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Music Production

What is a Linndrum VST & Where To Get One

Photograph of the blog post author, Annika Hope

Annika Hope

15.3.2023

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The Linndrum is an iconic drum machine that has been used in countless hit records and is now available as a VST instrument. This article will explore the history of the Linndrum, its features and sound, and how it can be used to create unique and interesting drum patterns. 

We will also discuss the advantages of using the Linndrum VST over hardware versions of the machine. Finally, we will provide some tips and tricks on using the Linndrum to create professional-sounding drum patterns.

What is a Linndrum VST?

Linndrum VST

The Linndrum has been around since the early 2000s. It is a classic drum machine that was used by many legendary musicians and producers in the 80s and 90s. Since its release, the Linndrum VST has become one of the most popular drum machines used in modern music production.

The Linndrum is a digital recreation of the classic Linn LM-1 drum machine. It is a powerful and versatile instrument that can be used to create a wide range of drum sounds and includes a library of over 500 drum samples, which can be used to create unique and interesting drum patterns.

The Linn LM-1 revolutionized drum sounds, allowing users to access realistic drums stored digitally on EPROM chips. It also featured a comprehensive sequencer and individual audio outputs for each sound, giving people the ability to have “Real Drums at Their Fingertips”.

The 80s Iconic Sound of the Linndrum VST

Iconic sound of the 80s - LM-1

The LM-1 quickly became a staple of the 1980s music scene. It was featured on John Carpenter’s “Escape From New York” score and The Human League topped the UK charts with an LM-1 backbeat. Prince also adopted it as his signature sound, using it in hits such as “When Doves Cry” and “Kiss”. 

In 1982, Linn Electronics released a more affordable version called the LinnDrum (sometimes referred to as the LM-1). This machine added cymbals and sold in much higher numbers than its predecessor. Despite its popularity, however, neither the LinnDrum nor Linn Electronics survived into the 1990s. Despite this, we still talk about it today due to its unique sound – drum samples were a low sample rate and short in duration at that time.

Using a LinnDrum VST for Music Production

If you’re looking to add a classic 80s vibe to your rhythm tracks, then the Linn Drum is a perfect choice! This iconic drum machine was often used with external processors to create ambient sounds. Its unmistakable sound has been featured on countless classic records, so if you want your music to resonate with the iconic sound of the 80s, then you need some Linn Drum action in your repertoire.

If you’re looking to incorporate the classic LinnDrum VST sound into your music production workflow, but don’t have the budget for a £3000 vintage unit, there are plenty of cost-effective alternatives available.

Famous Songs Created with the Linn LM-1 

Maneater – Darryl Hall and John Oates

When Doves Cry – Prince

Don’t You Want Me – Human League

State of Independence – Jon and Vangelis

Thriller – Michael Jackson

LinnDrum VST Downloads and Packs

The LinnDrum Sample Pack is an iconic drum sample pack that has been used in countless music productions and is a great resource for producers and musicians looking to add some classic drum sounds to their music. However, there are many other great sample packs available that offer similar sounds and features to produce that iconic 80s sound for your project.

Drumkito – LinnDrum Sample Pack

Drumkito Linndrum VST Pack

Our favourite is Drumkito – with a comprehensive range LinnDrum VST Sample Packs. This collection of samples provides users with an extensive library of sounds to choose from, perfect for creating beats and rhythms. Each sample has been carefully crafted to ensure maximum quality and authenticity, giving producers the ability to create professional-sounding productions. They are easy to download and simple to implement so we recommend downloading them here.

Lindrum from Mars

Linndrum Mars

If you’re a DAWless musician or just prefer to use one-shot samples, Samples from Mars’ “Lindrum from Mars” sample pack could be perfect for you. It contains plenty of carefully recorded and processed single-hit samples. While this method has its restrictions, like not having the same interactive feel as an emulator, loading the samples into Ableton drum racks can produce a great sound for your projects and is well worth a try.

Ableton Drum Machines by Puremagnetik

Drum Machines pack created by Puremagnetik.

If you are an Ableton Live user you should check out the free “Drum Machines” pack created by Puremagnetik. It includes drum racks loaded with sounds of vintage drum machines, and among them is the LD Classic Kit which is based on the LinnDrum – a classic sound! You can also adjust individual drum levels, pitch and additional parameters to customize your tonality. This pack has been used by Prince’s original backing group “The Revolution” for their recent tour, so it’s worth checking out!

Closing Thoughts on Using a LinnDrum VST

The Linndrum VST is a great choice for anyone looking for a classic drum machine. It is a powerful and versatile instrument that can be used to create a wide range of drum sounds. Whether you’re looking for a classic sound or something more creative, the Linndrum VST is an excellent choice for any producer.


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