OK this is a little early for this – this product is likely little beyond the proof of concept stage, but someone like Roger Linn gives this extra meaning and the reaction it generated when i posted about it for Knobcon '18 says to me it’s worth a small thread.
Here’s the video from Knobcon '18:
And now a little demonstration of the concept using a Linnstrument some sort of external digital synth. The sound quality of this video is atrocious. Skip ahead to 1:06:41 and watch until 1:10:54.
This video was done by Mike Hiegemann on “Nodes and Wires”.
Interesting the application of multi-dimensions to the control of drums.
I agree with him completely about putting out a new, never-before-seen product. It’s like us over here with the Elektron units: Nobody said they wanted p-locking, trigless trigs, monophonic virtual synthesizers, any of that stuff. But then we get it and it’s awesome.
So I hope whatever he puts out blows our minds. Yeah, sure, 80s retro stuff is super popular right now and I wouldn’t be the LEAST bit surprised of a Behringer Linn Boutique came out or something, but we’ll know what that is.
Totally, he’s a one man show, so it probably won’t be available anytime soon, but boy, having that much expressive control on the front panel of Drum machine is bonkers.
Crappy phone screenshot a prototype unit that Roger flashed toward the end. Going to bed so I’ll put a better on up in about 8 hours if no-one else does.
It’s a really fun and enlightening interview if you have the time and can get past the occasional feedback noise (Roger had his hearing aids in his shirt pocket).
He’s a warm-hearted fellow with a very humble outlook, an impish sense of humour and an enviable collection of stories from “back in the day”.
Despite the working title “LinnDrum II”, this image is actually one of several early prototype renders of what would eventually become the Tempest. The real LD2 will have more in common with the LinnStrument aesthetically, as seen in CitizenJ’s screen-shot above…
Yeah, that one is basically what became the Tempest.
The prototype he flashed in the video is focused on the MPE capabilities he explored in the Linnstrument. You’ll note it’s mostly pad surface and just a small group of knobs at the top centre.
UI-wise, I think it’s safe to say people shouldn’t expect anything reminiscent of the MPC line or other grooveboxes to date
