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Description

Per Linn's original brochure @ time of launch:

REAL DRUMS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

Here's the most amazing rhythm machine ever – the new LM-1 Drum Computer from Linn Electronics.

Amazing because it has real drum sounds–not synthesized noises, but real drums, digitally recorded and stored in memory.

And it's programmable

You put in your own drumbeats in real time.

Odd time signatures ? No problem.

Your timing's a little off? No problem.

The LM-1 under-stands and corrects the error.

But music isn't just drum-beats.

The LM-1 can be programmed to play all parts of a song – intro, verses, lead-ins, fills, endings, etc... And it can overdub to tape.

Surprisingly easy to operate The LM-1 was created for musicians, not technicians.

Take it out of the box, hook it up, and it's ready to play.

You'll be laying down top-notch rhythm tracks in a matter of minutes.

But it doesn't have to end there. The more you work with it, the more it can do.

The possibilities are endless.

FEATURES

  • Real Drum Sounds—digital recordings stored in computer memory
  • 12 Drums: bass, snare, hi hat, cabasa, tambourine, two toms, two congas, cowbell, clave, and hand claps!
  • All drums tunable in pitch
  • 13 input Stereo Mixer
  • Separate Outputs
  • 100 Drumbeats—all programmable in real time
  • Automatic error correction in programming
  • "Human" Rhythm Feel made possible by special timing circuitry.
  • Able to program flams, rolls, build-ups, open and closed hi hat, etc.
  • Programmable dynamics
  • Any time signature possible
  • Plays Entire Song (intro, verse, chorus, fills, ending, etc.)
  • All programmed parts remain in memory when power is off.
  • Readout of speed in beats-per-minute
  • Versatile editing
  • Programmed data may be stored on cassette tape to be loaded back in later
  • May be synced to tape
  • Easy to understand and operate

Product specs

Brand Linn
Model LM-1 Drum Computer
Finish Black
Year 1980s
Made In United States
Categories Drum Machines
Analog / Digital Digital
Polyphony 12 Voices

FAQs

What makes the Linn Electronics LM-1 Drum Computer unique compared to other drum machines?

The Linn Electronics LM-1 Drum Computer is notable for being the first drum machine to use digital samples of real drums, providing a more realistic sound compared to analog counterparts. It also allows for programmable rhythms, making it a pioneering piece of equipment in the 1980s music production.

How many voices of polyphony does the Linn LM-1 Drum Computer offer?

The Linn LM-1 Drum Computer features 12 voices of polyphony, allowing for the simultaneous playback of multiple drum sounds, which was groundbreaking at the time of its release.

Is the Linn LM-1 Drum Computer suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Linn LM-1 Drum Computer is suitable for live performances. Its programmability and ability to produce realistic drum sounds made it a favorite among artists for both studio and live settings.

What type of sounds can I expect from the Linn LM-1 Drum Computer?

The Linn LM-1 Drum Computer offers digital samples of acoustic drum sounds, including kick, snare, toms, hi-hats, and cymbals, providing a rich and authentic drum sound palette that was revolutionary in the 1980s.

Which famous artists have used the Linn LM-1 Drum Computer in their music?

The Linn LM-1 Drum Computer has been famously used by artists such as Prince, who incorporated it into hits like "1999" and "Purple Rain," as well as The Human League in "Don't You Want Me," showcasing its significant impact on popular music.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Linn Electronics LM-1 Drum Computer.

Features and functionality

  • The LM-1's downtuned rimshot is iconic, heavily associated with Prince's sound and often used for its distinctive 80s vibe.

    Source
  • The Luma1 has purple boards, a detail that Roger Linn believes would have been favored by Prince, a known LM-1 enthusiast.

    Source
  • The LM-1's hi-hat sound is generated by a random slice of the open hi-hat sample, shaped by an envelope for a unique, non-repetitive sound.

    Source
  • The LM-1 uses a computer that cycles the sequencer first, similar to the TR808, resulting in a tighter performance feel.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Linn LM-1 was pivotal in creating the "80s sound," heavily featured on Prince's albums like Purple Rain, 1999, and Sign O’ The Times.

    Source

User experience

  • Users find the LM-1 easier to operate than the original TR909, though complex rhythms require meticulous programming and additional effects.

    Source
  • Potential buyers express disappointment in the Luma1's high cost, which makes it inaccessible for many working-class musicians, driving interest towards more budget-friendly options.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The Luma1's $5k price point is a major barrier for many enthusiasts, pushing them towards more affordable alternatives like the Behringer LmDrum.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some users compare the drum sounds on Gary Numan's "Dance" and "I, Assassin" albums to the LM-1, noting similarities to Prince's sound.

    Source

Other

  • Gary Numan's influence on Prince is noted, with anecdotes of Prince playing Numan's records during tours, suggesting stylistic inspirations that might have impacted his use of the LM-1.

    Source

Critic Reviews

The Linn LM-1 Drum Computer (EMM Sep 81)

muzines.co.uk

The Linn Electronics LM-1 Drum Computer is hailed as a groundbreaking innovation, delivering real drum sounds via digitally recorded chips, a significant leap from synthetic drum machines of its time. Its programmability allows for unprecedented creative control, making it an ideal tool for studio work. However, the review notes certain drawbacks, particularly in live settings, such as the lack of fine tempo control and the cumbersome process of dropping or adding drum voices. Despite these flaws, the LM-1 is recognized as a revolutionary instrument, setting a new standard in electronic percussion with its potential to inspire new musical techniques and styles.

positive

Synth icons: Linn Electronics Inc LM-1 Drum Computer | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Linn Electronics LM-1 Drum Computer is lauded as a groundbreaking instrument that transformed the music landscape of the 1980s. Its ability to play samples of real drums with a unique shuffle feature set it apart from the analog drum machines of its time, making it a favorite among professionals. The LM-1's programmability and sound quality brought a new level of sophistication to music production, appearing on numerous hit tracks from iconic artists. However, its high cost and limited availability—only 700 units produced—were downsides. Overall, the LM-1 is celebrated for its influential legacy and contribution to music history.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 6 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Mac DeMarco uses Linn Electronics LM-1 Drum Computer

Mac DeMarco

Singer, Guitarist

Mac DeMarco

...
Verified via YouTube

We can see the drum machine at 8:58

See how Brian May uses Linn Electronics LM-1 Drum Computer

Brian May

Keyboardist, Guitarist

Queen

...
Verified via Queenvinyls.com

In a 1982 photograph featured on Queenvinyls.com, Brian May is shown with a Linn Electronics LM-1 Drum Computer, highlighting his use of this iconic drum machine.

See how Prince uses Linn Electronics LM-1 Drum Computer

Prince

Singer, Guitarist

The New Power Generation

...
Verified via the Guardian

The LM-1 was elite gear. Only 525 machines were ever made, and inventor Roger Linn managed to flog them by dragging around a little cardboard-box prototype to showbiz parties. Notching up pre-orders with Peter Gabriel, Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Wonder, the Drum Computer became a bourgeois must-have object, and was quickly put to use in hit records from the Human League, Gary Numan, and, most notably, Prince.

See how John Deacon uses Linn Electronics LM-1 Drum Computer

John Deacon

Bassist, Composer

Queen

...
Verified via Retro Gear Shop

This Linn LM-1 was used in Queen's 1982 album Hot Space. It can clearly be heard in the songs Body Language and Staying Power. The Programming for the LM-1 was done by Roger Taylor. You can see in the promotional photos of guitarist Brian May presenting the LM-1 (of which he hated)

See how The Chemical Brothers uses Linn Electronics LM-1 Drum Computer

The Chemical Brothers

Music Producer

The Chemical Brothers

...
Verified via Kreativsound

In the Kreativsound article "Chemical Brothers – Tom Rowlands – In Studio," The Chemical Brothers discuss using the Linn Electronics LM-1 Drum Computer to approach music creation on a more instinctive level.

See how Jean Michel Jarre uses Linn Electronics LM-1 Drum Computer

Jean Michel Jarre

Keyboardist, Music Producer

The Dustbins

...
Verified via Vinyliciously

Quote from Zoolook album (1984) booklets (cd and vinyl): "... Keyboard and electronic devices: Fairlight CMI, Emulator, Moog 55, ARP 2600, DX7, Prophet V, OBXA, AMS, Simmons SDS V, Matrisequencer, AKS, EMS Vocoder, Eminent, Doctor Click, Linn 1, Linn 2 ..."

More information at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoolook

See how Chromeo uses Linn Electronics LM-1 Drum Computer

Chromeo

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

"Ah yes, another thing we haven't used much. The snare in 'Night by Night' is a sample of this. But somewhat like the Minimoog, it's almost too ubiquitous. When you start using it you recognize that. What's really amazing about the LinnDrum is that we haven't really ever used it. P has it just to have it for the archives. What's amazing about the LinnDrum is, well obviously the sounds because you hear them like you do in a Prince record, but also it's the internal sequencer because you have that groove that's just like the Prince - that kind of internal swing. You can't really recreate that with anything else. But we don't sequence on those machines, we use an old-school 90s computer sequencer. So we have our own - just have our own groove, as cheesy as that sounds."

See how Kraftwerk uses Linn Electronics LM-1 Drum Computer

Kraftwerk

Composer, Music Producer

Kraftwerk

...
Verified via Kraftwerkfaq

On the 1986 album Electric Cafe:

  • a Linn LM-1 Drum Machine was used on album Electric Cafe but only on the first 2 tracks (Boing Boom Tschak, Tecno Pop) and then on the title track (Electric Cafe).
See how Vangelis uses Linn Electronics LM-1 Drum Computer

Vangelis

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Vangelis & The Future Sound of London

...
Verified via Nemostudios

In this article (originally published in Keyboard magazine), a Linn LM-1 drum computer is listed among Vangelis’ gear.

See how Stevie Wonder uses Linn Electronics LM-1 Drum Computer

Stevie Wonder

Singer, Drummer

U.S.A. for Africa

...
Verified via the Guardian

Stevie Wonder is mentioned as an early user of the Linn LM-1 Drum Computer in this article from "The Guardian".

Who uses them? The LM-1 was elite gear. Only 525 machines were ever made, and inventor Roger Linn managed to flog them by dragging around a little cardboard-box prototype to showbiz parties. Notching up pre-orders with Peter Gabriel, Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Wonder, the Drum Computer became a bourgeois must-have object, and was quickly put to use in hit records from the Human League, Gary Numan, and, most notably, Prince.

See how Michael Jackson uses Linn Electronics LM-1 Drum Computer

Michael Jackson

Singer, Composer

The Jackson 5

...
Verified via MusicRadar

According to an article by Ethan Hein on MusicRadar titled "This track is an undeniable banger, but it’s also extremely weird": The borrowed hooks and unstable grooves behind Michael Jackson's Wanna Be Startin' Somethin', Michael Jackson programmed the beat on a Linn Electronics LM-1 Drum Computer.

See how Herbie Hancock uses Linn Electronics LM-1 Drum Computer

Herbie Hancock

Keyboardist

Various Artists for Children's Promise

...
Verified via Herbie Hancock

Used on Monster, as specified in Herbie Hancock’s Electronic Instrument Glossary from September 14, 2016.

Linn LM-1 – This was the first drum machine to use digital samples of real drums and also had the ability to be programmed. This was used by Herbie on his 1980 album Monster.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Linn Electronics LM-1 Drum Computer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
resonancestudios

resonancestudios

Gear IQ 214

artbarsnstripes

artbarsnstripes

Gear IQ 655

1 alternative for Linn Electronics LM-1 Drum Computer, curated by the Equipboard community.

Aly James Lab VProm

 

similar sound cheaper alternative

VProm is a thorough, loving-detailed software emulation of the original LM-1. Even though the LM-1 is sample-based, the way its crunchy 8-bit samples were pitched up/down can't be emulated by a modern sampler. VProm models the unique behavior and sonic signature of the LM-1s original sample playback engine, while also allowing you to load ROM images of other 8-bit drum machines of the era that utilized the same basic 8-bit architecture, such as the EMU Drumulator and DMX.

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