Created in a collaboration between Erica Synths and electronic music producer Richie Hawtin, the Bullfrog (and recently announced Bullfrog XL) have been developed to serve as an educational tool for aspiring synthesists, while still packing in enough features to satisfy those who are further along their musical journey. It’s clearly been a successful endeavour, as the company have now announced that a third instrument, Bullfrog Drums, will soon be joining the line-up.
With the principles of sound, subtractive synthesis and the basics of modular systems covered, the latest instrument shifts the focus over to drum machines. The new device has been designed to teach users the basics of sampling and drum programming, and comes equipped with all of the key features that are required to create advanced drum patterns. There are seven sample-based drum voices, each equipped with a set of hands-on controls for the likes of sample length and start points, tuning, attack, decay, overdrive and panning.
''As a producer who’s created many percussion-only tracks under my Plastikman moniker, it only makes sense to add a drum machine to our developing Bullfrog ecosystem. This exciting development will allow both novices and pros a new way to learn drum programming and enjoy some fun new capabilities that we plan to feature on our new machine!'' - Richie Hawtin
The company say that the final unit will benefit from a user-friendly CV and gate sequencer that will allow it to be combined with the Bullfrog synths to form the basis of a larger rig. More details are promises to emerge over the coming months, so keep your eyes on SOS News for updates as they arrive.
SOS Review
We reviewed the original Bullfrog in SOS April 2024 (print / web / app / replica / PDF editions), click here to check it out.
Pricing & Availability
The Bullfrog Drums is expected to be shipping by the end of 2024, with pricing yet to be confirmed.