NEPHETON

A completely synthesized emulation of the famous 808 drum machine!

D16 Group Nepheton is a software plugin designed to emulate the sound of the classic Roland TR-808 drum machine. The TR-808, first introduced in 1980, is a legendary drum machine that has been used extensively in various genres of music, such as hip-hop, electro, and dance.

Nepheton offers faithful emulation of the TR-808, including its characteristic analog sound and unique step sequencer. The plugin features a fully programmable drum machine with 17 drum channels, including bass drum, snare, clap, rimshot, hi-hats, and more.

Synthesis

Nepheton contains 17 fully synthesized modules that work together to emulate the original 808 drum machine. All the sounds and detailed nuances of the original are captured perfectly. Nepheton’s modules are equipped with additional controls for deep tone and envelope tweakability. Listen to the audio examples or just download the demo and start beat-making today!

Outputs

Take advantage of Nepheton’s flexible output configurations – every module’s audio signal can be routed to any of the 12 outputs. This means you can route each source to a separate aux and sculpt its sound with your favorite plugins!

Each individual output can be set to mono or stereo. For the real 808 fans, we’ve also included the original Trigger output (fully configurable, of course).

Every module also has a Mute, Solo, and an Activity indicator. Mute does not silence the module but stops it from being triggered. Solo stops all other modules from being triggered and only activates the selected module(s).

Control

Nepheton has extensive midi control. It can be used to trigger individual modules as a modern alternative to the internal sequencer. This can be set to play using Nepheton’s internal clock, or set to sync to the host sequencer.

Most of Nepheton’s parameters can be automated within the host and can be controlled via MidiCC using virtually any external controller. An easy-to-use “Midi Learn” function allows instant parameter reassignment.

Internal Sequencer

The internal sequencer contains two banks of patterns: simple and extended. There is 16 extended and 96 simple patterns which can be edited traditionally using the step buttons or using the tap function.

Simple patterns are used in Host Mode where each pattern location has a midi note number assigned to it. By drawing in notes in your DAW, you can map out and trigger full drum patterns.

Extended Patterns* differ in that they have 4 segments (variations A & B and parts 1 & 2). The whole bank of 16 extended patterns is divided into two groups of Basic Patterns and Intro/Fill In Patterns. You can choose from played patterns, use variations, and fill in modes (triggered automatically or manually). You can also precede the starting pattern with an intro pattern, and much more.

For that creative boost, we’ve added a Randomizer. It can be used to make simple changes to a pattern or to create whole new ones – ideal when you’ve been stuck on that bridge instrumental for too long! Randomizing can be applied to drums independently and with variable frequency – its odds of recurrence.

Twist your knob: The shuffle knob goes waaay past triplets. Set the balance between order and janky chaos: add subtle rhythmic hiccups or throw your beat into a blender. We’re not here to judge.

Sharing is Easy: All external files are stored in XML format. This allows single patterns or whole banks to be exchanged between users easily. XML allows the files to be edited in a text editor. Ideal if you want to post or share your pattern online – just post the text!

* Extended patterns are used when Host Mode is off.