Behringer LM Drum: A Classic Reborn or Just Another LinnDrum Clone?
Behringer has built a reputation for reviving legendary gear at budget-friendly prices, and their latest project—the much-anticipated LM Drum—continues that trend. Originally released in the early 1980s, the LinnDrum (LM-2) became a defining piece of music history, shaping the sound of everything from Prince to Madonna to Phil Collins. Its punchy, sampled drum hits, tight sequencer, and ahead-of-its-time swing function made it an essential tool for producers looking to break free from rigid drum machine programming. With their LM Drum, Behringer is attempting to bring this iconic sound into the hands of modern producers at a fraction of the cost of vintage units. But does it capture the magic of the original, or is it just another retro cash-in? Let’s take a deeper look at what this machine brings to the table and whether it stands up to the legend it’s replicating.
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The Sound and Sampling Engine
At the core of any LinnDrum experience is its sound, and Behringer’s take aims to be as faithful as possible. The original LM-2 used 8-bit sampled drum hits played back through 12-bit DACs, giving it a crisp yet slightly grainy texture that sat perfectly in mixes. Behringer’s LM Drum features an 8/12-bit sampling sound engine, designed to replicate that early digital character while expanding the sample manipulation capabilities for modern producers.
One notable feature is that Behringer has included multi-sampling and user sample import, something the original LinnDrum couldn’t do without modifications. This means you’re not locked into the stock sounds—you can load variations of the Linn’s original kit or entirely different drum sounds for added versatility. While purists may argue that part of the LinnDrum’s charm was its fixed, iconic sound set, the added flexibility could make this clone more useful in modern production environments.
However, one of the biggest concerns is how close the raw drum sounds match the original. LinnDrums are famous for their tight, punchy snares and thick, weighty kicks, and early demos suggest the LM Drum gets close—but with some differences in transients and decay. Whether this will satisfy hardcore LinnDrum fans remains to be seen, but at the very least, it seems to capture the spirit of the original while offering expanded functionality.
Interface and Workflow
Behringer has kept the general layout and aesthetic of the original LinnDrum but with a few modern updates. The button-based sequencing and performance pads feel familiar, allowing users to tap in patterns or program beats step-by-step, just like on the original. The vintage Linn had a fairly straightforward workflow, but Behringer’s version enhances it with a larger OLED screen, additional encoders, and an updated UI that makes deeper editing more accessible.
One of the key elements that defined the LinnDrum was its groove control, which allowed users to inject natural swing into their beats. Behringer has retained this function and even expanded on it, allowing for finer control over shuffle and humanization, making it a powerful tool for producers working in funk, house, or hip-hop.
However, there are some potential drawbacks to the new interface design. Behringer’s build quality can sometimes be hit or miss, and while the layout appears faithful, early concerns about button response and encoder reliability are worth keeping an eye on. If the feel of the machine doesn’t match the original’s tight and tactile interface, it could make the experience feel more like a modern groovebox than a true LinnDrum successor.
Connectivity, Limitations, and Price
Behringer has expanded the connectivity options beyond what was possible in the early ’80s. The original LinnDrum (LM-2) did feature MIDI in later models, but early versions lacked it and required workarounds for syncing with other gear. Behringer has corrected this by adding full MIDI I/O, USB connectivity, and analog sync options, making it easier to integrate with DAWs and hardware setups.
Additionally, the individual outputs for each drum sound, a crucial feature of the original, are present here as well, allowing users to process each drum hit separately. This is a big win for anyone looking to apply external processing, as it was one of the key reasons the original LinnDrum became a staple in professional studios.
However, there are still some compromises. While Behringer has added modern features, it remains to be seen whether the internal effects and filters will match the analog character of processing done in high-end studios. Also, while the expanded sample capabilities are a great addition, some users may find that the workflow for loading and manipulating samples isn’t as seamless as standalone samplers like the Elektron Digitakt or Akai MPC series.
Price confirmation: Behringer has officially priced the LM Drum at $399—far more accessible than vintage LinnDrums, which regularly sell for $5,000+ on the used market.
The Controversy: Behringer’s Cloning Reputation and Roger Linn’s Criticism
Behringer has built its brand on recreating iconic synthesizers and drum machines, often at a fraction of the cost of vintage or boutique models. While this strategy has made classic sounds more accessible to modern producers, it has also sparked criticism from the music tech community and original instrument designers.
With the release of the LM Drum, Behringer has once again found itself at the center of controversy. Roger Linn, the original creator of the LinnDrum, has publicly criticized the company for copying his design and sounds without permission. In a statement, Linn expressed disappointment, noting:
“Even if we discount the copying of the visual design, logo style, and sound circuit of LinnDrum, the LM Drum copies my sounds. So I’d have preferred for Uli to ask my permission. Even if he thinks it is legal, I question whether it is ethical.”
Beyond Linn’s critique, others in the industry have also pointed out that Behringer’s central screen design for the LM Drum resembles Elektron’s modern drum machines, further fueling discussions about whether the company is merely making vintage gear more affordable or engaging in blatant design imitation.
Is the Behringer LM Drum Right for You?
This machine is undoubtedly an exciting prospect for producers looking to capture classic 80s drum machine sounds without hunting down an expensive vintage unit. If you want authentic LinnDrum tones with modern usability, MIDI integration, and sample flexibility, the LM Drum offers a compelling package at a much lower price point.
However, for die-hard purists, the differences in sound character and build quality might be a sticking point. Vintage units have a certain mojo that’s difficult to replicate, and if the LM Drum doesn’t nail the transients, it might feel more like an homage than a true replacement. Additionally, if you’re looking for a more fully featured modern sampler/drum machine, you might find better options in Elektron, Akai, or Roland’s lineup.
For the price, though, this looks to be one of the best ways to get close to the LinnDrum experience without spending a small fortune. If you’re a fan of classic 80s beats and want a machine that pays tribute to one of the greatest drum machines of all time, this might be worth keeping an eye on.
Best LinnDrum VST Plugins: Software Alternatives for Classic 80s Drum Sounds
GForce Software IconDrum
GForce's IconDrum offers a faithful recreation of the iconic LinnDrum sounds, featuring all original samples and 70 preset kits. Its user-friendly interface allows for easy sound customization, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned producers. The plugin is available for PC and Mac in AU, VST, VST3, and AAX formats.
MininnDrum by AudioBlast
MininnDrum is a drum machine plugin inspired by the iconic LinnDrum. It features three distinct ROMs: ROM 1 emulates the LM-1, ROM 2 mirrors the Linn 9000, and ROM 3 offers a custom selection of 80s drum sounds. Each sound can be individually tuned, panned, and adjusted in volume, providing flexibility for various musical styles. Additionally, a custom pad allows users to load their own samples, enhancing its versatility.
Aly James Lab VProm
VProm is renowned for its authentic emulation of the LinnDrum, capturing the unique character and punch of the original hardware. Users appreciate its detailed control over individual outputs and low CPU usage, making it a favorite among those seeking the classic Minneapolis drum sound.
Samples From Mars - LinDrum From Mars
For those who prefer working with samples, Samples From Mars offers a comprehensive collection of high-quality LinnDrum recordings. These uncompressed samples capture the essence of the original machine and are ideal for use in various digital audio workstations and samplers.
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