We've got our hands on Arturia's new analog drum machine: Drumbrute Impact. A revised version of its big(?) sister, the Drumbrute, which we also reviewed here at ISP Música a few months ago. Impact refers to sounds with more attack and punch. Besides being more affordable, it features a new set of tools and a new design. It doesn't feel like a scaled-down version but rather a different set of tools.
The most notable thing, or what grabs your attention first, about this new "analog beast" is its hard-hitting sound and a rather crunchy, powerful output distortion. So energy and power define it. All wrapped up in flexible connectivity and a good sequencer.
What's new
The unit features 10 new, very powerful analog sounds. It also introduces a new variable parameter called "color" that lets us modify the sounds with a unique, different character. Combining "color" with that hard-hitting distortion delivers a range of tools capable of generating a pure, beastly tone that can find a place in productions by DJs, adventurous musicians (to combine not only with electronic instruments, but with everything) and producers in general, who may see their collection of resources grow.
We like the feel and good response of the pads. Up to 16 patterns for 16 songs, very appealing for preparing live sets. 4 banks / 16 patterns with 64 steps each.
Simplicity, tools
Tweaking the sounds and getting the most out of the sequencer is quite easy. Intuitive knobs that act directly on what you hear and a very visual step sequencer that's easy to use. Whether for creating complex polyrhythms or straight, simple loops with bite, the Drumbrute Impact comes alive in the hands of whoever owns it. We also find some tools that can freshen up our performances, such as "Swing" for creating syncopation or the random modes that can spark our creativity.
Powerful analog sounds
Thanks to the unit's flexible connectivity, we can easily connect to our favorite devices, sync up and get going. This way of working is welcome for all those who are a bit fed up with the computer and its endless menus and submenus. More visual, faster, more intuitive. And, naturally, it also has a MIDI connection for working with other keyboards or sequencers.
The magnificent 10: Kick, Snare 1, Snare 2, Tom Hi, Tom Low, Cowbell, Cymbal, Closed Hat, Open Hat and FM Sound. Or, in other words: kick drum, snare 1, snare 2, high tom, low tom, cowbell, cymbal, closed hi-hat, open hi-hat and FM sound.
Connectivity
The rear panel has a 1/8" TRS stereo headphone output.
1/4" TRS stereo mix output
Individual outputs for kick, snare, hi-hat and FM Drum
CLOCK sync in and out
MIDI in and out
USB connection
12V power input
Conclusions
I think the best way to understand the philosophy of this new, "impactful" analog drum machine is to listen to what it can do, from its raw, distorted sounds to those helped along by external processing, for example from Ableton. I see the unit as a source of inspiration and a workhorse for DJs, producers and even old-school guitarists (to give a more "classic" example) looking to expand the possibilities of their productions. Adding modern touches with a vintage analog flavor to practically any idea we feel like developing. Without digital "screenshot" features, for example, to update our faders and knobs, we're dealing with a dynamic, hard-hitting machine that precisely combats the "creative boredom" of other digital contraptions. Add the attractive price and you've got something new to add to your "wish list".
Specifications
Size: 320 x 290 x 90 mm
Weight: 1.84 kg
10 pure analog sounds
Accent per instrument
Optional Color on all instruments (except the Cowbell)
64 patterns with up to 64 steps each
Swing: global or per instrument
Smart metronome with headphone override
Multiple sync options: Internal / MIDI / Clock, including 1PPS, 2PPQ, DIN24 and DIN48
USB MIDI interface
Polyrhythm capabilities: each drum track can have a separate length
Pattern Looper for beat-repeat functions.
Manufacturer: Arturia
Distributor in Spain and Portugal: Zentralmedia
Suggested retail price: €299
