Sonicware just dropped CYDRUMS.
This looks already more fun to use than their sampler in the same format
Micro USB makes me sad.
This is cool! And yeah, micro usb?? I wonder how difficult it would be to swap in a usb C
No New Gear 2025 difficulty curve is looking rough so far.
Not all of their stuff appeals to me, but I appreciate that Sonicware is steadily developing new takes on low-cost hardware sound machines. This one particularly looks fun, and much more pleasant on the surface than the LIVEN form factor devices.
Feature set is excellent for $400. May not exactly be a Syntakt killer but it’s definitely got a lot going for it on paper.
EDIT: I’m not seeing any LFOs, which seems odd given the amount of modulation options otherwise.
That’s what I like about them too.
I’m not excited about wavetables, but this is neat to see and hear.
i think it’s the perfect drum companion i was looking when i had my OG digitone. now i’ve got the DNII but still i find it very appealing , different take on drum synthesis, never thought of actually using wavetables for drums. i may give it a shot
Not that I need another drum machine, but this quirky device seems interesting
Dr. Yuendo (the owner of sonicware) sent me this message on instagram.
“CyDrums features two oscillators in its engine, each equipped with an LFO for scanning the wavetable. Additionally, the envelope in the MOD module can function as an LFO when set to loop mode”
This is not good for my GAS…
Talking on Discord about it, and it has monophonic bass and synth structures with the same chromatic sequencer and pad mode as the XT. You can see it in the sound demo towards the end.
Expressiveness quote shared: “They’re not wrong about the ‘expressive’ part. There’s 2 slots of velocity and 2 slots of aftertouch and a loop able modulation envelope available per channel. 69 destinations available, but as with the Ambient 0 it uses Structures so it depends which structure you’re using as to which destinations work. There’s multiple structures for some drum types, classic, FM and metal for kicks for example”
The distortion on the amp envelope looks fun. And each track can be any engine with the exception of the open hihat and cymbals that can only be the last two (but they can be replaced with the other engines). So you could have 8 tracks of Toms if you wanted.
Nice demo. Naturally, it sounds great here. There are a couple things in this that are making my ST jealous (insert effects, master compressor)…
Awesome, that’s still not quite as nice as a dedicated LFO for mod destinations but it’s good to know it isn’t limited to envelopes in one-shot mode.
Anyone got a clue what the conspicuous microphone would be used for? There are obviously stereo inputs on the back to route audio in, but do you think this could be working towards implementing sampling too?
Notably it ships with a 32GB SD card, seems rather large for project files… or maybe I’m delusional [EDIT: since it’s the same form factor as the SmplTrek, I wondered if it might just be there so they don’t have to retool their production for the plastic case, but the spec sheet specifies that it does have an internal microphone. Seems silly to add the component if you’re not going to use it for something.]
And finally, I haven’t seen anyone else addressing the real elephant in the room - the yellow OLED panel and GUI design. Wonder where they got the inspiration for that
This sounds incredible. Definitely has my attention.
Looks like loads of fun and sounds pretty bad-ass to be honest!
Behringer?
In general I like what they are doing, but the abundance of similar boxes is a bit overwhelming. They are still a bit more expensive than Volcas to start Pokemon collection… It’s not only the price, but connectivity and space (even that small factor).
Maybe a time for one big multi-engine multi-timbral solution? Liven Monomachine…
I think that is the ELZ Play.
This seems very cool! Not sure I need it, but the demos are right up my alley.