Photo of Pearl SY-1 Syncussion and more gear in a studio

Pearl SY-1 Syncussion

5.0 (2)

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Find out who is using Pearl SY-1 Syncussion

3 community setups

6 wishlisted

12 saved

Page last updated Aug 10, 2025

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We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 28, 2025.

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£163.00

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Description

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The Pearl SY-1 Syncussion is a vintage percussion synthesizer that has captivated musicians with its unique sound-shaping capabilities and versatile performance features. Originally designed in the late 1970s, it has made a resurgence among synth enthusiasts and electronic musicians looking to incorporate distinctive rhythmic elements into their compositions. Known for its punchy and dynamic tones, the SY-1 Syncussion offers a wide range of percussive sounds, from deep thumping bass drums to snappy snares and shimmering cymbals.

This compact synthesizer supports creative exploration with its analog circuitry, which provides warm, rich sounds that are both nostalgic and innovative. The SY-1 features multiple oscillators, allowing for complex sound design and modulation possibilities. Its straightforward interface makes it accessible for both seasoned professionals and beginners, providing an intuitive and engaging user experience. The SY-1 is also highly regarded for its ability to integrate seamlessly into modern setups, thanks to its compatibility with various MIDI and CV/Gate interfaces.

Key Features:

Vintage analog percussion synthesizer from the late 1970s
Dual oscillators for complex sound design and modulation
Wide range of percussive sounds, including bass drums, snares, and cymbals
Intuitive interface for easy sound shaping
Compatible with MIDI and CV/Gate for modern integration
Ideal for electronic musicians and synth enthusiasts seeking unique rhythmic elements

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Nils Frahm

Composer, Music Producer

Verified via Soundgas

In photo from SoundGas feature, 2 SY-1 Syncussions are shown.

Stephen Morris

Drummer, Keyboardist

Joy Division

Verified via Twitter

This tweet from Morris depicts his SY-1.

Luke Vibert

Music Producer

Smooth Helmet

Verified via Barcodezine

"I often use a Pearl Syncussion box to make mad bass lines, but again I’ve got so many samples of it already, kicks and long bass notes, that I tend to be able to use them instead of getting the synths out again."

Graham Massey

Guitarist, Keyboardist

808 State

Verified via 808state

"A lot of the sounds were from a Pearl Syncussion unit, which is an instrument that goes right through our early stuff, It's actually a Disco drum, and it was most popular on Disco tracks, but it actually does lots of other things too. It's two synthesizer units has a trigger in, and you can get deep 808 bass sounds all the way to very 'sample and hold' ring modulator sounds. I think Sunrise shows that off."

Steffi

Verified via MusicRadar

For example, there might be something from a Yamaha DX200 - like a deep, bassy sound - and I’d use it as a kick layered with something from the Pearl Syncussion and maybe a couple of hits from a modulated 909 or something.

Cinthie

Music Producer, DJ

Verified via MusicTech

Pearl Syncussion can be seen amongst the drum machines in photos from this MusictTech interview.

Malcolm Holmes

Drummer

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

Verified via The Electricity Club

"Mal Holmes’ percussion complex consisted of a big Tama bass drum, large Pearl snares and conventional Paiste hi-hat alongside an array of electronic percussion pads triggering the aforementioned Korg MS20 and a pair of Pearl Syncussion units which controlled two percussive timbres each."

Martin Price

Keyboardist, Composer

808 State

Verified via 808state

"I used to use Syncussion units a hell of a lot on my really early stuff, triggering them straight off the audio outs of a drum machine. You can get some really nasty sounds out of them, like the old disco 'pow-pow' sounds."

Jimmy Brown (2)

Drummer

UB40

Verified via Muzines

Basically the units he used were the Simmons SDS7 and 8, DMX, Syncussion, live toms and live cymbals.

Bobby Z.

Drummer, Composer

Prince

Verified via Modern Drummer Magazine

From Modern Drummer magazine:

Tools of the Trade

Back in the day, Bobby Z played a Ludwig kit with Black Simmons SDSV pads, a Simmons SDSV module, a Linn LM-1 drum machine, two black Pearl Syncussion pads, two Pearl Syncussion modules, and Zildjian cymbals (14″ hi-hats, 16″ and 18″ crashes, 20″ ride). Today he plays DW drums, and all loops and sounds are fired from a Roland SPD-SX multipad. Like his original Ludwig kit, Bobby’s current DW features a 14″ tom, an 18″ floor tom, and a 22″ bass drum. He still plays Zildjian cymbals.

Also referenced at http://guitarcloud.org/equipment/pearl-sy-1-syncussion.