REVEIW BEHRINGER SYNCUSSION SYNTH, MODERN SOUND FOR BEATS AND EURORACK

 Behringer Syncussion Review: A Modern Twist on a Vintage Classic

Behringer’s Syncussion is a fascinating piece of gear that draws its inspiration from the past while carving out its own niche in the modern music production landscape. The original spark for this machine comes from the Pearl SY-1 Syncussion, a rare and quirky electronic drum synthesizer from the late 1970s that became a cult favorite for its unique, punchy tones. Behringer has taken that vintage spirit and reimagined it with contemporary flair, delivering a compact, affordable unit that bridges the gap between retro vibes and today’s modular workflows. Does it deliver value and performance? Lets unpack this:

What It Is and What It Can Do

At its core, the Behringer Syncussion is a dual-voice percussion synthesizer packed into a single, sleek box. Each of its two independent voices offers a distinct sound-shaping palette, letting you craft everything from tight, snappy kicks to wild, sci-fi-esque bleeps. With controls for pitch, decay, and tone, plus a handful of oscillator modes, it’s a playground for sonic exploration. You can trigger these voices via external pads, making it a hands-on option for live performers, or integrate it into a larger setup thanks to its MIDI compatibility.

Mounted in a portable rack with optional rack ears, click to enlarge

The Syncussion’s Eurorack-ready design is a standout feature. The front panel is 80HP and sized to fit seamlessly into a modern modular rig, it comes with 1/8” jacks for patching into other Eurorack gear, and for those who prefer a more traditional setup, optional rack ears are available. This flexibility makes it a versatile tool whether you’re building a sprawling synth wall or just want a standalone drum machine with character.

Bust out that old electronic Kick Pad, connect to Syncussion, click to enlarge

While we're touching on Eurorack, the Syncussion integrates beautifully with the Behringer RS-9 sequencer brain (full review on H.o.T.) yielding massive kick sounds and persuasive electronic snare tones. 

IN A BAND?

If I was playing drums in a band right now I'd have at least four (possibly more lol) of these Behringer Syncussion boxes rack mounted and driven by pads mounted above my acoustic kit. That would give me eight Syncussion voices to set up for shocking, disruptive sounds, rich, huge, punchy and powerful are just beginning to define these synths and what they can do. The more I use and experiment with the Syncussion, the more I love it and need more of them.

Likes

• Vintage Electronic Drum Sound: The Syncussion nails that warm, analog flavor reminiscent of early electronic music, with a nod to its Pearl SY-1 roots. It’s got a raw, organic edge that’s hard to replicate with software.
• Invites Experimentation: With its tweakable parameters and oscillator options, this thing begs you to twist knobs and see what happens. It’s less about presets and more about discovery.
• Adjustable: Fine-tuning your sounds is a breeze, giving you control over the punch and personality of each voice.
• Integrates with Eurorack: The 1/8” jacks make it a natural fit for modular enthusiasts, expanding its potential exponentially.
• Budget Price: At just $199, it’s a steal for what it offers—though with tariffs looming, that bargain might not last forever.
• MIDI: A modern touch that ensures it plays nice with your DAW or other MIDI-equipped gear.

Dislikes

• Rear Jack Accessibility: When rack-mounted, the rear jacks can become a headache if something’s mounted directly above it. You’ll need to plan your setup carefully to avoid cable gymnastics.
• Not Extremely Intuitive: Newcomers might find the layout and controls a bit cryptic at first. It’s not a plug-and-play device—there’s a learning curve to unlocking its full potential.

Close up with optional rack ears, click to enlarge

Epilogue

I've quickly become a fan of the Syncussion, it's BIG sounds are borderline dangerous, keep a firm grip on your master volume control because this little beast can deliver shockingly massive tones. Dare to integrate it with an MPC One+, a little reverb/DSP and prepare to be blown out of your chair, fun and hours of time just drift away. 

Uli Behringer continues to steer his company toward a complete and total synthesizer renaissance, blending the soul of iconic machines with modern functionality and stunning low purchase prices. The Syncussion is a testament to that vision: it’s not just a nostalgia trip but a forward-thinking tool that invites creativity at an accessible price point. Whether you’re chasing vintage drum tones or pushing the boundaries of modular sound design, this little box delivers a lot of bang for your buck—just don’t expect it to hold your hand along the way.

Thanks for reading High on Technology, Good Music To You!

©April 2025 by Mark King, it's not ok to copy or quote without written permission from the author.