Cheetah MD16
A British-made 16-part multitimbral drum machine with 8-voice polyphony and interchangeable sound cartridges
Overview
The Cheetah MD16 is a drum machine produced by British manufacturer Cheetah. It supports 16 multitimbral parts and features 8-voice polyphony, allowing for layered or complex rhythmic arrangements. The unit uses 16-bit drum sound generation and includes support for external sound expansion via ROM cartridges, including the documented "Electronic ROM" cartridge. A rackmount variant, the Cheetah MD16R, was also released. The machine was noted for its unique interface, described as "very different" compared to contemporaries like the Roland TR-707, and has gained a reputation among enthusiasts as a rare and distinctive unit.
Specifications
| Polyphony | 8 voices |
| Multitimbral | 16 parts |
| Sound generation | 16bit drum |
Product Family
A rackmount version of the unit, named the Cheetah MD16R, was released alongside the standard model. The machine supports a range of interchangeable sound cartridges, with the "Electronic ROM" cartridge specifically documented. These cartridges are now rarely seen on the market.
Market
The Cheetah MD16 originally retailed for £299, while the rackmount MD16R was priced at £349 at launch. The unit is considered rare, with forum users noting that both the machines and their sound cartridges are uncommon today. Variants exist in both standard grey and black finishes. A service manual is available in PDF form, with historical evidence of photocopies being sold through enthusiast communities.
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