Published on Mar 6, 2016 DeftAudio
via this auction
See this post for a fun overview and demo of the CMU-800R, including the software, at the 2006 PNW Synth Meet. You can find additional info on the CMU-800R here and here, and of course in the archives. Note you do not get full access to the internal synth parameters, so think of this as a severely limited preset synth with TR-606 drum sounds, and CV & gate outs. Still a fascinating bit of synth history and this one has MIDI so you do not need the software to make use of it. According to this Sound on Sound article it was "the first sound module to provide multitimbral voicing, independent outputs for each section, control over other synthesizers, and sequencing."Description from the listing:
"The CMU-800 is one of unique and rare module that was produced by Amdek and then by Roland in the past. It's a medium-sized, off-cream metallic wedge, with a barrage of jacks on the back and a bare minimum of knobs on the front. It also sported this ruddy great ribbon cable hanging out the back!
What is it? Essentially, its a computer-controlled CV/gate output system, designed to work with computers - a Japan-market-only NEC Z80 machine and the humble Apple II range. No MIDI, no inputs as such, just a means to let your 'brand spanking new 8-bit computing marvel' be the controlling heart of your System 100M [see this post]. The box was the same for each model, you just bought the interface and software to suit your particular CPU.This unit is in amazing condition looks and works like new even it's 25+ years old!
I'm confident saying it was never used, since it still has a label on the power cord and comes with original box and packaging. Looks previous owner has never had an interface card for that.
It has MIDI option installed. This is custom prepared unit, almost not possible to buy anywhere else:
You'll be able to control everything that could be controlled. Including single voice Melody channel, single voice Bass channel, 4 voices Chord channel and analog Drum channel. CV/GATE output also works, so, you'll get 8 channels of CV/GATE in addition!
Midi implementation chart:
Midi channel CMU800R CV/Gate out Comments
1 Melody Ch1 1-voice
2 Bass Ch2 1-voice
3 Chord Ch3 1-voice
4 Chord
Ch4 1-voice
5 Chord Ch5 1-voice
6 Chord Ch6 1-voice
7 - Ch7 1-voice
8 - Ch8 1-voice
9 - -
10 Rhythm - 7-poly drums in GM
11-16 - -
Also support pitch shift, CCs on 01, 16, 17, 18, RPN and midi reset mesages."
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