Uploaded November 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
MIDI sequencing a vintage Alesis D4 drum module with an Arturia DrumBrute Impact for classic 90s electronic percussion sounds.
Today, I’m connecting my Arturia DrumBrute Impact to a classic (?) Alesis D4 drum module through a MioXL interface. I explain the very straighforward setup, then check out the retro drum sounds of the D4 while sequencing from the contemporary DrumBrute Impact.
Why is this cool? These two pieces of hardware made decades apart still communicate perfectly thanks to the enduing MIDI standard. It’s a reminder of the expressive possibilities of “obsolete” technology and how vintage gear can still inspire new creative workflows.
Released in 1991, the D4 was popular for its high-quality 16-bit drum samples and easy integration for drum controllers. It offered 500+ percussion sounds and became a go-to for drummers and producers looking for realistic drum triggers and electronic textures.
Gear Used:
Alesis D4 Drum Module (Check on eBay: ebay.us/mf6DLP Check on Reverb: tidd.ly/3LHmEOj )
Arturia DrumBrute Impact (Check on Perfect Circuit: link.perfectcircuit.com/t/v1/8-12626-329160-9759?sid=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.perfectcircuit.com%2Farturia-drumbrute-impact.html)
iConnectivity MioXL MIDI Interface (Check on Perfect Circuit: link.perfectcircuit.com/t/v1/8-12626-329160-9759?sid=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.perfectcircuit.com%2Ficonnectivity-mioxl.html)
0:00 Intro
0:32 Setup
1:43 Listening to the D4
3:49 Closing thoughts / next steps
If you love vintage drum machines and creative sequencing, subscribe for more videos on synthesis, sound design, and experimental music.
💬 *Join the Discussion!* Have questions or want to share your own projects? Drop a comment below – I love hearing from you all!
* Subscribe: youtube.com/user/SimonHutc/?sub_confirmation=1
* Official Website - simonhutchinson.com
* bandcamp (lots of free music!): simonhutchinson.bandcamp.com/follow_me
* Sign up for my mailing list: eepurl.com/hVs7bT
* Grab my old gear on Reverb (affiliate link): tidd.ly/48iMpdH
* Buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/simonhutchinson
_My voiceover recording gear_ (affiliate links):
Aston Microphones Origin (Reverb): tidd.ly/4aiVSnj
dbx 286s Channel Strip
* Reverb: tidd.ly/4as22Bm
* Perfect Circtuit: link.perfectcircuit.com/t/v1/8-12626-329160-9759?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.perfectcircuit.com%2Fdbx-286s.html
(I sometimes provide affiliate links for products that I use and enjoy. If you end up buying something through these external links, it helps to support the channel, while the price for you remains the same.)
#SoundSynthesis #SoundDesign #drumbruteimpact #alesisd4
#MIDI
MIDI sequencing a vintage Alesis D4 drum module with an Arturia DrumBrute Impact for classic 90s electronic percussion sounds.
Today, I’m connecting my Arturia DrumBrute Impact to a classic (?) Alesis D4 drum module through a MioXL interface. I explain the very straighforward setup, then check out the retro drum sounds of the D4 while sequencing from the contemporary DrumBrute Impact.
Why is this cool? These two pieces of hardware made decades apart still communicate perfectly thanks to the enduing MIDI standard. It’s a reminder of the expressive possibilities of “obsolete” technology and how vintage gear can still inspire new creative workflows.
Released in 1991, the D4 was popular for its high-quality 16-bit drum samples and easy integration for drum controllers. It offered 500+ percussion sounds and became a go-to for drummers and producers looking for realistic drum triggers and electronic textures.
Gear Used:
Alesis D4 Drum Module (Check on eBay: ebay.us/mf6DLP Check on Reverb: tidd.ly/3LHmEOj )
Arturia DrumBrute Impact (Check on Perfect Circuit: link.perfectcircuit.com/t/v1/8-12626-329160-9759?sid=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.perfectcircuit.com%2Farturia-drumbrute-impact.html)
iConnectivity MioXL MIDI Interface (Check on Perfect Circuit: link.perfectcircuit.com/t/v1/8-12626-329160-9759?sid=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.perfectcircuit.com%2Ficonnectivity-mioxl.html)
0:00 Intro
0:32 Setup
1:43 Listening to the D4
3:49 Closing thoughts / next steps
If you love vintage drum machines and creative sequencing, subscribe for more videos on synthesis, sound design, and experimental music.
💬 *Join the Discussion!* Have questions or want to share your own projects? Drop a comment below – I love hearing from you all!
* Subscribe: youtube.com/user/SimonHutc/?sub_confirmation=1
* Official Website - simonhutchinson.com
* bandcamp (lots of free music!): simonhutchinson.bandcamp.com/follow_me
* Sign up for my mailing list: eepurl.com/hVs7bT
* Grab my old gear on Reverb (affiliate link): tidd.ly/48iMpdH
* Buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/simonhutchinson
_My voiceover recording gear_ (affiliate links):
Aston Microphones Origin (Reverb): tidd.ly/4aiVSnj
dbx 286s Channel Strip
* Reverb: tidd.ly/4as22Bm
* Perfect Circtuit: link.perfectcircuit.com/t/v1/8-12626-329160-9759?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.perfectcircuit.com%2Fdbx-286s.html
(I sometimes provide affiliate links for products that I use and enjoy. If you end up buying something through these external links, it helps to support the channel, while the price for you remains the same.)
#SoundSynthesis #SoundDesign #drumbruteimpact #alesisd4
#MIDI
