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YouTube Published on May 21, 2012 by SeaweedFactory
"Here's a circuit bent Mattel Synsonics drum machine. Ten new controls were added. Some of the sounds turned out a little too clicky for my taste, but the toms are much more variable now. Four outputs were added for the cymbal and snare components.
"Synsonics Drums 5281 Pro analog Drum Machine. I don't have the power AC adapter but I was able to test is with batteries and all functions still work..."
via this auction "vintage 1982 Mattel "Synsonics" electronic drum synthesizer. This analog device has four surface mounted drum pads, with controls for overall tune and volume mounted on each side of the housing. This machine is rigidly constructed, and it can actually be played with normal wooden drum sticks!
Power is by 6 "C" Batteries, or a optional 9-VOLT DC power supply. I have installed a new set of Duracell batteries, since I do not have the plug-in type of power supply. This unit can be plugged into a mixer via a set of stereo RCA outputs, or you can listen privately, through a pair of stereo headphones. I turned the power on, and tried all of the programs and functions of this amazing little drum box, and was instantly impressed with the really cool analog drum sounds built into this machine! This unit is fully functional, and is remarkably free from wear and tear, and is not dirty or dusty.
An original Synsonics owner's manual is included, it is terrifically helpful in programming this device . These manuals are extremely rare! This Sysonics drum pad system also comes with the original stand mounting clamp, that will allow you to attach this assembly to any modern Pearl, Yamaha Or DW drum stand. The bracket is easily removeable to allow you to use this drum machine as a tabletop system."
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via this auction
"This is the rare pro spec stereo model. Flexible, and fun this makes lots of really interesting sounds and combinations. MIDI interface, plenty of inputs and outputs and built in stereo speakers allow you to compose anywhere without being connected to any other gear. This unit was made by the original Synsonics Corporation, before Mattel bought them and cheapened everything up.
It synthesizes the percussive sounds of the cymbal, snare drum, 2 different tom tom drums, and a bass drum. Additionally, three memories are provided to allow the storage of drum patterns.
The Synsonics Drums is powered by 6 C-cell batteries and has a 9 volt power supply input. A technique called multiplexing is used several times in the Synsonics Drums. In multiplexing, one line or group of lines is able to carry signals for use by different parts of the systems at different times.
Some of the features: Headphone jack RCA jacks for stereo output to an external amplifier LED indicators Record and playback, 3 memory locations Snare, cymbal, tom tom, bass drum and other sounds Use fingers or drum sticks
Complete with original box and cables as shown. Unit is in very good condition – looks good as shown and works GREAT!"
Instructions are printed on the back of the unit. Click the image to read.
"classic electronic musical instrument by Mattel called Synsonics Drums (circa
1982). This is a model 5281. It synthesizes the percussive sounds of the cymbal,
snare drum, 2 different tom tom drums, and a bass drum. Additionally, three
memories are provided to allow the storage of drum patterns. The Synsonics Drums
is powered by 6 C-cell batteries and has a 9 volt power supply input. A
technique called multiplexing is used several times in the Synsonics Drums. In
multiplexing, one line or group of lines is able to carry signals for use by
different parts of the systems at different times. Some of the features:
Headphone jack RCA jacks for stereo output to an external amplifier LED
indicators Record and playback, 3 memory locations Snare, cymbal, tom tom, bass
drum and other sounds Use fingers or drum sticks A technical manual is included
that contains the internal schematic, parts list and troubleshooting guide. The
unit is used, but fully functional and just requires 6 batteries or an external
9 volt power source."
YouTube via snoopyoverthehills | May 23, 2010
Not seeing a part 2.
"just plugged in my new mattel drum computer and played around. quite funny :) and its made by mattel - f... barbie!"
"A RARE VINTAGE 1980s MATTEL SYNSONICS - even rarer PRO MODEL!! ( meaning memory back up and improved pad design! _That's what it says on the box!! ) ANALOGUE DRUM MACHINE/SYNTH"
"In the pantheon of vintage analog drum machines, there's an unsung classic that isn't from a big name manufacturer like Roland or Korg, but from a toy company. Released in 1981, the Mattel Synsonics was an affordable black box that housed a fully analog kit consisting of kick, two toms, snare, cymbal and hi-hat - all playable via velocity sensitive pads."
YouTube via FailedMuso. "Another in my series of basic (and I do mean basic !) demos of some of my favourite bits of gear. Here is the Mattel Synsonics, a piece of gear I lusted over as a young boy, thinking it would be my ticket to super mega stardom as the most supreme drummer of all time. Sadly, my pocket money couldn't stretch to it, and my parents figured that I'd be far better served by a Subbuteo set, as a career in table football was much better :-s
I eventually found one of these in mint condition on eBay and promptly snapped it up. Sadly, after almost 30 years of waiting, I was slightly underwhelmed, but I'm sure it would've blown my mind back in the day.
"I bought a mint condition Synsonics Drums for £30. This left me with me with the 'spare repair' one I bought a year ago which I thought would make a great project to see if it could be incorporated into a an acoustic drum kit!
I use a Time electronics Model 8000 Decade Resistor box to help set the correct value resistor to select the sensitivity of triggering Synsonics from the rim of the TOM."
"Yay I'm back with a new freeware! :D
The Synsonics was launched by Mattel in 1981 as a really low cost alternative to Simmons or MPC Electronics (Before Akai bought them in 84')
It provides 5 sounds: 2 toms, a snare, a cymbal (Close/Open) and a metronome click.
Legends say Kraftwerk used one, but no one knows how, or on which album!
But anyway, loads of musicians used it as a real instrument despite the fact Mattel was often associated with kids toys.
On the actual machine, none of the sounds are editable and the background noise is so important the Synsonics is hard to record.
That's why I decided to develop this small program :D
The free version contains 2 toms, the snare and the cymbals but not the metronome click.
All the sounds are still editable and automatable.
"The classic SYNSONICS DRUMS drum synthesizer from the 1980s. Play it with drum sticks and listen with headphones (to avoid driving your family or neighbors crazy) or over speakers."
via this auction "You can hit its pads with your fingers or drumsticks to trigger 4 sounds - snare, hihat, and two tom toms. One of the toms has a variable pitch control wheel on the side so you can either tune it to your liking or better yet vary the sound as you play. so, sounds like fun, right? But wait... THERE"S MORE!!!!
What made this thing so wiggy back then was the ability to RECORD phrases and use them to make songs. I actually used the Synsonics when I made demos on my 4 track cassette way back when. The way it works is, you turn on the bass drum, which serves as a steady beat - then you can record 16 beats on any of three channels. It can get crazy, and onplayback, you can actually switch between "loops." Hope all these words help, it really is just loads of fun and sounds cool too. You can adjust the rhythm, theres an accent button to "close" your hihat, you can use the buttons on the front to set rhythms by instrument if you don't play drums (my choice) . All of these options are explained clearly on the sticker on the back. Instructions are long gone.
And, this model has STEREO speakers - unbelieveable!!! Plus there is a midi plug (NEVER USED IT) [It's not actually MIDI - via craig m in the comments: "it's for footpedals for accent/bd and two flavors of sync."] left and right stereo RCA plug outputs for direct connections, headphone jack, and power adapter jack (never used it either, do not have the plug). I use the batteries, they seem to last a long time (6 "C" batteries not included). Oh, yeah, there is also a jack for "CASSETTE INPUT" - more old school opportunities, but never used that either.
A GREAT fun vintage retro analog drum machine. Sold as a toy (why do I remember this being expensive back then?) but way better than anyone ever expected."
"This is a fun little drum machine from the 1980's manufactured by Mattel. It features analog drum sounds and the weirdest sequencer. I plan to pull the internal speakers out and use the space for some mods/circuit bends."
"Runs off of 6 "C" cell batteries or 9 volt power supply(batteries and power supply not included). Sounds great, made in Japan, pre-Mattel . Stereo output, 3 memories, headphone jack, tone controlled tom-toms, accessory jack. Box is in pretty shabby condition. Nothing else included - just the machine and box."
"Superb very early electronic drum kit from Mattel introduced in 1981- as used by legendary groundbreaking Krautrock band Kraftwerk.. Comes in original box. Headphone and stereo phono auxiliary outputs for choice of listening/ amp/ rec device. "
And pics of a non bent one via this auction
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