GForce Software’s IconDrum: A Retro Classic With Some Tricks Up Its Sleeve

Written by Bytemapper

With Roger Linn’s remarks on his legendary drum machine on the record, it seems rather timely that I’m taking a closer look at today’s subject. The LinnDrum is one of the all-time classic drum machines. The early digital samples are among some of the most iconic to grace New Wave, Minneapolis Sound, and even early House. 

I’m not one for analyzing the numerous sample packs on the internet when it comes to the LinnDrum. I often find that trying to find the perfect snare by pitch just leads to me defaulting a set of TR-707 samples or the worn down Drumulator sounds I’ve been using for ages now. IconDrum, by GForce Software, has changed that somewhat though. Who knows, you might even dig it. 

Granular Control 

When you first initialize IconDrum, you’re met with a familiar interface. Anyone with a passing understanding of the LinnDrum LM-1 or LM-2 is likely to recognize the font, the color scheme, and the general lay of the land when it comes to overall controls. 

Speaking of controls, each drum pad has a bevy of controls at the ready to tweak and sculpt the sound as you’d wish. You’ve got panning, decay, pitch, and filtering along with a set of faders on the mixer to the left side of the user interface. 

This also routes to a pair of send effects, a rather charming delay and reverb, to nail in the sound you’re after. Further, you’ve got a smattering of sample selections per drum hit, with around a half dozen selections coming from the LM-1 and LM-2. Each of these samples is unique in their own way, some coming with additional processing like tape saturation. 

This leads to a scenario where you can create a Frankenstein’s Monster of sorts when it comes to the ultimate LinnDrum emulation. Though, there are some caveats. Despite all the control, you’re left without the natural swing of the LinnDrum’s sampler. This isn’t a huge drawback for me, as I generally run my own sequencers with swing attached. 

However, the IconDrum functions less as a drum machine and more as a sound module, giving access to an 80s classic. In this regard, it functions quite similarly to the Oberheim DMX by GForce Software. 

How Does It Sound?

The IconDrum immediately calls to mind records like Prince’s Purple Rain, with the selection of kicks and snares. You’ve heard the LinnDrum, no doubt, especially if you’re an 80s fanatic. So, at its core, the IconDrum sounds incredible. It instantly just captures that vibe, especially when paired with your choice of retro synths or chorused out guitar lines. 

I mentioned the reverb and delay, but you’ve got a trio of bus effects for the entire drum module’s output. These come in the form of a simple distortion, a stereo filter, and a rather unruly compressor. This gives further sound sculpting capabilities and gets put to good use when looking at the smattering of presets provided. 

In short, it sounds like the LinnDrum of your dreams. If you’ve coveted the sound of those toms, the snare, or even the splash of the cymbals, you’re in luck. If you’re looking to reinvent the wheel when it comes to something like atmospheric DnB, it certainly works as a layer to urge that vibe along. 

Is It Worth It?

With a retail price of 49.99 GBP, IconDrum isn’t what I would call expensive. The often lauded sample set from Zenhiser sells for about the same at retail and isn’t quite as varied when it comes to sample selection. I would recommend IconDrum earnestly for users who are more about creating songs rather than getting into the weeds of sound design. 

It offers enough control for sculpting sounds to fit right in the mix. This isn’t something akin to BFD3 or Superior Drummer 3, despite existing in a similar lane. IconDrum is unabashedly itself, and wears that idea with pride. 

In short, it’s worth the price of admission, and something I’m looking forward to using more in-depth in the coming months. GForce Software has been a subject of constant fascination for me, as their synths and instruments often lead to inspiration where other software falls short for me. 

IconDrum fits into their product catalog with ease, and the price of admission is just right for experienced producers or beginners looking to bolster their arsenal.