Jomox Alpha Base is an analog drum coputer with extensive functions. It contains eleven different instruments, of which the kick and snare circuits are analog. In addition there are six hybrid voices, two purely digital percussion generators and a polyphonic FM synthesizer. Samples can also be recorded with the Alpha Base and played back via 64-step sequencers. In addition, echo and reverb effects are used to fine-tune the sound. In addition to the wealth of functions, the instrument is also equipped with a number of connection options.
The circuits of the kick and snare drum of the Jomox Alpha Base are completely analogue. Whereby the snare is a complete MBrane voice, whereby sounds reminiscent of cowbells, tonewoods, toms and other percussion instruments can be created.
Six additional channels generate sounds via sample players in conjunction with metallic noise generators. These sounds can then be edited by analog filters and VCAs. As a special feature, two of these drum voices have VCFs with a slope of -12 dB per octave, specially designed for the generation of hi-hats.
There are two completely digital channels in the Alpha Base, which also work with samples for sound generation. It is also possible to record short audio snippets of up to four seconds with the Alpha Base. Recorded samples can be used directly or assigned to other sample-based voices. An SD card is required for saving.
The Jomox Alpha Base is probably the only drum computer to have an FM synthesizer with four operators. The sixfold polyphony allows not only polyrhythms but also chords and melodies to be played with this instrument. To play the FM synthesizer directly, simply connect a MIDI keyboard to the instrument.
The front end isn't so much buggy as a little clumsy - but that's my experience with Jomox since day dot. But it sounds incredible. It's thick, heavy and colourful. With a bit of work you can make it sound clean and transparent but you wouldn't want to. You wouldn't want to hide the bags of character this is capable of.
In the techno vein, the sweet spot of each instrument is pretty wide and with the on board FM synth it's possible to create a pretty complete sounding track from this one machine alone.
The Alpha Base is expensive but in my experience is a reliable shortcut to fat and crunchy sounding drums and a whole lot more