First of all, original Simmons SDSV (or SDV5) released in 1981 doesn't include any EPROM. The EPROM sockets was introduced in 1983 with the SDS7 (and SDS1 - one pad only version):

"Following the success of the SDS5, Simmons expanded their range to the SDS7. The SDS7 was another modular rack-based brain, which featured digital sampling sounds on EPROM for the first time, expandable up to twelve modules, and redesigned pads, featuring a skin of rubber to make playing a little easier."
Source: https://simmonsdrums.net/history/

Secondly, Aly James' VSDSX is basically a Simmons SDSV (or SDS5) emulation... with EXTENDED CAPABILITIES such as loading EPROMs.

From Aly James's VSDSX manual (page 9):

"LOADING EXTERNAL EPROM DATA: The VSDSX provides two voices which are EPROM based (like SDS1 or SDS7). The imported original EPROM image (sample) will benefit from the bend and noise mixing feature with that crunchy 8bit sound. Load your own custom-made EPROM image. EPROM format is the same as VProm (U255 companded) for easy compatibility but it can also now load Linear PCM format (most of Simmons original EPROMS were Linear PCM). VSDSX supports any size EPROMS binaries (.bin) between 1K to 64K."

Thirdly, you can download original (official) Simmons SDS7-1 EPROMs on Aly's website (Download -> Ressources and utilities -> VSDSX):

- 518 ULaw format EPROM Pack
- 28 Linear PCM format EPROM Pack.

Finally, can you tell us how much the sand weighed?

 

Last edited: Feb 23, 2025

Here it is!
VProm v3.0 is out.
https://www.alyjameslab.com/alyjameslabvprom.html

 

That was just for SDS7 and SDS9, see below

That's right IMO is the best of all simmons (also vs the ultra rare SDSX), no matter how rudimental was (and no midi).
It had just 1 custom non storable preset and all the other 3 "factory" could be modified through trimmers.
It had sampled hihat and cymbal, though, but they are even rarer than the SDS5.

Aly James made a great work on that.

 

Introducing VProm 3.0

VProm 3.0 Uncut Live Walk-through - Sampling Stuff - Part 1

 

... is that Aly James speaking?

 

I'm pretty sure it is... He posts a lot on Facebook too and possibly Instagram

 

does his stuff ever go on sale?

 

Ya he sounds like a Borat

 

I just hate to see "hopefully it won't get cracked" when it's apparently perfectly OK to see anything else that other people have paid for get cracked. btw "hate to see" is just an expression. Not to suggest I care all that much either way.

Mostly though, because it is a small developer; and if you wanted to put a target on the things' back any more; you might as well fire up the little "encryptor" you sometimes see the output of here yourself. There is a big difference between chumming the waters and dangling bait over the side of the boat and going for a spin. I am imagining a good scene with Borat on the little boat and the Orcas starting to catch up. Maybe a little of "Chariots of Fire" for the music.

 

Last edited: Feb 27, 2025

At least Aly "Borat" James sounds funny... unlike others who sounds hopelessly empty and hollow...