Combining elements of a drum machine with synths and drone instruments

Erica Synths has released a brand new drum machine capable of producing sounds familiar to analogue synths and drone instruments, the PĒRKONS HD-01.

The new machine comes in at a price of €1,650 (£1,400) and boasts a step sequencer and four voices to combine both its digital sound engine and analogue filters, alongside a number of added effects.

The PĒRKONS HD-01 was first unveiled by the Latvian manufacturers at Berlin’s modular synth expo, Superbooth, in 2021. Since its official unveiling, a year-long delay due to component shortages kept fans waiting for the launch.

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The drum machine is now set to be shipped in late July. The long-awaited gear also features effects including overdrive, delay and compression, with each of its four voices featuring a digital oscillator and eight control knobs.

“This has an extensive midi implementation, every parameter is sent out as a midi message and you can control and tie interface externally by midi input,” said a spokesperson for Erica Synths at Superbooth 2021.

PĒRKONS, named after the Baltic god of thunder, is described as a “bolt of lightning” that “strikes quickly, but the roar follows behind”.

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“We at Erica Synths proudly present our newest creation – PĒRKONS (THUNDER) - a drum machine and synthesizer that will change your approach to electronic rhythm synthesis – an instrument which bears the weight of a storm beneath its sturdy casing,” the manufacturers announced.

Between its four “sonically versatile” hybrid voices, each has three sound engine modes and a “dedicated velocity-sensitive trigger input and individual output”.

The drum machine was filmed in action at the expo highlighting its impressive addition of oscillators and effects. Watch the demo below and find out more about the PĒRKONS drum machine here.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Editorial Assistant, follow her on Twitter

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