Crumar Multiman-S / Orchestrator - Synth Review & Demo | Analog String Synthesizer

video upload by synth4ever

"Crumar Multiman-S / Orchestrator vintage analog string synthesizer review & demo. In this video I cover the features of the Crumar Multiman-S / Orchestrator string synth, play some sounds, and conclude with my final thoughts.

Timecodes
------------------
00:00 - Intro
01:01 - Overview
02:56 - Left-hand instruments - Bass, Brass, Piano, Clavichord, Cello, Violin
06:17 - Right-hand instruments - Brass, Piano, Clavichord, Cello, Violin
07:51 - Vibrato
08:37 - Sustain
09:00 - All instruments together
09:54 - String timbre (bright to dark)
11:05 - All instruments together again
12:03 - Pitch control
12:48 - Final thoughts / conclusion

Released in 1977, the Crumar Multiman-S (also known as the Crumar Orchestrator) is a 49-key vintage string synthesizer, with 6 sounds and volume control for each instrument on the front panel. It is split in the middle and allows you to play different sounds with the left hand vs the right hand.

The 6 instruments on the Crumar Multiman-S / Orchestrator are bass, brass, piano, clavichord, cello and violin. You can enable or disable each of the sounds and adjust the volume levels independently to suit your needs as you play.

The brass section features a dedicated filter and envelope with attack and decay, and the filter has cutoff and resonance controls. It can also self oscillate for some quirky sounds. In the middle of the Crumar Multiman-S / Orchestrator is a slider for strings timbre which can be adjusted from dark to bright. In addition, there is onboard vibrato with speed and depth, and sustain control for the entire synth to enable big chords and pads.

The Crumar Multiman-S / Orchestrator is physically large and built into its own tolex case, which is quite rugged and heavy. There are also a few pedals available for this string synth including 13-note (G-G) Foot Pedal Board, Sustain Pedal, and a Foot Expression Pedal controller for the filter cutoff. In addition, there are audio outputs for piano/bass and brass, plus mix out.

Overall the Crumar Multiman-S / Orchestrator is an interesting and nice sounding vintage string synth from a renowned Italian synthesizer company at the time. The independent mixer control for each of the instruments allows you to craft your sound as you play, or have completely different sounds on one side of the keyboard vs the other. The self resonant brass filter also gives it a unique flavor.

The Crumar Multiman-S / Orchestrator can be found on the second hand market for decent prices still, and it is great for big symphonic patches, pads, strings and funky brass. If you are in the market for a vintage string synthesizer, keep your eyes out for the Crumar Multiman-S / Orchestrator as it has its own charm."

70s Synth Strings from Italy - The Crumar Multiman-S

Alex Ball synth vids

0:00 - Opening demo
0:35 - The String Synthesizer
2:44 - Paraphony
4:11 - The Crumar Multiman-S
4:32 - Basic Strings Demo
5:42 - Low Strings Ensemble Demo
6:07 - Phased Strings Demo
6:34 - Brass
7:46 - Piano
8:17 - Clavichord
8:31 - Bass
9:01 - The Multiman
10:11 - Outro Disco Bonanza

"Today we take a look at the Crumar Multiman-S, an Italian string synthesizer from 1977.

We also look at the concept of a string synthesizer in general; an instrument that served as a stop gap, but that forged its own identity due the distinctive sound and the records they were used in.

Originally conceived by Ken Freeman, others saw the impending gold rush and got their instruments out. When I say there was a 'string synth heyday', I'm not exaggerating. Here's a list of just some of them:

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Crumar Multiman S/2 - Rare String Synthesizer SN 01349

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

via this auction

"A perfect working Crumar Multiman S/2, the very hard to find vintage string synthesizer designed as the successor to the Multiman-S / Orchestrator. The machine is in very good cosmetic conditions and has been recently serviced by a professional technician. Professional packaging and shipping insurance included in the shipping costs.

Released in 1977 as the successor to the Multiman-S (called the Orchestrator in US), the Multiman S/2 is a fully polyphonic multitimbral string synthesizer capable of splitting and layering sounds. Using the dedicated On/Off buttons, the included sounds can be split in the middle of the keyboard allowing you to play one combination of instruments with the left hand, and another combination with the right. -- The name "Multiman" is the combination of Multi + Man, where Man comes from the italian "Mano" (hand in English).

The Crumar Multiman S/2 features 5 splittable sounds (Brass, Piano, Clavichord, Cello and Violin) and a Bass sound assigned to only the bottom 27 notes of the keyboard. Each sound has its dedicated volume controls for left and right zones and there are 3dedicated audio outputs : Pianos/Bass + Brass + Main (all sounds).

STRINGS
The Multiman S/2 strings are raw, lush and rich with a warm lowend that fits incredibly good in a mix, a powerful sound quite different from other smooth, milky analog competitors. This section includes Cello and Violin, two sound source at different octaves with dedicated volume controls and processed by the integrated 3 line BBD chorus ensemble. The string sounds can also be altered using the global Sustain and Vibrato controls and with the dedicated String Timbre, a 6 db/oct discrete LP filter that allows to generate sounds ranging from dark pads to church-organs to massive analog strings.

BRASS
The brass section of the Multiman S/2 sounds absolutely fantastic. The core of this section is the discrete transistor ladder LP filter equipped with Cutoff, Resonance (labelled Contour & Emphasis) and filter Attack and Decay. The Cutoff and Resonance are totally Moog-style and the fast Decay coupled with the smooth Attack allow to generate a variery of fat sounds ranging from puncing basses to sweeping leads and majestic analog brasses. The Multiman S/2 brass section gives his best at the mid-low frequencies and, despite its sculpted and definite character, it works great when layered with the raw strings. The global Sustain and Vibrato controls are also available for the Brass.

PIANO
The Piano section includes Piano and Clavichord sounds with dedicated volume sliders and the global Release and Vibrato controls. The Clavichord is the classic sound implemented in all the string synthesizers, a HP filtered saw waveform designed to add extra harmonics to the main sounds. But the Piano sound in the Multiman S/2 is not the classic analog piano emulation you can find in other string synthesizers, it looks kind of low-end enhancer designed to be played together with the other sound sources.

BASS
The Bass sound in the Multiman S/2 is very, very huge. It sounds like a 808-style bass drum with a smooth, pleasant saturation. This sound has been originally designed as accompaniment instrument but it can easily find its place in modern music productions. Used in conjunction with Piano and Brass, it can generate truly earthshaking analog bass sounds.

Specifications
Polyphony - 49 notes
6 Sounds: Brass, Piano, Clavichord, Cello, Violin and Bass
Brass Filter : Attack, Decay, Cutoff, Resonance.
String Filter : 6 db/oct discrete LP
LFO : Vibrato and Depth for all sounds
Envelope : Sustain length for all sounds
Outputs : Main + Bass/Piano + Brass"

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Vieni Uomo

video upload by Davide Micheli

Update: walktrough added below.

"This song, titled 'Vieni Uomo,' is inspired by the Italo disco dance music of the 1980s.

This piece was actually recorded using some analog electronic synthesizers and string machines from the 1980s, such as the Crumar Bit99, Crumar Multiman-S, and Solton Programmer 24. The vocal part also features a barely audible Hammond organ background. This part is played along with the String Machine connected to an analog phaser. Other synthesizers I used include the Prophet 6 and the Korg Prologue 16 for some solo parts. For the vocal part, I used the full analog GRP V22 vocoder, which is truly fantastic.

For the drum machine, I used a vintage Dynacord P20-8 bit from the 1980s.

I also used an Oberheim OB-X8 to create an adaptation break before the vocoder part.

This song truly evokes 1980s Italo Disco music, and the sound is typical of that genre.

I'll post a later video detailing the recording process for this song, track by track.

The song is scheduled for release on major streaming platforms on December 3, 2025."

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CRUMAR MULTIMAN String Machine 1975 + Gerd Schulte Compact Phasing A | HD DEMO

Published on Oct 6, 2012 by AnalogAudio1

(c) 2012 by AnalogAudio1

"In the first half of the video I played the Crumar Multiman dry, in the second half with a COMPACT PHASING "A" from Gerd Schulte Audio Elektronik. The Compact Phasing A is a German phaser, which was well known in the seventies (at least in Germany). Many units were sold, but it is rare and sought after today. It was used by Klaus Schulze, Tangerine Dream, Kraftwerk and others.

This Crumar Multiman is the first version (later came the Multiman S versions which are larger). It was produced in Italy. It has a string section, a brass section (with VCF controls and resonance) and a piano section. It is capable of nice layer sounds. A monophonic bass preset can be added.

Excuse the crackling noises, my Multiman is not 100% intact. Indeed, it is in terrible shape. Some of the keys don't play notes, instead they produce some crackling noises. But the basic sound is fantastic!"

Crumar Multiman (1975) + Crumar Pedal (SERVICED)

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

via this listing

See the seller's other listing for more.

"This is the rarest first version of the amazing sounding Crumar Multiman.

The main difference beetween this first version and the second version Multiman S is the possibility to use SUSTAIN on Piano/Clavi sounds (which is not possibile on the second version... Strangely)

For that reason, being a keyboard player, i consider this first version more appealing to play then the Multiman S.

Sonically are identical.

It comes with its original Crumar Pedal

FULLY SERVICED by pro tecnician

100% Perfectly working conditions

Very good aestetics conditions for its age (tiny little marks and scretches around and on some keys)"

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Crumar Multiman demonstration

YouTube via sounddoctorin.

Follow-up to these posts.

"Bob Weigel demonstrates the Crumar Multiman and discusses some technical aspects that might give people a better feel for what this machine is capable of. http://sounddoctorin.com . Visit the site for a virtual studio tour with sound clips from many of the synths there including Akai AX80, AX60, AX73, ARP Pro-Soloist, Axxe, Omni, Alesis D4, DM5, Crumar DS1, Multiman, Performer, Trilogy, Composer, Bit One, Casio CZ-1, SK-1, HT-700, Farfisa VIP345, Fender Chroma Polaris, Kawai SX-210, K1m, K5m, XD-5, K5000R, Korg Sigma, Delta, Lambda, LP10, Mono/Poly, Polysix, Poly61, Poly800, DW8000, DSS-1, DSM-1, Wavestation EX, Karma, Kurzweil K1200pro, Moog Polymoog, Opus 3, Memorymoog, Oberheim OB-8, Octave Cat, Peavey DPM SI, Roland SH2000, SH3a, Jupiter 4, Juno 6, Juno 106, MKS30, MKS10, MKS7, MKS-70 w/PG-800, JV-1080 w/ kb's of 60/70 exp, Sequential circuits Prophet 600, Prophet T8, six-trak, multi-trak, Siel OR400, DK600, Expander, DK70 keytar, DK80, Yamaha CS60, CS15D, CS20M, PC1000, DX7, DX21, CS2x, S03, and the mighty Conn Electric band! :-)"

Crumar Multiman S3

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

via this auction

Note auction links are affiliate links. See the site's privacy policy for more info.

"Here's another Crumar Multiman S3 at last. There's a bit of rust on the panel, but that's a common issue for all Crumars from these years. This is a Multiman S3, a model that's almost impossible to find with a nearly unique sound. CEM chips. It's not just a string machine like the S2 and S models, but it has a unique polyphonic synth section, and the sound is amazing. Phaser, onboard LFO!! Everything works perfectly, it just has cosmetic issues."

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VAI 6: Crumar Multiman S/2 / Maestro Universal Synthesizer System

video by Vintage Audio Institute Italia

"Crumar Multiman S/2 gets sliced up by the modulation section of the Maestro Rhythm King 4, then on to the envelope filter of the other Maestro machine: the Universal Synthesizer System - an early, maybe the very first, multi-effect for guitar.
Spring reverb brought to you by Telefunken Echo Mixer.
The other output of the Multiman gets phased by the Mu-tron phasor.
Steelphon S900 and noise routed to the Binson Echorec."

Crumar Multiman

YouTube via analoguecrazy4.
"Here is my vintage Crumar Multiman in action. This is the origional 1975 model Multiman. Enjoy."

Crumar Multiman String Synthesizer Orchestrator

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

via this auction

"Crumar Multiman string synthesizer recently serviced, in 100% functional condition. This is the early version of the Crumar Orchestrator and has the same features minus the string brightness slider and volume/brass pedal connections. The brass section has a true voltage controlled filter similar to the moog design, the string section is very lush and compared to the ARP solina and the piano/clavichord is similar to the RMI electra piano. All very vintage and usable sounds packed into one machine. The faders have been cleaned and the entire unit was re-capped to provide stability for years to come. Cosmetically, the metal panel has scratches and scuffs, but the physical integrity of the instrument is very strong; it's built like a tank. Comes with the original lid."

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Mister - M - With Crumar Multiman Samples

Crumar Demo Published on Apr 18, 2019 gilleslacaud

"Mister - M - With a Crumar multiman inside"

I believe this is a Hansy Synth based on previous posts by gilleslacaud.

Mos-lab & Crumar Multiman S & Volca beat Korg Improvisation

Published on Jul 26, 2015 Pulsophonic

"Free improvisation with my Mos-lab modular synthesizer and my Crumar Multiman S and a Korg Volca Beat. Delay with Timeline Strymon and Reverb with Lexicon LXP15 II. Enjoy !!!"

Crumar Multiman-S with midi and mod **2

Published on Jul 26, 2019 Alexey Taber

"we repaired Crumar Multiman-S and instal midi with cc control trigger lengh for brass secttion. and mod for chorus unit (lfo speed/feedback). mail for question alexey.taber@gmail.com"

Crumar Multiman S / Orchestrator

video upload by ohm_studi_ohm

"The Crumar Multiman S (Orchestrator) is one of those classic multi instruments of the 70s. 4 sections: bass / brass / piano / strings
Each section (except for the bass) can be assigned left or right of the keyboard with dedicated volume faders and mute switchs.
Brass has a Moog inspired ladder filter with simple AD enveloppe and cutoff and resonance control (resonance can get wild if you want to).
Strings are composed of Viola and Violins, with timbre adjust. It uses a triple chorus based on the TCA350Y BBD chipsets, basically the same as the Eminent String Ensemble.
You have control over the release of the strings (called "sustain" on the panel). This also control the release of the Brass sound.
Piano section consists of Piano and Harpsichord sound. You can control the sustain (again it's the release actually) with a pedal only. Without a pedal plugged in the release is always at its maximum. And the release is common to the bass sound, which by the way sound huge.
And to finish you have a vibrato that affects all the section."

Crumar Multiman S3 1982 State of the art lush full featured string machine SN 00056

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

via this auction

"Ultrarare Crumar Multiman S3. This is a wonderful machine with a more than inimitable sound. String section, synth section, bass section, piano section, effects section, pipe section, a real pleasure. String and polysynth to be the envy of arp solina !! very good conditions, perfect functional condition. State-of-the-art synthetic stringmachine beautifully fat sound.
Just overhauled and fully functional.
Original leather semirigid bag in overall good conditions included."

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GForce Intros RE STRINGS for Reason w/ Billy Currie Interview & Freeman String Symphonizer Overview

Published on Apr 11, 2017 GForce Software

"RE-STRINGS is our Rack Extension version of the award winning VSM and contains a selection of its most popular and iconic String Ensembles including: ARP Quadra, Crumar Multiman, Elka Rhapsody, Eminent 310, Freeman String Symphonizer, Godwin String Orchestra, Hohner K4, Junost 21, Korg Lambda, Korg PE2000, Logan String Melody II, Mellotron Violins, Moog Opus III, Roland VP330, ARP Solina, Technics KN200, Yamaha CE-25 & Yamaha SS-30.

With it's dual layer capability, it's possible to load the classic string ensemble sounds from years gone by or create your own hybrid ensembles.

Legal Notice
All musical instrument manufacturer and product names are trademarks of their respective owners and in no way associated or affiliated with GForce Software Ltd. The trademarks of other manufacturers are used solely to identify the products of those manufacturers whose sounds and technical data were studied for this instrument. All names of instrument inventors have been included for illustrative and educational purposes only and do not suggest any affiliation or endorsement of GForce Software Ltd."

Billy Currie talks String Synths, VSM & RE-STRINGS

Published on Apr 11, 2017 GForce Software

"During the process of creating patches for RE-STRINGS Rack Extension, we talked with Billy Currie about his use of String Ensemble keyboards over the years and how the Elka Rhapsody and Yamaha SS-30 contributed to some of Ultravox's classic tracks.

Billy also talks about how valuable the VSM and RE-STRINGS libraries are to him and how they've been used in his latest album, Doppel."

Freeman String Symphonizer

Published on Apr 11, 2017 GForce Software

"A brief walkthrough of the Freeman String Symphonizer, invented by Ken Freeman, sounds from which are in both VSM and RE-STRINGS.

The Further Adventures of K.FREEMAN and his Incredible Machine of a Thousand Strings courtesy of I Monster - BRIGHT SPARKS album. www.imonstermusic.com

Ken Freeman footage courtesy of BRIGHT SPARKS Documentary
http://brightsparks.movie"

via Propellerhead

"50% OFF Release Offer! 2 weeks.

The modern, polyphonic string synthesiser was invented in 1970 by Ken Freeman, a British keyboard player and engineer who discovered that if you layered two notes then detuned and slightly modulated one a pleasant ‘chorused’ sound resulted. Over the next 10+ years Ken’s initial discovery spawned an industry that saw the manufacture of more than one hundred ‘string machines’ and multi-keyboards.

Although viewed by some as a one-trick-pony or a poor man’s polysynth, string machines had so much character they’ve graced tracks by artists as diverse as; Lonnie Liston Smith, Air, Pink Floyd, The Cure, Parliament, Herbie Hancock, Camel, Joy Division, Jean-Michel Jarre, Thomas Dolby, Tonto’s Expanding Head Band, Genesis, Toni Tone Tony and countless others.

Product details
Based on our award winning Virtual String Machine (VSM), RE-STRINGS comprises 67 individual sample sets from a plethora of classic analogue string ensembles including the ultra rare (and first) Freeman String Symphonizer, the highly coveted Solina, the eminently desirable Eminent 310, the highly-lauded Logan String Ensemble, plus several other classic (and not so classic) string machines.

Each sample set spans 49 notes (4 octaves), each individually sampled and looped, plus RE-STRINGS contains a 700+ patch library created by respected patch designers including legendary string machine user and keyboard maestro, Billy Currie.

With Dual Layer capabilities - each layer comprising of a Lowpass, Bandpass & Highpass Resonant Filter Section, Two Envelope Generators, Pitch or Filter LFO, Dynamic control including filter aftertouch - if you want to create your own hitherto unrealised hybrid combinations of classic and evocative string ensembles, it’s a cinch. Finally, global vintage style Ensemble & Phaser effects are provided, allowing you to hone your sound to evocative, retro, string ensemble perfection.

RE-STRINGS includes string tones from the following classic instruments ARP Quadra (1978) Crumar Multiman (1975) Elka Rhapsody (1975) Eminent 310 (1972) Freeman String Symphonizer (1973) Godwin Model 749 String Concert (1980) Hohner K4 (1977) Junost 21 (c 1986) Korg Lambda (1979) Korg PE2000 (1976) Logan String Melody II (1977) Mellotron (1963) Moog Opus III (1980) Roland VP330 (1979) Solina String Ensemble (1974) Technics KN200 (1982) Yamaha CE-25 (1983) Yamaha SS30 (1977)"

Crumar Multiman S3 SN 00317

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

via this auction

"Crumar multiman s3. This is a wonderful machine with a more than inimitable sound. String section, synth section, bass section, piano section, effects section, a real pleasure. String and polysynth to be the envy of arp solina !! excellent functional condition. State-of-the-art synthetic stringmachine beautifully fat sound. Just overhauled and fully functional. Four fader caps are not original, found some really similar caps that fits"

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Crumar Multiman S

Published on Jan 16, 2014 Pulsophonic

"Improvisation on the Crumar Multiman S with a little of delay and Small Stone."

This one in via John L Rice.

Univox (Crumar) Multiman analog string synthesizer SN 362

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

via this eBay listing

You can find a demo of this actual unit previously posted here.

"Quite uncommon analog string synth/piano here. It’s the Univox branded version of the original Crumar Multiman (pre-S model).

Great brass sound with adjustable ADSR/filter, piano, clav, violin, cello. All sounds can be individually volume adjusted and split on one or both sides of the keyboard.

DISCLOSURE: I sold this once, and purchaser decided they didn’t like it, said they thought volume levels of some settings were uneven. They shipped it back loose in a box with no packing and it had a hard ride. High F key was broken off, several slider knobs were crushed and switches dislodged. Switches and keys have since been fixed (bottom of key has a chip out of it, and slider knobs are unobtainable). It sounds good, exactly like the attached video. It’s an unrestored vintage string synth that will arrive exactly like you hear and see in pictures, no more or less."

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