Donner
Introducing the Donner Essential Series: B1, D1, and L1
GUIDE

Donner’s Essential Series brings high-quality, affordable synthesizers and drum machines to musicians and producers, combining vintage-inspired sound with modern functionality. Designed for both beginners and seasoned artists, the series delivers analog warmth, intuitive workflows, and compact designs—perfect for studio sessions, live performances, or creative experimentation on the go.

The Essential Series currently includes three standout models:

  • Essential B1 – An analog bass synth inspired by the legendary TB-303

  • Essential D1 – A versatile sample-based drum machine for dynamic beat-making

  • Essential L1 – A monophonic analog synth channeling the spirit of the SH-101

Each model offers unique features while maintaining the series’ core philosophy: accessible, powerful, and fun. Let’s dive into each one.

1. Donner Essential B1 – The Futuristic Acid Synth

Overview

The Essential B1 is Donner’s take on the iconic TB-303, delivering squelchy, resonant basslines with a modern twist. Its sleek black-and-titanium design, illuminated by cool blue and white LEDs, gives it a futuristic aesthetic while staying true to its analog roots.

 

Sound & Performance

  • True analog signal path with a single VCO (sawtooth & square waves)

  • Low-pass VCF with cutoff, resonance, and decay controls for punchy acid tones

  • Built-in analog saturation & delay effects for added depth and grit

  • Easy-to-use sequencer (16-step) with slide, accent, ratchet, and gate length per step

  • Song Mode (via firmware update) for chaining patterns

The B1 delivers authentic 303-style acid bass tones with an analog signal path, featuring a low-pass VCF, resonance control, and built-in saturation.The sequencer simplifies pattern creation compared to vintage units, offering step accents, slides, and ratchets for dynamic performances.

Key Features

✔ 128 user-programmable presets
✔ Silicon haptic pads for tactile sequencing
✔ MIDI & USB-C connectivity
✔ Sync In/Out, AUX input, and headphone output

Specs

  • Dimensions: 12.8 x 5.12 x 2.2 inches

  • Weight: 1.37 lbs

  • Connections: MIDI In/Out, USB-C, 1/4" TRS output, 3.5mm sync/aux

  • Power: 9V DC adapter (USB does not power the unit)

Perfect for: Acid house producers, bassline enthusiasts, and anyone craving squelchy analog tones without the vintage price tag.

2. Donner Essential D1 – The Compact Beat Machine

Overview

The Essential D1 is a sample-based drum machine packed with 12 tracks, velocity-sensitive pads, and built-in effects, making it ideal for crafting beats on the fly.

Sound & Performance

  • 12-track sample playback (mono) with Loopmasters-curated kits (house, trap, lo-fi, DnB)

  • Real-time & step sequencing (up to 64 steps)

  • Delay, reverb, and compression effects (with BBD-style delay for warmth)

  • Fill slots, sub-step adjustments, and roll triggers for dynamic patterns

  • Donner Control App for sample management & firmware updates

The D1 provides 12-track sample playback with velocity-sensitive pads, a 64-step sequencer, and onboard effects including BBD-style delay and filtered reverb. Its workflow combines real-time finger drumming and step sequencing, making it accessible for quick beat creation.

Key Features

✔ Color-coded UI for intuitive navigation
✔ Velocity-sensitive RGB pads
✔ USB-C & MIDI I/O for seamless DAW integration
✔ AUX input for processing external audio

Specs

  • Dimensions: 270 x 130 x 41mm

  • Weight: Just over 1 lb

  • Connections: MIDI In/Out, USB-C, stereo 1/4" outputs, 3.5mm aux in

  • Power: 9V DC adapter

Perfect for: Beatmakers, live performers, and producers needing a portable, budget-friendly drum machine with solid sample capabilities.

3. Donner Essential L1 – The Modern SH-101 Revival

Overview

The Essential L1 is Donner’s latest analog monosynth, drawing inspiration from the  SH-101 but adding modern enhancements like a detachable magnetic keyboard and expanded modulation.

Sound & Performance

  • 3340 VCO (saw, pulse, triangle, noise, sub-oscillator)

  • 3109 low-pass filter (self-oscillates like the original SH-101)

  • Dual envelope generators (more flexible than the SH-101)

  • 64-step sequencer (128 patterns, 32 songs) & 5-mode arpeggiator

  • Drone mode & external audio processing

The L1 expands on the SH-101 architecture with a 3340 VCO, 3109 filter, dual envelopes, and a syncable LFO for deeper modulation."*The optional magnetic keyboard (KB-32M) adds portability, while CV/Gate support integrates with modular setups.

Key Features

✔ Magnetic KB-32M keyboard (sold separately) with pitch/mod strips
✔ CV/Gate & MIDI I/O for modular integration
✔ USB-C & Sync I/O for modern workflows

Specs

  • Dimensions: Compact, under 900g

  • Connections: MIDI (TRS), USB-C, CV/Gate, 1/4" audio out

  • Power: USB or external adapter

Perfect for: Synth enthusiasts, SH-101 fans, and performers wanting vintage analog tone with modern conveniences.

Final Thoughts: Which One is Right for You?

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