Product snapshot
DJinnDrum VST is a free virtual instrument from SimpleRecorder that recreates the sound and workflow of the classic Linn LM-1 drum machine (originally released in 1980). It’s intended for musicians and producers who want to explore retro drum timbres without owning vintage hardware.
Controls and the sound palette
You can tweak tempo and master volume, and the instrument exposes tuning options for individual drum voices. Example voice labels you’ll find include:
- CLAP
- BASS
- SNARE
- TOM and HI-HAT (and several other voice presets)
A simple mixer section is provided so you can move sliders to balance levels and shape the overall kit.
What’s missing and how it sounds
Two commonly used cymbal sounds—ride and crash—are not included in this release. The drum samples are also somewhat drier than more modern, heavily processed kits, so you may want to add reverb or other effects in your host to taste.
Platform notes
The macOS build of DJinnDrum VST ships with an additional free VST bundled in the download, while the Windows edition does not include that extra plugin. Aside from the bundle difference, both versions offer the same basic instrument and controls.
Alternatives to try
- Lots of built-in effects and modulation options
- Free to download and test
- Easy Audio Mixer LITE (recommended alternative)
Quick recommendation
If you want a lightweight, vintage-style drum machine for experimenting with classic Linn-like sounds, DJinnDrum VST is a solid, no-cost option. Just be aware of the missing cymbal samples and the relatively dry raw output; adding your own processing will help it sit better in a mix.
Technical
- Windows
- Free