The latest amphibian-themed instrument from Erica Synths is the Bullfrog Drums, a sample-based rhythm box with 909-style buttons.
Erica Synths Bullfrog Drums
Towards the end of Superbooth24, Erica Synths showcased another Bullfrog-monikered device. No, not the education-focussed Bullfrog XL (which is giving me giant flat panel MS-20 vibes). This one is a drum machine: the Bullfrog Drums.
Erica Synths Bullfrog Drums: Sample-Based
There admittedly isn’t much information on the Bullfrog Drums yet. What we do know is that it’s a prototype, like the other Bullfrog instruments it’s made in collaboration with Richie Hawtin and it’s sample-based.
According to a video from motobor (below), the new drum machine will have seven tracks of sampled drum sounds. It has a TR-909-style 16-step sequencer across the bottom with possible live recording as well. You can adjust parameters like volume, pitch, attack, decay, drive and pan on each of the seven sampled sounds. There may also be FM although it’s hard to tell from the video.
In terms of sequencing, there appear to be controls for shuffle, accent, ratchet, probability and odds, among other things.
Erica Synths Bullfrog Drums: Knobs and Buttons
The look of the machine is fairly simple in keeping with the overall Bullfrog aesthetic. The knobs are large and easy to grab, while the buttons are old-school adding machine-style a la the TR-909.
We don’t know about connectivity yet although given that there’s a pan knob hopefully it will have at least stereo outs.
There also appear to be two speakers on the front panel.
Thoughts on the Bullfrog Drums
This is a prototype and Erica Synths has yet to release any information on pricing or availability. It sounds pretty good in the demo video (below). While it’s not the most exciting device to look at, if it is indeed intended for educational uses then the aesthetic fits perfectly. Will it be limited to internal sounds or does it also sample? We’ll let you know as soon we hear more.
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