A Moog Drum Machine/Groovebox?

[deltaphoenix]

I am excited to see the Mother 32 come to life (even though I use another modular format besides Eurorack) and am sad to see the Voyager go. With these changes come the usual talk on other forums; some people very excited and some people slagging (oh another mono synth from Moog, etc). This all made me remember something that I had been wishing from Moog awhile back, an Analog/Digital Drum Machine from Moog.

So, hear me out. I recently have had a DSI Tempest and an Elektron Analog Rytm, while both are good, they each miss the mark in some major ways. The Tempest is a better polysynth than drum machine and has horrible midi implementation. The AR is fun with the samples but the drum voices are a little dull and it can't sequence anything else. I know a drum machine seems out of Moog's wheelhouse but since Moog has started to add sequencers in the last few new instruments, it may not be too far of a stretch now.

So, Analog drum voices: this is definitely doable, Moog can manipulate existing circuits into more drum specific voices. This is more like the Analog Rytm's approach but hopefully with more tweakability.
Bass voice: Minitaur based voice.
Polysynth Voice: Animoog engine
Sampling or Sample Playback: Moog did this on Filtatron. It would be best if the unit could sample but I would be okay with Sample Playback. there would need to be a little editing here, at least as much as the AR. A filter and overdrive would be good here (and on all voices really). Also need to grab the digital delay on Filtatron and add Reverb.

Other Features:
Between the 4x4 or 2x8 pad design, I found the 2x8 worked best after adjusting to it. Drums are easy to play but so are Melodic parts (also scales/modes is very helpful with these types of instruments).
It would be cool if the XYZ screen from the Voyager was on this as it would be immensely fun while jamming.
Lots of knobs, the Tempest got that right, the screen on the Tempest allows for deep editing but it is a breeze.
Individual outs, crucial on these types of instruments.
Solid Midi implementation, ability to sequence a few external tracks while utilizing all internal sequencer features.
CV In and Out, enough to be relevant and interactive with modulars
Micro timing and individual step lengths per track...not everyone is doing 4/4.
Some variation of P-Locks in the sequencer plus ratcheting, pendulum, forward and backward modes, etc.
Song Mode, Jam Mode with options to switch patterns quantized or unquantized.
Don't skimp on internal memory (DSI made this mistake).

Anybody else have any additions/ideas to add to this dream machine?

[deltaphoenix]

Wow, no response here. On another Forum (Muffs) we are having a nice conversation about this.

[jsharpphoto]

I'm on the fence about it. Given the price point of the tempest, I imagine this fictitious Moog drum box (with the features you listed) would be in the neighborhood of $4k. Which puts it into "collectible drum machine" money.

So yes, I would like one. Do I think Moog will make it? Doubtful. Moog seems to have learned a valuable lesson from the poly synth. Calculate risk vs return.

[noddyspuncture]

Moog did indeed make a 'drum machine'... they were the 701 & 702 modules made back in the late 60's and used on the "Jazz In The Garden" concert. The 701 is the 'drum synthesizer' while the 702 is the 'percussion synthesizer'

I have two of each and am currently playing around with them to try and get some drum sounds out...

This will be harder to do with the 702's and they were never completed... but almost. There is a Museum in Paris where they have one 702 and that looks like it has the parts mine are missing. So a trip over there to make notes could be what I'd need - if I am allowed?

I have analysed the circuits in depth and drawn out as much info as I can... and I think I am beginning to understand how they work.

Cheers,
Tom

[MC]

Wow, no response here. On another Forum (Muffs) we are having a nice conversation about this.

The MW crowd is very different from the MMF crowd. Frankly I have no interest in drum machines. Not to say I frown on them, I just don't have any use for them.