Richie Hawtin and Erica Synths Unveil New Bullfrog Drums Machine

Electronic music icon Richie Hawtin has joined forces with Latvian manufacturer Erica Synths to introduce a powerful new piece of hardware: the Bullfrog Drums. Designed as a multifaceted drum machine, sampler, and CV/gate sequencer, the unit is specifically engineered to serve as an educational tool for those looking to master the intricacies of drum programming, sampling, and live performance.

Co-designed by Hawtin, the analogue synth features a striking, primary-colour-splashed interface that pays homage to the aesthetic of classic drum machines. Beyond its visual appeal, the device is packed with functional depth, offering seven sample-based drum voices and seven dedicated sound parameters—including attack, decay, and panning—allowing users to sculpt their percussion with precision.

The Bullfrog Drums is also built for flexibility, boasting the capacity for 16 banks of user samples and up to 64-step sequences, all integrated into a portable unit with a built-in speaker. It marks the third addition to the Erica Synths educational collection, following the success of the original semi-modular Bullfrog and the Bullfrog XL.

Check out the demo video below:

This collaboration continues Hawtin’s long-standing commitment to the 90s techno scene and the evolution of electronic music production. Last year, the producer explored his roots with the short film Kids Like Us, which captured the raw energy of the Detroit scene, and 2024 saw the 30th-anniversary reissue of his seminal minimal techno classic, Musik, released under his iconic Plastikman alias.

The Bullfrog Drums is currently available for €600.