? Or only 808-style sounds? I don't necessarily mean c-78 sounds specifically, just anything that sounds like it could be on an Early Human League record really.

[@MilitiaDeiBroadcast]

What if you want to do triplet patterns?

[@HazyJ28]

The ability to solo pretty much skirts by the limited audio outputs. You could theoretically solo each track and record them into your daw separately via the master out, then layer them in your DAW, thus rebuilding the groove. Why is the Impact so much better than the original? lol

[@KorhanErel]

Lovely review as usual. Thank you. I see this as a very very good alternative to the Tanzmaus, which I am not sure I like anymore. Yes, it has parameter locking, but that is more or less the only plus when compared to this drumbrute, which is more immediate, has racheting, probability, has actually limited but powerful parameter locking (accent and color) that is programmable on the fly, unquantized recording/ability to nudge steps left or right AND an FM drum. Who does not want an FM drum? :) If I do not decide to go for a larger drum machine like the TR8S then I will definitely replace the tanzmaus with this.

[@KorhanErel]

but then... why a useless cowbell sound? useless because it is not editable in any way. After watching a few other videos, I have a feeling that this particular drumbrute is geared more towards hiphop producers. I can see it in a studio where there is a lot of production going on and there is always a place for that other drum sound, but I think I will change my mind about it being a replacement for the Tanzmaus (though I won't change my mind about being disenchanted with the Tanzmaus)

[@timgarratt249]

i'll buy your tanz

[@KorhanErel]

Tim Garratt I will let you know when I am 100% sure about selling it.

[@bosslife_bangin]

I appreciate this video so much thanks man.

[@nikitam.7045]

Do anyone know how to reset Drumbrute to factory default settings?

[@nikitam.7045]

UPD: I've figured it out: Song + Bank + Ptrn + Power On