Linn LM-1

Linn LM-1 Drum Computer
Linn LM-1 Drum Computer Rev. 3
ManufacturerLinn Electronics
Dates1980–1983
PriceUS $4,995 - $5,500 - $3,995
Technical specifications
Polyphonypolyphonic: Rev. 1: 10 voices, Rev. 2 & 3: 9 voices
Timbralitymultitimbral 12 voices
Synthesis type8 bit Digital Samples / 28 kHz
Storage memory100 memory patches
EffectsIndividual level, pan, tuning for all sounds
Input/output
Keyboard12 hard plastic "pads"
External controlpre-MIDI, external clock oscillator input, tape sync in/out

The Linn LM-1 Drum Computer is a drum machine manufactured by Linn Electronics and released in 1980. It was the first drum machine to use samples of acoustic drums, and one of the first programmable drum machines. Its designer, the American engineer Roger Linn, wanted a machine that would produce more realistic drum sounds and offer more than preset patterns.

The LM-1 became a staple of 1980s pop music and helped establish drum machines as credible tools. It appeared on records by artists including the Human League, Gary Numan, Mecano, Icehouse, Michael Jackson and particularly Prince. The LM-1 was succeeded in 1982 by the LinnDrum.


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