Bad Dog Designs OSPRAY-8: Vintage Analog Percussion Synthesizer

The OSPRAY-8 from Bad Dog Designs brings back the sound of early 1980s drum synthesis with a modern twist. This handcrafted analog percussion synthesizer features 8 independent voices housed in a stunning oak case that looks right at home next to vintage synthesizers.

Classic Analog Sound

At its heart, the OSPRAY-8 is based on circuit designs that were published in Electronics and Music Maker Magazine back in 1983. These original "Syntom", "Synbal", and "Synclap" designs have been carefully updated for modern production while keeping their authentic vintage character intact.

The result is a drum synthesizer that sounds like the classic machines of the era. Think early Simmons kits, Roland CR-78, or the percussion sounds you'd hear from Kraftwerk, Human League, and Depeche Mode records.

Eight Voices of Percussion

The OSPRAY-8 includes three types of synthesis modules:

4 Drum Modules - These versatile voices can create everything from deep kick drums to snappy snares, resonant toms, and sharp rimshots. Each module has controls for decay, pitch bend, tone pitch, noise pitch, and mix between tone and noise components.

3 Cymbal Modules - Using six oscillators feeding into a ring modulator, these modules generate metallic sounds ranging from open and closed hi-hats to cowbells and gongs. You get full control over pitch, decay, filter sweep, frequency, resonance, and filter type.

1 Handclap Module - This dedicated voice creates clap sounds from tight finger clicks to deep reverberating handclaps. Controls include spread, number of claps, filter frequency, resonance, and an ambience effect that extends the sound.

Intuitive Operation

There are no complex menus or hidden parameters. Every control is right on the front panel. Each module has its own volume control, pan position, individual 3.5mm audio output, and three ways to trigger: manual button, external trigger input (up to 12V), or MIDI.

The unit includes a basic MIDI interface set to channel 10 (percussion) that responds to notes 60, 62, 64, 65, 67, 69, 71, and 72 - all the white keys starting from C4. The MIDI channel is adjustable via a switch on the side panel.

You can route sounds individually through the mono outputs or mix them through the internal stereo bus to the main Left and Right 6.35mm outputs. A built-in stereo amplifier and Redis caching ensure clean, professional sound quality.

Handcrafted Quality

Each OSPRAY-8 is handmade in the UK and features a sustainable oak case that measures 360mm wide, 170mm deep, and 270mm tall. The circuit boards use through-hole polyester capacitors in the audio path and vintage transistors for the white noise source, maintaining period-correct sound generation.

While the circuits stay true to their 1983 origins, modern components like the LM13700 replace obsolete chips, and MIDI has been added for easy integration with contemporary setups. The stereo output stage has also been redesigned for modern production needs.

Ready to Use

The OSPRAY-8 is incredibly straightforward to set up. Just connect the included 12V power supply, press the power button, and connect your audio outputs. There's no complex calibration or tuning required - you can start creating sounds immediately with the manual trigger buttons or connect your MIDI controller and start sequencing.

Whether you're looking for authentic 1980s drum sounds or want to explore the creative possibilities of analog percussion synthesis, the OSPRAY-8 delivers vintage character in a modern, reliable package.