Freshwater Announces Modern CPU Card for Fairlight CMI Series I, II & IIx

Press Release follows:

Freshwater announces the new FI50A Card

Freshwater writes a new chapter for the legendary Fairlight CMI

Today Freshwater announces a milestone event with the release of the FI50A card for existing Fairlight CMIs series I, II and IIx. We’ve spent over a year perfecting this project and now offer CMI users a unique opportunity to extend, preserve and enhance these remarkable and era-defining machines.

Installed in an original Fairlight CMI, the FI50A makes the instrument faster, more reliable and more convenient to operate whilst bringing the legendary CMI sound into the 21st century music production environment. We are currently focused on getting these cards into the hands of users and continuing to optimise the enhanced software bundled with them.

What is the FI50A?

The Freshwater FI50A is a complete modern replacement for the original CMI computer section, including CPU, graphics display, memory and library storage. It is compatible with Fairlight CMI Series I, II and IIx systems. The FI50A preserves the character, workflow and hardware experience of the original instrument while dramatically improving speed, reliability, storage and usability. It runs enhanced software derived from the original source code keeping the instrument recognisably and operationally a Fairlight CMI.

The card arrives pre-installed with a fully licensed original CMI sound library and adds practical modern ways to expand it, including enhanced 10-bit sampling, waveform upload over Wi-Fi, SD card and USB memory support. It also adds DisplayPort output, USB, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi while retaining support for legacy CMI keyboards, CRT/light pen operation, floppy disks, MIDI interfaces and Series I/II channel cards.

Installation is straightforward and fully reversible. Using the supplied user manual and online video guide, the original CPU and peripheral cards can be removed and preserved, the FI50A installed in their place, and the original peripherals reconnected.

For owners familiar with the CMI, the result is not a different instrument, but a transformed one: faster, easier to maintain and ready for contemporary studio use while remaining true to the original machine.

For more information, please follow the link below:

https://www.freshwaterinstruments.au/fi50a

“I once said ‘one day the whole CMI will fit on one chip’. We all had a laugh at that. Fast forward 40 years and that’s the reality. By making this new board compatible with the original CMI channel cards, the bits that make the CMI sound so unique are still there, while the digital part is a zillion times more powerful, smaller, cheaper and reliable.” —Peter Vogel

Chilling with Fairlight

video upload by 100 Things I Do

ESI-Audio - Xsynth-Update & Fairlight CMI mini | SUPERBOOTH 26

video upload by Bonedo Synthesizers

New Fairlight CMI Lightpen USB Mouse Interface

Overview video upload by DeftAudio

"The Fairlight CMI USB Lightpen Interface replaces (or complements) the original lightpen with a standard USB mouse, making navigation faster, easier, and far more accessible. Designed specifically for Fairlight Series I/II/IIx, this compact interface bridges vintage hardware with modern usability."

https://deftaudio.com/store/tproduct/...



The Fairlight CMI USB Lightpen Interface replaces (or complements) the original lightpen with a standard USB mouse, making navigation faster, easier, and far more accessible. Designed specifically for Fairlight Series I/II/IIx, this compact interface bridges vintage hardware with modern usability.

Originally designed in 2010 by Joe Britt, in 2026 Joe and Deftaudio have redesigned it for better look and feel, added an extra cursor mode, aluminum enclosure and powder coated side panels with silkscreen.

KEY FEATURES:

USB Mouse Control
Navigate your Fairlight interface using a standard USB class-compliant mouse
No drivers, no setup, plug and play
Designed for simple, reliable mice (no special features required)

Works Alongside Original Light Pen
Keep your existing light pen connected
Seamlessly switch between light pen and mouse—or use both simultaneously

Dual Cursor Modes (NEW)
Mode A: Small, precise cursor for detailed work
Mode B: Large, highly visible cursor for navigation
Switch instantly via front-panel toggle, no reboot required

Buffered Video Output
Additional RCA composite video output on the rear panel
Drive a second monitor simultaneously with the original display
Ideal for expanded viewing, demonstrations, or studio setups

Premium Build Quality
Custom-designed PCB with fully assembled components
Rugged metal enclosure matching Deftaudio’s Luma One production standards
High-quality silkscreened front and rear panels
Built for durability and long-term use in professional environments

Simple Setup
Connect the interface between your Fairlight system and monitor
Plug in a USB mouse
Power on—LED confirms device recognition
Start navigating instantly
Optional: connect a second monitor via composite output for dual-screen operation.

Compatibility Notes
Supports USB class-compliant mice only
Not compatible with advanced gaming or feature-heavy mice
Requires monitor(s) with composite video input for video output feature

You'll receive:
1. Lightpen USB Mouse Interface
2. Video Cable
3. USB-B power cable
4. Power adapter

Fairlight CMI Series I II IIX IIIL III Mainframe Front Panel Hinges of UNBREAKABLE Die Cast Metal

video upload by Synclav com

If you never knew the original was plastic, now you do!

Jean Michel Jarre in his Home Studio 1987

video upload by Bleu Lezard

This one is in via in via Ivan Trajkovic aka deejayiwan.

"Visit of Jean Michel Jarre's studio at his home in Croissy in 1987 as part of the 1pm newspaper presented by William Leymergie on French Television Antenne2, for the release of the album: 'Houston Lyon in concert'. Fairlight and ARP2600 demo.
Mixing: Denis Vanzetto.

I kept this document on a VHS tape in the attic for 20 years. I'm happy to have kept it for so long and, thanks to Youtube, to share it with you!

I would be delighted to share my music with you:
👉 Web: https://bleulezard.com
👉 Digital platforms: https://linktr.ee/bleulezard
👉 Instagram: / _bleulezard"

Jean Michel Jarre 1981 Studio Footage and Magnetic Fields Part 4 Performed In The Studio

video upload by Willy Billiams

https://www.jeanmicheljarre.com/

Some Fairlight, EMS, and Oberheim OB-X synth spotting. Moog Rogue, Solina, and Korg PE-2000 K-5 Poly Ensemble S come in later. Note what looks like a modular system at 5:37. Anyone ID it?

Fairlight Series III

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

via this Reverb listing

"Hello . I have a Fairlight Series iii that belonged to my husband who was a film composer . I am now looking to sell this Fairlight and would be very appreciative for some advice on what kind of price I should be looking for . It has the original keyboard and user manuals . “A very rare chance to purchase an this music industry Fairlight series 3 for restoration. Only ever 300 made it’s basically part of synth/sampler history, they don’t come up for sale very often! Fairlights were used by Kate Bush, Art of noise, Pet shop boys, and were also used on the sound track of ‘Terminator movie’ try and find another for sale! This is a truly an iconic and unique instrument complete with flight cases and instruction manuals (A better more practical up to date monitor can be purchased online specifically for this rare instrument)..."

Side note according to Google AI: "The Fairlight Series III did not use a light pen; it replaced the older light-pen input with a graphics tablet and stylus for user interaction with the screen's graphics, partly due to user complaints about arm fatigue from holding a light pen."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Fairlight CMI IIX

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

via this Reverb listing

"I purchased this Fairlight CMI IIx about 6 years ago from a music store out of Colorado. After having the unit freighted to New Jersey, I would take yearly trips to have a good friend and excellent repair tech Mike Walters out of Chapel Hill, NC to do various repairs and general maintenance on most of my vintage gear. I had purchased both a IIx and a Series III, which he documented part of the journey on his Mystery Circuits website (Google to have a look!)

The IIx came from a widower who had put some of her husbands gear on consignment. The unit was in good shape (albeit with some wear bits/light paint chipping on the keyboard and CRT screen wear) and working condition when I purchased it, but without a lightpen. I had Mike do various maintenance bits and upgrade the disc system to the Virtual Music Fairytale (Smart SD Card System). The floppy drives do function as well, and can be used to load sounds/systems alternatively. I will include my collection of floppy discs as well. It took several years to track down a lightpen and get it to work with the unit. Mike was brilliant in researching and repairing bits and pieces to make it work. The pen does require a light tap on the base to engage the selector mechanism, but functions as expected.

I've had the unit gone over maliciously over the years and it has had light playing time during my ownership going between my home studio to garage. I've used it mostly as a expensive rompler- sad to say and have never touched upon the sampling side of things. Due to the nature and fragility of the Fairlight and the great expense/risk to ship, the sale is strictly As-is, As-described. I am located in Toms River, NJ and would strongly encourage qualified buyers to set up a day and time to inspect and look over the unit before or after purchase. I had this shipped to me and at the time it was somewhere north of $2k to have a freight company package and pallet the unit for coast to coast shipping. You would have to make plans after purchase to do so as it is an undertaking and liability I don't want to take on."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Synths That Tanked! Top 15 Value Crashes You Won’t Believe!?

video upload by Andy Whitmore

You be the judge. Feel free to comment below.

"💥 The biggest synth value crashes of all time! These once-iconic instruments lost tens of thousands in value—from legendary analog giants to futuristic digital monsters.

You've seen the synths that became priceless icons… but what about the ones that didn’t?

In this countdown, we reveal 15 professional synthesizers that lost the most value from their original prices (adjusted for inflation). From boutique rarities to digital behemoths, these are the synths that hit the market hard—and hit resale even harder.

🎹 We cover:

Synth name + release year

Original price + adjusted inflation value

Current resale value

Total loss 💸

A fun or tragic fact per synth

Whether it's a Fairlight, Synclavier, or the ultra-rare GX-1, some of this gear once cost more than a house… and now? Let’s just say you could buy one for the price of a laptop.

🧠 Think you can guess the biggest loser?"

CLICK FOR MORE »

FairLight CMI EPROMs Inside a Sequential Circuits Drumtraks. #sequentialcircuits

video upload by Program 17

"This is fairly CMI Eproms I programmed inside of a sequential circus Drum track. I programmed them to hit harder. This is the best set I ever designed. I made more drums too. I made most of the CMI drums. When I designed the Fairlight CMI for originally for Bon Jovi’s guitar player John Shanks. He wanted the exact tears for Fears sound. Doing my research. All I kept on seeing was Fairlight CMi. I downloaded all the original sounds for the fairlight. I used a Oberheim prommer to design the binary files, I made them hit really hard. These have to be the best drums I ever designed.

IG program_1700 if you want any sounds or email me

Going.up.up.up.up@gmail.com"

Degenerator 2 Fairlight CMI Feelings :)

video upload by Rolf Degen

"Degenerator 2
Polyphonic DIY Synthesizer & Sampler
Fairlight CMI Feelings :)

DIY blog: https://www.sequencer.de/synthesizer/..."

Fairlight Newsletter October 1985 No. 5

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

via this listing

"Original Fairlight Newsletter October 85, No. 5. It contains 6 pages in English and gives some information about the CMI Series III. Cool item for collectors or owners of this mighty system.

A previous owner made two holes in the side to store it in a folder."

CLICK FOR MORE »

A Visit to Synth Temple : Part 2 #synth #electronicmusic #synthesizer

video upload by Luke Million

Part 1 here

"I dropped past Synth Temple in Melbourne, Australia which is an incredible studio featuring a crazy amount of classic synths, drum machines and outboard gear.

This is the 2nd video of my time there featuring;

Elka Synthex
Fairlight CMI 30A
Schmidt 8 Voice
Roland Jupiter 8
Roland Jupiter 4
Roland Juno 106
Roland JX8P
Roland JD800
Roland Juno 60"

Behind The Drums Ep 08 - Tears For Fears "Everybody Wants To Rule The World" Linndrum with Fairlight

video upload by Controlled Voltage Sound Labs

Additional Behind The Drums episodes

"A deep dive into how the drums were made on Tears For Fears' hit single 'Everybody Wants To Rule The World.' Video includes a re-creation of the drum beat using a Linndrum with sounds from the Fairlight CMI.

Processing
Hi Hat + Cabasa - Teletronix LA-2A + Lexicon 224 Hall Setting
Kick - Teletronix LA-2A
Snare - Teletronix LA-2A + AMS Reverb Short Gate"

Fairlight CMI IIX 1982 - Original

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

via this listing

CLICK FOR MORE »

Fairlight Voicetracker VT-5 MIDI Analog Mic/Line Controller SN 10221

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

via this listing

EXTRAS INCLUDED:

Korg PS-2 Pedal Switch
Dual TS M to TRS F y-split
2x TS 90-degree I/O jacks
XLR F & XLR M barrel connectors
XLR F & XLR M to TRS barrel connectors
UNPACKAGED WEIGHT: 7.9 lbs.

UNPACKAGED DIMENSIONS: 13" x 4" x 8.5"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Fairlight Looping

video upload by 100 Things I Do

"Its been quite a while since I made a video so I just wanted to start back with something simple and just a bit of fun.

My Fairlight CMI Series III always seems to deliver something inetersting, so I fired it up and had a play with RS (Realtime Sequencer), setting a loop of 4 bars and just letting it record one track at a time. Nothing too serious, but great for creating ideas

Hope you are all doing well. Thanks for checking in!
Mike"

Wax Tax! Inspired Music and Digital Art // Fairlight CMI // DeltaLab // Casio Sk-1 // Synth Topics

video upload by Saul Stokes - Frequensea

Frequensea Episode 5

"Stokes extracts the music and design language of WAX TRAX!, crafting his take on the 1980 / 90s label out of Chicago. Expect daw-free driving rhythms, pulsing basslines, and aggressive sound design; all syncopated with a nonstop digital art blitz.

Accompanying Stokes’ art and music set will be a short presentation on WAXTRAX! and the musicians who forged a unique genre of electronic music, along with some of the equipment behind the music.

Topics:

WaxTrax!
Ministry - 242- Chris and Cosey - Front Line Assembly
Fairlight CMI
Delta Lab Effectron
Early Akai Samplers
Yamaha CS01
and More"

You can find additional Frequensea Episodes in previous posts here.

Bill Wolfer - Working with Stevie Wonder

video upload by Anthony Marinelli Music

Discover the enchanting tale of Bill Wolfer, a young dreamer from Cheyenne, Wyoming, whose ambition led him to create a master plan: relocating to Los Angeles, securing a job at Guitar Center, and orchestrating the perfect sequence of events that ultimately launched his thriving music career alongside two legendary icons - Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson.

In this captivating video, Bill not only marvels at the awe-inspiring genius of Stevie as a songwriter, singer, and keyboardist but also graciously opens up about the deep emotional connection and joyful camaraderie he shared with Stevie firsthand. It's a heartwarming journey that showcases not just musical prowess but also the power of friendship and passion in shaping a magical career.

00:00 Introduction
00:36 Stevie Wonder's Early Career
01:40 Berry Gordy Years
02:38 The Guitar Center Plan for a Music Career
04:14 The Star Parade at Guitar Center
05:26 Meeting Ronnie Foster
06:42 Discovering the ARP Sequencer
09:12 Stevie Wonder Hears Bill's Music and Calls Him
09:57 Working on Journey Through the Secret Life of Plants with Stevie
11:50 Touring with Stevie
13:20 Bill's Beautiful Friendship with Stevie
16:19 All-Nighter Recording Sessions with Stevie
17:20 Driving with Stevie...and the Rolls Royce
20:42 Stevie's Sense of Humor, Incredible Singing & Musicianship
23:52 Meeting Chick Corea
26:07 Stevie, Chick and Herbie Hancock
26:57 Logo (AMM theme music)

https://www.anthonymarinellimusic.com