Vintage Simmons Drums (UK) Users Group

> Hi list,
>
> I just landed a battered, but working, SDS-9. I've downloaded the manual
> and am trying to get it to receive midi from an external source. Before
> I dig too deep in frustration... I'll ask you.
>
> I know Simmons midi philosophy can be a mess, but I got my MTM's
> working, so I thought I had the hang of it. But this won't play from
> midi. Is there some general fault I might be doing? Anyone with a quick
> guide to setting up the midi receive channel?
>

> On Jan 17, 2019, at 5:51 PM, jesper jesper@... [Simmons_Drums] <Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com> wrote:
>
> My own thought; Is the SDS-9 using a different pin configuration of the
> MIDI lead since it have a DIN-9 socket?
>
> Off to look for the schematics...
>
> /jesper
>
> Den 2019-01-17 kl. 20:15, skrev jesper jesper@...
> [Simmons_Drums]:
>> Hi list,
>>
>> I just landed a battered, but working, SDS-9. I've downloaded the manual
>> and am trying to get it to receive midi from an external source. Before
>> I dig too deep in frustration... I'll ask you.
>>
>> I know Simmons midi philosophy can be a mess, but I got my MTM's
>> working, so I thought I had the hang of it. But this won't play from
>> midi. Is there some general fault I might be doing? Anyone with a quick
>> guide to setting up the midi receive channel?
>>
>
> --
> electronically yours, jesper
>
> - -- --- ---- ----- ---- --- -- -
> www.electronic-obsession.se
>
> ---
>
> Angaudlinn on BandCamp:
> https://angaudlinn.bandcamp.com/
>
> Angaudlinn on iTunes:
> https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/angaudlinn/id582356650
>
> Angaudlinn's on Spotify:
> https://open.spotify.com/artist/65aICoIdTjAbPKoZLWg3VZ
>
> Angaudlinn on facebook:
> https://www.facebook.com/Angaudlinn
>
> ---
> Detta e-postmeddelande har sökts igenom efter virus med antivirusprogram från Avast.
> https://www.avast.com/antivirus
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> ------------------------------------
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo Groups Links
>
>
>

On Fri, 18 Jan 2019 at 05:47, edrose1@... [Simmons_Drums] <Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

 

SDS9 uses standard MIDI. The drag is that you have to intialize it every time you power up. Also, check the MIDI Mode (page 40) and make sure it’s set for what you’re wanting to do.

> SDS9 uses standard MIDI. The drag is that you have to intialize it every
> time you power up. Also, check the MIDI Mode (page 40) and make sure
> it’s set for what you’re wanting to do.

> Have you programmed the midi on the 9, Jesper? It’s like three easy steps
>
> Most important to remember you have to turn on the midi every time you
> boot up the machine.
>
> Steps:
>
> Enter midi mode (hit mode twice)
> Hit the +/yes button under midi control (turns on midi)
> Use transmit and receive buttons to select midi channels accordingly
> Go back to play mode
>
> Should be set
>
> Only other thing is making sure you are choosing the right midi notes
> the SDS9 is programmed to respond to
>
> Quick question of my own: I currently use Ableton to do all my midi
> routings and almost got my hands on MTM last month. Does the MTM offer
> anything unique besides getting a cool old piece of gear to work with or
> should I just use good ole modern tech?
>
> > On Jan 17, 2019, at 5:51 PM, jesper jesper@...
> [Simmons_Drums] <Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com> wrote:
> >
> > My own thought; Is the SDS-9 using a different pin configuration of the
> > MIDI lead since it have a DIN-9 socket?
> >
> > Off to look for the schematics...
> >
> > /jesper
> >
> > Den 2019-01-17 kl. 20:15, skrev jesper jesper@...
> > [Simmons_Drums]:
> >> Hi list,
> >>
> >> I just landed a battered, but working, SDS-9. I've downloaded the manual
> >> and am trying to get it to receive midi from an external source. Before
> >> I dig too deep in frustration... I'll ask you.
> >>
> >> I know Simmons midi philosophy can be a mess, but I got my MTM's
> >> working, so I thought I had the hang of it. But this won't play from
> >> midi. Is there some general fault I might be doing? Anyone with a quick
> >> guide to setting up the midi receive channel?
> >>
> >
> > --
> > electronically yours, jesper
> >
> > - -- --- ---- ----- ---- --- -- -
> > www.electronic-obsession.se
> >
> > ---
> >
> > Angaudlinn on BandCamp:
> > https://angaudlinn.bandcamp.com/
> >
> > Angaudlinn on iTunes:
> > https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/angaudlinn/id582356650
> >
> > Angaudlinn's on Spotify:
> > https://open.spotify.com/artist/65aICoIdTjAbPKoZLWg3VZ
> >
> > Angaudlinn on facebook:
> > https://www.facebook.com/Angaudlinn
> >
> > ---
> > Detta e-postmeddelande har sökts igenom efter virus med
> antivirusprogram från Avast.
> > https://www.avast.com/antivirus
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------
> >
> > ------------------------------------
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------
> >
> > Yahoo Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
>
>

> you need to turn on midi reception every time you power on the sds9.
>
> you can turn on midi by pressing mode twice to put the sds9 in midi mode
> , then press yes to turn on midi reception.
>
> after a while in storage the patch memories go crazy, because the memory
> is backed up by a nicad, which only last a few weeks.
> you might need to reset the patch memory and midi settings to get it to
> work.
>
> the manual is a complete mess, all the info is there but it's not in any
> particular order.
>
> midi is normal midi, but it's an early implementation so there are a few
> ugly things,
> it powers up in omni mode i can't figure out how to turn omni off, but
> i'm sure there a way, i just use a midi filter before the sds9.
>
> have fun though, the sds9 is wonderfull! the 8bit snare and rimshot
> voices are great, and the weird digital bass drum is totally unique. and
> the toms are 80s gold.
>
> ewan..
>
>
> On Fri, 18 Jan 2019 at 05:47, edrose1@...
> <mailto:edrose1@...> [Simmons_Drums]
> <Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com <mailto:Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com>>
> wrote:
>
> __
>
> SDS9 uses standard MIDI. The drag is that you have to intialize it
> every time you power up. Also, check the MIDI Mode (page 40) and
> make sure it’s set for what you’re wanting to do.
>
>

> Short follow up on this.
>
> The SDS-9 works well from pads and all the buttons and potentiometers do
> what they're supposed to do on the machine. All trigger and audio in's
> and out's also work.
>
> But... I cannot get it to accept any midi. I've checked all the sent
> info and cables so it's basically down to two possible scenarios.
>
> 1. the midi in is dead. It could be a simply grounding issue or
> something worse.
> 2. All the midi note data is set to some obscure value. I find that hard
> to believe since I'm looping a short sequence sending basically
> everything down the wire...
>
> And as you guys pointed out before. The manual sure is a mess! I guess I
> need to re-program a voice or two to see if that's it. But before doing
> so... can you think of anything else that I might have screwed up?
>
> --
> electronically yours, jesper
>
> - -- --- ---- ----- ---- --- -- -
> www.electronic-obsession.se
>
> ---
>
> Angaudlinn on BandCamp:
> https://angaudlinn.bandcamp.com/
>
> Angaudlinn on iTunes:
> https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/angaudlinn/id582356650
>
> Angaudlinn's on Spotify:
> https://open.spotify.com/artist/65aICoIdTjAbPKoZLWg3VZ
>
> Angaudlinn on facebook:
> https://www.facebook.com/Angaudlinn
>
> Den 2019-01-18 kl. 10:33, skrev Ewan Colsell ewanuno@...
> [Simmons_Drums]:
> > you need to turn on midi reception every time you power on the sds9.
> >
> > you can turn on midi by pressing mode twice to put the sds9 in midi mode
> > , then press yes to turn on midi reception.
> >
> > after a while in storage the patch memories go crazy, because the memory
> > is backed up by a nicad, which only last a few weeks.
> > you might need to reset the patch memory and midi settings to get it to
> > work.
> >
> > the manual is a complete mess, all the info is there but it's not in any
> > particular order.
> >
> > midi is normal midi, but it's an early implementation so there are a few
> > ugly things,
> > it powers up in omni mode i can't figure out how to turn omni off, but
> > i'm sure there a way, i just use a midi filter before the sds9.
> >
> > have fun though, the sds9 is wonderfull! the 8bit snare and rimshot
> > voices are great, and the weird digital bass drum is totally unique. and
> > the toms are 80s gold.
> >
> > ewan..
> >
> >
> > On Fri, 18 Jan 2019 at 05:47, edrose1@...
> > <mailto:edrose1@...> [Simmons_Drums]
> > <Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com <mailto:Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups..com>>
> > wrote:
> >
> > __
> >
> > SDS9 uses standard MIDI. The drag is that you have to intialize it
> > every time you power up. Also, check the MIDI Mode (page 40) and
> > make sure it’s set for what you’re wanting to do.
> >
> >
>
> ---
> Detta e-postmeddelande har sökts igenom efter virus med antivirusprogram
> från Avast.
> https://www.avast.com/antivirus
>
>

> Now I've re-read the entire manual and verified and tested every aspect
> of this. The SDS-9 refuses to respond to incoming midi. I haven't tested
> outgoing but will as the next step.
>
> But I'm leaning towards 1. below. Something is wrong with the midi in
> the SDS-9.
>
> /j.
>
> Den 2019-05-01 kl. 14:38, skrev jesper jesper@...
> [Simmons_Drums]:
> > Short follow up on this.
> >
> > The SDS-9 works well from pads and all the buttons and potentiometers do
> > what they're supposed to do on the machine. All trigger and audio in's
> > and out's also work.
> >
> > But... I cannot get it to accept any midi. I've checked all the sent
> > info and cables so it's basically down to two possible scenarios.
> >
> > 1. the midi in is dead. It could be a simply grounding issue or
> > something worse.
> > 2. All the midi note data is set to some obscure value. I find that hard
> > to believe since I'm looping a short sequence sending basically
> > everything down the wire...
> >
> > And as you guys pointed out before. The manual sure is a mess! I guess I
> > need to re-program a voice or two to see if that's it. But before doing
> > so... can you think of anything else that I might have screwed up?
> >
> > --
> > electronically yours, jesper
> >
> > - -- --- ---- ----- ---- --- -- -
> > www.electronic-obsession.se
> >
> > ---
> >
> > Angaudlinn on BandCamp:
> > https://angaudlinn.bandcamp.com/
> >
> > Angaudlinn on iTunes:
> > https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/angaudlinn/id582356650
> >
> > Angaudlinn's on Spotify:
> > https://open.spotify.com/artist/65aICoIdTjAbPKoZLWg3VZ
> >
> > Angaudlinn on facebook:
> > https://www.facebook.com/Angaudlinn
> >
> > Den 2019-01-18 kl. 10:33, skrev Ewan Colsell ewanuno@...
> > [Simmons_Drums]:
> > > you need to turn on midi reception every time you power on the sds9.
> > >
> > > you can turn on midi by pressing mode twice to put the sds9 in midi
> mode
> > > , then press yes to turn on midi reception.
> > >
> > > after a while in storage the patch memories go crazy, because the
> memory
> > > is backed up by a nicad, which only last a few weeks.
> > > you might need to reset the patch memory and midi settings to get it to
> > > work.
> > >
> > > the manual is a complete mess, all the info is there but it's not
> in any
> > > particular order.
> > >
> > > midi is normal midi, but it's an early implementation so there are
> a few
> > > ugly things,
> > > it powers up in omni mode i can't figure out how to turn omni off, but
> > > i'm sure there a way, i just use a midi filter before the sds9.
> > >
> > > have fun though, the sds9 is wonderfull! the 8bit snare and rimshot
> > > voices are great, and the weird digital bass drum is totally
> unique. and
> > > the toms are 80s gold.
> > >
> > > ewan..
> > >
> > >
> > > On Fri, 18 Jan 2019 at 05:47, edrose1@...
> > > <mailto:edrose1@...> [Simmons_Drums]
> > > <Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com <mailto:Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups..com>>
> > > wrote:
> > >
> > > __
> > >
> > > SDS9 uses standard MIDI. The drag is that you have to intialize it
> > > every time you power up. Also, check the MIDI Mode (page 40) and
> > > make sure it’s set for what you’re wanting to do..
> > >
> > >
> >
> > ---
> > Detta e-postmeddelande har sökts igenom efter virus med antivirusprogram
> > från Avast.
> > https://www.avast.com/antivirus
> >
> >
>
> --
> electronically yours, jesper
>
> - -- --- ---- ----- ---- --- -- -
> www.electronic-obsession.se
>
> ---
>
> Angaudlinn on BandCamp:
> https://angaudlinn.bandcamp.com/
>
> Angaudlinn on iTunes:
> https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/angaudlinn/id582356650
>
> Angaudlinn's on Spotify:
> https://open.spotify.com/artist/65aICoIdTjAbPKoZLWg3VZ
>
> Angaudlinn on facebook:
> https://www.facebook.com/Angaudlinn
>
> ---
> Detta e-postmeddelande har sökts igenom efter virus med antivirusprogram
> från Avast.
> https://www.avast.com/antivirus
>
>

> Hi Jesper,
>
>
> I remember that there was something to do before having some midi
> responding on the 9 but I don't remember what.  Therefore I took the
> manual to see the answer back then.  It was weird with some Midi modes
> to assign like Two TX1 or something like that.
> Thing is last time I tried I couldn't get it working anymore neither for
> some reason.
>
> I suppose you have seen and tried that Midi mode stuff?..
>  Maybe you gonna have to dig in the schematics of the Midi part.
>
> Patrice.