Simmons SD7K brain only

these comments are for the SD7K brain only. The unit was picked up on ebay for buy now at $100 plus shipping. It had a clamp mount and DC adaptor but no owner/operator manual and certainly no assembly sheets. The angle rod 1 1/2 inch clamp mount will not be used. Info about the brain is available on line.

I'm using a KAT midiKITI Pro with a Boss DR-770 (both used via ebay) Combined costs of $350. The Simmons SD7K brain has sounds and trigger inputs. The sounds serve well for many styles. The trigger inputs can be tweaked and no problems were encountered when using custom built triggers and pedals. One should not think of the brain as capable of doing lots of fancy sample stacking/switching/alternating. Set up your home made pads accordingly. You'll need two stereo plugs for your hihat foot pedal and the snare input. Many samples have "dynamic articulation". The sonics change via velocity. Velocity curves are OK.

Very lightweight plastic design. Mount it carefully so you do not inadvertently bash it. For a unit to have trigger input circuitry, front panel controls and many useful samples and to be so light is disconcerting. Hihats are more nuanced in comparison with the early Alesis D4. No finger snap I believe or gong? Some
Asian sounds that might be useful and a few Indian hand drum samples are convincing.

I doubt Simmons has set up a customer relations staff to accomodate and placate any concerns or needs of the regular purchaser. What I've heard from the heavy bashing decibel dunkie types is that the pads don't hold up. Why these basher types have decided to make drumming a contact sport baffles me. Shouldn't they be grappling with their like minded mates on a rugby field in the mud? Sad thing that people look at pads or stretched membranes and think they must wallop it to prove their manliness.

The brain is worth up to #200= you get triggers and enough quality samples to build your own pads and keep the entire projectg under $350!