Behringer previews SDS

Behringer has released a preview of a SDS-3 analog drum synth, a replica of the iconic Simmons SDS-3 drum synth from 1978. While the original unit boasted a cubic shape and a desktop size, Behringer’s clone of the drum synth is built for Eurorack.

Behringer’s SDS-3 replica offers four drum channels identical in design in addition to an LFO channel for special effects like the vintage unit. Furthermore, each of the drum channels features a microphone input and output as well as a channel output.

While the original Simmons SDS-3 has these same ports they were on the back of the desktop unit but Behringer’s choice of placing them on the front of their replica is practical as it’s designed for a Eurorack setup.

Each channel offers seven parameters: impact click (min/max), pitch (low/high), decay time (short/long), noise/tone, bend level (off/max), effect range (off/max), and channel level slider. Meanwhile, the back of Behringer’s SDS-3 features connections for the mix, a pitch pedal input, decay kill, MIDI connectivity (out/thru), and a USB socket.

While the Behringer SDS-3 is built for Eurorack, there isn’t any CV connectivity present.

While some synth enthusiasts are excited for the clone, some like Gearspace user ’01rsa’ have taken to the online forum to to share thier concerns, writing, “Rarely have I seen such enthusiasm for a new synthesizer project. Seriously, I’ve listened to the demos of the original and it’s rather dismaying. After the re-release of all those legendary monos, it makes no sense to release this toy when it’s so obvious that the synthesis potential here is almost non-existent comparatively”.

Meanwhile, user ‘Ni g e l’ writes in a SoundonSound forum, “The SDS looks a bit basic for the 21st century.” Truth be told, I have to agree. I can see the bringer SDS-3 being somewhat of a collectible moreso than a drum synth for daily use, especially amongst younger producers.