Linn LM-1

The Linn LM-1 Drum Computer is a drum machine manufactured by Linn Electronics and released in 1980. It was one of the first programmable drum machines and the first to use samples of acoustic drums. Its designer, the American engineer Roger Linn, wanted a machine that would produce more realistic sounds and offer more than preset patterns.

The LM-1 became a staple of 1980s pop music and helped establish drum machines as credible tools. It appeared on records by artists including the Human League, Gary Numan, Mecano, Icehouse, Michael Jackson, Queen, Tears For Fears, Steve Winwood and particularly Prince. The LM-1 was succeeded in 1982 by the LinnDrum.