Erica Synths LXR-02

LXR-02 is a complex standalone drum synthesizer with a powerful integrated sequencer—a brainchild of two great manufacturers: Erica Synths and Sonic Potions. The sound engine of LXR-02 comprises six voices: three multipurpose drum voices, a dedicated subtractive clap/snare voice, FM percussion voice, and a hi-hat voice. Each voice is equipped with a variety of modulatable and tweakable parameters for different elements of the given voice including oscillator, amplitude envelope, frequency modulation, transient generator, filter, and variable waveform assignable LFO. This combination of features and synthesis methods offers an immensely vast palette for sound design which can be as easily used for sculpting authentic and familiar analog drum emulations, as for novel gaudily digital flavors of electronic percussion.

While the collection of various drum voices define the unique sonic flavor of the instrument, the powerful sequencer provides the user with intuitive and flexible control over them. The sequencer is split into seven tracks—one for each voice, and an additional one to control the open hi-hat of the sixth voice. Each track can be set to a different length with a maximum length of 64 steps—this opens up the possibility for creation of complex asymmetrical rhythmic patterns. Moreover the sequencer allows for automation recording with two parameter changes per step. The sequences programmed in all seven tracks can be stored as a Pattern, and up to 64 patterns can be saved as a Song, and furthermore 64 Songs can be hosted by a single Project. With such a straightforward and flexible project structure, and memory system one can easily see how LXR-02 can become a central drum synth in a studio or live setup.

Speaking of live uses for LXR-02—the drum synthesizer is equipped with a dedicated ‘Performance Mode’ that offers a number of features to make jamming on it a breeze. In performance mode crucial parameters like track muting are easily accessible without a ‘shift’ function involved. It also provides access to Manual Rolls, which can be simply triggered via the first seven sequencer buttons with adjustable rate, and even recorded into the pattern if the recording mode is active. Global sample rate reduction furthermore provides means to inflict radical sonic destruction to a beat momentarily. Finally, a ‘Morph’ function allows for morphing between the active and target presets (the latter can be any preset file on the SD card).

With such a range of features and a powerful sound engine, LXR-02 promises to become one of the finest electronic percussion instruments currently available.

LXR-02 Features

Powerful drum synthesizer with integrated 64 step sequencer
6 synth voices: three multipurpose drum voices, a dedicated subtractive clap/snare voice, FM percussion voice, and a hi-hat voice
7 sequencer tracks: 1 per voice plus an additional track for open hi-hat
Per step parameter automation
Performance mode features manual rolls per voice, global sample rate reduction, and a special Morph feature for morphing between presets
Comprehensive project structure
4 x 1/4″ outputs
Dedicated headphone output
MIDI I/O
USB
Analog Clock I/O