AKAI Tom Cat

For percussive sequences with distinctive disco tom runs, the AKAI Tom Cat combines five drum voices with an integrated step sequencer. Kick, snare, clap, hi-hat and disco toms can be played directly using six velocity-sensitive pads and recorded into patterns. The tom voice can be played chromatically across three octaves.

Each voice has its own sound controls. For the kick, you can adjust tuning, the pitch envelope and the decay, among other things; the snare also features a high-pass filter. For the clap, you can change the pitch and the spacing between its three hits. For the disco toms, you can adjust the attack, decay and ascending or descending pitch sweep. The hi-hat can sound open or closed, but not both at the same time.

You can create patterns step by step or by playing them in real time. In Step mode, you enter notes using the 16 buttons; in Performance mode, you record your playing using the pads. The sequences are quantised and can be extended using overdub. Each pattern provides Sequence A and B, plus two fills. The device stores 16 patterns in total; when A and B are played together, the length can be up to 32 steps.

For the disco toms, note values from quarter notes to thirty-second notes are available, including triplets at quarter-, eighth- and sixteenth-note values. The 16 steps can also be played like a keyboard. For other voices, you can set the step velocity to one of three levels or mute individual steps. Swing, tap tempo and global tempo control round out the sequencer controls.

Use the Maul control to dial in analogue distortion for the master output and headphone output. You can choose between the internal clock, MIDI, USB-MIDI and Gate for synchronisation. The Tom Cat sends and receives MIDI data via MIDI and USB; USB does not function as an audio output. The MIDI output can also be switched to Thru to pass on incoming MIDI data.

Gate In and Gate Out let you connect external devices, such as a modular system or an analogue sequencer. The Gate input accepts a maximum of 12 V; 5 V is recommended. When using Gate synchronisation, the device processes only 1/8 or 1/16 triggers, with one or two pulses required per step depending on the division. The Gate output sends 5 V pulses. The 6.35 mm master output connects to a mixer or audio interface; you can also connect headphones via 6.35 mm.

The Tom Cat is suited to a studio or hardware setup where you want to program your own drum patterns, play disco toms chromatically and synchronise the clock via MIDI or Gate. Its direct access to sound parameters and the sequencer makes it equally suitable for working with pads and integrating into an existing MIDI or modular system. After switching it on, allow the device to warm up briefly, as tuning can be affected by temperature.