Erica Synths Bullfrog Drums

Erica Synths Bullfrog Drums is a 7-voice sample-based drum machine, sampler, and CV/Gate sequencer developed jointly by Erica Synths and Richie Hawtin — the third instrument in the Bullfrog ecosystem alongside the Bullfrog and Bullfrog XL synthesizers. The aluminum enclosure measures 405 x 185 x 60 mm and weighs 2.7 kg, with a TR-909-inspired interface: large color-coded knobs and clicky buttons. A built-in speaker and microphone enable standalone use and on-the-spot sampling without additional gear. The instrument is positioned for beginners and seasoned performers alike who need a compact, tactile rhythm center with full CV and MIDI integration.

7 sample voices with per-step control and an XoX sequencer

Each of the seven voices offers independent sample manipulation: tuning, start point, sample length, attack, decay, filter cutoff and resonance, drive, stereo pan, and individual level — all accessible directly from the front panel without menu navigation. Because the voice architecture is entirely sample-based, Bullfrog Drums is not limited to percussion; any sound can be loaded across the seven voices, including chord stabs, drones, noise textures, and field recordings. The factory library contains 7 banks of 32 sounds each, curated by Richie Hawtin and the Erica Synths team; 16 additional banks are allocated for user samples, with 64 MB of total sample memory. Kits are stored in 4 banks of 16 slots each. The XoX sequencer runs up to 64 steps with per-step parameter locks and full parameter automation, ratcheting, accent, adjustable probability per step, swing, and microtiming. Pattern playback direction is selectable between forward, reverse, and ping-pong for instant live variation without reprogramming.

CV/Gate sequencer track and modular integration

A dedicated CV/Gate sequencer track with 1V/oct and Gate outputs on two 3.5mm jacks drives an external analog synthesizer or modular system in parallel with the drum voices — eliminating the need for a separate sequencer in a hybrid setup. Connectivity covers MIDI IN/OUT on 5-pin DIN, USB-C for MIDI transfer, sample management, backup, and firmware updates, plus clock in/out and reset for synchronization with a DAW or modular clock source. Sampling input is available via 6.3mm line input, built-in microphone, or USB. A stereo main output and headphone output handle monitoring and routing. Power comes from an included 12VDC external supply. List price is €600 + VAT, with shipping from May 2026.

KEY FEATURES

• 7 sample-based voices — any audio source: drums, stabs, drones, noise, field recordings
• Per-voice: tuning, start point, sample length, attack, decay, filter cutoff, resonance, drive, pan, level
• Factory library: 7 banks x 32 sounds (Richie Hawtin + Erica Synths); 16 banks for user samples; 64 MB total memory
• Kits: 4 banks x 16 slots
• XoX sequencer: up to 64 steps, parameter locks, automation, ratchet, accent, swing, microtiming, per-step probability
• Pattern playback modes: forward, reverse, ping-pong
• Pattern storage: 4 banks x 16 patterns
• Dedicated CV/Gate track (1V/oct + Gate, 2 x 3.5mm) for controlling analog synthesizers
• Sampling inputs: 6.3mm line input, built-in microphone, USB
• Built-in speaker and microphone
• Aluminum enclosure — 405 x 185 x 60 mm, 2.7 kg

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Voices: 7 x sample-based (any audio type)
• Sample memory: 64 MB; 7 factory banks x 32 sounds + 16 user banks
• Kits: 4 banks x 16 slots
• Sequencer: XoX, up to 64 steps, parameter locks, probability, swing, ratchet, microtiming, accent
• Patterns: 4 banks x 16 patterns
• CV/Gate out: 2 x 3.5mm jack (1V/oct + Gate)
• Clock: clock in/out, reset
• MIDI: 5-pin DIN IN/OUT
• USB: USB-C (MIDI, backup, firmware, sample transfer)
• Audio in: 6.3mm jack (line level), built-in microphone
• Audio out: stereo main, headphone output
• Speaker: built-in
• Power: 12VDC (PSU included)
• Dimensions: 405 x 185 x 60 mm
• Weight: 2.7 kg / 5.95 lbs