Rare Chromaton 14 Analog Video Synthesizer

images via this auction

"extremely rare analog video synthesizer from the 1970's. Here is an opportunity to purchase a piece of history. The Chromaton 14 was designed and manufactured by Ralph Wenger in 1977, and released by BJA Systems. It originally sold for $ 9,500 USD, and there were approximately 120 units sold. As of today, less than 8 working units are known to exist. This may be your only opportunity to own such a rare video synthesizer. The Chromaton 14 is a fairly small video synthesizer, approx 18 by 18 inches square. It includes 2 camera inputs with color quantizers, but can also generate fairly complex color images without any external inputs. There are six pattern generators that can be sent to each of the chroma keyers (there are 10 preset patterns in each). The beauty of the Chromaton is that it can be played like an instrument. There are two motion generators in the upper right which can control the movement of the patterns. When the patterns are combined with the camera inputs, truly psychedelic imagery results. The pattern generators and motion generators can be set to respond to an audio input. All of the switches and knobs on the front panel are 0-5v, so this would be ideal to modify for voltage control (and for use with a modular synthesizer). Since there are two camera inputs, the system is ideal for video feedback applications.

My unit was recently serviced and cleaned. I have tested all the pattern generators as well as the camera inputs and controls. The camera inputs were designed to be used with broadcast cameras. They must be synced to the Chromaton with a genlock/sync signal. If you want to connect consumer cameras, you will need to use a timebase corrector or video mixer to syncronize the cameras/video sources with the Chromaton's sync signal. I am not including this equipment; you must provide this on your own.

I am including the schematics for the Chromaton 14, in case it needs future service. As with all vintage equipment, I am selling it as is. I guarantee that it is working and will arrive functional; however, there is no warranty on this item as it is vintage analog synthesizer equipment.

Here is a sample video showing a few basic patterns, the response to audio, and that the camera inputs are working. The video shows only a fragment of what this synthesizer is capable of. Be aware that the camera used is a consumer video camera which is not syncronized to the Chromaton, so the picture fluctuates. If a timebase corrector or video mixer was utilized, the image would be stable:

Chromaton-14 Demo

YouTube via sydilaxe. via Bryan

"Demonstration of Chromaton 14 video synthesizer. Camera inputs are not synced, so they are not stable."

Performance Music Systems SWAN via VEMIA

"[VEMIA note: If you thought the Syntar was rare, how about this unique instrument?] S.W.A.N Vintage One-of-a-kind very rare monosynth with flight case. The S.W.A.N. is a vintage monosynth built by Syntar inventor George Mattson [of the Mattson Mini Modular]. The S.W.A.N. is literally a Syntar-Without-A-Neck or, a desktop version of the Syntar without the left-hand controller system. This system is owned by George Mattson and it is labeled 'Prototype 1' even though the electronics are stock Syntar circuits. George built it because dealers were inquiring if they made a 'desktop' version. So, he made one. This is the only S.W.A.N. in existence and is a fully functioning system. George has recently replaced all of the caps and tuned up the system. Information and a better picture can be found at Carbon111 The weight is in its flightcase; outside it is 8.2kg. NB Like all of the lots so far in this particular auction, it is being sold as a non-VAT registered item. But if you import anything from outside the EC into the EC, you may be liable to VAT as a form of import tax." You can find it listed on VEMIA - click on Auctions, Search, and then search for 5881.

Update via Stephen Jones in the comments:
"I've played this very synth about a year ago. It has features unlike any mono synth ever made. I really hope this goes to a good home. I'd estimate that its auction value will be about $7400 and even that would be a steal.

It has a Pratt-Reed gold double buss bar keyboard with a good solid feel. (not J-Wire or membrane carbon contacts like everyone else was using)

Its got two oscillators, a ring mod second, noise, an LFO that does audio rates and the same SSM filter that makes the Prophet-5 Rev 2 sound so good.

Good luck and I hope it goes to a good home."

I played this one as well. Amazing synth, amazing piece of synth history. This was a hard one to put up.

Update: someone actually had the gall to list this on Ebay. The auction was quickly pulled.

Rare Performance Music Systems Syntar via VEMIA

"Vintage rare Performance Music Systems Syntar [Update: this predated the MOOG Liberation - see Carbon111's page linked below for some interesting and controversial history regarding the two] with documentation and flight case. The original “Keytar” is being offered for auction from original owner/inventor George Mattson [of the Mattson Mini Modular]. The package includes a Syntar Series I analog monosynth with power supply, connector cable, owners manual, a pad of patching charts and service documentation. The package also includes a flight case with a royal blue crushed velour interior. The Syntar has been in the possession of the owner since manufacture in 1981 but never been in circulation. George has recently replaced the capacitors and tuned up the system. The condition is very good with some minor signs of wear and age. The mylar graphics have stressed over the years and wrinkled as shown in the pictures. Overall, the system operates 100%. Information about the Syntar can be found at Carbon111 - including a nice picture of Bob Moog playing it. [VEMIA note: this has to be one of the rarest well-known synths ever entered into VEMIA, and to have it serviced and sold by the original designer is pretty nice too.] NB Like all of the lots so far in this particular auction, it is being sold as a non-VAT registered item. But if you import anything from outside the EC into the EC, you may be liable to VAT as a form of import tax."

You can find it listed on VEMIA - click on Auctions, Search, and then search for 5880.

The Subliminal Kid in the studio

YouTube via rubenbroman
"Live jam with Macbeth M5N, Roland tr-909, Roland System 100 Seq, Roland RE-301 & Boss DC-2"

via The Subliminal Kid:
"It´s a live jam in the studio where i trigger the Macbeth M5N with a Roland System 100 Seq synced with a tr-909. One channel from the Macbeth i run thru a Roland RE-301 and the HH from the 909 goes thru a Boss Dimension C."

BlackJacks

The Monochrome ModCyn
featuring dueling BlackJack Zeroscillators and additional Modcan and Cynthia modules.


via Cynthia

Jen SX-2000 Synthetone

images via this auction

Minisonic 2 Dual VCO Analogue Synth w/ EMS like filter

images via this auction

"The Minisonic 2 was a two-oscillator synth with an EMS-Synthi-like filter as well as a VCA, a ring modulator, two envelope generators and a noise generator." (SoundOnSound)"

Yamaha TX816

images via this auction

8 DX7s in a rack

Oberheim OB-1A

images via this auction

"This model is the OB1A varient which was made towards the end of the OB1 production run - it has different color scheme (grey graphics) and some of the functions vary slightly from the standard model (black graphics)"

Anyone know what those variations are? The auction doesn't say.

keybdwizrd - Prophet '08 Demo #1 (stereo)

YouTube via keybdwizrd
"Demonstration of the Prophet '08 8-voice analog synthesizer from Dave Smith Instruments. Lexicon MX200 effects."

Update - Parts 2 and 3:
keybdwizrd - Prophet '08 Demo #2 (stereo)


keybdwizrd - Prophet '08 Demo #3 (stereo)