Behringer today introduced the SDS-3, a knockoff of the Simmons SDS-3 Drum Synthesizer from 1978.
The Behringer SDS-3 can be used as a standard analog drum module, but also features Mic inputs that let you trigger the drum channels using drum mics. The module also supports basic MIDI control for sequencing.
Here are the details:
Features:
- “Authentic reproduction” of Simmons SDS-3 circuitry from the ’70s
- Percussion sound capabilities including Toms, Bass Drums, Cymbals, Bells, Gongs, Vibes, Thunder, Jumbo Jets, etc.
- Special effects channel for sound modulation effects
- 4 drum channels with separate controls for clock, decay, bend, pitch, noise and assignable decay kill
- Sounds can be triggered via analog control input, MIDI and USB
- 4 independent analog outputs for external processing and recording
- 57 controls give you direct and real-time access to important parameters
- Compatible with standard Eurorack cases
- MIDI implementation with MIDI channel, Velocity and Voice Priority selection
Pricing and Availability:
The Behringer SDS-3 analog drum synthesizer should be available to pre-order at some retailers soon, priced at $249 USD.
thank you uli <3 love this
nice, but it should be 5 modules (kick, snare, 3 toms) plus option to save presets.
lol
Did the original from Simmons have that?
did it have USB or MIDI?
I like the fact that it has Mic inputs.
Using it with some piezos could be interesting. Even better if you can send some CV through there too.
The sound isn’t that appealing to me though.
Behringer’s video really doesn’t show their SDS-3 in the best light—the Sound On Sound video does a much better job. A while back, Alex Ball created a video history of the Simmons SDS-3, and his example sounds using an original unit are compelling. It’s difficult to say whether the sound is better on the Simmons—Ball is a world-class synthesist, after all, so I suspect he can make bad gear sound good and great gear sound even better. That said, I’ll suspend judgment on Behringer’s version until the Bartek video drops. If the sound makes Bartek giddy, chances are the Behringer is as good as a vintage Simmons.
Another excellent Uli release.
Another fake comment