Korg Drumlogue Developments

Although there's been no official updates for Korg's drum machine since October 2023, there have been some exciting developments, thanks to the instrument's support for open-source user algorithms.

Firstly, I thought I'd link to my recent deep dive video in case you missed it.

I covered a number of interesting things that others either missed, or functionality that didn't exist at the time of their reviews. Alongside standard analogue sounds and "sample munging" I decided to highlight:

• The Nano user synth and it's gnarly ringmod.
• The FM64 user synth and it's many parameters (it's WAY more than a DX7)
• Sound design using custom waves (including PCM samples!) within FM64.

The last item is probably the most exciting. Most users are aware that custom waves can be imported into FM64; used by carriers or modulators. Yer, because these waveforms can be longer than 256 or 1024 samples - in fact, any power of 2 number, we can start to play around with PCM samples for any or all of the operators.

There are a few requirements if you'd like to experiment with this:

• A number of perfectly-looped 32768 sample waveforms (I used a bow-tie loop to make them smooth),
• A number of specially-made Dexed patches, with the transpose parameter and operator ratios set to their lowest possible pitches (otherwise the waveforms will play too high/fast),
• A midi controller that transposes down at least 3 octaves.

Samples and Dexed patches can be converted to WAV data via this website, then transferred via USB to the Drumlogue. For all of it's quirks, Drumlogue is a truly exciting instrument.

Ylmrx Logue Units

Excited is exactly how I felt when ylmrx (ylmrx (ylmrx) · GitHub) told me of their new Logue SDK units:

• maxisynth SVF - A two oscillator and SVF filter for the Drumlogue
• poutou shaper - A waveshaper/saturator for the Drumlogue so you can go super loud (you really can!)
• snh - sample+hold (as a delay FX) for the Korg Drumlogue

My thoughts? Maxisynth is versatile and sounds lovely, shaper adds a lovely grit to everything (and volume!), but it was the sample+hold that blew me away. Blending it with the analogue snare gave me some very weighty, imaginative tones and I can't wait to experiment more!

Check out these units here: https://github.com/ylmrx?tab=repositories

Thanks for stopping by, and see you next article!

Posted by MagicalSynthAdventure an expert in synthesis technology from last Century and Amiga enthusiast.

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