The Michigan Synth Works SY-1 Drum synth is a full size, exact replica of the Pearl SY-1 Syncussion. Every detail has been replicated from the original board layouts to the mechanical construction. The assembled version has been modernized to use current manufacturing processes while still using the original board layouts and all parts have been carefully chosen to match the behavior of the original. Case, boards, and I/O Boards are all interchangeable with the original Pearl device. Assembled versions come with the metal case as standard/
The Syncussion:
The Syncussion is a 2 voice drum synthesizer with two oscillators per voice and six different modes. Five modes mix and modulate the oscillators plus a noise channel. Each voice has controls for TUNE, DECAY, SWEEP amount, SWEEP Speed, Sweep up/off/down, LFO amount, and LFO speed, LFO Shape (Tri or Square), and sample and hold
OSC Modes:
A: One oscillator sound, at this position the regular drum synthesizer sweep can be effected.
B. Sound of one oscillator adjusting the other osciIIator frequency; produces a metallic sound.
C. Sound of a mix of two oscillator outputs; sound is similar to that of a vibraphone.
D. Sound of mix of two oscillator outputs; produces a low to high sweep and is done by hitting pad softly or hard; there is no connection to SWEEP SPEED and SWEEP RANGE
E. Sound of one oscillator adjusting the other oscillator frequency with a mix of noise; produces a sound similar to hitting thin metal.
F. Sound of only noise
Triggering:
The SY-1 is designed to be triggered via drum triggers which output a very low pulse signal. Modern 5V trigger signals (v-trig) can be used, how it i recommended experimenting with simple audio samples or more dynamic triggers. One of the more interesting features of the Syncussion is the dynamic response to the drum triggers and just sending a straight pulse which maxes out the trigger inputs does not do the device justice.
Tuning:
The original SY-1 uses a tune pedal to adjust the pitch of both oscillators while playing. This functionality has been retained in the original configuration but is of limited use without the pedal. The expanded version DOES have per voice CV control (1v/Oct) as well as the MIDI
This Michigan Synth Works SY-1 is the Expanded IO version:
Expanded I/O Configuration: The inputs and outputs use 1/4" Stereo to 1/4" (3 included) to greatly expand the capabilities of the device. The Mod input is open for user modification, factory mods will be available. Please contact for details.
Trig 1,2 In - Mod 1,2 In - Mute - Tune 1,2 CV in - Output 1, 2
Whats included:
SY-1 Synthesizer
Universal Power adapter (100-240V, 12V DC out, Tip Positive)
Expanded I/O: 3x 1.5m TRS 1/4" Phone to 2x TS 1/4" Phone
Product Overview
The Michigan Synth Works SY-1 Drum synth is a full size, exact replica of the Pearl SY-1 Syncussion. Every detail has been replicated from the original board layouts to the mechanical construction. The assembled version has been modernized to use current manufacturing processes while still using the original board layouts and all parts have been carefully chosen to match the behavior of the original. Case, boards, and I/O Boards are all interchangeable with the original Pearl device. Assembled versions come with the metal case as standard/
The Syncussion:
The Syncussion is a 2 voice drum synthesizer with two oscillators per voice and six different modes. Five modes mix and modulate the oscillators plus a noise channel. Each voice has controls for TUNE, DECAY, SWEEP amount, SWEEP Speed, Sweep up/off/down, LFO amount, and LFO speed, LFO Shape (Tri or Square), and sample and hold
OSC Modes:
A: One oscillator sound, at this position the regular drum synthesizer sweep can be effected.
B. Sound of one oscillator adjusting the other osciIIator frequency; produces a metallic sound.
C. Sound of a mix of two oscillator outputs; sound is similar to that of a vibraphone.
D. Sound of mix of two oscillator outputs; produces a low to high sweep and is done by hitting pad softly or hard; there is no connection to SWEEP SPEED and SWEEP RANGE
E. Sound of one oscillator adjusting the other oscillator frequency with a mix of noise; produces a sound similar to hitting thin metal.
F. Sound of only noise
Triggering:
The SY-1 is designed to be triggered via drum triggers which output a very low pulse signal. Modern 5V trigger signals (v-trig) can be used, how it i recommended experimenting with simple audio samples or more dynamic triggers. One of the more interesting features of the Syncussion is the dynamic response to the drum triggers and just sending a straight pulse which maxes out the trigger inputs does not do the device justice.
Tuning:
The original SY-1 uses a tune pedal to adjust the pitch of both oscillators while playing. This functionality has been retained in the original configuration but is of limited use without the pedal. The expanded version DOES have per voice CV control (1v/Oct) as well as the MIDI
This Michigan Synth Works SY-1 is the Expanded IO version:
Expanded I/O Configuration: The inputs and outputs use 1/4" Stereo to 1/4" (3 included) to greatly expand the capabilities of the device. The Mod input is open for user modification, factory mods will be available. Please contact for details.
Trig 1,2 In - Mod 1,2 In - Mute - Tune 1,2 CV in - Output 1, 2
