Simmons SD550 User manual
OWNER’S MANUAL
The first name in electronic drums.
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SD
ELECTRONIC DRUM KIT
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OWNER’S MANUAL
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safety instructions
1) Read these instructions.
2) Keep these instructions.
3) Heed all warnings.
4) Follow all instructions.
5) Do not use this apparatus near water.
6) Clean only with dry cloth.
7) Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance
with the manufacturer’s instructions.
8) Do not install near the heat sources such as radiators, heat
registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that
produce heat.
9) Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-
type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider
than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a
third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are
provided for your safety, if the provided plug does not fit into
your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete
outlet.
10) Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched
particularly at plugs convenience receptacles, and the point
where they exit from the apparatus.
11) Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12) Use only with the cart, stand, tripod,
bracket, or table specified by the
manufacturer, or sold with the
apparatus. When a cart is used,
use caution when moving the cart/
apparatus combination to avoid injury
from tip-over (Figure1).
13) Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused
for a long periods of time.
14) Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing
is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any
way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid
has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus,
the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not
operate normally, or has been dropped.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not
expose this apparatus to rain or moisture. CAUTION: Apparatus
shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and no objects filled
with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus.
CAUTION: Apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or
splashing and no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be
placed on the apparatus.
THE LIGHTNING FLASH WITH ARROWHEAD SYMBOL WITHIN AN EQUILATERAL TRIANGLE IS INTENDED TO ALERT THE USER TO THE
PRESENCE OF UNINSULATED DANGEROUS VOLTAGE WITHIN THE PRODUCT S ENCLOSURE THAT MAY BE OF SUFFICIENT MAGNITUDE
TO CONSTITUTE A RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK TO PERSONS.
APPARATUS SHALL NOT BE EXPOSED TO DRIPPING OR SPLASHING AND THAT NO OBJECTS FILLED WITH LIQUIDS, SUCH AS VASES, SHALL
BE PLACED ON THE APPARATUS.
THE EXCLAMATION POINT WITHIN AN EQUILATERAL TRIANGLE IS INTENDED TO ALERT THE USER TO THE PRESENCE
OF IMPORTANT OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE(SERVICING) INSTRUCTIONS IN THE LITERATURE ACCOMPANYING
THE PRODUCT.
Figure 1
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…on your purchase of this Simmons SD550 Electronic Drum Kit. To get the most enjoyment from this kit,
we recommend that you skim through this manual at least once, then refer back to it to learn more about
specific functions.
Caring for Your SD550 Electronic Drum Set
Location
• Keep the drum kit away from direct sunlight, high temperature sources, and excessive
humidity to prevent deformation, discoloration, or more serious damage.
Power Supply
• Turn the power switch OFF when the SD550 is not in use.
• The AC adapter should be unplugged from the AC outlet if the SD550 is not to be used for
an extended period of time.
• Avoid plugging the AC adapter into an AC outlet that is also powering high-consumption
appliances such as electric heaters or televisions. Also avoid using multi-plug adapters,
since these can reduce sound quality, cause operation errors, and result in possible damage.
• To avoid damaging the unit, turn the SD550 and all related devices OFF prior to connecting
or disconnecting cables.
Handling and Transport
• Never apply excessive force to controls, connectors, and other parts.
• Unplug cables by gripping the plug firmly. Do not pull on the cable.
• Disconnect all cables before moving the module.
• Physical shocks caused by dropping, bumping, or placing heavy objects on the module can
result in scratches and more serious damage.
Cleaning
• Clean the module with a dry, soft cloth.
• A slightly damp cloth may be used to remove stubborn grime and dirt.
• Never use cleaners such as alcohol or thinner.
• To avoid discoloration, do not place vinyl objects on top of module.
Electrical Interference
• The module contains digital circuitry and may cause interference if placed too close to
radio or television receivers. If this occurs, move the SD550 further away from the affected
equipment.
Service and Modification
• There are no user serviceable parts in the drum module.
• Do not attempt to open the sound module or make any change in the circuits or parts of the
unit. This would void the warranty.
Congratulations!
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SD ASSEMBLED KIT
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Table of Contents
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ................................................ 2
CONGRATULATIONS .................................................... 3
ASSEMBLED KIT ........................................................... 4
FEATURES ................................................................... 6
Simmons Basic App ..................................................... 6
CONNECTIONS ........................................................... 7
ASSEMBLING YOUR KIT ............................................... 8
CONNECTIONS
Connecting the Module and Pads .................................. 12
AC Adapter .............................................................. 12
Connecting Audio Equipment ....................................... 13
Connecting MIDI Devices and Computers ....................... 14
SD550 DRUM MODULE OPERATION
Top Panel ................................................................ 15
Bottom Panel............................................................. 16
Back Panel ............................................................... 16
Side Panel ................................................................ 16
QUICK START OPERATIONS
Turning the Power On.................................................. 17
Basic Operations ....................................................... 17
Listening to the Demo Songs ......................................... 18
Selecting aKit .......................................................... 18
Selecting aSong ....................................................... 18
Playing a Song ......................................................... 18
Muting the Drum Part ................................................. 18
KIT MODE - ADVANCED
Editing aKit ............................................................. 19
Rename aKit ............................................................20
Saving aKit .............................................................20
Kit Reset ..................................................................20
SONG MODE
Playing a Song ......................................................... 21
Muting the Drum Part .................................................. 21
Editing a Song........................................................... 21
RECORDING A SONG
Recording Settings .....................................................22
Clicking Settings ........................................................23
UTILITY MODE
Utility Mode Settings ................................................. 24
Effects .................................................................... 25
MIDI Settings ........................................................... 25
Pad MIDI Note Assignments ........................................ 26
Auto Power Mode ..................................................... 26
Factory Reset ........................................................... 27
Tempo .................................................................... 27
APPENDIX
Voice List ................................................................ 28
Kit List .................................................................... 33
Key Map ................................................................ 34
Patterns .................................................................. 35
MIDI Implementation Charts ....................................... 36
Simmons
P.O. Box 5111
Thousand Oaks, CA 91359-5111
All trademarks and registered trademarks mentioned herein
are recognized as the property of their respective holders.
Made in China 1802-17201350
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17201350 Simmons SD550 Owner's Manual.indd 02_23_18 1109AM
features
Polyphony
Voices - 64
Sounds
Drum Voices - 328
Keyboard Voice-43
Drum Kits - 25 Preset / 10 User
Songs - 50 Preset / 10 User
Effects
Reverb - Hall1, Hall2, Room1, Room2, Room3, Stage1, Stage2,
Plate, Delay, Echo, Off.
Chorus - Chorus1, Chorus2, Chorus3, Chorus4, Feedback,
Flanger, Short Delay, Flanger2, Flanger3, Celeste1, Celeste2,
Celeste3, Off.
Trigger Inputs
1 x Kick, Single Zone
1 x Snare, Dual Zone
9” Dual zone Snare pad
8” Single zone Tom pads
10” Single zone Hi Hat pad
10” Single zone Crash Cymbal pad with Choke
12” Single zone Ride Cymbal pad
1 x Hi-Hat pedal
Hardware
Drum Rack and mounts
Kick pedal / Trigger module
10” Dual zone Snare mesh drum
8” Single zone Tom mesh drums
10” Single zone Hi Hat pad
10” Single zone Crash Cymbal pad with Choke
12” Single zone Ride Cymbal pad
1 x Hi-Hat pedal
External Connections
1/8” Headphone Output
2 ¼” Master Outputs
1/8” TRS Aux input
USB Connection for MIDI via computer
Sequencer
Preset Songs - 25
User Songs - 10
Tempo- 20-280 BPM
Click/Metronome- Click voice, Time Signature, Tempo,
Interval, Volume
Power: 9v, 600ma
Weight: 37.04 lbs / 16.8 kg
• Custom Sound Library. Completely new sample set based on the most popular classic and modern kits.
• Variable Attack Response. Significantly improved playback with dynamic response according to hit velocity,
combined with alternating sample playback by velocity zone.
• S500 Series Pads with increased sensitivity and greater isolation for multi-zone snare pad.
SD550 Sound Module General Features
New Features of the SD550
Simmons Basic App
Download the Simmons Basic app from the iOS app store. To connect
your iPhone or iPad to your SD550, attach an Apple Lightning to USB
Camera Adapter. Plug a USB cable from the SD550 module to the
adapter, then plug the adapter into your Apple device.
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Connections
Connecting the Sound Module and Pads
CAUTION!
To prevent electric shock and damage to the device, make sure the power is switched
OFF on the sound module and all related devices before making any connection.
Using the provided cables, connect the 1/4” jacks to the
corresponding drum pads, cymbal pads and kick pad. The pin
connection will attach to the multi-pin connector serial port on
the bottom of the sound module. (See illustration below.)
The voice of the hi-hat pad is controlled by the hi-hat pedal.
Plug into the Hi-Hat pedal the plug that is labelled “HHC”.
Similar to a real drum kit, the hi-hat pad functions as an ‘open
hi-hat’ when the pedal is released. When the pedal is pressed
down, it functions as a ‘closed hi-hat’.
*See Appendix for Pad, Triggers, Name and MIDI chart.
Cymbal Pads
To Hi-Hat
To Ride
Drum Pads
To Hi-Hat
Control
Hi-Hat Pedal
Kick Pad
To Kick
To Snare
To Crash
Sound Module
From
Sound
Module
to 7 Pads
To Tom 3
To Tom 1 To Tom 2
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17201350 Simmons SD550 Owner's Manual.indd 02_23_18 1109AM
Assembling your Kit
Inside this package
Before assembly, please make sure that all the items listed below are present.
Drum Pads
Drum Rack
Kick Pad Hi-Hat Pedal
Hi-Hat Arm (Short)
2 Cymbal Arms (Long)
Drum Module
Multi-pin Cable Harness
1 Pair
Drumsticks
AC Adaptor
Cymbals Accessories
(SD550MESHDRUM10D) (SD350MESHDRUM8S)
Dual Zone 10” Snare
Mesh Drum
Single Zone 12” Cymbal Pad
Single Zone 8” Tom Mesh Drums
Single Zone with Choke 10”
Cymbal Pad
Single Zone 10”
Hi-hat Cymbal Pad
4 L–Rods for Pads
10–Velcro
Cable Strips
SONG
START
MUTE
TEMPO/TAP
CLICK
UTIL
KIT VOICE REC/PLAY
Foot ControllerBass Drum Pedal /
Trigger module
(S500HHC1)
(SD550)
(S500KPD1)
Drum Key
(S500CYM12S) (S500CYM10SC) (S500CYM10S)
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Assembling your Kit
The SD550 Drum Rack comes preassembled with all clamps already in place.
1. Pull rack out of box.
2. Loosen wing nuts on side arms and snare clamps so you can rotate bars.
3. Pull the side arms and snare arm out into their playing positions.
4. Tighten wing nuts on side arm clamps.
5. Loosen L-rod wing nuts on tom clamps. Insert textured plastic of L-rod into tom clamps and tighten wing nuts.
6. Loosen wing nuts on pads.
7. Attach pads to L-rods and tighten wing nut on Tom Pads.
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Assembling your Kit
Attaching the Cymbal Pads
1. Insert each cymbal arm into the rack clamp.
2. Insert short hi-hat arm on the left-side arm’s cymbal clamp.
3. Remove wing nut from cymbal tilter. Place cymbal pad on tilter assembly.
4. Re-attach washer and wing nut. Tighten wing nut.
Attaching the Drum Module and Drums
1. Loosen wing screw on drum rack.
2. Place drum module into drum clamp.
3. Tighten wing screw to secure module.
4. Place drums onto mounting rods and tighten
with wing screws.
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