Vermona drumDING: New Drum Machine Combines Analog and Sampling With a Surprising Workflow
Expands significantly on the sound of the DRM-1!
4,7 / 5,0 | 
You’ve never seen a drum machine like this prototype before. Analog, sampling, sequencer: Vermona drumDING.
Vermona drumDING
The news from Superbooth25 just keeps on coming. The latest to cross my desk is this exciting prototype from the fine folks at Vermona, makers of synthesizers, Eurorack modules, and drum synths. Called drumDING, it’s a true drum machine complete with sequencer – and with a workflow that may change the way you think about programming beats.
Vermona drumDING: Analog Meets Sampling
drumDING is unique in that it’s equal parts analog and digital. At the top is the analog percussion synthesizer section. Unlike the DRM-1 percussion synths, which have eight different synth voices for various types of percussion sounds (kick, snare, hats, etc.), drumDING only has one. However, Vermona put it together in such a way that you can get all kinds of sounds out of it.
Although it does borrow some DNA from DRM-1, it also expands on it, adding a continuously variable filter among other parameters. It’s a fully featured synth percussion voice, in other words.
You can’t do very much with just one voice, however, but here’s where the sampling comes in. Once you have your sound dialed in, you capture the audio as a sample. Each project can hold 16 samples (saved to SD card) for use across six sequencer tracks. Wild.
Vermona drumDING: Sequencing
Unlike the DRM-1, which has sounds but no sequencer, drumDING is a true drum machine complete with sequencing. More than just TR-style steps, it has modern functionality such as parameter locks and polymeter, along with swing. You can also sequence the effects, such as pitch, reverse and decay, as well as DSP-based effects like bitcrusher and overdrive. You can vary these per step along with the samples.
Vermona drumDING: Price and Availability
Vermona’s drumDING looks like a fun drum machine with an inspiring workflow. I love the idea of sampling as you go, capturing sound ideas on the fly and committing as part of the process.
The company is hoping to have it out by the end of year. Price is TBD, but current estimates suggest something in the four-figure range.
Vermona products are available at Thomann*.
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One response to “Vermona drumDING: New Drum Machine Combines Analog and Sampling With a Surprising Workflow”
Looks very nice, interesting device