Vintage PAIA Modules with Documentation

via this auction

- PAIA Modular 4780 ANALOG SEQUENCER 12
- PAIA Modular 4711 MIXER 4 INPUT 2 OUTPUT STEREO PAN RL
- 1970s Vintage PAIA 2720-1 VOLTAGE CONTROLLED AMPLIFIER
- Vintage PAIA 2720-2A VOLTAGE CONTROLLED OSCILLATOR VCO
- Vintage PAIA 2720-3L VOLTAGE CONTROLLED FILTER LPF
- PAIA Modular 2720-3B VOLTAGE CONTROLLED FILTER BPF Qadj
- PAIA Modular 2720-4 FUNCTION GENERATOR Attack Decay
- PAIA Modular 2720-5 LFO Control Oscillator Noise Source
- PAIA Modular 2720-7 POWER SUPPLY +5V -5V +18V Bias Adj
- PAIA Modular 2720-11 ENVELOPE FILTER / TRIGGER FOLLOWER
- PAIA Modular 2720-12 INVERTER / BUFFER Control Voltage
- PAIA Modular 2720-14 CONVERTER PULSE WIDTH MODULATOR
- PAIA Modular 4720 A VOLTAGE CONTROLLED OSCILLATOR VCO
- PAIA Modular 4710 BALANCED RING MODULATOR VCA Chimes

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PAIA 4700 Modular Synth

via this auction

"Includes these 16 modules, Paia control keyboard and a bunch of patch cables.

3 Paia 4720 VCO's
1 Paia 4711 4/2 Mixer
1 Paia 4712 Spring Reverb
1 Paia 4780 Step Sequencer
2 Paia 4740 Envelope Generators
1 Control Oscillator with Noise
2 Paia 4710 Balanced Modulators
1 Paia 4730 VCF
2 Paia 4770 Watt Block
1 Paia 8780 Equal Tempered D/A convertor
1 Paia 4761 Wing"

John "PAiA" Simonton - RIP

Update: If you haven't already, check out the comments of this post for some other words.


This has been a bad year for the synth world indeed. I just read via AH that John "PAiA" Simonton has passed away after a battle with cancer. It's hard to find words that would do him justice. When you think of the great names behind synthesis, names like Bob Moog, Don Buchla, Tom Oberheim and Dave Smith immediately come to mind. You know them because they created the classic uber analog synths. They brought you the packaged analog classics. So what about PAiA? You know the name but you rarely see mention of PAiA systems pitting up against these other synths. So what makes PAiA so special? DIY. The PAiA Fatman was the first and only DIY synth I ever created. I am not a technician and before the Fatman maybe only worked with a soldering iron about twenty years ago in the Boy Scouts. Yes I was a Boy Scout in an urban jungle. Anyway, I created my Fatman and had a blast doing so, but when I finally was done it didn't work. I contacted PAiA and what did they do? They said no problem, had me ship it back, fixed it and returned it back to me free of charge, with an explanation of what I did wrong. Amazing customer service and an amazing experience. So what makes PAiA so special? They allow us to create synthesizers. When I say us I mean everyone, the experienced and the inexperienced DIYers. Think of that. Not simply buying a synth and playing it out of the box, but actually building one. There is just something magical about that, and many of us, myself included, have John "PAiA" Simonton to thank for that. Think of how many people got to experience this because of him. PAiA started in 1967 and are still around today. Simply amazing. Title link takes you to the main PAiA site. RIP John "PAiA" Simonton and thank you for my big, little Fatman. He's pumping out one fat bass.

1970s Paia Synthesizer and Big Lot of Paia Docs & Specs

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via this auction

One for the DIYers out there.

"Travel back in time with this vintage synthesizer. I don't know much about it. The keyboard unit is 37 keys. It is a kit unit. I cannot even figure out where the power switch is, let alone the amplifier output jack. I got it from an electronics engineer who never once used it, who got it from another electronics engineer who apparently assembled it in the 1970s. There are no maker's marks on it, but I assume it's an Paia, as it came with a mass of Paia literature. Unlike the Paia components in the various spec sheets and catalogs included, none of these components have the Paia stamp or Pais graphics, as shown in the literature. Among the literature included are: a 1974 Paia catalog; a 1975 Paia booklet without record; a 1975 Paia schematics symbology booklet; 17 old Paia component booklets with specs (a couple are doubles); a 1972 "Using the Paia 2720 Synthesizer" booklet; and some other spec sheets, including some on clear mylar. If someone could tell me more about just what I have, I would appreciate it. It is truly untested. I plugged it in. I found one button that made a light turn on, but, other than that, I have no idea about it. It was in a clean and dry house for the last decade or so."

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PAIA 4700 MODULAR Analog Synthesizer

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Tone Tweakers eBay | Reverb

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"Paia was always a cost-effective alternative to the pricey modular synths of the 70s. They were often sold as kits so were very popular among DIY synth people and electronics hobbyists. The beauty of Paia gear is that it's very simple and most if not all of the parts are still readily available from electronics suppliers. Paia gear sounds like nothing else. Its got a certain low-fidelity sound to it, but thats a major part of its charm. If you're new to vintage modular synths and want a real one but are on a limited budget, this may be a good place to start. Of course if you already own Paia gear, this would probably make a very nice expansion to your current system. This stuff is hard to find when you want it, so buy now before it's gone.

This system needs work and is being sold as-is. When we first got it, it wasn't working, so our tech replaced some caps in the power supply. Once he powered it up, he determined it had other problems that needed fixing, but tech time is limited and we need to focus on higher valued items. Since most people into Paia gear are also into DIY electronics and enjoy restoration projects, we decided to sell this system as is. Please don't buy it if you're not prepared to fix it or know someone who can fix it for you.

This system includes the folllowing components:

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PAIA 2700/4700 MODULAR ANALOG SYNTHESIZER

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"A few years ago I decide to take my 1974ish PAiA synthesizer and rebuild it. I researched components by consulting with Scott Lee of PAiA. I designed custom panels through Front Panel Express. To keep the engraving costs down I went with a minimalistic look that was reminiscent of PAiA yet totally original with a vintage vibe, especially the knobs.

I had Steve Wood, a former PAiA Tech from back in the day, do all the module refurbishing. Most of the major components on the boards were replaced & all ICs socketed. The audio path has upgraded caps and Burr-Brown op-amps. All front panel parts and hardware are new. Taking Marvin Jones’ advice, I replaced all the control voltage “pin jacks” with 3.5mm audio jacks. These are grounded so I could interface the PAiA with my other modular gear.

Multi-turn pots are used for VCO frequency tuning (they look like the pots on the old “Putney” synth!). The “bouncy” push button switches are replaced by momentary toggle switches and all of the switches are now toggle switches with vintage looking paddles.

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PAiA Proteus Synthesizer

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated. PAiA Electronics Proteus I Mono Synth Audio Demo (Side 1 Intro)

Uploaded on Jan 2, 2010 xnonsuchx·37 videos

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"PAiA Electronics Proteus I mono synthesizer Demo/Tutorial audio cassette from 1981 by Craig Anderton (www.craiganderton.com). Due to length, I had to split the tape into 4 tracks (Side 1 Intro, Side 1 Tutorial and demo songs on Side 2 split into 2 parts). PAiA (www.paia.com) is known for selling build-it-yourself music/audio electronics. I believe this synth kit originally cost $499...they sold just the manual/instructions and this demo tape separately for $10-12, which is how I got it."

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Paia 2700 Modules

via this auction
"Paia 2700 voltage control amplifier synthesizer module. Originally for the Paia 2700 modular synthesizer, but can be used for the 4700 too."

Paia 2700 bandpass synthesizer module
Paia 2700 low pass filter
Paia 2700 inverter buffer
Paia 2700 control oscillator
Paia 2700 power supply module
Paia 2700 sine/pwm module

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PAiA Memories

In via John Mahoney on AH.

"Sadly, it appears that John Simonton of PAiA fame, has died.
http://matrixsynth.blogspot.com/2005/11/john-paia-simonton-rip.html

Sure, Paia synths, keyboards and effects were cheap and sometimes cheesy.
But they were all about returning the "best bang for your buck". Lots of
people bought Paia because it was their only affordable option. More
significantly, though, was Paia's influence on the musical electronics DIY
(do it yourself) community. Paia was instrumental in the very creation of
such a community, in my opinon. Many a soldering iron has been heated to
build a John Simonton circuit, that's for sure.

And with that in mind, here's a place to post remembrances of John Simonton
and Paia:
http://paiafans.blogspot.com
We're hoping for a nice response so that his family can see what an effect
the whole Paia thing had on the electronic music community.
--
john"

PAiA 4782 Road Keyboard

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via this auction

Additional Tone Tweakers Listings, also on Reverb

"This paia keyboard came to us in a package deal. It was part of the 4700 modular system (see our other listings for a full system). It’s being sold strictly as is for parts or repair. We didn’t test it but we’re sure it’s not working because some wires have been cut. While we repair most vintage analog synthesizers, we don’t work on Paias here because they are relatively low value instruments so, strictly from a business perspective, it’s not feasible for us to pay our tech to fix it. However, Paia schematics are generally available on Paia’s excellent website forum and Paia gear is typically relatively easy to repair. Since most people shopping for Paia are DIY electronics hobbyists, most Paia buyers would probably enjoy such a restoration project. If you’re not capable of fixing it yourself, perhaps Paia knows someone who restores these."

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PAiA Modular

via this auction

"In the first enclosure there are two 4770 Watt Block power modules for 8 and 18 VDC, there is a 4740 Envelope Generator, a 4710 Balanced Modulator, a 2720-12 Inverter Buffer and a 2720-11 Envelope Follower.

In the second enclosure there is a 4771 Regulated Power complex power generator with variable voltages and polarities (rare), a 4730 Voltage Controlled Filter, a 4711 Four Into Two Mixer, a 4761 Wing power block, a 4720 Voltage Controlled Oscillator, two 4710 Balanced Modulators and a 4750 Control Oscillator Noise Generator.

There is included also the May 1973 Radio-Electronics article by John Simington (PAiA founder and recently unfortunately passed) titled Build A Modular Electronic Synthesizer wich provides wonderful background and support infos for the line of PAiA synth modules.

Also included are original copies of the documents for the 2720-1 Voltage Controlled Amplifier, 2720-2A Voltage Controlled Oscillator, 2720-3B Voltage Controlled Filter (Band-Pass), 2720-3L Voltage Controlled Filter (Low-Pass), 2720-4 Function Generator, 2720-5 Control Oscilator / Noise Source, 2720-7 Power Supply, 2720-8 Keyboard/Case ( and the assembly diagrams, the 2720-11 Envelope Follower/Trigger, 2720-12 InverterBuffer, and 2720-14 Sine Converter / Pulse Width Modulator. These manuals provide a great amount of context for the 4700 modules and included schematics are basic to the functions they describe. There is also a wealth of information out on the net as you'd expect detailing the internals and functions of these PAiA modules. Check out http://www.synthdiy.com/files/2008/4700ug.pdf which is a User Guide for the 4700/S synth system.

These hip PAiA pieces have come into their own recently as Doepfer, Moog, etc, modules have skyrocketed in price and the vintage analog synth community recognized in the PAiA modules the value engineering and forward thinking design John Simington employed when he created this line of analog treaures.

There are a number of great articles about this fine (very underrated, known as "Poor Man''s Buchla" in some hip synth circles) series of vintge synth modules. One article is http://www.johnnypumphandle.com/johnny/Paia/paia.htm, but the most comprehensive is the legendary http://www.musicofplexus.com/paia4700/. In this extensive photo journal essay one can see the scope and depth of the capabilities of these modules when properly handled and with only quite modest upgrades made (High quality caps, ten turn pots on teh VCOs, etc)"

Vintage PAiA 2700 Modules

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via this auction

Pictured in order:
PAIA 2700 Power Supply module
PAIA 2700 VCO oscillator module
PAIA 2700 Function Generator A/D envelope module
PAIA 2700 VOLTAGE CONTROLLED AMPLIFIER vca module
PAIA 2700 CONTROL OSCILLATOR noise lfo module
PAIA 2700 BANDPASS FILTER vcf module
PAIA 2700 LOW PASS FILTER vcf module

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Paia 8700 Keyboard Plus Modules

via this auction

"Paia 8700 Keyboard Controller
Paia Linear AD Converter + 25 Pin Port
Paia 8781 Module
Paia 8781 Module
Paia Watt Block
VCO, Phaser, Timbre Modulator, 2 X VCA, EX-OR, (Unknown brand)
Paia 4730 Module
Paia Linear AD Converter + 25 Pin Port
25 Pin Cable"

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Rare Vintage Paia 5700 P analog drum synthesizer module

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"PAIA 5700 P 'The Drum' Analog Drum Module / Percussion Synthesizer

• 4 voice analog drum synthesizer
• each voice has a modular interface (trigger inputs / cv inputs)
• 100% USA analog synthesizer, built and shipped by PAIA
• 4 trigger inputs, works great with any VDrum / other electronic drum set

Up for grabs here is the super rare PAIA 5700 'The Drum' electronic drum / percussion synthesizer. These were made in the USA by PAIA, and also provided as a kit in the late 1970's to early 1980's when modular machines were in fashion. This percussion synth is modular in that you can house up to four 5700 drum modules ( i am selling the fully expanded / assembled version made by PAIA) Each voice is an independent analog synth with waveform select, pitch, envelope control, noise amount and filter control. Also, each voice is removable and can be replaced with other similarly sized modules in the PAIA 5700P housing. Each voice module was tested and is in 100% working condition. One of the trigger input lights stays lit but this does not affect the machine in any way. A 5700P schematic (.img file) is also available / included..."

Modular - 27 September 2009 (01)

flickr by stickjones
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"Top Left Wood Box: Heavily Modified MFOS Weird Sound Generator.

Top Right Wood Box: Baby Ten Sequencer.

First Cabinet:
Top Frac:
Ad Infinitum Multi / Attenuator (modified into frac ear), Blacet I/O, Blacet Binary Zone, Blacet / Wiard Mini Wave, Blacet Filthy Filtre, Blacet VCA Quad Mix, DIY John Hollis Crash Sync (w/ CV input modification).
Middle Frac:
PAiA Power Supply, Blacet Klang Werk, Blacet Improbability Drive (w/ audio input modification), Synthesis Technology MOTM Ladder VCF (Moog Filter Clone), Blacet Dual Linear VCA, Cat Girl Synth Digital Noise, Dave Wright Overdrive.
Bottom Frac:
DIY banana / 1/8” / ¼” multiples, PAiA Midi2CV8, PAiA VCO / LFO / Modulator, PAiA VCF / Modulator, PAiA VCA / Mixer / EG / Noise, Cat Girl Synth Psycho LFO.

Second Cabinet:
Top Frac:
Blacet Multi / Attenuator (modified into frac ear), Blacet Hex Zone Sequencer, Cat Girl Synth Pulse Divider / Boolean Logic / Mixer, Cat Girl Synth Wave Multipliers, Cat Girl Synth Psycho LFO (super slow modification).
Middle Frac:
PAiA Power Supply (modified with lit switch and banana / ¼” converter), DIY Coron DS7 clone drum, Thomas Henry UD-1 drum, Cat Girl Synth Dual Chime, Thomas Henry ADVSnare, Cat Girl Synth Cynare, DIY ¼” / 1/8” / banana multiples.
Bottom frac:
Cat Girl Synth Mixer input, Music From Outer Space VCO, Thomas Henry 566 VCO, Thomas Henry Mankato VCF, Blacet EG, Cat Girl Synth Mixer output.


Designed by / Distributed by / Acquired from:
Blacet, PAiA, Cat Girl Synth / Ken Stone, Thomas Henry, Ad Infinitum, Dave Wright / Not Breathing, Music From Outer Space / Ray Wilson, Scott Deyo / Bridechamber, Midwest Analog, Analogue Haven / Shawn Cleary, Dubchild, SMS, Magic Smoke, John Hollis, eyehue & anomos, etc."

Electric Independence: Moby

Uploaded by geroin31337 on Feb 6, 2011

"Motherboard heads deep into the bowels of Moby’s Manhattan apartment-studio, where he unveils his prized assemblage of rarified gadgets, bizarre synthesizers, and outré drum devices."
http://paia.com/
via Dave on AH regarding PAiA: "The PAiA Drummer Boy was featured in a build-it-yourself article in Popular Electronics, I believe, who featured multi-part articles on constructing many PAiA products, including their modular synths and effects boxes. PAiA is, and always has been based in the Oklahoma City area (now in the suburb of Edmond) - NEVER in Cleveland! (CLEVELAND! Where the Hell did THAT idea come from?) If mine aging brain remembers correctly, the Drummer Boy was offered in their catalogs as well, back in the ?70's? or '80's. And the orange color is probably because that's what PAiA used on the metal case parts of their 2720 model synths."

and via Alex: "And now, PAiA is located in Austin TX, with only the repair/support depot remaining in Oklahoma."

PAIA Modules

images via via this auction

Modules include:
PAiA Modular 2720-3B Band Pass Filter
PAIA 2720-4 FUNCTION GENERATOR
PAIA 2720-12 INVERTER/BUFFER
PAIA 4711 4/2 MIXER (pictured)
PAIA 2720-3L LOW PASS FILTER
PAIA 2720-5 CONTROL OSCILLATOR

PAiA Modular

Remember this giant PAiA modular? Here's another shot of it via plexus. Title link takes you to an even larger shot.

Update via plexus in the comments:i like to push the limits. and i cant justify nor afford aquiring a moog modular. so i thought "what about that paia modular stuff from the 70's?" i went shoping on ebay years ago and foung a farily large system. when i arrived, i tested it out. it sounded ok. there were some problems but with my intermediate knowledge of electronics i set out to turn this into a musical instrument. it was just a matter of repairing dead modules and replacing some parts that were essential to the quality of the audio they generate. indeed i turned it into a viable musical instrument.

you can hear it, being used live, at www.musicofsoftware.com in the sounds and the video section. all of the sequences are the paia modular through an eq and delay, that is in the video clips that have the modular being used.

so after i was able to make this into a musical instrument, and indeed people in the know were amazed at how good it sounded because they, like you, heard that paia stuff didnt sound very good. well in fact, thats not true.

in terms of circuit design they are not too bad. i wouldnt say as cheap as possible. certainly cost effective. my paia is as stable as my minimoog.

so check out the video clips and hear it for yourself.

after that i decided i wanted to collect these and restore them. so i began doing that. but now its time to liquidate part of the collection to help pay for a dsi polyevolver. i will keep a few paia 4700 cabinets and continue to use them in the studio and live."

Update: More shots on Music of Plexus

Paia 9700 and Moog Rogue

YouTube Uploaded by NEWAMBI on Jan 9, 2011

"Picture of my Paia modular in wooden case and the Rogue.
The 9700 sequenced by RM1X and me playing the Rogue.
The Moog is routed through the Paia TubeHead.
Kaosspad used for reverb"

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Vintage Paia 2700 modular synth

via this auction
via the listing:
"Here is a vintage 70's Paia 2700 modular synth. Works good and sound great in my opinion. I have the full Paia 4700 modular, so I'm selling this one. It has some space open to put whatever other modules you would like to put in.

Here are the modules that it has now:
2 Paia 4720 VCO oscillators
Paia 4710 balanced modulator
Paia 4730 VCF filter
Homemade 3 in 1 out mixer
Homemade Envelope generator
Homemade vco"

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