Erica Synths 7-Voice Sampling Drum Machine w/ Built in Mic / Speaker & CV Control

Erica Synths' Bullfrog Drums is a sample-based drum machine built around a sequencer-and-programming-first philosophy. Housed in a recognisable aluminium chassis, the unit combines seven sound-generating voices, a hands-on X0X-style sequencer, and CV/Gate output for hardware synthesis integration. Rather than restrict users to traditional percussion, the seven sample-based voices accommodate any audio source–from found sounds and field recordings through to chord stabs and textural loops. Factory sample banks curated by Richie Hawtin and the Erica Synths team ship pre-loaded; user banks scale to 16 slots across 64 Mb of onboard memory.

The Bullfrog accommodates sampling via line input or its built-in microphone, allowing capture and manipulation of sounds in real time. Control runs deep: individual level faders govern each voice, whilst seven parameters per sample enable core sound design moves. The sequencer holds four separate kits and four pattern banks, each containing sixteen sequences of up to 64 steps. Ratchets, probability gates, and microtiming add rhythmic texture. Connectivity spans MIDI in and out via both DIN and USB-C, stereo main output, and a 3.5 mm headphone jack; a 12 VDC wall adapter powers the 2.7 kg unit (40.5 x 18.5 x 6 cm footprint).

Parameter locks and per-track automation allow evolving drum patterns across a song's progression without editing sequences manually. The built-in speaker suits sketch-and-sketch workflow or live performance monitoring, whilst line output feeds mixing consoles or audio interfaces. USB-C memory backup preserves kit and pattern data, reducing risk of losing edits during touring or studio sessions.

Features

• Seven sample-based drum voices with individual level controls
• 64 Mb sample memory: up to 16 user banks, plus Richie Hawtin factory presets
• X0X-style sequencer with ratchets, probabilities, microtiming, up to 64 steps
• Four pattern banks and four kit banks with sixteen slots each
• Line input, built-in microphone, and speaker for sampling and monitoring
• CV/Gate sequencer output for 1V/Oct synthesiser control
• MIDI in/out via DIN and USB-C; stereo and 3.5 mm headphone outputs
• Parameter locks and per-track automation; 7 sound-design parameters per voice