Strengths
- Versatilesoundthat blends analog drums, samples and digital synthesis
- Highlycustomizablewith user samples and open-source synth and effect SDK
- Per-steprandomizationand parameter automation
Limitations
- -Compacthardwaremeansa lot of functionality is hidden behind shift presses or menus
- -Severalinstrumentssharefront panel controls
- -Multi-enginecantbe played chromatically (but can be sequenced internally at different pitches)
First announced in January 2021, Drumlogue is a - by now eagerly awaited - percussion-focused addition to Korg's popular Minilogue, Minilogue XD and Monologue.
On paper, there's a lot that appears exciting about the Drumlogue. This is a hybrid drum machine that combines analog percussion synths with a multi-track sample engine and ‘Multi-Engine’, which is an open-source digital oscillator that can be updated with custom synths and effects. Now we finally have our hands on one, is it worth the hype?
I was surprised by how small it is in the flesh. While none of the other instruments in the range are massive, they're all substantial, with a decent crop of controls spread out across spacious interfaces. Earlier photos hinted at a Monologue-sized affair, but in reality it's broaching ‘mini synth’ territory.
While some willthe choice of a mostly black design, labeled with small writing in white and gray - the latter used for shift functions that become virtually unreadable in anything other than bright, direct light. The buttons fare better, being backlit, and the bright screen does help matters considerably.
