SIEL DK-700 + Arduino TouchOSC Controller

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

via this auction

Video in the listing previously posted here.

"A super rare DK-700, the Siel flagship synthesizer released in 1986, equipped with a DIY Arduino interface to control all the synth parameters in real-time using TouchOSC on Android/iPad. The machine has been recently serviced by a professional technician and actually looks and sounds great.

Released in 1986, the DK-700 is the best and last synthesizer produced by the Italian SIEL right before the joint-venture with Roland Corporation and its subsequent turning into Roland Europe. The DK-700 has been on the market for less than one year so only few hundreds units were sold and this inspiring synthesizer never received the love it actually deserved.

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Siel DK 80 Synthesizer Keyboard

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

via this auction

"According to an expert I found on a forum online...The Siel DK-80 is an odd synth that could be said to bridge the gap between low end mid-eighties Roland and Sequential type synthesizers. It is an analog synth with digital control. It is also bi-timbral with a split keyboard mode giving you 2 polysynths in one keyboard! The sounds are OK, and the DK-80 makes a great backup synth. It has an on-board two-track sequencer, chord memory and hold, programmable stereo panning and sweeping. Parameters are edited one at a time and via membrane push buttons. For a fair price the DK-80 is certainly an exotic addition to any synth set up but may be too limited to use as your main or only analog synth."

"The Siel DK-80 is a bi-timbric, polyphonic synthesizer with voice assignment containing 12 complete and individual synth modules (termed voices or channels). It is fully programmable and able to store up to 50 programs in its computer memory and groups of 50/100 programs in the RAM/ROM packs.(additional mem.), which can be inserted into the special Cartridge location. The instrument is provided with 12 oscillators (DCO), 1 pink noise generator, two 24db/octave low pass Voltage Controlled filters (VCF), 14 digital envelope generators(DEG) and 4 low frequency oscillators (LFO), providing a parallel modulation of parameters such as pitches and filters. All this is controlled by specific controls on the EDIT section and memorized in the heart of the DK-80; the Programming Unit. The Programming unit also controls the 50 factory programs (40 not programmable and 10 programmable) and the 50 or 100 external programs: 50 (programmable) on a RAM pack, or 100 (not programmable) on ROM pack. Thus the DK-80 can control up to 150 musical programs simultaneously; 50 internal ones plus 50 (on RAM) or (ROM) external ones which are recalled directly by the Programming Unit."

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SIEL DK80 with Expander in Original Box

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

via this auction

"A RARE SYNTH FROM THE '80'S NEW IN BOX....

JUST UNPACKED FOR PHOTO.

COMPLETE WITH PS80 POWER SUPPLY AND EXPANDER!

ALSO, DK-70 STAGE SET, WHICH CAN BE USED WITH THE DK-80.

ALL NEW IN BOX EXCEPT THE POWER SUPPLY, WHICH IS LIKE NEW!

RARE OPPORTUNITY!!!

You are bidding on a rare and complete DK desktop system by SIEL from 1985! It includes the DK 80, Expander 80, power supply and ultra rare and hard to find RAM Cartridge! This thing sounds unique and incredible. Nice Italo Brass and synth sounds. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity!!

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Gotharman’s Introduces the Zaturn Zero Modular Based Synthesizer

video upload by gotharman

"Playing with the Zaturn Zero step button keyboard.
Vothar8 filters are installed :)
www.gotharman.dk"

Additional videos here: https://www.gotharman.dk/zaturn_zero_video

Details follow:

"Gotharman’s are today introducing the Zaturn Zero modular synthesizer!

-Modular synthesizer with memory!
-16 parts/16 step buttons with RGB LEDs!
-4 assignable audio outputs!
-Step button keyboard + touch pitch bender!
-Compatible with the polyphonic analog filter boards and presets of the original Zaturn!
-76 build in modules!
-Vowel filters!
-Sampling!
-Effect processors!
-Sequencers!
-Morphing between two preset layers -Both sounds and sequences!
-CV ins and out via AnaX USB!
-And much more!
-Pre-order until 1/7-2025!

More info here:
https://www.gotharman.dk/zaturn_zero

Getting started manual here:
zaturn_zero_manuals | gotharman.dk

Pre-order Zaturn Zero here: https://www.gotharman.dk/shop_zaturn_zero"

Vintage 70's RMI DK-20 digital synthesizer

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

via this auction

Pic of the inside below.

via the seller: "Here is an interesting instrument that I have enjoyed playing over the years. The RMI DK-20. It has an analog/digital hybrid sound. The DK-20 was introduced in the late 70's and took advantage of the most advanced digital technology available at the time. After you select your sound you can control the decay time, the curve, the final release, then you can mix and modify the voice with phasers, filters, and other unique modifiers in the "Timbre" section of the control panel. You can really get some interesting sounds going by mixing and matching the voices with the phasers and the separate outs.

The sounds are very organic and useable. I love the sound of late 70s digital technology, it has a warmth and rawness that I love. I have owned several of these over the years and really enjoy them (that's my near mint RMI DK-20 on matrix synth from back in 2011)

I am pricing this one significantly cheaper than my other one because it is missing the lid and pedal. It uses the same lid as the RMI 368x and they made a million of those so that will not be too hard to replace. The DK-20 is a pretty rare keyboard and I rarely see them for sale so if you have ever wanted one it would probably be worth it to try and source a new lid and pedal."

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Keytek CTS2000 Cross Table Sampled Synthesizer SN 0279

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

via this auction

You can find a couple of videos featuring the CTS2000 in previous posts here.

"THE GIBSON Synthesizer. The only.

Its name: The Keytek CTS 2000
Analog True vintage : CURTIS CHIPS // CEM 5530 / 8 CEM 3389
Released in 1987.

RARE COLLECTOR Early Model number 279

This will be supplied with :

1 COMPLETE IN ENGLISH !! Instruction Manual ! 64 pages
1 EXTERNAL ORIGINAL MEMORY CARD of this KEYTEK CTS 2000 model to store even more of your sounds.
1 CASE
1 OLD ORIGINAL ADVERTISEMENT

Fender has also released one on its side: The Chroma Polaris.

Story : Gibson had bought the Italian brand SIEL (Societa Industrie Elettroniche)
and worked in collaboration with its engineers who had already released
a lot of synthesizers including ( Cruise, Orchestra, Orchestra 2, Dk-70,
Ex-80, Dk-80 , Expander , Opera 6 , Dk-600 , Dk-700 , Kiwi ) and worked
themselves with suzuki and knew how to draw inspiration from analogs
from Korg .Moreover it would have been produced in Japan.

Gibson's synth, the Keytek CTS 2000 is a 330 plus wavetable based
synthesizer. But it is above all one of the last analog synths of this era. For
this it was equipped with Curtis chips, the same used in the little brother
of the Waldorf Wave, the Microwave .... as well as the Prophet 2000 which
is a Sequencial Audio / Dave Smith sampler ...

It has 6 voices with 2 oscillators per voice.
7 levels of envelope settings...
A Total MIDI Implementation....
An internal memory to save 48 sounds.
Finally its specialty of Cross Table Sample allows to mix for a sound of the
wavetables between them to obtain a combination of 330 X 329 so 9000 !

That is more than 9000 waveforms more than the sinusoid, the triangle,
the square, the sawtooth ! And this for a single voice ....
Each oscillator can be tuned differently for Fat sound .
An Lfo is also present to modulate these.
Dcf
Dca
Cut-off
Resonance
ADSR on 7 levels
All this in many combinations

One cannot simply overcome its possibilities.

It produces a unique sound. With it your instrumentations won't sound too much today.
He will add a personal color. It can produce percussive sounds, particular pads...

Another thing that differentiates the KEYTEK CTS 2000 is that very few copies
were produced in the world.
There are 2 other Keytek models but they are only weakly trimmed compared
to this one.

The model on sale was released in the very First GIBSON-SIEL workshops.

Number 279."

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Tuning iVCS3's DK the hardware way! Read the description for step by step instructions...

Published on Jun 11, 2018

iTunes: iVCS3 - apeSoft

"Hi, this is a short tutorial to demonstrate how to tune #iVCS3 and also a hardware #VCS3's Dynamic Keyboard patched via matrix row 8.

The method uses Osc1, Osc2 and the DK's zero volt Centre F# with the next octave's F# as a reference.

Patch Osc1's Sine wave and Osc2's Triangle wave to the outputs and turn them up so both can be distinctly heard in the middle audible range. (For A=440 set the Oscillators to F#)

Now using Osc1's audible frequency as a reference, tune Osc2 to 1 octave above Osc1 as close as possible.

Now patch the DK to modulate Osc1's Frequency with a pin at i8 and while holding the F# 1 octave above the centre F#, turn the Input 1 Level Knob until both Oscillators are in "perfect" tune (no fringe beats).

The DK should now be "Tuned" so now remove both Osc's waves' outputs and patch Osc2's Frequency with a pin at j8 and patch the wave outputs into the envelope, not forgetting to patch the envelope to the outputs. Both oscillators can now be "played" with equal temperament.

Additional...

If on the hardware your pins are inconsistent you can use the fact that the DK1 has dual Keyboard Voltage Outputs! So patch Osc1 via row 8 and Osc2 via row 9 then set each Input Level Knob separately."

80s DK Synergy II+

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

via this auction

"Original Factory DK Synergy II+ serial number 01052 with serial port for connecting to the Kaypo and factory midi. This auction is for the rare and elusive DK Synergy II+, a Kaypro computer, a complete set of software, serial cable for connecting your kaypro to the DK..."

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EMS Putney s/n 377 and DK.1 s/n 2090

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

via this VEMIA listing

Click the auction link on top when you get there for additional listings.

VEMIA is Peter Forrest's auction house. He is the author of The A-Z of Analogue Synthesizer Books.

"This is the second and sadly last Putney / DK.1 combo to come to VEMIA from Cardiff University Electronic Music Studio - one of the first and biggest electronic music studios in the world, with six VCS3s and then a Synthi 100. Another of the VCS3s from the studio is the featured instrument in the Wikipedia article https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/02/EMS_VCS_3.jpg - note the exact same type of security tag and engraving (E M Studio). The Wikipedia one is s/n 143. This Putney / VCS3 is s/n 377. The DK.1 is s/n 2090. Cosmetic condition is very good for things that are over 50 years old. There is considerable wear to the top panel silk-screening, and a few minor marks in the woodwork, but otherwise everything is lovely. The silk-screening around the matrix is in excellent condition - much better than average - and the matrix itself is very good. As well as looking great, they are in perfect working order, thoroughly serviced in September 2024 by EMS expert Lucid. The servicing includes replacement of all noisy pots and a correct set of matrix pins, all proper spec and sourced from Robin Wood at EMS. (Total invoice just under £1K).
The extra switch on the DK.1 reverses the dynamic voltage from the keyboard - perhaps in response to Carlos' criticism about the voltage as originally designed being negative. Lucid suspects this is an original EMS mod (and is identical to the other Cardiff Uni model we auctioned in April). **Now with one of Robin Wood's excellent padded covers for the VCS3 - money very well spent indeed. ** Packing at VEMIA: 30GBP."

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Vintage 80's DK Synergy Synthesizer Software

Note: links to listings 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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Siel DK80 1985 Polyfonic Analog Synth SN 001594

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

via this auction

The listing features this demo video from 2014.

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How to Build Sawtooth Shaped Wooden Side Panels for Your Synths

Jens Paldam
Published on Aug 6, 2017

"Wooden panels usually serve only one function, and that is to lend vintage class and credibility to your synthesizer, mixer, vibraphone et cetera, and maybe to be fair, they also protect the corners of your device from damage. But, I thought that it would be great to create panels, that actually had a function. The function here being holding together modular cases. Both the ones of my own cardboard design or those of my beloved Moog Mother 32’s.

0.00 Introduction
0.58 Chapter one: Designing the shape
4.38 Chapter two: Shaping the wood
7.00 Chapter three: Sanding and oiling
9.06 Chapter four: Assembling the rigs

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Siel DK 80 12- Voice Synth w/ RAM Pack

via this auction

"The Siel DK-80 is a bi-timbric, polyphonic synthesizer with voice assigment containing 12 complete and individual synth modules (termed voices or channels). It is fully programmable and able to store up to 50 programs in its computer memory and groups of 50/100 programs in the RAM/ROM packs.(additional mem.), which can be inserted into the special Cartridge location. The instrument is provided with 12 oscillators (DCO), 1 pink noise generator, two 24db/octave low pass Voltage Controlled filters (VCF), 14 digital envelope generators(DEG) and 4 low frequency oscillators (LFO), providing a parallel modulation of parameters such as pitches and filters. All this is controlled by specific controls on the EDIT section and memorized in the heart of the DK-80; the Programming Unit. The Programming unit also controls the 50 factory programs (40 not programmable and 10 programmable) and the 50 or 100 external programs: 50 (programmable) on a RAM pack, or 100 (not programmable) on ROM pack. Thus the DK-80 can control up to 150 musical programs simultaneously; 50 internal ones plus 50 (on RAM) or (ROM) external ones which are recalled directly by the Programming Unit."

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JEN DK 20 Analog Synthesizer-Organ Video Demo

JEN DK 20 Analog Synthesizer-Organ Sounddemo with Drumscomputer, Arp & Sequencer
Published on May 2, 2013 Tastronauten·19 videos

"JEN DK 20 Analog Synthesizer-Organ Sounddemo (springreverb effect)
Copyrights Volker Hein - 2013
More information visit www.tastronauten.de
Don't get confused. This is no Wersi, although you see a Wersi-sticker on the synthesizer. This is a JEN DK 20"

Update: it looks like this one is listed on eBay Germany.

Vintage 80s DK Synergy II version 2.45

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

via this auction

"Holiday Greetings fellow synth lovers. Here we have a DK Synergy II with flight case, pedal (you need the pedal connected so the portamento will engage, it was around 1997 that I read this in the manual and it relieved a lot of frustration), and original manuals (not a copy) for the serial interface and operation of the Synergy itself.

This DKII is version 2.45 and is a transitional instrument for DK before they moved on to the DKII+ with midi.

With the serial port you are able to load sounds, attach the Synergy to a sequencer, and the best feature is you can slave the DKII to another DKII or DKII+ for double the DK power and sound, connecting them to each other's serial port. I've done this and it sounds insane with some of the more aggressive sounding patches.

The complete manual for all these operations is thankfully included. The manual for the serial interface is very in depth.

This unit powers on and works great."

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DK Synergy vintage synthesizer w/ kaypro

via this auction
"complete fully functioning early 80's DK Synergy system. It includes 5 cartridges, two Kaypro computers (one as a back up), and all the software you will need. It has also had a midi upgrade... It comes with 5 cartridges so hooking up the kaypro is not essential to discover all of the unique sounds this beast has on offer. It can go from the sound of an angel's harp to the sound of dump truck driving through a nitroglycerin plant. It has a very diverse tone pallet and a great analog digital hybrid feel." Note the Carlos cartridge. Wendy Carlos used the DK Synergy. You can find a little more info in these posts.

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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.

unique synth combo | Ambient lofi | Double Knot, Gene GX, Artium Swarm |

video upload by Lo-Fi-Si

"Lorre Mill - Double Knot V3
Artium Instruments - The Swarm
Gene Synths - Gene GX
Walrus Audio - Qi Etherealizer

DK shift registers are providing the bed sequence. The range of notes in the sequences are created using the Slew circuits acting on pitch. The DAC outputs are patched into the Slew circuits. The Swarm provides a nice detuned pad using the Freeze function. The Gene GX has been tuned into the Dk and the Swarm. I’ve dialled down the modulation a little but i’ve kept the lofi grit because I’m addicted to it.

I love playing the Gene GX and I can never get enough of the DK. They both have such unique sounds.

‪@lorremill‬
‪@ArtiumInstruments‬
‪@genesynths‬"

SIEL DK 80 Rare Vintage Analogic 12 Voices + Ram & Rom + BCR2000 Full Pack

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

via this auction

"Hello Music Lovers, this is the full pack for the wonderfull,rare,unknown,cool design & underated Italian Synth from the mid 80's (1985).
SIEL DK 80 Dynamic Bitimbric Synthesizer
12 Voices Analog Polyphonic
CEM Filters,Sequencer & full Midi implementation.
Suzuki Ram Pack in the box with Ram stickers included
Siel Rom Pack Set n°1 included
Power supply PS-80 included
Original Owner Manual included
BCR2000 Behringer with customised SIEL DK 80 Overlays included."

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EMS AKS + DK-0

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

via this auction

"Beautiful and legendary EMS Synthi A with the Keyboard Sequencer KS and as a bonus a early model DK-0 Keyboard.

The Synthi and KS sequencer sounds amazing and fun! Everything works as it should but I'd recommend to service the Synthi as the potentiometers are a bit scratchy.
The DK-0 also needs some service/cleaning.
All in all an amazing and unique package.
The EMS can be tested and picked up in Berlin.
As a bonus: you'll receive 12 original EMS blank Patch Sheets"

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