Erica Synths PICO DRUM2 // Tiny Eurorack drum synthesiser a BIG sound

**TIMING INDEX BELOW** Here we have the new PICO DRUM2 module from Erica Synths. Unlike the PICO DRUMS (which is sample based) the DRUM2 is a full on drum synthesiser. It has 8 algorithms that cross traditional drum & percussion sounds, melodic basslines and some really filfthy hits for drum sounds or riffs. It tracks 1v/oct, has assignable CV to algorithm parameters, decay or algorithm select meaning it’s easy with some careful sequencing to turn a single module into a whole beat and drum kit. With such a wide range to the module there’s lots of patches so feel free of course to skip around with the timing index and sections below. I’ve added lots of beats with no talking, each algorithm is explored, CV configuration is demonstrated and there’s also tuning the DRUM2 into a full drum kit vibe with some careful sequencing.

NOTE - “beat break” patches are no talking patches with the intention of showing the wide range of sounds these can produce across a range of different styles. There’s additional sounds and processing on some of them but they all label what the two DRUM2 modules are doing on screen.

**WOULD YOU LIKE TO HEAR BEAT BREAKS IN LONGER FORM? Leave a comment, as I can upload an uninterrupted uncut version of all the beats from this video with no talking.

Erica Synths demos

TIMING INDEX // SECTIONS

00:00 Hello & patch previews

01:02 Feature run down

02:27 Beat break - drum & bass

02:38 Algorithm - Pulse drum

03:24 Melodic synth voice + noise textures

03:42 Algorithm - Fold drum 1

04:34 Beat break - modulated riffs

04:45 Algorithm - Complex pulse drum

05:35 Beat break - Modbap / wonky hip hop

05:47 CV assign (parameter 2, decay or algorithm select)

07:18 Beat break - Kicks + filthy bass

07:30 Algorithm - Complex sine drum

08:22 Beat break - stereo pairing

08:39 Algorithm - Space snare drum

09:29 Drums as modulation sources

09:47 Turning DRUM2 into a whole drum kit

10:24 Beat break - Hybrid kick / bass

10:39 Algorithm - Noise drum

11:35 Beat break - Chirps & riffs

11:49 Algorithm - Fold drum 2

12:43 Beat break - Percussive FX

12:59 Algorithm - Slap

13:39 Beat break - Bass & noise

13:50 Double sequenced drum kits!

[monkey_breath]

Rewatching cause i finally decided to nab one, dude, 5:22 i literally said “oof” outloud just before you did, and it was hillarious.

[ultralife]

Just got this one. Awesome module, super versatile and great value for money.

[KNHSynths]

Very cool modules with the big Erica Synths sound. I bought 4 of them :-) Good video showing the different modes thanks !

[RobinRimbaudScanner]

A wonderfully versatile module in such a compact size. You can always depend on Erica Synths!

[acousticaesotericabibliote]

Great demo. Thanks! I have the original Pico Drums and find it very flexible. From the sound of it, Drums 2 would make a fine addition.

[Audiorial]

super dope module that pairs wonderfully with the Pico Drums, thanks a lot, as usual, I watched this and fired !

[larmby]

Nice video Ben, I like the settings description graphics at the bottom of the screen.. slick! Some great patches and sounds coming out of the Drum2.

[jimmy_jamesjams_a_lot]

That really clever way of sequencing this so that it’s scrolling into the next ‘snippet’ reminds me of sequencing the 4MS SMR with it’s rotate encoder, clockwise and counter clockwise. I saw a video where somebody was trying to use MIDI messages to configure the parameters of a Roland EFX Demora module, the idea being to literally change the functionality of the module itself on the fly, without any need to hook it up to the editing applet! Imagine in one beat having a drum voice and then an eighth note later you have a ring modulating VCA. Now, I’m thinking about taking my Pico Drums and wiring two jacks so that I can try and send gates and triggers to advance and select with the encoder over the jacks. I’ll look for the Datasheet and take meter readings first to see if a buffer is in order, as I’m certain is. So next might be the same for the DisTing, and any other modules that have rotary encoders that I would like to sequence. It’s all very inspiring, MIDI messages being sent very quickly, or CV to get the sound just the way you’d like it to be for that next step of the sequence, it almost seems a little bit magical. It’s just happening so quick that it becomes a sort of baffling mystery! Thanks for sharing!!

[lovedeathdisco]

these are unbelievable! great demonstration!

[BeniRoseMusic]

Great sounding module, but whoever mapped CV2 to param 1 and CV1 to param 2 needs to go back to industrial design school!

[devinigh]

Love those nasty kicks from the complex pulse drum.

[rainerzufall]

Nice video! I really like the format with the "no talking beat breaks" in between.

[walrtbstudios]

It wouldn’t have been an option when this video was made, but running the TiNRS Next Tuesday into this would be a lot of fun…

[tanksmoonchild]

I spotted you showing off your own module in the vid too. Nice. Need to get myself one of those soon.

[dualtrx]

Great presentation as always. Good job. I might consider buy two of these. It looks more interesting than the first sample based one.

[pcprobot]

Sounds really nice. I think I am going to try and buy it man.

[KevinArdala]

That bass sound at 10:30mins is great. Is the patch for it on your Patreon?

[fuzzpope]

It's really quite disgusting just how frakking great you are at this shit. Excellent upload!

[opwave]

It’s like a mini BIA! I gotta check this out.

[JacobPadlock]

5:19 gives me big old venetian snares/doormouse vibes. tasty as hell.