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Average Price: $4,550

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$150

$601+

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Description

Introducing the Linn Electronics LinnDrum, a drum machine that revolutionized drum sounds in the music industry. This iconic instrument, often known as the LM2, paved the way for advanced sampling techniques, setting it apart from synthesized alternatives like the Roland TR-808. Developed by the legendary Roger Linn, this is more than just a drum machine; it's a piece of music history, a precursor to the iconic Akai MPC series. With the ability to sequence up to 12 tracks simultaneously, the LinnDrum offers an immersive, creative experience that's still in high demand among vintage gear enthusiasts.

Key Features:

  • Developed by Roger Linn, a pioneer in music technology
  • Sequencer allows for up to 12 tracks to be played simultaneously
  • 56 user and 42 preset patterns for diverse soundscapes
  • Ability to arrange patterns into songs with 49 memory locations
  • Highly sought after in the vintage market due to its iconic status and unique sound.
zibbybone

zibbybone

Linn Electronics LinnDrum Vintage Drum Machine Basic Demo

Video thumbnail for Linn Electronics LinnDrum Vintage Drum Machine Basic Demo by zibbybone

Linn Electronics LinnDrum Vintage Drum Machine Basic Demo

zibbybone

zibbybone

Video thumbnail for We Ran a LinnDrum Through Pedals and a Neve Console | Funky Vintage Found on Reverb by Reverb

We Ran a LinnDrum Through Pedals and a Neve Console | Funky Vintage Found on Reverb

Reverb

Reverb

Video thumbnail for How to program a LinnDrum for quick jams by SynthMania

How to program a LinnDrum for quick jams

SynthMania

SynthMania

Video thumbnail for Vintage Drum Machines - LinnDrum  Samples by Simon Le Grec

Vintage Drum Machines - LinnDrum Samples

Simon Le Grec

Simon Le Grec

Video thumbnail for LinnDrum. Demonstration Record. 1982. by Adrian Täckman

LinnDrum. Demonstration Record. 1982.

Adrian Täckman

Adrian Täckman

Reviews

PROS

  • Authentic classic drum machine sounds

  • Integrates well in mixes with subtle processing

  • User-friendly sequencer feels natural, not overcomplicated

  • Pitch function and quantizing are notably effective

  • Programming beats is fun and always sounds good

  • Favored for its distinctive factory-default sounds

CONS

  • Can feel somewhat flat-sounding initially

  • Reliability issues reported in some units

  • Learning curve due to older interface design

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Linn Electronics LinnDrum.

Features and functionality

  • Separate outputs are common, allowing for individual treatment of sounds, similar to real drum recordings, but stereo outputs are used in smaller studios.

    Source
  • EPROMs can be swapped to create varied sounds, with different playback circuitry for outputs tailored to specific frequencies, enhancing sound customization.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Noise is a concern; gating or strip silencing is often necessary to manage noise from multi-tracks.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The LinnDrum often blends with real drums, typically adding sub-bass synth to the kick for depth.

    Source

User experience

  • The LinnDrum's imperfect clock timing contributes to its unique charm, as it doesn’t perfectly stay in rhythm with a grid.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 15 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
jordansynth

My favorite drum machine.

I consider the Linndrum my very favorite drum machine. It is used on some of my favorite songs, it is my favorite to use/program and it has my favorite factory-default sounds. Much like the 808, programming a beat on it feels wonderful and is extremely fun (and also just like the 808, it always sounds good).

modernsoulrec

Amazing swing

Sounds great. Very unreliable machine. At least mine is.

jimmarchi1

they all are, yeah

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Wojtek Olszak uses Linn Electronics LinnDrum

Wojtek Olszak

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Woobie Doobie

...
Verified via Olszak

The instrument appears on the list of instruments on official artist's website (http://olszak.pl/).

See how Christopher Saint Booth uses Linn Electronics LinnDrum

Christopher Saint Booth

Singer, Keyboardist

...
Verified via YouTube

In the official lyric video for "Ulterior Motives" by Christopher Saint Booth, the handclap sounds are notably similar to those produced by the Linn Electronics LinnDrum, suggesting its use in the track.

See how Michael Iceberg uses Linn Electronics LinnDrum

Michael Iceberg

Keyboardist

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "Michael Iceberg - In Concert from Disneyland," originally aired on The Disney Channel in 1983 and uploaded by Bill Shelly, the Linn Electronics LinnDrum can be seen on the right.

See how Willie Triplett uses Linn Electronics LinnDrum

Willie Triplett

Drummer, Keyboardist

Ready for the World

...
Verified via YouTube

Willie Triplett is confirmed to use a Linn Electronics LinnDrum, as seen in the official music video for "Oh Sheila" by Ready For The World, where it is visibly placed on his electronic drum rack. This video is available on the YouTube channel ReadyForTheWorldVEVO, remastered in HD by Geffen Records in 1985.

See how Rob Fisher uses Linn Electronics LinnDrum

Rob Fisher

Keyboardist

Naked Eyes

...
Verified via Muzines

BOTH CLIMIE AND Fisher have their own separate home set-ups. These have Fostex B16's, A&H mixing desks and recently acquired D50's in common, but very little else. Climie works mainly with the Sequential Studio 440 linked to a Macintosh run Performer sequencing program, while Fisher prefers the Atari based Steinberg Pro24 driving a combination of DX7, TX802, Akai S900 and LinnDrum. Between them they also have a full complement of effects including the Roland SRV2000 ("thoroughly recommended") and the Yamaha REX50.

See how Chris Hughes uses Linn Electronics LinnDrum

Chris Hughes

Drummer, Music Producer

Tears for Fears

...
Verified via Redbullmusicacademy

"There were lots. We had a LinnDrum II box, a drumulator drum box, a Roland Super Jupiter synthesizer, a Fairlight synthesizer, a DX7 keyboard, a rack of guitars, a Steinberger Bass, a Fender Stratocaster and a Gretsch maple drum kit. Those instruments were the kind of workhorse elements to the sound."

See how Alan Damien uses Linn Electronics LinnDrum

Alan Damien

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post, Alan Damien confirms using the Linn Electronics LinnDrum by captioning a photo, "Getting down with the #LinnDrum this Saturday morning."

C

Colin Thurston

Music Producer, Audio Engineer

Bewlay Bros.

...
Verified via Muzines

Colin Thurston's Home Studio Equipment List SOUNDCRAFT Series 1600 console. FOSTEX B16 with built-in noise reduction. ROLAND MSQ700 sequencer. YAMAHA R1000 digital reverbs (two). DBX160X limiter. LEXICON PCM41 digital processor. ROLAND 555 tape chorus/echo. ACCESSIT noise gates. REVOX A77 stereo reel-to-reel. YAMAHA NS10M speakers. SONY PCM F1 digital recorder for mixdown. SONY cassette machines. SONY compact disc player. SIMMONS electronic drum kit. LINN DRUM. E-MU Drumulator. ROLAND Juno 106 polysynth. ROLAND Jupiter 6 polysynth. SIMMONS Clap Trap. ELECTRO-HARMONIX Instant Replay ...plus upright piano and numerous guitars.

D

David Ferguson

Keyboardist, Composer

Random Hold

...
Verified via Soundonsound

In the wake of Random Hold's break‑up, David's gear consisted of "bits and pieces. I think I had a PPG Wave 2.2 and a Linndrum, and a 4‑track Portastudio."

See how Waze & Odyssey uses Linn Electronics LinnDrum

Waze & Odyssey

Music Producer

...
Verified via Instagram

New addition to studio

See how Tom Robinson uses Linn Electronics LinnDrum

Tom Robinson

Singer, Guitarist

Tom Robinson Band

...
Verified via Muzines

'I bought a Linn Drum when I'd made some money from "War Baby", but I sold it again and went back to the Drumatix. Actually the Linn was rather hard to sell by then...'

See how Calvin Hayes uses Linn Electronics LinnDrum

Calvin Hayes

Drummer, Keyboardist

Johnny Hates Jazz

...
Verified via Photo

Calvin Hayes mentions the Linn Electronics LinnDrum as a classic machine in his setup, highlighting its significance alongside other instruments like the Jupiter 8 and the Emax. This insight is supported by a user-uploaded photo on Flickr.

Album Usage

The Linn Electronics LinnDrum has been featured on the following albums:

Linn Electronics LinnDrum as heard on Hurry Up Tomorrow by The Weeknd (2025)

Hurry Up Tomorrow

The Weeknd (2025)

Linn Electronics LinnDrum as heard on Animal In Me (The Lost Album Vol 2) by Christopher Saint Booth (2024)

Animal In Me (The Lost Album Vol 2)

Christopher Saint Booth (2024)

Linn Electronics LinnDrum as heard on Ulterior Motives (The Lost Album) by Christopher Saint Booth (2024)

Ulterior Motives (The Lost Album)

Christopher Saint Booth (2024)

Linn Electronics LinnDrum as heard on Doctor Who - Time and The Rani (Original Television Soundtrack) by Keff McCulloch (2023)

Doctor Who - Time and The Rani (Original Television Soundtrack)

Keff McCulloch (2023)

Linn Electronics LinnDrum as heard on Give Me The Future + Dreams Of The Past by Bastille (2022)

Give Me The Future + Dreams Of The Past

Bastille (2022)

Linn Electronics LinnDrum as heard on Dawn FM by The Weeknd (2022)

Dawn FM

The Weeknd (2022)

Linn Electronics LinnDrum as heard on Ghostbusters Remix (Yago Boss Remix) by Ray Parker Jr. (2021)

Ghostbusters Remix (Yago Boss Remix)

Ray Parker Jr. (2021)

Linn Electronics LinnDrum as heard on Aa∆zhyd China Doll by Edward Ka-Spel (2021)

Aa∆zhyd China Doll

Edward Ka-Spel (2021)

Linn Electronics LinnDrum as heard on After Hours by The Weeknd (2020)

After Hours

The Weeknd (2020)

Linn Electronics LinnDrum as heard on Living on Video by Trans-X (2019)

Living on Video

Trans-X (2019)

Linn Electronics LinnDrum as heard on Titanic Rising by Weyes Blood (2019)

Titanic Rising

Weyes Blood (2019)

Linn Electronics LinnDrum as heard on Metamatic by John Foxx (2018)

Metamatic

John Foxx (2018)

Linn Electronics LinnDrum as heard on Slide (feat. Frank Ocean & Migos) by Calvin Harris (2017)

Slide (feat. Frank Ocean & Migos)

Calvin Harris (2017)

Linn Electronics LinnDrum as heard on Don't Take The Money (Organized Noize Remix) by Bleachers (2017)

Don't Take The Money (Organized Noize Remix)

Bleachers (2017)

Linn Electronics LinnDrum as heard on A Deeper Understanding by The War on Drugs (2017)

A Deeper Understanding

The War on Drugs (2017)

Linn Electronics LinnDrum as heard on Zoolook by Jean Michel Jarre (2015)

Zoolook

Jean Michel Jarre (2015)

Linn Electronics LinnDrum as heard on Day of the Dead (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) by John Harrison (2014)

Day of the Dead (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

John Harrison (2014)

Linn Electronics LinnDrum as heard on 808s & Heartbreak by Kanye West (2008)

808s & Heartbreak

Kanye West (2008)

Linn Electronics LinnDrum as heard on Discovery by Daft Punk & Daft Punk (2001)

Discovery

Daft Punk & Daft Punk (2001)

Linn Electronics LinnDrum as heard on Alive 1997 by Daft Punk & Daft Punk (2001)

Alive 1997

Daft Punk & Daft Punk (2001)

Linn Electronics LinnDrum as heard on Homework by Daft Punk & Daft Punk (1997)

Homework

Daft Punk & Daft Punk (1997)

Linn Electronics LinnDrum as heard on Music from Graffiti Bridge by Prince & Prince (1990)

Music from Graffiti Bridge

Prince & Prince (1990)

Linn Electronics LinnDrum as heard on Hats by The Blue Nile (1989)

Hats

The Blue Nile (1989)

Linn Electronics LinnDrum as heard on Doctor Who: Ghost Light (Original Television Soundtrack) by Mark Ayres & Keff McCulloch (1989)

Doctor Who: Ghost Light (Original Television Soundtrack)

Mark Ayres & Keff McCulloch (1989)

Linn Electronics LinnDrum as heard on Faith by George Michael (1987)

Faith

George Michael (1987)

Linn Electronics LinnDrum as heard on Bring On The Night (Live) by Sting & Sting (1986)

Bring On The Night (Live)

Sting & Sting (1986)

Linn Electronics LinnDrum as heard on No Jacket Required (2025 Mix) by Phil Collins (1985)

No Jacket Required (2025 Mix)

Phil Collins (1985)

Linn Electronics LinnDrum as heard on No Jacket Required (2016 Remaster) by Phil Collins (1985)

No Jacket Required (2016 Remaster)

Phil Collins (1985)

Linn Electronics LinnDrum as heard on Hunting High and Low by A-ha (1985)

Hunting High and Low

A-ha (1985)

Linn Electronics LinnDrum as heard on Points On The Curve by Wang Chung (1984)

Points On The Curve

Wang Chung (1984)

Linn Electronics LinnDrum as heard on Axel F (From "Beverly Hills Cop") by Harold Faltermeyer (1984)

Axel F (From "Beverly Hills Cop")

Harold Faltermeyer (1984)

Linn Electronics LinnDrum as heard on War Baby - Hope & Glory by Tom Robinson (1984)

War Baby - Hope & Glory

Tom Robinson (1984)

Linn Electronics LinnDrum as heard on A Walk Across the Rooftops by The Blue Nile (1984)

A Walk Across the Rooftops

The Blue Nile (1984)

Linn Electronics LinnDrum as heard on Junk Culture by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (1984)

Junk Culture

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (1984)

Linn Electronics LinnDrum as heard on The Art Of Falling Apart by Soft Cell (1983)

The Art Of Falling Apart

Soft Cell (1983)

Linn Electronics LinnDrum as heard on The Fugitive by Tony Banks (1983)

The Fugitive

Tony Banks (1983)

Linn Electronics LinnDrum as heard on Lullabies by Cocteau Twins (1982)

Lullabies

Cocteau Twins (1982)

Linn Electronics LinnDrum as heard on Happy Families by Blancmange (1982)

Happy Families

Blancmange (1982)

Linn Electronics LinnDrum as heard on Magic Windows by Herbie Hancock (1981)

Magic Windows

Herbie Hancock (1981)

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 LinnDrum, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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rflob

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1 alternative for Linn Electronics LinnDrum, curated by the Equipboard community.

Aly James Lab VProm

 

similar sound cheaper alternative

VProm is a software emulation of the Linn LM-1 that can also load and playback the original ROM files of most 8-bit era drum machines, including the LinnDrum.

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