MATRIXSYNTH: Latronic Notron Mk1 version 2.0 (upgraded firmware)


Friday, March 14, 2008

Latronic Notron Mk1 version 2.0 (upgraded firmware)

This Notron is now up for auction.

"This is the original, ultra-rare version 1. There are only about 100 of these in existence, many in the hands of famous musicians. If you are looking at this auction you probably already know what this is!

Despite being produced int he late 90's there are still unique features on this sequencer not found anywhere else (not even on the Genoqs Octopus). My favorites are the cumulative transpose and supersteps.

from Sound on Sound:

"Its moulded plastic case has no fewer than 87 tri-colour LEDs, 10 stylish knobs, four equally stylish control wheels and 103 switches that rattle like marbles on a solitaire board. The Notron is a step-time MIDI sequencer with four rows of up to 16 steps. Each of these is capable of sending note information, MIDI controllers, chords and arpeggios on separate (or, indeed, the same) MIDI channels. Unlike older analogue sequencers, it doesn't have a separate pitch knob for each step; instead a switch toggles notes on or off.

Designed for lap-top operation, the Notron feels comfortable and is light enough (at 2.2kg) to leave propped against a convenient wall when not in use. Or to wear as an impressive codpiece, come to think of it. (Dimensions are approximately 14 inches by 18 inches by 2.5 inches high.) Let's complete the obligatory tour quickly so we can get to the interesting stuff: the Notron has a MIDI In and Out, two auxiliary inputs (for future developments such as controller devices) and an input for the external power supply. Construction is to a high standard, so there's no doubt that you're dealing with a serious piece of kit."
I bought this a few months ago from a guy in England (who was friends with David Spowage one of the creators) for research purposes only (I am an engineer and I am designing a sequencer). It has served it's function so now it is time to pass it on to someone who will get some use out of it! The original owner had this unit upgraded to the much improved version 2.0 software. Unfortunately to do this with the Mk1 (the enclosure is made from sealed plastic) they had to cut the edges of the Notron to open it up. This is the same way all Mk1's have been upgraded. The result is that there was a rubber edging glued on afterwards. It looks totally pro from the top but in the underside you can see he was a bit sloppy with the rubber cement. The upside is that the glue is easily scraped away (rubber) if you are neat freak. There is also a tiny 1" long hairline crack in the bottom right side (underneath), it is almost invisible but I feel it is important to disclose all details! Those are the downsides to the upgrade, the upside is that they replaced many switches and pots and the new firmware functions fantastically and includes many improved features detailed in the V 2.0 manual.

It is well used but everything functions perfectly. Included is the the old firmware rare, extra memory chip and extra switches. I also have a UK and US power supply and all the manuals.

See why Bjork, Howie B, Richie Hawtin, The Orb, Jeff Mills, The Advent, Claude Young, Girogio Moroder and many others love theirs."

1 comment:

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