LinPlug has revealed a sneak-peek at RM 5, the successor to RM IV Drum Sampler, with release planned for December 2007.

Priority has been given to preserving the ease of use that was achieved with the RM IV. This means that the overall look of the instrument has not changed too much. The instrument has been given a new colour scheme that is easier to read, even after hours in the studio. Key parameters are easy to adjust, and the number of mouse clicks required for general use is minimal. It's definitely a "hands on" instrument, even more so than the RM IV. A preliminary screenshot is available.

LinPlug has focused on the practical needs of musicians doing daily studio work. As a result, you won't find features like adjustable microphone positions and multiple gigabyte kits in the next RM. Rather, you'll get more than 50 detailed improvements and several new features, all of which will help you to "get the job done". LinPlug's main focus in designing the next RM was that nothing should become too complicated, and that no operation should take longer than it already does. Features that you don't use won't interfere with your workflow, while features that are used often are right at your fingertips. LinPlug has spent a considerable amount of time dealing with conceptual design questions and are confident that the next RM is going to be an industry-leading percussion instrument.

Grace period started

Though the final price of the next RM is yet to be determined, there are two facts that you can count on: it won't be more expensive than the RM IV, and you'll be able to upgrade to the next RM free of charge if you bought the RM IV on or later than 1 July 2007. That's a 5 month upgrade period so don't let the impending release of the next RM put you off purchasing the RM IV. The next RM will be available primarily as a download, although it will also be available on DVD (in the case of the DVD version there will be a small additional cost for shipping/handling).