Vintage Drumfire DF-500

via this auction
"(Taken from an old advertisement)
When you want to heat up the beat with electronics, get Drumfire. It's the only add-on mixer/synthesizer for drums. Drumfire works with any drum set, even practice pads. Its five piezoelectric transducers attach easily to your drum head or rim. Each tranducer lets you set a separate, chngeable electronic drum sound. A kick sound with punch, hand claps, synth sounds, and more. In fact, Drumfire gives you an almost limitless variety of synthesized drum voices. All for about one third the cost of an electronic drum set!

Drumfire gives you the best of both worlds- advanced electronics that enhance your acoustic drum sound. When you like it hot, play with fire. DRUMFIRE.

The Drumfire mixer/synthesizer has 5 separate channels to let you pre-set 5 different electric drum voices....synth sounds, hand claps, super kick, gunfire and more.

Each channel has 8 controls to let you find just the sound you want:
SENSITIVITY: controls pickup sensitivity
OSCILLATOR DECAY: controls decay time of oscillator sound
NOISE DECAY: controls decay time of the noise sound
SWEEP: alters oscillator frequency.
PITCH: changes oscillator pitch
BALANCE: controls balance between oscillator and noise level
VOLUME: controls output
PAN: a right or left balance control, also allows dual output on rigth and left jacks

Each channel has an input jack for the pickup, and an output jack for individual outputs to a P.A., mixer or amp. There's also a master volume level control, a left channel and a right channel."

In-Line Effects Drumfire Analog Drum Synthesizer SN 18249

via this auction

"The Drumfire DF-500 is a 5 channel drum synth module. The 5 channels are identical, with their own Trigger-In and Audio Out sockets.
Each channel is a mini analogue synth drum module, capable of producing a wide range of electronic drum sounds, and since every parameter is defined by a knob, it's highly tweakable.
The 5 drum channels also have their own level and pan pots, and the signals are mixed to a pair of stereo outputs with Left/Right volume control.

Each channel has 9 controls (8 knobs & 1 switch):
SENSITIVITY controls pickup/trigger in sensitivity
OSCILLATOR DECAY controls decay time of the synth oscillator
NOISE DECAY controls decay time of the noise sound
SWEEP alters oscillator frequency
CLICK (Switch) adds a click sound to the attack
PITCH changes oscillator pitch
BALANCE controls balance between oscillator/noise
VOLUME output volume to mixer
PAN L/R balance control, also allow dual output on L/R jacks

Since it has individual audio outputs, the out could be patch back/daisy chain to the next channel's trigger input, so cascading up to a 5 oscillator synth drum sound!"

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DRUMFIRE ANALOG DRUM SYNTH

via this auction
"includes the touch sensitive triggers that you can mount on your drums or whatever, you can even adjust the sensitivity to tap them with your fingers. Each of the 5 channels are the same with the following sound shaping parameters, sensitivity, osc decay, noise decay, sweep, pitch, osc/noise balance, click sound on/off, pan, volume. The trigger inputs can be triggered by pretty much any audio input, you can also chain channels together by running the out into the in of another to thicken the sound. Comes with the original box, instruction sheet, and 5 colored trigger cables. A nice collector's piece for those into the old school analog drum modules. Check out cykong's page on this instrument for some sound samples and more info"

Von Bingen Live Sept 27 2009 at the Anza Club

YouTube via magneticring
"Live Sept 27 2009 at the Anza Club
Vancouver, B.C. Canada
Record Release Show opening for Wooden Shjips.
Lp Available on Amen Absen Records.
Daniel Presnell - Guitar, Syntorchestra, Maestro USS-1
Jenny Pace Presnell - Flute, Maestro Soundsystem for Woodwinds, Tape Echo
Joshua Stevenson - EMS Synthi AKS, EMS Pitch to CV with Bass, Drumfire"

Sonnus G2M Demo with a Kenton MIDI to CV Converter and a EMS Synthi 'A' (mono synth)

YouTube via magneticring. via THE SYNTHI
"This is a rough little demo of the Sonnus G2M Universal Guitar to Midi Converter. I am running the G2M into a Kenton Pro SoloII Midi to CV converter and then the CV into a Vintage EMS Synthi 'A' m..."

Pt. 1 - Magneticring - Live Sept 6 2008 in Montreal

"@ Casa Del Popolo
Instrumentation by
Joshua Stevenson aka Magneticring

http://www.castexotic.com/
EMS Synthi AKS and Drum Fire Analog Drum Brain"

Pt. 2 - Magneticring - Live Sept 6 2008 in Montreal

Drumfire with Overlays

via this auction

Not the best shots.
Putting this one up for the overlays.

"Cards that you place over the knobs to get pre-programmed sounds. (Or make your own). 5 triggers."

DRUMFIRE ANALOG DRUM SYNTH

images via this auction
Not the best shots, but note the preset patch sheets for each column of knobs.

"5 channel analog drum synth that includes the 5 piezo triggers for your drums or pads. Each channel has adjustable sensitivity - you can trigger these with light fingertaps if you wish. Alternatively, you can trigger these with your multi output drum machine, I used a TR-707, which worked great. Each channel has an individual output, so you can stack voices by triggering another channel with it, which I like. It also has a mixer, so you can pan each channel and send everything through the mix out.

Drumfire 5 Channel Synthesizer/Mixer Brain:
- 5 Channels for 5 different sounds with control knobs for: Sensitivity, Oscillator Decay, Noise Decay, Sweep, Pitch, Noise/Osc Balance, Volume, and Pan.

Power On/Off and Left/Right Master Volume Knobs.
.
Five Multi-Colored Remote Contacts:
- Comes with red, orange, yellow, green, & blue drum triggers/cables to attach from a drum set or drum pad, back to the drum synthesizer.
- "Drumfire's piezoelectric pickups convert mechanical energy into electrical impulses. They can be fastened easily to any surface on your drum heads or rims. Drumfire's pickups will give you different sounds on different drums or on different spots of the same drum. Just experiment to find the right sound."

Original Box:
- Box is still in good condition, has some storage wear from being stacked and moved

Original Paperwork:
- Comes with original paperwork, like a basic manual with patch recommendations for different Snare, Tom-Tom, and Bass Drum Settings.
- Registration cards

Preset Sound Cards:
- Comes with a keychain of preset patch sound card that you can place over a channel of the synth to quickly dial in some awesome sounds like : Computer Drum, Synth I, Synth II, Modified Drum, Hand Clap, Wet Drum, Laser Drum, and more!
- 12 total sound cards! The top card has an example of a recommended Band Graphic EQ setting."

Drumfire DF2000 Track

Drumfire DF2000 by Synthain

via manmens

Pt. 1 - Magneticring - Live Sept 6 2008 in Montreal

YouTube via magneticring
"@ Casa Del Popolo

Instrumentation by
Joshua Stevenson aka Magneticring

http://www.castexotic.com/

EMS Synthi AKS and Drum Fire Analog Drum Brain"

Drumfire2000 Samples

You can find the samples via Floppy on this electro-music.com thread.

"i just bought a drumfire df 2000 and after few minutes playing with it i think its also in the top 5 of the best drummachines. first of all it offers insane tuning ranges, almost a bit to sensible this pot makes it hard to tune the right pitch. does anybody know what the 2 different decays really do? lin / expo curves maybe? then i tried to remotely trigger the manual / preset socket with a 606´s tom trigger but the light only lit very dim, no function... i imagine this very cool, to change remotely between 2 slightly different settings. does anybody have the manual, schematics or any info about this mysterious devices?"

Drumfire DF-2000

images via this auction

Drumfire DF500 5 Channel Synth/Mix - VEMIA

"Interesting Japanese analogue drum box by a company that usually made effects. Boxed and in very good condition except for three things: 1.) the remains of masking tape over the tops of the first three channels; 2.) a very slight bend in one corner of the back panel; and 3.) the polystyrene packing material in the box has stuck to the mains lead in many places. Lots of control, and although some pots and sockets are a little noisy (probably from lack of use) overall it is in very good working condition. The box, by the way, says that drum contact pads were included originally. These are not included now, having vanished long ago."
VEMIA - Click on Auctions, Search, and search for 5795.

Drumfire DF-2000

images via this auction
"DrumFire Oscillator DF-2000 Adjustable pre set/ Dual Channel? Percussions Synthesizer The Ultimate in Analogue drum synths as well as a serious low end bass machine!
This thing smokes the Synares, Syndrums and just about all others as far as sound, functionality, adjust ability and can create many many more variations via its adjustments Basically a MOOG for drummers! Each Channel has 2 adjustments which include
Manual trigger button
Sensitivity control
Oscillate decay1
Oscillator decay 2
Noise decay
Sweep
Pitch
Wave form shape
click on/off control
Noise filter
osc/noise balance
master volume
Audio On Off
Pre-set or manual switch
Each channel also has adjustable presets for these same controls
there are 4 inputs for various footswitch functions allowing for on off
control and shift between preset and manual settings for quick sound
changes and 2 1/4" ins for triggers
Includes 2 standard 1/4" Acoustic triggers or use with any drum
triggering device, Outputs are standard 1/4" (2)
Each channel also has fully programable presets for these same controls "
Click the Drumfire label below for previous posts and be sure to check out the comments for what people think of it. Of course if you have experience with one, feel free to comment here.

Drumfire DF-2000

via this auction

"2-channels, each with manual and preset controls, all fully programmable. Manual/preset can be switched with a button on the unit, or with a separate footpedal control. The unit is rack-mountable.

* Basically a MOOG for drummers!
* Each Channel has:
* Manual trigger button
* Sensitivity control
* Oscillator decay 1
* Oscillator decay 2
* Noise decay
* Sweep
* Pitch
* Wave form shape
* click on/off control
* Noise filter
* osc/noise balance
* Master volume
* Audio On Off
* Pre-set or manual switch

Triggers are connected via 1/4" jacks on the back side (see photos). Any type of trigger or trigger pad may be used. The two original trigger sensors are included. In the video, they're attached to practice pads with velcro. Worked great!

Shipping weight is 7.5 lbs from 24112."

Drumfire DF-2000 Analog Percussion Synth

DrumFire DF-2000 aka Frontline x-2

images via this auction. via paleface in the comments of this post where you can find the details.

Drumfire DF-500 Drum Synthesizer

via this auction. This one in via Bryan K who was previously featured in this post. The Drumfire was used on most of the tracks for that release. Some details from the auction:

"This is what is also known as a "drum brain"... a synthesizer for drum sounds made to be triggered by contact mics (drum triggers) attached to a regular drum kit or pads or whatever you want, like regular audio signals.

In the picture you'll see some contacts that I'll include for those that want to make their own triggers. I have a bunch, so within reason I'll include however many you need.

The Drumfire is in great shape, everything works well.

Here's the lowdown... there are five channels that can be triggered independently and each has controls for the trigger input sensitivity. You can take audio output from each track individually or just use the stereo master output and have the sounds panned however you want.

The sounds on each channel: there's a triangle wave and a noise source with the addition of a "click" sound which adds attack. There's a "balance" setting for mixing the amount of oscillator or noise sound you want. Individual settings for oscillator and noise decay which vary in length from a short "click" to a long decay (longer than you'll want for percussion). You can adjust the pitch/frequency of the oscillator from sub-audio to midrange. There's a sweep setting for making the sound either sweep up or down in frequency (think disco toms).

Oh no, it's not just for disco toms.... it's fun for experimenting with by feeding the trigger inputs with different sounds. I made a ground loop by connecting the trigger IN of channel one to the footswitch IN and then taking the output of channel 1 into channel 2. By chaining them together and keeping the decays very short some interesting crackly sounds can be had, a low frequency noise source. Listen here to track 3 here. I used this thing to get sounds on other tracks there as well.

I've heard the electronic group Pan Sonic had one of these, and I recognize some of its sounds on their first album. Also, David Tudor used a percussion synth on his piece "Phonemes" and I could swear he used this model. Like I said, fun for experimenting with... for more than just drum sounds."

drumfire demo 2001

via uucuu in the comments of this Drumfire auction post:

"i love the drum fire, very unique and crunchy sound, and lots of fun to chain the channels together on the DF-500. The 2-channel rack DF-2000 is a bit more flexible with a noise filter and waveshape control. I just dug up a demo I did from 2001 and put it up temporarily on virb.com: the only encoding I found of it was a 160kbps, which isn't great but here it is anyway. I think this was only the Drumfire and Metasonix Hellfire just live tweaking."

Drumfire Five Channel Synthesizer Mixer Remote Contacts

Title link takes you to shots via this auction.

"It's 5 channels each one with a trigger in and direct out gives you some pretty nice 80's electronic drum sounds kraftwerk, new order kind of sounds come to mind as well as techno, trance, dance style sounds from the roland tr909. each of the 5 channels has a nob control for sensitivity, oscillator decay, noise decay, sweep, pitch with a cilck button on/off, balance (osc - noise), volume, and pan l-r. Unit also has a main left and right out each with a volume nob. The trigger cords are in new shape. I have never used them they still have the velcro tape on them. (i used roland trigger pads with the drumfire). All 5 triggers work. I just tested them by plugging them in and tapping on them . They are more sensitive than my roland pads. Comes with original box and some stickers, the five 1/4 inch trigger cords, and the unit itself."

Drumfire DF500

Click here for shots pulled via this auction.

Details:
"The Drumfire DF-500 is a 5 channel drum synth module. The 5 channels are identical, with their own Trigger-In and Audio Out sockets. Each channel is a mini analogue synth drum module, capable of producing a wide range of electronic drum sounds, and since every parameter is defined by a knob, it's highly tweakable. The 5 drum channels also have their own level and pan pots, and the signals are mixed to a pair of stereo outputs with Left/Right volume control.

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B. Killingsworth Electricity Poems, Vol. I and II

Via B. Killingsworth:

"I wanted to invite you to check out my web release on Backporch Revolution records (out of New Orleans). Totally electronic music.. and what I mean is that it is of the type that is more or less just supposed to sound like what it is - raw analog synth sounds. No sequencers used. Enjoy! (or not :) )... "

Description on Backporch Revolution:
"The tempo of cicada and cricket songs vary according to air temperature - drummers dependent on the environment for their pulse.

To say that the environment in southeastern Louisiana had changed by the end of summer 2005 was to put it mildly. A human drummer taking his cue from these surroundings would have short-circuited any second line band.

I wasn't looking for a second line party, but like vomit on Bourbon Street seeking its own level, I needed stability. My drummer would take his cue from 60 pulses per second - electricity itself.


Electricity Poems Vol. 1 & 2 was recorded on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain in Louisiana."

Vol. 1 (tracks 1-6) late winter 2006
* analog drum synthesizer triggered by an electrical ground loop
* Sequential Circuits Pro One analog synth
* digital delay pedal
* mixer

Vol. 2 (tracks 7-10) summer 2006
* tracks 1-4 of Vol. 1 fed into a modular analog synthesizer
* mixer

Title link takes you there. You can download and/or stream all tracks. Note the only synth on Vol. 1 is the Sequential Circuits Pro One.

BTW, you might remember the name Backporch Revolution from this previous post on Liteworks, another Backport Revolution artist from New Orleans and affected by Katrina.