GForce Software’s latest release sees the company take a break from all things Oberheim, focusing instead on a sought-after drum machine that was manufactured by Linn Electronics. The machine in question is of course the LinnDrum, and the company say that the resulting instrument, IconDrum, offers “a tribute to the machine that defined an era and a gateway to the rhythms of tomorrow.”
IconDrum features 12 channels (Bass, Snare, Sidestick, Hi-Hat, Toms, Ride, Crash, Cabasa, Tambourine, Conga, Cowbell, Claps) that are each capable of hosting up to three sounds, allowing for a total of 24 sounds per patch. The instrument includes faithful recreations of all of the original LinnDrum sounds, so users can easily craft the iconic sounds that graced so many hit records, but also offers a wide range of innovative alternatives that complement the classic sounds. Something that may come as a surprise, though, is that the company have remained faithful to the original design when it comes to the sequencer: there isn’t one!
As is usually the case with GForce’s releases, IconDrum goes a little further than just emulating the sound of the original instrument, and includes a selection of modern upgrades that enhance the LinnDrum’s feature set. Each of the 12 channels now boast full control over the likes of pan, solo, mute, pitch and decay parameters, as well as independent delay and reverb effects sends. There’s also a Master section that comes loaded with a multi-mode filter, distortion, EQ, bit-crusher, gate and compressor.
GForce have released the following legal statement regarding the instrument:
All trademarks, service marks and company names are the property of their respective owners. LinnDrum is a trademark of Linn Electronics. All instrument names and inventor references are included solely for illustrative and educational purposes, with no implied affiliation or endorsement of IconDrum by any company or instrument inventor. This product was created without the involvement or consent of Roger Linn.
Compatibility
IconDrum is supported on PCs running Windows 7 and above, and Macs running macOS 10.13 or higher. VST, VST3, AU and AAX plug-in versions are available, along with a standalone application.
Pricing & Availability
IconDrum is available now, and is currently (30 December 2024) being offered at an introductory price of $29.99£29.98, reduced from its full cost of $59.99£59.98. Prices include VAT.
