Rare Sequential Circuits Model 700 Programmer

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via this auction

"This is a very rare Sequential Circuits Model 700 Programmer designed to work in tandem with synths like Arp 2600s, Minimoogs (with CV) and other analog synths that didn't have the ability to store patches to have some of that capability. It includes a lot of great on board features. This particular unit still has the box and was barely used making it very close to new for such a vintage piece from the late 70s! Here's more info: RARE SEQUENTIAL CIRCUITS 700 SYNTHESIZER MEMORY / PROGRAMMER This vintage analog synth programmer was designed and developed by Dave Smith, founder of Sequential Circuits back in the later part of the 1970's. This particular unit was used on a Mini-Moog to assist in live performances and offered extremely swift and accurate recalls of analog synthesizer parameters. Overall, I'd say that this unit ranks a 7 out of 10 due to some of the lettering has worn off the front panel, there's a few light scratches, and there is a small amount tape residue on the top of the real panel [see photos]. Unfortunately I was unable to test it but was working fine and trouble-free when it put in storage - a bedroom closet - about 10 or so years ago so I can not say if it's working or not [However, When last used, it offered smooth, easy and trouble-free operation]. The unit powers up and the red LED display is strong & bright and the unit steps through the bank & program numbers like it's supposed to. It has the original, knobs, pots, switches and lighted push-buttons - All in working condition with a nice, rugged feel. Serial number is which I believe indicates that this unit was one of the first ever produced of the 700 series. I have recently been told that only 25 of these units were made so here's your chance to own a piece of Sequential Circuits early history. Below is a brief description and info I found on-line

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ARP 2600 presets with Sequential Circuits Model 700 Programmer

O.Z. Hall

Left channel audio only on this one.

"The third product from Sequential Circuits was the Model 700 programmer. It allowed monophonic synthesizers like the ARP 2600, Minimoog and ARP Odyssey to have the following parameters preset:
VCA envelope and amount
VCF cutoff, envelope and amount
VCO tuning (for 3 VCOs).
The Model 700 programmer was the precursor to the revolutionary Prophet 5 synthesizers. The Prophet 5 used the same knobs, switches and color scheme.
This video demonstrates this 1970s Model 700 programmer with a reissued ARP 2600."

Sequential Circuits Model 700 Programmer SN 0191

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via this auction

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Vintage 1979 Sequential Circuits Model 700 Programmer SN 0142

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via this auction

Pics of the inside below. Note the art on the circuit board. Looks like two dudes poking cells. If anyone knows what it is and/or where it comes from feel free to comment.


"You are looking at a vintage 1979 Sequential Circuits Model 700 Programmer, used to add 64 patch memories to an analog synthesizer. No small feat in the days before synthesizers had built-in patch memory! Sequential only produced a couple hundred of these programmers and as a result, they are extremely rare and very hard to find, especially in this condition! According to the circuit board, this is a mk 2, rev 1 variation of the original, adding a single cable connection to the synth you wish to control. To the best of my knowledge, this programmer is fully functional. I purchased it years ago from a gentleman who demonstrated it for me and everything was working at the time. Unfortunately, I no longer have any synthesizer gear to test it with. I can say that it does power up and that all 8 tactile switches respond properly, with their respective LEDs lighting. The 2 digit screen at the center of the programmer lights brightly, just as it should, and changing positions on the memory bank rotary switch and pressing the tactile buttons change digits on this screen just as they should. All knobs and switches have a firm feel to them, no sticking or sponginess of any kind. Cosmetically, I feel the photos speak for themselves. This one is in EXCELLENT cosmetic condition, with the front and top panel showing no signs of flaking or corrosion whatsoever. Wooden sides are in excellent condition as well. Rear panel and bottom show some VERY minor paint flaking, but no actual damage, and nothing that will cause this flaking to become worse or spead. Circuit boards are in excellent condition with no damage at all. I will remove and replace the old 3v battery inside prior to shipping, as it is more than ready to come out. Depending on when this programmer sells, it may take me a few extra days to replace this battery. If the purchaser would prefer not to wait for a battery replacement, I will happily ship with the old battery removed."

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Sequential Circuits' First Product, The Model 600 Sequencer and Complex Wave Generator

Brochure scan in via Brian Kehew.

This is a scan of a product flyer for the the Sequential Circuits Model 600 Sequencer and Complex Wave Generator.  It is first image of the  unit shared on the internet that I am aware of (click here for a search).  It was Sequential Circuits first product. Approximately only four units were made a couple of years prior to the Model 800.

An interesting side note is the aesthetics of the unit.  See if you can spot what's missing before you read on.  Sequential Circuits (along with Oberheim) started out creating products to work with existing synthesizers at the time.  So what's missing?  The trademark knobs and section outlines.  It wasn't until the Model 700 programmer in 1977 that we begin to see what was to become Sequential Circuits trademark look.   Another interesting side note is that the model numbers for Sequential Circuits first three products where not actually sequential, the Model 600 (1974), the Model 800 (1975), and the Model 700 (1977).  They broke out of the "Model" line for the name with the Prophet-5 (which was the Model 1000) in 1978, but came back once with the Model 64 Sequencer for the Commodore 64 in 1983.  One final thing I thought was kind of neat was that the final bullet point in the brochure called out how the Model 600 made for an excellent teaching aid for electronic music.  Indeed.

The following is the description from the scan (note the reference to the unit as a teaching aid):

"MODEL 600 SEQUENCER and COMPLEX WAVE GENERATOR

As A Sequencer -

- Three rows of 16 controls, each row with its own output.
- Built-in sequential control for up to 48 note sequences by turning only one knob.
- Voltage controlled clock can be set internally and/or controlled externally.
Patch one output row back to the VCO input, and the length of each note can be precisely controlled.
- Can sequence slower than one pulse every 30 seconds through and beyond the entire audio range.
- Any one level can be skipped by simply throwing its corresponding switch; hence, any combination of levels can be set.
- Direction switch for forward or backwards direction.
- Handy three-way mixers at the output for easy patch changes.
- LED (light emitting diode) visual display.
- Switch trigger output compatible with Moog synthesizers, including the Mini-Moog.
By flipping one switch, gate and trigger outputs can be obtained for other synthesizers, suck as the ARP 2600.

As A Complex Waveform Generator -

- The quality of the Model 600 makes it possible to be used as a complex waveform generator, with up to 48 segments constructing the composite waveform. Below is an oscilloscope plot of a 48 segment sine wave at 300 hertz, with the lower wave-form the output after being run through a low-pass filter.
- One can easily see the possibility for complete waveform control. With an internal adjustment, the external input can be adjusted to the standard 1 volt/octave; hence, the sequencer can actually be played as an oscillator by any keyboard.
- This capability makes the Model 600 an excellent teaching aid for electronic music, as well as a quality waveform generator for the perfectionist synthesizer performer."

Sequential Circuits Model 700 Programmer SN 0051

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via this auction

Some nice close-ups of the jacks on back below.

"This listing is for one late-70s vintage Sequential Circuits Model 700 Programmer in worn but good cosmetic condition and excellent functional condition. It recently underwent full electronic restoration by genius tech Dave Brown and is working perfectly. He posted full details of the restoration on his modularsynthesis website. Unit has attached power cable and is a 120V model.
This is a Mk 1 unit and is likely a bit of history, I think Dave Smith was making these by hand. There is no microprocessor, all switching, sequencing and memory is analog.

You might ask "what do I need a programmer for now that I have midi/Expert Sleepers/eurorack/etc?" While that was its original intended use think of it this way:
--You have 2 DADSR envelopes with attenuation and 3 manual voltages
--You can save these settings in 8 banks of 8 settings
--You can then step through each back in 1-8 steps with an analog trigger or gate, essentially making an 8x3 sequencer with different envelope settings per step!
--Also, there is a transpose input so you can run a keyboard 1v/oct cv in and transpose your voltages (individually selectable for each of the 3 voltages)"

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Sequential Circuits Model 700 Programmer

via this auction
"Mark 2 In 1979 the Mark 2 model was released with front panel V/octave trimmers for the 3 control voltages, and a single multi-way socket for a single cable connection to the partner synthesizer. The Mark 2 has revised PCB's and a slightly different circuit design. The original CA3080 and matched transistor design was updated to use SSM2050 and SSM2020 chips, along with TL072 Op Amp's. The high quality sealed cermet pots were also replaced with standard carbon pots. All these changes meant the Model 700 could be manufactured for less money.

Sequential Circuits went on to sell over 200 Programmers, and it was still in the catalog in March 1981.

The Model 700 has a place in synthesizer history and it provided some funding and technical R&D for the legendary Prophet 5. Below is a Mark 2 version with Prophet 5 knobs, and lettering above the tactile switches. The 7 segment display is larger and the patch Record facility has a red button rather than being on the right hand lower toggle switch." via Nick.

Sequential Circuits Model 700 Programmer Mark I

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via this auction - learn how to sell on eBay here.

Pic of the inside below.

via the listing: "If you don't know what this is or does, Google "Sequential Circuits Model 700 Programmer". If you know what it is, then you know how rare and unique it is. One of Sequential's first products, only 200 or so were made. List price for the "Mark I" was $1195.00 in 1979. I bought this one from Sammy Hagar's keyboard player, who had used it with a Minimoog on Hagar's "Red" tour. The walnut wood side panels had been painted black. I used it with a modular synth both live and in studios. In 1983?--it "lost" its memory. I took it to Sequential, and they replaced the memory battery [for free] and also gave me a schematic when i requested one. In 1985, I sold the modular synth [dang!] but kept the Mdl. 700 in case I got another modular--I never did. It was unused until 2001--I turned it on and the fuse blew. I took it to a Tech, who replaced the power capacitors and "put heat sinks on the voltage regulators"? Unused again until 2010-when I took the battery out to replace the dead one in my SCI Six Trak. Recently tried to check the outputs with a voltmeter.It looks like one of the envelope generators works, and one does not.I don't know what should be on the other outputs without the memory battery. Also,the display numbers do not always change when you turn the Bank Select knob. Otherwise, it is in very good physical condition-no rust, and only minor scratches and dings. It will definitely require Technical help. No returns. USA only shipping."

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Sequential Circuits Model 700 Programmer

via this auction

"Sequential Circuits Model 700 Mark 1 Programmer. This is a very rare item and only a few were made in 1977. Wine Country link is here. This programmer will give you 64 preset memories for your older modular synth (like an Arp 2600). Here's a really great link that explains in great detail what this unit does"

Sequential Circuits Modded Moog MINIMOOG Model D Analog Synthesizer

via this auction

"Moog MINIMOOG MODEL D Synthesizer. Serial # 9504 (1977). Comes with original Moog ("Forge" by Anvil) case... I'm the second owner and from what I understand in 1977 this synth went to (or was used by?) a start-up called Sequential Circuits Co. (in a Sunnyvale, California garage, before they became SCI and moved to San Jose) where Dave Smith and John Bowden [Bowen] were working on a Minimoog, Arp 2600 memory programmer called the Model 700 - this later became the patch memory for the famous Prophet 5 synth. At that time Sequential Circuits would do a mod that allowed all three oscillators to be accessed by the Model 700 involving extra input jacks. This Mini received that mod and has since been returned to original, but the 3 extra jacks remain...they are very clean and are marked "Key", "2" and "3" (see pics). I have another Minimoog that has this same mod that I use with an early Model 700 and it's really an amazing set-up if you can find one...they do turn up on Ebay sometimes.

The Anvil case is in good shape with some scuffs and scratches. The foam is holding up but is getting old and will need to be replaced in the coming years."

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PNW2008: Lorne Demos the Sequential Circuits Model 700

YouTube via matrixsynth.

Remember to click on the pnw2008 label below for more.

"Lorne Demos the Sequential Circuits Model 700 Sequencer programmer at the Pacific Northwest Synth Gathering 2008" Note his comment on how this may be the first voltage controlled memory. You save your settings for each step which the sequencer then runs through. You can find some good images of the Model 700 here.

Sequential Circuits Model 700 Analog Synth CV Programmer

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via this auction

"This is a VERY RARE Model 700 Programmer by Sequential Circuits. It was a product designed to allow you to save presets for your CV based analog synths. Just check it out online for all the details, features and specs.

This one will need some service, so it's priced very cheap compared to what they typically sell for. It does power on, but the 2-digit LED display rarely shows any data, and controls/lights aren't doing anything. I would assume that the internal battery does need to be replaced, but no clue beyond that what will be involved in getting it up and going. There also appears to be something missing on the back right above the Output - Input label (see pictures)."

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Sequential Circuits Programmer 700 and Much More

Title link takes you to a huge auction list of some rare items including this Sequential Circuits Programmer 700.

I forgot about this unit. The 700 was basically a CV controler with patch storage, essentially allowing you to store patched for whatever you were controlling it with.

Details from the auction (Google translated from German): "Sales mean in the best way received and fully functioning Sequential Circuits Programmer Model 700. So far I was white the first storable Programmer as condition alone equipment. One can store the following control voltages: Volume days 1/2/3 (with insertable external tension) Envelope 1/2 along in each case Amount, Delay and ADSR (with second one can also still connect external tension). Everything with the pertinent outputs/input in 6,3mm Kline and mini handle. Further inputs for program programmweiterschaltung, gate, SWITCH trigger (Moog) and normal Trgger. Still additionally two sockets on the back were inserted, were times firmly attached at an upper home 2-Voice. In the best way suitably for modular systems. 8 banks with in each case 8 program memories are available."

Update: Synth shots saved here.

Sequential Circuits Model 700 Programmer

via this auction

You can find the history of the Model 700 on Emulator Archives here.

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Sequential Circuits Model 700 Programmer

via this auction

"Up for auction are two Sequential Circuits Model 700 Programmers.

Historically, these are very significant as they were one of the first products manufactured by Sequential Circuits, when Dave Smith was operating out of his apartment in San Jose."

1979 Oberheim SEM Moog 904A Bass Synthesizer Rig System Leland Sklar

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via this auction

BRAND: 360 Systems / Oberheim / Moog

MODEL: Slavedriver/Live Performance Synthesizer

FUNCTION: Live Bass Synthesizer Rig

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: This listing is for a One-of-a-Kind custom built bass synthesizer system built by Wayne Lentis of 360 Systems for Leland Sklar which he used while touring with artist Billy Thorpe supporting his hit song "Children of the Sun" in 1979!

We recently removed this system from Lee's gear locker here in Los Angeles where it has been in storage for 40 years!

What we have here is the Synthesizer section of a very special bass rig that was built for Leland to power his massive 3-Way Klipsch System touring rig. See above for the only known photograph of Lee with it and nearly knocked "unconscious" from its mind blowing power!

As Leland tells it:

"Billy Thorpe was a huge child star in Australia. We did this album and it was a conceptual album that he came up with. Spencer Proffer produced it in his studio in Hollywood called Pasha. We cut it as a trio: it was me and Billy and Alvin Taylor on drums. Billy was great. He was so strong and powerful and into it. He had such a commanding presence.

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Thief (1981) complete "Igneous" scene (music by TD)

video upload by kovalmoog

"The whole scene of Thief (1981) with TD's re-edition of 'Thru Metamorphic Rocks' theme, renamed as 'Igneous' in the OST release.
The film version is by far more extensive than Thief CD version.
Enjoy that sequence !"

TD = Tangerine Dream.

Curious what they were using back then. According to this thread, they used the following on tour during that time period:

Live in East Berlin, 31st Jan 1980

Chris Franke:
Custom modular synthesizer (comprising of about 50% Moog and 50%
Projekt Electronik):
Moog Oscx2/R.M./VCF/VCAs
Projekt Elektronik VcEnvx2 & Proj. Elek. 2VCO/W.Noise/R.M./Waves (for Drums)
Digital sequencer & trigger selector
Programmer for above (SCI model 700 programmer)
Synth sound bank (for above)
Moog 960 sequential controller x2
Projekt elektronik sequence controller x2
Moog 3-band parametric
Moog 12 stage phaser
Moog 920 programmer
Moog 16-channel vocoder
Rhythm robot sequencer
Emu Oddity voice card
12 analogue drum sounds
Drum envelope unit
Drum EPROM sampled sounds
and more...

Oberheim OB-1
Prophet 5 (rev 2)
Minimoog
Korg PE-2000 polyphonic Ensemble
Elka Rhapsody 610 string machine.

Edgar Froese:
custom Moog modular synthesizer (3 box units comprising Moog modules and sequencers plus sequence controllers from Projekt Electronic)
Prophet 5 rev 2
PPG Sonic Carrier 1003 programmable duophonic DCO/DCF/DCA based synthesizer
PPG Wavecomputer 360 polyphonic digital synthesizer
PPG 350 keyboard sequencer
Arp Pro-DGX monophonic preset synthesizer
Korg PE-2000 polyphonic ensemble
Roland MC-8 microcomposer
Roland VC-10 vocoder
Arp/Solina string ensemble
Mellotron mk V

Johannes Schmoelling:
- Minimoog
- Yamaha CP-80 electric grand
- Oberheim 4-voice
- Elka Rhapsody 610
- Polymoog
- Korg PS-3100
- Synthanorma sequencer

-----------

European tours (Nov-Dec 1980 & Jan-Feb 1981):

Equipment used:

Chris Franke:
Moog/PE modular tower as above
Minimoog
Arp Odyssey mk III
Elka Rhapsody 610
Prophet 5 rev 2

Edgar Froese:
Projekt Elektronik modular synthesizer & sequencers (used by Peter Baumann during '76 and '77)
PPG 340 A Generator Unit, PPG340 B Processor Unit, PPG380 Event Generator, PPG x 2 Terminals, PPG x 2 Computer Keyboards,
Oberheim OB-X

He may have used some more keyboards during these tours but I'm not sure which ones (possibly the Arp pro-DGX, the PPG Sonic carrier or the PPG
360 wavecomputer?)

Johannes Schmoelling:
Moog modular synthesizer (usually handled by Edgar Froese on stage)
Minimoog
Polymoog
Prophet 5 rev 2
Yamaha CP-80 electric grand

-----------

British Isles tour (Oct-Nov 1981):

Equipment used:

Chris Franke:
Moog/PE modular tower as above
Minimoog
Arp Odyssey mk III
Elka Rhapsody 610
Prophet 5 rev 2

Edgar Froese:
PPG 360 wavecomputer
PPG Wave 2
Arp Pro-DGX
Korg PE-2000 poly-ensemble
PPG 5-octave keyboard controller
Custom sequencer (by Helmut Groethe)

Johannes Schmoelling:
Minimoog
Oberheim OB-X (handled by Froese on previous tours)
Custom sequencer (like Edgar's)

MATRIXSYNTH NAMM 2016 Pics

Update: Booth list added below.  30 booths in one day!  It's become tradition for me to come on Saturday only.  The site is just too busy leading up to then.  Be sure to see the last image in the set  It's the NAMM Booth promo for the first showing of the original Minimoog Model D.  The Bob Moog Foundation was giving out buttons of the flyer which you can see in the second to last image.  You never know what will be your last pic at NAMM.  I am glad it was this one.  It's more than fitting considering the Minimoog was the birth of modern day synthesizers.  Apologies for not calling this out earlier.  It was one of those should I not say anything and let people pause at that image and discover what it meant on their own, or should I call it out.  I guess I did both.  :)

--

So first of all, apologies for the super tall pic to start! For some reason Flickr's slideshow is not resizing it, and a few others, to fit the desired frame size. Mouse over the image and use the controls that come up to move through the slide show. Once you get past the first image, the majority of the rest should fit fine. For what it's worth, the super tall pic to start does give you a feel of what it's like to walk up to the entrance of NAMM. If you prefer you can check out the set on Flickr here. Feel free to grab any pics for your wallpaper but if you'd like to use them professionally (not that any are that good :), please contact me by clicking on the small email icon on the bottom right of the site. This year I took a total of 328 pics.

All that said, enjoy the set! The pics speak for themselves. If you have any questions or comments feel free to leave them in the comments.

NAMM was great this year. Lots of familiar faces and lots of new. Modular has grown exponentially. It was on the main floor this year rather than what we like to call the dungeon. As for new synths, the DSI Oberheim OB-6 stole the show. The minilogue looked and sounded great and the KORG Volca FM was a very nice surprise. Roland's booth was great; nice dim lighting to let the blinky synth lights shine, as well as giving you a more intimate experience with their synths. There was also a cool wall sized timeline of Roland synths. Malekko's Roland System 500 synths were in show and I actually was able to help with one that had its envelope switched to loop mode. Moog's Island of Electronicus was an incredible space. The pics don't do it justice. It was literally like an oasis in NAMM. Things get pretty hectic and can feel overwhelming at times. Moog's booth just made you smile and relax. Thank you Moog!

PS, there are a couple of non-synth shots in the set that might make you smile. I took them to show my wife what I was looking at. :)

Including this post, 253 NAMM2016 posts have gone up and more are sure to follow.

Update: The booth list in order of appearance in both the set and in me walking through NAMM.  The pics in the set are in the order taken.

1.   Entrance to NAMM
2.   Dave Smith Instruments
3.   Moog Music
4.   Schneiders Buero Booth featuring Doepfer, MFB, Birdkids, AJH Synth, Endorphines, soundmachines, and Haken Audio
5.   Pittsburgh Modular
6.   Modal Electronics
7.   Make Noise
8.   Moon Modular
9. WMD (4ms, Verbos & Koma pics came prior to Moon Modular as they were across from each other. The WMD modular area was huge): 4ms Pedals, Abstract Data, Audio Damage, BaSTLE, Delptronics, Elite Cases, Rossum Electronics, Expert Sleepers, Foxtone Music/ Black Market Modular, Koma Elektronik, Hexinverter, Macro Machines, Mordax Systems, Noise Engineering, Qu-Bit Electronix, Soulsby, Steady State Fate (SSF), STG Soundlabs / Detachement 3 [check out the Crowbox black SEM eurorack module!], TipTopAudio, Toppobrillo, Verbos Electronics.
10. Studio Electronics, Mode Machines, and D-Tronics (check out the massive DT7 dedicated programmer for the DX7 similar to the old Jellinghaus)
11. Roger Linn's Linnstrument
12. Tom Oberheim
13. Elektron
14. Malekko - complete with Roland banner to promote their new System 500. Check out the glowing case! You can control the color with CV control.
15. Big City Music - Analogue Systems, Critter & Guitari, Cwejman, Dewanatron, Dirty Boy Pedals, Effectrode Tube Effects, EMC, Eowave, Jomox, Livewire, Mellotron, MWFX Pedals, Sherman
16. Schmidt in the Big City Music booth.
17. Radikal Technologies
18. Waldorf
19. Arturia
20. intelligel
21. Social Entropy and Abstrakt Instrument
22. Expressive E
23. John Bowen Synth Design - check out the custom Sonic Six with Sequential Model 700 Programmer & modded Model 800 Sequencer.
24. Roland (the guy with the hat on the right is the drummer for Train - I was taking pics of the timeline and they were standing there. I asked them if they wanted to be in the pic and they said sure! :) Apologies to Ed Diaz! I took his pic right when he saw me. Trust me he was full of smiles after that pic. I was flattered to find out he knew about the site! :)
25. Yamaha
26. Novation
27. KORG
28. Tangible Instruments showing their Arpeggio
29. Industrial Music Electronics (formerly Harvestman) and Sputnik Modular Synthesizers.
30. The Bob Moog Foundation

30 booths in one day!

Sequentiial Circuits Synthesizer Programmer Model # 700

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"The unit is a Sequential Circuits Programmer Model # 700 s/n# 0153... The unit is designed to remember settings and programs of the old analog synthesizers ( Arp Odyssey, SQ Pro One, Mini Moog etc..)"

"Treat Yourself" Vintage Sequential Circuits Birthday Cake Ad

via DSI on Facebook

via Retro Synth Ads where you'll find the full post.

"Sequential Circuits Inc. Model 700 Programmer and Model 800 Sequencer 'Treat Yourself' advertisement from page 11 of Contemporary Keyboard Magazine May 1980."