Metamyther’s Knockout Eurorack Kick Drum Battle

In the world of music production, picking the right kick drum is akin to a chef selecting the perfect spice. It’s the spice that will either elevate the dish to heavenly heights or utterly ruin it. Metamyther doesn’t beat around the bush – he’s here to show us which Eurorack kick drum modules pack the mightiest punch. From analog thunder to digital precision, he lines up an eclectic gang of sonic warriors ready for an all-out brawl on your mixes. Let’s get ready to rumble and see who’s got the guts to take the crown.

The Dassbrum from Winter Plankton kicks things off, and let me tell you, it’s not for the faint-hearted. This beast has a sweet spot button that Metamyther keeps engaged throughout, making it a breeze to use. With eight distinct wave folders and just a couple of knobs for pitch and fold tweaking, it’s the embodiment of ‘get in and go’. It’s like hitting the pub straight after work – no messing about.

With wave folding options either before or after the VCA, it’s all about unleashing feral power. The blue mode stands out for its custom wave shaper, offering less ring and more punch—a kick destined for underground nights and dodgy kebabs after the club. The purple button merges the hard clipping wave shaper with surge wave shaping for kicks that don’t just hit hard, but hit with relentless intent.

Metamyther notes how the CV control can dictate fold or even cycle through wave folders, a neat trick that adds a layer of unpredictability to each thud. This is Eurorack, after all, where chaos and creativity are best mates on a bender.

We dive into the Bissimilis, a name that resonates with many a modular aficionado. Known for its versatility, this module is like the rebellious teenager of the kick drum world – always trying something new. Skin, Liquid, and Metal modes offer a variety of textures, with the Liquid mode featuring a crucial pitch envelope that Metamyther favours for its punchy output.

With its industrial undertone, the Bissimilis can transform a standard kick into something darker, more complex, caterwauling like a banshee at a punk gig. When you tweak its attack, the noise transients are unleashed, though Metamyther suggests a subtle touch here to avoid overpowering – moderation, even in chaos, is sometimes necessary.

Metamyther praises its modulation capacities, revealing a myriad of sweet spots that can go off the beaten path. Each knob twist can derail the predictable into unpredictable, taking your performances to places uncharted. In Metamyther’s hands, this classic proves why it’s a staple – the epitome of controlled creativity in a world gone mad.

The SSF Ultra Kick strides into the spotlight with all the control and detail of an artist crafting their masterpiece. Known for its analog squishiness, it’s not just a kick drum; it’s a nuanced tool for sonic sculpting, offering layers of complexity that even the fussiest of producers will appreciate.

Metamyther takes us through its labyrinth of parameters, highlighting how interlocking controls influence each other more than a rowdy football crowd. It’s not just about decay; everything is interconnected, with arrows on the module even showing the flow of chaos.

Despite its depth, Ultra Kick’s usability shines. Whether it’s dynamics control or bass drive, each facet is there to be manipulated, letting you dial in from gentle nudges to a full-on sonic assault. This is one for those who want control without compromise – the true sculptor’s dream in the realm of Eurorack kick modules.