Scott Lee of PAiA Has Passed Away

Some sad news in via Joshua.

Scott Lee of PAiA has passed away.

Left: Scott Lee via https://www.dignitymemorial.com

"Raised in Oklahoma City, Scott attended Putnam City Schools K-11, and graduated from Sausalito High School in CA. Following service in the U.S. Army, he parlayed his interests in engineering, music, and electronics into a life-long career with PAiA eventually becoming owner of the Paia Corporation."

And via PAiA:

"In Memorium - Scott Lee

MARCH 13, 1958 – APRIL 21, 2026

Scott Lee passed away with his family by his side on April 21, 2026. He loved PAiA and helping others follow their passion with music. He would appreciate if we all kept the PAiA legacy moving forward. Paia.com will temporarily remain offline as his son, Nathan Lee, works to get PAiA back to operation in any way he can.

We appreciate your understanding and stay tuned for more updates to come. We look forward to being in touch soon.

Scott Lee Obituary — Gladstone, MO
Feel free to comment and share memories."

On a personal note, the PAiA Fatman was the first DIY synth I built. Like many, Scott Lee and PAiA were my first forray into the world of synth DIY. I am thankful for the help he gave me getting my soldering chops going. He will be missed by so many in the community.

4/17/26 SSL 1660 + Zerosum Inertia 6550-99 & Scorpion Tail & Erebus Orifice + acVOKS VCF + (…)

video upload by Cfpp0

"4/17/26 Synthetic Sound Labs 1660 + Zerosum Inertia 6550-99 & Scorpion Tail & Erebus Orifice + Analog Craftsman acVOKS VCF + Møffenzeef Simplify + Oakley ADSR/VCA + Paia 6740 + Alesis MIDIVERB II

The SSL 1660 is clocked by ALM Pamela’s New Workout, but with the triggers interrupted by the Møffenzeef Simplify. The SSL 1660 controls the pitch of the Zerosum Inertia 6550-99 oscillator, which runs through the Analog Craftsman acVOKS VCF. The acVOKS low pass output runs through the Oakley ADSR/VCA and the bandpass output runs through the Blue Lantern mixer, gated by triggers from Pamela’s and with the wavefolder on (panned left on the Mackie Onyx 1640). Spring reverb from the Paia 6740 and stereo reverb from the Alesis MIDIVERB II."

Vintage Octave, Roland, Moog, Korg, PAiA, Synapse, Schmidt, and Waldorf Brochures, Magazine & Manual

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via these listings

Pictured in order:

Voyetra Series Catalog - 1982

Roland Studio Systems – System 100M/100/700 - 1978 - Original Vintage Synthesizer Brochure/Catalog

Moog UK Synthesizer Original Catalog + Newsletter "Interface" Volume IV - 01-1984 + 1981 Pricelist

Korg Catalog Volume 9 - 1982 - Original Vintage Synthesizer Brochure/Catalog

PAIA 1984 Music & Recording Electronics Catalog – Original Vintage Synthesizer Brochure

Synapse Electronic Music Magazine - 1977 - Volume 1 Nr.6 - Synthesizer Brochure/Catalog

Schmidt Synthesizer Original Catalog + Steinberg Original Sequencer Brochure

Waldorf KB37 Eurorack keyboard controller - Original User Manual from 2016

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4/18/26 SSL 1660 + Zerosum Inertia 6550-99 & Scorpion Tail & Erebus Orifice + acVOKS VCF + (…)

video upload by Cfpp0

"4/17/26 Synthetic Sound Labs 1660 The Matrix Algorithmic Composer + Zerosum Inertia 6550-99 & The Scorpion Tail & Erebus Orifice + Analog Craftsman acVOKS VCF + Møffenzeef Simplify + ALM Pamela’s New Workout + Oakley ADSR/VCA + Paia 6740 + Alesis MIDIVERB II (40) + CXM 1978

The right Synthetic Sound Labs 1660 is clocked by ALM Pamela’s New Workout, but with the triggers interrupted by the Møffenzeef Simplify module. The right SSL 1660 clocks the left 1660 and both of them control the pitch of the Zerosum Inertia 6550-99 oscillator, with the left 1650 serving to transpose the right 1660 notes. The 6550-99 thyratron oscillator runs through the Analog Craftsman acVOKS VCF. That acVOKS Polivoks filter clone is by far the best filter module we have. Anyways, the acVOKS low pass output runs through the left Oakley ADSR/VCA and the bandpass output runs through the Blue Lantern mixer, gated by triggers from Pamela’s and with the wavefolder on (panned left on the Mackie Onyx 1640). The right ADSR/VCA is triggered by Pamela’s and is modulating the amazing acVOKS filter. Spring reverb from the Paia 6740, reversed reverb 40 from the Alesis MIDIVERB II, and stereo reverb blended on the CXM 1978."

1/25/26 York TT4 & rBPF + Zerosum 5654 + MFB OSC-3 ADSR LFO + Ladik S-143 + OAM Time Machine +

video upload by Cfpp0

"1/25/26 Zerosum Inertia 5654 + MFB OSC-3 & dual ADSR & dual LFO + York Modular TT4 & rBPF + OAM Time Machine + Ladik S-143 + ALM Pamela’s New Workout + Alesis MIDIVERB II + Peavey 1300 + Paia 6740 + CXM 1978

We got some resonant filters by York Modular and this was a first test. The Ladik S-143 sequences the MFB OSC-3. The MFB oscillators 1 and 2 run through the TT4 into the right side of the Zerosum Inertia 5654 dual VCA, which is modulated by the MFB dual ADSR, and then through the OAM Time Machine. Oscillator 3 runs through the rBPF into the left side of the 5654, modulated by the MFB dual LFO and dual ADSR, and then through the Peavey 1300 delay (panned left). All of the signals have reversed reverb from the Alesis MIDIVERB II, spring reverb from the Paia 6740, and stereo reverb from the CXM 1978."

Vintage PAiA 4700 Series Modular Analog Synthesizer with Keyboard

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via this eBay listing

"Vintage PAiA 4700 Series Modular Analog Synthesizer with Keyboard – Needs Repair

Offered here is a PAiA 4700 Series Modular Synthesizer, produced between the early 1970s and early 1980s. This system is being sold as-is and will require service to be fully operational.

Functional Status

VCO 1: Powered and producing signal. Can be patched through the filter and mixer and triggered via the keyboard.

VCO 2 & VCO 3: Not producing output. Both modules are not connected to power or ground.

Sequencer (4780): Does not power on or respond. The power and ground wires are present on the bus but not connected to the sequencer module.

Filter (4730): Produces sound when triggered through the mixer.

Keyboard / Pitch Tracking: Synth triggers properly, but pitch does not track consistently across notes within the same octave and will require calibration or service.

Internal Condition

Power and ground wiring for the sequencer, VCO 2, and VCO 3 are disconnected internally.

Loose wire ends have been insulated.

Reason for the disconnections is unknown.

Included Modules

4720 VCO (x3 total)

4730 VCF

4740 Envelope Generator (x2)

4710 Balanced Modulator (x2)

4711 4/2 Mixer

4712 Reverb

4770 Watt Block (x3)

Control Oscillator

4761 Wing

4780 Sequencer

Notes

No patch cables included

Vintage condition with cosmetic wear consistent with age

Not fully functional and sold as-is for restoration, repair, or knowledgeable users

The PAiA 4700 is a historically interesting DIY-era modular synthesizer with a distinctive analog character. This example will appeal most to technicians, restorers, or modular enthusiasts comfortable with vintage electronics."

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PAiA 4783 Joystick Controller

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via this eBay listing

"The PAiA 4783 Joystick Controller is a vintage synthesizer control interface from 1977, designed by the renowned brand PAiA. This analog joystick controller offers a unique and creative way to control various parameters of a synthesizer, providing musicians with a dynamic and expressive tool for their performances and recordings. With its retro design and classic functionality, the PAiA 4783 Joystick Controller is a sought-after piece of pro audio equipment for synthesizer enthusiasts and musicians looking to expand their creative capabilities.

In beautiful, almost new condition. See photos. Will ship with care."

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11/25-27/25 Metasonix S-2000 & D-2000 & R-51 + Soundforce S-707 & S-LD + DSP 808 + (…)

video upload by Cfpp0

"11/25-27/25 Metasonix S-2000 & D-2000 & R-51 + Soundforce S-707 & S-LD + DSP 808 + ALM Pamela’s New Workout + Blue Lantern Gate Sequencer + Ladik U-202 & S143 + Paia 6740 + Alesis MIDIVERB II + Peavey 1300

Overdubs. Two takes of a drum from the D-2000 through the R-51 VCA are overlaid, and they were processed by a small room reverb on the Alesis MIDIVERB II with the preamp overloaded. A four note sequence on the Ladik S-143 is driven by a sparse pattern on the Blue Lantern Gate Sequencer, and controls the pitch of the S-2000, which is delayed by the Peavey 1300 with a reversed reverb on the MIDIVERB II. The S-707 cowbell is delayed by the Peavey 1300, with reversed reverb. The 16th note hats are from the DSP 808 module, triggered by ALM Pamela’s New Workout. The other percussion is from the S-LD."

11/12/25 Roland (RYK) System 100m & RE-301 + Peavey 1300 + Alesis MIDIVERB II + Paia 6740 + CXM 1978

video upload by Cfpp0

"The left RYK Modular 185 sequencer is gating the right RYK 185. The right RYK 185 CV output controls the pitch of the left Roland 110 VCO and modulates the right 110 VCA. The 140 lower envelope controls the left 110 VCA. The upper 140 envelope controls the right 110 VCA. The left RYK 185 gate output is modulating the 140 LFO, and that LFO is modulating the left 110 filter and the right 110 VCO slightly. The 150 LFO is modulating the right 110 filter and the left 110 VCA. The left 110 audio output goes to the Roland RE-301 for tape echo, with the intensity set at the threshold of feeding back, and that signal is panned left on the Mackie Onyx 1640, with spring reverb from the Paia 6740, stereo reverb from the Alesis MIDIVERB II (preset 27), and a larger stereo reverb blended on the CXM 1978. The right 110 audio output goes to the Peavey 1300 delay and is panned center on the Mackie, with the same three reverbs."

9/29/25 SSL 1660 + FSFX 103 + STG + acVOKS + .com Q128 + Paia 6740 + MIDIVERB II + MP-4 + DDL-3

video upload by Cfpp0

9/29/25 MFB dual LFO + Metasonix R-51 52 53 54 + Zerosum Inertia ZI61 & VCA + (in description)

video upload by Cfpp0

Almost sounds orchestral.

"9/29/25 MFB dual LFO + Metasonix R-51 & R-52 & R-53 & R-54 + Zerosum Inertia ZI61 & Voltage Controlled Annihilation + Gieskes Fan VCO + OAM Time Machine + Alesis MIDIVERB II + Paia 6740 + CXM 1978

Keanoop on a Kawasaki KLR 600 in the Hsuehshan Tunnel."

9/28/25 (bird) ElectroComp EML 400/401 + Paia 6740 + DeltaLab Effectron II + MIDIVERB II + CXM 1978

video upload by Cfpp0

"Some stringy flutes. The 16 steps on the right side of the ElectroComp EML 400 are producing V4, which is controlling the envelope decay on the EML 401. I’m resetting that loop throughout the video, to change the accents and envelope. The 16 steps on the left side of the 400 are producing V3, which is controlling the 401 filter (in high pass mode). The 400 sequence is being clocked by ALM Pamela’s New Workout, with a division of 140bpm. The 401 output hits the DeltaLab Effectron II delay hard and overloads the limiter. The delay goes from the Effectron II to the Mackie Onyx 1640, with spring reverb from the Paia 6740, gated stereo reverb from the Alesis MIDIVERB II, and pitchy downsampled stereo reverb blended on the CXM 1978. The bird was racing our ferry and won."

Hitchcock

PAiA 7701 Drummer Boy Demo

video upload by Stromer Mutroniks

"Introduced in about 1971.
This one was built in the early 80's."

8/18/25 (feedback) Metasonix S-2000 + Paia 6740 + Alesis MIDIVERB II

video upload by Cfpp0

"The Metasonix S-2000 sounds like a pretty cheerful creature with both contour two and contour three engaged, but gets more angry when contour three is turned off. A lot of that raspiness is due to feedback. The S-2000 audio output is multiplied by the Synthesizers.com Q124, then a copy goes to the Mackie Onyx 1640, with spring reverb from the Paia 6740 and stereo reverb from the Alesis MIDIVERB II, which is what we hear in the video. Another copy of the S-2000 output is sent through the STG soundlabs Attenuators, to the Lower West Side Studios M830 Signal Distribution System (just to convert it to 3.5mm), into the audio input on the S-2000 so it hears itself hearing itself."

808/25 Happy 808 Day! Three 808 clones + (gear in description)

video upload by Cfpp0

"808/25 ALM Pamela’s New Workout + DSP 808 + Birdkids Unicorn Boom + Ladik S-143 & U-202 + Roland SPH-323 & System 100m 140 & RYK 185 & e-licktronic 118a + Simmons Clap Trap + DeltaLab Effectron II + Paia 6740 + Lexicon PCM 70 + Alesis MIDIVERB II + Peavey 1300 + Mackie Onyx 1640

Happy 808 Day!"

8/1/25 Free State FX 116 & 101 & 107 + SSL 1310 + Paia 6740 + Alesis MIDIVERB II

video upload by Cfpp0

"8/1/25 Free State FX 116 & 101 & 107 + Synthetic Sound Labs 1310 digital delay + Paia 6740 + Alesis MIDIVERB II"

6/24/25 (doubled demo) Zerosum Inertia 6550-99 oscillators (gear in description)

video upload by Cfpp0

"6/24/25 (doubled demo) Zerosum Inertia 6550-99 + SSL 1660 + Oakley ADSR/VCA + muSonics Vanilla Envelope + Corsynth C102 VC LFO + Paia 6740

I recorded a couple takes of a short looping sequence from the Synthetic Sound Labs 1660 The Matrix Algorithmic Composer to demonstrate some of the strange sounds you can glean from the Zerosum Inertia 6550-99 Thyratron Oscillator. In this video, two of them are overlaid. The SSL 1660 pitch is at a different setting in the two takes, but the patch is the same. The SSL 1660 audio output is controlling the pitch of two 6550-99 VCOs. The right 6550-99 is running through the STG muSonics Vanilla Envelope (panned center) and the left 6550-99 is running through the Oakley Modular ADSR/VCA (panned left). The right 6550-99 is also receiving an LFO from the Corsynth C102 VC LFO. This was just to hear the 6550-99 VCOs, so no filter or processor was used on either 6550-99 and very little spring reverb from the Paia 6740 was applied (with the 6740 slightly feeding back on itself via the aux send)."

Friendly Stories about Computers / Synthesizers John Simonton Jr., PAIA

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via this eBay listing

"Friendly Stories about Computers / Synthesizers - by John Simonton, Jr. PAiA Electronics founder. Subtitled: WHY Microprocessors are the greatest thing to happen to electronic music since voltage control and HOW to apply them. 72 pages of articles from Polyphony Magazine. Mainly deals with their 4700 series computer interface. Has a lot of 6502 assembly language listings. This is a great walk down memory lane of the very early days of microcomputer controlled synthesizers.

FREE bonus - 1989 PAiA 12 page catalog - MIDI SMPL Modules, Studio Equipment, Guitar Effects. Books Kits and More."

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5/21/25 Hewlett-Packard 3310A & 241A + Landscape Noon + Paia 6740 + Alesis MIDIVERB II

video upload by Cfpp0

"5/21/25 Hewlett-Packard 3310A & 241A + Landscape Noon + Paia 6740 + Alesis MIDIVERB II

We only hear the Landscape Noon passive drum synthesizer, activated by voltages from the Hewlett-Packard function generators and oscillator. The Hewlett-Packard 241A is just providing a certain rasp through channel 8 on the Noon. The left Hewlett-Packard 3310A sync output runs to channel 2, and its high output runs to channel 1, which together create the bass pulse (panned center). The right 3310A high output runs to channel 4 (panned a little left), and the 3310A range switch is played in patterns to create something like a melody. There is a gated reverb from the Alesis MIDIVERB II on both signals, and spring reverb from the Paia 6740 only on the one signal generated by the right 3310A."

5/1/25 (1st SDS6 test) Simmons SDS6 & SDS8 + Peavey 1300 + Alesis MIDIVERB II + Paia 6740

video upload by Cfpp0

"A first test of the Simmons SDS6 after having it extensively serviced by The Simmons Guy. I love it!"

Two great Simmons demos today. See the Simmons label below for more.