I’m on a mission to bring my readers details of some of the lesser known drum machines out there and today it’s time to check out a little known Russian drum machine in the form of the ADS-7 mk2 drum synth from AVP Synthesizers.
AVP Synthesizers are a boutique electronic instrument manufacturer based in Moscow, Russia. For over 20 years this small band of electronic music entusiasts and producers have been manufacturing and modifying different types of audio equipment including synthesizers, drum machines signal processing and other related analog gear.
ADS-7 mk2 drum synth overview:
Watch the ADS-7 mk2 in action:
The ADS-7 mk2 is a fully analog drum synthesizer inspired by the drum machines/synthesizers of the 70s-80s with a built-in 16-track sequencer and MIDI.
The ADS-7 MK 2 featues 65 controls, 4 switches and 24 buttons with which you can have a wide control over the sound parameters, sequencer and MIDI. It also has individual audio outputs and individual trigger inputs for each of the seven sounds.
ADS-7 mk2’s extensive sound shaping options along with the built-in sequencer allows for creations of interesting electronic sequences and grooves with its own dynamics and raw analog tone.
Each unit is carefully hand assembled in Moscow/Russia using discrete through-hole components and OTA chips.
ADS-7 MK 2 drum synth Pros:
- Sounds great.
- Fully analog, discrete components.
- Built-in 16-track MIDI sequencer.
- 7 individual sound channels, 3 separate Generators (GEN) with Band-pass and Low-pass filter options.
- 65 knobs/controls for hands on sound shaping.
Does the AD7- Mk 2 drum machine have individual outs?
The ADS-7 Mk 2 drum machine has stereo and individual 6.3 mm output for each sound.
What is the difference between the ADS-7 and ADS-7 Mk 2?
Note that the original ADS-7 drum synth is no longer in production. The ADS-7 MK 2 has a slimmer casing, new functional 16-track sequencer and additional x4 trigger outputs to control external devices.
How much does a ADS-7 Mk 2 cost?
The ADS-7 Mk2 drum machine costs 900 euros from the AVP Synthesizers website (not including shipping).
Can I buy a ADS-7 Mk 2 drum machine outside Russia?
Yes you can. AVP Synthesizers ship all over the world or you buy from an authorized dealer in your nearest country:
Sweden: Escape from Noise
Belguim: Turnlab
Italy: Martin Pas
Greece: Synthesizer GR
Czech Republic: Kytary.cz
Great Britain: Elevator Sound or Rubadub
USA: Noisebug or MeMe Antenna
Canada: Nightlife Electronics
See the AVP Synthesizers website for more detals of the ADS-7 Mk2 drum machine, manuals, latest pricing and videos.
Alternative to the ADS-7 mk2
If you’re in the market for a classic all analog, heavy hitting drum machine with plenty of knobs then the German made Vermona DRM1 MKIV makes a good alternative to the Russian ADS-7 MK2.
The DRM1 remains a popular drum machine in techno production circles. It features eight dedicated channels and each sound is based on an analog circuit, with different controls allowing you to easily dig into the parameters of the drum hits to shape your sounds.
Note that the DRM1 MKIV lacks the ADS-7 MK2 sequencer – this is purely a sound module, with no sequencing capabilities on board.
The DRM1 MKIV takes a somewhat ‘purist’ approach to drum machines with a focus on sound – perfect for producers who need to keep things as simple and immediate as possible.
Check out my guide to the DRM 1 MKIV and also my guide to the best high end, stand alone drum machines for techno.