“An impressive percussion machine with raw analogue weight and manual control”: Erica Synths x Hexinverter Hexdrums review

What is it?

Erica Synths is a highly respected and firmly established presence in music tech circles, and its lineup features a range of well-regarded drum, synth, and processing hardware. It was therefore with some excitement that news of a collaboration between Erica Synths and the team behind the now sadly defunct Hexinverter Electronique was received. As more details became available, it was clear that the new product was aimed at fans of the cult-favourite Mutant drum modules, and with some sequencing thrown in.

The original Hexinverter Mutant drum modules were available in both DIY and ready-built versions and were famed for their tweaked takes on Roland’s original TR-808 and 909 circuits – hence the ‘Mutant’ tag. This moniker also suggested they could offer greater sonic variation than the limited tweakability of the original Roland designs.

Fast-forward to now. According to the manufacturer’s blurb, Hexdrums is a "drum synthesizer merging Erica Synths’ techno DNA with Hexinverter’s Mutant circuits", and looks like it's an obvious attempt to bring the flexibility of a modular drum rig (minus the patch cables) into a desktop format.

At its core, it is a 10-voice drum machine featuring eight analogue percussion engines – including two distinct kick drums and a more versatile "Machine" voice – and a digital cymbal section. You also get separate voice outs, plus a compressor and ‘Master Drive’, derived from the Mutant Glue.

Like other knob-laden drum machines, it aims to convert raw rhythmic intuition into powerful percussive sequences without the menu navigation typical of modern digital hardware or DAW software. This intent is certainly helped by its heavy-duty black chassis and industrial design, which together give Hexdrums the feel of a robust and serious piece of studio equipment that would also be at home in a live setup.

Performance

The primary draw of HexDrums is its tactile workflow, which offers an engaging way to build complex rhythms on the fly. The standout feature is the X0X-style sequencer, which allows for nuanced pattern design with up to 64 steps, including per-step probability and microtiming. One thing to be aware of, though, is that you need to actively save patterns or they will be cleared after cycling the power. This is different from some other machines, but it does mean that it’s possible to indulge in live pattern tweaking without worrying about losing the originally saved idea.

We also found the LED brightness a bit of an issue when determining accented steps, and there is no per-step visual feedback on ratcheted or microtimed steps. Use of different LED colours or a larger screen might have helped here, but with potential impact on both aesthetics and cost.

The synth engines provide a decent range of percussive tones, with the Bass Drum circuits offering everything from sub-sonic thumps to long, booming sweeps, and Snare, Clap and Rimshot delivering their own take on 808/909 circuitry. If the standard percussion voices are too predictable, the Machine voice can generate more complex and FM-like timbres via the two detunable oscillators.

We did miss having at least a couple of dedicated tom modules, and more control over the hats and other cymbals would have been welcome. It is also worth noting that there is no parameter automation or modulation, so any sonic tweaking has to be done in real time by hand. This is where digital/hybrid systems like Erica’s own Perkons HD-01 or the Elektron Rytm, and fully-patchable modular setups win, as they offer much more in the way of in-pattern variation.

It is easy to be impressed by the master section, which includes a stereo compressor and a drive circuit designed to add cohesive grit and saturation. When you dial these in, it becomes clear that Hexdrums works best for harder, more in-your-face forms of electronic music. You can also use the unit as a central hub for larger setups, using the individual voice outputs to treat sounds with external pedals or a mixer and rack gear.

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Verdict

Erica Synths Hexdrums is a fun and powerful attempt to consolidate some well-regarded modules from the Eurorack drum world into a single, playable box. It prioritises immediacy and performance over deep 'menu diving', making it a strong choice for those who want to explore industrial or techno textures without a screen.

The sounds themselves can be unapologetically aggressive when required, with a solid array of hands-on controls for pitch, decay, and tone. However, editing is strictly physical; there are no digital menus or preset saving for the analogue voices, and MIDI is limited to note and clock data.

This design choice allows you to focus on the performance in the moment, though it may be a hurdle for those who need to recall exact kit settings between sessions, and modular users may miss the serendipitous joy of CV-led parameter control. It also has to be said that sonically it carves its own particular path, and if flexibility is what you are after, other drum machines offer a wider tone palette or an expanded range of voices. Equally, if you’re looking for a faithful 808 or 909 clone, then Hexdrums is probably not for you, and you may get more satisfying results elsewhere.

Hexdrums is not cheap, and its lack of presets and more expansive parameter control will be a deal-breaker for some, but if you’re after a raw sonic character and a fast, hands-on workflow, it may be exactly what you’re after.

Hands-on demos

Erica Synths

Erica Synths x Hexinverter HEXDRUMS sound demo - YouTube

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Alternatives

Erica Synths Perkons HD-01: £1,745 at ericasynths.lv

A four-voice hybrid beast with parameter modulation built-in, BBD delay and a comprehensive step sequencer.

Read more about Erica Synths Perkons HD-01

Elektron Analog Rytm MKII: £1,560 at elektron.se

Offers analogue synthesis plus sample layering and deep, menu-driven digital control and sequencing.

Read the full Elektron Analog Rytm MKII review

Vermona DRM1 MKIV: £699 at vermona.com

A standalone (non-sequencing) analogue drum synthesizer for those who want maximum knobs but don't require an internal sequencer.

Read more about Vermona DRM1 MKIV

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