Arturia DrumBrute Impact 1984
Little Brother is watching you!
4,0 / 5,0 | 
DrumBrute Impact 1984 · Source: Arturia
DrumBrute Impact 1984 · Source: Arturia
DrumBrute Impact 1984
DrumBrute Impact 1984 · Source: Arturia
Arturia’s compact analogue drum machine gets a retro makeover. Introducing the DrumBrute Impact 1984.
Arturia has never been one to shy away from a product makeover, and now it’s the turn of the DrumBrute Impact to get a shot in the arm visually. The DrumBrute Impact 1984 gives this little powerhouse a more retro visual feel with an all-new white case.
The DrumBrute Impact 1984
Colour scheme aside, the DrumBrute Impact 1984 is identical to its darker brother in every way. Released after the successful DrumBrute, the DrumBrute Impact was a smaller, punchier device with a slightly reduced specification but retaining its hefty Brute-powered sound.
Featuring 10 tweakable sounds, the Impact has all the classic analogue drum tools one might expect back in 1984. The kick and two snares have pitch, tone/snap and decay and there are a couple of Tom sounds to play with. You get one cymbal and a hi-hat plus a clap and a cowbell because every drum machine needs a cowbell!
FM Drum
One of the more interesting features is the FM Drum which gives you a sound you can do a lot of things with. It’s quite a unique addition that can be used rhythmically as well as chromatically. Another clever addition is the ‘Color’ feature that imbues more tonal control over each sound. With it switched on, you can boost the drive on the kick, the body of the snare, the harmonics of the hi-hat and much more.
Of course, the DrumBrute Impact 1984 retains the hugely capable sequencer that allows you to program in real-time and step modes with accents and polyrhythms. There’s also swing and random modes that can be applied globally or per track.
Performance Features
The DrumBrute Impact 1984 is perfectly set up for live performances with its touch-sensitive roller strip. This allows for some very fluid note-repeat fun. There’s also a distortion element on the overall output circuit for some pretty savage grunginess.
One thing the original took some stick for was the limited individual outputs, but I guess some cuts had to be made to fit both price point and form factor. Data connectivity is covered with USB, 5-pin MIDI and clock in and out.
More Information
I love my OG DrumBrute Impact, and whilst I shan’t be swayed to buy another simply because it has had a makeover, I can see this appealing to more people and continuing the life of what is already a seven year old drum classic.
*This post contains affiliate links and/or widgets. When you buy a product via our affiliate partner, we receive a small commission that helps support what we do. Don’t worry, you pay the same price. Thanks for your support!
This might also interest you
