In his latest loopop video, synthesist Ziv Eliraz takes an in-depth look at the new Erica Synths + Hexinverter HexDrums analog drum machine.
The HexDrums features 10 sound sources, mostly based on the Hexinverter Mutant series of percussion modules. They include two kick drums for different (or combined) flavors – the BD9 and Bass drum, an optimized Mutant Machine, Snare drum, Clap, Rimshot and HiHats.
In his video, Eliraz offers an overview of the HexDrums, including its build and capabilities, dives deep into the sound design options of each drum module, demonstrates it in action, and shares his thoughts on drum machine’s pros and cons.
Check out the video and share your thoughts on the HexDrums in the comments!
Topics covered:
0:00 Intro
1:20 Overview
3:20 Build
3:55 I/O
4:20 Bass drum 1
5:30 Bass drum 2
6:10 Machine
8:05 Snare
9:00 Clap
10:10 Rimshot
10:50 Hi hats
11:25 Cymbals
12:35 Compressor
14:10 Drive
14:45 Sequencing
17:00 Step trigs
19:10 Performance
20:20 Song mode
21:00 Settings
21:25 Pros & cons
23:55 Some jams
I normally love everything Erica Synths make. Perkons for me is the new standard. Kind of like how an acoustic guitar would be compared to an electric guitar and fx with no power. I guess if someone is buying their first drum machine, and wants the cliche sounds… this might be an ok choice. If Shakmat were to make a drum machine… I would take notice.
Well, it’s definitely not Roland TR-1000 competitor…
Built quality is so, so, looks like something from 1995 (wooden sides) and what’s with those radio shack rocker switches?
USB type A and B instead of USB C and you can’t even save your presets and edits either, Really?!
I thought the same thing when I got the Perkons. Like wow what are these click clack feeling things. But somehow the tactile feeling of it on your fingers… lets you muscle memory what they do, and the reaction speed and trust…. lets you use them without needing to look. Thats my experience with them, which might be different from other peoples.
USB C would definitely be the better choice. I only have the Perkons to compare because its an Erica Synths product. Like in my original post comparing it to an accoustic guitar vs electric with pedals is mostly that…. the limited amount of things that truly can happen to a particular instrument.. makes the preset thing less important.
My assumption is that if you put the time in to it… you can get to the sound you want fast. But if a live set were needing to switch songs… with all the instruments. This would be super annoying. Half the fun of the Perkons experience is having 64 kits you can bounce around between during a jam.
Hilarious stuff regarding ‘presets’. Remember these are repackaged Euro modules with a sequencer bolted on. Also given the few parameters, if you cannot acquire the sound your looking for on all the modules (except the Mutant Machine) within about thirty seconds you really need to spend more time with the device ?
I tried the Hexdrum out at Machine Bristronica in September. I was blown away by how easy it is to get a groove going with the right sound and by how uncomplicated it is. Its wysiwyg layout is perfect for me. I had been considering a used MFP Tanzmaus but this thing slams.