WMD KRAKEN Realtime Snare Synth

WMD Kraken – Physical Modeling Snare Drum with Massive Range

The Kraken by WMD is a deeply expressive digital snare drum module built on physical modeling principles. Designed to simulate the nuanced mechanics of real snare drums, it delivers everything from natural acoustic hits to futuristic, distorted blasts — all with a hands-on interface and full CV control.

Rather than relying on samples, Kraken uses a carefully tuned network of synthesis blocks — including delay lines, digital filters, and noise generators — to model the behavior of a resonating drum shell. Parameters like shell size, head density, overtone content, and brightness allow precise sculpting of the drum’s tonal character.

Kraken features both digital and analog noise sources, enabling everything from synthetic, sampler-style snares to natural, dynamic textures that mimic the subtle inconsistencies of a live drummer.

For further sonic exploration, a built-in pitch shifter brings the grainy, lo-fi flavor of early samplers and pitch pedals — controllable via CV and knob. The Wreck switch gives you three types of distortion: hard clipping, wavefolding, and bit depth reduction, adding everything from crunchy analog punch to brutal digital decay.

Performance inputs include Head, Rim, and Accent triggers. When Head and Rim are triggered simultaneously, Kraken outputs a convincing rimshot — and the Velocity CV input brings dynamic responsiveness to your rhythms.

Whether you’re building a modern electronic kit or recreating gritty boom-bap snares, Kraken fits perfectly alongside modules like WMD’s Crater, Fracture, Chimera, and Crucible to form a complete Eurorack drum set.