AiRBase 99 © 1998 JoMoX.
The JoMoX AirBase 99 is a rack-mounted drum synthesizer. It is designed as a sound module rather than a self-contained groovebox, requiring external MIDI sequencing for programming and performance. The instrument was conceived as a follow-up to the JoMoX XBase 09, expanding its synthesis architecture into a studio-oriented rack format.
The AirBase 99 combines analog and sample-based sound generation. The kick, snare, and tom voices are generated using analog circuitry, while cymbals, hi-hats, claps, rimshots, and other percussion sounds are based on digital samples processed through analog filtering stages. The sound set is heavily inspired by classic Roland drum machines such as the TR-808 and TR-909.
The instrument offers 9-voice polyphony, allowing multiple percussion sounds to be triggered simultaneously. Each voice can be individually routed to separate audio outputs, in addition to a stereo main output.
Sound design is controlled primarily via MIDI and a small 2-line LCD interface, with minimal front-panel controls. The AirBase 99 also includes extensive patch memory, with up to 1,024 user kits and 500 preset kits.
Additional features include two global LFOs, MIDI synchronization, and resonant filtering applied particularly to hi-hat and percussion elements.
The AirBase 99 was produced in Germany and later discontinued in the mid-2000s.