The Division Department 01/IV Drum Computer

The Division Department 01/IV from 2020 is a 4-channel analog drum synthesizer and drone generator. It was designed as a tribute to classic drum modules and is capable of emulating the sonic characteristics of legendary instruments such as the Pollard Syndrum, the Roland TR-808/909, and the Pearl Syncussion SY-1. The unit features four identical voice channels, each with one control per function. Each voice can be switched between two analog waveforms (triangle and sawtooth) and two digital noise sources (white noise and a metallic-sounding hi-hat cluster consisting of six square waves). Each channel features controls for volume, pitch, decay, filter, and a dedicated pitch envelope (with controls for sweep and range). The unit features a resonance-free 12-dB multimode filter (low-pass, band-pass, high-pass) and an assignable VCA drone mode for continuous sound generation.

Despite its analog signal path, the 01/IV incorporates a complex digital modulation system. The channels can be linked in pairs to frequency-modulate each other and create complex FM textures. Each channel features an audio-rate LFO (0.03 Hz to 2 kHz) with sample & hold (S&H) as well as a dedicated one-shot ramp generator. Built-in repeat and retrigger controls enable effortless ratcheting, drum rolls, and flams. The inputs and outputs consist of one mono main mix output and four individual voice outputs (3.5-mm jacks). MIDI connectivity is provided via 3.5-mm MIDI In/Thru jacks, which support full-chromatic playback over two octaves, velocity sensitivity, and MIDI CC mapping for external parameter automation.