DS-1

Description

Ult-Sound is a small Japanese manufacturer that makes a complete component-accurate replica of the legendary DS-4M 4-voice drum computer that Ryuichi Sakamoto used in Yellow Magic Orchestra in the 1970s. Such a reproduction is pricey, because the original components are hard to get and because of the manual labour necessary for the assembly.

Enter the DS-1. Offering 1 of the DS-4M’s drum voices in Eurorack format, it has been redesigned for factory SMD production with components as similar to the original ones as possible, to guarantee identical sound. But, because of the automated production, the price is much more reasonable.

Unique in Eurorack world, the DS-1 offers a “dynamic gate input”. Depending on the voltage of the incoming gate, the DS-1 will adjust its voltage. So it’s a gate and velocity in one. But it gets even better! There’s a slider that allows you to change the pitch depending on the incoming gate voltage as well! This way, you can make a heavy hit sound a bit off. Or you can go more extreme and use it to trigger different sounding toms or snares, all with just the gate! For melodic percussion work, there is of course also a standard V/Oct input.

Distributed in Europe by APE, Ult-Sound is bound to make a splash with this respectful Eurorack copy that sounds absolutely incredible!

Manufacturer description

DS-1 is a compact and versatile drum synthesizer designed for Eurorack modular systems. This module is a streamlined version of our flagship ULT-SOUND DS-4M, adapted to fit seamlessly into your modular setup while maintaining the core sound and functionality of it’s larger counterpart. The DS-1 harnesses the same analog circuitry and design philosophy as the DS-4M, but in a more space-efficient format. We’ve tailored it specifically for the Eurorack environment, enhancing it’s capabilities with patch points and controls that leverage the interconnectivity of modular systems. Available in two versions: classic black&white and custom yellow/blue.

Manufacturer specs

• a multi-waveform VCO
• versatile noise generator with multiple percussion modes
• mixer for blending VCO and NOISE sources
• LFO with speed and level controls, plus retrigger option
• various CV inputs for extensive modulation possibilities
• dynamic GATE input
• current draw: +12V 40mA, -12V 40mA
• 16hp, 35mm depth

Links

Official manufacturer page: https://www.ult-sound.com/product-page/ult-sound-ds-1

ModularGrid page: https://modulargrid.net/e/other-unknown-ds-1