The late '70s saw a brief golden age of dedicated drum synthesizers—machines like the Syncussion and Syndrum that could generate everything from punchy kicks to shimmering cymbals with just a handful of knobs. Recovery Effects looked at those classics and asked what they'd build if they could start fresh, keeping the immediacy but adding modern flexibility.
Seven Sisters is a desktop percussion synthesizer with seven distinct voices, six of which can play simultaneously while one remains switchable. The synthesis engine combines multiple oscillators, noise generators, and filters to create tones that capture the character of those vintage machines while pushing beyond their sonic limitations. Each voice responds to four editable parameters—typically pitch, decay, filter frequency, and volume, though the exact controls shift depending on which voice you've selected, keeping things intuitive without sacrificing depth. The front panel features dedicated knobs for real-time control, and every parameter accepts CV input if you want to patch it into a larger system. Triggering is straightforward: use the buttons on the unit itself or feed it gate and trigger signals from external sequencers like the Beatstep Pro or Korg SQ-64. Audio comes out through dual-mono 3.5mm outputs, giving you flexibility for stereo processing or parallel chains. The unit measures 12 by 4.63 inches and runs on a standard 9V Boss-style power supply.
Since hitting the market, Seven Sisters has found an appreciative audience among producers who want authentic '70s percussion character without the hunt for vintage hardware or the limitations of the original designs. The combination of six simultaneous voices and CV control over every parameter gives it real advantages over both the originals and modern reissues, all at a price point that feels genuinely fair for what you're getting. It's designed and assembled in Seattle, backed by a one-year warranty if you register it within 30 days.
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