Crumar Multiman-S / Orchestrator - Synth Review & Demo | Analog String Synthesizer

video upload by synth4ever

"Crumar Multiman-S / Orchestrator vintage analog string synthesizer review & demo. In this video I cover the features of the Crumar Multiman-S / Orchestrator string synth, play some sounds, and conclude with my final thoughts.

Timecodes
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00:00 - Intro
01:01 - Overview
02:56 - Left-hand instruments - Bass, Brass, Piano, Clavichord, Cello, Violin
06:17 - Right-hand instruments - Brass, Piano, Clavichord, Cello, Violin
07:51 - Vibrato
08:37 - Sustain
09:00 - All instruments together
09:54 - String timbre (bright to dark)
11:05 - All instruments together again
12:03 - Pitch control
12:48 - Final thoughts / conclusion

Released in 1977, the Crumar Multiman-S (also known as the Crumar Orchestrator) is a 49-key vintage string synthesizer, with 6 sounds and volume control for each instrument on the front panel. It is split in the middle and allows you to play different sounds with the left hand vs the right hand.

The 6 instruments on the Crumar Multiman-S / Orchestrator are bass, brass, piano, clavichord, cello and violin. You can enable or disable each of the sounds and adjust the volume levels independently to suit your needs as you play.

The brass section features a dedicated filter and envelope with attack and decay, and the filter has cutoff and resonance controls. It can also self oscillate for some quirky sounds. In the middle of the Crumar Multiman-S / Orchestrator is a slider for strings timbre which can be adjusted from dark to bright. In addition, there is onboard vibrato with speed and depth, and sustain control for the entire synth to enable big chords and pads.

The Crumar Multiman-S / Orchestrator is physically large and built into its own tolex case, which is quite rugged and heavy. There are also a few pedals available for this string synth including 13-note (G-G) Foot Pedal Board, Sustain Pedal, and a Foot Expression Pedal controller for the filter cutoff. In addition, there are audio outputs for piano/bass and brass, plus mix out.

Overall the Crumar Multiman-S / Orchestrator is an interesting and nice sounding vintage string synth from a renowned Italian synthesizer company at the time. The independent mixer control for each of the instruments allows you to craft your sound as you play, or have completely different sounds on one side of the keyboard vs the other. The self resonant brass filter also gives it a unique flavor.

The Crumar Multiman-S / Orchestrator can be found on the second hand market for decent prices still, and it is great for big symphonic patches, pads, strings and funky brass. If you are in the market for a vintage string synthesizer, keep your eyes out for the Crumar Multiman-S / Orchestrator as it has its own charm."