Philips MC100

video upload by Blossom Bisquits

http://matrixsynth.com/blog/media/oberheim/matrix6patches/Matrix-6%20-%20matrix%20patched.mid"The Philips/Brother PCM 100 Composer Digital Sequencer, released in 1986, was a pioneering mini-workstation that had a brief market presence. It featured a 2-OP FM synthesizer, producing sounds reminiscent of the Yamaha Porta series home/toy keyboards.

Equipped with a 2-octave touch keyboard, the PCM 100 boasted a robust real-time/step sequencer with 8K RAM for recording. Its large LCD screen facilitated composing and note entry, allowing playback of any of the 100 onboard FM sounds.

Although the synthesizer itself was monophonic, it offered three additional parts for accompaniment, including bass lines, chords, and 15 rhythmic patterns. Uniquely, the PCM 100 included a built-in cassette recorder for storing and loading composed sequences.

Architectue

- **Type:** Digital
- **Synthesis:** Frequency Modulation (FM)
- **Oscillators:** 2
- **Waveforms:** Sine
- **ROM Size:** 32 kb
- **Modulation:** Envelope, Oscillator, Sequencer
- **Notes:** 2-OP FM Synthesizer

Envelopes and LFO

- **Envelopes:** 1
- **LFO:** 1

Polyphony and Tuning

- **Polyphony:** 4
- **Timbrality:** 4
- **Tuning:** Standard
- **Modes:** Polyphonic

Patches

- **RAM:** 100 patches
- **Storage:** Internal, with 6 percussion sounds and 15 rhythm patterns

Sequencer

- **RAM:** 8 kb

Chips and Operating System

- **Chip:** Yamaha OPL YM3526

Case and Controls

- **Type:** Desktop
- **Keyboard:** 25 keys, touch plates, plastic
- **Controls:** Buttons
- **Display:** LCD, LED
- **Dimensions:** 220 x 190 x 40 mm
- **Weight:** 715 grams

Connections

- **Audio Output:** 1/4" phone jack, stereo
- **Main Audio Output Count:** 2
- **Power:** 9V DC, 500 mA

Production

- **Year Released:** 1986
- **Year Discontinued:** 1988

Design Notes

- **Designer:** Lindsey Williams"