Behringer Revisits Simmons Drum Synthesizer

Behringer describes their SDS-3, as a powerful analog drum synthesizer built for real creators who want their sound to stand out.

A spokesperson told us, "With four fully independent drum channels and a dedicated FX section, SDS-3 gives you total freedom to shape every hit, from tight, punchy beats to experimental percussive textures that push your mix forward. Turn real knobs. Hear instant results. No menus, no limits, just hands-on control and pure analog energy."

Here's more details direct from the company...

• 4 fully independent drum channels: create anything from deep kicks to sharp snares and metallic tones.
• Dedicated Special FX channel: add motion, grit and sonic character to your percussion.
• 57 real-time controls: tweak pitch, decay, bend, noise, and modulation on the fly.
• Multiple trigger options: connect via analog, MIDI or USB for complete flexibility.
• Eurorack-ready design: integrate seamlessly into your modular or studio setup.
• Pure analog sound engine: bold, responsive, and built to inspire creativity.

 

SDS-3
Back in the late '70s, the original SDS-3 was released which became one of the first drum synthesizers to appear on the market. And what a drum synth it was. With the ability to trigger effects with any audio signal, the original SDS-3 could effectively turn any mic'd up drum into a cool percussion synth instrument. 

In today's synth landscape, the original machine is somewhat of a unicorn, but that isn't going to stop us. We want to bring back this classic and a fun, unique way to add percussions to your songs. This is the Behringer SDS-3.

Faithful to the Original
SDS-3 is an authentic reproduction of the original circuitry from the '70s which means it's got all the same quirks and characteristics that so many musicians loved with the original release, but we naturally had to update some features to make it compatible with lots of various modern setups.

Hit It Right
SDS-3 features 4 identical drum channels that have controls for adjusting different elements of a beat. You can add a click at the start of a sound (similar to a stick hitting a drum), adjust decay, bend a note up or down, change the pitch of a signal coming through as well as the range of LFO and effects from the Master/Effects section. The most fun way of triggering the channels is by mic-ing up a drum to each of the channels and just playing. The inputs are even velocity sensitive and responsive to your playing dynamics.

Dial in the Vibe
The Master/Effects section of SDS-3 affects all four channels. Here you can adjust overall pitch, LFO rate, range, shape (between square or sine wave), Run Time and Output Level. Aside from triggering effects via mic input, you can also trigger SDS-3 via MIDI or USB. Combined, everything about SDS-3 allows you to give color and a lot of personality to your songs, making for an exciting playing and listening experience.

Eurorack Ready
Designed to handle the rigors of life on the road or in the studio, SDS-3 can easily be transferred to any standard Eurorack case for the perfect integration into your setup.

Pricing and Availability:
Global MSRP: $249.00 USD

More information:

• Behringer SDS-3

Behringer Social

• MusicChina26: Behringer Poly Eight Explored 31-Oct-26
• MusicChina26: Behringer Have A Ton Of New Gear 28-Oct-26
• Behringer Live Stream - Uli Leaks Products, Strategies, Synths 07-Oct-26
• 5 Minutes With Behringer 2-XM Sem Clone 10-Sep-26
• SonicLAB: Behringer FLOW4V 32-Bit Float Recorder 30-Jul-26