Voice Architecture
In the original TR808 and TR909 , many analogue circuits were used to produce the imita-
tions of the various drum sounds. The essential sounds produced by skins (Bass Drum and
TomToms) rely mainly on a pitched element, those produced by struck metal (HiHat &
Cymbals) are based on multiple noise sources. Sounds like Snare and Rimshot use a combination of the two, one for the
skins and one for the snare chain. As a result, there are different parameters for each drum sound, enabling you to make
interesting variations within the sound category. Some parameters are only available on one or two sounds (eg. Attack on
the TR909 Bass Drum ) because those parameters are not so useful on the other sounds. Each of the parameters is cov-
ered in the appropriate section where you need to understand how it relates to that particular sound.
Other parameters feature on most or all sounds (eg. Decay, Tune & Level). Decay governs how quickly the sound dies
away, Tune the pitch of the sound and Level the maximum volume it is played in the respective mix.
Analogue Sound Modelling
The DrumStation faithfully re-creates the original analogue sounds of the TR808 & TR909 using a new digital system spe-
cially developed by Novation - Analogue Sound Modelling (ASM).
A typical drum sound has a very complex structure made up of many simple waveforms all occuring at the same moment in
time. To re-model an original drum sound, first it must be broken down and analysed so as to identify the various simple
waveforms in it’s structure as these can be synthesised more easily. When all these waveforms are regenerated and
added back together the original sound is faithfully re-created in every detail and realtime ‘fluid’ changes to the character of
the drum sound can still be made using any of the front panel controls, just like the original TR808 and TR909.
Voice Architecture
ASM
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