StarskyCarr’s Dive Into the Erica Synths HEXDRUMS at Superbooth 2025

Cracking Open the HEXDRUMS

Erica Synths has unveiled their latest creation, the HEXDRUMS, at Superbooth 2025, and it’s as wild as a kangaroo on Red Bull! This innovative performance drum machine is fashioned from their analog Hex modules, making it a stellar addition to any sound adventurer’s kit. StarskyCarr wastes no time getting into the thick of it, showing how Erica Synths identified a gap in the market for a robust analog drum machine adorned with their signature user interface and stellar percussion modules. The HEXDRUMS houses everything from kick drums to FM-infused toms, snares, and claps, all derived from the much-lauded Mutant Machine module. This gear promises a palette as rich as the Australian outback – rough around the edges yet breathtakingly comprehensive.

A Symphony of Percussion

The HEXDRUMS doesn’t merely exist; it commands attention with a fusion of analog precision and sound shaping capabilities. StarskyCarr delves deeper, highlighting how each element of the machine contributes to its overall audacious sound. You’ve got snare drums, claps, rimshots, and hi-hats crafted to perfection, each analog voice contributing to a wild symphonic experience. The cymbals flaunt an array of 10 selectable samples, modulated and mixed via analog VCAs and envelope generators. The feature set is neatly packed into a robust chassis, ready to withstand these bedlam performances characteristic of the electronic music scene. It’s not just about making noise – it’s about sculpting it, a notion Starsky elegantly navigates through.

"And all is mixed up in master compressor and also master overdrive."

© Screenshot/Quote: Starskycarr (YouTube)

Analog Meets Performance

"All voices are hard pumped in stereo field."

© Screenshot/Quote: Starskycarr (YouTube)

Starsky highlights how the HEXDRUMS is tailored for the intuitive artist. Unlike many modern machines heavily dependent on parameter locks, this drum machine opts for an open-ended approach, letting musicians flex their creativity without constraint. Each voice is strategically placed within the stereo field, with dedicated outputs ensuring every beat is as impactful as a surf on a high tide. Adding to its richly layered architecture, the machine supports analog clock-in, clock-out, and MIDI implementation, tying vintage appeal with contemporary functionality. Starsky’s keen eye for detail ensures nothing is overlooked, making this machine a seamless blend of the old and the new.

Sound Design in the Spotlight

StarskyCarr brings the video to life, showcasing the HEXDRUMS’ sound design capabilities. He introduces Kodek, an artist with a deft touch for getting the most out of this beastly machine. The HEXDRUMS thrives in the hands of those who know how to push it to its limits. It’s all about exploring the sweet spots, where analog warmth meets cutting-edge innovation, enabling musicians to create sounds as unpredictable as an Aussie weather pattern. Starsky’s enthusiasm is infectious, as he underscores the lack of parameter automation – ensuring that live performance retains an air of spontaneity and genuine human touch.

Show Time

As we dive into the meat of the demo, Starsky showcases the machine’s ability in the live context. The varying percussion voices resonate through the air, each note meticulously crafted and performed by Kodek. The HEXDRUMS holds its ground in the chaotic arena of live electronica. Starsky’s coverage ensures viewers experience the rush of a gig – virtually, as if they’re standing right there, in the midst of a bustling soundscape. The machine’s capability to handle both gentle and aggressive percussive sounds reinforces its versatility, providing sounds that both blend into and stand out from the mix.

Final Thoughts

In a crescendo fitting the grandeur of the HEXDRUMS, Starsky wraps up with a succinct evaluation. This machine is built around sound ‘sweet spots,’ allowing performers to show off their capabilities without getting bogged down by cumbersome presets. From the Australian outback to bustling London streets, this drum machine is set to steal the show. Starsky’s video underscores why Erica Synths’ latest is more than just another piece of kit – it’s a revolution in live performance, capable of transforming any stage into a sonic playground. With Starsky’s keen insight, you’ll find yourself on the edge, itching to take this marvel for a spin.

"The drum machine is built around good sounding sweet spots."

© Screenshot/Quote: Starskycarr (YouTube)