Killer digital drum machine from the excellent Modor. Six instruments, 128-step sequencer and some of the freshest, most innovative drum sounds we've heard in a long time.

*** Firmware update- April 2024 ***

Modor have added three new synthesis models, namely:

- A Rumble Kick model, kickdrums with a rumbling lowpass reverb tail
- A 'Filter' Claps model, a more refined claps synth algorithm using adjustable filter slopes that can generate 'real' clap sounds
- A 'Filter' Hihats model, which also has filters with adjustable slopes for edgy cymbal sounds

And there's also an extra parametric equalisation stage, that can boost / reduce a freely adjustable frequency range, and is available in sixfold, one for each of the 6 instrument slots.

Supplier's Notes:

The DR-2 is a 6 instrument digital DSP drum synth, with a built-in 128-step drum sequencer. At first sight, it will feel recognizable in some ways. There are sounds that will remind you of the good old classic drum machines, and the step sequencer will get you building drum riffs from the first second you touch it. But Modor uses digital sound synthesis to get beyond the possibilities of a classic drum machine, and the step sequencer does more than just hitting drums...

First of all: although it's digital, the DR-2 is not about sampling. It's a drum synthesizer, like a classic analog drum machine, but it uses digital sound synthesis algorithms instead of analog circuitry. There are no samples in the DR-2, and there's no sample memory.

Just like the Modor NF-1, the DR-2 is not built to recreate the classics of the past. The DR-2 uses digital sound synthesis to innovate drum sounds and rhythms. Many sounds will be recognizable. It is possible to make classic sounding bass drums, snares and rimshots. It's not difficult to program classic floorfillers with the DR-2. But with 12 synthesis parameters per drum, you'll easily find yourself creating your own individual sound.

The DR-2 has 6 drum 'channels', drumsets made of 6 drum instruments. These channels don't have predefined instruments. You can choose freely which instruments you want in your 6-channel drumsets. The DR-2 works with drum 'models', of which you can pick one for every channel. You can consider these 'models', or synthesis algorithms, as a collection of small but dedicated drum synthesizers, of which you can pick 6 to form a drumset. There are models for bass drums, snares and cymbals, but also for some more unusual drum sounds, clicks and ticks.

Every model has up to 12 sound synthesis parameters: Pitch with pitch decay, curve and amount, amp volume with panning, amp decay and curve, and parameters X, Y, Z and T that have a different function in every model, see the table below.

The DR-2 has an output jack connector for each of the 6 channels A-F, and 2 master L / R outputs. If there's no cable connected to a channel output, the corresponding channel is sent to the master L / R outputs. The individual channel outputs are mono, but have a panning parameter to give it a stereo position in the master mix.

But there is more! The A-F output connectors are actually insert points, you can use 6.35mm (1 / 4") TRS jack connectors to route a channel out of the DR-2, and send it back in if you want. This way, you can use external effects, equalisers, compressors, ... on each of the 6 channels individually, and still have them panned and mixed in the master outputs of the DR-2.
Next to the audio connectors, the DR-2 has 6.35mm (1 / 4") TS connectors for 24PPQN clock input and output, and has classic din-5 MIDI IN, OUT and THRU connectors.

The sequencer of the DR-2 has a lot more options than just the classic 16-step sequencer. First of all: you can use 32nd notes, so the DR-2 doubles the resolution of a classic 16-step sequencer. The DR-2 has 16 step buttons but you can see 32 step leds on the front panel. Keep the '16 / 32'-button pressed to access the steps-between-the-steps.

A pattern can use up to 4 of these 16 / 32-step pattern parts, these can be accessed with the 1-16 / 17-32 / 33-48 / 49-64 buttons. Using SHIFT + one of these buttons sets the pattern length. So, it's actually a 4x32 or 128-step sequencer.

But there's more: each instrument has it's own Accent, Flam, Tuplet, Break and Reverse patterns. Keep the ACC, FLAM, SHIFT+FLAM, BREAK or REV button pressed while using the step buttons.

MEASUREMENTS
Width: 440mm without rack ears, 480mm with rack ears (19")
Height: 267mm (10.5" / 6U)
Depth: 40mm (front) - 80mm (back)
Weight: + / - 6kg

CONNECTIONS
9V, 600mA adapter connection, positive voltage on center pin
MIDI IN / THRU / OUT connections, 3x 5-pin DIN connection
Clock In / Out connections, 2x 6.35mm mono jack
Audio Instrument Outputs / Inserts, 6x 6.35mm TRS or mono jack, unbalanced
Audio Left / Stereo output, 6.35mm TRS or mono jack, unbalanced, capable of driving headphones
Audio Right output, 6.35mm mono jack, unbalanced