MFB-501

Back in 1979, Manfred Fricke launched the original MFB-501 as an affordable analog rhythm box that punched way above its weight, selling around 5000 units with its raw, switch-based beats that rivaled pricier Japanese machines.

The modern MFB-501 Pro revives that classic as a hybrid powerhouse, blending 8 editable analog drum voices—like punchy kicks and snappy snares—with 8 sample-based slots drawn from an internal ROM of 128 sounds or your own USB-imported samples. Each sound gets parameter locks for pitch, decay, and more, all tweakable via a classic 2x16-step sequencer with programmable pitch/length per step, five-stage shuffle, and MIDI CC control for external sequencing. It doubles as a velocity-sensitive MIDI sound module with 108 pattern slots and 9 songs, powered via USB or external supply in a compact black desktop unit with straightforward knobs, buttons, and MIDI In/USB ports.

Users dig its old-school vibe with modern flexibility—the analog drums hit hard, samples warp fun under pitch shifts, and parameter locking adds live performance spark, though some note MIDI settings don't save on power-off.