Obsolete tech is so much fun | Anatek Pocket Split

video upload by Espen Kraft

"Gear considered to be obsolete can be a lot of fun. This time we take a look at the Anatek Pocket Split from the late 80s. This little box lets you split your master keyboard into 8 different zones, throughout 8 different midi channels if you want. I'll settle for 3 zones and 3 midi channels in this video. It's still a useful little box and when I'd need a fast and easy way to do this I'd use this every time."

1981 Anatek "Pocket Products Catalog" Brochure

via Retro Synth Ads where you'll find close-up scans and a write-up.

Interesting bit of history: "1989 - Creation Studios, a high end music recording studio is built in North Vancouver by Barry and Jane Anne Henderson. Barry Henderson was also Music Products Division Manager at Anatek Microcircuits, a hybrid manufacturer in North Vancouver, BC with revenues of $1M USD. He and his team developed the Anatek line of MIDI and audio products including the now famous line of small MIDI signal powered MIDI processing accessories called "Pocket Products". "

ANATEK POCKET FILTER

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"Anatek Pocket Filter is vital tool for problematic set-ups. With MIDI data becoming increasingly complex, Pocket Filter can unclog the MIDI data stream, sending only the most useful information. Use Pocket Filter to remove unwanted clock messages or System Exclusive data. When sequencer space is at a premium, use Pocket Filter' to remove memory-intensive aftertouch and controller information. Pocket Filter" frees-up unused MIDI Channels from multi-timbral synths, making them available for other modules. In addition, Pocket Filter" can be used to channelize oldersynths that only receive in OMNI mode. Use Pocket Filter' as a diagnostic tool to test or develop your own MIDI devices.

Filter on all MIDI channels
Filter controllers, System Exclusive and Real Time Data
Combine data types/channels
DIP switch to select filtering by channel
Select channel # from any keyboard"

You can find a link to the manual in this post from 2008.

Anatek Pocket Products Lot Wind Machine Sequencer Power Pack

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

You can find a demo of the Wind Machine breath controller here, and some additional info here. You can find a few posts featuring the sequencer here, but unfortunately no videos.

"Anatek Pocket Products Lot Wind Machine Sequencer Power Pack MIDI Synthesizer

Includes:

Wind Machine
Pocker Sequencer
Power Pack
256k Sequencer RAM"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Anatek Pocket Sequencer & Pocket Merge

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

Anatek Pocket Sequencer via this auction

"16 tracks with overdubbing and quantization."

Pocket Merge via this auction

"In-line MIDI powered (5 pin) MIDI data merge (2 cables in, to 1 out)."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Wayne Joness - ANATEK Wind Machine Demo - Very RARE MIDI Breath Controller

Published on Jun 23, 2015 WayneJoness

"Video demonstration of the very rare Anatek Wind Machine. This cool box converts the control voltages from a Yamaha BC1 or BC2 directly into MIDI. Otherwise, you need a compatible Yamaha product, such as a Breath Controller input keyboard, or the VL1m to use the Breath Controller. For this demo, I used the Synful Orchestra virtual plug-in in Digital Performer. Synful has direct support for MIDI controller 2, Breath Controller. The Beethoven music played at the beginning was made with Synful, but I did not create this version, I do not know who did the introductory music."

Anatek Pocket Sequencer with Manual

via this auction

"ANATEK POCKET SEQUENCER w/256K RAM Card!
Gently used, unblemished, fully functional and ready to go. Posted here with a very optimistic BIN price, however this is a NO RESERVE auction. This 2.5" x 1.5" x1" marvel is powered by MIDI, so no worries about wall warts, batteries or flaky power supplies. Despite its spartan appearance, the POCKET SEQUENCER is packed with features, most of them accessed via your MIDI keyboard. Here's the list from Anatek's site (now iZ):

16 Track MIDI Sequencer
258k memory card included (?? The card is 256K ... maybe there's 2K built into the main box. I haven't tested this theory.)
Variable, quantize rates
Automatic punch-in
Syncs to MIDI Clock
Tape recorder-style control
Records System Exclusive
This auction includes the Sequencer, 256K RAM card, and printed one-page manual. No original box. The manual has some scotch-tape damage and is a bit worn (see pics), but is still perfectly readable."

PDF of the manual here (download link on the right).

CLICK FOR MORE »

Anatek Wind Machine

via this auction. This went for 280 Euros.

"Wind Machine

Wind Machine and your BC 1 or BC2 Breath Controller (not provided) add expressive power to your keyboard performance. Brass patches can punctuate or pad according to your whim, not to some pre-programmed attack setting. Your sax solos will turn heads with their authenticity. And layered string sounds can fade in precisely where they're needed while your hands and feet are free to control wheels and pedals.
Compatible with everything. Wind Machine interfaces to Korg, Roland, Yamaha, Ensoniq and the rest! No longer are you forced to use your breath controller with only one brand of MIDI synth. Any MIDI keyboard that will respond to MIDI Volume, Aftertouch,W Modulation, Breath Control, Pitch Bend, Expression, Foot Controller, or Pan can be controlled by Wind Machine.

It's a natural. Blowing into a mouthpiece is the most natural way to enhance keyboard performance. Wind instruments have been designed around this principle for centuries.
Alone, keyboard Aftertouch isn't as effective because when you release the keys, the
effect goes away. Modulation and Pitch wheels alone aren't as effective because they $ don't allow you to play chords. But when combined with Wind Machine, all of these
can be used to create vastly improved expression capability.

Easy Hookup
A flexible input/output configuration means ·· ·nd Machine can fit seamlessly into any setup. The si·lest way is to use it to send eontrol signals to the MIDI input j ack of a keyboard synthesizer. If the Mn·I setup involves a master keyboard and external modules, W· Machine can combine incoming signals from the master w· it's control signals and then pass them on to a se·encer or sound modules.

Wind Machine can transmit the most popular control parameters to keep it simple. Most MIDI keyboards respond to Modulation. Aftertouch or Volume so you won't have any problem finding one compatible with your synth. Any one of the 1 6 MIDI channels can be selected as well."

Sent my way via loscha.