Cre8audio has introduced the Boom Chick, a new analog drum machine that blends classic Pittsburgh Modular circuits with modern sequencing capabilities in a compact format. This new drum machine adds to the lineup of Cre8audio’s semi-modular synthesizers, such as the East Beast and West Pest. While the East Beast takes a subtractive approach to synthesis and the West Pest explores West-Coast Buchlaesque sounds, the Boom Chick brings rhythmic power to the table, standing out with its original analog circuitry designed in collaboration with Pittsburgh Modular.
The Boom Chick is versatile, functioning either as a standalone drum machine or as a 40HP Eurorack module. It is powered by a new generation of analog circuits that were first seen in Pittsburgh Modular’s experimental Safari modules. Far from being a clone of the iconic 808 or 909 drum machines, the Boom Chick uses fresh analog synthesis techniques that offer innovative sonic possibilities, all while preserving the punch and warmth that analog drum machines are known for.
The drum machine includes five distinct analog voices: kick, snare, drum 1, drum 2, and hats. The kick drum uses a wide-range sine oscillator coupled with an overdrive circuit to deliver deep, fat, and punchy sounds. The snare voice is designed for a sharp, cutting attack, with controls to adjust tone, noise, noise decay, and level. This offers a range of possibilities from crisp, tight snares to more experimental textures. Drums 1 and 2 are multi-functional FM voices driven by a wide-range dual FM oscillator. These voices provide sine-to-square wave shaping and come with modulation options, allowing for a variety of sounds like toms, claps, cymbals, and other creative percussive effects. The final voice, the hats generator, uses a custom noise matrix and high-pass filter to produce bright, metallic hi-hats and other percussive elements.
In terms of sequencing, the Boom Chick offers two modes: step and live. These modes allow for precise beat control and real-time improvisation. Each pattern can hold up to 64 steps and be saved in one of 64 patterns, which can then be assembled into up to 16 songs. The sequencer can handle all the classic XOX-style drum patterns and more, offering advanced features for more complex and evolving rhythms. The sequencer includes options for different step lengths for each voice, allowing for polyrhythmic patterns. Additional features like step shift, roll, chance, humanizing, swing, and quantize add flexibility to your rhythm, and generative elements like Euclidean pattern and sequence generators help you explore new and unique rhythms.
For modular integration, the Boom Chick’s I/O is Eurorack-compatible and features individual drum trigger inputs and outputs, line and headphone outputs, and analog clock in/out. There are also analog reset in/out sockets. While it integrates well with Eurorack systems, it does not include CV inputs for controlling parameters, which could be a limitation for those looking to modulate parameters directly from their modular setups.
Although a first-hand review of the sound is not yet available, early demos suggest the Boom Chick produces a rich and varied sound, from classic analog punch to more experimental textures. Despite the lack of CV control, the combination of original drum circuits and modern sequencing features positions the Boom Chick as an exciting option for anyone looking for a compact, versatile analog drum machine. The Cre8audio Boom Chick is available for pre-order at $399.99 (or €319.99), with shipments expected to begin in mid-May 2025.
Related Topics
- Rigid Audio Releases Piano FX: A Bold New Approach to Piano Sounds in Kontakt
- Gina Bachauer Foundation to Wrap Up 2024-25 Season with Pasquale Iannone’s “Moments Musicaux” Program
- Sennheiser MD 421 Kompakt: A Compact Powerhouse for Drummers
