Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1

OVERVIEW Machinedrum SPS-1 is a dedicated percussion synthesizer and arranger. It offers four, tweakable MD-synths, synchronized effect systems and a specialized percussion sequencer. Building on the classic traditions of drum machines, but introducing SPS-1 for patternbased rhythm creation. It features eight Data Entry infinite rotary encoders control the parameters of the active track. The switch right below toggles the focus for the Data Entry between Synthesis, Effects and Routing. The large Sound-select encoder direct the active track.

RELATED MODELS:
- Machinedrum SPS-1 UW+ (2005)
- Machinedrum SPS-1 MKII (2007)
- Machinedrum SPS-1UW+ MKII (2010)

Terminal connectors:

1.Power on/off switch.

2.AC 6Volts power in.

3.MIDI Thru.

4.MIDI Out.

5.MIDI In.

6.Input B.

7.Input A.

8.Individual output F.

9.Individual output E.

10.Individual output D.

11.Individual output C.

12.Main out right / Individual output B.

13.Main out left / Individual output A.

14.Stereo headphones output

OSCILLATORS SPS-1 comes with four digital percussion synthesizers. The MD-synths are built of several specialized machines. Each machine is designed to generate one type of drum sound, such as bassdrum or claves, from a set of parameters.

-TRX is inspired by the classic rhythm machines of Rolands TR-series with analogue modelling.

- EFM “Enhanced Feedback Modulation” algorithms. The generated sound ranges from realistic acoustic drums to wild, chaotic effect

-E12 is built on carefully processed sampled percussion sounds with individual control. sample based drum machines such Emu SP1200.

- PI is the physically informed MD-synth which simulate the behaviour of acoustic drums.

Effect, midi, sequencer

EFFECTS dedicated Track Effect System for each of the 16 tracks of MD synthesis. The Track Effects are always at hand with assigned direct controllers. These effects forms a natural extension of the MD-synths and are available to shape the definite percussion sounds. The Track Effect parameters are saved in Kits and can be controlled by the Percussion Sequencer, just like MD-synth parameters.

The Track Effects consists of five concurrent effects: Amplitude Modulation, 1-band EQ, 24-dB Lo/Band/Hi-pass Resonant Filter, Sample Rate Reduction and Distortion. The Stereo Master Effect System is composed of the Rhythm Echo delay, the Gate Box reverb, the Dynamix dynamic processor, a Parametric and Hi/Lo-Shelf EQ. The Rhythm Echo and Gate Box Reverb each has dedicated sends from the 16 percussion tracks. The Dynamix processor and the EQ process the mixed main out stereo signal. All settings for the Stereo Master Effects are part of the Kit.

MIDI Machinedrum uses MIDI as its internal communications protocol. This means that all functions available in the Machinedrum can be controlled externally using the MIDI interface. All knobs and buttons that effect the sound also transmit MIDI messages that can be recorded for external automation. Individual drums and patterns can be triggered using standard NOTE_ON messages. Synthesis, Effects and Routing parameters are controlled using 384 standard CTRL_CHANGE messages.

SEQUENCER The pattern based Percussion Sequencer of SPS-1 delivers control over 16 tracks of internal percussion synthesis or external MIDI drum trigging. 128 patterns of up to 32 steps are available for instant replay, step edit and realtime recording. Each pattern also offer step programmable Accent, Swing and Slide. The Song mode is straightforward with 256 positions of patterns linked together forming a song. For each step a repeat-value and BPM can be set. There are 32 song slots in SPS-1.

Machinedrum sequencing comes in two levels: Classic and Extended. In Classic mode the sequencer operates as would be expected of a classic drum machine, with the sequencer separated from the synthesis. Extended mode ties these two together by keeping track of the kit used for a certain pattern. In Extended mode all Synthesis, Effects and Routing parameters can also be locked to fix values for any step. The lock-programming can be done either in step edit or realtime recording. The step programmable Slide-track decides for which steps parameters shift value directly or slide smoothly between the start and end values.