Linn LM-2 1982

Vintage LinnDrum (LM-2) Drum Machine – Serial #1357 w/ Original Manual & Brochure

This is an iconic piece of electronic music history: an authentic, vintage LinnDrum (LM-2) Drum Machine (Serial #1357).

Renowned for defining the sound of 1980s pop, synth-pop, and R&B, this legendary instrument delivers the punchy, organic digital drum samples that made Linn famous. This unit features clean original cosmetics, beautiful real wood side panels, and includes rare original paperwork and custom hardware expansions.

Included in the Sale:

• LinnDrum (LM-2) Main Console (Serial No. 1357)
• Original LinnDrum Owner’s Manual (Spiral-bound)
• Original Vintage Sales Brochure / Promotional Literature
• JLCooper Expansion Interface (Installed on upper rear panel)
• Power Cable

Condition & Features:

• Cosmetics: Very clean vintage condition with light, expected signs of use for a classic 1980s studio unit. The front faceplate graphics are sharp, control labels are fully crisp, sliders and knobs are intact, and the real wood side panels are solid and rich in tone.

• Rear Panel Sockets: Clean inputs/outputs including separate voice outputs, stereo mixer jacks, 110V power inlet, and trigger inputs.

• JLCooper Upgrade: Features an installed rear JLCooper multi-pin expansion port for custom sound/trigger card integration.

• Display: 2-digit LED pattern display is bright and clear.

The white multipin socket visible in the upper-left corner of the rear panel is the connector for the JLCooper "5-Output" or Custom Sound/Trigger Expander (Option Board) retrofit kit.

Details on This Retrofit:

• Manufacturer: JLCooper Electronics (a leading third-party modification developer for Linn, Oberheim, and Sequential Circuits gear during the 1980s).
• Function: This multi-pin socket connected to an external JLCooper control box/breakout module. Depending on the exact expansion fitted inside, it was used for:
• 1. External Sound/EPROM Expander Interface: Multiplexing lines to allow switching between multiple banks of custom sound EPROMs installed internally or in an external card cage.
  2. Individual Trigger / CV Inputs: Expanded external triggering options beyond the standard 5 trigger inputs on the LinnDrum's top edge.

Unlike standard MIDI retrofits (which use traditional 5-pin DIN ports), this multi-pin connector is an early 1980s custom expansion port specifically tailored to JLCooper's outboard expansion hardware for the LinnDrum (LM-2).