Introduced in 1984, this machine from Roger Linn basically invented the all-in-one beatmaking workstation, paving the way for the MPC series with its ahead-of-its-time blend of playable pads and deep sequencing.
At its core, it packs 18 high-fidelity, sample-based drum voices—digitally recorded at up to 37kHz 8-bit resolution—with velocity-sensitive rubber pads for expressive performance, per-sequence tuning, mixing, and panning via front-panel sliders, plus precise hi-hat decay control. A 32-track MIDI sequencer assignable to 16 channels handles drum and synth sequences (up to 100 each), with tape-style tools like punch-in/out, auto-locate, copy/merge, and a graphic LCD plus alphanumeric keypad for navigation. It offers 18 individual outputs alongside stereo mains, MIDI In/Out, trigger I/O, tape sync, and about 13 seconds of internal sample memory, all in a hefty 13kg chassis built like a tank for studio duty. Optional cards added user sampling and floppy drive storage.
Only around 1,100 were made before Linn shut down, making it a rare collector's gem that's shaped hits from Michael Jackson to Nine Inch Nails. Players love the punchy, retro drums and rock-solid sequencer timing, though early software quirks and hardware gremlins like battery leaks demand careful servicing from specialists.
