Machinedrum SPS-1 from Elektron
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(Click for a close-up) |
October 26, 2001
After two years of development at Elektron headquarters, the Machinedrum SPS-1 synthestic percussion sequencer is available.
Machinedrum SPS-1 is a dedicated 16-track percussion synthesizer and arranger. It offers four 16-part fully tweakable percussion
synthesizers with an advanced synchronised effect system with full hands-on control. The integrated pattern step sequencer is
specialized for percussion programming. SPS-1 comes with 6 individual audio outputs and two inputs.
The underlying premise of Machinedrum's design was to maximise the users creativity in shaping drum sounds and rhythms. As such
it was developed using both the traditions of classic drum machines and breakthroughs in percussion synthesis technology. The result
is a highly specialised synthesizer which is the state-of-the-art tool for percussion sound and rhythm creation.
The Synthesis
SPS-1 comes with four percussion synthesizers (MD-synths) each of which is created from a unique starting point. The MD-synths are
built of several specialised machines which are all individually designed with customised controls. Each machine is designed to
generate one type of drum sound, such as bass drum or claves. Each of the 16 tracks can hold any of the more than 40 available
machines.
The MD-synths in the Machinedrum are:
- TRX - Inspired by the classic rhythm machines of Roland's TR-series. Compared to its timeless forerunners TRX brings an extended parameter set, allowing superior control over the sounds produced.
- EFM - Based on frequency modulation, and is the most extreme of the MD-synths. The EFM-parameters offer a wealth of new cool percussive sounds.
- E12 - Carries the traditions of sample based drum machines such as Simmons and Emu SP1200. It is built on carefully processed sampled percussion sounds and offers individual control for all E12-machines.
- PI - Based on models of acoustic drums. Having their roots in scientific models, PI-machines are "Physically Informed", but the sounds generated can be stretched beyond the limits of real-world drums.
In addition there are also machines that handle the two audio inputs for sequenced gating and envelope filters. This allows for any
external source to be used as a percussive sound.
The Effects
The effects of the Machinedrum are tightly integrated with the sound generation. The Track Effect System offers dedicated effects for
each of the 16 tracks. They are always at hand with dedicated controllers and form a natural extension of the MD-synths to shape the
definite percussion sounds.
The Track Effect System consist of five concurrent effects: Amplitude Modulation, 1-band EQ, 24dB Lo/Band/Hi-pass resonant filter,
Sample Rate Reduction and distortion. The track effects have been carefully selected to complement the MD-synths.
The Stereo Master Effect system is composed of the Rhythm Echo delay, the Gate Box reverb, the Dynamix compressor and an EQ
with parametric and Hi/Lo-shelf controls. The Rhythm Echo and Gate Box each has dedicated sends from the 16 percussion tracks.
The EQ and Dynamix process the mixed main out stereo signal.
Sound Control & Sequencing
Machinedrum sequencing comes in two levels: Classic and Extended. In Classic mode the sequencer operates as would be expected
of a classic drum machine, with the sequencer separated from the synthesis. Extended mode ties these two together by keeping track
of the kit used for a certain pattern. In Extended mode all Synthesis, Effects and Routing parameters can also be locked to fix values
for any step. This feature encourages creativity and inspires the user to easily build advanced dynamic patterns. In addition, the user
is also offered unsurpassed sound parameter control with 16 syncronised dual waveform LFO's.
The pattern based Percussion Sequencer of SPS-1 delivers control of 16 tracks of internal percussion synthesis or external MIDI drum
triggering. 128 patterns of up to 32 steps are available for instant replay, step edit and realtime recording. Each pattern also offers
step programmable Accent, Swing and Slide. SPS-1 can switch from Pattern mode to Song mode where patterns are chained
together to form a song in a dedicated song editor.
Machinedrum uses MIDI as its internal communications protocol. This means that all functions available in the Machinedrum can be
controlled externally using the MIDI interface. All knobs and buttons that control the sound also transmit MIDI messages that can be
recorded for external automation.
Availability and pricing
The Machinedrum SPS-1 is available only by direct orders through the Machinedrum website at www.machinedrum.com .
Elektron accept orders from all over the world. All prices include express shipping, one year full warranty and a ten days money back
guarantee.
Pricing:
Sweden: SEK 12,500, Inside the European Union: EUR 1350, US and the rest of the world: USD 1100
The Sweden and Euro pricing include sales tax as required by law.
Specifications
Percussion Control
- 16 Track Percussion Sequencer
- 32 Step Pattern Length Max
- 128x User Programmable Patterns
- 32x User Programmable Songs
- Swing, Slide and Accent control
- 16x24 Parameter Locks per sequencer step
- 16x Dual Waveform LFO's
- Full Realtime Control
- Full MIDI Support
Effects
- 16x Amplitude Modulation
- 16x 1-Band EQ
- 16x Resonant 24db lp/bp/hp
- 16x Sample Rate Reduction
- 16x Distortion
- 1x Rhythm Echo Delay
- 1x Gatebox Reverb
- 1x Hi/Lo-shelf + Param EQ
- 1x Dynamix Processor
Sound Generation System
- 4x MD Synthesizers
- 40+ Individual MD Machines
- 5x Track Effects
- 4x Stereo Master Effects
- 16 Part MD Synthesis
- 16 Part Track Effect System
- 64 User Programmable Kits
Hardware
- Compact Hi-Q Design
- 128x64 Pixel Backlit LCD
- 3x MIDI DIN5P In/Out/Thru
- 6x Separate 1/4" Audio Out
- 2x Separate 1/4" Audio In
- 1x 1/4" Stereo Headphone Output
- Dual DSP System
- Upgradable Flash for OS
- Brushed Aluminium Top
- Steel Casing
- Dimensions: 340x176x68mm
- Weight: 2.8kg
For more information, visit their web site at www.machinedrum.com. | 
