GForce Software has launched IconDrum, a detailed and accurate reincarnation of the LinnDrum, a drum machine that has been a significant part of music for over four decades. Although some may not find the idea of drum machines, especially sampled ones, particularly intriguing, IconDrum’s significance lies in its revival of a machine that played a key role in shaping classic music. The LinnDrum, designed by Roger Linn, earned him a Grammy in 2011 for his immense technical contribution to the music industry. Artists such as Michael Jackson, Prince, Daft Punk, and The Weeknd have made the LinnDrum’s iconic sounds their own, further cementing its legacy.
IconDrum was launched in December 2024 at a special price of £29.99 (ex. VAT), which has since returned to its full price of £49.99 (ex. VAT). Users can still try it before committing by downloading a free trial that lasts seven days, though it does not include bundled MIDI content. The software offers a faithful reproduction of the sounds from the Linn LM-1 and LM-2 drum machines, with a collection of 100 sounds, all derived from the classic models. These sounds remain a powerful blend of traditional drum kit elements and diverse percussion instruments.
Upon installation, IconDrum’s impressive sounds become immediately apparent. The kick drum delivers a punchy, bottom-heavy feel with an edgy click that cuts through the mix. The snare maintains its full-bodied presence, while the hi-hats offer a wide range of dynamics, from gentle acoustic patterns to more aggressive rhythms. The collection also includes familiar percussion sounds like the cowbell, tambourine, sidestick (rim click), and cabasa. Users can easily control individual volumes with a set of 15 faders in the mixer section, with the hi-hats occupying one fader for straightforward manipulation. The sample trigger buttons, located on the right, allow for varied accents, replicating the LinnDrum’s iconic crescendos, especially with the snare’s dynamic layers. The MIDI keyboard also maps these accents, giving users the ability to play with velocity controls if they prefer more expressive dynamics.
The software offers further customization through several timbral options, influenced by the sampling process. These include the use of classic ’80s hardware, modern digital EQ, and sounds run through a well-worn tape machine. The LM-2 samples come with different revision options—A and B—each offering distinct tonal qualities. The Revision A samples are brighter, while the B samples have more mid-range content, showcasing GForce’s attention to detail. The mixer section also includes parameters like left-right panning, decay control for the sample’s tail, pitch control, and a low-pass/high-pass filter pot for refining individual sounds within a kit.
Unlike the original LinnDrum, IconDrum adds delay and reverb effects at the instrument level, along with global EQ, distortion, and compression options. These effects integrate seamlessly with the software, especially the delay, which can synchronize with a DAW. While the sound and design are impressive, the lack of an onboard sequencer might be a downside for some. GForce compensates for this by providing MIDI file patterns that can be programmed within a DAW. However, the absence of a hardware-like sequencer diminishes the nostalgic element of manually programming beats on the unit itself, making the standalone version somewhat less appealing unless used with an external sequencer.
Despite this small drawback, IconDrum delivers an outstanding experience, both in sound and functionality. Its sleek, iconic design and high-quality sounds make it a standout product for any producer or musician looking to capture the essence of the LinnDrum while benefiting from modern digital enhancements.
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