Behringer LM Drum: Is the LinnDrum Clone Really That Great? Review!
Authentic LinnDrum Sounds Reimagined With Modern Technology
3,9 / 5,0 | 
Behringer LM Drum: Is the LinnDrum Clone Really That Great? Review! · Source: Behringer
The Behringer LM Drum brings the legendary sound of the LinnDrum into the present, combining classic sounds with modern features. With 109 authentic drum sounds, a 64-step sequencer, and an analog filter section, this instrument offers the perfect blend of retro charm and contemporary technology. If you love the sound of the 1980s or want to create fresh beats with a vintage feel, this drum machine is for you. But how does LM Drum perform in the studio? Find out all about the sound, operation and features. This is my review.
All About Behringer LM Drum
Behringer LM Drum – Quick Facts
- Modern reissue of the legendary LinnDrum with authentic 8/12-bit sound
- Hybrid engine combines digital samples with analog filter and amp sections
- 109 drum sounds, including sounds from the LM-1, LM-2, and more
- 16-note polyphony with individual volume and pan control for each voice
- Authentic sounds with powerful kicks, crisp snares, and signature hi-hats
- 3320 VCF & 2164 VCA for analog sound shaping with filters and dynamics processing
- User samples can be loaded and edited internally for custom drum sounds
- Advanced sound shaping options
- 64-step sequencer with swing, flam, random and chance modes
- Live and step recording
- Store 128 patterns and 8 full songs
- 16 touch-sensitive pads with aftertouch
- Affordable alternative to expensive vintage drum machines with greatly expanded functionality
Behringer LM Drum in the Test Lab
The legend lives again: With the Behringer LM Drum, Behringer has released a drum machine that pays homage to the legendary LinnDrum. With a mix of classic sound aesthetics and modern features, the device is not only meant to inspire retro fans, but should also be ready for use in current music productions. But how well has Behringer done in relaunching one of the most influential drum machines of all time? I was finally able to put it to the test in my studio.
Since its release, a number of firmware updates have added some cool new features (tune control per sound, MIDI CC support for tuning, auto save, etc.) that have been requested by users and further improved the drum machine. Very good!
First Impression: Retro Charm Meets Modern Technology
Upon unpacking the Behringer LM Drum, it is immediately apparent that the design is very much based on the original LinnDrum. The solid construction conveys a sense of quality, and the layout of the user interface is definitely reminiscent of the 1980s model. Those familiar with the original will find their way around quickly. However, Behringer has not simply created a copy, but has added some interesting features to the concept. And that’s what you want in new hardware these days!
The controls seem to be quite well made and offer a pleasant resistance – unfortunately some knobs feel a little “wobbly” – but you can’t expect super solid workmanship at this price. Especially the 16 velocity-sensitive pads with aftertouch offer hope for expressive playing. The display, which is very easy to read, sets a modern accent and should make it easier to navigate through the menus and settings (especially when editing sound parameters).
Sound Quality: Authentic Sounds With Creative Options
The heart of any drum machine is, of course, the “fat” sound. The Behringer LM Drum is based on a mix of classic LinnDrum sounds and new sound design options. A total of 109 drum sounds are available the first time you power up, including samples from the original LM-1, LM-2, and some modern extensions. Very cool! It’s a great way to get started.
The samples sound absolutely convincing and transport the typical “fat” sound of the 1980s, known from countless hits of that era. The punch of the kicks, the crisp snares and the characteristic hi-hats deliver exactly what you expect from a LinnDrum emulation. I haven’t felt this much punch from a drum machine in a long time – and that’s with the included preset sounds. You can get even more out of your drum set by using the integrated wave designer in conjunction with the high/low pass filter.
In addition to the original samples, Behringer LM Drum allows you to create your own sounds using the included Synthtribe tool (for MacOS and Windows) and store them in a library, which you can then edit in the box. Digital and analog circuitry is used to add warmth and depth to the sounds. The integrated 3320 VCF and 2164 VCA provide dynamic and powerful signal processing. So if you want to further customize your sound, you have all the options. And all this in the typical 8/12-bit sound of the time.
Sequencer & Workflow: Classic With Modern Features
Despite the many new features, the Behringer LM Drum is still pleasantly intuitive to use. The 64-step sequencer offers everything you need for detailed beat programming. With swing, flam, randomization and probability control, you can create rhythms that go far beyond the rigid grid of classic drum machines. Play in via the touch pads with subsequent quantization and groove, or rigid step programming – anything is possible.
You can save up to 128 patterns and 8 complete songs, which makes the machine more than interesting for live sets. Patterns can be changed quickly and with the different pad modes you can directly play or trigger your drums – perfect! If you prefer a more classic approach, you can program beats in step mode and use real-time recording for spontaneous grooves. This is also “modern” and should be available in every drum machine.
Connectivity & Integration: Flexibility for Any Setup
An important feature of a modern drum machine is connectivity. Behringer has equipped the LM Drum with a variety of connections that allow for easy integration into any setup. In addition to MIDI In/Out/Thru and USB MIDI, there are separate individual outputs for each sound and for the most important instruments. This allows you to process individual drum sounds directly in the mix with external hardware and effects. Another advantage is that it is even easier to record individual tracks into your DAW.
We are particularly pleased that the Behringer LM Drum has analog trigger outputs. This makes it easy to synchronize and control external synthesizers or modular systems. This feature should be of particular interest to experimental music producers who want to use their drum machine as the center of a hybrid setup. It’s also a big plus for live performers.
From the LinnDrum to the MPC: How 12-bit Sounds Shaped Music
The Behringer LM Drum is based on the legendary 12-bit sound, which is true to the sound of the original LinnDrum. This bit depth was the standard for digital drum machines in the 1980s and provides the characteristic slightly grainy and assertive sound. Compared to modern 24- or 32-bit systems, the reduced resolution gives the drum sounds a special feel that is especially appreciated in genres such as synthwave, hip-hop and pop, as well as other electronic music genres. The combination of digital samples and analog filtering keeps the sound warm and alive without sacrificing precision.
A key factor in the Behringer LM Drum’s unique punch is the way the 12-bit converter and DAC circuitry process the samples. While modern drum machines often sound clinically clean, LM Drum offers a certain “imperfection” that can be heard in the slightly rough attack of kicks, the crisp character of snares and the organic sound of hi-hats. This natural compression and saturation of the signal makes the sounds immediately present and assertive in the mix, without the need for much post-processing. The 12-bit sound provides a distinctive vintage feel, especially with heavily accented rhythms, reminiscent of many well-known productions from the 1980s.
Since you can import your own samples into Behringer LM Drum, you can not only use the included sounds, but also “color” your own drum sounds with the 8/12-bit engine. This way you can create truly unique drum sounds that can sound modern or retro depending on how you edit and use the internal analog filters and VCAs. So if you are looking for a drum machine sound that is somewhere between digital precision and analog warmth, LM Drum is the machine for you to bring that charm to your studio.
You can even go one step further and sample (i.e. record) your samples into the Behringer LM Drum. This will give you even more of the vintage character you are looking for, as your drums will be sent directly through the integrated 12-bit converter.
Conclusion: Nostalgia With Added Value
The Behringer LM Drum is more than just a copy of the LinnDrum. The manufacturer has managed to capture the essence of the original without sacrificing modern features. The ability to use your own samples, advanced sound editing options and flexible connectivity make it a versatile tool for producers and live performers. The hardware also includes volume and pan controls for each sound for quick access.
In terms of sound, the Behringer LM Drum delivers exactly what you would expect from a LinnDrum replica. The sounds are powerful, full of character and can be edited creatively. Despite the many possibilities, the operation remains pleasantly accessible. So if you are looking for a classic drum machine with modern features, this is the product for you.
Whether it is the perfect LinnDrum alternative depends on your individual expectations. Nostalgics will love the authentic sound, while modern producers will appreciate the advanced features. One thing is for sure: With the LM Drum, Behringer has created an exciting instrument that brings the spirit of the LinnDrum into the present. And it does so without compromise, with a fat sound and plenty of groove. Of course, the price is also very hot – an absolute no-brainer for my studio.
Behringer LM Drum Pricing and Specifications
You can get the Behringer LM Drum here at Thomann* for the price of $359.00 / £329.00 / 398.00€.
The price includes the hardware, which measures 479 x 264 x 73 mm (W x D x H) and weighs 3.12 kg, with a mono 6.3 mm jack line input, a stereo 6.3 mm jack line output, a stereo headphone output (6.3 mm jack), 16 individual outputs for all instruments in 3.5 mm jacks, three assignable trigger outputs (3.5 mm jack), a sync input/output (3.5 mm jack), and three DIN MIDI for in/out/through. The unit also includes a USB-B port for data transfer (data, MIDI, firmware upgrades) to the computer. The package also includes an external 12V DC power supply.
Pros and Cons of the Behringer LM Drum
Pros
- Authentic LinnDrum sound with samples of the LM-1, LM-2 and additional sounds in 8/12-bit
- 109 drum sounds plus the ability to load and internally edit your own samples
- Hybrid sound architecture: digital sample playback combined with real analog filters (3320 VCF) and amplifiers (2164 VCA)
- 16-voice polyphony with separate volume and pan control for each voice
- Advanced 64-step sequencer
- 128 patterns & 8 songs storable
- 16 touch-sensitive pads with aftertouch
- Good connectivity: MIDI in/out/thru, USB-MIDI, individual outputs for each voice, analog trigger outputs for modular synthesizers
- Price/Performance Ratio
- Solid workmanship & intuitive interface, like the original LinnDrum layout
Cons
- Design remains a matter of taste, could be more modern
- Some parameters are not fully editable
- Display could be larger
- Some knobs sit rather “spongy” on the housing
- No digital/analog fx like echo, reverb, phaser
More Info About Behringer and the LM Drum
- Product page at Behringer
- More from Behringer on GEARNEWS
*Note: This Behringer LM Drum review contains affiliate links that help us make money from our affiliate program. The purchase price and final price are always the same! If you make a purchase through one of these links, we will receive a small “donation” and thank you for your support!
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One response to “Behringer LM Drum: Is the LinnDrum Clone Really That Great? Review!”
I’m very interested. Berringer doing big things!