Essential Information About the Behringer BDS-3 Synthesizer
- Authentic recreation of a 1970s classic, with faithful analog circuitry and modern compatibility.
- 4 identical drum synth channels, triggered via mic, MIDI, or USB, velocity-sensitive.
- Common Master/Effects section with LFO, "Run" S&H, global pitch, and multiple performance toggles.
- Robust and Eurorack compatible format for studio, stage, and experimentation.
The Return of a Classic 1970s Drum Synth
A direct tribute to the legendary "SDS-3," the BDS-3 revives the analog grit and responsiveness that defined the late seventies. Behringer retains the architecture and character of the original while adding modern connectivity to integrate with today's hybrid and modular setups.
Who Is It For and What Are Its Uses?
Ideal for drummers looking to "electrify" their kit, electro/techno/synthwave producers, as well as sound designers focused on ambient, dub, or film scoring. In live settings, it's naturally triggered via microphones or MIDI; in the studio, it sculpts original percussive timbres, from vintage kicks to sawed toms, including noisy hits and modulated blips.
Features and Innovations
Each channel offers full controls for level, "Impact Click" attack, decay, pitch curve, and mic sensitivity to shape characterful percussion. The sound core relies on self-oscillating diode ladder filters and white noise sources for solid hits and the grainy breath typical of analog drum synths. The Master section includes an assignable LFO (speed, amplitude, square/sine waveforms), a "Run" S&H generator, and a global pitch control to sweep the entire kit with one gesture. For integration, the BDS-3 is controlled via dedicated mic inputs, MIDI In/Thru, and USB class compliant. The chassis fits easily into Eurorack, with individual and mix outputs for flexible routing to your console, interface, or modular system.
Technical Specifications
Voices and Type
- Number of voices: 4 x monophonic
- Type: Analog
Oscillators and Sources
- Oscillators: 4 self-oscillating diode ladder filters / 4 x white noise
Modulation and Generators
Global Controls
- Power switch: Push button (rear panel)
- Controls: Master Output - Global Pitch - LFO Speed - Run Time
- Switches: LFO Range (Slow/Fast) - LFO Shape (Square/Sine) - LFO On/Off - Run On/Off
Per-Channel Controls
- Controls per channel: Level x4 - Impact Click x4 - Decay Time x4 - Bend Level x4 - Mic Sensitivity x4 - Pitch x4 - Balance x4 - Effect Range x4
- Switches per channel: Mic On/Off x4 - Pitch Up/Down x4 - LFO On/Off x4 - Run On/Off x4
Connectivity
- MIDI In: 5-pin DIN
- MIDI Thru: 5-pin DIN
- USB: USB 2.0 Type B port
- USB: USB 2.0 Type B class compliant
- Audio outputs: 3.5 mm TS jack (mix) / 4 x 3.5 mm TS jack channel outputs
- 6.35 mm (1/4 inch) TS jack (rear panel)
- Mic inputs: 4 x 3.5 mm TS jack
- Mic outputs: 4 x 3.5 mm TS jack
- Pitch pedal input: 1 x 3.5 mm TRS jack / 1 x 6.35 mm TRS jack (rear panel)
- Decay Kill input: 1 x 6.35 mm TS jack (rear panel)
Power and Consumption
- Power supply: 12 V DC - 1000 mA PSU
- Consumption: 800 mA (+12 V Eurorack)
Compatibility and Systems
- Supported systems: Windows 7 or higher / Mac OS 10.10 or higher
Format, Dimensions, and Weight
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 95 x 375 x 136 mm
- Eurorack: 70 hp
- Weight: 1.51 kg
Environment
- Operating temperature: 5degC - 45degC (41degF - 113degF)
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