Twisted Electrons BlastBeats
Professional music gear - detailed information and where to buy
Twisted Electrons
BlastBeats
Product Info
Article Number:
533929
Brand:
Twisted Electrons
Model:
BlastBeats
Category:
Drum Machines
Price:
$658.90
* Prices may vary. Check retailer for current pricing and availability.
The BlastBeats is a seriously quirky and powerful little drum machine and FM synth. If you're a sound designer or musician obsessed with retro video game and tracker sounds, and you're willing to put in the time to learn its idiosyncratic workflow, this is a fantastic, unique tool. It’s premium-priced, but the sonic possibilities are considerable.
Product Description
- Twisted Electrons BlastBeats
- FM Desktop Drum Computer
- With OPL3 (YMF262) FM chip used in old Soundblaster cards of the MS-DOS era
- 6 Drum tracks (bass drum
- snare drum
- closed & open hat
- cymbal) - can also be used for melodic parts
- 4 Synth tracks: two monophonic (2x2op or 1x4op) and two duophonic (4x2op or 2x4op)
- All instruments can be sequenced internally or played via MIDI - can be used as a polytimbral MIDI synthesiser with 4 operators and 8 waveforms
- Swing kit and random pattern generator
- Synth pitch vibrato and tremolo with adjustable speed and depth
- 56 Faders with per-step automation and modulation
- 32 Illuminated switches
- MIDI input and output on DIN5 connectors
- Analogue sync input and output on 3.5 mm jacks
- Patterns with any step length
- 100 kits
- 160 songs x 16 patterns x 64 steps
- Kits and patterns are stored and managed on the included SD card
- 4x Audio outputs with user-defined instrument routing
- Mix and Phones Out each with volume control
- Dimensions: 29.5 x 16.5 x 4.5 cm
- Weight : 0.944 kg
PROS
- • Unique OPL3 FM chip delivers authentic retro Soundblaster tones.
- • Flexible 6 drum and 4 synth tracks enable complex sound design.
- • Comprehensive per-step automation adds nuanced, evolving textures.
- • Compact desktop format allows for easy integration into any studio setup.
CONS
- • Steep learning curve; interface isn't immediately intuitive for newcomers.
- • Limited polyphony on synth tracks restricts complex chord progressions.
- • Build quality, while functional, feels somewhat plasticky for the price.
Product Video
Key Features
Pads
6 drum tracks (Bass, Snare, Tom, Closed/Open Hat, Cymbal)
Sounds/Kits
100 kits, 160 songs x 16 patterns, OPL3 FM waveforms
Sequencer Steps
Patterns with variable step lengths, internal or MIDI sequencing
Effects
Synth pitch vibrato & tremolo with adjustable depth/speed, per-step automation
Connections
DIN5 MIDI I/O, 3.5mm analogue sync I/O
Weight
Approximately 3.5 lbs (1.6 kg)
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Frequently Asked Questions
The OPL3 chip provides a specific, gritty, and somewhat limited sonic palette characteristic of early Soundblaster cards – less pristine than modern FM, but with a unique vintage charm.
While the synth tracks offer considerable flexibility with their operator structure, the limited polyphony (monophonic/duophonic) restricts the creation of truly dense, layered sounds.
It’s a hybrid; the drum capabilities are robust, but the synth engine offers a surprising amount of creative potential for sound design and melodic elements.
