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ALM Busy Circuits 015 Akemie's Taiko

$200.00 Price Tier: Standard

5.0 (1)

1 Critic Review

Find out who is using ALM 015 Akemie's Taiko

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Page last updated Jun 28, 2026

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5.0 (7)

$200.00 4 available Used

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Average Price: $200

Standard/Professional

$149

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Price Tier

In the Modular Synthesizers category, ALM Busy Circuits 015 Akemie's Taiko is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Description

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Discover the ALM 015 Akemie's Taiko, a versatile addition to your modular synthesizer setup that harnesses the unique capabilities of FM synthesis. This digital percussion module is inspired by classic Japanese synthesizers, bringing a distinct character to your sonic palette. With its specialized Yamaha IC chip, Akemie's Taiko offers a range of sounds from percussive hits to complex tonal textures. Whether you're crafting intricate rhythms or exploring new soundscapes, its intuitive interface and robust modulation options provide you with ample creative freedom.

The module features eight algorithmically generated waveforms and multiple controls for altering the envelope, pitch, and modulation depth, allowing you to tailor each sound to your exact specifications. The Akemie's Taiko isn't just about traditional percussion; its expansive possibilities make it a unique tool for any modular synthesis enthusiast looking to expand their creative horizons.

Key Features:

Based on a genuine Yamaha IC for authentic FM synthesis
Eight selectable waveforms for diverse sound creation
Adjustable envelope, pitch, and modulation controls
Compatible with Eurorack modular systems
Intuitive interface suitable for live performance and studio settings
Offers both percussive and tonal sound capabilities

Product specs

Brand	ALM/Busy Circuits
Model	ALM015 Akemie's Taiko Drum Voice Eurorack Synth Module
Finish	Silver
Year	2021 - 2025
Made In	United Kingdom
Categories	Eurorack Modules and Cases, Synth Modules
Horizontal Pitch	18HP
Modular Synth Format	Eurorack
Polyphony	1 Voice
Synth Module Function	Drum and Percussion, Full Voice Synth

FAQs

What type of synthesis does the ALM Busy Circuits Akemie's Taiko use?: The Akemie's Taiko utilizes FM (Frequency Modulation) synthesis to create a wide range of percussive and drum sounds, offering unique tonal possibilities for modular setups.
How many voices does the Akemie's Taiko module support?: The Akemie's Taiko is a monophonic module, supporting one voice, which is typical for focused percussive sound generation in a Eurorack setup.
What are the dimensions of the ALM Akemie's Taiko in HP?: The Akemie's Taiko module occupies 18HP in a Eurorack modular synthesizer system, making it a compact yet powerful addition for drum and percussion synthesis.
Is the Akemie's Taiko suitable for creating a variety of drum sounds?: Yes, the Akemie's Taiko is designed specifically for drum and percussive sounds, leveraging FM synthesis to produce a diverse palette of tones from classic drum hits to complex rhythmic textures.
Can the Akemie's Taiko module be used in any Eurorack system?: The Akemie's Taiko is compatible with any Eurorack system, adhering to the standard Eurorack format for easy integration into your modular setup.

Videos

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ANDREW HUANG

AKEMIE'S TAIKO — Walkthrough & Space Beats

ANDREW HUANG

ALM - Akemie's Taiko & Pamela's New Workout

Knobs

Akemie's Taiko Sounds

ALM TV

Akemie's Taiko - Basics - ALM015

ALM TV

FIVE MINUTES WITH 42HP Feat: Akemie's Taiko

sonicstate

Akemie's Taiko - Not Just a Drum Synth // Modular Music Making

Stephen McLeod

Reviews

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PROS

Versatile range from percussive sounds to digital FM voice
Creative S&H implementation for multifaceted modulation
Pairs excellently with Basimilus Iteritas Alter and Akemie’s Castle
Deep module with extensive capabilities
Well-mapped parameters enhance user experience
Outperforms BIA in user preference

CONS

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ALM Busy Circuits 015 Akemie's Taiko.

Features and functionality

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Akemie's Taiko requires modulation changes to be sent before the trigger, affecting real-time sequencing flexibility.
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Akemie's Taiko uses a Yamaha chip, providing a distinct 90s Yamaha OPL sound and requires trigger delays for accurate pitch tracking due to its snapshot pitch mechanism.
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User experience

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Some users find the peculiar CV behavior of ALM modules limits continuous variation for parameters like release.
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Some users note the Akemie's Taiko is "temperamental," indicating variability in performance, possibly related to its pitch tracking method and modulation requirements.
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Use cases and applications

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Tyso Daiko excels at creating unconventional sounds like laser noises and space toms, alongside traditional percussion.
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Akemie's Taiko can serve dual roles, offering both drum/percussion and melodic capabilities, which is beneficial for smaller systems.
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Despite being perceived as percussion-focused, Akemie's Taiko is effectively used for melodic purposes, leveraging its FM capabilities beyond traditional drum roles.
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Comparisons

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Tyso Daiko's ability to trigger two sounds simultaneously makes it suitable for lo-fi setups, whereas Akemie's Taiko is favored for larger systems due to its FM sound variation.
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Tyso Daiko is often preferred for basslines, leveraging its ability to be used as a standard oscillator with long release times.
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Akemie's Taiko, often available for around $200 used, offers a Yamaha-style FM experience comparable to the Mega FM but in a more compact Eurorack format.
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Software and compatibility

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Akemie's Taiko does not track pitch in real-time; it captures pitch data at each trigger, which can affect real-time sequencing setups.
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Critic Reviews

ALM/Busy Circuits Akemie’s Taiko

soundonsound.com

Akemie's Taiko by ALM/Busy Circuits is a compelling Eurorack FM percussion module that brings a nostalgic nod to Yamaha's OPL3 chip, delivering versatile, CV-tweakable synth and percussion sounds. It offers six algorithms with 64 waveform combinations, though it lacks visual feedback for settings. This can slow recalling favorite configurations but doesn't detract from its performance. Despite some coarse parameter resolutions, the module excels in producing coherent, dynamic hits and a range of FM tones from crisp metallic clangs to gritty synth textures. The single Ratio control stands out, effectively simplifying FM sound exploration. While a faint high-frequency tone exists due to the chip, it's negligible in use. Akemie's Taiko is a refreshing alternative to traditional analog percussion, offering a rich palette of sounds that make it a highly recommended addition for both FM novices and veterans.

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