9. September 2025

RILEY

LiamKillen’s Deep Dive into the Moog DFAM: Getting Those Juicy Beats

Ever wondered how the Moog DFAM could add some serious oomph to your beatmaking? LiamKillen breaks it down in his latest vid, showing off this drum synth’s potential to flip your sound on its head. With his signature style, Liam takes us through the highs and lows of the DFAM, revealing its quirks and groove secrets. Whether you’re into techno, ambient, or just love some raw analog goodness, this vid ain’t one to miss!

Moog DFAM First Impressions - Tasty Beats Ahead

When LiamKillen finally got his hands on the Moog DFAM, he was like a kid in a candy store. First off, he introduces us to his Orbit Music platform, dropping free DFAM samples that sound ‘tasty as f*ck.’ It’s clear he’s been eyeing the DFAM for a while, and now he’s ready to dive deep. Right off the bat, he hits us with that first impression—this drum synth is super fun and unique. But hold up, it’s got its limitations if you’re thinking of going it solo without any modular expansions. However, the sequencer within makes it shine with a groovy edge that Liam’s all about. And like usual, he doesn’t hold back on his thoughts about external sequencers dulling the DFAM’s inbuilt charm.


Top-Notch Sequencer Fun with the DFAM

The heart and soul of the Moog DFAM, as LiamKillen showcases, is its sequencer. With just eight steps, the simplicity here is deceptive because it packs a punch of flavor. Through pitching and velocity control per step, Liam demonstrates how to achieve everything from atonal grooves to gritty, noised-out beats. This box slaps with sweet spots aplenty, and he makes sure to point out how each adjustment can flip the entire vibe. His love for triangle waves over square ones for a softer high-end showcase his style and finesse. Liam shows us how adding a touch of FM can transform those oscillators into percussion powerhouses. His trusty commentary keeps us laughing and vibing, ensuring this segment’s not only informative but also entertaining.

"It's just such a groovy unit, like it has such a groovy sequencer standalone."

Crafting Percussive Top Hits and Low Thumps

"If I blast the FM amount on VCO2, now we get into much more modular sounding territory."

When it comes to percussion, Liam’s approach with the DFAM is both detailed and dynamic. He explores how to craft top percussion like hi-hats using noise, tweaking decay, and VCO settings. The trick is finding that sweet spot where noise and rhythm collide, creating captivating textures. As he shifts to the low end, it’s all about turning those VCO pitches down and getting that bass thump just right. He loves experimenting with resonance, creating sounds reminiscent of a gritty floor tom, adding even more depth and richness to the mix. It’s an exploration of tones that range from gentle taps to full-blown bass fury. With every switch and knob turn, Liam lets us in on the rhythm-building secrets of the DFAM.

External Sequencer: Bringing Out the Best or Killing the Vibe?

LiamKillen isn’t shy about bringing in the external sequencer—the Auxi-1—to see what it can do for the DFAM. He gets that precise BPM he’s been vibing on, showing off the extra control and extended sequences it offers. But here’s the kicker: despite all its technical merits, the Auxi-1 just can’t match the raw vibe of DFAM’s internal sequencer. Liam casually yet pointedly demonstrates how, sometimes, tech that adds layers can take away that raw, gritty feel. Plugging the Auxi-1 back out, Liam revels in the DFAM’s innate ability to deliver complex, tribal techno riffs on its own. It’s that back-to-basics charm that wins him over. By the end, it’s clear that while the Auxi-1 has its place, the heart of the DFAM is its inherent groove.


Riding the Groove Wave - A Tribal Techno Expedition

Concluding his deep dive, LiamKillen circles back to the essence of the Moog DFAM—its vibe. Even after all the tweaking, the core gritty groove is what he cherishes. Unplugged, this synth still cranks out those undeniably cool riffs that deliver a perfect dose of tribal techno vibe. He showcases the ease of adjusting pitch, velocity, and the myriad of sounds ready to be untapped. Liam’s walkthrough captures that effortless shift from mellow taps to booming beats, offering something every beatmaker can appreciate. The DFAM has its limitations, sure, but it’s got character in spades. With each beat, Liam leaves us anticipating more adventures with this ‘drummer from another mother’ in future sessions.

"Just instantly you come up with these really cool riffs."

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