Arturia DrumBrute Impact USER’S MANUAL

USER MANUAL

Special Thanks

DIRECTION

Frédéric Brun Nicolas Dubois Philippe Vivancos Jean-Gabriel Schoenhenz

ENGINEERING

Vivien Henry

Valentin Lepetit

MANUAL

Randy Lee

Morgan Perrier

DESIGN

Sebastien Rochard Valentin Lepetit DesignBox Glen Darcey

SOUND DESIGN

Victor Morello Gustavo Bravetti Florent Ricci

BETA TESTERS

Alex Theakston

Terry Marsden

Marco Correia

Yannick Bellance

Nadine Lantheaume

Florian Marin

Germain Marzin

Gustavo Bravetti

Zach Alderson

Ken Flux Pierce

Luc Walrawens

Germain Marzin

Sebastien Rochard

Romain Wohlgroth

Jean-Baptiste Merendet

Mathew Critchell

Florent Ricci

Tom Hall

© ARTURIA SA – 2018 – All rights reserved.
11 Chemin de la Dhuy
38240 Meylan
FRANCE

www.arturia.com

Information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not
represent a commitment on the part of Arturia. The software described in this manual is
provided under the terms of a license agreement or non-disclosure agreement. The software
license agreement specifies the terms and conditions for its lawful use. No part of this
manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any purpose other than
purchaser’s personal use, without the express written permission of ARTURIA S.A.

All other products, logos or company names quoted in this manual are trademarks or
registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Product version: 1.0

Revision date: 11 July 2018

Thank you for purchasing DrumBrute Impact!

This manual covers the features and operation of Arturia’s DrumBrute Impact, a full­featured analog drum synthesizer, pattern sequencer and live performance device.

In this package you will find:

• One DrumBrute Impact analog drum synthesizer, with a serial number and an
unlock code on the bottom. You will need this information in order to register
your Impact online.

• One DC power su pply. Use only the included supply or else the unit could be
damaged.

• The Quick Start Guide

Be sure to register your DrumBrute Impact as soon as possible! There is a sticker on the
bottom panel that contains the serial number of your unit and an unlock code. These are
required during the online registration process. You may want to record these elsewhere or
take a photo of the sticker in case it becomes damaged.

Registering your DrumBrute Impact provides the following benefits:

• It enables you to download the DrumBrute Impact user manual and the latest
version of the MIDI Control Center software

• It allows you to receive special offers restricted to DrumBrute Impact owners.

Special Message Section

Specifications Subject to Change:

The information contained in this manual is believed to be correct at the time of printing.
However, Arturia reserves the right to change or modify any of the specifications without
notice or obligation to update the hardware that has been purchased.

IMPORTANT:

The product and its software, when used in combination with an amplifier, headphones or
speakers, may be able to produce sound levels that could cause permanent hearing loss.
DO NOT operate for long periods of time at a high level or at a level that is uncomfortable.

If you encounter any hearing loss or ringing in the ears, you should consult an audiologist.

NOTICE:

Service charges incurred due to a lack of knowledge relating to how a function or feature
works (when the product is operating as designed) are not covered by the manufacturer’s
warranty, and are therefore the owner's responsibility. Please study this manual carefully
and consult your dealer before requesting service.

Precautions include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Read and understand all the instructions.

2. Always follow the instructions on the instrument.

3. Before cleaning the instrument, always remove the USB cable. When cleaning,
use a soft and dry cloth. Do not use gasoline, alcohol, acetone, turpentine or any
other organic solutions; do not use a liquid cleaner, spray or cloth that's too wet.

4. Do not use the instrument near water or moisture, such as a bathtub, sink,
swimming pool or similar place.

5. Do not place the instrument in an unstable position where it might accidentally
fall over.

6. Do not place heavy objects on the instrument. Do not block openings or vents
of the instrument; these locations are used for air circulation to prevent the
instrument from overheating. Do not place the instrument near a heat vent at any
location with poor air circulation.

7. Do not open or insert anything into the instrument that may cause a fire or
electrical shock.

8. Do not spill any kind of liquid onto the instrument.

9. Always take the instrument to a qualified service center. You will invalidate your
warranty if you open and remove the cover, and improper assembly may cause
electrical shock or other malfunctions.

10. Do not use the instrument with thunder and lightning present; otherwise it may
cause long distance electrical shock.

11. Do not expose the instrument to hot sunlight.

12. Do not use the instrument when there is a gas leak nearby.

13. Arturia is not responsible for any damage or data loss caused by improper
operation of the instrument.

Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of Arturia's DrumBrute Impact!

The DrumBrute Impact analog drum synthesizer is the younger sibling of the Arturia

DrumBrute, and though it is smaller in stature its features are equally formidable. It has all

of the same groove-making capabilities, with a unique sound that packs a punch all its own.

DrumBrute Impact offers 10 powerful analog instruments including a kick drum, two snares,
hats and cymbals, plus toms, cowbell, and a flexible FM drum instrument can produce
a wide variety of sounds. The innovative Color features for each instrument expand the
possibilities even further.

There is also a new distortion circuit on the master output to add an aggressive edge to the
overall sound. It has an adjustable level that ranges from "

oblivion

", so you can mangle your music as much as you like.

As an analog drum synthesizer the DrumBrute Impact stands on the shoulders of the
classic drum machines of the 1970s and ‘80s. But it also incorporates the most advanced
technological developments of the modern era, which allows it to integrate and synchronize
with any computer system, MIDI rig or vintage setup.

Main features of the DrumBrute Impact:

• 10 instruments, including an FM drum

• Completely analog signal generation and signal path for each instrument

• Independent Color feature for each instrument

• Adjustable/defeatable distortion on master output

• Individual outputs for many instruments (kick, snares, hats, and the FM Drum)

• Solo/Mute of individual instruments or groups of instruments

• 10 independent tracks

• Shift timing of tracks or events

• Accent and Color available per instrument, per event (except cowbell)

• Swing and randomness, per track or per pattern

• Step repeat, for rhythmic subdivisions per event

• Tempo range 30-300 bpm

• Tap tempo

• MIDI input/output

• Able to synchronize to USB/MIDI clock and other standard clock sources

• Works with the MIDI Control Center software to edit sequences and global
settings

We think you'll be impressed by the sonic character and features of the DrumBrute Impact.
And above all, it is easy to use! It has been specifically designed to enhance your workflow
and your creativity.

Be sure to visit the www.arturia.com website and check for the latest firmware, download
the MIDI Control Center and check out the tutorials and FAQs. We are sure you’ll be making
amazing music in no time.

Musically yours,

The Arturia team

a little bit dirty

" to "

overdriven into

Table Of Contents

1. Overview............................................................................................................................................................................ 4

1.1. Making the connections ..................................................................................................................................................... 4

1.1.1. …with a computer ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4

1.1.2. …with external devices ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 5

1.2. Transport, Patterns, Effects............................................................................................................................................. 6

1.2.1. Tempo/Value display .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 6

1.2.2. Rate/Fine/Tap Tempo................................................................................................................................................................................................. 6

1.2.3. Transport buttons......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 7

1.2.4. DrumBrute Impact modes..................................................................................................................................................................................... 7

1.2.5. Synchronization Options......................................................................................................................................................................................... 8

1.2.6. Step buttons ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 8

1.2.7. Erase and Copy ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 9

1.2.8. Pattern effects............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 10

1.2.9. Pattern length/Last step ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 10

1.2.10. Output Circuit ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 11

1.2.11. Roller/Looper/Step Repeat................................................................................................................................................................................... 12

1.3. Utility functions ..................................................................................................................................................................... 13

1.3.1. Metronome....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 13

1.3.2. Mute/Solo buttons...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 14

1.3.3. Shift button ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 14

1.4. Instruments, Pads, Color................................................................................................................................................ 15

1.4.1. Instrument controls ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 15

1.4.2. Instrument select buttons..................................................................................................................................................................................... 15

1.4.3. Pads .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 16

1.4.4. Color button.................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 16

1.5. Rear panel, part 1.................................................................................................................................................................. 17

1.5.1. Clock input/output........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 17

1.5.2. MIDI input/output ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 17

1.5.3. USB ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 17

1.5.4. Power.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 17

1.6. Rear panel, part 2................................................................................................................................................................ 18

1.6.1. Headphones.................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 18

1.6.2. Mix Output ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 18

1.6.3. Individual Outs............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 19

2. Basic Operations ...................................................................................................................................................... 20

2.1. Working with Patterns................................................................................................................................................... 20

2.1.1. Select a bank................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 20

2.1.2. Select a pattern.......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 20

2.1.3. Set the tempo................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 21

2.1.4. Enable the metronome........................................................................................................................................................................................... 21

2.1.5. Record a pattern ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 22

2.1.6. Save what you’ve done!........................................................................................................................................................................................ 22

2.2. Shift Functions..................................................................................................................................................................... 23

2.2.1. Time Division options.............................................................................................................................................................................................. 23

2.2.2. Configuration options............................................................................................................................................................................................ 24

2.3. Creative Playback Options ......................................................................................................................................... 25

2.3.1. Swing feature .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 25

2.3.2. Random feature........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 25

2.3.3. Looper/Roller............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 26

2.3.4. Pause or Restart ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 27

2.4. All Notes Off .......................................................................................................................................................................... 27

3. The Instruments......................................................................................................................................................... 28

3.1. General concepts................................................................................................................................................................ 28

3.1.1. Shared pads, independent tracks ................................................................................................................................................................... 28

3.1.2. Two instruments, one voice: the Hats.......................................................................................................................................................... 28

3.1.3. Two instruments, one effect: the Toms....................................................................................................................................................... 28

3.1.4. Cymbal can change, Cowbell can not........................................................................................................................................................ 28

3.1.5. Each instrument has four sounds.................................................................................................................................................................. 29

3.2. Instrument parameters................................................................................................................................................ 30

3.2.1. Kick .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 30

3.2.2. Snare 1............................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 30

3.2.3. Snare 2........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 30

3.2.4. Tom Hi / Low.............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 30

3.2.5. Cymbal............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 31

3.2.6. Cowbell ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 31

3.2.7. The Hi-Hats..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 31

3.2.8. FM Drum instrument .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 32

3.2.9. What is FM?................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 33

3.3. The Color mode.................................................................................................................................................................. 34

3.4. Color chart ............................................................................................................................................................................. 34

3.5. Color mode: Instrument level.................................................................................................................................... 35

3.6. Color mode: Track level................................................................................................................................................. 35

3.7. One instrument, four sounds..................................................................................................................................... 36

4. Pattern Mode................................................................................................................................................................ 38

4.1. Pattern Creation .................................................................................................................................................................. 38

4.1.1. Control the tempo ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 38

4.1.2. Time Division................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 38

4.1.3. Recording a Pattern................................................................................................................................................................................................. 39

4.1.4. Mute/Solo features .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 40

4.1.5. Using the Roller while recording...................................................................................................................................................................... 41

4.1.6. Spot Erase ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 41

4.1.7. Swing................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 42

4.1.8. Random ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 43

4.2. Pattern Editing ..................................................................................................................................................................... 44

4.2.1. Step Mode....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 44

4.2.2. Accent Mode................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 44

4.2.3. Color Mode ................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 44

4.2.4. Red state, Blue state............................................................................................................................................................................................... 45

4.2.5. Selecting a Drum…................................................................................................................................................................................................... 45

4.2.6. Step Repeat feature................................................................................................................................................................................................ 46

4.2.7. Shift timing of events.............................................................................................................................................................................................. 47

4.2.8. Copy a Drum Track................................................................................................................................................................................................. 48

4.2.9. Erasing a Drum Track .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 50

4.2.10. Pattern Length.......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 51

4.3. To Revert a Pattern or Bank........................................................................................................................................ 53

4.3.1. Revert a Pattern within the Bank.................................................................................................................................................................... 53

4.3.2. Revert the current Bank ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 53

4.4. Save the Pattern!................................................................................................................................................................ 53

4.5. Copy a Pattern .................................................................................................................................................................... 54

5. Song Mode.................................................................................................................................................................... 55

5.1. What’s a Song? ................................................................................................................................................................... 55

5.2. Selecting a Song ................................................................................................................................................................ 55

5.3. Creating a Song.................................................................................................................................................................. 56

5.4. To Revert the Songs ......................................................................................................................................................... 56

5.5. Saving a Song...................................................................................................................................................................... 56

5.6. Erasing a Song .................................................................................................................................................................... 56

5.7. Live performance features.......................................................................................................................................... 57

5.7.1. Song-level features.................................................................................................................................................................................................... 57

5.7.2. Pattern-level features............................................................................................................................................................................................. 58

5.8. Mute and Solo in Song mode .................................................................................................................................... 58

6. Copy/Erase Functions............................................................................................................................................ 59

6.1. Copy Bank to Bank ............................................................................................................................................................ 59

6.2. Copy Pattern to Pattern................................................................................................................................................ 60

6.2.1. Within a Bank ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 60

6.2.2. Between Banks (pattern).................................................................................................................................................................................... 60

6.3. Copy Drum to Drum ......................................................................................................................................................... 61

6.4. Erasing a Bank ..................................................................................................................................................................... 61

6.5. Erasing a Pattern................................................................................................................................................................ 61

6.6. Erasing a DrumTrack....................................................................................................................................................... 61

7. Advanced Features................................................................................................................................................... 62

7.1. Extend a pattern................................................................................................................................................................... 62

7.1.1. Adding blank steps .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 62

7.1.2. Copy and append...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 62

7.2. Shorten a pattern ............................................................................................................................................................... 63

7.3. Polyrhythm mode ............................................................................................................................................................. 64

7.3.1. What is Polyrhythm mode?............................................................................................................................................................................... 64

7.3.2. What it does................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 65

7.3.3. Make a polyrhythm................................................................................................................................................................................................. 66

7.4. Shift button chart ............................................................................................................................................................... 67

8. Synchronization ......................................................................................................................................................... 68

8.1. As Master.................................................................................................................................................................................. 68

8.2. As Slave.................................................................................................................................................................................... 68

8.3. Clock In/Out rates............................................................................................................................................................. 69

8.4. Clock connectors ............................................................................................................................................................... 69

9. MIDI Control Center ............................................................................................................................................... 70

9.1. Basics ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 70

9.1.1. System requirements .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 70

9.1.2. Installation and location....................................................................................................................................................................................... 70

9.1.3. Connection....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 71

9.1.4. Back up your sequences ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 72

9.2. MCC Basic Operations .................................................................................................................................................... 72

9.3. Device Templates ............................................................................................................................................................... 73

9.3.1. The Working Memory.............................................................................................................................................................................................. 73

9.3.2. Synchronization with DrumBrute Impact................................................................................................................................................. 73

9.4. Project Browser ................................................................................................................................................................... 74

9.4.1. Building a library ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 75

9.4.2. Revise a Template..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 76

9.4.3. Send one pattern to DrumBrute Impact .................................................................................................................................................... 77

9.5. Store To/Recall From........................................................................................................................................................ 78

9.5.1. The ‘Store To’ button................................................................................................................................................................................................. 78

9.5.2. Recall edited patterns from the DrumBrute Impact .......................................................................................................................... 78

9.5.3. Save, Delete, Import/Export, etc...................................................................................................................................................................... 79

9.6. Import/Export Device Settings................................................................................................................................. 80

9.6.1. Export Device Settings........................................................................................................................................................................................... 80

9.6.2. Import Device Settings........................................................................................................................................................................................ 80

9.7. Editing basics ........................................................................................................................................................................ 81

9.7.1. Data entry........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 81

9.7.2. Selecting the tabs ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 81

9.7.3. Bank tabs ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 82

9.7.4. Device Settings tab.................................................................................................................................................................................................. 82

9.8. Pattern window .................................................................................................................................................................. 83

9.8.1. Navigation ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 83

9.8.2. Pattern-level parameters .................................................................................................................................................................................... 83

9.8.3. Set the Pattern length............................................................................................................................................................................................ 84

9.8.4. Pattern events............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 85

9.8.5. Track-level settings................................................................................................................................................................................................. 90

9.9. Polyrhythm............................................................................................................................................................................ 92

9.10. Device Settings ................................................................................................................................................................. 93

9.10.1. MIDI Channel............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 93

9.10.2. Global settings......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 94

9.10.3. Roller/Looper settings.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 97

9.10.4. Transport settings.................................................................................................................................................................................................. 98

9.10.5. Drum Map................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 99

10. Software License Agreement..................................................................................................................... 100

11. Declaration of Conformity............................................................................................................................... 102

1. OVERVIEW

1.1. Making the connections

The DrumBrute Impact provides many ways to connect with other types of equipment, from
vintage to modern. Below are examples of potential setups:

1.1.1. …with a computer

The DrumBrute Impact is more than a classic drum machine: it’s also a USB class-compliant
device. So at its most basic level it can be connected to any computer with a USB port, and
its pads can used as input devices for various applications. The free, downloadable MIDI

Control Center [p.70] software allows you to specify which MIDI notes and commands will

be transmitted by the pads and transport buttons, respectively.

♪: The DrumBrute Impact does not draw its power from the USB port on your computer. To supply



power to the unit, simply connect the included DC power adapter to the DrumBrute Impact and to

an external power source, then set the power switch on the back of the DrumBrute Impact to the On

position.

Arturia - User Manual DrumBrute Impact - Overview 4

1.1.2. …with external devices

As you can see, the DrumBrute Impact can be at the heart of some amazing systems.

1.1.2.1. MIDI devices

There are lots of great devices that only have MIDI ports (no clock sync, no USB). The
DrumBrute Impact will fit right in with these systems: it will sync with MIDI sequencers,
arpeggiators, and other drum machines, and its own drum sounds may be played from a
MIDI keyboard. And of course it can send and receive MIDI data using the USB port of your
computer.

1.1.2.2. Clock sources/destinations

The Clock input and output can synchronize with older clock types such as 24 pulses per
quarter note (ppqn), 48 ppqn, 2 ppqn (Korg), or even a single pulse or step.

See the section Clock Connectors [p.69] for information about what cables to use with other
sync connections and formats.

5 Arturia - User Manual DrumBrute Impact - Overview

1.2. Transport, Patterns, Effects

1. Tempo/Value display

2. Rate/Fine/Tap Tempo

3. Transport buttons

4. DrumBrute Impact modes

5. Synchronization

6. Step buttons/Step values

7. Erase/Copy/Save buttons

8. Pattern effects

9. Pattern length/Last step

10. Output: Distortion, Master Level

11. Roller/Looper/Step Repeat

1.2.1. Tempo/Value display

Most of the time the display will show the tempo value in beats per minute (BPM), but it will
also change temporarily to show the values of the Pattern Effects (Random or Swing) while
they are being edited. In Song mode it will display the Pattern number while the song is
playing.

1.2.2. Rate/Fine/Tap Tempo

The tempo can be set using the Rate/Fine encoder or by tapping the Tap Tempo button. To
fine-tune the tempo, press Shift and turn the encoder. The display will change to show the
decimal values of the tempo (.00-.99) as soon as the Shift button is pressed.

Arturia - User Manual DrumBrute Impact - Overview 6

1.2.3. Transport buttons

The Transport buttons control the DrumBrute Impact sequencer as well as external MIDI
devices using standard MIDI messages or MIDI Machine Control (MMC). Use the MIDI

Control Center [p.70] software to make any necessary changes.

The Record button is used to create songs and patterns, and is used with the Shift button to
toggle between quantized and unquantized recording.

The Stop button will cancel recording or playback, and can be used to send an All Notes Off

[p.27] command if needed.

The Play button doubles as a Pause button, which allows you to pause a sequence in mid­stream, tweak the sound of an instrument, and then press Play again to resume recording
or playback. You can choose whether the pattern will continue from the point at which it
was paused or restart from the beginning. Use the MIDI Control Center [p.70] to define the

Play/Pause behavior [p.96].

♪: The DrumBrute Impact allows both quantized and unquantized recording. Recordings are



quantized by default; to disable quantization, hold Shift and press the Record button. See Recording a

Pattern [p.39] for more information.

1.2.4. DrumBrute Impact modes

These five buttons determine the operational mode of the DrumBrute Impact: Song, Bank,
or Pattern mode. The Step and Accent buttons are used to edit a Pattern.

Everything you need to know about creating a pattern is in the Pattern mode chapter [p.38].
To learn how to build a song, see the Song mode chapter [p.55].

The Song, Bank, and Pattern buttons can be used with the Shift button to revert a pattern,
a bank, or the songs to their previously saved state. These procedures are described here

[p.56] for Song mode and here [p.53] for banks and patterns.

7 Arturia - User Manual DrumBrute Impact - Overview

1.2.5. Synchronization Options

There are four Sync options which are accessed by pressing the Sync button repeatedly.
These determine whether the DrumBrute Impact will be the master or the slave in a multi­device setup.

Whether it is the master or the slave in a system, the DrumBrute Impact can be set to
transmit and respond to one of four different clock rates (1P, 2P, 24P, or 48P). This choice
may be made very easily from the front panel by holding the Sync button and turning the
Rate/Fine knob.

For a full description of the sync features see the Synchronization [p.68] section.

1.2.6. Step buttons

One main use for the sixteen Step buttons is to select patterns in Pattern mode. But they
serve many other purposes as well.

For example, in Step mode they are used to enable/disable events in a pattern. And when
used with the Shift button they select time division values and toggle certain features on and
off.

In this manual you will learn how to use the Step buttons to select a song [p.55], select a
bank or pattern (see Working with Patterns [p.20]), to edit a pattern [p.44], to set the pattern

length [p.51], and much more.

The Step buttons with secondary Shift functions are covered in the appropriate sections of
the manual. Follow this link for a chart of all the Shift functions [p.67].

Arturia - User Manual DrumBrute Impact - Overview 8

1.2.7. Erase and Copy

These two buttons are used in every mode to copy or erase large amounts of pattern data at
the same time. For example, you can copy a pattern to a new location or erase it completely.

You can also copy sequence data from one instrument to another within the same pattern,
or erase all of the data for one instrument within a pattern.

The Copy/Erase functions are covered in greater detail here [p.59].

1.2.7.1. Save button

The Save button is used in conjunction with the Song, Bank and Pattern mode buttons to
preserve the patterns you have created.

!: Your new pattern data will be lost during a power-cycle unless you have used the Save button to



store it to the DrumBrute Impact internal memory.

There are three levels of the Save function: Pattern, Bank and Song. Details about these
operations are found here [p.53] for Patterns and here [p.56] for Songs.

♪: You save an entire bank of 16 patterns at once by holding Save and pressing the Bank button.



9 Arturia - User Manual DrumBrute Impact - Overview

1.2.8. Pattern effects

Swing introduces a “shuffle” feel to the patterns. It can affect the entire pattern (all

instruments at once) or only the current instrument track, leaving the others untouched.

Using the Swing encoder while holding the Shift button allows you to shift the timing of an
entire instrument track forward or backward. You can also shift the timing of an individual
event on a track by holding the corresponding Step button and turning the Swing encoder.

Random introduces an increasing amount of unpredictability to the patterns. As with the
Swing setting, this control can affect the entire pattern or only the current instrument track,
leaving the others untouched.

For more details on these features, see the Swing [p.42], Shift timing [p.47], and Random

[p.43] sections.

1.2.9. Pattern length/Last step

DrumBrute Impact patterns can be up to 64 steps long, consisting of up to four 16-step
subdivisions that play one after the other. Those are called the Step Groups.

The four LEDs above the double arrow buttons (<< >>) are used to indicate the pattern length
and which Step Group is currently playing.

The Last Step button is used with the Step buttons and the << >> buttons to change the length
of the current pattern.

For a complete description of these features, see Pattern Length [p.51].

Arturia - User Manual DrumBrute Impact - Overview 10

1.2.10. Output Circuit

1.2.10.1. Distortion

This knob controls the level of distortion being applied to the overall mix. The distortion circuit
is at the end of the signal path, so when it is used all instruments will sound distorted. The
button to the right of the Distortion knob will toggle the Distortion effect on and off.

♪: The Distortion does not affect the individual outputs of the Kick, Snares, Hi Hats, or the FM Sound.



However, there is an independent Drive effect for the Kick that can be added using the Color feature.

The Drive effect is available at the independent Kick output. See the Color mode section [p.34] for more

information.

1.2.10.2. Level

This knob controls the master output level of the DrumBrute Impact. It also controls the
headphone level.

♪: The Master Volume knob will not affect the level of an instrument when a cable is plugged into the



rear panel output of that instrument. In this case, use the Level knob above that instrument’s drum pad.

See this section [p.18] for more information.

11 Arturia - User Manual DrumBrute Impact - Overview

1.2.11. Roller/Looper/Step Repeat

The Touch strip is used both for recording and playback, and adds an exciting level of
spontaneity to music creation and live performance. It can be configured to generate drum
rolls, loop sections of a song or pattern, and enter rhythmic subdivisions for an event in Step
edit mode.

The Touch strip

There's a Step button that will toggle the Touch strip between Roller and Looper functionality.
To switch between these modes, hold the Shift button and press Step button 9. You'll know
right away which mode is active when you press the Shift button: if Step button 9 is lit, the
Touch strip is in Roller mode. If it is not lit, it is in Looper mode. This parameter [p.97] can be
set in the MIDI Control Center [p.70] also.

For details on using the Touch strip as a Looper or a Roller, click here [p.26]. There's additional

information about the Roller [p.41] in the Pattern Mode chapter [p.38]. Step Repeat is covered

in two places in the manual: There's a section in the Pattern Mode chapter [p.46] and also
a section in the MIDI Control Center chapter [p.89], because the Step Repeat value can be
edited for each step within a pattern there also.

Arturia - User Manual DrumBrute Impact - Overview 12

1.3. Utility functions

1.3.1. Metronome

To enable the metronome, press the On button. This will provide a timing reference while the
DrumBrute Impact is running. Various timing values are available for the click from the front
panel and in the MIDI Control Center [p.70]. See this section [p.21] for more information.

The click level is controlled by the Metro Volume knob.

For a description of the output options for the Metronome, click here [p.18].

13 Arturia - User Manual DrumBrute Impact - Overview

1.3.2. Mute/Solo buttons

These buttons allow you to silence one or more instruments or isolate specific instruments
while recording a pattern or playing it back.

For more information about using the Mute and Solo buttons, see this section [p.40].

1.3.3. Shift button

The Shift button is used in conjunction with other controls to perform secondary functions
such as Fine Tempo adjustment or clearing the Mute group.

Each specific use of the Shift button will be described in the appropriate sections of this
manual. For a complete list of Shift functions, follow this link [p.67].

Arturia - User Manual DrumBrute Impact - Overview 14

1.4. Instruments, Pads, Color

1. Instrument controls

2. Instrument select buttons

3. Pads

4. Color

♪: The Shift button is grouped with the Color button in this graphic because the two are used together



to activate Color Hold mode. But the Shift button has many other functions that are listed here [p.67].

1.4.1. Instrument controls

Each instrument has its own set of sound-sculpting parameters. The lines between the
instruments indicate which knobs belong to which instrument. Each instrument and its
knobs are called an instrument channel.

Some instrument channels are shared by two instruments. For example, the cymbal and
cowbell instruments are both found within the Cym/Cow channel. This is known as a shared
channel.

♪: The movements of the instrument controls are not recorded as part of a pattern.



1.4.2. Instrument select buttons

These buttons toggle between the instruments in a shared channel. Each instrument in a
shared channel can be recorded independently into a pattern.

However, as a general rule the instruments share the instrument controls. For example, if
you change the tuning on the Tom Hi instrument the tuning will also change for the Tom Low
instrument.

15 Arturia - User Manual DrumBrute Impact - Overview

1.4.3. Pads

The 8 velocity-sensitive pads are used to input note data into a pattern. But they will always
trigger their instruments whether the DrumBrute Impact is running or not (except if Local
Control option is Off).

Remember that some pads provide access to more than one instrument, each of which
has its own track in the pattern sequencer. Counting all of the shared channels, there are
actually 10 separate instruments available from the 8 pads.

♪: When editing a track in Step Mode it is possible to select an instrument without triggering it by



holding the Shift button and pressing the appro priate drum pad. See the Pattern Editing section [p.44]

for more information.

1.4.4. Color button

The Color button is used to access the Color features of each instrument. Pressing the button
reveals which instruments have Color mode active: if a pad is lit orange, it is being "colored".

Each instrument channel has its own Color implementation, which is indicated by the row
of text below the pads. For example, the color parameter for the Kick is Drive, while the color
parameter for the Hi/Low Toms is Decay.

There are some important variations to keep in mind:

• The Color effect is always toggled for the Hi and Low Toms at the same time.

• The Cymbal has a Color effect (Harmonics), but the Cowbell does not.

• The Harmonics effect under the Open Hat button is shared by both the Closed
and Open Hat instruments, but toggling the CH Decay effect only affects the
Closed Hat.

1.4.4.1. Color Hold mode

It is possible to "lock" the pads in Color mode by holding Shift and pressing the Color button.
This allows you to activate or deactivate the Color effect for many instruments rapidly, even
during a live performance. You can also use Shift + Color to put the Step buttons [p.8] into
Color Hold mode when in Step mode [p.44]. To exit Color Hold mode, press the Color button
again.

♪: Each step in each instrument track can have color enabled or disabled independently. This will be



covered in the Pattern Editing section [p.44].

Follow this link to learn more about the Color mode [p.34].

Arturia - User Manual DrumBrute Impact - Overview 16

1.5. Rear panel, part 1

1. Clock input/output

2. MIDI input/output

3. USB

4. Power

1.5.1. Clock input/output

The Clock input allows the DrumBrute Impact to interface with pre-MIDI devices that used
these connectors for synchronization, such as early drum machines by Korg and Roland.
Other vintage devices may use different types of connectors which should be readily
available.

1.5.2. MIDI input/output

Use standard MIDI cables to send and receive MIDI note and clocking data between the
DrumBrute Impact and MIDI-compatible devices.

1.5.3. USB

This port provides the data connections to a computer. In addition to synchronizing the
DrumBrute Impact with your DAW, the USB connection enables you to use the MIDI
Control Center software to configure extra parameters, edit pattern data, and to u pdate the
DrumBrute Impact software.

1.5.4. Power

From left to right in this section are the 12V DC power connector and the power switch. Use
only the included power supply to avoid damage to the DrumBrute Impact.

17 Arturia - User Manual DrumBrute Impact - Overview

1.6. Rear panel, part 2

1. Headphones

2. Mix Output

3. Individual Outs

1.6.1. Headphones

The Headphones output carries the same signal as the Mix Output and operates the same
way, with one exception: When the headphone jack is connected, the metronome will be
removed from the Mix Output but will remain in the headphones until the Metronome On
button is toggled off.

The behavior of all other connection options is the same for the headphones and the Mix
Output: When a cable is plugged into one of the individual outs, that instrument channel’s
signal will be removed from both the headphones and the Mix Output.

1.6.2. Mix Output

This output jack carries the output signal for every instrument channel. When a cable is
connected to one of the individual outputs, that instrument channel will be removed from
the Mix Output.

The Mix Output level is controlled by the Level knob in the Output Circuit section.

Arturia - User Manual DrumBrute Impact - Overview 18

1.6.3. Individual Outs

There are dedicated 3.5mm output jacks for several of the instruments on the rear panel:

• Kick

• Snares (shared by Snare 1 and Snare 2)

• Hi Hats (shared by the Closed and Open Hats)

• FM Drum

When a cable is connected to one of the individual outputs, that instrument will be removed
from the Mix Output and the Headphones. In the case of instruments that share a channel,
such as the Closed and Open Hats, both instruments will be removed from the Mix Output
upon insertion of the cable.

The output level of each instrument channel is set by the corresponding Level knob on the
front panel.

♪: The Distortion does not affect the individual outs. However, there is an independent Drive effect



for the Kick that can be added using the Color feature. This effect is available at the independent Kick

output. See the Color mode section [p.34] for more information.

19 Arturia - User Manual DrumBrute Impact - Overview

2. BASIC OPERATIONS

2.1. Working with Patterns

The DrumBrute Impact holds 64 patterns, arranged in four banks of 16 patterns each.

2.1.1. Select a bank

In addition to the numbers 1-4, the first four Step buttons are silkscreened with the letters A,
B, C, and D. Each one represents a bank of 16 patterns.

To switch between banks, press the Bank button and then select one of the first four Step
buttons. After this, press the Ptrn button and select one of the 16 patterns within that bank
using the Step buttons.

There is a setting in the MIDI Control Center software that allows you to switch between
banks while the DrumBrute Impact is playing, without the additional step of selecting a
pattern. See the Next Bank section [p.96] of the MIDI Control Center chapter [p.70] to learn
more about this feature.

2.1.2. Select a pattern

To select a pattern within the current bank simply press one of the Step buttons (1-16). If you
are still in Bank mode you will need to press the Ptrn button first and then select the pattern.

The DrumBrute Impact will respond in one of two ways if it is running when the selection
is made: it will either change immediately to the new pattern or wait until the end of the
current pattern.

There's a front-panel button combination that allows you to toggle between these two
settings: just hold the Shift button and press Step button 14. If that button is lit when you
press the Shift button, the At End setting is active.

You can also use the “Wait to Load Pattern” setting in the MIDI Control Center software to
specify which behavior you prefer. This is described here [p.95] in the MIDI Control Center

chapter [p.70].

♪: The pattern selection cannot be changed while recording.



Arturia - User Manual DrumBrute Impact - Basic Operations 20

2.1.3. Set the tempo

When Sync is set to Internal, the tempo range of DrumBrute Impact is 30-300 beats per
minute (bpm).

There are three ways to set the tempo for your pattern:

• Turn the Rate/Fine encoder.

• Use the Tap Tempo button.

• For fine tempo adjustment, hold Shift and then turn the Rate/Fine encoder.

Each pattern can have its own tempo, but you can make DrumBrute Impact use the same
tempo for all patterns and songs. To do this, hold the Shift button and press Step button 15
(Global BPM). If Step button 15 is lit blue when the Shift button is pressed, Global BPM is
active.

The MIDI Control Center allows you to specify all features related to tempo and the
metronome. See the Global Settings section [p.94] for details.

If the DrumBrute Impact Sync parameter is set to something other than Internal clock then
you must set the tempo on the master device. Follow the link for information about the Sync

[p.68] settings.

♪: When synced to an external device the DrumBrute Impact might not track properly with a tempo



outside of the 30-300 bpm range.

2.1.4. Enable the metronome

To enable the metronome, press the On button. You will hear a click only when the
DrumBrute Impact is running. Its output level is controlled with the Metro Volume knob.

The timing value of the metronome may be changed from the front panel. To do so, hold
the On button and select a value between 1/8 and 1/32. You will see the selected button turn
blue.

Note that it is also possible to “deselect” whichever timing value button is lit. This will result
in a 1/4 note click while the unit is running.

There is an additional 1/4T metronome timing value available using the MIDI Control Center.

For a description of the audio output behavior of the Metronome see the Headphones section

[p.18].

21 Arturia - User Manual DrumBrute Impact - Basic Operations

2.1.5. Record a pattern

If you’ve gone through all the steps in this section then let’s make a quick drum pattern. For
a more detailed explanation of Record mode, see Recording a Pattern [p.39] in the Pattern

Mode chapter [p.38].

• Select an empty pattern, press the Record button and press the Play button. The
Tap Tempo button will begin flashing (according to the metronome timing value),
and the Step buttons will turn purple one at a time to indicate the current position
in the pattern.

• Play the pads. The next time DrumBrute Impact crosses that point in the pattern
you will hear what you added. Press Record to exit Record mode.

• If you want to figure out a beat before you begin recording, you can press Play
and practice on the pads while the other instruments play their parts.

• When you’re ready, you can enter Record mode ‘on the fly’ while the pattern is
looping by pressing the Record button. Or if you prefer, you can stop the pattern
and then press Record + Play to start from the beginning.

!: If you want to keep what you’ve created, be sure to save the pattern right away or you could lose



your work. See the next section to learn how.

2.1.6. Save what you’ve done!

Your new patterns can be lost unless you save them to the flash memory before you change
to a different bank or turn off the DrumBrute Impact. It's also possible to lose them if you
switch to Song mode and play a song that calls up patterns from a different bank.

There are three different Save operations:

1. Save the current pattern: hold the Save button and press Ptrn.

2. Save an entire bank of patterns: hold the Save button and press Bank.

3. Save the current song : hold the Save button and press Song.

It’s a good idea to back u p the DrumBrute Impact memory using the MIDI Control Center,
too. The Store To/Recall From [p.78] section will tell you what you need to know about that.

Arturia - User Manual DrumBrute Impact - Basic Operations 22

2.2. Shift Functions

There are lots of great options available for each mode when the Shift button is used to
access the secondary features.

2.2.1. Time Division options

The first five Step buttons select the Time Division for the current pattern. Options range from
1/8 to 1/32 and include triplet options. Hold Shift and press one of the buttons to choose a
different Time Division value.

23 Arturia - User Manual DrumBrute Impact - Basic Operations

2.2.2. Configuration options

1. Shift+9: Roller/Looper

2. Shift+14: At End

3. Shift+15: Global BPM

4. Shift+16: Polyrhythm

2.2.2.1. Roller/Looper

The various behaviors of the Roller/Looper strip are described here [p.26]. Hold the Shift
button and press Step button 9 to toggle between Roller mode and Looper mode. If Step
button 9 is lit when you press the Shift button, Roller mode is active. This selection be made
in the MIDI Control Center [p.70] also.

2.2.2.2. At End

This button allows you to specify whether a new pattern will be loaded as soon as you select
it or not. If not, the unit will wait until the end of the current pattern before switching to the
next one.

To toggle between these behaviors, hold the Shift button and press Step button 14. If that
button is lit when you press the Shift button, that means the At End feature is active. This
setting also can be edited in the MIDI Control Center [p.70].

2.2.2.3. Global BPM

It is possible for each pattern and song to have its own tempo, or you can use this parameter
to force them all to play back at the same tempo. To toggle this feature, hold the Shift button
and press Step button 15.

2.2.2.4. Polyrhythm feature

Individual instrument tracks within a pattern can loop independently when the Polyrhythm
feature is enabled. This setting is stored separately for each pattern. To enable this feature,
hold the Shift button and press Step button 16.

To learn more about the Polyrhythm feature, see the Polyrhythm mode [p.64] section.

Arturia - User Manual DrumBrute Impact - Basic Operations 24

2.3. Creative Playback Options

Once you have captured the basic pattern idea you want, there are many ways to
experiment with it during playback. All of the following options may be used at the same
time, so have fun!

2.3.1. Swing feature

The Swing feature can take a straight, mechanical-sounding beat and make it more
interesting by adding increasing amounts of shuffle to the feel. The default Swing setting is
50% and the maximum value is 75%.

This section [p.42] covers everything about the Swing feature. For example, each instrument

within a pattern can have its own Swing % setting.

2.3.2. Random feature

Increasing the Random setting will introduce spontaneous changes in note data and
dynamics into the pattern. It can be as subtle or as extreme as you like.

And as with the Swing setting, each pattern and instrument within the pattern can have its
own Random setting. See the description of the Current Track button in this section [p.43] for
more information.

25 Arturia - User Manual DrumBrute Impact - Basic Operations