Korg-Drumlogue-Hybrid-Drum-Machine
08
Oct
Product News

Korg Drumlogue – Hybrid Drum Machine

Posted on by Xander James

Korg Drumlogue – Hybrid Drum Machine

The Korg Drumlogue marks a paradigm shift in drum machines. It offers the raw power and rich sounds of Analog, the flexibility of Digital voices, and Drumlogue’s SDK for fully customisable User Custom Synthesizers.

On top of that, its heavy-duty, dynamic sequencer, customizable effects, and intuitive controls will make Drumlogue a must-have in your studio to create music for any genre or style.

Main Features

—RAW ANALOG POWER—

Drumlogue was conceived to provide the ultimate analog sound for your beats, and delivers fantastically; featuring completely newly developed analog circuits by legendary Korg analog synth team engineer Junichi Ikeuchi (ARP 2600 M, MS-20 mini, ARP Odyssey, and more), the depth and richness of its sound is on a whole new level.

—DIGITAL FLEXIBILITY—

As the perfect partner for its analog section, Drumlogue provides 7 digital parts – 6 sample-based and 1 synthesis-based (Multi-Engine). The sample-based parts can play any of the preloaded PCM banks on Drumlogue. You can also import your own User Samples to its memory, making Drumlogue an extremely versatile machine with virtually limitless sonic possibilities.

To start with, the 64 preloaded drum kits of Drumlogue will provide you with a wide variety of sounds spanning several genres so you can easily kick-start your tracks.

—MULTI-ENGINE AND LOGUE SDK—

The popular Multi-Engine from Prologue and Minilogue XD is now more powerful than ever. In addition to the Variable Phase Modulation (VPM) and Noise generator engines, the Multi Engine features a new User Custom slot that can play full-fledged synth voices that provide vast sonic possibilities, never before heard on a drum machine.

—DRUMLOGUE SDK—

In the tradition of the Prologue and Minilogue XD, Drumlogue also offers an API (Application Programming Interface) that allows anyone to extend the possibilities of the hardware by developing plugins called “units.” Using the Drumlogue SDK (Standard Development Kit), custom synthesizer, delay, reverb, and master effect units can be created and then loaded onto the Drumlogue via a USB connection – mass storage device mode.

—USER SYNTHS—

Up to 24 custom synthesizer units can be loaded into the Multi-Engine User section. When selected, a custom synthesizer can be played via the Multi-Engine’s dedicated sequencer lane, as well as via MIDI messages. Each synthesizer can expose up to 24 custom parameters accessible via the encoders and OLED display, each of which can also be modulated via the sequencer’s motion feature.

—USER EFFECTS—

For each effect type (delay, reverb, master), up to 24 custom effect units can be loaded onto the Drumlogue. These custom effects will appear at the end of the effect list of each type. Each custom effect can expose up to 24 custom parameters accessible via the encoders and OLED display, and can be used in the same way as the internal effects without additional restrictions.

—OBTAINING CUSTOM SYNTHS/EFFECTS—

There is no centralised store for custom synths/effects. 3rd party developers are free to distribute their custom synths/effects through alternative channels such as community websites, forums, GitHub, etc.

—CREATING CUSTOM SYNTHS/EFFECTS—

The Drumlogue SDK provides a) the required tools to create custom Synths and Effects, and b) template projects to do so.

—CUSTOM SYNTHS—

Drumlogue’s synth voices are not simply static waveforms. Custom synths can be built to not only generate sound, but also implement built-in filters, LFOs, MIDI-controlled polyphony, and other parameters. The only restriction for third-party developers is their creativity – and CPU usage – giving you unbound sound exploration!

—EXCLUSIVE SINEVIBES SYNTH PLUGIN “NANO”—

Korg has collaborated with popular LogueSDK plugin developer Sinevibes to include a brand new synth plugin “Nano” as a factory preset on Drumlogue. This exclusive plugin explores the power behind the expanded Multi-Engine and will give all Drumlogue users a taste of this new platform.

“Nano” is a full-fledged virtual analog synth with a wide array of features and plenty of customisable parameters. The synth engine has dual oscillators with optional ring modulation, a 4-pole state-variable filter with soft clipping distortion, built-in EG, and built-in multi-waveform LFO.

Leads, basses, percussive sounds, or cinematic effects, you decide how to use this incredible sonic potential!

“Nano” is a full-fledged virtual analog synth with a wide array of features and plenty of customisable parameters. The synth engine has dual oscillators with optional ring modulation, a 4-pole state-variable filter with soft clipping distortion, built-in EG, and built-in multi-waveform LFO.

Leads, basses, percussive sounds, or cinematic effects, you decide how to use this incredible sonic potential!

—A TRUE SEQUENCING POWERHOUSE—

Drumlogue harnesses all of its sonic power to an extremely powerful internal sequencer that is flexible and easy to use.

Tired of the same old beats? Drumlogue’s heavy duty 64 step sequencer makes it easy and intuitive to create complex rhythm patterns and polyrhythms that elevate your music creation process with innovative features such as per-step probability, per-step alternate trigger patterns, per-step micro offsets, per-track groove patterns, and much more.

Thanks to its clear OLED display, it is also very easy to visually follow and edit your sequences.

The Korg Drumlogue is both great in the studio and playing live. With its Chain mode, creating long and interesting patterns is straightforward and clearly displayed. In Loop mode, you can switch between several variations to play your sequence in new and interesting ways. The Motion and Accent recording functions are intuitive and fast and if you want to try new things on your track, the Randomization function is there to help you. These functions and many more on the Drumlogue will support and spice up your live performances!

—EFFECTS AND CUSTOMISATION—

Drumlogue includes several high-quality effects across three categories that can be used simultaneously: Delay, Reverb, and Master effects.

The send amounts for delay and reverb effects can be set independently for each part, and multiple return points are available.

The master effects allow you to add that final polish to your sound and bring it all together. Master effects can be bypassed on a per-part basis, making it possible to send the effect to specific audio parts. A sidechain bus is also available to master effects which can make use of it.

In addition to the included multiple and varied Delay, Reverb, and Master effects, Drumlogue can also load custom third-party Delay / Reverb / Master Effects.

Each effect can implement up to 24 parameters, all easily accessed in the well-laid-out menu.

Drumlogue has an audio input, so you can process other instruments through Drumlogue’s effect chain, making it an ideal companion for your studio setup.

—CONNECTIVITY—

The Korg Drumlogue has a variety of inputs, outputs, and connections, to integrate seamlessly with your rig.

Drumlogue’s USB-A port allows connectivity with other USB MIDI class-compliant devices for additional customisable control. For example, control each part’s volume with the nanoKONTROL2 faders, or trigger sounds using the velocity-sensitive pads on the nanoPAD2, adding extra levels of expression and integration.

Drumlogue has four individual audio outputs, in addition to the headphone and L/MONO and R outputs. You can assign any part to any output to expand routing options for external processing or multitrack recording.

Drumlogue easily syncs to your other gear via MIDI IN/OUT, SYNC IN/OUT, or to a computer-based DAW via USB.

—EASE OF USE—

Drumlogue is not only powerful, but extremely easy to use.

Designed with simplicity and accessibility in mind, the most important parameters for your main drum parts all have dedicated knobs on the front panel that can be adjusted on the fly, as well as dedicated volume pots for each part that will speed up your mixing process.

Its wide and clear OLED screen coupled with its simple UI with 4 dedicated encoder knobs makes the navigation process fast and smooth.

—FORM FACTOR, DESIGN—

Unlike most drum machines, Drumlogue’s main panel is slanted offering great ergonomics and improved visibility. With its sturdy aluminum body, brushed hairline finish, and wooden side panels, Drumlogue’s sleek and optimized design will add to your musical inspiration.

Specifications

  • Polyphony
    • 11 voices
    • User synths may be played polyphonically via MIDI, the actual voice count will depend on the synth’s implementation
  •  Sound Engine
    • Analog x 4
    • PCM / User samples x 6
    • Multi-Engine (NOISE, VPM, User Synthesizer) x 1
  • Number Of Programs (including rhythm patterns)
    • 128 (64 preset programs by factory default)
    • Total data size should not exceed 32MB
  • Number Of Drum Kits:
    • 128 (64 preset kits by factory default)
    • Total data size should not exceed 32MB
  • Effects
    • REVERB
    • DELAY
    • MASTER
  • Inputs / Outputs
    • Headphones
    • OUTPUT (L/MONO, R, AUDIO, OUT 1-4)
    • SYNC IN/OUT
    • AUDIO IN, MIDI IN/OUT
    • USB A (TO DEVICE) – only for MIDI controllers)
    • USB B (TO HOST)
  • Power supply: AC adapter (DC9V)
  • Dimensions (W × D × H): 317mm × 189mm × 73 mm / 12.48″ × 7.44″ × 2.87″
  • Weight 1.4kg / 3.09lbs.
  • Included Items
    • AC adapter
    • Precautions
    • Quick Start Guide

First Look Walk-Through Video