Tembo is a magnetic instrument built for playful beat-making

Tembo is a new instrument designed to make beat-making feel more like play than programming.

Developed by Musical Beings, the device combines a drum machine, sampler and sequencer into a tactile system that replaces screens and pads with a physical grid and magnetic pieces.

The instrument centres on a board-like sequencer where small circular magnets, called Beats, are placed on a grid to trigger sounds.

Each position represents a step in a rhythmic pattern. Add a piece and a sound plays; move it and the rhythm shifts instantly. The process turns sequencing into a visible, hands-on activity that resembles arranging pieces on a board game.

Tembo runs a five-channel sequencer with multiple steps, allowing users to build drum patterns and melodic loops by arranging the magnetic tokens.

Beats can even be stacked to create rhythmic subdivisions, while controls on the device adjust tempo, swing and other parameters.

Each channel also includes controls for pitch, volume and effect sends routed to delay and reverb processors.

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Sampling is built into the workflow. Users can capture sounds through a built-in microphone or via a line input and immediately incorporate them into sequences.

Tembo also ships with onboard sample packs, plus loop channels for layering longer phrases alongside the main rhythm tracks.

Connectivity allows Tembo to work beyond its tabletop format. USB-C MIDI enables synchronisation with DAWs and external gear, while sessions can be recorded via USB audio or stereo outputs.

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Tembo is currently on Kickstarter and has already surpassed its funding goal.

The campaign is still accepting pledges, with Early Bird units available for USD389, alongside other packages that include a carrying case and additional merchandise.

More info here.

Amira Waworuntu is Mixmag Asia’s Managing Editor, follow her on Instagram.

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