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

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.