BOHM

Kick drums in Eurorack often come as fixed-circuit affairs, but Bohm breaks this mold completely. Here, the concept of kick synthesis gets expanded through a multi-engine approach – think of these as different kick “models,” each with its own circuit personality. The module ships with nine of these on a microSD card, giving you an impressively diverse palette right from the get-go.

A quick glance at the panel, and you’ll notice how clear everything is laid out:

The LENGTH knob does what you’d expect – short clicks at one extreme, sustained boom at the other. SUSTAIN shapes how the body of the kick behaves after that initial hit. Another nice thing is the PITCH CURVE control – twist counterclockwise for that classic 808 slow-drop characteristic or clockwise to get more of a 909 snap.

The FUNCTION button has a dual personality worth mentioning. In Producer mode, pressing it randomizes parameters of your current model – great for those moments when you need a fresh starting point without overthinking it. Switch over to Performer mode, and it works as a preset sequencer instead.

Transient shaping also gets special attention here. TRS DECAY and TRS TONE focus exclusively on those first crucial milliseconds that define a kick’s character. Having dedicated controls for this aspect alone shows where Bohm’s priorities lie – in the details that make all the difference in a mix.

If you’re after more than just isolated kicks, the Bohm:Groove expander (10HP) lets you add rhythmic complexity with a second voice. The four TAP level controls correspond to 16th-note subdivisions, letting you easily build patterns that complement your main kick with extra rumble. COLOR and FX parameters then shape the timbre of these additional hits.

There’s also the Bohm:Performer expander (6HP) that introduces external audio processing with sidechain ducking, performance effects like filters and beat rolls, and proper mix capabilities. The DUCK knob alone makes this worth considering – getting that perfect pumping effect without additional modules or routing gymnastics.

The combo of randomization, multiple models, and extensive CV control make Bohm a really compelling package. You can go from the perfect techno foundation, over to exploring bizarre percussive textures you didn’t know kicks could make. If you’re looking to dive deep into kick territory, this is an outstanding module, with room to grow through its expanders and well worth your time!

Features:

• Stereo dual-voice kick synthesizer with multiple synthesis engines
• microSD card reader with nine factory kick models (expandable)
• Producer mode for quick randomization and Performer mode for preset sequencing
• Comprehensive sound-shaping parameters: LENGTH, SUSTAIN, ATTACK, PITCH, PITCH CURVE, COLOR, FX
• Transient controls: TRS DECAY and TRS TONE for precise attack shaping
• CV inputs with attenuverters for key parameters
• Two optional expanders: Bohm:Groove (10HP) and Bohm:Performer (6HP)
• Bohm:Groove adds secondary kick voice with tap sequencing capabilities
• Bohm:Performer provides external audio processing, sidechain, and performance effects

Kick models currently available:

• FM-2X, a two-operator FM kick model, whereby each operator is a wavetable oscillator;
• HZ-1, a wavetable kick drum model with a unique transient Synthesizer
• OLP-4, a four-operator FM kick model
• PM-K1, a physical model of a kick drum
• PX-3, a complex wavetable kick drum model with sampler intended for hard techno
• SP-6, a wavetable kick drum model with digital waveforms and sampler
• VX-T, a wavetable kick drum model with another unique transient synth
• WT-4, a wavetable kick drum model with analogue waveforms and sampler
• XT-88, a wavetable kick drum model with a sampler, allows users to load their own wavetables and samples.