Stimming reviews Sonic Potion / Erica Synths LXR-02

Martin Stimming returns once again to offer up his opinion on some of the contemporary pieces of kit stepping out into the production world . For this instalment he takes a look at the collaborative LXR-02, a joint venture digital drum machine produced by Sonic Potion and Erica Synths. This compact aluminium piece of kit, although small in appearance, packs a punch with a wide variety of capabilities. Some of its main accolades internally are six drum voices, thirty adjustable parameters per voice, FX inserts, a performance oriented 64 step sequencer and a performance modes with mutes, rolls, a master bit crusher and kit morphing. Externally the machine allows for hands on play with volume sliders as well as full midi in/out and four assignable 6,3" jack outputs (2x stereo or 4x mono).
Take a look to find out what Stimming has to say about this machine, discover what he loves about it, his critiques and much more. Subscribe to our channel for more upcoming reviews.
Important Information!
LXR-02 Digital Drum Synth firmware update 1.2 is now available! It adds micro-timing, ratchets, synth parameter editing in performance mode, new FX and bunch of fixes.
We use affiliate links to finance our YT activity. If you use these, you support this channel. Thanks!
Buy Sonic Potion / Erica Synths LXR-02 here: thmn.to/thoprod/522842?offid=...
Stimming's gear recommendations: thmn.to/thocf/qj6ez1cyou
#stimming #review #ericasynths #drummachine
stimming.org/
www.ericasynths.lv
www.sonic-potions.com
www.sensemusic.tv
About Stimming
Hamburg-based producer, Stimming has become renowned over the years for bringing a truly original sound to electronic music. Mixing hand-made textures, field recordings and the latest gear in his compositions, he has earned his stripes as a dance-floor veteran. His music continues to explore interesting and progressive territories with his trademark sense of texture, emotion and discovery.

[@musictalk-tech]

LXR-02 Digital Drum Synth firmware update 1.2 is now available! It adds micro-timing, ratchets, synth parameter editing in performance mode, new FX and bunch of fixes.

[@DetroitMicroSound]

I was waiting for the current firmware update, to buy it. They released the update, and now this incredible drum machine is mine. ❤

[@tkexit]

it's completely insane that they would release it without the synth parameter editing. this to me is a make-or-break feature. but good that it's in there now!

[@SonicVibe]

This ever happen ?

[@freejazzbone]

good to hear, are triplets available for sequencing now?

[@musictalk-tech]

Erica Synths just confirmed that there will be a major firmware update incl. micro timing very soon!

[@JohnPaulsonJohnisaStegosaurus]

where did you hear this? i see nothing in a google search.

[@musictalk-tech]

We asked

[@rsmcclure75]

@@musictalk-tech It's out now, v1.2. microtiming and param adjust during perfomance mode. I'm getting it.

[@tkexit]

by micro timing, do you mean triplets? in the video it looks like the box can go only up to 16th notes.

[@aaaaargghh]

Stimming is the Bob Ross of synthesizer gear videos. I'm not always sure I like what I hear but then he turns one knob and it becomes a masterpiece. Great guy!

[@KILLALLARTISTS]

Word !

[@DATSound]

But he has no spatula! 😁

[@leNotstrom]

Finally a Microtonic worthy hardware soundalike! Volca Drums was in the right direction, but lacked a few things. This one is just almost 🤩

[@DetroitMicroSound]

I'm adding the LXR-02, and filing away my Model:Cycles. Not willing to file away Volca Drum, or Volca Sample just yet. The LXR-02 needs to meet both of my Sonicware Liven's, ZOIA, and Microcosm. 😁

[@danielk.5784]

Yeah, been thinking so many times of a controller for Microtonic or a similar piece of hardware!

[@AndrewJohnClive]

Mr. Stimming. You’re so at home on drum machine! A pleasure to watch and listen! Thank you.

[@ethanallen8372]

This is the best review so far. Great info and right into a little jam.

[@RandomNoiseMusic]

What a treat for the upcoming weekend, been waiting for this review 😁 Stimming’s review always pump me with inspiration to beat the crap out of my gears lol

[@Barefoot_Joe]

I also like to beat on my junk when I see Stimming! =)

[@melanatedmantra6607]

@Sense Music & Media Your demo has made me fall in love with this drum synth. This is an absolute mega beast.

[@TechTronix01]

Love your reviews man.. proper honest reviewing

[@inf0tr8r]

such great reviews, thank-you, saved me some money

[@bobule]

Great demo, you are having fun!

[@MadelnMachines]

I like weird and aggressive sounds it makes - very inspiring! I think you flatlined it at the end!

[@whitelotus2516]

Stimming has such an intimate and down to earth vibe I love ❤️ almost like watching a cooking show vs a dry technical video

[@MinPlanck]

Love the personality Stimming adds to these reviews/demos. Cheers guys.

[@lynmeisenbergmusic]

You are one cool dude! Love the Vid! Thanks for the review!

[@BEDM]

Total wizard, man. Thank you for your reviews.

[@Jim_KYB]

I have the DB-01 from Erica and love it. This looks like the same hardware housing. The pair would be great for a live set.

[@surrogatemarker]

Stimming is so incredibly good at showing what is great and what could be great about any music machine .. Bravo.. and yes I ordered it immediately after he said.. “Erica Synths probably said .. let’s make it dirty…” LOL

[@saifeek]

Enjoying the Stimming impromptu dancing mid review

[@CO5MA]

Great review for a great machine!

[@ScottAdair]

Stimming is pure magic. I even watch his videos that are only in German. And I don't speak German. Good job, sir.

[@musictalk-tech]

You should switch the English subtitles on for Beats on a Budget on EB.TV😉

[@KnockoutKnob]

I just love the honesty in your rewievs! Oh, and if you still need 'another guy doing melodic stuff', (32:25) I would do it. Thanks for a lot of great videos.

[@regplasma7906]

I have bought the LXR-02 but not unboxed it yet.Stimming's reviews are great,always honest ,comical and knowledgeable.

[@beaukito2169]

U seem to have enough gear as it is. Why dont you help out a real starving musician thats all about hard agressive noizy drums, like for example: ME :) Im sure the big guy upstairs will reward you with unlimited inspiration for your good deed..

[@rustikinc63]

You can tell within first 3 minutes how Stimming feels. I just love the remaining vid where he explains why. Stimming is the fucking man.

[@9877joseph]

That's exactly why I watch his reviews. You can tell right away wether or not he approves of an instrument or not.

[@DhrSchwanz]

Great review. Sound reminds me a bit of the MicroTonic plug-in. I hope they will keep improving the software with updates.

[@grizcuz]

I was just thinking the same. I could only remember that it was made by Sonic Charge though. It also reminds me of that old Waldorf Attack drum synth plugin.

[@DhrSchwanz]

@@grizcuz Yeah that’s correct. They make great stuff as well 🏅

[@oliviermissal8739]

Awesome review ✌️

[@mindstuff417]

I love your reviews man. When you took the preset, slowed it down, then removed the drive you then said, "Now I like it!" I agree with you. Just a taste issue. However, the tight, punchy, fm'y percs sounds good and with great potential. Like you, I would like microtiming as well...use it on all my elektron boxes for looseness.

[@smuller1]

I love this guy as much as this machine

[@olga3777]

I like how you struggle with the machine haha quite fun and comforting to see

[@kezstone1]

Great review thank you and you made me smile :-) The user interface seems a little awkward but I think it'll be worth spending a good few days getting to know it. The sonic potential seems endless. For me this is what the Nord Drum should've been...if Nord added even a basic sequencer to the ND2 they would've made a killing. Marry the LXR-02 with a Roland and you have the perfect match. Thanks again

[@reginaldbraithewaite5833]

What's esp. useful about Stimming's reviews is the empirical honesty. He looks for what a machine is good at, which is always more important than what it's meant to do. Still thinking about the LXR-02. And I'm wondering if any VSTs come close to the sound, since programming doesn't look as intuitive as I'd prefer. I really appreciate what Stimming said about the Model:Cycles and the Digitone. I've been torn between the M:C and the TR8S ever since the latter acquired FM synthesis. Perhaps the LXR is the best option sonically for digital FM drums.

[@RoastLambShanks]

If you get Resaon and then some of the Noise Engineering plugs youi'll get close to this sound

[@KordTaylor]

Another great video. Thank you so much. Wow, not being able to play a sound manually while tweaking it is a big oversight I think. Let’s hope they fix that.

[@slinhciriew8266]

Pure Freude ich sehe und höre Stimming immer wieder gerne voll sympathisch der Typ

[@fallprecauxionsmusic]

I completely agree.

[@NeoLudditevisons]

every time I watch stimming do a drum machine review it makes want to buy the drum machine. Why do I do this to myself....

[@musictalk-tech]

😂

[@KR4FTWERK]

really? even this fartmachine?

[@NeoLudditevisons]

@@KR4FTWERK yeah that bit half way through where hes smashing that techno pattern is ace! Think the morph aspect is really wild too and the cold hi hat sounds pretty ace. Imo

[@infindebula]

@@KR4FTWERK FART MACHINE ... GASSY HUMAN BEING THE FART ' MACHINE ' MACHINE ' MACHINE ' MACHINE ' MACHINE ' MACHINE ' MACHINE

[@SB-wn2rd]

@@KR4FTWERK aka MannMaschine interface

[@Satter64]

Hey Martin, do you know if its possible to save the waveform in the LFO between two different patterns ?? i've been trying to save the pattern and saving the project but every time that i change to a different pattern it affect to all patterns. For example i'm trying to have a LFO waveform XDN in pattern 1, and have a LFO waveform SIN in pattern 2, but everytime i change pattern it affect all patterns. Any idea how to do that?? Thanks in advance

[@MadelnMachines]

I'd like to see you review the Jomox Alpha Base

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

Excellent and honest review. I like heavy music so this would be a great synth to pair with my Digitone and modular drums! This and Perkons would be a lot of fun. My only concern is how good is the MIDI connectivity and operation if I want to sync with Electron sequencer to control it easier? I have had a lot of head aches sequencing gear over MIDI due to different standards and setup issues.

[@effext1]

MIDI implementation is very good. It has both global midi settings and per voice midi settings. Voice midi settings let’s you, for example, play a voice melodically if you want.

[@CollinMel]

Ah - that ending. Spot-on.

[@freejazzbone]

nice review, thanks, do you think the LXR-02 would work well being played/paired with Digitakt's or Octatrack's MIDI sequencer?

[@rmvw]

Stimming reviews are the best

[@ludotex]

Great review as always. So it's basically the LXR (a great drum machine btw) with sliders?

[@jetpacksnake9741]

And delay and ringmod

[@Test-zv9ty]

Love the flatline at the end 😂

[@frankie5671]

Got a keen eye on this im sure all the short commings will be adressed. Some basic sample loading of one shots would be nice like the MDUW this seems to be that with just less track count. Thanks for the review subbed !!

[@jizzmaster2000]

My og mk1 has sample loading so maybe they will in an update?

[@Claidheambmor]

Handling samples is never 'basic' because as soon as you introduce user samples the whole internet kicks off about what they 'expect' from a sampler. This is a virtual analogue drum machine, simple and beautiful as that.

[@jaguarvssnake]

Laughed out loud at "Of course this sounds shit." Classic Stimming.

[@granolakitti8521]

New ear-mode unlocked: "bleeding" Nice demo, I chose to watch this with earphones and when you tweaked the distortion my ears panicked 😅

[@milan-wechselzahn]

Stimming likes the dnb kind of beatz. Nice one Mr. Stimming

[@djpolok666]

A buddy what sequencer is the best to master all my gear????

[@duxmania984]

does it have separate channel outputs to add some external effect pedals on separate channels? Thanks. Great video

[@musictalk-tech]

4 assignable 6,3" jack outputs (2x stereo or 4x mono)

[@whoami3611]

Looks like the most fun ever

[@paulbelon1222]

hi guys, i bought an lxr last month on second hand and there is juste 13 kits left, does anyone now how to get them back please???

[@LTLBIGMAN2]

Very thorough overview; I was quite curious about how this compares to the original LXR (which I have and feel is quite a unique drum synth). With the v1.2 update, do you have any opinion on whether this is easier to work with than the original?

[@mymockumentary9716]

The original feel easier to use live, also the 02 does not have sub steps which is a downer...

[@aptudo]

I hear quite a bit of overlap between this and the Volca Drum that I already own. I like that the Volca can synthesize natural-sounding drums in addition to the harshly digitally aliased ones we hear throughout this demo. Both sound amazing on the low end. This sounds maybe a bit fuller in the mids. But the Achilles heel of both is that they struggle to produce pleasing high frequencies. The highs don't integrate with the upper mids - they always sound detached, like a graphic equalizer with the right-most slider maxed out. Forget about creating a convincing cymbal without a lot of struggle.

[@jizzmaster2000]

I wonder if a nice LPF after the output would tame the highs to sound more convincing ?

[@sub-jec-tiv]

Yah you kind of need an analog machine for cymbals, imo. I know everyone will hate this comment, but for high end.. even a behringer rd6 or 8 is going to give you the right kind of mellow but present sizzle for hihats and that. This kind of machine is great for weirdo toms and percussive blerps.

[@sentokan]

Great! Is it possible to make your own kit by using sounds from different kits? Thanks!

[@andyhsong]

i think this will fit my needs! im looking for a drum synth with a wide range of sound sculpting, not just a sample player with limited tweakability like a tr 8s. im looking for a true drumsynth with a nice sequencer and i think this fits the bill! i just hope the menu diving isn't too annoying. thank you for your videos!!

[@tagt721]

Der Main out und out ist bei mir wenn ich in Ableton aufnehmen möchte viel zu leise !? Ich muss über die MIC Eingänge gehen… ist das normal ?

[@marcuswalnus6617]

Thanks lieber FMartin

[@NeoLudditevisons]

Stimming needs to review the liven xfm!

[@Bloody_Slime]

cool!

[@BXLrules]

Ah some of the sounds do sound like my nord drum 2. They will play great together, both having 6 voices too

[@trevormalcolm4328]

I’m always up for a Stimming review, hopefully you’ll get to do the Roland SP-404 mk2 would love to get your opinion.

[@ScottAdair]

Micro timing would’ve made this a slam dunk. Thanks for another slapping review

[@musictalk-tech]

There is micro timing in the new firmware update

[@ScottAdair]

@@musictalk-tech woo hoo, now we are talking. thanks for the update!

[@hungarian4everr]

Hey! I cant really stand Daws, thinking between Erica LXR 02 vs Electron DIGITAKT. Which would you reccomend guys? Thanks

[@musictalk-tech]

LXR is a digital drum machine, Digitakt is a digital drum sampler so it depends what you wanna do

[@hungarian4everr]

@@musictalk-tech Produce songs, and do live shows, but mostly produce, I do djing live.

[@cheliozlatchkeykid7886]

I know he wants to go into another direction. But Stimming would only need an LXR and his Tanzbär to be amongst the top Techno/industrial liveacts world wide. Protect Martin at all costs.

[@MStimming]

Haha, I def gonna do this next year but anonymously :) (and I'm looking forward)

[@cheliozlatchkeykid7886]

News of the day. 🤫✌️

[@balob]

@@MStimming that is something i'd love to see. will be on the lookout..

[@bci3937]

Jul is a genius in many ways

[@TheFlippertube]

Wonderful choice of topic as always.

[@lbarnett748]

I’m still on the sideline about weather to get this thing or not. It’s just crazy the grit, glitch, crunch and thump and how deep the synth engine is. It’s like a Korg er1 on some strong steroids aha. And i always come back to this demo to see the way your head turns and jaw goes Sideways as your jamming and tweaking out aha . Makes the Sound demo more cooler. I could imagine playing this thing on some psychedelics aha I’d fly the entire cosmos and back.

[@musictalk-tech]

There are some updates already which are worth to check as they eliminate most of Martin‘s negative points

[@Kinetic_lv]

Hi! Thouse cables! Wich company is it?

[@sumocloud]

Did I hear you say the kick waveform isn't reset on note on? Surely not?

[@No.0.o.0]

If this had an unquantized mode, track delay or micro timing the other limitations and design choices would make it worth it.

[@videomove]

i think i like the og better, but your moves are tight! 🕺🏻

[@mymockumentary9716]

still no sub steps like the LXR-01?

[@thomashoffend4299]

Roland has multiple digital drum machines and groove boxes as were mentioned at the beginning but not at the end. I think the TR-08S is a really good drum machine for the money. For smaller size and cost, their TR-06S looks pretty nice but I don't have that one. Then there is the little PO-32. There is something charming about the sound of this LXR-02; it could be some of Stimming's charm rubbing off on me, too. It sort of reminds me of Microntonic (and the PO-32) with maybe a little more noise.

[@bennolee348]

The TR06s looks really great especially considering the small form factor but the lack of extra outputs is really a bummer.

[@vortexchilling3816]

The end was fucking hilarious

[@XenonOrion]

ok fine, i'll buy *one* now

[@XenonOrion]

[@cf9978]

Can you record in real time drumming without sequencer style ?

[@DetroitMicroSound]

I'm about completely made up... The LXR-02 needs to replace my Model:Cycles. My Sonicware 8bw, XFM, ZOIA, and Microcosm, are screaming for this new friend........ 😁👍

[@looseyfur74]

it sounds awesome, looks playable. hefty price tag imho, things cost what they cost who am I to second guess what it takes to make market and supply a piece of equipment like that. Maybe Im saying I would be more of a buyer for something with these sounds and this workflow but for around the 300 mark....

[@looseyfur74]

@@sheateeley1 I get that but the workflow is a bit wonky and it's not with out some nuances.. just depends what you'll put up with for 600 bucks or whatever.

[@tkexit]

i honestly don't feel like the price tag is that insane. the pulsar is over $2k (and totally worth it). a synth is 800+. i mean, i guess if you compare it to the volcas, fair point though.

[@Claidheambmor]

You can get a Volca for the price you're asking for, but it don't sound very good out of the box or be as versatile.

[@lacosingalerneb8543]

Aphex twin sounds!!

[@petert7807]

This is very much Volca Drum meets TR8S!

[@effebidi9677]

And P.S. I would like to know if some peep here could compare with the Nord Drum 1/2/3 ... @Stimming , the only comparison is there ! not other drum synth is more near to LXR than NOrd Drum

[@DayflightTrok]

Only to use in hard core techno but than really Let’s go

[@RobertFeelFrei]

first LIKE and than view the clip :D

[@christurbiville]

like a smaller Machinedrum

[@Frozirra]

You sure it’s rectangle and not rectified sine?

[@turfoid7899]

How many steps can u use? 16?

[@Decoy303]

4 bars so a total of 64 steps.

[@vinylarchaeologist]

Is that a clavichord in the background? 😍

[@MStimming]

It's a spinet - actually it's from my grandma. I remember playing it when I visited her as a boy. May she rest in peace!

[@bilonggrisimmeri]

It is so good you kept your oma's spinet, even though you make a very different kind of music. Or maybe you plan to sample the spinet through some mad effects? Great review of the LXR-02, though for me, it has to be a Roland TR-8S.

[@DharmaTechster]

It's damn cool, but definitely like the sound of the original LXR better. This one sounds like a plugin in comparison.

[@ramseydoon8277]

17:14 - 17:16 😵‍💫🥴😂🤪Stimming the Greatest

[@noxchorus2953]

Hey Martin Kannst du bitte bitte mal den Roland SH4D für uns auschecken!?! Wir brauchen deine uneingeschränkte Meinung 👻

[@The_Invisible_Man]

This is funny, I had my eye on the original unit for years but never got around to getting it, I think you had to build it yourself.

[@roryjineffect]

I just bought one, have not put it together yet. Now this. 😭

[@The_Invisible_Man]

@@roryjineffect I feel for you!

[@OrionGarcia]

@@roryjineffect hold on to it. The 01 can load the brendan clarke firmware that opens it up a little more. 🥳

[@roryjineffect]

@@OrionGarcia yeah, was going to hold onto it, play with the different firmwares.

[@OrionGarcia]

@@roryjineffect when you build it triple check the lcd pcb isn’t touching the midi pins underneath. You may even want to trim the midi pins a little before soldering them on. I almost botched the whole thing with that one 😅

[@chapelierfouTV]

No way to manually trig is totally insane. Hope they'll add this 'feature' in a firmware upgrade.

[@musictalk-tech]

You can manually trig but not tweak the parameters at the same time.

[@chapelierfouTV]

@@musictalk-tech That's what I meant indeed. Still, unbelievable.

[@musictalk-tech]

No worries, guess they will change that. They are useally listening and quick.

[@delusionalluy]

Would be a great upgrade! Waiting for bars triggers too

[@jizzmaster2000]

Wasn't it the same on a 808?

[@waveforthefrequencies]

Mr. Director! Lol

[@crolodon8024]

Erica, if you add microtiming and ability to trig sounds while editing I will buy this immediately. Otherwise, it’s a nonstarter for me. Please!

[@musictalk-tech]

As written in the pinned comment, they will release a Major firmware update really soon and I guess most of the critic points here will be history then (hopefully)

[@crolodon8024]

@@musictalk-tech Totally, you think microtiming is coming then?

[@musictalk-tech]

It is

[@crolodon8024]

@@musictalk-tech Dude thank you!

[@dinogoldie9716]

It looks and sounds interesting. Though it's definitely not five hundred bucks worth of interesting. I'm not sure what justifies the pricetag of thrice the cost of a Volca Drum.

[@Claidheambmor]

I'm sure - it sounds like a proper instrument rather than a toy. As much as I like the Volca Drum, it has a thin sound that needs a lot of adjustment to get decent results. That said, they're totally different. The Volca Drum sounds like a physical modelling synth due to the waveguide resonator, and the streamlined controls make for a straightforward programming experience. The LXR and LXR-02 sound much beefier.

[@effebidi9677]

XLR original had micro timing and 128 steps total instead of 64. I never get reductions in newrversions of an hardware. I actually think is unfair. I'm very very fashinated by this machine and the previous of course . I did know the XLR 01 since its plastic enclosure and always found it very clever. I don't see many many progressions on this second version but the few on the 02 are very very notable . Sincerelly I think that the 6/7 tracks of XLR-02 could be instead 7/8 tracks ( they fit better everywhere :P ) .... and its pity Erika synths didn't implemented a sample player ( like the Korg drumlogue ) : sure this can't be never updated , and is like meeh :/ . It is too little , really. Why so tiny ? need it ? why ?? I would have make a bigger screen and 8 encoders ( beatuiful encoders by the way of Erika Synths , thank you) . I truly think XLR1 & 2 have to be more the two in one , instead two different version of the same thing. I gonna wait a bit more to see what happens on that cus I like it REALLY the XLR A LOT !!!!! thank you for the review Stimming.

[@remka2000]

The db-01 is such a great piece of hardware so I am totally biased towards anything Erica makes. Build quality feels like you could keep it for several dozens of years. Workflow sounds a bit counter-intuitive on this one, but it does still sound like a super interesting device! Thanks for the review.

[@inperfectsequence7840]

This thing reminds me 100% of Microtonic vst.

[@ricardleandro]

There’s a lotta menu diving on this little box…

[@jm6734]

Seeing compact new drum machines always makes me happy. Unfortunately UI on this one seems a bit fiddly/annoying. Number #1 must always be immediacy. And no unquantized rec = instant fail.

[@musictalk-tech]

There is a firmware update which resolved almost all of his negative points

[@olg88]

tekno maschine