The Linn LM-1 Drum Computer is a drum machine created by Linn Electronics and introduced in 1980. It was one of the first drum machines that could be programmed by users and the first to use recordings of real drums. The machine was designed by American engineer Roger Linn, who aimed to create a device that could produce more realistic sounds and provide more options than pre-set rhythms.

The LM-1 became a common tool in 1980s pop music and helped prove that drum machines could be trusted for making music. It was used on songs by artists such as the Human League, Gary Numan, Mecano, Icehouse, Michael Jackson, Queen, Tears For Fears, Steve Winwood, and especially Prince. In 1982, the LM-1 was replaced by the LinnDrum.

Development

The LM-1 was created by American engineer and musician Roger Linn in the late 1970s. Linn was not satisfied with drum machines available at the time, such as the Roland CR-78, because they only played fixed patterns and did not sound natural.

At the suggestion of keyboardist Steve Porcaro from the band Toto, Linn recorded sounds of real drums onto a computer chip. By the late 1970s, the technology needed to store and play recorded sounds had become small and affordable enough for use in a drum machine. These digital recordings did not lose quality over time, unlike earlier devices such as the Chamberlin Rhythmate, which used tape loops.

Linn stated that most of the drum samples were played by session drummer Art Wood, with handclaps provided by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Linn added a feature called quantization after he noticed that his code could record his playing and replay it in perfect sixteenth notes, fixing any timing errors. To create swing beats, he delayed the playback of alternate sixteenth notes.

Sounds and features

The LM-1 has twelve different percussion sounds, each of which can be adjusted individually: kick, snare, hi-hat, cabasa, tambourine, two toms, two congas, cowbell, claves, and hand claps. Cymbal sounds were not included because of the high cost of long sound recordings at the time. Each sound can be adjusted and has its own output to connect with other equipment. The LM-1 also added features such as "timing correct" (quantization) and "shuffle" (swing), as well as the ability to link patterns together.

Release

The LM-1 was introduced in 1979 and released in 1980 as the first product made by Linn Electronics. It cost $5,500 when it was sold, which meant only wealthy musicians and studios could afford it. A flyer for the device claimed it would allow users to play "real drums at your fingertips." Only 525 units were made. Linn sold them by showing early models at parties for people in the entertainment industry. Early users included Peter Gabriel, Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Wonder, and the pianist Leon Russell, who used it on every song of his 1979 album Life and Love.

The LM-1 became widely used in 1980s pop music. It was used by groups and artists such as the Human League, Gary Numan, Michael Jackson, Giorgio Moroder, ABC, Devo, John Carpenter, and especially Prince. According to The Guardian, the LM-1, along with the Oberheim DMX, helped make drum machines "credible, powerful instruments" instead of being seen as toys. The Vinyl Factory stated that the LM-1 was "much better than the competition" and a major improvement for music production. However, it remained too expensive for most musicians and studios.

Linn made two updates to fix issues with the original model. In 1982, he released the LinnDrum, a less expensive and more reliable version that was very successful. In 2005, the LM-1 was added to the TECnology Hall of Fame, which recognizes "products and innovations that have had a lasting impact on audio technology."