The Movement Systems Drum Computer (also called the Movement MCS Percussion Computer) was an ambitious and rare drum-machine project developed in the UK in the early 1980s by John Dickenson (sound design, concept) together with Dave Goodway (electronics, software). It sought to merge analogue synthesized drum voices with sampled 8-bit digital drum sounds in a single instrument, and present a graphic, computer-style interface for sequencing rather than relying solely on buttons and dials.
There were two main versions: Movement Systems Drum Computer Mk I (circa 1981) and Movement Systems Drum Computer Mk II (circa 1983). The Movement Systems Drum Computer Mk I had a two-piece form factor (with a CRT monitor separate from the drum hardware), while the Movement Systems Drum Computer Mk II integrated the display and body in a single case, often in an orange or black shell (Shown here). Around 30–60 units in total are believed to have been produced (with very few surviving).
Internally, the Movement Systems Drum Computer used seven “voice cards,” each handling two drum voices (for a total of 14 voices). Each voice card could be switched between analogue (synth) or “real / sampled” mode; each voice had controls for volume, pitch, sustain etc. Sequencing was handled via a Nascom 2 microcomputer as the controller, driving a monochrome CRT display (and capable of external monitor output). The sequencer allowed patterns to be edited graphically, and patterns could be chained into songs. It lacked sample-input capabilities (i.e. one could not sample directly into the unit), samples had to be provided externally and converted to EPROM form.
The Movement Systems Drum Computer offered many audio and control I/O options: stereo output, individual outputs per voice, trigger in/out per voice, drum sync in/out, a cassette interface for data storage, and (in later modifications) disk drive and MIDI capability. In 1984, some Mk II units were modified to add MIDI, an 8-track sequencer, battery-backed memory and floppy disk storage.
Despite its advanced ambitions and novel interface, the Movement Systems Drum Computer’s actual sound (particularly in sampled mode) was often considered less polished than contemporaries like the LinnDrum or Simmons modules. The high cost, limited production, and operational complexity restricted its commercial success. It was discontinued around 1984.
Some known uses of the Movement include:
- Eurythmics – Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) (the prototype is visible in the music video)
- Eurythmics – Touch (album)
- Eurythmics – 1984 (For the Love of Big Brother) (soundtrack)
- Eurythmics – Sexcrime (Nineteen Eighty-Four) (their final commercial track usage)
- Kim Wilde – Select (most of the 1982 album)
- Hot Chocolate – Mystery (1982 album)
- Thompson Twins – Quick Step and Side Kick and Into the Gap
- John Foxx – The Garden (1981)
- Mick Karn – Titles (1982)
- Phil Collins – Hello, I Must Be Going! (1982)
- Genesis – Genesis (1983)
It was reportedly also owned or used by artists including Kissing the Pink, Kajagoogoo, Human League, Thomas Dolby, Vince Clarke, Japan, William Orbit and the Chemical Brothers (though specific album credits are less documented).
Features
- Hybrid voices combining analogue (synth) and digital (8-bit sample) modes
- 14 drum voices in total (7 voice cards × 2 voices each)
- Graphic sequencing interface via CRT display (pattern editing, song chaining)
- Switchable mode per voice (analogue vs real / sampled)
- Extensive I/O: stereo out, individual voice outputs, trigger in/out per voice, clock/drum sync
- Data storage via cassette; later units modified with floppy disk and battery-backed memory
- Later MIDI integration and 8-track sequencer in modified Mk II units
- Separate monitor in Mk I; integrated unit in Mk II
