Synsonics-V: Rebirth of 80s Analog Sound
Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of 80s analog drum machines with Synsonics-V from Digital Systemic Emulations – a digital reincarnation of the legendary 1981 Synsonics drum panel. This instrument, once considered an affordable alternative for beginners, quickly gained the favor of professionals due to its unique sound and ease of use.
History and Heritage
The original Synsonics was released by the well-known toy company Mattel. Its goal was to offer a budget-friendly solution for musicians who couldn’t afford more expensive counterparts from Simmons or MPC Electronics. Despite its “toy” origin, Synsonics had a distinctive, slightly “dirty” analog sound that found its place in various musical genres, from new wave to early electronic music. There is even a legend that this instrument was used by the cult band Kraftwerk, although the details remain a mystery. It became a real instrument in the hands of many enthusiasts and professionals.
Synsonics-V Sound Palette
The Synsonics-V plugin accurately reproduces the sound set of the original device, giving you access to its vintage timbre. It is based on five classic sounds:
- Two toms (Toms)
- Snare drum (Snare)
- Cymbal (Cymbal), reproducing closed and open sounds
- Metronome click sound (Metronome Click)
The free version of the plugin includes the first four sounds (toms, snare drum, cymbal), without the metronome sound. Each sound has its own unique analog character, which is ideal for creating retro beats, adding a lo-fi atmosphere to your tracks, or experimenting with unique percussion.
Advantages of Digital Reincarnation
Synsonics-V is not just an emulation; it is an improved version of the classic, eliminating the main disadvantages of the original equipment:
- Sound Editing: Unlike the original panel, where the sounds were fixed, in the Synsonics-V plugin, you can edit each sound, adjusting it to your needs. This opens up wide possibilities for sound design.
- Automation: All plugin parameters are fully automated, allowing you to create dynamic and expressive drum parts directly in your DAW.
- No background noise: The original Synsonics suffered from significant background noise, which complicated its recording. Digital emulation is completely devoid of this problem, providing a clean signal while maintaining the vintage character.
- Ease of integration: Synsonics-V easily integrates into any modern workflow thanks to support for VST and AU formats on Windows (64-bit) and macOS platforms.
Synsonics-V from Digital Systemic Emulations is a great way to get the authentic analog sound of an 80s drum machine without the need to search for and maintain vintage equipment. It is ideal for electronic musicians, beatmakers, and anyone who appreciates the lo-fi aesthetic and unique character of analog instruments of the past. Create your next hits using the sounds that shaped the history of electronic music!
