The analog drum synthesizer DRM1 MkIV from Vermona is now available in its fourth generation and with a total of more than 20 years on the market can definitely be considered an eternal classic. The surface covered with 73 knobs leaves plenty of room for screwing on the desktop-ready 19" / 5 HU rack unit. Seven parameters as well as level and panorama are adjustable per channel. In total, the DRM1 has eight channels and voices each, but more than 10 instruments, thanks to the two hi-hat channels, which are alternatively playable as Cymbal. The eight individual outputs can optionally be used as inserts, the processed signal is then output at the stereo output. All connections including USB and the MIDI trio are offset on the back, so you don't have to sacrifice additional height units for the cables when installing in a rack.
The revised and optimized instrument now features a switching power supply (90-240 volts), USB MIDI, an additional MIDI output that converts the analog drum triggers, even lower crosstalk of the channels and can be finely played with drum pads via the (optionally available) trigger inputs. The real highlight, however, is the reworked analog sound generation: The rebuilt kick channel now unmistakably covers the TR character and sweeps a very wide range from very soft and restrained to solid and hard industrial techno kick. Overall, the MkIV sounds much fresher and airier than its predecessor. The two hi-hat channels even deliver reverse sounds depending on the setting, and both tone generators have also been stabilized. Drum1 and Drum2 shine with differently tuned frequency ranges in the modulators and furthermore with reset with each new trigger. Likewise the clap channel was reworked which now has more control paths and harmonizes even better with the "Reverb" now.