If you own a Simmons SDSV drumbrain and asking yourself what to do with some of the free module slots (if any), here’s the idea how to fill it: Use a MFB SEQ-01 drum sequencer and create a stand-alone Simmons drum machine. This will be a really fun device!

There are only two problems to resolve:

1. 1.The standard MFB SEQ-01 is not compatible with the 15 V power supply of a Simmons SDSV drumbrain and its bus connectors. Since the SEQ-01 is built to fit into DOEPFER systems it requires a 12 V power supply.
   

2. 2.The mounting screw holes of a MFB SEQ-01 have different metrics than the ones that are already prepared in the SDSV module rack.
   

As you could simply solve the second problem by using a drill ;-) the first one is a little bit more tricky:

The good news is that Manfred Fricke provides an modified 15 V version of the MFB SEQ-01. In my case, I’ve ordered this modified SEQ-01 from Schneiders Buero in Berlin, which works fantastic. However, as the Simmons SDSV does not have a DOEPFER multi-pin bus connector you have to find the 15 V and GND conductive paths on the SDSV

bus board and connect some wires directly between the Simmons bus and the SEQ-01 bus connector. For this purpose it could be very helpful to use a voltmeter and have a look into the SDSV schematics or the DOEPFER DIY page. If you have already opened the SDSV rack and your soldering iron is still hot, you could also connect some outputs of the SEQ-01 with your SDSV pad inputs internally. Most of the SEQ-01 outputs are accessible from the soldering joints on the rear board of the SEQ-01. Connecting them to the pad inputs of the SDSV allows to use the accent programming of the SEQ-01.

WARNING

Please make sure, that you have at least some practice with electronics and soldering when doing this modification. You could easily destroy your devices or harm yourself. Thus, this modification is at your own risk!

Here’s a short demo movie, which shows the modified SDSV/SEQ-01 drum machine in action (not very high quality, however you should get the idea):