One of the original virtual analogue synths, the Nord Lead was an eye opener when it came out. Along with some amazingly bright synth sounds it could also produce very analogue sounding drums, quite close to an 808.

Korgs ER-1 in many ways is a new version of the Roland 606. Combining virtual modeling with some sampled cymbals, ALA 909, the ER-1 has a great sound that is clean but experimental.

If the Nord Lead was revolutionary then the Micromodular blew the concept of synthesizers out the water. A fully patchable modular synth in a tiny box, this is an extremely versatile system. These drum samples are really hard sounding with plenty of variety.

A very early virtual modeling synth, the Wavedrum is unique because it is designed to be played like a hand drum. Sampling it and being able to play all its sounds together improves their usability, and the clean, crisp and naturalistic tones it produces are very useful for all musical genres.