Synthesizing drum sounds with analogue synthesizers is a process we often use when designing new and unique percussive samples. Although we do use conventional drum machines and acoustic recordings as a basic sound source (or back-bone) for many of our drums, a large number of the "raw" sounds are actually created with synthesizers, signal processing and creative layering techniques.

We have grown to enjoy and appreciate this technique over recent years, so much so that nearly 18 months ago we set out to create what we believe to be our most ambitious drum sample library to date.

Imagine taking ten of the most sought-after vintage synthesizers in history, synthesizing hundreds of drum sounds with each instrument and processing each of these sounds individually using a carefully thought out high-end signal chain and you are getting a little closer to understanding the concept of our forthcoming Synth Drums sample library...


What synths have we used you might ask? Here is a list of the instruments used to create the raw source material for Synth Drums:

Roland Jupiter 8, Roland System-100 (101, 102, 104), Sequential Circuits Prophet 5 Rev 2, Sequential Circuits Pro One, Korg MS-20, ARP Odyssey MK1, Moog Minimoog Model D, Oberheim OB8, Roland Juno 106, Roland SH-09.

When complete (soon!) Synth Drums will contain thousands of unique, 100% original synthesized drum hits and percussive samples. We wanted the library to be as flexible as possible, and so we have decided to include all of the unprocessed synthesized source material, as well as expertly processed versions of each and every drum sound (including analogue tape and vinyl variations)!

This is just a small insight into Synth Drums; a concept which we believe has never been attempted before. Keep a lookout here on our blog for more information in the run up to release day, which we think will be in four weeks' time!



We are sure you are all curious to hear some sounds from the library, so head over to our Synth Drums Taster page where you can download (for free!) 200 processed sounds taken directly from the full sample pack!
Thanks for reading and feel free to ask us any questions using the comments box below.

The Wave Alchemy Team