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Simmons breaks out full-sized electronic drum kit for bashers on a budget

By Paul Ridden
October 07, 2014
Simmons breaks out full-sized electronic drum kit for bashers on a budget
The wallet-friendly SD500 electronic drum set from Simmons
The wallet-friendly SD500 electronic drum set from Simmons
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The SD500 drum module has 352 drum sounds spread over 35 kits, 60 songs with 50 drum patterns for practice, eight trigger inputs on a single multi-pin connector, and USB MIDI for connection to a computer-based DAW or sequencer software
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The SD500 drum module has 352 drum sounds spread over 35 kits, 60 songs with 50 drum patterns for practice, eight trigger inputs on a single multi-pin connector, and USB MIDI for connection to a computer-based DAW or sequencer software
The wallet-friendly SD500 electronic drum set from Simmons
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The wallet-friendly SD500 electronic drum set from Simmons

If you're looking to tap into the versatility and portability of a full featured electronic drum set, you can probably expect to be left with a sizable hole in your savings. California-based e-drum maker Simmons has released a new 5-piece kit that could put the smile back on your bank manager's face. For under half the list price of Yamaha's TD-4KP V-Drums Portable, the SD500's rugged steel frame offers a snare, three toms, a kick drum, two cymbals, hi-hat and pedal and a brand new trigger module with hundreds of available drum sounds.

"Most electronic drum sets in this price range don't offer a complete, full-size kit, which compromises the playing experience," said Jim Norman, Simmons Product Manager. "The SD500 is the first and only electronic kit that delivers a true drumming experience, along with professional features and an incredible range of sounds, all for under $500."

At the heart of this wallet-friendly beast is the new SD500 drum module, with a 16 character, backlit, blue LCD screen promising easy navigation. It ships pre-loaded with a 64 MB Simmons custom drum library with a 64 voice polyphony, and has 352 drum sounds spread over 35 kits, and 60 songs with 50 drum patterns for practice.

The SD500 drum module has 352 drum sounds spread over 35 kits, 60 songs with 50 drum patterns for practice, eight trigger inputs on a single multi-pin connector, and USB MIDI for connection to a computer-based DAW or sequencer software
The SD500 drum module has 352 drum sounds spread over 35 kits, 60 songs with 50 drum patterns for practice, eight trigger inputs on a single multi-pin connector, and USB MIDI for connection to a computer-based DAW or sequencer software

There are eight trigger inputs on a single multi-pin connector, and USB MIDI for connection to a computer-based DAW or sequencer software. A stereo TRS audio input allows for play-along practice to tracks on a plugged in MP3 player.

Attached to the kit's rugged steel frame with T-fittings, players will also find a 9-in dual zone snare drum pad, three 8-in tom pads, a 10-in hi-hat and pedal, a 10-in crash cymbal with realistic choke and a 12-in ride cymbal. A kick drum module with built-in pedal is included, and pad thumpers can also place their sticks on a detachable rest when not in use.

The system includes the company's Variable Attack Response technology for improved playability and performance, with intelligent sample playback and pads that respond to player dynamics. The Simmons SD500 is available now.

Product page: SD500

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3 comments
Paul Ridden
Paul Ridden
While Paul is loath to reveal his age, he will admit to cutting his IT teeth on a TRS-80 (although he won't say which version). An obsessive fascination with computer technology blossomed from hobby into career before hopping over to France for 10 years, where he started work for New Atlas in 2009. Now back in his native Blighty, he serves as Managing Editor in Europe.

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3 comments
Nicolas Zart
OK, you just made my day! Years ago, I swore I would NEVER touch those darn electronic drum set, but after spending a few years with an Alesis DM7, I can't believe the beating it takes and works that well. OK, so the feel is a learning experience, but I was always debating buying a DM 10 cable and adding toms, cymbals and more. However, with the Simmons, I could sell the Alesis and only put a few more dollars for a full set. Thanks for the heads up. I'm out to find them today.
DonGateley
"16 character, backlit, blue LCD screen"
Uh, what year is this?
Jeff Hutchison
I bought this kit and freaking love it. I have mine set up a lil differently, but even like that, it looks better in real life than the factory pictures haha. Anyways, I think it feels great, has insanely good response- reaction and pressure wise, and it SOUNDS great. You can fine tune a kit for any sound. And living in an apartment, we can play hard and not have to worry! Now as soon as my kids get a little better, we can take over the world.