Simmons kits were originally known as the innovative kits that combined analog synthesizers with drum pads in the late 1970s.
The sound and look of the original Simmons kits were unmistakability unique and helped to change sound of music in the 1980s. From bands like King Crimson to artists like Prince, the Simmons sound was up front and part of the color of the music of that time.
Part of the goals for the Simmons sound library was to capture and recreate the unique sound of those kits. Here are the products that Dave Simmons himself programmed and recorded for the library.
SDSIV (1978)
One of the first products made by Simmons. The SDSIV was a drum module with 2 channels with a noise generator. It was known for delivering sharp and deep kicks, scintillating hats and classic “peww peww” sounds that helped define a generation.
This revolutionary instrument quickly found its way into the music of artists and producers like Vangelis, New Order, Depeche Mode and was a staple of disco and funk in the ‘70s and ‘80s.
HEAR THE SDSIV (1978)
SDSV (1981)
Complementing its futuristic appearance, the SDSV relied on slotted cards populated with analog circuits, SSM2044 filtered waveforms, noise generators and sampled cymbal tones to deliver a truly unique sounding drum kit.
Its huge thumping kicks, cutting snares, sweeping cymbals and signature “thuuummm thuuummm” toms took the ‘80s by storm.
Artists like Duran Duran, Howard Jones, Saga, Wang Chung and many others used this first-ever modular drum synth to help define their music.
HEAR THE SDSV (1981)
SDS7 (1983)
This modular powerhouse relied on analog synthesis circuitry distributed across individual cards to produce sounds similar to the SDSV. With an added 8-bit digital platform, it allowed interchangeable EPROM-based samples to be triggered, modulated and mixed with the analog elements. The blend of crunchy digital and warm analog could also be modulated and blended with metallic tones to give the SDS7 a distinct sonic signature.
Heard in countless live and recorded works of bands like Yello, Genesis, INXS, Propaganda, Pink Floyd and others, the variety of SDS7 sounds offered in the Simmons Signature Library can be used to complement all genres of music.
HEAR THE SDS7 (1983)
SDS9 (1985)
Similar to the analog / digital EPROM-based sample model of the SDS7, an innovative “second skin” control function was added to help it produce deeper and harmonically richer sounds.
Likely the most prolific advocate of electronic drums, Bill Bruford would often draw on the SDS9 and its industry-first MIDI capabilities to generate the layered sounds and dynamic melodies heard in the music of King Crimson and Earthworks. Perfectly suited for ‘80s music, the select offering of SDS9 sounds is yours to explore and use in practically any genre.
SIMMONS SDS9 FLEXI-DISC PROMO. 1985
CLAPTRAP
The inaugural analog Clap Trap produced synthesized clap-like and other signature sounds via a system of auto and manually controlled inputs triggering a noise generator. Its digital successor generated sounds using a combination of sample playback and analog noise.
Italo-disco and electronic dance music pioneer Giorgio Moroder was one of the first to use a Clap Trap, and it very quickly became one of the most distinctive and popular sounds ever heard in music.
HEAR THE CLAPTRAP
SDS1000 (1986)
Packed in a 1u rack mountable case, the SDS1000’s analog and digital circuitry produced crisp snares, massive kicks and cleaner renderings of the classic Simmons tom sounds.
Similar to the SDS9, a “second skin” control function made it possible to enhance sounds with inharmonic tones.
The SDS1000 was also capable of generating unconventional synthetic percussion sounds and effects.
HEAR THE SDS1000 (1986)
The Nails Kit
The Simmons sound library offers a collection of heavily processed sub-thumping kicks, dark and murky toms, clanking metals, oversaturated vocal effects and everything in between.
The Hip Hop Kit
We also offer sounds derived from vintage and modern drum machines, vocal production and turntable scratch techniques.
This kit offers up some of the best and most popular sounds heard in Pop, Rap, Hip Hop and Soul.
The Techno Kit
Along with this we created booming synthetic kicks, toms and paper-thin snares are matched with wispy cymbals and crystalline hi-hats to produce the ultimate groove box.
As the name suggests, use it to drive Hip Hop, Rap or any mid- to down-tempo beats.
The Nails Kit
The Simmons sound library offers a collection of heavily processed sub-thumping kicks, dark and murky toms, clanking metals, oversaturated vocal effects and everything in between.
The Hip Hop Kit
We also offer sounds derived from vintage and modern drum machines, vocal production and turntable scratch techniques.
This kit offers up some of the best and most popular sounds heard in Pop, Rap, Hip Hop and Soul.
The Techno Kit
Along with this we created booming synthetic kicks, toms and paper-thin snares are matched with wispy cymbals and crystalline hi-hats to produce the ultimate groove box.
As the name suggests, use it to drive Hip Hop, Rap or any mid- to down-tempo beats.
HEAR THEM
The Simmons Sounds Overview
The Acoustic Drum Sounds
