"ELEKTOR - Formant Synthesizer build features, Schematics and PCB layouts!
This is a nearly complete set of the original month by month build instructions for the Elektor Formant synth!
The lot includes 12 issues from April 1977 to October 1978.
Issues 24, 25, 26, 31, 32 (2 copies), 33, 34, 35, 37, 38, 42.
The mags are an amazing snapshot of the hobby electronics scene in the late 1970s, but I am obviously selling these because of the Formant sections.
Issues 24-35 are the ones with the actual Formant features, schematics and PCB layouts.
There are a few missing (27-30), but even if you don't already have the others, this is a VERY rare opportunity to pick up the original magazines with the schematics and build diary in, rather than relying on scans on the web.
I'm throwing in 3 more issues, Issue 37 also has half of the C.Chapman VOCODER design as well !!!
They are all in absolutely fantastic condition. You will also get the official 1978 Elektor binder."
"In this episode we take a look at the voltage controlled filter 12 dB and 24 dB modules and their theory of operation. One module needs a bit of work because an op-amp has passed away. VCFs have almost no applications apart from music electronics, but the integrator amplifiers, they are based on, are very interesting and useful."
Elektor Formant DIY semi-modular system. Note the lack of patch chords. Connections are internal. You can see what the back of a different system wired up here.
"At Superbooth 16, we talked with Moon Modular synth designer Gert Jalass.
He told us the story of how he went from being a ‘typical DIY guy’ to creating new modular synthesizer designs, with detours to make MIDI gear for Kraftwerk, build a Synthesis Technology MOTM modular and repair Moog Modular Systems."
"Selfmade Sythesizer planed, build and played by Kurt Diedrich"
29 knobs. If anyone speaks German, let us know know what he says about the synth. I'm curious what the circuits are based on.
Update: some info from strogon42: "Kurt says in the video that it's modelled after a Minimoog with discrete circuits (no special ICs), but he mentions only one oscillator specifically (but later you hear a second one), a filter (ladder presumably), vca and two envelopes, which are ADSR not ADS. The oscillators have switchable waveforms, octave selectors and frequency (LFO or third oscillator?) and pulsewidth modulation. There's also portamento. There isn't much information in the video."
Update2: and some info via Kurt Diedrich in the comments: "The snthesizer has two identical oscillators indeed and in addition an extra LFO. The envelope is ADSR for VCA and VCF and the filter has 24 dB/octave, realized by OTAs.
More information for now on the following links:
"Somehow I managed to beat around the bush, doing 4 videos about this old synth before touching any of the modules. This one probably the last one with preliminary skirmishing. Next we'll be looking at an actual module."
"In this episode I test the cheap eBay LM2596 Modules with an adjustable electronic load. Turns out they are horrible: more than 100 mVpp ripple at 1 A. It gets better when another inductor is added in series with the module, but I chose to go with the original Elektor design after all."
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Formant Musik-Synthesizer #2 Demo-Tape 1978 (German)
Uploaded on Jul 27, 2011 MonoThyratron
Part 1 had embedding disabled. You can find it here. I found this video after seeing the auction listing for the tape below. I'm guessing this is the same, but of course I have no way of knowing for sure. If you know feel free to comment. Below is the video description in Googlish, followed by original German. It was massive so I opted to put it with the pics.
Cool little bit of obscure synth history you don't see everyday.
Googlish description for the video above (original German after the dotted line break below):
"For educational purpose only!
This demonstration was part of the band, published by the publishing house Elektor book "Formant music synthesizer" (1978) will be presented operation and sound examples of Formant -.. Part 2/2
"The synthesizer is even for many experienced musicians a difficult instrument whose musical dimensions are in contrast to the conventional instruments is often not readily recognizable.
That an intensive study of this unusual musical instrument worth, takes the reader to the formant series hardly proven to be. After the positive reactions to the formant by readers and also by the music trade press, the following setting examples and musical hints supplement the formant series into a single unit.
By the way can also be used in an appropriate form to play the other synthesizer most tips for the synthesis of realistic instrument sounds. Specifically, the highly detailed settings described the resonance filter that play a central role in generating credible timbres, can basically for any electronic musical instrument very use to the advantage of the sounds produced.
The setting examples are divided into two main parts: First, it is important to learn how to operate the individual formant modules properly and exhausts its possibilities. This saves the less experienced formant owners that first game attempts to exist alone. The given guidance, transporting the player in a relatively short time in the position of having independently over the sonic possibilities of his instrument.
The second main part describes combinations of basic settings that make it possible to create differentiated instrumental sounds with the formant. Thus, for example, describes the settings for the sound producing a wooden flute, a trumpet, a trombone, a tuba, a vibraphone, string instruments, a clarinet, a bassoon, an oboe, a flute, a piano and so on in detail and illustrated by Einstellskizzen. An important role is played by the resonance or formant filtering education that includes an important and, audible 'improving sound shaping. The numerous tips that are presented here, can be easily used for other synthesizer and in general all electronic musical instruments.
Finally, it is explained briefly what benefits eg a Miniformant and polyphonic playing mitsichbringen. Using the manual you get to know the formant better. The settings described contribute also the handwriting of the author '. They are therefore not to be regarded as the only true, but to fuel creative doing. About own sound discoveries the joy is greater than on predetermined settings. "
Source: C. Chapman, music with the synthesizer, setting examples and tips for playing music with Formant, in: Formant music synthesizer, Elektor Verlag Gangelt 1978, p 80
ISBN 3-921608-10-4"
This is a nearly complete set of the original month by month build instructions for the Elektor Formant synth!
