Cre8Audio Boom Chick Drum Machine Review: A Deep Dive into Sound and Performance

In today’s blog, we are diving into the Cre8Audio Boom Chick Drum Machine Review, exploring its unique features and capabilities. This analog drum machine, paired with the Assembler mixer, promises a rich sound and intuitive workflow that caters to both beginners and seasoned musicians alike.The content of this blog post is curated from this video: SMALL BUT MIGHTY! Cre8audio analog drum machine & mixer // Boom Chick & Assembler Review. BobBeats Tv YouTube channel offers insightful reviews and tutorials on music production gear, making it a valuable resource for musicians and producers—definitely worth checking out!

Table of Contents

• Introduction & Sound Demos
• Alternative Drum Machines & Mixers
• Pros and Cons of the Drum Machine & Mixer
• FAQ

Introduction & Sound Demos

Welcome to the Cre8Audio Boom Chick Drum Machine Review! This isn’t just any drum machine; it’s an analog fibre voice drum machine that packs a punch. If you’re looking for rich, raw sounds, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into some sound demos to get a feel for what the Boom Chick can do.

First, let’s listen to the kick. It has a deep, resonant quality that can be adjusted for pitch, creating a variety of low-end thumps. Here’s how it sounds:

Next up is the snare. With noise decay and tone control, it can range from bright to darker tones. Let’s give it a listen:

The hi-hat voices are equally impressive, featuring both closed and open variations. The filter allows for a brighter sound or a low-pass effect, adding versatility to your rhythms:

The true magic happens when you start exploring the advanced drum voices, drum one and drum two. With dual oscillators, these voices can produce a vast range of sounds, from claps to unique percussive effects. Here’s a taste:

Exploring the Boom Chick Drum Voices

The Boom Chick offers six distinct voices: kick, snare, drum one, drum two, closed hi-hat, and open hi-hat. Each voice has its own unique controls, making it easy to shape your sound. Let’s break down each voice:

• Kick: The kick voice is robust, with pitch control that allows for deep low-end sounds. The drive feature adds grit and character.
• Snare: This voice features noise decay and tone adjustments, giving you the ability to craft a snare sound that fits your track perfectly.
• Hi-hats: Both closed and open hi-hats share the same voice, allowing for seamless transitions between the two. Length parameters for the open hi-hat add further control.
• Drum One and Drum Two: These are the powerhouse voices. With dual oscillators and frequency modulation, you can create a plethora of sounds, from claps to other unique percussion.

It’s worth noting that while the sounds are rich and raw, they may require some post-processing to shine in a mix. This is typical for analog drum machines, which are often used as sound sources that need further development.

Understanding the Sequencer

The sequencer is where the Boom Chick truly shines. With the ability to save up to sixty-four sequences, you can create complex rhythms with ease. There are two modes: step mode and live mode.

In step mode, you can lay down steps for each track and adjust their lengths, allowing for polyrhythms. Here’s how it works:

• Press one of the buttons to load an empty sequence.
• In step mode, select your track and begin placing steps.
• You can change lengths and even extend sequences, making it easy to build upon your ideas.

Live mode, on the other hand, allows for triggering sounds on the fly, giving you the freedom to experiment during performances. The sequencer is straightforward but packed with advanced features, making it a joy to use.

Assembler Mixer Explained

Now, let’s talk about the Assembler mixer, which pairs beautifully with the Boom Chick. This analog mixer adds character to your sound and features a twenty x gain boost that can be enabled or disabled per track. Here’s what you need to know:

• Inputs and Outputs: The mixer offers ten mono inputs and three mono aux sends, providing ample connectivity for your gear.
• Gain Control: The gain button allows you to boost the signal, adding warmth and grit to your sound. This is especially useful for instruments like the Minilogue, which can often lack bass.
• EQ Options: Channels one and two feature high and low EQ controls, allowing for detailed shaping of your sound before it hits the output.

Even though the layout can feel cramped, the versatility of this mixer is impressive. You can easily mute tracks, adjust levels, and send signals to aux returns for effects. Here’s a quick demo of the mixer in action:

The Assembler mixer is a fantastic companion to the Boom Chick, and together they create a powerful setup for any musician. The combination of intuitive controls and rich sound makes them a worthy addition to your rig.

Alternative Drum Machines & Mixers

When considering alternatives to the Cre8Audio Boom Chick Drum Machine, several options stand out. If you seek production-ready sounds, the TR-6S is a solid choice. It’s versatile and user-friendly, making it perfect for a range of musical styles.

For those wanting more experimentation on a budget, the Volca Drum offers a portable solution without sacrificing sound quality. It’s compact and encourages creativity, making it a fantastic option for live performances.

Another noteworthy alternative is the Arturia DrumBrute Impact. It’s larger, provides more voices, and offers different sound design options. While the sequencer on the Impact is less in-depth compared to the Boom Chick, it’s arguably more jam-friendly, allowing for spontaneous creativity.

Transitioning to mixers, the Zoom LiveTrak L-6 emerges as a significant competitor. Though not analog, it boasts a feature-rich design that enhances versatility. The L-6 won’t impart the same character as the Assembler, but it compensates with a straightforward interface that speeds up workflow.

For a compact, battery-powered option, consider the Bastl Bestie. While it lacks some full mixer features, it adds a lovely colour to your sound, making it an excellent choice for small setups or live synth meetups.

Pros and Cons of the Drum Machine & Mixer

Let’s break down the pros and cons of the Boom Chick Drum Machine and Assembler Mixer. Starting with the drum machine, one of its standout features is ease of use. It’s intuitive, making it accessible for beginners and experienced users alike.

However, the kick voice, while deep and boomy, can feel limited in sound design options. Many users find themselves layering it with drum one or two to achieve desired kick sounds. The lack of a pitch envelope is another notable shortcoming, which can restrict creativity.

• Pros:

  • Immediate and user-friendly interface.
  • Robust kick and snare voices.
  • Versatile sequencer for creating complex rhythms.

• Cons:

  • Limited sound design options.
  • Kick voice lacks transient richness.
  • No visible BPM indicator.

On the mixer side, the Assembler offers character and straightforward controls, making it a joy to use in both studio and live settings. However, the main audio outputs can be quite hot, which might not suit every environment.

While the mixer excels in simplicity, it could benefit from features like CV control over panning or levels, allowing for greater flexibility in sound shaping.

FAQ

What type of music is the Boom Chick best suited for?

The Cre8Audio Boom Chick is versatile enough for various genres, including electronic, hip-hop, and experimental music. Its analog sounds can add warmth and character to any project.

Can I use the Boom Chick for live performances?

Absolutely! The intuitive sequencer and immediate controls make it a great choice for live settings. Many users appreciate its portability and ease of use during performances.

How does the Boom Chick compare to other drum machines?

While the Boom Chick offers a unique analog sound and a powerful sequencer, alternatives like the TR-6S and Arturia DrumBrute Impact provide different features that may better suit specific needs, such as more voices or production-ready sounds.

Is the Assembler Mixer worth it?

Yes, the Assembler Mixer is a solid companion for the Boom Chick. It adds character to your sound and offers straightforward controls, making it an excellent choice for both studio work and live performances.

What are some common issues with the Boom Chick?

Some users have reported hot audio outputs and a lack of visible BPM. Additionally, the absence of parameter locking can limit sound design capabilities, which some users find frustrating.