It's hard to believe it, but Dave Smith is retiring the Evolver, his first new hardware synth under the DSI brand, along with the Mopho series and the Tetra. The discontinuation of the Evolver marks the end of an era. I'm actually the proud owner of Evolver SN #132! I remember the excitement when Dave Smith re-entered the hardware synthesizer scene with the Evolver. It offered four oscillators, two digital with waveforms from the classic Sequential Circuits Prophet-VS, two analog, Curtis analog filters, effects, and four sequencers that could drive each oscillator separately as well as a multitude of destinations. It was, and still is, an incredibly powerful synthesizer. I snatched mine when it was first released.
"We’re retiring some of our much-loved but mature products — namely, Mopho, Mopho Keyboard, Mopho Keyboard SE, Tetra, and Evolver. While each of these instruments is something of a classic in its own right, and each has found its place in countless studio recordings and stage performances, a time comes when every good synth deserves its place in the great electronic retirement community in the sky.
If you ever wanted to add any of these highly-regarded instruments to your arsenal, get them now before they’re gone. Find a DSI dealer here or contact sales@davesmithinstruments.com."
As always be sure to check with the dealers on the right!
Note this one is from Analogue Solutions and is not yet working. You might remember the EMS Synthi 100 in a van and the decals posted here. This is that Synthi 100. Update: New pics added including a much larger version of the overall system to the left (click on it). Also there was no connection to John Carpenter. I might have misread John when the reference was to Tom Carpenter of Analogue Solutions who is selling it. I asked Tom how much of the system was original and he said, "Only really the cabinet is not original as the original one was destroyed."
Details from the listing:
"yes you read it right - Original EMS Synthi 100 s/n 16 (of around only 28 built)...
This unit is nearing the completion of full restoration -
I am finding it hard to dedicate time to complete this project due to running my own business and a busy family life. But I will complete it if need be!
At my work rate it will take at least a couple of years, despite that fact it probably only needs a few full time weeks to complete.
Selling this now as is is an opportunity for someone to jump the queue and avoid themuch higher price it will fetch when completed by me.
If you are after a Synthi100 - this could be the only chance to get one since most are now locked away in museums or private studios.
I am only looking to reclaim the total cost spent on this and will write off my weeks of labour time so far invested.
Sale price will be in the 5 figures, but significantly less then a completed unit. (I have been offered figures in the region of £60K for it when complete)...
Very briefly, to complete:
Final stage of the re-wire (estimate about 2-6 days to do that). Most of the wiring has been done, it's just the final leg. Double checking the wiring, then finally checking each card one at a time - to repair any dead components (dead due to age).
Essentially the synths is complete and almost no money needs to be spent on it other than labour time and any spare to fix any faulty boards...
Sale includes Full service documentation, plenty of EMS patch pins, original double keyboard, spares, cables - and a strong steel table if required."
"R.A. Moog Minimoog Synthesizer, 1970, 4 page, vintage brochure. Original, 45 year old brochure of the original R.A Minimoog Synthesizer before the final commercial rerleased versions. Notice the missing wood across the top of the control panel and the sliders/caps on the left mod panel. Used R.A. Minimoog brochure is in Very Good Condition to Excellent Condition. However does have punch holes. Some came from factory with them, some did not. No writing, no tears, no highlights, clean pages, no music store stamp."
Interesting bit of synth history if the listing description is correct in that this is in essence the predecessor to Studio Electronics MIDIMOOG conversions:
"This listing is for a Vintage MOOG Minimoog Model D Analog Synthesizer CV/MIDI-READY Module. We are selling this Moog on behalf of producer Paul Fox. This synth was part of his personal gear collection when he was producing such artists as XTC, 10,000 Maniacs and Bjork.
This is an original Minimoog Model D that was modified by Studio Electronics c/o HI-TECH Musical Services. The keyboard was removed and it was remounted in a longer chassis, moving some of the controls on the keyboard to the top left section. It was customized to be MIDI-Ready to benefit from the full MIDI-to-CV implementation offered by units such as the Roland MPU-101. When connected properly to such a MIDI-to-CV interface the MIDI-ready Minimoog can make full use of MIDI data including: note on/off, pitch bend, modulation, dynamics/ velocity, and aftertouch.
Hi-Tech music services was one of the original "go to" synth repair and mod shops here in Los Angeles in the early 80's. They literally did hundreds of these chop mods on Minimoogs. At some point, the owner of Hi-Tech wanted to move away from doing these Moog mods, so a few of the staff started their own company to continue the mods. From that was born Studio Electronics and one of their early creations, the rack mount version of the Minimoog, the MIDIMOOG.
In essence, this synth in this listing is the predecessor to the MIDIMOOG.
Serial Number #9801"
It's hard to believe it's true, but the Moog Voyager, Bob Moog's first synthesizer after getting the Moog Music name back, is being discontinued after 13 years.
I was fortunate enough to pick up a Signature Series Voyager, brand new in the box, on clearance years ago when the last ones were being blown out. It never left the studio and I never sent it out for updates. I wanted to preserve Bob Moog's Voyager exactly as it left the factory, as he signed off on it.
I also have a Minimoog Model D, a Minitaur and the Sub Phatty. What set the Voyager and Model D apart of course was that third oscillator. It makes a difference. I'm curious if Moog will replace the Voyager with another three osc synth. Perhaps a re-issue of the original Model D? Owning both, I have to say each stands on it's own and is different enough to warrant both. The Voyager is refined, yet exudes power. The Model D is wild, aggressive, rough around the edges, but can be tamed.
Whatever Moog comes up with next, I'm sure it will be great. All of their synths to date have something special to offer.
An interesting side note is Bob Moog's Moogerfooger and theremins, released before the Voyager under the Big Briar name, will live on.
The official press release from Moog Music with a tribute video from Nine Inch Nails' Trent Reznor follows below.
"After 13 years & 14,000 instruments, production of the Minimoog Voyager is coming to an end. Moog will lovingly handcraft 600 final units of the Minimoog Voyager at their factory in downtown Asheville, NC before saying goodbye.
The Minimoog Voyager is the foundation of the modern Moog synthesizer. When it went into production in 2002, it signaled the rebirth of Moog Music, and the re-emergence of the analog synthesizer as a viable creative tool in our increasingly digital world. The design philosophy behind the Minimoog Voyager set the pattern for all of Moog’s subsequent work: where beauty, high mechanical quality, and sonic excellence are equally paramount in the service of musical ideas. The Minimoog Voyager is an embodiment of this ideology, and a wellspring of inspiration for Moog’s instrument design now and into the future.
Most importantly, the Minimoog Voyager is the last synthesizer that Bob Moog designed from start to finish. His DNA is in the circuits of this machine, and it is the culmination of Dr. Moog’s life’s work, which was dedicated to electronic musical instrument design.
Recently, Moog had the honor of sitting down with Nine Inch Nails’ Trent Reznor, the genre-defining music innovator, master synthesist and Academy Award winning composer. In the interview, Reznor recounts his intimate relationship with the Minimoog Voyager, which he feels “is the archetype of what a synthesizer is and should be.” Through personal stories, Reznor reveals his decades long history with the instrument and how it has shaped the way he views and creates music. The video is set to an original score by British electronic music producer, The Haxan Cloak, co-producer of Bjork’s Vulnicura. Befitting the occasion, the artist used a Minimoog Voyager and a prototype Mother-32, Moog’s newest synthesizer, to create the score.
Over the course of its 13-year production run, the Minimoog Voyager has become one of the most iconic analog synthesizers in history. Its impact on modern music can be heard on countless records and seen on stages around the world with artists such as Stevie Wonder, Dr. Dre, Radiohead, Herbie Hancock, Alicia Keys, Kanye West, Daft Punk, Bjork and many more.
As a thank you to existing Minimoog Voyager owners, Moog is offering 20% off on all Minimoog Voyager upgrades, modifications and calibrations to domestic customers until the end of the year. Contact techsupport@moogmusic.com for more information.
The Minimoog Voyager is still available in limited quantities at stocking dealers in Performer and Electric Blue versions while supplies last. For pricing and availability, please visit www.moogmusic.com/dealers."
Please check with MATRIXSYNTH sponsors on the right of the site. They help make this site possible.
Trent Reznor | Archetype of a Synthesizer
Published on Sep 30, 2015 Moog Music Inc
"Through personal stories, Trent Reznor recounts his relationship with an iconic analog synthesizer and describes how it has fit into his creative process over his storied career.
Original score by The Haxan Cloak, co-producer of Bjork’s Vulnicura. Befitting the occasion, the artist used a Minimoog Voyager and a prototype Mother-32, Moog’s newest synthesizer, to create the score."
"E-mu 4060 microprocessor keyboard controller and sequencer, with E-mu output panel and power supply in separate custom box, cables, operating manual, and Anvil flight case for keyboard. One of a handful ever built, this instrument has had one owner and is in beautiful cosmetic shape. Built in 1977, it received only studio use for its first 10 years, then was stored in its Anvil case until the present. It will output 16 CV's and 16 gates compatible with most any 1v/oct system, with programmable control of keyboard split, glide, transposition, and channel assignment mode. In the late 70s, the 4060 was the heart of E-mu's modular systems for Herbie Hancock, Patrick Gleeson, and Frank Zappa. A rare find indeed!"
"Members of BIOME, a live electronic music ensemble, perform Tactus Tempus by Frank McCarty, live on KPFA on February 22, 1973. The performers are Allen Strange, Frank McCarty, Pat Strange, Boots McCarty, Steve Ruppenthal, and Steve Whealton. Following the piece, which is performed on four Synthi electronic music modules, the players talk with Charles Amirkhanian about the group and their music."
"Tom was introduced to the PDP-12 while Stephen Jones was working through the restoration effort in the summer of 2013. Stephen sent videos to Tom and it made an appearance in the interactive fiction game [H.H.] Here Tom is experiencing the PDP-12 for the first time running a program called Kaleidoscope in which the user manipulates two dials (X and Y) which are then sampled and used in producing the image on the screen. The -12 has a speaker and every time accumulator 0 is used a flip flop generates a pulse or square wave. Based on how quickly this occurs you will usually hear this square wave in the audio range. The speaker has been amplified for this video."
I asked Red Martian when the PDP-12 came out and how it produced audio:
"1971, though it goes back to the LINC and LINC-8 computers starting in 1960. It has an analog to digital converter which can sample from 8 multi-turn pots and 8 1/4" jacks as well as a bank of 6 relays for switching things. The tone you hear is a flip flop producing a square wave at a frequencing in the audio range everytime accumlator 0 is used. So depending on how busy the system is doing the calculations for plotting points on the X/Y display in kaleidoscope you get a different frequency, sometimes FMish sounding.
I bypassed the speaker and wired in an amplifier for the sake of Severed Head's visit."
PDP stands for Programmed Data Processor. Wikipedia has page on it that goes through the history of the PDP line. On the PDP-12: "Descendant of the LINC-8; with slight redesign, and different livery, officially followed by, and marketed as, the 'Lab-8'."
Here's an interesting bit of DIY synthesizer history. The only other post to mention Lupine Systems went up last October here. Below are the details from the auction including a link to an audio demo. Note there is a Lupine Systems website still online.
Hello DIY synthesizer fans! Way back in the 1970's I designed a number of synthesizer systems. Many of them were basic but for the time they were quite impressive.
I used to build small devices while in school to impress my friends. I often gave away copies of the diagrams, many of which I have seen online in one form or another -- many are very simple in nature and have survived the many years. This design is a hybrid -- the keyboard is digitally scanned but the audio is generated by analog circuits. This combo allows for the use of a matrixed keyboard. The heart of the system is the M50240 Top Octave Generator chip for which the output is divided down to lower frequencies and blended to form the sound to be processed by the filters.
Up for auction is a copy of one of my original synthesizers. The original was built using pad-per-hole and point-to-point wiring. I decided a while back to draft a set of printed circuits for this design "just for the heck of it". Up for auction are the results.
The PC board had a few drafting errors which have been professionally corrected with jumpers (a corrected version is now available but not yet up for auction).
All controls are fully functional and since the photos were taken I have added knobs to all of the rotating controls. I have also added a 1/4" phone jack for the audio output mounted on the rear (not shown).
PLEASE NOTE: THE AUCTION IS FOR THE SYNTHESIZER PC BOARD SET, NOT THE KEYBOARD SHOWN. The keyboard IS HOWEVER INCLUDED. The keyboard is CHEAP and is not of high quality so it is being TOSSED IN WITH THE AUCTION to get you started. Note in the photos that one key has been replaced and does not truly match the rest but plays OK. IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED YOU REPLACE THE KEYBOARD WITH A DECENT ONE rather than rely on this toss-in.
Schematics are included with this auction.
If you would like to hear some of the sounds this keyboard makes you can Click Here for a wav file of the sounds."
Hi everyone! As you know Barry Schrader will be giving his farewell concert at CalArts on September 26. The following is the beginning of my interview with him. I opted to post the questions and answers as they come in. New QAs will get a new post so you do not miss them and they will be added to this post so we have one central post for the full interview. This should make it easier for all of us to consume in our busy lives, and it will allow you to send in any questions that may come to mind during the interview process. If you have anything you'd like to ask Barry, feel free to send it in to matrixsynth@gmail.com. This is a rare opportunity for us to get insight on a significant bit of synthesizer history, specifically with early Buchla systems, and I'd like to thank Barry for this opportunity. Thank you Barry!
Via the reddit thread: "This is an actual picture taken last week, not just gear porn."
Followed by: "It's the prototype for the Moog SL8 (1983). The story goes, Moog brought this to NAMM 83 as an 8 voice polyphonic synth, a follow up to the Memory Moog (which btw has the fattest Osc's I might have ever heard). They brought the cards for the SL8 to NAMM in a 'cardboard box' and this was placed below the SL8 for performance during NAMM. After NAMM the cardboard box containing the cards was lost or misplaced and all the remains is the body. The PolyMoog can be a nightmare, but this is due to the body warping. The plastic container was reinforced on certain later revs (If memory serves correct), but early models suffer a twisting frame and thus damage to the cards. We have a PolyMoog in the collection. I could post a pic on a later date of it. I use the Memory Moog as a go to, the PolyMoog doesn't get as much use as it should."
"Yes. I am the Technical Director of the Audities Foundation. The purpose of the collection is to make sound and art with sonic artifacts This is one of the rarest synths around, but unfortunately lost to time."
"100% unique hand built EML synth based on the 100 & 101 series. I believe this was built by an employee around the time the company stopped building synthesisers in the mid 1970's. It is semi modular in design and includes a spring reverb."
If anyone has any additional info on this one, let us know.
I love it when things like this come up. This belongs in the rarest of the rare synth category. Like something you'd see in a synth dream.
Update: I did a quick search for EML Prototype and found this previous post from back in 2007. You'll find some additional info there.
What appears to be the first electronic instrument for the Apple Watch comes from Michael Eskin, the creator of currently 30 instruments for mobile devices including bagpipes & accordions.
"First tests of the AppCordions.com Micro-SqueezeBox Accordion app for the Apple Watch.
Here's another one I've never seen before. You'll find a close-up of the control section below. The Sound City Piano features Bass, Piano, and Harpsichord with a Tune slider and Vibrato sliders for Intensity and Speed. Is anyone familiar with the brand?
via the listing: “Keys marked with blue tape in pics need repair- most just need springs but play notes. F# does does play.”
Here's something you don't see everyday. I don't believe I've ever seen or posted one here on MATRIXSYNTH before.
via the listing which appears to be a product description from Akai: "If you want to make beats, there's a whole world of options out there, from groove boxes to step sequencers to drum machines to computer-based programs. The choices can seem overwhelming: do you want a unit that's easy to learn, a unit that has the most features, or the unit that's the best for live performance? zZounds knows you just want to start making music, so let's keep things simple: you need an Akai MPC1000. The MPC is the one machine that has been there from the beginning of Hip-Hop and other sample-based music, and continues to be the go-to tool for today's hottest producers. The MPC, or Music Production Center, brilliantly combines real-time audio sampling, the ease of drum machine programming, and the sophistication of a multitrack studio in a one-stop groove shop. And it may just be the perfect introduction to MPC culture.
All MPCs are designed to get your basic ideas down fast, and to help you grow those ideas quickly. It's all about preserving your inspiration, and that's why the Akai MPC has remained standard-issue gear for Hip-Hop and Electronic Music producers for decades. To that legacy, the MPC1000 adds portability--with a footprint no bigger than most laptops, it still packs an impressive array of pro features. The compact size, real-time controls, and amazing sound make it the best gigging MPC ever, but it's still got the features to make it a powerful studio sampler / sequencer. Best of all, it's easy to learn, and still has enough features to make it the center of your productions for years to come.
If anyone knows more about this one feel free to comment (no need to login!). The look kind of reminds me of a Vermona '14 meets Baldwin Explorer.
Update: someone in the comments said it looks like a Minisonic 2. I think that might be it (see this post). The knob layout starting with the two large knobs on right match.
The following is the description from the auction. This is not a modular so obviously ignore that bit.
"Rare VINTAGE Analogue MODULAR SYNTHESIZER similar To ''PAIA 2720 1970s**mid to late 70s presented in teak coloured angular upright case with nicely hinged metal upper, Measures 83 cms LENGTH/ .31 cms DEPTH/WITH AN OVERALL HEIGHT OF 21cms (approx) 29main keys output socet to front /headphone socket to rear comes with mains supply lead which is 3 pin 220/240 volts.OFFERED IN V.GOOD CONDITION THROUGHOUT /Mains tested and ights up correctly when switched on!all components appear original and intact and solder seems sound.
Features 27 Rotational knobs,18 push set buttons 2 large adjustable Frequency buttons, 2 small trig buttons.
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT THE CONTROL PANEL READS;-
KEYBOARD]PORTAMENTO/ BEND/ TUNE/ SPAN
FILTER]FREQUENCY/ LEVEL/ RESPONSE
OSCILLATOR]MOD LEVEL/ SYNC LEVEL/ SIGNAL LEVEL/MOD LEVEL
ENVELOPE]LEVEL 1+2
NOISE LEVEL]LEVEL/ RING MODE
TRIG 1/TRIG 2
ENVELOPE SHAPER]ATTACK/ DELAY/ LEVEL
PAN 1/PAN 2
PHONES ON/OFF SWITCH
THE PUSH BUTTON SET UP FROM LEFT TO RIGHT READS;-
KEYBOARD CONTROL{SPAN/OSC 1/OSC 2}
RING MODE {F/ES1}
OSC MODE{+E-1/-E-1/+E-2}
FILTER MODE{KBD/+E/-E}
OUT{OSCL/ESI}
ENVELOPE {1+2}
OSC FILTER{1/2/F/RM}"
So how rare? I've never seen or come across one in the ten years of running MATRIXSYNTH. This appears to be the first Maxon Mariner MX-2 post on the site out of 128,070 posts on the site including this one to date. Tracking everything synth seven days a week, it's a super rare treat coming across a vintage synthesizer you've never seen before. If anyone knows more about the Mariner feel free to leave a comment. There are 14 previous Maxon posts mainly for their drum synth and effects.
The Mariner appears to have the following sections:
- Tune
- Tone Source with two oscillators
- Noise Source
- Modulator Section with one LFO and four destinations
- Resonant Filter with ENV modulation and Pitch knob
- ADSR, Transpose, Source Select, Bender Select & Portamento controls to the left of the keyboard
The description from the listing follows in French followed by a Googlish translation to English.
"Bonjour!
Vous cherchez quelque chose d'unique et qui veulent faire une différence, voici votre chance !!
Ceci est un synthétiseur analogique à partir des années 60, est un synthétiseur fabriqué au Japon par Nisshin onPA !! Maxon, l'homme qui a été le grand célèbre fabricant de pédales analogiques pour Ibanez dans les années 70 et 80! "Ce synthétiseur était une série très limitée qui a fait au Japon et quelques-uns sont sortis de là !!
L'Europe est une rareté ...
Ce synthétiseur sons style très gras et puissant millésime Moog et ARP.
Esthétiquement est une perle magique !! et avec un énorme potentiel.
Pour vraiment intéressé par l'achat de ce synthétiseur rare !!
envoyez-moi un message privé, je vis au Portugal et je peux envoyer par une agence d'expédition tels que: UPS, DHL ou plus au goût de l'acheteur."
Googlish:
"Hello!
Looking for something unique and want to make a difference, here is your chance !!
This is an analog synthesizer from the 60s, is a synthesizer made in Japan by Nisshin onPA !! Maxon, the man who was the great famous manufacturer of analog pedals Ibanez in the 70 and 80! "This synthesizer was very limited series that made in Japan and a few are out of there !!
Europe is a rarity ...
This synthesizer sounds very bold style and powerful vintage Moog and ARP.
Aesthetically is a magical gem !! and with enormous potential.
To really interested in buying this rare synthesizer !!
send me a private message, I live in Portugal and I can send by a shipping agency such as: UPS, DHL or more to taste of the buyer."
For the past five years the Slim Phatty analog synthesizer has been handcrafted at the Moog Music Factory in downtown Asheville, NC. On July 17th, the last Slim Phatty was built with love and sent out into the world.
The Slim Phatty was Moog's first tabletop synthesizer, a compact poly-chainable ideation of the classic Little Phatty analog synthesizer. Over the last 5 years, the Slim Phatty has found a home on countless stages and in studios around the globe.
We have truly enjoyed putting love and care into each and every Slim Phatty we have built. Thank you to all the Slim Phatty owners for supporting our company and making music with our tools.
Your work inspires our work.
Best Of Slim Phatty Preset Pack
As a thank you to all Slim Phatty owners, we have compiled a Best Of Slim Phatty Presets pack, which includes 99 of our favorite Phatty presets from over the years. Download the Best Of Slim Phatty Presets pack here.
The Slim Phatty Analog Synthesizer is available in highly limited quantities at authorized Moog dealers while supplies last."
"Here is the 'ArmonConcert' I repaired... a very retro and cheesy 70's Italian keyboard that is actually pretty decent...! It has it's own unique sound. Very interesting to play with... seems to respond well to some external effects too...;)"
This is the first video demo of the ArmonConcert I've seen. One was featured in this audio track. You can find pics of the front panel and some of the inside in this previous post of one for sale.
