Ult-Sound DS-4M ProMuzer is a limited-edition clone/replica of the second generation of the vintage Toyo Gakki DS-4 analog drum Synthesizer.
Last April, I reported on the release of the Ult-Sound DS-4M. This is a clone/replica of the rare vintage Toyo Gakki DS-4 analog drum Synthesizer. As you probably know or not, there was a second iteration of the vintage unit.
Ult-Sound has now also taken on this task and recreated the second iteration of the Toyo Gakki DS-4 with modern components and features called DS-4M ProMuzer. Unlike the first version, this version of the DS-4M is limited to 50 units.
Ult-Sound DS-4M ProMuzer
At its core, the Ult-Sound DS-4M ProMuzer offers the same features as its older brother, the DS-4M. However, some features and changes were already in the original unit and are taken over to this clone/replica.
To distinguish the two, the developer first chose a new look. It has a sleek, custom white front panel and black lettering.
Like the regular black version, it has four independent analog drum voices, each with a VCO, sustain (long/short), sub, LFO, and an output section. It also ships with the added features of the first clone, including MIDI, CV/gate inputs with 1v/oct tracking, and individual outputs.
The DS-4M ProMuzer offers a new SUSTAIN instead of the SUB sliders, offering more intuitive control over sound shaping. Then, they replaced the sustain pot with a new attack pot, which adds a sharp, percussive click to the drum sound, enhancing its punch and definition.
The white version also has the beat sense switch, which was taken over from the original second iteration of the Toyo Gakki DS-4 analog drum Synthesizer. It activates velocity sensitivity, enabling dynamic response to trigger inputs for expressive playability.
Advanced MIDI Options
Unlike the regular DS-4M, the new ProMuzer offers all-new MIDI capabilities. Of course, you have four independent MIDI channels to trigger and control each voice independently. Then, all four voices can now operate on a single unified MIDI channel.
A new polyphonic mode also enables simultaneous control of multiple voices. Plus, you get velocity control via MIDI and new dynamic gate inputs. The latter now responds to the level of incoming signals. This makes it possible to control the output volume dynamically for enhanced expressiveness.
On the connection side, everything remains the same as in the black versions, including balanced master output, individual 6.3mm outputs, and trigger and CV/gate inputs for each voice.
There’s currently no sound demo available for the Ult-Sound DS-4M ProMuzer version. But it should sound the same as the first one.
First Impression
As I mentioned last year, it’s nice to see the Toyo Gakki DS-4 drum Synthesizer re-released as a modern clone. The white version looks very sleek, and the extra features are neat. However, at $1,999, it remains a boutique synth for musicians who absolutely want this synth.
Ult-Sound DS-4M ProMuzer is available now for pre-order for $1999. The production is limited to 50 units, and they plan to ship it in June 2025.
More information here: Ult-Sound
