The MODOR DR-2 Drum Machine Now Does Basslines, Too!
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The Modor DR-2 drum machine just received a big update! The new firmware adds four new synthesis models for bassline synthesis, greatly expanding the drum machine’s sonic capabilities.
Modor DR-2 OS013 Update: Basslines!
[10 October 2024] Modor has released a big update for the DR-2 drum synthesizer. Thanks to four new synthesis models, the digital drum machine can now produce basslines, as well!
With sawtooth or square waveforms, a resonant filter, and an envelope, the new SAW SYNTH and SQU SYNTH models deliver classic 303-style basslines. There’s also a new SIN SYNTH model comprised of three sine wave oscillators with a drive parameter. Lastly, the FM SYNTH model delivers classic FM basses with a simple two-oscillator FM setup.
You can further shape the sound using the built-in distortion, tilt filter, compressor, and parametric EQ effects found in each channel of the drum machine. It’s great to see that Modor continues to expand the sonic possibilities of the DR-2!
In addition to the new synthesis models, the Modor DR-2 update includes other enhancements such as improved synchronization to an external clock source, a global accent level parameter, and the ability to create bars longer than 16 steps. You can also now enable and disable instrument tracks via MIDI notes or CC commands.
The Modor DR-2 OS013 update is now available for download on the manufacturer’s website.
Modor DR-2: Firmware Update OS012
[12 April 2024] The Modor DR-2 drum machine gets three new synthesis models! A new firmware update greatly expands the sonic possibilities of the digital drum machine.
Modor has announced the OS012 firmware update for the DR-2 drum machine. With three new synthesis models, this update marks the biggest sonic expansion of the DR-2 since its introduction in 2020.
A new Rumble Kick model joins the four existing bass drum models. With a reverb component that can be shaped using distortion and a lowpass filter, it delivers the classic techno rumble. In addition to this, the Modor DR-2 update includes new Filter Hihats and Filter Claps models to complement the existing Hihat and Clap engines. With unique combinations of filters, these provide an extra layer of sonic complexity.
Furthermore, the Modor DR-2 update introduces a parametric EQ stage for additional sound shaping. This slides between the distortion and tilt filter in each of the six instrument slots.
The Modor DR-2 OS012 update is now available for download on the manufacturer’s website.
Modor DR-2
[13 November 2020 / original post by Robin Vincent] Modor says they are not trying to recreate the past they are heading full pelt into the future using digital sound synthesis algorithms rather than analog circuitry. Not that it can’t sound familiar, it’s just not the intention.
The DR-2 has 6 channels into which you can load a predefined drumset or formulate your own from any of the available models. All the usual sounds are covered from bass, snares, cymbals, claps, toms and a nice bit of cowbell. There are 12 parameters in play which shape the pitch, levels, envelopes and stereo placement. And then each model had some individual functions depending on the sort of sound it is. So, you have bandpass filtering on one bass model, noise mix on another. This takes us into interesting territories like FM, harmonics, spectrums, drive, clipping and all sorts of juicy stuff.
Not sure what that means? Check out this demo and see if that helps:
Sequencing
The sequencer gives you the standard 16 buttons for the first 16 steps although Modor has squeezed in steps within steps to give you a 32 step resolution over the 16 steps by doubling up on those LEDs. This gives you your 128 steps by being 4 x 32 steps.
Each instrument has its own accent, flam, tuplet, break (muting) and reverse (running the envelope backwards) patterns although you can also add accents globally.
You can run two versions of each sound to add some variation to a track known as Alpha and Beta versions. Closed and open hi-hats are one obvious use that prevents you from needing a separate track but you can use it to add interest to any instrument. The accent function works on velocity but it can also be strapped to one other parameter giving more variation. Another possibility is the Random function which you direct to one parameter and produces a different result with every note start.
Drum Machine
You’ve got individual output for each channel on the back and a bunch of knobs for instant hands-on and on-the-fly programming. There are sliders to control the levels and a knob for each that can be assigned to any parameter. It looks good, instant, playable and with enough going on to drive some really interesting sounds and rhythms. It’s quite a chunk of machine as well and harbours a really diverse synthesis engine.
The DR-2 should be available any time now for €1750.
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5 responses to “The MODOR DR-2 Drum Machine Now Does Basslines, Too!”
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is this really the price???
are you kidding me
is it made out of gold?
I agree. The price is waaaayyy to high. Even half the price would be a stretch for a digital drumbox.
Sounds Rubbish and that price
I agreed! Its way too white and expensive.
I respect the work and dedication that Marcel Belmans has poured in this little company. And yes, the price is high for such a device yet considering this was literally a 1 man operation when it began, it is not unreasonable. That said, I have played with this instrument and I honestly never took to the sound. This is a very niche product and I could not find a single sound, literally that I liked. Yet his products have a loyal following.