Luma-1 Drum Machine
Luma-1 is an authentic recreation of the iconic LM-1, originally designed by Roger Linn in 1979 and now brought back by Joe Britt. Fully recreating the original design of the LM-1, it utilizes the same audio path (with the original vintage DACs and filters), runs the original LM-1 software, and adds a secondary modern processor for adding highly desirable features like loadable sounds, USB connectivity, MIDI and more.
First announced in September 2023, Luma-1 first batch has already been delivered to customers and the second batch pre-order is open now.
First announced in September 2023, Luma-1 first batch has already been delivered to customers and the second batch pre-order is open now.
Pre-Order Luma-1 Drum Machine
Luma-1 price is $4499 which is split between $2200 deposit and $2299 when the unit is ready.
Luma-1 is a no-compromise re-implementation of Roger Linn’s LM-1 Drum Computer, also adding USB, MIDI, and downloadable sample features to the classic LM-1 user experience.
We're currently running the second batch of Luma-1 production.
For DIY community Luma-1 is also available as a kit. Check out our store page.
Luma-1 is a no-compromise re-implementation of Roger Linn’s LM-1 Drum Computer, also adding USB, MIDI, and downloadable sample features to the classic LM-1 user experience.
We're currently running the second batch of Luma-1 production.
For DIY community Luma-1 is also available as a kit. Check out our store page.
$
2200
$
Wooden Side Panels
Power
OVERVIEW
Design Concept
Similar to the original LM-1, Luma-1 is a very complex machine. It has a dual CPU architecture (Z80 + ARM) and makes no compromises with the audio path. Luma-1 uses the original nine individual DAC chips, and the original “loose” clock generation scheme. The DACs are no longer produced, and must be obtained from surplus stock suppliers.
The digital sections are identical, but Luma-1 uses small SMD (Surface Mount Device) components to save space. A modular design was implemented, where each voice is on its own card for serviceability and future expansion or modifiability.
The power supply is the exact same model used in the LM-1, and amazingly it is still made in the USA! It is a linear power supply, which is heavier and more expensive, but doesn’t have any “switching noise” concerns of more modern supplies.
The digital sections are identical, but Luma-1 uses small SMD (Surface Mount Device) components to save space. A modular design was implemented, where each voice is on its own card for serviceability and future expansion or modifiability.
The power supply is the exact same model used in the LM-1, and amazingly it is still made in the USA! It is a linear power supply, which is heavier and more expensive, but doesn’t have any “switching noise” concerns of more modern supplies.
High quality and well-built
The enclosure is modeled after the original LM-1, with the same width and height to preserve the front panel user interface. Thanks to the smaller SMD components, the overall length of the enclosure is 4” shorter than the LM-1. The enclosure is made of 3 custom steel sections, each powder coated. The control panel and rear are illustrated with custom silkscreen printing. The side panels are wood, like the original LM-1, but with a variety of wood types available. Luma-1 weighs 25 lbs (a little over 11 kg).
Is the circuit exactly the same to LM-1?
Luma-1 uses a Z-80 just like the original LM-1, and runs the Rev 3 LM-1 firmware. It has the same loose sample rate and tempo clock generation, 9x (one per voice) 8-bit µ-law DACs, OpAmps, and AS3320 (or CEM3320) filters on the Conga/Tom and Bass voices. Unlike the original, the filter cutoff controls are externally accessible.
In other words, the entire audio signal path is identical to the LM-1.
On the digital side, the samples are not stored in EPROMs, but rather individual per-voice RAM chips. Drum samples are loaded into those RAM chips either from an internal SD Card or by downloading via SysEx. That allows for hot-swappable sample storage, whether it's the original bit patterns of the LM-1 voice EPROMs, other sample-based drum machines (such as the DMX or DrumTraks), or totally new sounds. Samples can be 2KB, 4KB, 8KB, or 32KB in size, allowing a wide variety of vintage and new sounds to be loaded. (Note: due to the way the Conga/Tom voices work, those samples can be 2KB, 4KB, 8KB, or 16KB.)
In other words, the entire audio signal path is identical to the LM-1.
On the digital side, the samples are not stored in EPROMs, but rather individual per-voice RAM chips. Drum samples are loaded into those RAM chips either from an internal SD Card or by downloading via SysEx. That allows for hot-swappable sample storage, whether it's the original bit patterns of the LM-1 voice EPROMs, other sample-based drum machines (such as the DMX or DrumTraks), or totally new sounds. Samples can be 2KB, 4KB, 8KB, or 32KB in size, allowing a wide variety of vintage and new sounds to be loaded. (Note: due to the way the Conga/Tom voices work, those samples can be 2KB, 4KB, 8KB, or 16KB.)
What is Roger’s involvement and why isn’t his name on it?, is Roger permitting this?
From Roger: “I think it’s very cool that my friends Joe, Andrei and Devin are breathing new life into the LM-1, recreating the original circuit, sound and timing while adding some useful modern features. These guys are in it purely for the passion and are far better engineers than I am, so I’m honored that they’re taking on this project. It’s entirely their project, but I’m staying in touch with them and giving some help along the way."
Luma-1 Specifications
Authentic LM-1 recreation using exact analog schematic
8-bit companded samples played through New Old Stock 8-bit µ-law DACs for complete vintage experience
9 channels of 8-bit µ-law DACs, OpAmps, and AS3320 filters (Conga/Tom and Bass channels only)
Dual CPU architecture: Z80 (runs unmodified LM-1 Rev 3 code) + ARM for new features
Continuous pitch control per voice (continuously variable sample rate, not sample rate conversion)
555-timer based sample rate clock
Original “loose” clock generation scheme, internal tempo clock from XR2206, sampled with non-interrupt driven code,
Loadable sounds via web-based editor, USB connectivity and MIDI implementation
Designed and Assembled in California
Dimensions: 21.5x18x4.75” or 54.8x46.2x12cm
HOW TO ORDER
1
CONTACT
Feel free to reach over email andrei.kudryavtsev@gmail.com for any additional information or your specific requirements
2
ORDER
You place a deposit amount of $2200 to lock your order
3
MANUFACTURING
We source all required components and work on the batch. 1-2 month waiting period. Your position in the pre-order list determines the execution order.
4
FINAL PAYMENT
Once your unit is produced, we'll contact you for the final amount to be collected before unit is shipped.
5
DELIVERING
We deliver you unit via Fedex or a carrier of your choice.
ABOUT DELIVERY
Luma-1 price has been lowered to $4499.
This amount doesn’t include shipping, sales tax or destination/broker fees.
Producing takes 1 to 2 months (as of July 2024).
For US customers:
For Worldwide customers:
LIMITED WARRANTY
Deftaudio LLC. will repair, free of charge, any Luma-1 Drum Computer that, in our opinion, is defective in materials and/or workmanship, and has not been subjected to abuse, for a period of one year from date of purchase. This warranty is issued to the original purchaser only, and is non-transferable. The warranty doesn’t cover shipping or transportation costs.
This warranty is VOID if, in the opinion of Deftaudio LLC:
A) The product is modified in any manner.
B) The product has been repaired or serviced by anyone other than authorized personnel.
C) The product is damaged because it has not been properly installed, maintained or operated in accordance with the instructions contained in this booklet.
NOTE: Under no circumstances shall the manufacturer be liable for any loss or damage, direct or consequential, arising out of the use of, or inability to use, this product.
This amount doesn’t include shipping, sales tax or destination/broker fees.
Producing takes 1 to 2 months (as of July 2024).
For US customers:
- It's subject to local CA taxes of 7.750%.
- You can collect your Luma-1 in person in NorCal.
- If you're tax exempt, you should provide a resale certificate form.
- Domestic shipping is via Fedex with full insurance and signature on delivery.
- You're responsible for shipping if it's another carrier of your choice.
For Worldwide customers:
- International shipping is offered by Fedex and cost varies based on your destination. It’s declared for the full amount for insurance. Fedex is your broker for custom fees in your country.
- You may use your own shipping company but require you to take the full responsibility.
- Note it’s subject to your local country taxes, such as custom fees, VAT or any other destination charges.
LIMITED WARRANTY
Deftaudio LLC. will repair, free of charge, any Luma-1 Drum Computer that, in our opinion, is defective in materials and/or workmanship, and has not been subjected to abuse, for a period of one year from date of purchase. This warranty is issued to the original purchaser only, and is non-transferable. The warranty doesn’t cover shipping or transportation costs.
This warranty is VOID if, in the opinion of Deftaudio LLC:
A) The product is modified in any manner.
B) The product has been repaired or serviced by anyone other than authorized personnel.
C) The product is damaged because it has not been properly installed, maintained or operated in accordance with the instructions contained in this booklet.
NOTE: Under no circumstances shall the manufacturer be liable for any loss or damage, direct or consequential, arising out of the use of, or inability to use, this product.
ARE YOU A DIY ENTHUSIAST?
Luma-1 DIY Kit
Luma-1 DIY kit includes:
Following components are not included with a kit:
Kits are available now. No wait time.
- A complete set of 16 PCB boards
- All SMD parts are pre-populated
- No through-hole components installed
- Comes with enclosure, acrylic filters for displays, hardware and walnut side-panels
- Includes 9 vintage NOS 8-bit DACs (AM6072DC)
- Assembly instruction
- A link to Mouser cart for the remaining through-hole parts
Following components are not included with a kit:
- The remaining through-hole parts: buttons, faders, potentiometers, LEDs, passive components and power supply (Mouser cart)
- Teensy 4.1 CPU (PJRC.com)
- AS3320 (ElectricDruid)
- OLED screen, fan (Amazon)
- Z80 CPU (eBay)
- XR-2206 (eBay)
Kits are available now. No wait time.
$
1900.00
$
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