Jomox

JoMoX drum machines and synthesizers from Berlin

In 1995, while working at the Berlin-based engineering collective X-Tended, Jürgen Michaelis developed compact MIDI interfaces and modifications for instruments including the TR-909 drum machine. To give his own designs a distinctive identity, he created the logo J*M*X, short for Jürgen Michaelis X-Tended. As the asterisks between the letters resembled small “o” characters, the name JoMoX was born. Read more…

JoMoX: analogue drum sounds, synthesizers and innovative sequencers

In 1996, JoMoX introduced its first proprietary product, the XBase 09. The drum machine combined analogue bass drum and snare sounds with sample-based hi-hats. Alongside its exceptionally powerful sound, the instrument offered the then unusual ability to record parameter locks in the sequencer. This made it possible to alter individual sound parameters on each step and bring significantly more movement and expression to programmed rhythms.

The AirBase 99 followed as a rackmount version with fewer physical controls but a wider selection of sounds and tracks. In 2000, JoMoX presented the SunSyn, an extensive eight-voice analogue synthesizer that has retained cult status to this day. Several years later, the XBase 999 and XBase 888 drum machines appeared, featuring ten instruments, the established JoMoX sequencer and numerous functional enhancements.

The experimental Resonator Neuronium synthesizer, initially produced only in very small quantities, later provided the foundation for the Resonator series of filter boxes. JoMoX also adapted proven circuits for the Eurorack modular format, expanding its range with modules for experimental sound design and analogue synthesis.

With the Alpha Base, JoMoX created a powerful drum synthesizer that combines an especially forceful analogue bass drum with the mBrane Analog Membrane Modeling synthesizer, versatile filter functions, sample playback and a complex FM synthesizer.

JoMoX therefore stands for distinctive electronic instruments, powerful analogue drum sounds and experimental sound concepts suited to both music production and live performance.