Lupine Instruments AP-1: An Acoustic Drum Machine?!
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Looking for a different kind of drum machine? Lupine Instruments AP-1 is a new programmable rhythm machine, one that strikes acoustic percussion with a mallet or drumstick.
Lupine Instruments AP-1
When Kraftwerk sang, “We are the robots,” they put it in everyone’s mind that robots make electronic music. The next five decades of techno haven’t helped dissuade people of this notion either. However, acoustic robots are not without precedent. Both Aphex Twin and Squarepusher have done songs made with robots playing “real” instruments. Now you can too, thanks to the Lupine Instruments AP-1.
Lupine Instruments AP-1: We Jam Roboto
AP-1 is a new device currently on Kickstarter. In fact, it’s generating such a buzz that it’s already tripled its $10,000 goal with another nine days left on the clock. Clearly, this is ticking all the robot boxes for musicians.
So what is it? Lupine Instruments AP-1 is an acoustic drum machine comprised of a wooden box, a “hand” to hold a drumstick or mallet, and two holes for mounting handheld percussion on metal rods. It also includes two built-in clamps so you can mount it to standard 3/8 inch (10mm) percussion hardware. Lastly, there’s a touchscreen for making adjustments and setting things in motion.
Lupine Instruments AP-1: Playback Modes
The AP-1 features two modes. Metronome is what it sounds like, with adjustable tempo, but the acoustic drum machine is more than just a timekeeper, with preloaded rhythms such as a clave pattern or an up-tempo swing. You can also upload your own MIDI files onto the AP-1 via the app or USB port. Additionally, you can decide how hard you want AP-1 to hit the percussion via the volume slider.
“Play along with a real cowbell, woodblock, tambourine, cymbal, snare drum, or any percussion instrument you can get your hands on,” says the company.
Alternatively, switch to MIDI Mode and control AP-1 through the five-pin MIDI in port using a MIDI controller. You can specify note and channel to trigger the left and/or right instruments. You can also chain multiple AP-1s together using the MIDI out/thru port. Velocity controls the strength of the robot’s playing.
Lupine Instruments AP-1: Pricing and Availability
Lupine Instruments AP-1 includes the unit, a jam block, four rods (two with clamps), two mini mallets, two drumstick halves, a USB-C cable, MIDI cable, and charger.
AP-1 is available for pre-order on Kickstarter. The regular price is $299 but there are a variety of early bird prices available.
Lupine Instruments hopes to ship in October 2026.
More Information
- Lupine Instruments AP-1 Kickstarter page
- More about drums
- Buy drums at Thomann*
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2 responses to “Lupine Instruments AP-1: An Acoustic Drum Machine?!”
Hmm. Check the date!
April joke or what?