DK Synergy Synthesizer sound effects

"This is a demo of some factory program sound effects for the DK Synergy digital synthesizer from the 80's. No editing was done to these presets aside from some front panel performance adjustments. Recorded directly into Logic via Apogee Ensemble with some EQ'ing and compression."

Digital Keyboards Inc. DKI Synergy Vintage Synthesizer SN 01616

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via this auction

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Oceana - Featuring the DK Synergy

via Fred Becker on The MATRIXSYNTH Lounge

"An album of music done on the rare vintage digital Synergy synthesizer... There is also a Yamaha RX11 drum machine on there. A Roland Tape echo and two Roland phase shifters were also used."

Theatre - 1980's Prog Rock Featuring John L Rice

Theatre - Locust Uploaded on Mar 30, 2008 Theatre1982·25 videos

"Recorded live at Evergreen State College in Olympia, WA in 1983..."

Those who have been following MATRIXSYNTH for some time should be familiar with John L Rice from his numerous modular videos. John is well respected in the modular synth community and has presented for Moon Modular at NAMM.  Like many musicians his skills cross other instruments. In this case he was the drummer for a relatively unknown band Theatre in the late 70s and early 80s.

According to John: "Locust was one of our most popular pieces and was always instrumental only. This version is a little slower than we usually played it. Back in the late 70’s and the first half of the 80’s I was in a progressive rock band called THEATRE. At best we only performed live a couple times a year . . for free (no one wanted to hear original prog rock in the heydays of disco, punk and new wave ) We rehearsed one to four times a week for many years though and had a few personnel changes over time. I played drums and percussion but on a couple songs I played keyboards . . although crappily ;-) Let me see . . . piano on Sfear (there is video proof! ;-), Synergy on another and Minimoog D or Moog Source on another . . .forgetting song titles in my old age ;-)

Here is the THEATRE channel, many videos are just rehearsal boom-box recordings with one too many still shots, some are good quality studio recordings and a few were shot at the Evergreen University video studio. Be prepared for poor quality recordings and many rough edges! ;-)"

On keys: Mike with the following:

Helpinstill PG-21 Electric Portable Grand Piano
Roland VK-09
Yamaha SK-30
Moog Source
Moog Minimoog Model D
DKI/Crumar Synergy

DIGITAL KEYBOARDS DK Synergy II+ KAYPRO 10 Computer Synthesizer System

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via this auction

"This listing is for a very rare DIGITAL KEYBOARDS DK Synergy II+ Synthesizer Keyboard System complete with KAYPRO 10 Computer and lots of valuable accessories!

This listing includes:

DK Synergy II+ Keyboard
Kaypro 10 Computer (With Built in Hard drive for faster storage/retrieval)
Kaypro 4 Computer (Photos of this are shown above but separate from the main system as it was added after the main photos session)
23 Synergy ROM Sound Library Chips (Factory, Custom, Wendy Carlos etc.)
Custom Chip Board
TWO sets of the complete disk library
Librarian software
Original Stand
Complete set of manuals for EVERYTHING"

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DK Synergy II Synthesizer Demo For sale

Published on Feb 21, 2014 Andrew Dodds·1 video

"For sale on ebay!! 2/21/2014. DK Synergy II Synthesizer Demo"

No auction number listed, so here's a search: DIGITAL KEYBOARDS DK Synergy IIs on eBay

1980'S SYNERGY DK DIGITAL KEYBOARD SYNTH SN 013580

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via this auction

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1982 E-mu Emulator / DK Synergy German Ad

via Synthmuseum.de

Mega Cartridge for the DK Synergy

via huebner where you'll find a video.

Designed by Fabian Draeger

"Right after inserting, the Mega Cartridge says hello and then immediately switches to the module last used.
In the video the VCART6 and the Wendy Carlos 1 are shown, but the memory inside is big enough to keep all official cartridges ever released. Depending on your interest, the Mega Cartridge will soon be available in quantities as fully built PCB. To compile your individual ROM, I would need proof of your ownership of the original cartridges for copyright reasons..."

via Stefan in the comments of this recent post for a DK Synergy II+ Synthesizer with Kaypro II PC for sale.

Pic of the inside of the Mega Cart for the DK Synergy.

DK Synergy II+ Synthesizer with Kaypro II PC SN 01272

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

via this auction

"The listing is for a Digital Keyboards Synergy II+ synthesizer with Kaypro II PC in great condition! One of the first premium digital synthesizers manufactured in the US , The synth is based on Dr. Hal Alles from Bell Labs synthesizer architecture.This model is the programmable version and has the solid wood casing which only came out with the very early serial numbers. The wood was replaced by tolex to reduce cost in following years. Approx 700 total Synergy units were made of which about 300 were said to be the upgraded programmable version.It is estimated that only 100 or so units are still operational today of which about 20% are the higher end wooden case version. When the Synergy II + hit the market in the early 80s, they were going for upwards of $10K for the wooden programmable version with Kaypro PC. The DX7 came out with their FM synthesis in 83 for $2500 and changed the entire synth industry. After that DK was dumping their units for under $7K with Kaypro and eventually went under in 1985. I payed $5,450 (including shipping) for this unit 8 months ago so for a 30 year old rare synth , it is still holding it's value.

The Synergy II+ 's Kaypro II PC is in great shape as well with two functional drives and the 1980s style green light screen resolution is still very prominent. You can find Kaypro PCs for sale on eBay should you ever need a back up. The sale includes everything you see in the photos- Synergy synth, Kaypro PC and keyboard, null modem cable to RS232 port ,original operational manual for the synth( not a copy), instructions for understanding the Kaypro and the complete Synergy library.The library includes close to 500 patches. It includes the L1-L13 FDs, VCART1-VCART6 FDs and Wendy Carlos Library( WENDY 1-WENDY3 FDs). All library, diagnostic, software systems and boot disks have been backed up with multiple copies, anywhere between 4-6 sets of each. The sale also includes a 2 hour video made by the original owner who purchased this synth as a floor model in 1983. The video on DVD is well thought out as well as his written start up instructions to get a new owner going. You definitely want to review the video and documents to understand the nuances using the synth and PC software . Included are the original documents listing the names and categories of the library disks and patches/voices in alphabetical order and by instrument or sound type. Other documents include synth schematics, pin schematics if you want to make your own null modem cables and addendum released by DK.

This synthesizer is definitely not for the touring musician or quick knob turning gratification player. This synth is typically purchased as a collectors piece or a programmers synth who enjoys sound sculpting for personal pleasure or studio recording. This synth has unique architecture and very sophisticated envelope control . What makes the Synergy II+ unique even to this day is that you voice each oscillator twice for both frequency and amplitude and you have 16 different envelope points for each envelope. So you get to control how each voice changes in response to velocity. For example, you might choose to have a phase modulated envelope that rises very sharply at low velocities and dies off fast, but at high velocity(loud notes) it rises less sharply and dies off much more slowly. Or you could do the opposite with the carrier envelope scheme which means the loudness envelope of the timbre operates normally with a sharper attack the harder you press the key but a shorter decay at louder amplitudes. Since you can define two 16 point frequency envelopes for each oscillator and you are dealing with phase modulation, you can have sound going from strictly harmonic overtones to inharmonic partials and back again over time or set it up to go inharmonic to harmonic and back again. And this effect is with just two oscillators. Typical Synergy II+ patches use 3-6 oscillators so you can also detune them to get chorus effects. Another reason to set up multiple chains of oscillators for a patch is to have different sets of overtones moving in and out of harmony against one another which gives you very complex timbral effects like you would get with real instruments. Another reason to use multiple oscillators is so you can combine additive synthesis with phase modulation to create some very realistic percussive sounds like bells or chimes using subharmonics of the fundamental of a note to create that low hum that is not harmonically related to the timbre ,but present in real percussive instruments.There is a reason that Wendy Carlos still has two Synergy GDS units among her gear of only 5 remaining keyboards.

For those not familiar with the Synergy, there is a good website if you Google DIgital Keyboards Synergy Preservation Page.Also there are several YouTube videos on this unit. However, here are the basics:

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1982 SYNERGY BLONDIE JIMMY DESTRI DIGITAL SYNTHESIZER PRINT AD

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via this auction

"Ad measures approx. 8"X 10.5" inches."

See the seller's other items for more.

UVI Vintage Legends virtual synthesizer instruments

Published on Jan 15, 2013

"http://www.timespace.com/product/UVIVL-120/3/9999932/uvi_vintage_legends_%28s...

Take 6 iconic vintage synthesizers, carefully restore them, create a massive array of presets and deeply multi-sample them, professionally process and master the sounds, infuse them into the industry proven UVI Engine which gives you endless sound shaping options, then wrap the results in immaculately prepared GUIs and you´ve got UVI Vintage Legends; 6 brand-new soft synths with the brilliant depth and character of classic hardware.

Instantly call up inspiration from the Yamaha CS-70M, CS-40M and CS-20M, the crazy Italian Elka Synthex, the Rhodes Chroma, the king of FM—the Yamaha DX1, the rare DK Synergy, and rediscover the classic K250.

UVI have been producing sound for over twenty years and designing their own software for more than twelve. They´ve found that virtual instruments with a foundation in sampling have a more defined character and distinct sound quality than those based on digital modeling."

UVI Announces Vintage Legends Featuring 6 Iconic Vintage Synthesizers

Vintage Legends | Official trailer UVI©

Published on Dec 20, 2012 by UVIofficial

Follow-up to: UVI Teases Virtual Kurzweil K250, Yamaha CS-M Series, & Rhodes Chroma




"Six brand-new soft synths with the brilliant depth and character of classic hardware. Instantly call up inspiration from : the Yamaha CS-70M, CS-40M and CS-20M, the crazy Italian Elka Synthex, the Rhodes Chroma, the king of FM - the Yamaha DX1, the rare DK Synergy and the classic K250 revisited.

From modern prog and pop to dance, electro, hip-hop and experimental, Vintage Legends is a deep and versatile sonic resource that's sure to inspire artists working in any style.


Special introductory price : $299 instead of $349

❐ UVI Official Website : http://www.uvi.net
❐ Buy Vintage Legends : http://bit.ly/uvi_vintage-legends

Take 6 iconic vintage synthesizers, carefully restore them, create a massive array of presets and deeply multi-sample them, professionally process and master the sounds, infuse them into the industry proven UVI Engine -- giving you endless sound shaping options, then wrap the results in immaculately prepared GUIs and you've got UVI Vintage Legends.

At UVI we've been producing sound for over 20 years and designing our own software for over 12.

We've found that virtual instruments with a foundation in sampling have a more defined character and distinct sound quality than those based on digital modeling. The trouble with sample-based instruments is that they're typically lacking in expression and flexibility; one sample, one sound.

UVI hybrid instruments are more flexible than a conventional ROMpler and more authentic than a simulation, giving you the best of both worlds. Vintage Legends integrates over 30,000 samples from classic synths into the acclaimed UVI Engine, giving you the distinct character of hardware with the added control, convenience and power of a modern digital instrument.

Taking these classic tones into new sonic territory, the UVI Engine delivers massive unison spreads, abundant polyphony, thick-modeled filters, drive, reverbs, modulation, FX and much, much more. These instruments will never need to be serviced or go out of tune, and they're far easier to lug around than hardware.

SIX POWERFUL VINTAGE MACHINES REVISITED

Vintage Legends comes packed with over 800 presets expertly crafted by our sound design team, giving you a huge library of unique sounds and textures.

Each instrument features an intuitive and evocative GUI with a versatile and easy-to-navigate control set helping you to quickly shape sounds to fit your needs, transform them for wild inspiration or crack open the unit and design your own.

Timeless sounds. Infinitely customizable. Compatible with everything.

◆ UVI CS-M - Vintage Japanese Power
◆ UVI SYNTHOX - The Real Italian Stallion
◆ UVI KROMA - Premier Analog Synth
◆ UVI FMX1 - The Gem of FM
◆ UVI U1250 - Dawn of the ROM Age
◆ UVI ENERGY - Additive Fury (bonus only available in Vintage Legends)

CS-M, SYNTHOX, KROMA, FMX1 and U1250 are available as individual instruments for $99 each.

More info & screenshots : http://bit.ly/uvi_vintage-legends

COMPATIBILITY

With the free UVI Workstation 2.0.8 (required version), UVI Vintage Legends can work:
• as a stand-alone instrument, compatible with Mac & PC
• as a VST, AudioUnit, RTAS and MAS plug-in.

With MachFive 3 - make the most of all editing features included!

* Yamaha, Elka, ARP, Rhodes, Kurzweil, D.K, CS70M, CS40M, CS20M, DX1, Synthex, Chroma, K250, K1000 and Synergy are trademarks of their respective owners and are not affiliated, endorsed, connected or sponsored in any way to UVI or any of our affiliate sites; therefore do not be confused between UVI and these brands.

** iLok required."

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SYNERGY I Digital Synthesizer by Digital Keyboards

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via this auction

Pioneer (for DKI Synergy synthesizer)

"Pioneer 10 was recorded as a celebration on the day Pioneer 10 left the solar system and entered interstellar space for the first time in history.

released 09 October 2012
Image of Pioneer 10 courtesy NASA"

This is 100% DKI Synergy.

via Fred Becker on The MATRIXSYNTH Lounge

SYNERGY I Digital Synthesizer SN 01051

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via this auction

"This is the first version of Digital Keyboards groundbreaking digital synthesize released in 1982. Based on Julian Colbeck's book Keyfax, only about 800 of these were ever sold. The unit has 16-voices with 2 oscillators per voice. It has 24 pre-set programs and stereo outputs.

This unit is in very good cosmetic condition inside and out for its age. All of the knobs and buttons are intact. The case has only minor nicks. The unit powers on and 3 of the LEDs on the front panel turn on. However, the system seems to be locked up as none of the buttons function and the until does not make any sound when pressing a key."

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DKI Synergy II Progression

YouTube Published on Sep 17, 2012 by cscairney

"Synergy playing back a sequence. This is one of my favorite voices of the instrument."

Digital Keyboards Inc SYNERGY Synth SN 01208

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

"ONLY 700-800 OF THESE WERE MADE!!!

The Synergy has 32 digital oscillators that are allocated to notes as they are played; voices which use more oscillators per note have less polyphony. Each oscillator can play a sine or a triangle wave. The Synergy is primarily known as an additive synthesizer, but you can also do FM on it (although to avoid ticking off Yamaha, Digital Keyboards didn't make a big deal about that feature at the time.)...

It has a few minor scratches but is mentioned before in full working order...

INCLUDED ARE THE FOLLOWING CARTRIDGES:

Voice Cartridge #1 V 2

Voice Cartridge #2 V 2

Voice Cartridge #3 V 1

Voice Cartridge #4 V 1

Test Cartridge #1 V 1 Processor & Panel Test

Test Cartridge #2 V 1 Oscillator & D/A Tests"

Vintage 80's DK Synergy Synthesizer Software

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated. DK Synergy II+ with Kaypro II

YouTube Uploaded by bigfoot2036 on Jul 10, 2010

"Who needs cartridges"

via this auction. Note the listing appears to be for the software only.

"In order to use this software you will need a vintage Kaypro computer II computer and a working Synergy II or Synergy II+. You can tell a Synergy II from a first generation Synergy because a Synergy II has a 25 pin serial port on the back of it.**
If you own a DK Synergy II or plan on owning a Synergy II then this is an essential purchase.

Up for grabs is 16 5.25" floppy disks for the DK Synergy. This is ALL of the software that you need to have complete control over your Synergy, plus over 500 original voices for your Synergy. With this software you will be able to fully program your own sounds from scratch plus tweak the over 500 sounds that are included in the voice library. Also included in the auction is a hard copy of the Synergy manual and the manual for using your Synergy with a Kaypro. This manual includes the most recent addendum I have also included lots of other goodies like original price lists, cartridge order forms, and letters to prospective customers. There is doodling and underlining in the manual but nothing that obscures the text. The manual is printed on heavy card stock so there is no chance of tearing and it will last a lifetime."

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The PPG 1003 "Sonic Carrier" - World's First Programmable Synth?

via Wolfgang Palm on Facebook
Be sure to see the video below.

"This was the first programmable synthesizer (1977)."

Programmable as in patch memory. The 1003 was a programmable monophonic synth with two oscillators, digitally controlled keyboard, and it was duophonic.

But was it the first?

Excerpts via Part 4 of the PPG Story:

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