Already incredible synthesizer has new look, better sound-generation for 2001.

We found a super software gem, and best of all, it's free. It's the ER-0 drum synthesizer, and it's based on the sound engine found inside Korg's Electribe ER-1. We're giving it four stars, but consider this a four-and-a-half-star review, based on the fact that it's free.

What's more, for 2001, the ER-Zero has a fresh new look, an improved sound-generation algorithm for punchier low-end, a new bank of user-submitted preset sounds, and an even more reliable download site, which you can access by clicking here.

The ER-0 has no sequencing capabilities, but it's able to create an incredible range of sounds. These sounds can be saved as ERO files that can be imported into sequencing programs like Hammerhead (which we will be reviewing soon), or as WAV files and imported into samplers or loop sequencing programs like FruityLoops and ACID.

It has eight functions and a slider. (Yes, we know, there are nine visible functions, but using the panning knob will get you nowhere. It's a dead duck. What do you expect? It's free.) Choose the functions by clicking on a knob or button, and adjust the functions by moving the slider bar from left to right or by clicking in the slider space.

The Wave Select function lets you use either a sine wave or a triangle wave. Pitch adjusts the frequency of the sound from 1 Hz to 12 kHz. This allows you to make everything from TR-909-style kicks to bells and high hats. Level sets the volume of the sound. Decay determines the length of decay, or gradual fade into silence. Low Boost is a low-end filter that increases the level of low-frequency signals, giving added fatness to those booming bass drums. Modulation Depth sets the amount of modulation you want to add to the sound. Modulation Speed sets the rate of modulation. Modulation Type determines the kind of modulation you add to your sound.

There are six types of modulation available on this program: Decay, Noise, Ramp, Rand (random), Square, and Tri (triangle).

We had a blast making sounds on this easy-to-use program. Unlike the Stomp rhythm synth, the ER-0 has a very user-friendly interface. We made some bass drums with a meaty low-end that rivals the old analog machines. The snares are snappy. The high hats are crisp and clear. Using the modulation, we were even able to make some noise-based industrial sounds and some wacky, spaced-out alien trills. We were blown away, to say the least.

We probably don't need to say it again, but the synthesizer is free. Free! FREE! You can download it here.

Summary: The ER-0 is a snappy little drum synthesis tool that you can use to make amazing sounds. It saves the sounds as ER0 or WAV files. When combined with any of the sampling or sequencing programs above, you've got an awesome rhythm setup for any type of dance music application.

Pros: The sounds you can make are awesome. It's easy to use. Did we mention that it's free?

Cons: The panning knob doesn't work. But that doesn't matter, because you can change the panning in nearly any sound-editing or WAV-sequencing program.

Creator: ER-Zero
Distributor: ER-Zero
Available: Now
List price: Free!