M.P.C. Electronics D.S.M. 1 & 2 SNs 548, 1084 & 1070

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"5 drum synth sections with individual trigger & accent adjust.
Parameters for each drum synth section includes : Input sensitivity, Decay, Bend, Pitch, Mix, Noise, Click, Level, ( Noise section selection from Tom/Bass, Snare ) in other words lowpass to highpass filter.

Trigger each drum synth using trigger out from your drum machine or sequencer, Tr 606, Tr 808, it will even trig from a audio source.

This unit is fully functional and rare, especially in this condition, excellent condition for it age.

All the front knobs are present ( except in the back some plastic button caps are missing but it is not really apparent since it is hidden )

Modules are mounted inside a ( Military style ) case with a leather handle. It can be close securely with the help of 4 metal clips.

The modules are connected together with standard 5 din midi cables to distribute power supply Please note that these are use for power supply only, not midi use...!!!"

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MPC Electronics DSM 1 & 2 System

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SN 923, 1260, 1350

This system includes one D.S.M. 1 module which provides a single drum voice and acts as a power supply for up to five additional modules. (BTW, it's important to know that the power supply jacks on the backs of the units should not be confused with MIDI jacks, although they use the same connectors.) It is accompanied by two D.S.M. 2 modules, each featuring two drum voices. These drum voices sound very much like Simmons SDSV sounds in both style and quality, and several useful synthesis parameters are provided to allow you to shape the sounds to your individual taste.

There are only a few issues to note. On D.S.M. 2 module #1350, both of the Mix controls are starting to feel as if the wipers in the potentiometers are about to give out. You can still create useful changes in the audio, but they jump a bit, and both should be replaced in order to achieve smooth operation. And on D.S.M. 2 module #1260, the Click potentiometer for drum synth 1 has been noticeably replaced. It works great, but the part that was used is slightly different in size, and it sticks out from the rest of the knobs.

Otherwise, this drum synthesis system is in great shape for its age. The LEDs and switches are immediately responsive, and the knobs are not scratchy. Most importantly, the drums sound clean and loud...

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Retro Synth Studio Spoiler

Published on Jun 8, 2013 snolan1990·29 videos

"As requested on numerous occasions by Sean O'Neill this is a brief studio tour. I am moving home within the next month so this video is almost as much for me to reminisce about this room in the future as much as it is for the few other like minded retro electronic musicians who are interested to get a brief insight into my set up before it is entirely disassembled and rebuilt in a garage.

I had to keep it brief because the tune wasn't very long but if anyone has any questions regarding the MIDI and Audio connections then feel free to ask a question.

The music featured in the video is a little idea that I liked but that never really went anywhere, I didn't actually use much other than the Pianet on it but I thought I would stick it over this video anyway as a way to air some of my less electronic/more funky sounding stuff for those interested. Even though he will probably never see this, thanks to Tom for playing the bass for me."

Some studio synth spotting. MPC Electronics MPC-1 Music Percussion System in there.

Rare Vintage M.P.C Drum Synthesizer D.S.M. Modules SN 1260, 923, 1350

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"D.S.M. 1 Drum Synthesizer Module (1 each) has 1 drum synth channel and can power up to 5 other modules (untested functionality)
D.S.M. 2 Drum Synthesizer Module (2 each) has 2 drum synth channels per unit

All 5 channels make sounds, but units can use some cleaning of pots, replacement of missing pot covers, etc."

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M.P.C. Music Percussion Computer D.S.M analog drum synth modules

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RARE VINTAGE M.P.C. Electronics D.S.M. 2

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MPC The Clap & The Tymp

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The Clap SN 1546 via this auction
The Tymp via this auction

Description for The Clap: "All analogue.  In good working and cosmetic condition, this has a round pad mounted on a plastic composite and metal box with controls to produce a clap sound. The controls allow a variation of sound with volume, spread, decay and mix knobs.  Trigger in, on 3.5mm jack, so it can be triggered from a drum pad, or almost any audio signal.  Output on standard ¼ inch jack.  9V adaptor, (also a 3.5mm jack), not included, or PP3 battery  In very good condition except the battery cover is rusty. As this is just a plain steel plate it could be sanded and resprayed very easily.
Manufactured in in Cambridge, England."

Description for The Tymp: "MPC The Tymp, 80s Tympani / Kettle Drum Synthesizer  All analogue.  In good working and cosmetic condition, this has a round pad mounted on a plastic composite and metal box with controls to produce a drum sound. The controls allow a variation of sound with volume, pitch, decay and mix knobs.  This can produce a synthetic tympani or kettle drum sound and useful toms, kick, and also an alternative snare.
Trigger in, on 3.5mm jack, so it can be triggered from a drum pad, or almost any audio signal.  Output on standard ¼ inch jack.  9V adaptor, (also a 3.5mm jack), not included, or PP3 battery  In very good condition , missing a rubber foot, still has its paper made in England sticker!  Manufactured in in Cambridge, England."

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MPC DSM1/DSM2 ANALOG MODULAR DRUM SYNTHESIZER

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"4 MODULES (six synths+1controller)!

...extremely RARE analog modular drum synthesizer MPC DSM2. It's made in England... The one for sale on this auction consists of 4 modules (one is master DSM1 and the other three are synths - each has 2 synths) making it together 6 synths (each can be tuned to a different drum voice). Each synth has pad input, trigger input and analog output. There is no MIDI but you can use with with either pads (like Roland electronic percussion pads) or triggers by audio..."

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RARE VINTAGE MPC DSM1/DSM2 ANALOG MODULAR DRUM SYNTHESIZER

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"4 MODULES (six synths+1controller)!  (one is master DSM1 and the other three are synths - each has 2 synths) making it together 6 synths (each can be tuned to a different drum voice). Each synth has pad input, trigger input and analog output. There is no MIDI but you can use with with either pads (like Roland electronic percussion pads) or triggers by audio..."

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Rare MPC electronics The KIT drum Synth

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Vintage Analog MPC Electronics Drum Synthesizer Modules

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"What we have here is a piece of 1980's musical nostalgia, the MPC Electronics Drum Synthesizer Module System. These appear very rarely on ebay and represent probably the first commercially available electronic drum system. These pre-date the Roland V Drums.

It consists of 3 modules. DSM 1 processes trigger inputs and provides power to the other two DSM 2 modules.

These are of the 19" Rack-Mount type..."

Update: video added below via Z in the comments.

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VINTAGE MPC Electronics "THE KIT" ANALOG DRUM MACHINE

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The kit - MPC Industries - rare drum machine
YouTube Uploaded by prone69 on Jul 16, 2011

"One of the rarest drum machines made in the UK in 1982, the machine is a bit battered but it works!! .. I must apologise for the sloppy playing but hopefully it will give you an idea of basic functions. You cant make out the toms on this recording but they sound a bit like the toms Grandmaster Flash used on Flash it to the beat.Its for sale on EBAY , search for b.boyprone"

via this auction
Note the video above is linked in the auction for demo purposes only. It is not the actual MPC SN 3314 listed.

"MPC electronics was only in business for a few years and they only made this piece (and a few companion pieces for "THE KIT") as well as a larger programmable version of "THE KIT". They were a UK based company, I suppose they just couldn't keep up with the advancements of other companies such as Roland, Korg, Linn etc. In the end less than 5,000 of the were ever made, that's even less than the TB-303!

I have been told "THE KIT" was released as an attempt to compete with the TR-606 of sorts. But what "THE KIT" is missing in programmability, it almost makes up for in sound quality and performance functionality.

"THE KIT" has a number of features you won't see on a TR-606, some you do... I will detail them below:

- THE KIT has 7 piezo drum pads that allow you to play the kit.
- Ride Cymbal can be tuned from a knob on the pieces front. (see pics below)
- Each drum part has it's own 1/4 inch mono output. (see pics below)
- There are 11 Trim pots on the pieces back the allow you to control different aspects of the machine. Such as: Cymbal Pitch / Decay, Snare Noise, Drum Decay and Pad Sensitivity.
- CV Inputs for the Bass, Snare and Hit Hat (i'm pretty sure, might be a tom also)
- Pre-programmed hi-hat section, 6 different beats w/ 4/4, 3/4 and 4 on the floor, 8th note and disco shuffle. GREAT HI-HAT SOUND!
- The pre-programmed hi-hat section can send CV OUTPUT to another piece via the 1/4inch output
- Individual volume controls for each drum parts
- Foot switch on / off
- 9v 1/8 inch power jack input (adapter NOT included) as well as 9v battery.

LINKS YOU WANT TO SEE:
YouTube VIDEO DEMO Link: http://youtu.be/Cr8TwbCyQUE [below]
Advertisment from 1982: http://www.synthmuseum.com/mpc/mpcad01.jpg
Advertisement from 1982: http://www.synthmuseum.com/mpc/mpcatlkit01.jpg
About MPC Electronics / Atlantex: http://www.synthmuseum.com/mpc/index.html"

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1983 MPC Electronics Music Percussion Computer Ad

via Retro Synth Ads where you'll find the write-up.

"MPC Electronics Music Percussion Computer "Play What You Feel..." 1-page colour advertisement from the December 1983 issue of Keyboard Magazine."

MPC electronics Vintage Analogue Drum Machine

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"rare 1982 drum machine/computer build by MPC electronics of Cambridge.

There are some problems with the unit:
The sequencer is not working. Might be down to a faulty battery?
Pads for tom 2, cl hi-hat and bass drum are not responsive.
But otherwise everything works 100% i.e. the 7 other sounds + pads together with all knobs and switches + individual, master and phones outputs. Also the unit is stable - powers up with no problems/no flickering lights etc.

The unit has the fully analogue sound of early drum machines like the 808 or other roland machines and plenty of knobs to shape the sound. It can be triggered from the 8 pads or from an inbuilt sequencer or remotely sequenced by a ZX81 / Sinclair 1000 (proper vintage) by a special interface cable. The sequencer works as a real time programmer recording the triggered pads. Besides mixed output and phones each sound has an individual output.

Here is a run down of some of the features:
10 drum sounds:
Bass drum: pitch, decay, level
Snare drum: noise, pitch, decay, level
Hi-hat closed and open: tone, tightness, level
Cymbal: pitch, decay, level
Clap: level
Toms 1-4: bend, noise/tone mix, pitch, decay, level + a pitch and decay that affects all 4 toms
Level for phones and mix plus a mute swich
Switch for selecting between cymbal and clap or tom 3 and 4 for the pads
Switch for sequencer playback of clap or cymbal
DIN Sync in and out that works with roland stuff like 808, 606, 303 etc"
Video at the auction and below.

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MPC ELECTRONICS MPC1 VINTAGE ANALOGUE DRUM MACHINE 1982

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"MPC Electronics MPC-1 analogue drum machine from 1982. These are very uncommon - an English drum computer... It's capable of some great sounds, and is one of the less-used analogue drum machines: it's been likened to an 808 sonically, and whilst that's not far off the mark, I think its strength is that it isn't an 808 (which has been used/sampled/replicated to death) - it represents a chance to stand out from the crowd. It certainly has a unique physical presence and wow-factor.
Individual outs also make it very tweakable mix-wise, as do the various onboard tweaks for individual sounds."

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M.P.C. The Kit with Original Box

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"The Kit is a very rare little percussion synthesizer. The kick, snare, and toms sound a lot like an 808, while the cymbals remind me of a Roland CR-78 or a Boss DR-55. The sounds can be adjusted via trimpots on the bottom of the unit (see photo), making the kick capable of Miami Bass style 808 booms or flat thuds. The Kit also has a sequencer for the hi-hat sounds, giving you a ton of different patterns in different time signatures."

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Vintage MPC Sync Track Synth Unit for Roland Bassline

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"This is a MPC Sync Track for use with Bassline Drumatix and other synth sources. It is in good condition with minimal wear and passes a signal but has not otherwise been tested."

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MPC ELECTRONICS 2 DRUM SYNTHESIZER

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"RACK MOUNT MPC ELECTRONICS 2 PIECE SET DRUM SYNTHESIZER. THE MODEL NUMBERS ARE DSM 1 AND DSM 2. BOTH ITEMS WORK TOGETHER. THEY COME WITH SEVERAL BARCUS BERRY MICS..."

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The CLAP Analogue electronic sound module

via this auction

"The CLAP electronic simulator

Analogue electronic sound module/playing pad which is designed to simulate hand claps.

Made by MPC Electronics in the UK in the 1980s

4 knobs - Spread, Mix, Decay, Volume.

Can be triggered externally (positive pulse of 3v or above)"

MPC Electronics MPC-1 Analog Drum Machine Demo

YouTube via snolan1990 | September 03, 2010

"This is a brief overview of the features and sounds of the MPC Electronics Music Percussion Computer. This is a fully Analog Drum Machine made in Cambrige in England in 1982 by MPC Electronics featuring a four pattern internal sequencer and plenty of interfacing methods for a machine of this age. For whatever reason this machine seemed to fade almost entirely into obscurity, however if you managed to find one in fully working order it would make a fine addition to any electronic studio.

It should be noted that this machine is not 100% working, the internal battery has leaked and damaged the external sync circuits meaning that it will only work as master clock and a few of the pots are broken. Most notably the snare tune and decay pots are gone resulting in the snare being a very short burst click sound where as on a full working unit it would probably sound closer to a 909 snare.

For the cheesy little demo track at the end of this video the instruments used are as follows.

Drums - MPC-1
Latin Percussion - Roland TR-727
Electronic Piano - Roland JX-3P
Bass - Oberheim DPX-1 (with Juno-60 bass patch sample)
Harpsichord - Akai S900 (with Juno-60 patch sample)
Organ - Roland Juno-60
Sequencer - Akai ASQ10"