Rare Vintage Analog Clef B30 Microsynth Audio Demos

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CLEF B30 MICROSYNTH demo 02


CLEF B30 MICROSYNTH demo 03

Published on Mar 30, 2013 orangecoals·26 videos

CLEF B30 MICROSYNTH demo 03 -- recorded straight into soundcard---no processing - no fx - no external sequencer -demo of some of the extraordinary sounds this uber rare synth is capable of.


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"Designed by Allan Bradford who designed for WEM, Dawmer and Joe Meek. He was a also lecturer at Birmingham University. The general consensus re. the sound is that it falls somewhere soundwise between a VCS3 and a Wasp. It's a very vintage British sound --- reminds me a lot of old modular synths, Radiophonic workshop Dr Who style effects.


Next to the VCS3 it's the fattest craziest sounding synth I've ever experienced. Next to spending £4k I'd say it's the closest you will come, it simply swamps the sound of my moog prodigy and eats my mopho for breakfast. However the Clefs are not without the famous tuning issues that plagued analogue synthesizers from the 1970's (but some reckon it's the tuning issues of the organic oscillators that give the incredible rich sound) ---so these are not really the keyboard tp practice your 'scales ' on ---they are however fabulous at obtaining completely unique unearthly tones.

It's all discreet circuits in this one and sounds and performs like a vintage modular synth ----two VCOs ---extensive modulation possibilities ---noise generator ---24db and bandpass filter ---ring modulation---connections on the rear are for sequencer/DIN sync ---which I've never tried - but I imagine one of the pins are for CV and one for GATE --- you'd need to inspect schematics. (Keyboard output voltage 0.35 volts⁄octave. Trigger output voltage 9 volts positive, input requirements 0.35 volts⁄octave to keyboard, 9 volts positive trigger to envelope)

schematics and lots of info here ---http://www.synbin.com/others/microsynth/spec.html

Much like a modular ---with extensive modulation possibilities offered by the switches and rotary posts ---this synth just starts generating huge amazing basslines--(please view the demos) --

-The bottom C key sometimes doesn't trigger properly on all settings ---pos needs key contacts cleaning --- please note ---like modular synths and the EMS VCS3 for example ---the slightest rotary movement ---or different switch combinations can result in the synth having a different tuning ---and like a real organic instrument (guitar/violin etc) you need to regularly tune up to the part you are playing ---it's not just like plugging in a casio jeyboard and away you go (please see the demos). Think of this more like an electronic music sound generator rather than a piano. 0h! and it's monophonic ---one key at a time ---but with two vcos's.

As outlined previously to get the most of this synth you may need to be a little more than a synth novice --- there are a rather complex array of switches which enable nearly all parts of the synth to modulate and effect all others --- these were designed to replace patch cords on modular synths ---so think of the switches as patch cords ---patching different modules together and you are half way there.

To completely tune the synth to rchestral scale you need to follow this process taken from the manual ....

((((((((((((Setting up of the synthesiser
VCOs

Selecting the square wave output from VC01, take VC01 down to its lowest frequency by pressing the lowest key, setting the Range switch to 16', and then using the Sweep pot routed via the thumbwheel into the Keyboard, so that VCO1 is just oscillating. Adjust VR13 for the fastest buzz. Reduce frequency again using the thumbwheel and readjust VR13 for the fastest ticking. This process has nulled the offset on VC01 integrator IC11, enabling the oscillator to stay in tune for very low input currents. Switch off VC01 using the switch on the "Shape" pot and turn the thumbwheel to zero (towards the front). Repeat the above process for VC02 selecting the square wave output and using the VCO2 frequency control and adjusting VR17. Remember to turn VC02 Level up.

The ramp waveforms from each VCO are now adjusted in turn. Turn VCO2 Level down and switch VC01 on. Selecting the ramp waveform from VCO1, sweep the oscillator over its entire range using the "Range" switch and the Sweep/Thumbwheel combination, and adjust VR15 to ensure that the output does not disappear or become distorted at either end of the range. An oscilloscope is useful here but by no means essential. Repeat the process for VC02 adjusting VR19.

Next, using VC01 at the low end of its range (16'), play a scale; this should be in tune, so bend the frequency down verv low using the thumbwheel and adjust VR8 for an accurate scale. This process nulls out the offset on the keyboard range amplifier, IC7.

OCTAVES

Now the octaves may be set up using the keyboard and the Range switch. Working either side of the 4' range, which requires no adjustment, set the ranges an octave apart by adjusting VR5 and VR6 (8' and 2' respectively), followed by VR4 and VR7 (16' and 1' respectively).

Tuning of the whole instrument relative to another instrument is achieved by turning VR1.))))))))))))))

if this is beyond you - you may need to get someone techy to perfom this task."