NI Drops MR1 Valve Data
Native Instruments has just launched MR1 Valve Data, a new drum machine that promises to inject raw, analog grit and innovative real-time control into your rhythm section

Native Instruments has just launched MR1 Valve Data, a new drum machine that promises to inject raw, analog grit and innovative real-time control into your rhythm section. Developed in collaboration with 10 Phantom Rooms, a company renowned for their next-generation Kontakt instruments for film and media composers, MR1 Valve Data is the initial release in Native Instruments' new "Modular Rhythm" series.
Released on July 1, 2025, MR1 Valve Data is designed to be a fun, intuitive, and highly expressive tool for beatmakers and producers seeking a distinctive sound. Unlike traditional sample-based drum machines that simply playback sounds, MR1 Valve Data offers a deep level of manipulation, allowing users to "morph, shift, and transform beats like never before with intuitive performance controls.

At the Core: Modular Tube Processing and Unique Samples
The sonic foundation of MR1 Valve Data lies in its meticulously crafted sound library. It comes loaded with 155 presetsbuilt from over 300 unique samples. These samples weren't just recorded; they were extensively processed through high-end modular tube gear, capturing the satisfying analog grit of sampled oscillators, filters, and granular effects. This gives MR1 Valve Data its signature warm, punchy, and often distorted character.
Key Features for Creative Rhythm Creation:
Real-time Performance Controls: One of the plugin's standout features is its ability to morph multiple parameters with a single control. This allows for dynamic and evolving drum patterns, moving beyond static loops.
Intuitive Sequencer: MR1 Valve Data boasts a user-friendly sequencer that facilitates rapid beat programming. It also includes a randomizer function for instant inspiration and fresh ideas, and mutator features to introduce creative variations.
"Burning" Distortion Effects: For those who crave even more aggression and character, the "burning" distortion effects offer a powerful way to saturate and shape your drum sounds.
Comprehensive Sound Shaping: Beyond distortion, the plugin provides essential controls for tuning, reverb, and delay, including new sidechaining capabilities to create rhythmic pumping effects with the reverb and delay tails.
Four Layers, Eight Macros: MR1 Valve Data features a four-layer architecture, each acting as a "modular sample engine." Eight macros, six of which control individual parameters across all four layers and two master FX macros (compressor and DJ-style filter), provide extensive sound design possibilities.
ABC Variations: Each preset includes three sound variations, allowing you to store different settings and seamlessly blend between them using the mod wheel for dynamic real-time performance.
"Quick Edit" Controls: Large, accessible dials on the main page provide quick access to crucial parameters like cutoff, tune, and decay for on-the-fly adjustments.
Designed by the Masters of Sonic Craft: 10 Phantom Rooms
The collaboration with 10 Phantom Rooms, founded by sound and instrument designer Tobias Menguser (known for his work on over 600 movie trailers) and Paul Haslinger (ex-Tangerine Dream, Underworld), speaks volumes about the pedigree behind MR1 Valve Data. Their expertise in crafting next-generation Kontakt instruments is clearly evident in the plugin's rich sound design and innovative approach to rhythm.

Pricing and Availability
Native Instruments MR1 Valve Data is available now for $49 USD/EUR. It runs within Native Instruments' Kontakt (or the free Kontakt Player) version 8.4.1 or higher and is compatible with VST3, AU, and AAX plugin formats, as well as a standalone application.
For producers looking to infuse their tracks with unique, tube-processed drum sounds and explore new avenues of rhythmic manipulation, MR1 Valve Data presents an exciting and powerful new option in the Native Instruments ecosystem.