https://horrorweapon.gumroad.com/l/LinnLM-1
The Linn LM-1 Drum Computer, released in 1980, was a revolutionary instrument as the first programmable drum machine to use digital samples of real acoustic drums. Designed by Roger Linn, it featured 8-bit, 28kHz samples of a kit played by session drummer Art Wood. Because memory was expensive at the time, the original unit famously lacked cymbal sounds, a limitation that forced producers to get creative with percussion or overdub real cymbals in the studio.
It became the signature sound of 1980s pop, most notably in the hands of Prince, who used its "sidestick" and "tuned-down" snare sounds on nearly all his major hits. Beyond the sounds, the LM-1 introduced the concepts of "Timing Correct" (quantization) and "Shuffle" (swing), which allowed musicians to create perfectly timed beats that still felt human.
Only about 525 units were ever produced, making them incredibly rare and expensive today, often selling for tens of thousands of dollars. While the later LinnDrum (1982) was more successful commercially and included cymbals, the LM-1 remains the "holy grail" for collectors due to its unique tuning capabilities for every individual drum sound and its raw, punchy audio quality.
