MATRIXSYNTH: Rare Sequential Circuits Model 700 Programmer


Thursday, August 06, 2015

Rare Sequential Circuits Model 700 Programmer

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"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

Sequential Circuits Model 700 Programmer Overview Back in 1974 Sequential Circuits was a small music technology company based in San Jose, California and run by Dave Smith from his apartment. The initial product was the Model 600 analog sequencer, followed in late 1975 by the Model 800 digital sequencer. Dave and new recruit John Bowden (x-Moog) then went on to create the Model 700 Programmer in the spring of 1977. The new product provided rudamentary patch memories for analog mono-synths like the Mini-Moog and ARP 2600. The table top programmer had 64 memories of 3 control voltages to drive the VCO's and two DADSR envelopes to drive the VCF and VCA of the partner synthesizer. In 1977 this was a major step forward, with only Oberheim providing patch memories on its 4 and 8 voice synthesizers. The Model 700 makes use of CMOS digital chips and early RAM chips, Dave didn't use the newly available Z80 microprocessor. That would have to wait until the design of the Prophet 5 later in 1977 and the influence and support of Dave Rossum at E-mu Systems. Mark 1 -- Dave launched the Model 700 in early 1977 and went on to sell one a week, mainly in the USA, for a few years. Here is a Mark 1 model, all the knobs are large, there are no CV trimmers on the top left hand panel and the patch switches are engraved with numbers. The record switch is part of the right hand lower toggle switch... Description -- The Model 700 has 3 independent control voltages for controlling the pitch of the partner synthesizers VCO's. Each pitch is controlled by a rotary potetiometer, and a single external control voltage from a keyboard can be optionally added into each pitch with 3 toggle switches. The pitches are quantized to semitone values. Two envelopes can be programmed with the usual ADSR and an initial delay - very Dave Rossum! The envelopes are triggered from gate or trigger inputs, usually from the external keyboard. The envelopes are designed to drive the VCA and VCF of the partner synthesizer directly. Each envelope has its own VCA so that the envelope volume can be controlled from the 700. There is an additional offset control for envelope 2, so that the initial VCF cut-off can be set too. Memories -- Once a patch has been set up with the programmer you can store it into one of 64 memory locations, selected by 8 switches (Programs) and a rotary switch (Banks). A red Record button is partially sunken into the control panel, which means it is not accidentally pressed.."

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