Behringer BDS-3

Classic 4-Channel Analog Drum Synthesizer with Special Effects Channel and Eurorack Format

Back in the late seventies, drum synthesis was opening new creative frontiers. Among the early pioneers, one machine stood out for its bold approach to percussive sound design. It allowed creators to trigger synth textures from any audio signal, transforming a simple mic’d drum into a powerful and expressive percussion instrument. Today, that philosophy lives on. In a world where classic units have become rare collector pieces, we’re committed to bringing that spirit back, offering a fresh and inspiring way to add synthesized percussions to your music. This is the Behringer BDS 3.

FEATURES

• Classic analog polyphonic drum synthesizer from the ‘70s

• Authentic reproduction of original Simmons SDS-3 circuitry

• Infinite percussion sounds including Toms, Bass Drums, Cymbals, Bells, Gongs, Vibes, Thunder, Jumbo Jets, etc.

• Special effects channel for indescribable 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 all important parameters

• Complete Eurorack solution – main module can be transferred to a standard Eurorack case

• Comprehensive MIDI implementation with MIDI channel, Velocity and Voice Priority selection

Faithful to the Original
BDS-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
BDS-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 BDS-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 BDS-3 via MIDI or USB. Combined, everything about BDS-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, BDS-3 can easily be transferred to any standard Eurorack case for the perfect integration into your setup.

An Amazing Value
If you’re looking for a great way to add more character and spice to your beats, then BDS-3 promises to add a truly unique flair to your percussions. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Synthesizer Architecture
Number of voices: 4 x monophonic
Type: Analog
Oscillators: 4 self-oscillating diode ladder filters / 4 x white noise
LFO: 1 LFO
RUN: 1 S&H

Connectivity
Power switch: Push button (rear panel)
MIDI In: 5-pin DIN
MIDI Thru: 5-pin DIN
USB: USB 2.0 Type B socket
Audio outputs:

• 3.5 mm TS jack (mix) / 4 x 3.5 mm TS jack channel outs

• 6.35 mm (1/4") TS jack (rear panel)

Microphone Inputs: 4 x 3.5 mm TS jack
Microphone Outputs: 4 x 3.5 mm TS jack
Pitch Pedal input: 1 x 3.5 mm TRS jack / 1 x 6.35 mm (1/4") TRS jack (rear panel)
Decay Kill input: 1 x 6.35 mm TS (1/4") jack (rear panel)

USB
Type: Class compliant USB 2.0 Type B
Supported Operating Systems:

• Windows 7 or higher

• Mac OS 10.10 or higher

Master/Effects Section
Controls:

• Master Output

• Overall Pitch

• LFO Rate

• Run Time

Switches:

• LFO Range (Slow/Fast)

• LFO Shape (Square/Sine)

• LFO On/Off

• Run On/Off

Channels
Controls:

• Channel level x 4

• Impact Click x 4

• Decay Time x 4

• Bend Level x 4

• Mic Sensitivity x 4

• Pitch x 4

• Balance x 4

• Effect Range x 4

Switches:

• Mic On/Off x 4

• Pitch Up/Down x 4

• LFO On/Off x 4

• Run On/Off x 4

Power Requirements
Voltage: 12 V DC
PSU: 1000 mA
Current Draw: 800 mA (+12 V Eurorack)

Physical
Standard Operating Temperature: 5oC - 45oC (41oF - 113oF)
Dimensions (H x W x D): 95 x 375 x 136 mm (3.7 x 14.76 x 5.4")
Eurorack: 70 hp
Weight: 1.51 kg (3.33 lbs)

For more information, click here to visit the manufacturers website.