The Legendary Drum Computer
VPROM is a software plugin that accurately reproduces the internal circuitry and filtering of the legendary drum machine that was the talk of the town in the early 80s. Back in the day, this expensive drum computer was the first to incorporate real drum samples, making it a game-changer in the world of drum machines.
Early sample-based drum machines relied on acoustic drum sounds recorded on basic hardware without anti-aliasing. However, the unique sound they produced cut through a mix like nothing else, making them a popular alternative to the analog drum sounds of the era. The vintage drum machine that inspired VPROM is highly regarded to this day for its unique sound and character, which cannot be replicated by using samples of its analog output alone. With one DAC and clock per voice and yummy filters, this historical piece of gear takes pride of place in the 80s sound picture. With only 500 units in existence, finding a working one is rare and expensive. This machine has been used by major acts such as Prince, Phil Collins, Thompson Twins, Stevie Wonder, Gary Numan, Depeche Mode, The Human League, Jean-Michel Jarre, Vangelis, John Carpenter, Todd Rundgren, and The Art of Noise. ... As a musician myself, I strive to maintain the standard of excellence expected by musicians. Since there were no accurate VSTs for that legend out there, I made VPROM.
Thank you for your support - it makes things happen, such as bringing VPROM to WIN, MAC, x86, and x64 platforms.
VPROM not only reproduces the sound of the legendary drum machine but also reads and imports original, custom, or vintage EPROMs from other Drum Machines of that era, such as the Linndrum, DMX, DrumTraks, and more. (.bin files can be found on the net). An EPROM is an integrated circuit used to store short audio sample data in a compressed format. VPROM is the closest thing to the real deal and decodes original EPROM data images in real-time using the exact decode table from the AM6070 DAC at a variable sample rate. VPROM also allows you to experiment with your sample database, convert samples with external tools, and load compatible ULaw companded images (see manual for more info).
With VPROM, you can create funky grooves like never before!
MOST OF THESE VIDEOS WERE DONE WITH Version 1.0 BUT NEW VIDS ARE COMING ALONG!
VPROM accurately decodes incoming data using the exact decode table from the datasheet, resulting in a realistic and gritty sound at every pitch. It eliminates the need for resampling or tuning low-quality sample packs that often sound dull at lower pitches. The plugin also provides an option to maintain high-frequency spectrum integrity at any tuning via efficient oversampling.
The hihat circuitry is unique, where the hihat proms are read constantly in a loop while only a VCA is triggered. The circuitry has the ability to discharge the current through an additional way based on the decay pot setting for closed hihats, resulting in a different sound on every hit.
Unlike early version of the LM1, most popular revisions featured filters:Some voices with bass frequency content were filtered to minimize the remaining 8-bit noise using a VCF configured as a low-pass filter with no resonance. The CV frequency of the VCF was shaped by the circuitry to allow transients to pass through relatively unfiltered. VPROM offers the ability to fine-tune the CV pulse or bypass the filter completely. This is useful when a voice is tuned very low or when replacing a "Bass" slot with another EPROM that doesn't require filtering.
VPROM allows users to tune any voice to a particular frequency using the PROMS data, which is read one byte at a time by a counter controlled by a stable oscillator. The counters reading speed could then be affected by the external tuning pots in a limited range, + or - 1 Octave. The tuning range can be tweaked and the plugin provides a useful wide range of pitch from 1000Hz to 44100Hz and anything in between based on a real mod. (See manual)
VPROM allows users to limit themselves to only 2 velocity levels or use the full range of MIDI velocity for convenience.
The VPROM GUI features the original trigger buttons for quick listening and controls over every aspect of the drum machine. Most parameters like volume and pitch knobs can be MIDI learned and controlled by an external MIDI hardware.
VPROM provides the ability to replace some voices with external compatible 8-bit companded EPROM data, opening up the machine to LINNDRUM (LM-2), LINN 9000, DMX, DX, DRUMTRACKS, etc. samples or even load custom-made samples. Users can switch between custom-loaded and stock EPROMs on the fly.
VPROM supports the following type and size EPROMS binaries (.bin) 2716(2048_Bytes) 2K 2732(4096_Bytes) 4K 2764(8192_Bytes) 8K 27128(16384_Bytes) 16K 27256(32768_Bytes) 32KUsers can easily load and save full patch and banks in FXB/FXP format with additional technical information available in the manual.
In addition to cross platform capability, VPROM version 2 boasts a
range of
exciting new
features and improvements compared to its predecessor.
The highlights
include:
Windows:
Windows 7 to 11 and higher, 32 or 64bit host, plugin provided formats are VST2 and VST3.
Mac OS:
Snow Leopard (10.6) to Monterey or higher, 32 or 64bit host, plugin provided formats are VST2, VST3 and AU (AudioUnits).
Protools:
Avid Protools only supports its proprieratary format AAX at the moment but you can still easily load an AU or VST plugin with the help of a VST/AU host plugin, some popular solutions are DDMF Metaplugin or BlueCat's Patchworks, others might be available that I am not aware of yet.
Other info:
Working fine on Mac M1 (even if not native ARM yet). Working perfectly using Apple Rosetta 2 compatibility (only needed for VST format) AU format should load fine without doing anything else. Native ARM support is of course planned with VProm 3
Get amazing details about the first sample based drum machine and master the beast!
VPROM VST EPROM BASED VINTAGE DRUM MACHINE USER MANUAL V2.
EPROM VARIABLE SAMPLE RATE ENGINE ENHANCEMENT
Powerful optional X16 oversampling keeping high frequency harmonics intact like on real hardware
VOLUME SLIDER RESPONSE
New feature to change the mixer volume slider's response between Linear (original VST behavior) or Log Tappers (closer to hardware). Some people might have better habits with audio tapers so now you have the choice, keep in mind that default presets have been made using linear mode. The difference is Similar to this: linear will have finer detail over a small Db range of full volume, while Log can be easier for overall balance
HIHAT
Hihat curve, timing and range updated, closer to hardware Some more advanced tests on hardware have been done to tailor the hihat VCA, timing and curve is now more accurate (new curve in RED)
CHOKE action
New feature to instantly stop the playing of the Extra voice, useful for choking cymbals.. This is working only with the EXTRA voice and the CHOKE event trigger is permanently fixed to note C4, when the note is triggered it will stop the EPROM playing immediately and will be held in CHOKE until the EPROM is played again normally, the CHOKE is reflected on the EPROM playing status. You cannot assign note C4 anymore to custom MIDI mapping as it is reserved for CHOKE, if you still do, VPROM will warn you anyway :)
GUI
Voice names are now kept marked on top of the GUI panel when not in Mixer view: useful so you can actually use the tuning easily from every panel without using the tooltip naming of the tune knobs
TUNE & PANNING
Tune/Pan selection is now done in one click like a toggle switch
You can check your current version from the GUI INFO panel.
pending - v3.0.0VProm 2 for PC & MAC
Machine | Format(s) | Architecture(s) | Native Processor(s) | OS Supported | Note |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
PC | VST2, VST3 | X86, X64 | INTEL | Windows XP, 7 or higher | |
Mac | VST2, VST3, AU | X86, X64 | INTEL* | Mac OS-10.6 or higher | M1* Compatible |
VProm 2.0 comes with both Windows & Mac Installers and Manual.
*works on Mac M1 even if not native ARM yet (see compatiblity info tab)