video upload by Samples From Mars
"The rarest drum machine we've ever sampled!
https://samplesfrommars.com/products/...
Ekko From Mars contains 275 loops and 240 round robin one-hits, with clean and processed versions for both. You'll get full-beat loops and stems for bass drums, tops and more - ranging from classic rhythm box patterns to more modern genres. This is the most extensive sample pack available of the beloved early 70's Italian made Eko Computerhythm."
"Released in 1972, the Italian-made Eko Computerhythm (which we're lovingly referring to as the 'Ekko') was the first programmable drum machine, shaping the sound of electronic music forever after. With only around 50 ever made and less than 15 in circulation today, it's taken us years to find one - but finally, we have, and our high expectations have been exceeded- nothing could fully prepare us for how cool this thing is to look at, play and hear!
Of course, we wanted to share this joy with you by creating the most extensive Eko sample pack in existence. Capturing round robin one-hits, loops and stems, we preserved the natural sound of this pioneering rhythm box, and further processed it to extend the possibilities of this analog powerhouse for years to come.
The First Programmable Drum Machine
Rhythm boxes were first created out of necessity, to provide pre-made beats to accompany an organ player, for example. As such, they were hardly considered instruments in their own right.
We aren't sure exactly why Eko, an Italian company making guitars and organs during the psychedelic revolution of the 60's, had the foresight to create the first ever user programmable step sequencer (possibly some mind-expanding substances?). But what we do know is that this step sequencer would change the face of music and music technology forever after, (after all, we're still using it today!)
Sporting a space-age user interface with 16 steps per track for user input, a punch card reader to load sequences, 12 voices and individual outs, musicians were no longer reliant on using pre-programmed factory Waltz and Fox Trot presets, and could finally program their own custom patterns and perform live with an analog drum machine. The Computerhythm quickly garnered favor with innovative musicians and groundbreaking composers like Jean-Michel Jarre, Lee Scratch Perry and Tangerine Dream.
Preserving the Original Sound
The Eko features 12 classic rhythm box sounds (ok, one is a 'rolling drum' which is quite odd) and upon first listen, it is warm, punchy and full of life- somehow more defined and pro sounding than any other rhythm box we've used - likely due to its robust internal electronics (this thing is huge!) and direct outs."
