Vermona DRM1 MkIV Analog Drum Synthesizer Trigger Expander

Fully analog drum synthesizer with eight channels and deep hands on sound shaping.

The DRM1 MkIV is an eight channel analog drum synthesizer built for musicians who prefer shaping percussion directly rather than browsing samples. Each channel provides a dedicated voice with its own controls, and all sounds come from analog circuitry. The instrument responds dynamically to MIDI triggers, with the option to assign each channel to its own MIDI channel for flexible sequencing.

A stereo mix output lets you place each voice in the panorama, while individual outputs allow direct routing to a mixer, interface, or external effects. Those outputs also work well as insert points if you want to process a single drum voice through pedals or studio processors.

The Kick channel focuses on bass drum duties. You control pitch, decay, and the intensity and timing of the pitch bend envelope. A waveshaper adds weight and edge, while attack and noise controls introduce the transient click that helps a kick cut through a mix.

Drum 1 and Drum 2 provide two identical voices suited for toms, kicks, or experimental percussion. Each voice offers pitch, decay, pitch bend, and a transient attack. An internal modulation oscillator can move from slow LFO rates to audio range and modulate pitch for FM style sounds. With higher modulation depth, these channels move easily into metallic and bell like territory.

The Multi channel runs three oscillators in parallel. You set the base pitch and detune the second and third oscillators for beating and movement. With pitch bend, decay control, and a high pass filter at the end of the signal path, this voice works well for cowbells, metallic percussion, and drifting tonal textures.

The Snare channel blends tonal components, noise, and a built in reverb style tail. Adjustable noise simulates snare wires, while a resonant filter shapes the body of the drum. The result can approach classic analog snare sounds but also moves into sharper or more synthetic territory.

Two HiHat channels each provide both closed and open sounds via MIDI notes. That effectively gives you four hi hats in total. Each voice includes pitch, decay, pitch bend, attack click, and a resonant low pass filter. The mix control shifts the balance between noisy and tonal elements, which opens a wide range of cymbal and metallic textures.

The Clap channel focuses on classic handclap style percussion. It combines noise, a resonant filter, and a reverb style decay. The clap control shapes the impulse pattern, while a high pass filter keeps the sound tight in a mix.

The MkIV revision improves the internal circuit design and power supply and adds modern connectivity. USB MIDI joins the traditional MIDI ports, and trigger inputs now respond to CV levels. That allows dynamic control from modular systems rather than simple gate triggers.