Dato DRUM Sequencer

The Dato DRUM – currently crowdfunding on Kickstarter – is an octagonal drum sequencer meant for both playful (human) collaboration and interaction with other musical devices. It features four drum voices that trigger in sequence using a pattern of light-up buttons that progress around the Dato’s octagonal structure.

To play, users depress each light/button to modify which drum beat is triggered on each step, and the octagonal structure encourages multiple people to play at once. A slider for each of the four voices modifies its pitch, and drum triggers are available for instant-on beat output. Dozens of sound samples are included, and users can load new samples via USB for a truly unique experience.

While appropriate for human interaction – featuring an internal speaker for standalone beat creation – the Dato DRUM also plays nicely with other electronic instruments. It has a 3.5mm headphone/line output, along with sync in/out and MIDI in/out capabilities. Power is provided by USB-C, which also means it can be supplied via a power bank for on-the-go jamming.

Although details on the build are fairly slim, the prototypes use a 3D-printed structure, and internally it appears to take advantage of a dev board and breakout PCB setup.

Perhaps more importantly for those who want to make music, the team behind this DRUM created the Dato DUO via a Kickstarter campaign in 2016. Being able to deliver therefore seems quite likely. The campaign is fully funded, but you can jump in with the Dato DRUM Launch Special reward for €300, around $335 USD.