For his first review here at Rekkerd, John at Ra Sharpness takes a look at Audio Blast’s drum instrument Mininn Drum, kindly provided by ADSR Sounds.
In the world of music production, few sounds are as iconic as the ones produced by the Linn LM-1 Drum Computer, a revolutionary drum machine that defined the sound of the 80s. The Mininn Drum plugin captures the spirit of this beloved instrument, offering modern producers a tool that merges nostalgia with cutting-edge technology. With its unique sound banks and customizable features, Mininn Drum is poised to become a go-to plugin for musicians looking to infuse their tracks with the legendary sound of the Linn Drum, all while maintaining full creative control.
A Tribute to an Icon
The Linn LM-1, created by Roger Linn in the early 1980s, was the first drum machine to utilize digital samples of real acoustic drums, setting it apart from the synthetic-sounding drum machines that came before it. This innovation quickly made the LM-1 a staple in the music industry, and it was used extensively by artists such as Michael Jackson, Prince, Phil Collins, and Kraftwerk, to name just a few. The LM-1’s punchy, unique drum sounds became synonymous with the sound of the decade, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to influence music today.
Mininn Drum pays homage to the Linn Drum by offering three distinct sound ROMs, each designed to provide users with a rich selection of drum tones inspired by the original machine. These sound banks, or ROMs, are not just imitations; they have been meticulously crafted to capture the essence of the original Linn Drum while also offering new sounds that appeal to modern tastes.
The Three Sound ROMs: A Versatile Sonic Palette
One of the standout features of Mininn Drum is its three sound ROMs, each of which offers a different set of drum sounds that cater to a wide range of musical styles.
ROM 1 mirrors the classic sound of the Linn LM-1, providing users with the same punchy, tight drum tones that were a defining feature of 80s pop and rock music. This sound bank is ideal for producers looking to recreate the unmistakable sound of the LM-1, whether for retro-inspired tracks or modern songs with a vintage flair.
ROM 2 captures the essence of the 9000 Version, a later iteration of the Linn Drum that offered a more refined and polished sound. This ROM is perfect for producers who want the iconic Linn Drum sound but with a cleaner, more contemporary feel. It’s well-suited for a variety of genres, from synth-pop to modern electronic music.
ROM 3 is where Mininn Drum really shines in terms of creativity. This sound bank introduces a custom adaptation of authentic 80s drum sounds, offering users a fresh take on the classic Linn Drum. The sounds in ROM 3 are not direct replicas of the LM-1 or 9000 Version but rather a modern interpretation of the sounds that defined the decade. This makes it an excellent choice for producers who want to create something new while still paying tribute to the past.
Each of these sound ROMs provides a versatile palette of drum tones, allowing users to experiment with different sounds and textures. Whether you’re creating a retro-inspired track or something more contemporary, Mininn Drum’s sound banks give you the flexibility to craft a unique sonic identity for your music.
Custom Pad for Expanding Creative Possibilities
One of the most innovative features of Mininn Drum is its dedicated custom pad, which allows users to add their own samples to the mix. This feature significantly expands the plugin’s capabilities, enabling musicians to go beyond the preset sounds and incorporate their own drum, bass, or other samples into their compositions.
The custom pad is especially useful for producers who want to mix the iconic Linn Drum sounds with modern elements. For example, you could layer a deep, sub-heavy kick drum over a snappy Linn Drum snare to create a hybrid sound that blends the best of both worlds. Alternatively, you could use the custom pad to add percussion, bass lines, or any other sound you desire, giving you virtually unlimited creative potential.
This level of customization makes Mininn Drum a highly versatile tool for producers working across a wide range of genres. Whether you’re making hip-hop, electronic, pop, or any other style of music, the custom pad allows you to infuse your own personality into the drum tracks, making each composition truly unique.
Precision Control for Sound Shaping
Another area where Mininn Drum excels is in its sound modification capabilities. Each drum sound can be individually tailored to fit perfectly within a track, thanks to the plugin’s range of adjustable parameters. Users can tweak pitch, volume, and panoramic settings for each drum, allowing for precise control over the sound’s placement in the mix.
This level of control is crucial for producers who want their drum sounds to stand out or blend seamlessly into the overall composition. For example, adjusting the pitch of a snare drum can give it a sharper or deeper tone, depending on the mood of the track. Similarly, panning the drums can create a sense of space and dimension, making the track feel more dynamic and immersive.
With these sound-shaping tools, Mininn Drum ensures that producers are not limited to the stock sounds. Instead, they can sculpt the drum tones to match their vision, ensuring that the drums enhance rather than overpower the rest of the mix. This flexibility makes Mininn Drum an invaluable tool for producers who demand high levels of control over their sound.
Ease of Use and Integration
Despite its advanced features, Mininn Drum is designed with ease of use in mind. The plugin’s interface is intuitive and user-friendly, making it accessible to both seasoned producers and those new to drum programming. The layout is clean and straightforward, allowing users to quickly navigate between the sound ROMs, adjust parameters, and load custom samples.
Mininn Drum also integrates seamlessly with most digital audio workstations (DAWs), ensuring that it fits smoothly into any production setup. Whether you’re using Logic, Ableton, FL Studio, or any other DAW, Mininn Drum can be easily incorporated into your workflow, allowing you to start creating right away.
For producers who prioritize speed and efficiency in their workflow, Mininn Drum’s straightforward design is a major advantage. The plugin doesn’t overwhelm users with overly complex features, but it still provides enough depth for those who want to dive into detailed sound design. This balance between simplicity and functionality makes Mininn Drum a versatile and accessible tool for producers at all skill levels.
Conclusion
Mininn Drum stands out as a thoughtfully designed drum machine plugin that pays tribute to one of the most iconic instruments in music history while offering enough modern features to make it relevant for today’s producers. Its three distinct sound ROMs provide a wide range of drum tones that can be adapted to suit any musical style, from retro to contemporary. The custom pad feature, along with precise sound modification controls, ensures that producers have the creative freedom to shape their drum sounds exactly as they envision.
With its ease of use, seamless integration, and innovative features, Mininn Drum is more than just a nostalgic tribute—it’s a versatile and powerful tool for musicians who want to push the boundaries of drum programming. Whether you’re an experienced producer or just starting out, Mininn Drum offers a unique combination of vintage sound and modern capabilities, making it an essential plugin for any music creator looking to add depth and character to their drum tracks.
Thanks John, for this in-depth look at Audio Blast’s lovely drum machine instrument. Check out some sound examples in the video demonstration below, and head on over to ADSR Sounds, Plugin Boutique, or the Audio Blast store to grab your copy of Minnin Drum.
