Erica Synths & Richie Hawtin link-up for new drum machine

Renowned electronic music producer Richie Hawtin has teamed up with Latvian firm Erica Synths to create his first hardware drum machine, Bullfrog Drums. The collaboration was unveiled at the Berlin synth show Superbooth, where a prototype was showcased.

Bullfrog Drums is a seven-voice, sample-based digital drum machine. It allows users to upload sampled drum sounds and manipulate their pitch, attack, decay, and drive. These settings can be applied both globally and to individual steps. The machine also features a 16-step sequencer, pattern chain, randomizer, ratchets, shuffle, accents, and probability controls. Its interface is designed with large, computer keyboard-like keys reminiscent of the Roland TR-909.

In addition to Bullfrog Drums, Erica Synths introduced an XL version of its Bullfrog synth at Superbooth. This version is designed primarily as a teaching aid. The company also presented its latest FX box, Nightverb, which is set for release this summer. Nightverb is a stereo reverb offering extremely long decay tails, pitch-shifting, and a custom algorithm for creating vast ambient textures.

For a closer look, you can watch a demo of Bullfrog Drums from YouTuber motobor below.