Behringer LM DRUM Classic Hybrid Sampling Drum Machine User Guide
Specifications
- Product Name: LM DRUM
- Type: Classic Hybrid Sampling Drum Machine
- Features: 109 Drum Sounds, Sample Recording, 64-Step Sequencer, Wave Designer, Dual-Mode Filter
- Version: 0.0
Product Usage Instructions
- Powering On the LM DRUM: Connect the device to a power outlet using the provided power adapter. Press the power button located on the top or rear panel.
- Selecting Drum Sounds: Use the control knobs or buttons on the top panel to navigate through the 109 available drum sounds. Select a sound by pressing its corresponding button or turning a knob.
- Sample Recording: To record samples, press the sample recording button, play your desired sound or rhythm on a connected instrument, and then press the stop button to end the recording.
- Sequencing Beats with the 64-Step Sequencer: Utilize the 64-step sequencer to create drum patterns by pressing step buttons or using the built-in pattern editor.
- Wave Designer and Dual-Mode Filter: Experiment with sound manipulation using the Wave Designer to shape drum sounds and adjust filter settings for different tonal qualities.
Important Safety Instructions
Terminals marked with the [electrical shock] symbol carry electrical current sufficient to constitute a risk of electric shock. Use only high-quality professional speaker cables with 1/4" TS or twist-locking plugs. All other installation or modification should be performed by qualified personnel.
The [high voltage] symbol alerts you to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage inside the enclosure, which may be sufficient to constitute a risk of shock.
The [info] symbol alerts you to important operating and maintenance instructions in the accompanying literature. Please read the manual.
Caution: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove the top or rear cover. No user-serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified personnel.
Caution: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this appliance to rain and moisture. Do not expose to dripping or splashing liquids, and do not place liquid-filled objects (e.g., vases) on the apparatus.
Caution: These service instructions are for qualified service personnel only. Do not perform any servicing other than that contained in the operation instructions.
Warning
Refer to the information on the exterior of the bottom enclosure for electrical and safety information before installing or operating the device.
- Read and follow all instructions and warnings.
- Keep the apparatus away from water (except for outdoor products).
- Clean only with a dry cloth.
- Do not block ventilation openings. Do not install in a confined space. Install only according to manufacturer's instructions.
- Protect the power cord from damage, particularly at plugs and appliance sockets.
- Do not install near heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
- Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades, one wider than the other (USA and Canada). A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. If the provided plug does not fit your outlet, consult an electrician.
- Use only attachments and accessories recommended by the manufacturer.
- Use only specified carts, stands, tripods, brackets, or tables. Use caution to prevent tip-over when moving the cart/apparatus combination.
- Unplug during storms or if not in use for a long period.
- Only use qualified personnel for servicing, especially after damage.
- The apparatus with a protective earthing terminal shall be connected to a MAINS socket outlet with a protective earthing connection.
- Where the MAINS plug or an appliance coupler is used as the disconnect device, it shall remain readily operable.
- Avoid installing in confined spaces like bookcases.
- Do not place naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, on the apparatus.
- Operating temperature range: 5° to 45°C (41° to 113°F).
Legal Disclaimer
Music Tribe accepts no liability for any loss which may be suffered by any person who relies either wholly or in part upon any description, photograph, or statement contained herein. Technical specifications, appearances, and other information are subject to change without notice. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Midas, Klark Teknik, Lab Gruppen, Lake, Tannoy, Turbosound, TC Electronic, TC Helicon, Behringer, Bugera, Aston Microphones and Coolaudio are trademarks or registered trademarks of Music Tribe Global Brands Ltd. © Music Tribe Global Brands Ltd. 2024 All rights reserved. LIMITED WARRANTY For the applicable warranty terms and conditions and additional information regarding Music Tribe's Limited Warranty, please see complete details online at community.musictribe.com/support.
Introduction
The Behringer LM DRUM is a recreation of the first sample-based drum machine from the 1980s, enhanced with a versatile programming environment adapted from the RD-8 and RD-9. It offers the ability to sample sounds and create custom banks, along with up-to-date MIDI and USB connectivity, individual voice outputs, and full velocity sensitivity when linked to electronic drumkits or pads. This manual is designed to help you customize your LM DRUM and get the best out of it, providing more in-depth information than the Quick Start Guide.
Top Panel
Navigation
Menu navigation is performed using the four buttons surrounding the data control (35-38), the data control itself (34), and the No (31) and Yes (33) buttons. On single-page menus, buttons 35 and 38 or the data control scroll through options, while buttons 36 and 37 move through available options. Button 37 toggles options on/off, while button 36 toggles them off. Pressing the data control acts as an Enter button. For multi-page menus, the Yes button (33) steps forward into sub-menus, and the No button (31) steps back. The Yes button can also switch on options, while the No button steps back a page or closes the menu. Any menu can be closed by pressing its access button a second time. In most cases, pressing Enter is not necessary to save altered options.
Control Section
This section contains various controls for editing and manipulating sounds and patterns. Specific controls include buttons for saving, copying, erasing, dumping, and mode selection (Song, Pattern, Step, Pads).
MIDI, USB, and SYNC
MIDI
The MIDI button accesses the MIDI options menu. RX Channel can be set to All, 1-16, or Out to match the RX channel to the TX channel. TX Channel can be set to All, 1-16, or Off to disable MIDI message transmission. Forward to USB forwards MIDI messages from the MIDI In socket to the USB socket. Soft Thru makes the MIDI Out socket function as a second MIDI Thru.
USB
The USB button accesses USB options. RX Channel and TX Channel function similarly to MIDI settings. Forward to MIDI forwards MIDI messages from the USB socket to the MIDI Out socket.
SYNC
The Sync button accesses sync options. INT uses the internal clock. MIDI synchronizes to MIDI clock on the MIDI In socket. USB synchronizes to MIDI clock on the USB socket. TRIG synchronizes to an analog clock on the Sync In socket.
TRIG RATE sets the clock value for Sync Out or incoming Sync In when TRIG is selected, with options from 1 pulse per step (pps) up to 48 ppqn. MIDI and USB clocks are always set to 24 ppqn.
Pattern Creation Features
RAND (Randomization)
The LM DRUM allows random triggering of sounds on any step in a pattern. Pressing the Rand button opens the randomization menu. Use voice select buttons (53) to select sounds for randomization. Flashing buttons are not selected; continuously lit buttons are selected. Use the data control and buttons 35/38 to scroll through steps, and buttons 36/37 to toggle randomization on/off for each step. Randomization is stored on a pattern-by-pattern basis.
STEP REPEAT
Step repeat is used to loop a number of steps. Use buttons 35-38 to select 1, 2, 4, or 8 steps for repetition. Pressing the trigger button initiates the repeat until released.
NOTE REPEAT
Note repeat adds a ratchet effect. Use buttons 35-38 to select 1, 2, 4, or 8 repeats. Use voice select buttons (53) to choose the drum to affect. The selected drum's button lights up. For hi-hats, closed hat lights red, open hat lights white. Pressing the trigger button while a pattern plays adds the selected number of repeats until released. Note Repeat can also be programmed per drum in the main menu and is stored per pattern.
AUTOFILL
Autofill adds a 'fill' pattern during playback. Any pattern can be set as the Autofill pattern by pressing the Autofill button and using a step/pad button (39). After the fill, the LM DRUM reverts to the previous pattern or a new one if selected during the fill.
TEMPO
The RATE control sets the internal clock speed from 20 bpm to 240 bpm, with the current tempo displayed. The TAP button (three presses) sets the tempo, overriding the RATE control. The RATE control can then adjust the tapped tempo. The TAP button and RATE control also set Swing, Probability, and Flam values. Access these by holding TAP and turning RATE. Adjust values by releasing TAP and using RATE or the data control. It is advisable to return to Tempo adjustment afterward. Swing can be set between 25% and 75% (default 50%).
Editing and Saving
SAVE
This button saves the current pattern or song. In save mode, pressing the pattern button allows saving any of the sixteen patterns associated with the current song. Pressing the song button allows saving any of the eight songs. Selection is made using the pad/step buttons. Press Save again to confirm and exit.
COPY
This button copies patterns or songs to a different location. In copy mode, pressing the pattern button allows selecting any of the sixteen patterns for copying. Pressing the song button allows selecting any of the eight songs. After selection, press the Copy button again to confirm. A new location can then be selected using the pad/step buttons. The copy is confirmed by pressing the Copy button again and exiting the menu.
ERASE
The Erase button erases patterns, songs, or global settings. In erase mode, pressing the pattern button allows selecting any of the sixteen patterns for erasure. Pressing the song button allows selecting any of the eight songs. Pressing Menu selects all global settings. Pressing Erase again confirms the erasure and exits the menu.
DUMP
The Dump button initiates a SysEx dump to software like MIDIOX™ or SysEx Librarian™. Select the MIDI or USB port. Pressing the pattern button allows selecting patterns for dumping; pressing song allows selecting songs. Pressing Menu dumps global settings. Set your software to record, make the selection, and press Dump again to confirm. The LM DRUM returns to its default state upon completion.
MODE SECTION
- SONG: Enter song mode and select songs for saving, copying, erasing, or dumping.
- PATTERN: Enter pattern mode and select patterns for saving, copying, erasing, or dumping.
- STEP: Enter step mode for creating patterns in step time.
- PADS: Enter pads mode for real-time pattern creation using voice pads (39) or an external MIDI device.
Program & Playback Section
LENGTH
The Length menu sets the pattern length, up to 64 steps (default 16). Use step/pad buttons with forward (26) and back (23) buttons for values under 16 steps. For values over 16, use the forward button to move to upper blocks. The number of steps is displayed. Autoscroll allows the playhead to move between blocks of steps. Pressing Copy copies the current step block; use << and >> to paste to a different block, then Save.
SAMPLE
This button accesses user sampling menus, described in the SAMPLING section.
BANK
Selects a sound/sample bank for programming patterns. There are sixteen banks, each with 127 sample slots. Factory loaded banks include LM 2 drums, LM 1 drums, LM9000 drums, DT drums, SDS drums, TMC drums, and All samples from banks 1-6. Other banks are empty for user samples. Preview a sample by highlighting it, holding Tap, and pressing Yes. Pressing the navigate right button (37) opens a sub-menu with options like SELECT ALL, SELECT UNUSED, DESELECT ALL, UNLOAD, and REPLACE. Holding Tap and pressing Bank opens the bank naming sub-menu.
QUAN (Quantize)
Sets quantization for real-time programming. Use the data control (34) for global quantization and the rate control (9) with voice select buttons (53) for individual voices (range 0-127). Quantization can be switched on/off during recording by holding Record and pressing Play.
BACK: Steps backward through groups of steps.
MUTE: Mutes/unmutes voices during playback/programming.
SOLO: Solos voices during playback/programming.
FORWARD: Steps forward through groups of steps.
RECORD: Enters record mode. Press Play (29) to start recording.
STOP: Stops recording or playback. The pattern/song reverts to its first step.
PLAY/PAUSE: Starts playback. A second press pauses; a third resumes.
MENU SECTION DEFAULT MENU
The default menu displays current parameter settings. Some parameters can be edited here, others in a second screen. Changes are automatically saved and are non-destructive.
- TOP ROW (left to right):
- BIT: Shows bit level of the current sample (default 12-bit).
- SAMP: Shows the sample assigned to the most recently used pad.
- DIST: Introduces distortion to the current sample.
- PLAY: Shows the selected play option (Forward, Forward Looping, Reverse Looping, Reverse). Holding Tap allows decay adjustment (10 ms to 10 seconds) via the data control.
- TUNE: Shows tuning position and value if the sample has a tuning control.
- MIDDLE ROW (left to right):
- Bxx: Shows the current sample bank.
- Mxx: Shows the current step block (16, 32, 48, or 64). If autoscroll is enabled, it shows Axx. Autoscroll can be enabled/disabled by holding Tap and pressing >> (Fwd) or << (Back).
- BOTTOM ROW (left to right):
- 01: Shows the current pattern number (1-16).
- 1: Shows the current song number (1-8).
- UNTITLED: Default pattern name. Press and hold Tap, then press the pattern button to open the naming menu. Use navigation buttons (36 & 37) to move the cursor and (35 & 38) to change characters. Yes to save, No to abort. Tap and navigation keys or data control to edit; Tap & No to delete; Tap & Yes to insert.
- MODE: Shows play mode (PAT(tern), SON(g), SET(list)). P130 shows a number depending on the preceding symbol.
To edit the current sample, press down on the data control to access the second screen. Use navigation controls to select parameters and the data control to change settings. Pressing the data control again reverts to the main default screen.
- SAMP: Allows using a different sample from the current bank.
- DIST: Introduces distortion (range 0-127, default 0).
- PLAY: Alters sample playback mode (FWD, FWD-L, REV-L, REV).
- TUNE: Adjusts tuning (-24 to +24 semitones, default 0) for samples with physical tuning control.
- LEV: Adjusts sample level (default 127, down to 0).
- STRT: Adjusts the start point of the sample.
- LEN: Adjusts the length of the sample.
- LOOP: Sets the looping start point within the sample (default off).
MENU
The Menu button accesses main menu options. Use the data control or buttons 35/38 to scroll, and button 37 or Yes (33) to access sub-menus. Use No (31) to exit sub-menus.
- STEP SIZE: Sets the step size (e.g., 1/8th note, 1/16th note default).
- PROBABILITY: Sets probability for drum sounds on specific steps. A rate of 100% means always sound, 50% means half the time, 0% means never. Can be set per pattern, song, or globally.
- FLAM: Sets the amount and level of flam, selectable per drum or step.
- NOTE REPEAT: Set on a pattern basis (Off, 1, 2, 4, or 8 repeats).
- POLYHETER: Allows different step numbers for different drums within a pattern. Can be switched on/off and step length set per drum.
- FILTER: Sets a filter cutoff value (range 0-255, default 127) per step, pattern, song, or globally. Filter cutoff can be recorded. Use the auto button for filter automation.
- PREFERENCES: Allows settings for Tempo, Swing, Probability, Flam, Filter HPF, Filter On, Filter Auto, Polymeter, Metronome, Step Size, Auto Scroll, FX Bus, Mute, Solo, and Bank to be set per pattern, song, or globally.
Advanced Features
MIDI Map
The MIDI Map sub-menu allows re-assigning MIDI notes to drums. The defaults are provided. It also shows Trigger Assign options for three analog trigger outputs, which can be assigned to specific drums. These settings are Global only.
Bitcrusher
The Bitcrusher allows changing the bit rate of LM DRUM sounds and user samples from 11 bit down to 1 bit. Each reduction makes the sound grainier and more distorted.
Metronome
The Metronome submenu allows switching the metronome off or setting it to sound on 1 to 9 beats (default 4 beats).
Options
The Options sub-menu controls miscellaneous features:
- Random Closed Hat (0-127): Randomizes the start point of the closed hi-hat sample for variations. Only usable if the sample plays forwards.
- Velocity THD (range 3-127, default 110): Determines the velocity level at which samples switch from first to second when using an external MIDI controller, for sounds with multiple samples.
- Velo(city) Sens(itive) Pad (on/off default): When off, pad velocity is fixed. When on, pads are velocity sensitive and switch samples as velocity increases.
- Chromatic MIDI In: Allows external MIDI keyboards to play or program tunable sounds chromatically.
- Sample Record Mode: Options include AGC (default), NOR (Normalized), and RAW.
- Auto Save (on default/off): Periodically saves work. Regular manual saving is still recommended.
- Beep On (on/off default): Toggles the metronome sound for real-time programming.
- LCD Brightness (range 1-15, default 11): Sets display brightness.
- LED Brightness (range 1-10, default 7): Sets LED brightness.
About
The About sub-menu shows current firmware versions for the two MCUs and allows restoration of factory settings using the Yes button (33). Note that factory restore will erase all programming; back up your work first.
Steps/Pads
The Step/Pad buttons have multiple functions depending on other buttons used. In step time, they place selected drums on steps. In real time, they play associated drum sounds. Button 16 acts as a shift button for percussion sounds (buttons 1-8). They are used to select patterns/songs for play, record, copy, erase, or dump. Buttons 1-8 select songs.
Wave Designer
Identical to the RD-8 and RD-9, the Wave Designer alters transients of selected drums via attack and sustain controls. It affects main outputs only. Any sound processed by the Wave Designer is also fed to the analog filter.
- ATTACK: Sets attack time for punchier or less immediate sounds. Set to 12 o'clock for no alteration.
- SEND: Sends selected voices to the Wave Designer and filter. Press button until it flashes to select voices (they light up pink). Press again for continuous light.
- SIG: LED lights when a signal is present on the Wave Designer's input.
- SUSTAIN: Sets sustain level. Increasing sustain lengthens the sound's peak; decreasing acts as a compressor. Set to 12 o'clock for no alteration. High levels may introduce noise.
Analog Filter
This filter alters the timbre of sounds. Any sound selected by the Wave Designer is fed to the analog filter, which can be switched out. The filter cutoff can be set using MIDI continuous controller #74.
- CUTOFF: Sets the filter cutoff frequency. Counter-clockwise reduces high frequencies (low pass mode), clockwise increases them. This is reversed in high pass mode.
- HPF: Switches the filter from low pass (button unlit) to high pass mode (button lit).
- ON: Switches the filter on for selected voices.
- RESONANCE: Emphasizes frequencies around the cutoff frequency. The LM DRUM filter cannot self-oscillate.
Volume
- INPUT: Sets input gain for recording user samples. Optimized for line level but can work with dynamic microphones. Condenser microphones cannot be used (no phantom power).
- REC: LED lights when recording a user sample.
- MASTER: Sets volume for master outputs and headphone output.
Tune Controls
These controls tune snares, toms, and congas, and set hi-hat decay. Tuning and decay can also be controlled via MIDI continuous controllers (CC numbers 75-80).
Pan Controls & Mixer
PAN CONTROLS: Set pan positions for drums and metronome on master outputs (top is hard left, lowest is hard right).
VOICE SELECT: Selects voices for programming, muting, soloing, Wave Designer, and filter. Lights up following drums during programming/playback.
MIXER: Sets the level of drums and metronome on master outputs. Does not affect individual voice outputs. Reduce a drum's level to zero to remove it from the main output.
Rear Panel
- MAIN OUTPUTS: 6.35mm (1/4") TS unbalanced jack sockets for main outputs. Level set by mixer (54), panning by controls (52). Use the left output for mono.
- HEADPHONE OUTPUT: 6.35mm (1/4") TRS stereo jack socket for monitoring with headphones.
- REC INPUT: 6.35mm (1/4") TS unbalanced jack socket for sampling sounds into the LM DRUM. Line level input, but can accept dynamic microphones at higher gain settings. No phantom power.
- VOICE OUTS: 3.5mm TS jack sockets for individual voice outputs. Level is unaffected by the mixer.
- TRIGGER OUTS: 3.5mm TS jack sockets for +5V analog triggers, assignable via Trigger Assign menu or SynthTribe app.
- SYNC IN: 3.5mm TS jack socket to synchronize to an external analog sync source.
- SYNC OUT: 3.5mm TS jack socket to synchronize external devices to the LM DRUM's internal clock.
- MIDI IN: 5-pin DIN socket for MIDI control of the LM DRUM.
- MIDI OUT: 5-pin DIN socket to control external MIDI devices from the LM DRUM.
- MIDI THRU: 5-pin DIN socket to mirror the MIDI In for external devices.
- USB: USB 2.0 Type B socket for MIDI control, controlling external devices, accessing functions, and updating firmware via the SynthTribe app.
- POWER SOCKET: Connects to the 12V 2000mA PSU. Use only the supplied PSU.
- POWER SWITCH: Turns the device on/off.
Programming
Programming involves a hierarchy: First, select a song (1-8) using the song button (15) and the first eight step/pad buttons. Then, within the song, select a pattern (1-16) using the pattern button (16) and the step/pad buttons.
