No one really saw this coming. Akai Pro, famed for making MPCs, controller keyboards and Ableton Live controllers, releasing an analogue drum machine and bass synth with built-in sequencer. And allegedly all for under $200! If it turns out to be an 808/909 and a 303 all in one, they could have a massive hit on their hands.
We got a quick look at a pre-production model at the Musikmesse show today. More below...
According to Akai Pro, the Rhythm Wolf is an authentic analogue instrument that combines the coveted sounds of early electronic and hip-hop music with genuine Akai Professional workflow. Inspired by the classic analogue beat machines and synthesizers of the past, Rhythm Wolf enables today’s musicians to harness iconic analogue sounds for music production and performance. The drum machine consists of five highly-tweakable drum sounds and includes a kick, snare, open & closed hi-hat, and metallic percussion. Meanwhile, onboard controls allow users to customize the tuning, amplitude envelopes, and volume of each drum voice separately and in real- time.
The bass synthesizer features a selectable oscillator (sawtooth or square wave), classic filter design, a filter envelope with variable decay, and is capable of creating powerful bass sounds and squelchy leads.
Akai Rhythm Wolf Analogue Drum Machine and SynthOutfitted with six genuine MPC pads and a built-in 32-step sequencer, the Rhythm Wolf provides a responsive interface with a classic drum machine layout. Drum patterns can be fine-tuned using the Swing function, Pattern Select, and Tempo Control knob.
A custom distortion signal path, activated by the appropriately named 'Howl' knob can be used for additional tone shaping.
The Rhythm Wolf also features independent audio outputs for the drum machine and synth bass so they can be treated separately, and it should also fit neatly into any vintage or modern studio setup thanks to the inclusion of USB-MIDI, MIDI In/Out and a gate trigger.
Set for a Summer release, the Rhythm Wolf has already got a lot of people talking. Keep an eye on the SOS Facebook, Twitter and Youtube for some footage of it in action from Musikmesse later this week!
