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Average Price: $4,550
High-end/Boutique
$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.
Videos
zibbybone
Linn Electronics LinnDrum Vintage Drum Machine Basic Demo
Reviews
PROS
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Authentic classic drum machine sounds
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Integrates well in mixes with subtle processing
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User-friendly sequencer feels natural, not overcomplicated
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Pitch function and quantizing are notably effective
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Programming beats is fun and always sounds good
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Favored for its distinctive factory-default sounds
CONS
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Can feel somewhat flat-sounding initially
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Reliability issues reported in some units
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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
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Separate outputs are common, allowing for individual treatment of sounds, similar to real drum recordings, but stereo outputs are used in smaller studios.
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EPROMs can be swapped to create varied sounds, with different playback circuitry for outputs tailored to specific frequencies, enhancing sound customization.
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Setup and maintenance
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Noise is a concern; gating or strip silencing is often necessary to manage noise from multi-tracks.
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Use cases and applications
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The LinnDrum often blends with real drums, typically adding sub-bass synth to the kick for depth.
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4.5 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 15 Ratings
182
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).
41029
they all are, yeah
Artist usage
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The instrument appears on the list of instruments on official artist's website (http://olszak.pl/).
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.
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.
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.
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.
"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."
In an Instagram post, Alan Damien confirms using the Linn Electronics LinnDrum by captioning a photo, "Getting down with the #LinnDrum this Saturday morning."
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.
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."
'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...'
Album Usage
The Linn Electronics LinnDrum has been featured on the following albums:
Hurry Up Tomorrow
The Weeknd (2025)
Animal In Me (The Lost Album Vol 2)
Christopher Saint Booth (2024)
Ulterior Motives (The Lost Album)
Christopher Saint Booth (2024)
Doctor Who - Time and The Rani (Original Television Soundtrack)
Keff McCulloch (2023)
Give Me The Future + Dreams Of The Past
Bastille (2022)
Dawn FM
The Weeknd (2022)
Ghostbusters Remix (Yago Boss Remix)
Ray Parker Jr. (2021)
Aa∆zhyd China Doll
Edward Ka-Spel (2021)
After Hours
The Weeknd (2020)
Living on Video
Trans-X (2019)
Titanic Rising
Weyes Blood (2019)
Metamatic
John Foxx (2018)
Slide (feat. Frank Ocean & Migos)
Calvin Harris (2017)
Don't Take The Money (Organized Noize Remix)
Bleachers (2017)
A Deeper Understanding
The War on Drugs (2017)
Zoolook
Jean Michel Jarre (2015)
Day of the Dead (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
John Harrison (2014)
808s & Heartbreak
Kanye West (2008)
Discovery
Daft Punk & Daft Punk (2001)
Alive 1997
Daft Punk & Daft Punk (2001)
Homework
Daft Punk & Daft Punk (1997)
Music from Graffiti Bridge
Prince & Prince (1990)
Hats
The Blue Nile (1989)
Doctor Who: Ghost Light (Original Television Soundtrack)
Mark Ayres & Keff McCulloch (1989)
Faith
George Michael (1987)
Bring On The Night (Live)
Sting & Sting (1986)
No Jacket Required (2025 Mix)
Phil Collins (1985)
No Jacket Required (2016 Remaster)
Phil Collins (1985)
Hunting High and Low
A-ha (1985)
Points On The Curve
Wang Chung (1984)
Axel F (From "Beverly Hills Cop")
Harold Faltermeyer (1984)
War Baby - Hope & Glory
Tom Robinson (1984)
A Walk Across the Rooftops
The Blue Nile (1984)
Junk Culture
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (1984)
The Art Of Falling Apart
Soft Cell (1983)
The Fugitive
Tony Banks (1983)
Lullabies
Cocteau Twins (1982)
Happy Families
Blancmange (1982)
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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