GSi Drum-80 captures the iconic drum setup from the early 1980s, a period when acoustic drums were commonly replaced by hexagonal trigger pads to control analog drum synthesizers, notably the Simmons SDS-V. This setup was widely used in pop and rock music, blending synthesized drum sounds with traditional acoustic cymbals to create a distinctive rhythmic foundation.

The plugin features two distinct sound engines: a virtual analog engine that faithfully recreates the classic drum sounds of the SDS-V module through individual synthesis modules, and a proprietary engine that provides sampled cymbal sounds including hi-hat, ride, crashes, and splashes. This combination ensures an authentic recreation of the early 80s drum sound, complete with options for tuning, leveling, and equalization of cymbals.

GSi Drum-80 offers comprehensive control with multiple outputs, full polyphony, and effects such as stereo delay, reverb, and a 1176-style limiter. It includes a built-in programmer for unlimited presets and can be used as a standalone application or audio plugin. Designed for efficiency, it delivers high-quality sound with minimal CPU and RAM usage, making it a practical choice for modern productions seeking classic 80s drum tones.