Linn Electronics

Also known as: Linn, Linn Moffett Electronics

Linn Electronics was an American drum machine and sampler manufacturer founded in 1979 by engineer Roger Linn and Alex Moffett, originally as Linn Moffett Electronics before being shortened to Linn Electronics. The company pioneered the use of digital samples of acoustic drums in programmable drum machines, a radical departure from the analog synthesized sounds used by earlier units.

Its debut...

4 Products · Used by 154 Artists

Linn Electronics LinnDrum Drum Machines

$5,388.03

1 available store

4.5 (15)

^# 28

in Drum Machines Rank

99 artists using

Linn Electronics Linn 9000 Drum Machines

$3,388.84

1 available store

4.5 (6)

^# 71

in Drum Machines Rank

36 artists using

Linn Electronics LM-1 Drum Computer Drum Machines

4.5 (6)

^# 83

in Drum Machines Rank

43 artists using

Linn Electronics Linndrum Chips (Various) Drum Hardware Parts

1 artist using

Its debut product, the LM-1 Drum Computer (1980), was the first drum machine to use samples of real drums and introduced features like programmable patterns, quantization ("Timing Correct"), and swing. Around 500 units were produced before the LM-1 was succeeded by the more widely distributed LinnDrum (1982), which added crash and ride cymbals, longer samples, and socketed sound chips that could be swapped to change drum sounds. The company's final product line culminated in the Linn 9000 (1984), a combined MIDI sequencer, drum machine, and optional sampler built around 18 velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads.

Linn Electronics' instruments became defining tools of 1980s pop and R&B production, appearing on records by artists including Prince, Michael Jackson, the Human League, Gary Numan, Tears for Fears, and Stevie Wonder. After the company wound down, founder Roger Linn went on to collaborate with Akai on the MPC60 sampler/sequencer, carrying the design lineage of the Linn 9000 into what became the MPC series.

Linn Electronics has 4 products cataloged on Equipboard, including Drum Machines and Drum Hardware Parts. Their gear is featured by 154 artists, with the strongest followings in Electronic, Rock, and Pop. Notable users include Jean Michel Jarre, Mac DeMarco, and Trent Reznor.