ALYJAMESLAB VProm ► EPROM based vintage drums

The Legendary Drum Computer

Linn LM-1

Introducing VPROM 3.0 – The Ultimate Drum Machine Plugin!

VPROM was first released in 2014 as a groundbreaking software plugin that faithfully emulated the internal circuitry and filtering of one of the most iconic drum machines of the early ‘80s. This legendary device revolutionized music production by being the first to incorporate real drum samples, setting a new industry standard and shaping the sound of an era.

Early sample-based drum machines relied on recorded acoustic drum sounds, captured with minimal processing and no anti-aliasing. The result? A raw, punchy, and unmistakable sound that cut through mixes like no other. The vintage drum machine that inspired VPROM remains a revered piece of music history, known for its distinct sonic character—something that simple sample-based reproductions fail to capture. With a dedicated DAC and clock per voice, plus unique analog filtering, this rare instrument (with only 500 units ever made) continues to be sought after by producers worldwide. Used by industry legends such as Prince, Phil Collins, The Thompson Twins, Stevie Wonder, Gary Numan, Depeche Mode, The Human League, Jean-Michel Jarre, Vangelis, John Carpenter, Todd Rundgren, and The Art of Noise, this drum machine left an undeniable mark on music history. As a musician myself, I understand the high standards that artists expect. Since no accurate VST version of this classic existed, I set out to create VPROM.

This was then…

Welcome to the next chapter.

Over the years, VPROM has become a staple in music production, celebrated for its accurate variable sample rate emulation of classic DACs and its ability to load swappable EPROM samples. Now, with the release of VPROM 3.0, I am taking things to the next level. This major upgrade enhances both features and usability. While previous versions excelled at replicating EPROM-based drum machines, primarily the LM-1, Version 3.0 expands its capabilities even further.

Get It Now

New in VPROM 3.0:

Enhanced circuit emulation

Enhanced circuit emulation, including some OB DMX voice cards features like VCA and filter tracking, customizable start and end memory points and loop control.
Upgraded voltage-controlled CEM filters with expanded controls—adjust trimmer, decay, pulse time, envelope response, or keep it simple with legacy mode (just one pulse control).

µLaw madness

Real-time variable sample rate decoding of EPROM sound data using the precise AM6070 DAC response, ensuring unparalleled authenticity.
New unique µLaw DAC real-time transfer response customization per voice—allowing precise control over the µLaw decompression ratio. By tweaking the transfer function slightly, you can subtly refine the response to better approximate real-world variations between original AM6070 DAC chips. At extreme settings, this feature transforms into a unique powerful creative transient / distortion shaper: with ratios closer to 0.5/1, quieter details are brought forward significantly, while values above 1/1 enhance snappiness and impact, delivering a uniquely dynamic and tonal character, a unique feature taking advantage of digital processing while keeping some level of authenticity.

Sample/Convert/Burn

VProm now features a built-in EPROM creator, allowing you to generate custom EPROM binary files without any external tools and ready for use in VPROM or hardware drum machines.
Import any .wav file and sample it just like in the classic hardware days. The resampling process uses a crude emulated R2R ADC with tweakable input settings and home-made tweaks* before capturing at ≈ 27 kHz. If the original .wav file rate is less or equal than 27 kHz, resampling is bypassed. You can also disable the resampling stage if needed.
Once sampled, preview the file with µLaw 8bit (12bit quality) compression applied or save it directly as a µLaw-encoded .bin EPROM file.
Maximum EPROM size is 64K ≈ 2.5 seconds @ 27Khz —larger sampled .wav files will be automatically truncated to fit during sampling.

*ADC-Optimized Bit Reduction...Peter Vogel knows about this...

Make your own

New EPROM Management Panel – Manage all 14 custom EPROMs in one window with **waveform visualization**, direct loading on click, real-time auditioning, quick reset, and more.
New EPROM Library Browser – Easily access, preview, and organize your custom and vintage EPROMs from a dedicated internal library.
New .VPromKit Format – Save and reload an entire custom EPROM set as a .VPromKit file, allowing you to switch drum kits instantly without affecting other settings.

That Mythical feel

Authentic 48 PPQN Timing Emulation – Recreates the subtle groove and feel of vintage drum machines. Unlike modern high-resolution clocks (~960 PPQN), this low-res 48 PPQN pulse locks trigger events in real-time, syncing tightly to your DAW. The effect is subtle but noticeable, especially on swung or loose beats, adding that extra bit of human feel without overhyping the impact. Will it magically transform your beats? No. But it might just be that +1% touch you've been chasing—and hey, at least now you can stop obsessing over it!

Real-Time Clock Drift – Recreates the natural clock drift found in vintage drum machines, where internal clocks were never perfectly stable. Unlike the subtle effect of the 48 PPQN clock, this feature introduces a more noticeable, organic timing shift, mimicking the imperfections of classic hardware. With a tweakable drift range from 1ms to 40ms, you can achieve anything from a realistic analog-style drift to a more exaggerated laid-back groove, similar to a drummer playing with extreme looseness and feel.

For a complete breakdown of features check out the full change-log below.

VPROM isn’t just another drum machine plugin; it’s the closest thing to owning the real hardware, and in many ways, even more convenient. While the original machine requires complex cabling and external routing, VPROM 3.0 offers built-in multi-output support for seamless mixing, instant EPROM loading, full recall and zero maintenance without compromising on authenticity. In fact, it sounds so close to the real hardware that even some original drum machine owners reach to VPROM first in their productions.
. Load your favorite EPROM files (.bin resources available online), experiment with VPROM’s 3.0 brand new built-in sample converter/resampler, and create beats with unmatched authenticity and feel thanks to its new internal 48 PPQN Clock with unique clock drifting feature (see below).
The legend continues with VPROM 3.0! guaranteed with no fake samples, no EQ, no FX -uncut.

Rest of the page will be online shortly...

The original name of this VST, "VLinn", has been changed at the request of the Linn Electronics copyright holder: Roger Linn. It is now named "VPROM". ALYJAMESLAB has no affiliation with Roger Linn and has not received any consent from Roger Linn.
All manufacturer and product names mentioned on this page are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with ALYJAMESLAB. The trademarks of other manufacturers are used solely to identify the products of those manufacturers whose tones and sounds were studied during ALYJAMESLAB sound development. All names of instrument and inventors have been included for illustrative and educational purposes only and do not suggest any affiliation or endorsement of VProm by any company or instrument inventor

VProm Videos & Sounds Demos Playlists.

Most of these videos were done with version 1.0 or 2.0 -sound still valid, new vids are coming up for v3.0 while you can already find tons on my instagram pusblished throughout its development!

Product Demos by Aly james

GLOBAL FEATURES

Faithful Hardware Emulation – The closest software recreation of the legendary 80s drum machine, with real-time DAC and EPROM sound processing.
New Mac & Apple Silicon Support – Native VST3 & AU support for both Intel & M1/M2 Macs with Universal 2 compatibility.
Built-in WAV Resampler & EPROM Burner – Convert and preview samples, then burn them into authentic 8-bit EPROM images.
Real-Time µLaw DAC Curve Control – Modify decompression ratios for unique transient shaping and distortion effects.
Enhanced Mixer with Multi-Output Routing – Choose between Single Mix, Multi Post-Mixer, or Multi Pre-Mixer for flexible DAW integration.
Expanded Voice Card Features – New DMX-based controls, CEM filters, and optional VCA envelopes for deeper sound sculpting.
New 48 PPQN Internal Clock & Clock Drift – Accurately recreates vintage groove timing with adjustable humanized drift.
Revamped GUI & Skins – LM1, DMX, and Linndrum skins with vector graphics, DPI scaling, and HD visuals.
Amazing New EPROM Management Panel – View all 14 custom EPROMs in one window with waveform visualization, an internal EPROM library browser.
Advanced EPROM Playback Controls – Adjust start, loop modes, and memory playback in real time.
New "EPROM Kit" Format – Save and recall full custom EPROM drum sets separately from plugin presets.
New Drum Voice: "Ext2" – Expanding the kit to 14 sounds.
Enhanced Oversampling – New "X16 ALL" mode for full high-frequency processing.
Backward Compatible with VPROM v2.0 – Load existing presets, including custom EPROMs, directly in VPROM 3.0.
No Fake Samples – 100% Authentic – No EQ, no FX, just pure raw drum machine sounds.

COMPATIBILITY

: Windows 10 and higher
PC: 64bit VST3 compatible host.
Not supported but might work on Windows 7
: Mac OS 10.15 and higher (64bit)
Mac: 64bit VST3 or Audio-Unit compatible host.
Universal 2 binary: works natively on both Silicon and Intel based Mac.
VPROM 3.0 requires macOS 10.15 Catalina or later due to system dependencies..

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.

VProm version 3.0 Manual

Get amazing details about those vintage drum systems and master VProm 3!

Yay its there!.

Vprom 3 MANUAL.

VProm 3 Plug-In User Manual

Change Log

UPDATES HISTORY

03/17/25 - v3.0.1

Fix - MIDI Map learning selector now correctly selects either Extra2 or Cabasa (previously selected both).
Fix - Nasty crash with minimum size EPROMs (512 Bytes) that caused invalid waveform rendering upon loading.
Change - Inverted the default MIDI map notes for Claps (33 - 39 instead of 39 - 33) and Rimshot for better logical consistency.
New - "Open Library" button, providing quick and easy access to the EPROM library through your system's file explorer.
New - Closed Hat Accent parameter, velocity influenced decay (Nice for DMX...)
Fix - few typo corrections and GUI tweaks here and there.
Fix - Better rights management for Installers.

02/23/25 - v3.0.0

New Mac VST3 & AU Support – Now fully compatible with Apple Silicon (M1/M2+), offering native performance. Built as a "Universal 2" plugin, meaning both VST3 and AU work seamlessly on Intel x86-64 and ARM64 Macs.

Built-in WAV Resampler & EPROM Burner – Convert, preview, and load samples effortlessly.
Import any WAV file and resample it (or keep it as-is) at ~27kHz with input stage emulation and µLaw 8-bit compression—just like the original hardware. Generates fully compatible .bin EPROM images.

Custom EPROM Manager – Advanced visualization, file handling, internal browser, and improved organization for easier workflow.

Real-Time µLaw DAC Curve Response Control – Fine-tune how your samples are decompressed for precise sound shaping.
The AM6070 DAC chips used a built-in µLaw transfer function to decode and replay sound data. Now, you can subtly match real-world DAC chip variations—or push the transfer function further for creative sound design. This feature acts like a hybrid transient designer & distortion unit when dialed in aggressively.

Enhanced Mixer – Greater flexibility with multi-output routing and improved equal-power panning.
Choose from three routing modes:
Single - Main Mix : All voices are processed through the internal mixer (with volume, pan, etc.) and sent to the **Main Stereo Output**. Dedicated outputs are disabled.
Multi Post-Mixer : All voices still pass through the internal mixer, but instead of going to the Main Stereo Output, they are routed to their own dedicated stereo outputs. The Main Stereo Output is disabled in this mode.
- Multi Pre-Mixer: A hybrid mode where voices are sent **both** to the Main Stereo Output (post-mixer) and their dedicated outputs (pre-mixer, direct signal). This allows external processing while keeping a full internal mix or a quick sub mix.

Revamped GUI & Skins – New LM1, DMX, and Linndrum skins with HD graphics, vector knobs, full EPROM Kit View, and an enhanced CEM filters view. GUI now adapts to different DPI sizes for sharper visuals and UI scaling.

New 48 PPQN Internal Clock – Recreates the subtle groove and timing feel of vintage drum machines.
Unlike modern clocks (~960 PPQN), this emulation locks trigger events to a true vintage-style clock pulse synced to your DAW. The effect is subtle but noticeable, especially on swung or loose beats.

Real-Time Clock Drift – Adds organic, human-like timing imperfections.
Recreates the natural clock drift found in vintage drum machines, where internal clocks were never perfectly stable. Unlike the subtle effect of the 48 PPQN clock, this feature introduces a more noticeable, organic timing shift, mimicking the imperfections of classic hardware. With a tweakable drift range from 1ms to 40ms, you can achieve anything from a realistic analog-style drift to a more exaggerated laid-back groove, similar to a drummer playing with extreme looseness and feel.

Expanded Voice Card Features – New DMX-based controls for Bass, Congas, Toms, Ext1, and Ext2.
CEM filters now offer full control over envelope response and decay, along with newly introduced VCA settings. "Expert Mode" unlocks advanced sound tweaking, while "Legacy Mode" preserves the simpler v2.0 pulse control. The optional VCA envelope introduced in VPROM 3.0 is crucial for accurately reproducing certain DMX sounds, especially the Bass Drum.

Advanced EPROM Playback Controls – Real-time control over EPROM reading, including sample start, length, and loop modes.
You might be familiar with the LM1 hi-hat, which constantly loops and is shaped by a VCA. In VPROM 3.0, this behavior can now be applied to other voices. You can also modify loop behavior to either start in sync with triggers or run continuously, even for the hi-hat. By setting a short length (around 123 samples) and moving the start point, you can achieve a wavetable-like effect. While start and length modulation is possible, it does not operate at audio rate.

New Drum Voice: "Ext2" – Expands the total drum kit to 14 sounds.

New Master Controls – Master tuning & volume knobs for greater global control.

New Velocity Mode: "Original 2" – An alternative to the classic "Original" mode with a different approach to velocity handling.
Similar to the "Original" mode, where velocity determines whether a sound plays at full or half volume. However, in "Original 2," the volume change is controlled by the trigger number itself. Each trigger has two assigned MIDI notes—one plays at full volume, and the other at half volume.

Enhanced Oversampling – New "X16 ALL" mode processes all 14 EPROM outputs at 16x oversampling.
Previously, only high-frequency voices were processed at X16, but now all voices can benefit from this setting for greater flexibility when using custom EPROM.

Compatibility with VPROM v2.0 Presets – Load your existing .fxb presets, including ones with custom EPROMs, directly into VPROM 3.0.

New "EPROM Kit" Format – A new way to save and recall full drum kits independently of plugin presets.
A .VpromKit file allows you to store and reload a complete custom EPROM drum set without saving a full plugin preset. This lightweight format only stores EPROM file paths and their assignation, CEM config and hihat loop state, no other settings are saved, making it easy to organize and reuse drum kits across projects without changing your current tuning or mix.

Additional Sound Tweaks – Fine-tune open hi-hat decay and enable dynamic hi-hat tuning. Dynamic tuning is also available for Toms, Congas, Ext1 & Ext2.

Bug Fixes – The infamous VST3 bug is now gone, no more reset or crashes.
Removed: VST2 & 32-bit Support – VPROM 3.0 is now **64-bit only** (VST3/AU).
Does NOT Replace VPROM v2.0 – VPROM 3.0 installs alongside v2.0 with its own plugin ID, ensuring backward compatibility with existing projects.

12/18 - v2.0.4

Color change, closer to the original LM-1 hardware, darker and lighter orange
New feature to change the mixer volume slider's response between Linear (original VST behavior) or Log tappers (closer to hardware)
Hihat curve, timing and range updated, closer to hardware
Fixed the NoDelay SNARE default Extra voice EPROM, previous one had some noise at the end
New CHOKE feature to instantly stop the playing of the Extra voice at any point, useful for choking cymbals and other creative ideas..
Optional x16 powerful and efficient oversampling processing to get rid of any unwanted high frequency artifacts on TAMB, CAB, HIHAT and EXTRA voices
CPU usage reduced: Mainly code optimization
Voice names are now kept marked on top of the GUI panel when not in Mixer view
Tune/Pan selection is now done in one click ala toggle switch: faster, better

13/08/15 - v2.0.3

VLINN is renamed VPROM, graphic changed accordingly

14/06/15 - v2.0.2

Actually fixed occasional crash on MIDI panel
VLINN-midiccs.ini file created if folder exists but file has been deleted

12/06/15 - v2.0.1

fixed occasional crash on MIDI panel

24/05/15 - v2.0.0

initial release

Machine	Format(s)	Architecture(s)	Native Processor(s)	OS Supported	Note
PC	VST3	X64	INTEL	Windows 10 or higher
Mac	VST3, AU	X64	INTEL/ARM	Mac OS-10.15 or higher