GForce Software IconDrum – Another GForce Drum Machine, Another Classic Reimagined
The greatest drum machine of all time recreated!
4,2 / 5,0 | 
IconDrum · Source: GForce Software
IconDrum · Source: GForce Software
IconDrum · Source: GForce Software
IconDrum · Source: GForce Software
IconDrum · Source: GForce Software
IconDrum is GForce Software’s second dedicated drum machine plugin that recreates what many consider to be the greatest drum machine of all time. Have they hit that perfect beat?
It’s easy to disregard the importance of the original Linn LM-1 Drum Computer these days. With drum samples and libraries covering almost every kind of drum sound possible, it’s hard to think of a world where real drum sounds that didn’t come from real drums were a pipe dream.
From Analogue to Samples
Drum machines had, of course, been around for some time by 1980, but they all utilised analogue technology, and there was a burgeoning desire to be able to control real drum sounds electronically. At the same time that Vogel & Ryrie were developing the world’s first commercial digital sampler, the Fairlight CMI, on the other side of the world, Roger Linn was using digital samples to create his revolutionary machine.
Legend has it that Steve Porcaro of Toto suggested that Linn store drum sounds on a chip, and so, as the technology become more prevalent and, crucially, cheaper, Linn set about finishing up his device. He was also able to introduce quantisation and the concept of swing, a feature which would reappear in another Linn invention, the Akai MPC. And we all know how important THAT became!
Linn drum samples are everywhere these days, but few instruments that use them can recreate the method with which they are played within the LM-1 or its successor, the LinnDrum. Hardware clones such as the magnificent Luma 1 do a magnificent job of delivering an authentic LM-1 experience. at a price. Now, GForce Software has released IconDrum, their homage to the most important drum machine ever, in my very humble opinion.
The GForce Software IconDrum
GForce has taken most of the original hardware and has lovingly recreated it but also expanded on it, giving it a new lease of life and the ability to fit into a 21st century production environment. Whilst the interface screams LinnDrum, they’ve also included samples from not one, but two LinnDrums that had different sonic qualities. And for good measure, there’s LM-1 samples included too.
Each sample set has been recorded in various ways to give you plenty of options. As well as clean samples taken directly from the outs, they’ve also included sets that have been processed through different signal paths. Classic, Modern and Tape are the main options available.
The GForce team have assembled a decent number of preset kit configurations that utilise all of the sound processing features of the original as well as the additional reverb, delay, EQ, compression and distortion FX they’ve added in.
There’s a filter on every drum sound in the mixer, which also features FX levels, pitch settings (essential for that Prince rimshot/sidestick), pan and individual levels. And yes, there is multi-out support built right in.
In total there are 100 individual drum samples, over 70 preset kits and a 3-slot individually selectable FX chain on the master output. There’s velocity control, a GM map for your MIDI controller, MIDI Learn and a fully scalable UI.
Is Something Missing?
As a huge fan of the LM-1 and the LinnDrum, I am super excited about this release, but not everything is perfect here. GForce have said right from the get-go that they haven’t replicated the unique way the original hardware played the cymbal and hi-hat samples. And like their Oberheim DMX plugin, there is no built-in sequencer.
I know this will prove to be somewhat controversial, but honestly, is it necessary? Whenever I use a drum machine plugin, I use it in a DAW that has a way better sequencer anyway, and I’ve never really liked programming a beat in a plugin and then tracking with it. But I get it; we’re all different. I’m sure GForce would consider an update if enough people ask them nicely.
More Information
GForce IconDrum is available for Mac macOS 10.15 and above with Intel and native Apple Silicon support (AU/AAX/VST/VST3) & PC Windows 7 and up (AAX/VST/VST3).
IconDrum is available right now with a 50% introductory discount at just £24.99 + VAT, rising to £49.99 + VAT after that.
Legal: All trademarks, service marks and company names are the property of their respective owners. LinnDrum is a trademark of Linn Electronics. All instrument names and inventor references are included solely for illustrative and educational purposes, with no implied affiliation or endorsement of IconDrum by any company or instrument inventor. This product was created without the involvement or consent of Roger Linn.
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