Sonicware CyDrums: Drums in the Fourth Dimension!
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Sonicware CyDrums · Source: Sonicware
Sonicware CyDrums · Source: Sonicware
Sonicware CyDrums · Source: Sonicware
Sonicware CyDrums · Source: Sonicware
Sonicware’s CyDrums is their third instrument in the “Giant Gameboy” style form factor, with this unit promising 4D drum sounds that react, transform and evolve, using 64 proprietary wavetables.
2024 was a great year for Sonicware, with them rounding it out with the incredibly well-received LIVEN Ambient Ø and the ELZ_1 play going into full production. And to kick off 2025, they return to the form-factor that gave us the SmplTrek and LoFi-12 XT, this time with CyDrums.
Sonicware CyDrums
CyDrums is a wavetable-based, 8-track expressive drum synthesizer that allows players to use velocity and pressure alongside 22 custom Sound Structures tailored to each instrument to create an almost infinite amount of possibilities, sonically speaking.
Loaded with 64 proprietary wavetables, each of which comprises up to 256 single-cycle waveforms, you get full control over how these wavetables are used. Playback directions, speed, start and end points and more are available for you to manipulate the wavetables.
Sound Structures
Two parameters can be assigned to velocity and pressure, allowing a pretty impressive degree of real-time control and performance features for dynamic sounds. As well as this, Sonicware have introduced Sound Structures, which, on paper at least, look very much like FM algorithms, except they’re not! These structures combine various sound sources, including wavetables, noise and pulses, to give you everything from familiar drum sounds to new and exciting tones.
CyDrums comes with 520 preset patches to get you started, all of which utilise the tagging feature for easy searching and recall. Each track benefits from two insert FX, plus a reverb and master FX section. Insert FX include modulation FX, ring modulators, filters, compressors, distortion and more. Master FX are more limited but equally good.
Performance & Sequencing Functions
Sonicware has brought over the sequencer from the LoFi-12 XT to give you 8 tracks and 128-step sequencing. Each project can store 128 patterns per project, allowing you to chain them for songs or flip between them effortlessly when used live.
Other performance modes include VariSpeed, extendable track release times, track randomisation and track length scaling. There’s also randomisation and probability functions for powerful generative functionality.
Connectivity
Connectivity on the rear includes full size MIDI, 1/4″ TRS in and out jacks, including a Hi-Z input and digital audio out over USB. The familiar Sync In/Out ports are on the top surface, along with a built-in speaker. Power is either from a mains connection or from AA batteries.
More Information
The first 100 units will ship on January 31st, with general orders beginning shipment around Feb. 20th 2025. The Sonicware CyDrums is available here at Thomann* for €469.
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