Tembo is a playful drum machine that thinks it’s a checkerboard

Tembo appears like a toy, however a type of bougie picket toys you get on Crate & Kids, not some low-cost plastic rubbish. Despite its look, it’s a totally purposeful drum machine and sampler. Rather than a bunch of buttons and a display screen, you construct beats on Tembo by putting what are primarily picket checkers on a board. The level is to be approachable to would-be music makers of any age or talent degree.

The core of Tembo is a reasonably easy five-track step sequencer. Wooden tokens are held in place with magnets, and also you simply put them the place you need the hit to land. There are eight pattern packs inbuilt, however it’s also possible to pattern utilizing the built-in mic or via the line-in jack on the again.

There are additionally built-in results and a easy looper for including backing tracks. There are even some enjoyable efficiency prospects. Beyond fundamental mutes, you may rapidly and continuously change up sequences just by sliding items across the board. There aren’t any superior options, like likelihood or automation. This isn’t an Elektron field, in any case — it’s meant to be enjoyable and speedy.

Tembo is presently working a crowdfunding marketing campaign on Kickstarter with early-bird pricing at $369, earlier than it rises to $550 at retail. Of course, being a crowdfunding marketing campaign, all the standard caveats apply.