Linn LM-1 Drum Computer | |
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![]() Linn LM-1 Drum Computer Rev. 3 | |
Manufacturer | Linn Electronics |
Dates | 1980–1983 |
Price | US $4,995 - $5,500 - $3,995 |
Technical specifications | |
Polyphony | polyphonic: Rev. 1: 10 voices, Rev. 2 & 3: 9 voices |
Timbrality | multitimbral 12 voices |
Synthesis type | 8 bit Digital Samples / 28 kHz |
Storage memory | 100 memory patches |
Effects | Individual level, pan, tuning for all sounds |
Input/output | |
Keyboard | 12 hard plastic "pads" |
External control | pre-MIDI, external clock oscillator input, tape sync in/out |
The Linn LM-1 Drum Computer is a drum machine manufactured by Linn Electronics and released in 1980. It was the first drum machine to use samples of acoustic drums, and one of the first programmable drum machines. Its designer, the American engineer Roger Linn, wanted a machine that would produce more realistic drum sounds and offer more than preset patterns.
The LM-1 became a staple of 1980s pop music and helped establish drum machines as credible tools. It appeared on records by artists including the Human League, Gary Numan, Mecano, Icehouse, Michael Jackson and particularly Prince. The LM-1 was succeeded in 1982 by the LinnDrum.