SDS7... a bitch to program??? Hmmm... in my opinion, the programming is actually simple enough once you get used to the procedure. (Unless it's the tedious process of reprogramming EVERY patch as a result of memory loss..) I actually enjoy tweaking and discovering its many nuances. Some of the better patches I came across were the result of messing about with random values. The "bitch" with respect to the SDS7 is the lack of the Memory Cartridge availability. I would kill to find one of those, lol. I own 3 SDS7's (2 fully loaded working and 1 non working for spares) and they won't be going anywhere!! :-)
As for reliable, when I bought my second SDS7 it was literally dead. The previous owner said it was working when he had it. Upon inspection, there was nothing wrong with it other than the the fact that it had been transported a great distance.. and as we know the older SDS7's were plagued with loss of memory and patch info due to the cards and boards moving about in their slots. This particular unit is a later version with the "locking" slots that had been introduced to alleviate the loss of data problem. Nonetheless, I simply removed all the cards and front panel assembly, replaced the battery, cleaned and reassembled the unit and it's been rock solid ever since. Mind you, it hasn't left the studio and is powered by conditioned A/C on a UPS. The gig is a much harsher environment and can destroy electronics if one isn't mindful of the mains and power sources. (Bad power claimed the life of my Ensoniq ESQ-1 moments before a gig many years ago.. that was fun!) Hauling a UPS to the gig can be the difference between taking home a working unit versus one with a burned out PSU or worse.
Errrrr.... sorry.. what was the question again? lol...
Teknik14
--- In Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com, "simmonssds7fan" <ptmetcalf@...> wrote:
>
> I'm finding that the SDS-7 is not as unreliable as many purport it to be. While one of mine was described as "not working" when I purchased it, everything was an easy fix and that one is now working 100%. Yes, it is a pain to program, but once you have it programmed to the way you want it, you are set for a while. Granted, I haven't gigged out with it yet......
>
> Sounds like the most reliable ones are the SDS-V and the SDS-8. I can tell you that the SDS-9 is a royal pain and even more unreliable than the SDS-7 is claimed to be. I'm still trying to get mine working properly! :p
>
> I'll let you know how reliable the SDS-8 still is, as I recently purchased one, complete with pads, etc. This one may be the keeper for me in the end.....
>
> --- In Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com, jesper <jesper@> wrote:
> >
> > simmonssds7fan skrev 2013-06-11 16:35:
> > > I agree that EVERY Simmons isn't gold, but it seems that the most common
> > > model, the SDS-V is.
> >
> > Agree!
> >
> > > Every one I find on ebay always seems to go for
> > > huge amounts of money, and this is usually JUST the brain, nevermind the
> > > pads! And yet the SDS-7, the most sophisticated, expensive, and uncommon
> > > one seems to not be worth nearly as much, sad to say.
> >
> > Well, the SDX is more sophisticated, but to answer the Q: The SDS-V is
> > iconic and seldom breaks down. The SDS-7 sure is cool, but harder to
> > program and a bitch when it comes to failure and service.
> >
> > The best solution is to have at least one of each. ;)
> >
> > --
> > electronically yours, jesper
> >
> > - -- --- ---- ----- ---- --- -- -
> > www.electronic-obsession.se
> >
>