A Potted History of Drum Synthesizers

video upload by Alex Ball and Nathan Curran Tugg the Drummer (Tugg)

"A look at a niche within a niche, the drum synthesizer; a story that begins in the late 60s and continues to this very day."

0:00 Intro
0:25 Definition of a "Drum Synthesizer"
2:24 Precursors, DIY and Impakt
4:03 Star Instruments Synare
5:09 How these Instruments Worked
6:13 Syndrum: The First Famous Drum Synth
8:45 Ult-Sound: Japan's First Drum Synth
10:10 Pearl & Tama: Here Come The Drum Companies
13:20 Simmons: The Zeitgeist
19:21 The Flood Gates & Mega-Montage
24:48 Soviet Offerings
25:17 Decline and the Splitting Point
27:05 Vermona: A New Era
29:28 Elektron: Blurred Lines
30:58 A Plethora of Machines
32:24 Clavia/Nord: Simply Red
33:39 Modern Day: The Culmination
34:44 Summary & Thanks
35:23 Patron Outro Jam

Update:

1/14/26 Simmons SDS6 + TAMA DS200 + Alesis MIDIVERB II + CXM 1978

video upload by Cfpp0

"This is one of two videos I recorded for the great Alex Ball (‪@AlexBallMusic‬) to use in his video about the history of drum synthesizers. I’m using the Simmons SDS7 to trigger the two halves of the TAMA DS200, with reverbs from the Alesis MIDIVERB II and the CXM 1978. The DS200 is running hot through the MIDIVERB II, overloading the preamp. The CXM 1978 has a long predelay in lo-fi mode to create a grainy pitchy echo."

Ult Sound DS 4 Percussion Synthesizer SN 812020

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this Reverb listing

"Exactly that YMO sound!
The ULT-SOUND DS-4 was released by Toyo Gakki in the 1980s.
It is a 4-channel analog drum synthesizer that is very famous for being used by Yukihiro Takahashi.
It is a famous made-in-Japan synth drum machine with a simple interface, yet capable of creating a wide range of sounds.

It has 4 channels: CYMBALx2, SNARE, and NOISE. You can immediately enjoy old-fashioned synth drum sounds.
Sine wave and square wave can be selected, and the oscillator with wide frequency range allows you to create a wide range of sounds by adjusting sustain, sweep, and tuning.
Not only synth drums, but also Mario jumping and intense SE sounds can be generated.

The warm, analog-like sound is sure to make you fall in love with it once you hear it!
Please experience that sound that only ULT-SOUND can produce.

* To play the sound, it is necessary to connect a drum pad for Eledora, or to trigger each channel from Para Out on a rhythm machine, etc.

All parts have been maintained.
This unit comes with a copy of the manual and a non-genuine AC adapter.
* Lid is missing.
Product Rank: B: Fairly, scratches & signs of use, but no problems in normal use applications.

Serial number: 812020
Case: No case
Manual: Copy
Other accessories: Non-genuine AC adapter
Note: Other accessories are only those shown in the picture."

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Ult Sound Vs Roland #vintagesynth #rolandsystem100 #ultsoundds4

video upload by Alex Ball

"Trying out the snap and click of the Ult Sound DS-4 Custom with the rubbery warmth of the System 100. Pretty great pairing I'd say."

Great combo: Ult-Sound DS-4M Pro-Muzer and DS-4M CUSTOM with a Roland RE-201

video upload by Korablove Roman

"You don't other synths anymore if you already have a few DS-4M. In this video, discover how easily you can craft expressive, controlled melodies using four fully independent voices—each one individually editable for limitless creative possibilities. Demo by Yebisu303"

Multitrack as a melodic sequencer // OXI One MKII

video upload by OXI Instruments

"Discover how powerful Multitrack Mode can be as a melodic sequencer on the OXI One MK2. In this improvised jam, we explore multiple melodic tracks on a single page, with features like independent time divisions, track lengths, velocity, repetitions, and live performance controls."

Check with dealers on the right for availability.

ULT-SOUND DS-4M CUSTOM: New Features

video upload by Freaky Tweaky

"ULT-SOUND DS-4M CUSTOM is a replica of the final version of the drum machine originally produced by Toyo Gakki. This release combines the analog sound characteristics of the vintage design with updated control and connectivity.

00:00 Intro (Sound Demo)
00:13 Overview
00:39 Tuning Pot
00:55 Beat Tune
01:25 LFO Speed
02:29 Cascade Trigger
04:20 Outro"

Ult-Sound DS-1 demo by Yumi Iwaki

video uploads by Korablove Roman

"Some experiments with Ult-Sound DS-1 by Yumi Iwaki."

Ult-Sound DS-4M CUSTOM (first demo)

video upload by Korablove Roman

"Nice demo by Yebisu303. All sounds are from DS-4M CUSTOM. Only one channel goes through FX. Drum machine is available for the purchase at www.ult-sound.com"

ULT-SOUND DS-4M ProMuzer: Jam with Digitakt, Poly Evolver, Sirin, OTO BAM, TX-6, RMX-500

video upload by Freaky Tweaky

ULT-SOUND DS-4M ProMuzer: New Features

video upload by Korablove Roman

"In this video, I explain the modern updates added to the ULT-SOUND DS-4M ProMuzer."

00:00 Intro (Sound Demo)
00:22 Overview
00:41 Attack Knob
02:19 MIDI Velocity Support
03:41 Connectivity
03:52 MIDI In
04:18 Trigger Inputs
04:29 CV/Gate Inputs
05:38 Individual Outputs
05:53 Balanced Output
06:04 Base MIDI Ch Select
07:28 Polyphonic MIDI Mode
08:47 Common Mode
10:04 MIDI CC Pitch Mode
12:06 Outro

Ult-Sound DS-4M ProMuzer. User manual. Part 2. New features and connections
video upload by Korablove Roman

ULT-SOUND DS-4M ProMuzer: Basic Operation & Sound Creation

video upload by Freaky Tweaky

Click CC on the bottom of the player for subtitles.

"In this video, we will explain the basic functions of the ULT-SOUND DS-4M ProMuzer and how to create drum sounds. "Buy Link: https://www.ult-sound.com/product-page/ult-sound-ds-4m-promuzer
*This product is currently available for pre-order and is scheduled to be released in June

00:00 Intro (Sound Demo)
00:23 Overview
01:12 VCO Section
03:01 Attack Knob
03:36 Sustain Slider
03:52 LFO Section
04:45 Output Knob
04:54 Sweep Section
05:50 Making Drum Sound
07:53 Outro"

Ult-Sound DS-4M ProMuzer. User manual. Part 1. Basic principles of operation

video upload by Korablove Roman

"First part of the manual of Ult-Sound DS-4M ProMuzer by Yebisu303"

ULT-SOUND Introduces DS-4M ProMuzer

Short Demo: Polyphonic Mode video upload by Freaky Tweaky

"I tried out the ULT-SOUND DS-4M ProMuzer, which is scheduled to be released in June.

The newly added Polyphonic Mode assigns voices using the round robin method, just like a typical polysynth, so by varying the settings of each OSC appropriately, you can enjoy kaleidoscope-like changes even with simple phrases. ✨ (Granular, Reverse, and Reverb are added in the DAW as post-effects)"

Check in with dealers on the right for upcoming availability. Note this is the ProMuzer version. A few non ProMuzer versions have shown up on Reverb in previous posts here.






"Introducing the Ult-Sound DS-4M ProMuzer, a modern reissue of Toyo Gakki's DS-4 analog drum synthesizer, available in a limited edition of only 50 units. This exclusive release features a sleek new design with a custom white front panel and black lettering, blending vintage charm with modern aesthetics. The DS-4M ProMuzer faithfully reproduces the second iteration of the ULT-SOUND DS-4 - while incorporating innovative upgrades to meet contemporary music production needs.

Some features of the original DS-4 have been retained in this reissue, and we highlight them here for those unfamiliar with the original design:

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Ult Sound DS-4M

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this Reverb listing

"Amazing reissue of a rare classic. I bought it a few months ago, somewhat on impulse, and it hasn't found its way into my setup. It is in immaculate, like-new condition without a single blemish and everything works as new. I'm very particular about my gear and always handle it carefully and take good care of it. The unit has always been stored, covered when not in use, in a smoke/pet free climate controlled studio.

This thing is built like a tank (very solid and heavy), has great connectivity options and, most importantly, sounds incredible!"

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Ult Sound DS-4M - Toyo Gakki DS-4 Reissue Drum Synth

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this listing

"Perfect condition Ult Sound DS-4M - Toyo Gakki DS-4 Reissue Analog Drum Synth."

You can find demos of the DS-4M in previuos posts here.

ULTSOUND DS-1 as a synth voice

video upload by Korablove Roman

"ULT-SOUND DS-1 is the eurorack version of a single voice from the DS-4M. DS-1 consists of all the possibilities of all 3 versions of the DS-4 machines made by Toyo Gakki. Additional functions include LFO speed and amount controls, LFO RETRIGGER, SWEEP amount, MIX between VCO and NOISE sources (yes, all 4 noise types are included), MIX control and EXTERNAL INPUT. There are 2 versions of panels: "classic" black and white and 'custom' yellow blue. Pre-order is open here: www.ult-sound.com/product-page/ult-sound-ds-1"

ULT-SOUND DS-1 FM modulation and percussion sounds

video upload by Korablove Roman

"ULT-SOUND DS-1 is the eurorack version of a single voice from the DS-4M. DS-1 consists of all the possibilities of all 3 versions of the DS-4 machines made by Toyo Gakki. Additional functions include LFO speed and amount controls, LFO RETRIGGER, SWEEP amount, MIX between VCO and NOISE sources (yes, all 4 noise types are included), MIX control and EXTERNAL INPUT. There are 2 versions of panels: "classic" black and white and 'custom' yellow blue.
Pre-order is open here: www.ult-sound.com/product-page/ult-sound-ds-1"

Ult-Sound DS-4M Drum Synthesizer

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this listing

Additional Perfect Circuit listings

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Ult-Sound DS4 - Serviced

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this listing

"Up for sale is a really nice example Ult Sound DS4 percussion synth.

It's been recently serviced and thoroughly tested by a tech familiar with these; everything checks out as it should.

The unit is in nice clean condition overall, with only minor blemishes. Its as tidy as it looks in the photographs. "

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ULT-SOUND DS-1 different kinds of noise demonstration

video upload by Korablove Roman

"DS-1 is a eurorack version of ULT_SOUND DS-4M. DS-1 includes the features of all DS-4 versions. In addition the following features have been added: MIX between VCO and NOISE sources, TRIANGLE in vco part, EXTERNAL INPUT in NOISE sources (all 4 percussion kinds of noise are also there), LFO SPEED and LEVEL controls, LFO RETRIGGER, SWEEP level control. Will be available in two versions: classic black/white and “custom” yellow/blue. Shipping will start in January 2025. Manual and more info will come soon..."