Published on Mar 3, 2014 Brian Comnes·13 videos
via this auction
"SCI TOM model 420 drum machine with rare upgrade to 32K memory so you can store a gazillion patterns. Includes aftermarket power supply and ORIGINAL documentation including ultra-rare quick setup cards.
The coolest thing about the TOM is the pitchable samples - 32 choices- and the reversable samples and "chording" features. This unit is from nonsmoking home studio and in Excellent condition.
In 1985, the TOM was a really advanced drum machine, fully programmable and featuring digitally recorded drum sounds. It is similar to the DrumTraks, but much more advanced. Its sound fidelity is very electronic and it offers just eight of the most basic drum kit sounds. However, each drum sound has a much more flexible tune control than any other drum machine of its time, allowing you to change cymbals into gongs, for example. All sounds can also be layered, allowing for chord-like drum tones, tom rolls and all kinds of wacky sounds. You can also play its sounds in reverse and program the pan position and volume of each sound. Sounds on EPROM cartridges can add up to eight additional drum tones for different sounds. This machine is also MIDI equipped, able to transmit and receive all of its controller information including volume and tuning. TOM's sequencer allows you to record rhythm patterns in real time or step time. It can store up to 99 patterns and each pattern can be up to 99 measures! As many as 99 patterns can be linked to form Songs. Sequencer memory holds 2,300 notes, but factory updates were available to upgrade that to either 5,000 or 10,000 notes - THIS UNIT HAS THE 32K MAX MEMORY UPGRADE! Program memory could also be saved/loaded to casette tape. The TOM also featured an "Improv Factor" to create drum fills which can add variation to your patterns. TOM's "Human Factor" allowed you to program minor changes in the tuning and volume of your patterns for a 'humanzied' feel - before that term existed in the sequencing lexicon. The TOM also had a "Reframe" function that let you change the location of the down-beat in your pattern at the touch of a button..."
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