GForce Software has revived the legendary drum machine Oberheim DMX as a plugin, in close collaboration with the original developer.
It’s update time. GF Oberheim DMX v1.1 is out, adding multi-channel output support. This new feature allows you to route the individual sounds to independent channels, which is a great way to process them separately.
The update is free of charge for existing users.
Article From April 30, 2024
There were a lot of great drum machines in the 80s. Many of them are legendary and cult today. Roland is probably the king of vintage drum machines. Also Oberheim, the brand that is famous for its analog synths, made drum machines in the past.
One of Oberheim’s most famous drum instruments was the DMX from 1980. It was used by Prince, Mike Oldfield, New Order, and many others. Now, it’s back as an endorsed plugin from GForce Software.
GForce Software Oberheim DMX
Oberheim DMX is a new virtual drum plugin for macOS and Windows. GForce Software describes it as “a testament to the timeless influence of the classic Oberheim DMX, re-envisioned for today’s creative minds.”
As a reminder, the DMX was based on 24 sample-based sounds, not synthesis. GForce Software’s version features these sounds but also more. The plugin features all the original Oberheim DMX (1981 & 1983) and 1982 DX sound kits with many variations.
In total, you get 288 authentic and unique DMX and DX sounds sorted in over 60 ready-to-use preset kits, including the classic, modern, and hybrids
You get a virtual drum plugin rather than a drum machine, as no built-in sequencer is on board—a strange decision. So, you have to program your patterns straight in the DAW instead of in the plugin. Per track, it offers various controls: solo, Mute, delay sends, reverb send, pitch, decay, pan, and gain per track.
Besides the delay and reverb send effects, it also offers a multi-mode SEM-based filter, a distortion, and a compressor on the master. Velocity and full MIDI support is also available. Every purchase also ships over 85 MIDI files with many classic pattern recreations.
Like every new GForce plugin, it also has a fully scalable UI and preset browser.
First Impression
It’s nice that there is now an officially licensed Oberheim DMX drum machine for the DAW. However, it’s a shame that there’s no built-in sequencer. That’s missing here.
GForce Software Oberheim DMX is available now for an introduction price of £19.99 instead of £39,99 + VAT. It runs as a VST, VST3, AU, and AAX plugin on macOS (native Apple Silicon + Intel) and Windows.
More information here: GForce Software
Available at my partner
Already grabbed it and am doing first recordings, it sounds fantastic – nothing strange at all, about there being no built-in sequencer? It’s irrelevant, and in fact treating the classic DMX as a drum synth with the extra filter and effect enhancements GForce has already mastered in their other Oberheim instruments, with teh help of the original Oberheim gangsters is quite a breath of fresh air! One’s workflow and opinions are personal, of course but if you’re doing linear programming, then having to program beats into the instrument and ‘then’ port them into a track is an unnecessary and time-consuming extra step, IMO. Big thanks yet again to Dave S and Oberheim for this!
Would be great if someone just offered the samples for download, so we could use our favourite sample player!
they are everywhere on the internet. Google helps 😉
Was always partial to Slick Rick’s “Children’s Story” myself. Chik chik chik
Somehow i never found on a sample pack of this that i fully liked, so this is a must-have for me.
Might be just me but I don’t like the sounds from the plugin in this demo. It’s too clean and it’s missing that classic dmx punch.
imho the best sounding drum „machine“ of alle time. Instant Buy!
This is the update I’ve been waiting for!!!