COMPUTALKER SPEECH SYNTHESIZER

You can find a demo of COMPUTALKER in this previous post from back in 2008.

Here are some pics and additional info on the COMPUTALKER via this reddit thread where you'll find a dropbox link to additional docs including some source code. Note the poster on reddit is looking for help on gettig it going. If you can help, reach out there.

This one was spotted and sent in via
M Me who also found some addtional info here.

From the reddit thread:

"The Computalker CT-1 was one of the earliest commercially available speech synthesizers for personal computers. Introduced in late 1976 and shipped beginning in 1977, it was developed by D. Lloyd Rice and Jim Cooper in Santa Monica, California through their company, Computalker Consultants.

Unlike simpler speech devices that played back recorded sounds, the CT-1 was a 9-parameter formant speech synthesizer. A host computer generated control data describing pitch, formant frequencies, fricatives, aspiration, and other speech characteristics, while the CT-1 generated the actual voice waveform in hardware."

"My goal, (which I do think may end up being completely impossible) is to get this up and running and hear it speak. Among the photos, there are some shots of the inside. I understand that this was originally designed for the S-100 bus going as far back as the Altair 8800. Serial number inside and out is 7001 and I can see that a previous owner likely replaced the older capacitors already.

This variant however, In all my searching I cannot seem to find a single reference to anywhere. My best guess with the information I have is that this could be a prototype version that was meant for later computers and perhaps it's missing some type of interface card for maybe an Apple II or TRS-80?

Here is a dropbox link to all of the information I have collected so far. I have found the manual, the software manual (With source code?!) and all sorts of little information. Also there's a lot more photos....

https://www.dropbox.com...

Maybe someone out there has seen this before? I am super excited to keep collecting information on this! Thank you for checking this out!"

Some pics of the inside below.

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Emu SP1200 & SP12 OTBElec SP MIDI Interface w/ Original Box

via this eBay listing

Here's an interesting device from the recent past. According to the listing details below the final batch came out in 2017. It's from OTBElec and this appears to be the first post to feature them on the site. The www.otbelec.com website is no longer live.

This one was spotted and sent in via
M Me. via the listing: "I bought this new & it was part of the final batch made in 2017. I stored it away because my SP12 required servicing & the interface subsequently was never used (or even unwrapped).

This may be the only brand new OTB MIDI in existence.


"The SP MIDI converts non-standard MIDI messages from the SP-1200 to regular MIDI. One such message is note off, which is required to set the length or duration of sequenced notes. The SP MIDI also translates the pitches of bank D to a continuous range of notes to store and sequence external devices. When recording it is necessary to set rec mode.

Internal mode is used to select up to three samples which then have their 16 pitch levels mapped out over the keyboard. Now supporting note off you can play like you would normally expect, where the sample mutes when the key is released. Excellent for looped samples, i.e. bass lines.

External mode is used to sequence other instruments. It uses bank D1-D6 to record notes on one MIDI channel and D7-D8 on another channel. D1-D6 is mapped to a full note range by pad number and pitch, making it possible to play a melody using the pads. Also note off is sent as you hit the pads a second time, unless F1 oneshot is selected. D7-D8 is combined together to give a full range of note numbers and is best used with a keyboard.

Dynamic velocity is maintained, if not Full Level is selected.

The SP MIDI firmware can be updated using a computer with a MIDI interface.

These features also allow pitching and using the loop function on a S950."

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AKAI MPC3000 SP Custom

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

via this eBay listing

This one was spotted and sent in via
M Me.

Also see this one with a custom Overdub button & wood frame.

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Vintage Yamaha DX7 Synthesizer Keyboard Keychain 1986

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

via this eBay listing

This one was spotted and sent in via
M Me.

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Publison Infernal Machine + LinnDrum / Jam 2

video upload by Valmont

"Here's the second (more conventional) part of the previous jam, featuring a fully restored Linndrum for a client along with a Publison Infernal Machine reissue, hand-built by my friend Valentin :)
You can watch the first jam here: • Publison Infernal Machine + LinnDrum / Jam 1 [posted here]

In addition to copy/pasting the same description, I’ll also add a few details about the process!
The Infernal Machine itself is in the racks. In this video you only see the remote, with a few occasional close-ups when I tweak it. The LinnDrum is raw ; I’m just using the left main output straight into the console (a BiAmp Model 42). From there I send the signal into DSP A (mono), pan it slightly to the left, then route that channel via a second aux into DSP B (stereo).
DSPs are mixed back into the console. A hint of U-He SATIN, Pro-Q, and Pro-L on the master… and there you go :)

LINNDRUM - This one came with a fun issue: the snare would trigger the side stick, and the toms would trigger the congas. Apart from various CMOS quirks of that kind, I rebuilt all sliders/faders (volume + pan), the trigger buttons and replaced the pots with custom clones made by my friend Manfred from VintageSynth&Co. I also swapped the audio caps for polypropylene ones and rebuilt the power supply. During the process, the CPU card failed so I had to debug the sequencer - turned out to be a bad address latch and a dead bus gate (no idea what caused that). All in all, a serious overhaul!

INFERNAL MACHINE - A very special device. The IM90 was originally designed by French engineer Philippe Petitdemange between 1983 and 1984, with development continuing until the final DSP update in 1989. Publison devices are infamous for their opacity: components were often stripped of references, making repairs impossible. No schematics were ever published or even formally documented, which made the Infernal Machine both exceptionally rare and subject to extreme prices (I’ve seen one listed around 20k€!!!)
Following Philippe’s assassination in 2019, much of the design knowledge risked being lost. Jonathan Prager was designated as the official Publison legacy/maintenance technician and undertook the task of redrawing schematics based on the original archives he bought to preserve these machines. Meanwhile, Valentin, a French expatriate living in Japan, independently carried out his own reverse-engineering and successfully built a true 1:1 clone. His version (named the Celestial Machine) fits the strictest definition of a clone: an exact replica running the original code, featuring a beautifully recreated remote controller and using NOS components throughout ; except for a new OLED display (co-designed with Bob Grieb of TaunTek).
This special Publison-badged unit was sent to me for testing and demonstration to original Publison co-founder D. Dean - more info soon maybe :)

By the way! If you’re curious, I wrote my master’s thesis on Publison, it was published in French (deal with it lmao) : https://www.ens-louis-lumiere.fr/wp-c..."

LCD 647B Loop Maker

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
video upload by bogushokus1980

Note the video above is from 17 years ago. The listing below was spotted and sent in via M Me.

It was also available in Red:

loop maker toys by struktur. beat square

video upload by flao raphael

via this eBay listing

"We are offering this super rare LCD 647B Loop Maker, a truly unique and hard-to-find vintage electronic instrument designed for beat creation, sequencing, and hands-on performance 🎶🔥

This is not just a simple loop player ❌
It’s a programmable drum machine & sequencer that lets you edit individual rhythm parts and shape your grooves in detail.

✨ Special Features:
• 🎚️ Full rhythm programming & editing
• 🎧 Built-in scratch wheel function for DJ-style effects
• 🔊 Deep, bass-heavy, highly distinctive sound
• 🎹 Built-in speaker for standalone use
• 🎙️ Audio input for extra creative possibilities"

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Roland TR 606 / TR 608 / TR 808 Mod

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

via this eBay listing

This one was spotted and sent in via
M Me.

One was previously listed on Vemia.

"Modified Roland TR-606 / by Filippo Samore / TR-608 > as used by Hainbach on YT [posted here].
The TR-606 in 808 territory and beyond, with tuning, decay and tone mods.

' This Drummachine is on a another level and is a lot of fun (you become very creative) '

' The mod is high-quality and truly enhances the sound engine of the 606
without compromising its handy form factor. It is almost like a TR-808 now,
except maybe a little more interesting, because it is still a charmingly shuffling 606 at its core.'

Examples:
Visit the phunkydesk dot com Domain / > the files after the slash (/) are as follows:
608_BD.wav, Loop1.wav, Loop2.wav
(there is no distortion/overdrive or clipping converters!)

The main modification in this revisited classic is the complete redesign of the kick drum circuit
with a lot of borrowed technology from the 808!

+ Kick: Tune, env Control, tone and decay.
You can also send the kick through the second output separately!
+ The Kick can also have "almost infinite" decay

+ Snare: same borrowed technology from the 808 but with an improved decay length.
It gives access to tune, snappy and decay.

+ L.H Toms: Tune independent from each other and cuts out the annoying noise present in their circuit.

+ Hi-Hats: Tune and decay, separate for both open and closed hats


++ Original Roland TR 606 carrying case
++ Device is serviced (while Mod)

++ Device checked in endurance test
(Batteries or the 9V TR-606 power supply)"

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Spectrum Shifter Surrey Electronics Phazing Unit RARE Studio Gear Frequency FX

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

via this eBay listing

It appears to have an original red Surrey Electronics case, compared to this racked one. You'll find a spec sheet there as well.

"Surrey Electronics Spectrum Shifter

Uses the same principle as Bode frequency shifter. Ostensibly for 'Howl Reduction' but capable of some very interesting effects. Essentially, unlike a pitch shifter, a frequency shifter does not preserve the harmonic relationships in the input signal. In practice this means the output quickly starts to deviate from what is going in and extra tones are added which then interact and interfere with the source producing new harmonics and drones. Very good with other fx. Great studio addition as you can plug allsorts in not just for vocals.

31cm x 27cm x 24cm
240v unit

Mono input and output via 1/4" jacks on the rear. (standard 'guitar' Jacks)
some scuffs and slider plastic is missing, did not replace as does not affect use. See photos."

This one was spotted and sent in via
M Me.

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PPG Wave 2.3 w/ New Display

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

via this eBay listing

This one was spotted and sent in via
M Me.

"The Ultimate PPG Wave 2.3 – Serviced & Refurbished – Collector's Condition

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TR1000 New Skin debut - New Project Premier

video upload by Teddy Rock Steady

A clearer view of the TR-808 skin for the TR-1000 featured in this previous post. This one was spotted and sent in via M Me.

From the video:

"sample chop preview, new project premiere track featuring the voice of one of the most influential and inspirational speakers of our time, Shahid Bolsen
Get TR1000 skinz https://synthskinz.com
Shout out to Synth Skinz"

EVA Maestro Oberheim Ring Modulator RM-1A Clone

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This one was spotted and sent in via
M Me.

via this eBay listing

"We've received a used EVA/Maestro Oberheim Ring Modulator RM-1A Clone, which reproduces the sound of the Maestro Oberheim Ring Modulator RM-1A as faithfully as possible.

This is a highly specialized custom-made unit.

Created in response to requests from enthusiasts, this is the ultimate clone ring modulator designed to recreate John Lord's organ sound.

The layout of the input/output jacks, faders, and pin switches has been designed to closely match the original. Condition: B+: No issues for normal use"

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Vintage Silver ROLAND Koffer Case

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

via this eBay listing

This one was spotted and sent in via
M Me.

I've never seen one of these before.

Curious what it originally held. If you know, feel free to comment.

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Vintage Roland MPU-401, CM-32L, CA-30, CN-20, CP-40, & CF-10 System

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

This one was spotted and sent in via
M Me.

via this eBay listing

1 pic of the inside below.

"Includes

Roland MPU-401 Midi Processing Unit SN 873387

Roland CM-32L LA Sound Module SN Z803461

Roland CA-30 Intelligent Arranger SN Z802892 with Roland Music Style Card TN-SC1-10

Roland CN-20 Music Entry Pad SN ZA92670

Roland CP-40 Pitch to Midi Converter with CP-40M Microphone (untested) SN Z881503

Roland CF-10 Digital Fader SN Z803213

(1)Roland Boss AC Adaptor Model PSA-120T

(2) Roland Boss AC Adaptor Model ACA-120

(1) Roland Boss AC Adaptor Model PSA-120

(1) Roland AC Adaptor Model ACB-120"

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Rare Ensoniq 14 Sound Disk Set #4-17 + Sound Lab For The Mirage NOS Sealed

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

via this eBay listing

This one was spotted and sent in via
M Me.

"RARE NOS 14 factory sealed (stapled) 1985 Ensoniq sound disks all featuring different sounds for the Mirage Digital Sampling Keyboard. Disks #4-17

Also included is a factory sealed Ensoniq Sound Lab for Apple Macintosh and the Mirage Digital Sampling Keyboard

All disks are 3.5” floppys"

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BugBrand Introduces TCS - Touch Control Sequencer

via BugBrand (For those in the US: check on availability with Noisebug per below)

"The 5FW design stems from ideas I used way back in the Old Blue days when I had the CTL1 Touch Panel - that design went through a few iterations during its 4 years of life, moving from just a control/preset device to incorporating some basic sequencing. Now I have taken it several steps further - expanding it out to 8 steps and increasing the control & sequencing options. The result is a powerful little hands-on sequencing hub! It can link up with other clocking devices, especially the Sequence - indeed, I'm just beginning to investigate a joiner/expander for the pair that would allow the Control link to be easily switched on/off and also incorporate a handful of other useful functions.

In the meantime, the first modules are starting to ship - they can either fit in a larger system or sit in a 5FW case - perhaps an interesting addition to other banana systems!

US shipping & Tariffs:
There has been a fair bit of uncertainty because of new tariffs on shipments into the US (10% from UK vs 20% or more from most other places), alongside the ending of the De Minimis exemption for shipments under $800. Given that I send a fair amount to people in the States, these changes have proved worrying!

Thankfully I've been able to jiggle things around and have found that I can still send things easily & affordably - indeed, often including pre-payment of tariffs while not raising the overall shipping cost, and sticking with Royal Mail who have proved so reliable over many years of use.

Noisebug:
But, alongside these changes, I'm rekindling my prior work with the wonderful Noisebug store of Pomona, California. Just today I've sent a reasonable initial load - a couple of 1Frame systems, several mini-systems and a handful of red designs.

As you know, I've tended to work directly with people worldwide, but have kept in with a very few small & specific stores - Noisebug really fit the bill here for me! So if you've got requests, feel free to get in contact with them - or continue to nudge me direct ;)"

Superlative SB01 (Roland SH 101 Clone) w/ Original Box

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

via this eBay listing

This one was spotted and sent in via
M Me. "This is the Superlative SB01, a clone of Roland's SH101 80's mono synth. I backed this on Kickstarter many years ago, it has just arrived and I no longer have a need for it. it comes in original packaging, it's just the Synth, no cables as it does not come with any. Use any charging USB C cable to power/charge as it has a built in battery."

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SEQUENTIAL CIRCUITS SCI MODEL 64 SEQUENCER Interface Cartridge für COMMODORE 64

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

via this eBay listing

This one was spotted and sent in via
M Me.

From the listing (Google translated):

"The case shows virtually no signs of wear.
As far as I can tell, nothing appears to be damaged.
This is an absolute rarity!

Please note - Unfortunately, I cannot technically test the device, as I don't own a Commodore 64.

For this reason, I must sell the SEQUENTIAL CIRCUITS Model 64 as 'untested' or 'unreviewed'! This sale is non-returnable!

There is some information about this device online - for example - https://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/sci-model-64-sequencer/7891"

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Quasimidi Gigacard 512 Styles für Roland E-35/E-36/E-56/E-70

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

via this eBay listing

This one was spotted and sent in via
M Me.

Rare Quasimidi Gigacard, 512 Styles for Roland E-35/E-36/E-56/E-70.

This is the first one to be featured on the site.

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New Roland TR-1000 RHYTHM CREATOR Incoming

Update: teaser videos added below.

This one was sent in via an anonymous reader. It's apparently from a Sweetwater catalog.

The text reads:

"NEW!

Meet the TR-1000:
Roland's Legacy Rhythms Reborn

Blueprinted with unprecedented potential, the Roland TR-1000 Rhythm Creator marries historic heat, analog presence, and digital precision into a polychromic powerhouse built on the masterfully re-created circuits of the legendary TR-808 and TR-909 drum machines. Its hybrid architecture houses a trio of synth engines, bringing a prismatic palette of FM, PCM, and VA possibilities to the TR-1000's analog foundations, with ACB modeling supplying the coveted circuit-bent sonics of the 8X and 9X models. Over 2,500 onboard sounds join a wealth of digital and analog effects while the suite of classic-to-contemporary connectivity effortlessly integrates the TR-1000 into any arrangement. Add in cutting-edge Morphing performance controls, next-gen TR-REC sequencing. true-stereo re/sampling, and an unbridled array of sonic contouring tools, and you've only scratch the surface of the TR-1000's kaleidoscopic capabilities — vintage heart, modern soul. and endless exploration waiting to be discovered by you."

If legit, I'm curious how it will compare the the TR-8S. Note the change in design aesthetic. Reminds me of the GAIA with a touch of Elektron gear. Note the Morph slider on the bottom right and display on the top right.

Update2: Roland announcement post here, additional posts with demos here.

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ATAK Special Rhythm Player, Vintage 19inch Drumcomputer

This one was spotted and sent in via
M Me.

From this listing

"ATAK special rhythm player, a vintage 19-inch drum machine.

Works and sounds great.

I think it's from the 80s, made in Turkey.

I can't find any other information about it online, so it's quite a rare drum machine."

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