Cre8audio Boom Chick: A New Analog Drum Machine With Modular DNA
Cre8audio and Pittsburgh Modular have teamed up again—and this time they’ve cooked up a drum machine. Boom Chick is a fully analog, five-voice drum synth with a built-in sequencer, loads of performance features, and direct Eurorack compatibility. It’s a compact unit that brings deep sound-shaping to classic percussion voices, blending modular-style control with hands-on immediacy. Boom Chick stands out not just for its sound, but for how playful and flexible it feels. With two expressive, synth-like drum voices and three more classic hits (kick, snare, and hats), you get the best of both worlds. And with features like step probability, live sequencing, and trigger outs, this could easily become a centerpiece for both modular and standalone setups.
TL;DR — Boom Chick at a Glance
What it is – A 5-voice analog drum machine with built-in sequencing and modular connectivity.
What it’s for – Creating punchy, tweakable drum grooves with hands-on control and Eurorack integration.
What’s new – Two fully synth-style drum voices, per-step probability, live performance tools, and trigger outputs.
Why it’s different – Combines modular-style patchability with a classic drum machine workflow.
Who it’s for – Hardware heads, Eurorack users, and analog drum lovers who want something fun and flexible.
Alternatives – Roland TR-6S, Erica Synths Perkons HD-01, or MFB Tanzbär Lite.
What Is Boom Chick?
A Full Analog Drum Synth in a Box
Boom Chick is a fully analog drum machine created by Cre8audio in collaboration with Pittsburgh Modular. It features five drum voices—a classic kick, snare, hi-hat, and two highly tweakable synth-style percussion channels. These aren’t just sample triggers or simple tone generators—each voice offers real-time control over analog circuits, giving you the ability to dial in anything from vintage hits to bizarre, modular-style textures.
Built for Performance and Play
At the heart of Boom Chick is a hands-on 64-step sequencer with both step and live recording modes. You can build patterns on the fly, punch in rolls and mutes, and mess with timing using tools like Chance, Humanize, Swing, and even Euclidean sequencing. It’s clearly designed with play in mind—whether you’re building full sets or just jamming in the studio.
Modular-Ready Without the Mess
Boom Chick doesn’t just play nice with Eurorack—it speaks its language. All five voices have Eurorack-level outputs, and there are trigger inputs for external sequencing. You also get MIDI I/O, sync options, and a clean, patchable back panel that makes it easy to slot into hybrid or modular rigs. It’s a smart choice for anyone who wants analog character without the tangle of cables.
Feature Rundown: What Makes Boom Chick Stand Out
Two Synth-Style Drum Voices
What really sets Boom Chick apart is the inclusion of two fully synth-style drum voices, not just standard analog hits. These channels let you sculpt complex percussion sounds using oscillator tuning, decay, filter cutoff, resonance, and more. You can create anything from toms and zaps to alien FM blips and textured noise hits. It’s like having mini voice modules built into a drum machine—perfect for sound design or building a unique live kit.
Built-In Sequencer with Performance Tools
Boom Chick’s sequencer goes far beyond the basics. It includes a 64-step pattern sequencer with step and live input, but also bakes in tools like Step Roll, Chance (step probability), Humanize, and Swing to keep grooves dynamic. There’s even support for Euclidean sequencing, which distributes hits across a pattern mathematically for polyrhythmic and generative beats. You can also mute or solo parts instantly, giving it a solid live performance edge.
Full I/O and Eurorack Integration
Connectivity is a major win here. Each drum voice has individual outputs, and there are Eurorack-level trigger and audio outs so you can route Boom Chick into your modular rig without converters. You’ll also find MIDI in/out, analog clock sync, and dedicated trigger inputs for kick and snare. It’s a smart design for hybrid setups, and you can even use it to sequence other gear via those outs.
Classic Analog Hits with Modern Modularity
Beyond the two synth voices, Boom Chick still brings the goods for classic drums. The kick is punchy and deep, the snare has a snappy analog character, and the hi-hat voice adds metallic bite with adjustable decay. All voices are analog, but with enough tweakability to go from vintage to weird in seconds. It's not just a nostalgic nod—it’s a flexible toolkit that feels alive under your fingers.
Alternatives to Consider
If Boom Chick is tempting but you’re weighing your options, there are a few other analog and hybrid drum machines worth looking at. Erica Synths Perkons HD-01 is the heavy-hitter in this space—fully analog with digitally controlled modulation and sequencing, but at a much higher price. For something more portable (and affordable!), the Roland TR-6S offers a hybrid digital engine, classic Roland sounds, and sample playback in a super compact form. And if you want pure analog vibes in a smaller unit, the MFB Tanzbär Lite gives you eight analog voices, a fun sequencer, and serious groove box energy.
Another strong contender is the Korg Volca Beats, which remains a great budget option with analog drums and MIDI sync, although it doesn’t have the depth or voice flexibility of Boom Chick. If modular connectivity is your priority, you might also look at the Arturia DrumBrute Impact, which includes individual outs, analog sounds, and a versatile sequencer. Ultimately, Boom Chick sits in a nice sweet spot: more hands-on than a TR-style box, more open-ended than most compact analogs, and way more fun than its size suggests.
Final Thoughts: Who Is It For?
Boom Chick is built for producers, modular synth heads, and live performers who want hands-on drum synthesis with real analog character. If you’re tired of sterile samples and want something fun to jam with—or a sequencer that plays nicely with your Eurorack—this box checks a lot of boxes. It’s deep, playful, and surprisingly open-ended for something under $300.
It might not replace a full groovebox or sampler, and it doesn’t do presets or automation the way a digital unit might. But that’s the point—it’s all about tactile control and shaping your sound in real time. If that’s your style, Boom Chick could become the analog heartbeat of your setup.
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