Trove of Nyle Steiner Documentation and Images Available via Analogue Realities

Analogue Realities wrote in to let us know they have made a trove of Nyle Steiner documentation and images available on dropbox via his site.

"Nyle has given me permission to share this with the general public. Please, please give credit to Nyle whenever you use this information. If you make money off of his genius and work, please consider sharing something with Nyle. He is one of the truly nice, gentle, humble, and generous people in this world.

The organization is not the greatest, but I’m sure you’ll have many happy hours trying to figure out why I put things where they are :) The archive is very big, more than 4.6 Gbytes so be sure you have room."

P.S. Analogue Realities remade the Steiner Synthasystem. See the Analogue Realites label for more.


Pictured left is Nyle Steiner holding his Steiner EVI. The image was also featured back in 2015 from Analogue Realities, on a documentary being made on Nyle Steiner (see this post for the completed film). I thought this would be a great image for a new post on a trove of his historical works.

The 1979 Steiner filter.

The filter was used by YuSynth (featured posts here) and made its way into Arturia synths starting with the Minibrute designed by Yvves Usson of YuSynth.

“Steiner’s Workshop”

"Steiner's Workshop" from Hounds & Wolves on Vimeo.

This one in via Arturo, via The Playlist.

"'Steiner´s Workshop' is a documentary portrait of a forgotten genius. Part mad scientist, part inscrutable musician, Nyle Steiner is a singular presence in the world of underground inventors.

Beginning as a trumpet player in the 1960s, Steiner's creativity led him to experiment with sounds and machines, developing a series of instruments, including the EVI or Electronic Valve Instrument, a brass-style electronic synthesizer. The EVI's haunting sound and Steiner's expert playing ability sparked the interest of Hollywood and filmmakers like Francis Ford Coppola who invited him to be a part of the recording of Apocalypse Now's soundtrack. For more than 40 years Steiner has been working in his Utah workshop assembling, modulating, destroying and understanding anything he can get his hands on.

In 'Steiner´s Workshop' we get to know the man behind his unusual inventions by spending intimate moments with him and watching his curious mind at work."

Note the Analogue Realities eurorack Synthasystem at the nine minute mark.

Nyle Steiner Documentary In the Works

via Analogue Realities

"Nyle came by today, which is always a treat. The occasion was there is a documentary being made about him and his life. Part of that life crossed mine and so I got to be a small part, too. When the documentary is finished, I'll post a link if it's allowed. It was a lot of fun. Nyle played his EVI hooked into my Synthasystem. Then, Nyle (and I) played around with it having fun (mostly Nyle tweaking the knobs). The photo on top is just a sort of long shot while the crew was setting up lights. The one at the bottom is Nyle himself in front of my Synthasystem."

Analogue Realities worked closely with Nyle Steiner on bringing back the Stiener Synthasystem to DIY and eurorocack.

Update: you can find the completed documentary “Steiner’s Workshop” here.

TTSH Version 1 PCB, Panel, and Case

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

A few pics of the DIY TTSH ARP 2600 clone via Analogue Realities where this set is currently for sale. You'll find additional details and pics there.

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Eurorack Moog 914 Fixed Filter Bank Clone

via dingbre on electro-music.com

Moog 905 Reverb & Tuner Monitor in the rack as well.  Note the Steiner logos.  I'm assuming they are for looks.  The filter bank has the Analogue Realities logo.

Update via dingebre in the comments: "The typeface is not Moog'ish. It's in a muchh larger Steiner-Parker Synthasystem and I wanted the panel to fit in with the others I did. Nyle [Stiener] helped pick the type face for his modules to match the original typeface."

Some additional info in the comments below.

Yusynth Steiner-Parker VCF SN 20131 with Original Box

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
via this auction

This is the filter the Arturia Minibrute filter is based on. It is based on the filter used in the vintage Steiner-Parker Synthasystem modular and Synthacon keyboard [video here]. On a related note, Nyle Steiner recently worked with Analogue Realities on a new Steiner Synthasystem modular. See this post for videos, and this post for the announcement of it's completion.

"The Yusynth Steiner-Parker VCF Clone is an aggresive filter that pays homage to the classic 2 Pole design. This multimode filter is capable of traditional gentle Lowpass filtering, big beautiful "barberpole" style phasing when in Allpass Mode, and many flavors in between. The Steiner-Parker VCF Clone is a versatile filter capable of handling the low end, even with resonance dialed up. A true "must have" filter for every serious synthesist.

Assembled with:

Custom Engraved Front Panel by FSFX / Front Panel Express
Shallow Module Depth of 2 inches (measured from rear of Front Panel)
4 Way Mode Select Switch: Lowpass, Highpass, Bandpass, Allpass
Frequency Control
Resonance Control
(2) 1/4" FM Inputs (Frequency Tracks Exponentially, NOT 1V/Octave)
(2) Frequency CV Level Controls
Audio Input Level Control
1/4" Audio Input
Audio Output
Switchcraft Jacks
24mm Alpha Pots
Polyester Film Capacitors
Metal Film Resistors
Runs on +/- 15 Volts
Hand Signed and Numbered
Ships with one (1) 20 in. long MOTM to .com Power Cable"

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Steiner Duophonic Keyboard Module

via Analogue Realities where you'll find additional pics and details.

"The Duophonic Keyboard PCB is fully working and it is sweet. This was the first "module" I built when I originally started this project in the mid 1970s, so it is fitting it is effectively the last module in this [Steiner Synthasystem] resurrection project..."

On the features: "This particular module acts like a MIDI to Duophonic Keyboard converter, but there is no reason you can't just build the Duophonic electronics into a dedicated keyboard, or even an external module.

The Duophonic Keyboard was pushing the technology at the time when most others were still using monophonic keyboards. The Duophonic was both a low note priority monophonic keyboard and a two note keyboard.

There are some interesting "features" of this particular keyboard. The upper voice tracks the lower voice when an upper key is not pressed; there is no sample/hold for the upper voice due to the way it's generated.

Next, you can either have a new trigger/gate on each low key press event, or only a new trigger/gate when the previous key is released before the next key is pressed. Nyle calls this legato or lift playing respectively. The upper voice does not generate a gate/trigger.

There is a pitch bend knob. I chose to make this a big knob with a finger spinner to make it easier to turn. Also, because the pot is not spring loaded, I chose one with a center detente to make is easier to feel when I was back to center. Nyle added an electrical dead spot in the Pitch Bend, too so if you miss the detente, you will still be OK.

There is a Portamento knob, and I added a jack for a normally closed foot switch so I could dial in a Portamento and then hit a foot switch to activate it.

There is also an Auxiliary Scale which can be tuned for other scales and it can be switched in and out.

There is a reverse switch reverses the keyboard, and a Range switch lets you shift the keyboard output up or down by octaves."

New Projects: Analogue Realities & Analogue Solutions Red Square DIY Kits

via Analogue Realities.

Analogue Realities also worked with Nyle Steiner on new Steiner Synthasystem project.

"Monday, September 12, 2011
New Projects...
Hi Everyone!

I have 3 new projects to announce. First, I have prototype PCBs for the Duo-Phonic keyboard. I've got an idea how to modify a Fatar keybed to use reed switches and magnets as a buss keyboard. I'll post my results.

Second, I'm working on the Microcon. It will be a module suitable for Eurorack or standalone. In standalone, you will need to add a +/- 12 volt supply. I've got the schematic mostly captured. I'm thinking I can get PCBs in about 2 months.

Third, Tom Carpenter at Analogue Solutions is selling Red Square PCBs and panels. Pretty bare bones, but I'm putting a page together to help out those who are building it. There are some unique semiconductors and the BOM lacks some part numbers, eg: pots with switch. Anyway, I also bought an assembled Red Square and will take some photos of the inside so the PCB interconnection and other details will be more clear."

Update via electro-music.com: "To compliment the Steiner Synthasystem resurrection I completed (see here http://www.xmission.com/~dingebre/Synthasystem.html), I'm now undertaking the Steiner Microcon. I'll put up a page with build/calibration notes and will have PCBs for sale. Be aware, it does use two Vactrols which are becoming extinct. They are the VTL5C3/2 variety right now available at Allied Electronics. It also makes use of 5 74C14 Hex Inverters. There are some substitutes which I'll have in the build notes. It also uses a 2n5246 JFET which also recently went away, but it isn't really special and there are substitutes. Everything else should be relatively easy to find.

There are a couple of trimmers on the PCB which will be configured so you can make it a panel pot, like resonance, and sustain level. So, stay tuned.

The Microcon was a standalone synthesizer voice, VCO, LFO, VCF, EG (driving a VCA). It also had a unique way to "fatten" the VCO sound. Below is a photo taken of one Nyle mounted in a custom rack of 8 (or was it 9) Microcons as a special order."

After 35 years, a New Synthasystem

via Analogue Realities where you'll find more pics.

5U format Synthasystem VCF

via Analogue Realities where you'll find more pics.

"Tony has finished a 5U format Synthasystem VCF. Nicely done Tony!"

CLICK FOR MORE »

New Steiner Synthasystem in the Flesh

More pics on Analogue Realities

"Completed:

* Frequency Divider
* Sequencer
* VCO A
* VCO B Square/Saw
* VC Trigger Generator
* VCF
* Tuner Monitor
* Triple EG
* VCA/Mixer
* Peak Selector
* Sample and Hold
* Trigger Converter
* 2 "Multipliers" (what Nyle called multiples)
* Ring Modulator
* Phase Shifter
* Voltage Processor/Mixer (VPM)
* Dual Voltage Follower (Slew)
* Power Access Module

Still to do:

CLICK FOR MORE »

New Steiner Synthasystem Complete!

via Analogue Realities:

"I pronounce the Synthasystem fully resurrected. The last module was the Ring Modulator. Nyle spent a couple of hours with me today and it works. I can now make the order for a small production run of the last three PCBs. The panels are done and now I'm going to build my modules.

I'll update the web pages over the next few days and get the module information up to date."

For those that haven't been following, Nyle Steiner is behind this. He has been working with David of Analogue Realities to bring the Steiner Synthasystem back to life. Note this is not a one off restoration. These are new modules initially available for order as DIY kits. Last I checked in with David, eurorack would be coming. A new Steiner Synthasystem modular has just made it into being. See the links above for more info and the label below for posts featuring Nyle Steiner's work.

New Steiner Synthasystem Progress

via Analogue Realities where you'll find the full post:

"The project is getting very close to fruition. I've recently tested and now have working the VC Trigger Generator, Noise, Selective Inverter, Phase Shifter, Voltage Processing Module, and tonight, the Tuner Monitor. The Voltage Follower (slew or portamento), Ring Modulator, and Input Amplifier prototypes have shipped and should be here early next week. After that, I need to finish up some panels and then order some production PCBs.

Nyle came over last night and spent a few hours helping me go through the Selective Inverter. It is a very interesting module, and I don't quite know how to explain it. I guess because I'm still trying to understand it. It was a specialty module Nyle built for a customer and very few were every built."

Steiner Synthasystem Update

via Analogue Realities where you'll find more.

"Top: VCO, VCF, Triple EG, VCA. Bottom: Peak Selector, Sequencer. Not shown: Frequency Divider (Nyle still has it). At the very bottom is a Frac Rack with some utility modules I put together; Blacet Bar Graph, 2 mini O'sopes, A440 tuner, and a Yusynth Voltage Standards module (thanks Yves, yusynth.net).

The good news is it all works! The Sequencer, Frequency Divider (THANK YOU Nyle), VCO, VCA, VCF, EG; it's a real system that now needs expanding!.."

Steiner VCF

via Analogue Realities

"thought you might like to see a picture of my populated board as i used a lot of NOS parts. all carbon composite resistors, a couple vintage transistors (5138s) and .1uf caps, and original AD SSM chips."

This is part of the DIY Steiner Synthasystem project with Nyle Steiner's involvement. The Steiner Synthasystem is coming back to life. Currently DIY, and Eurorack versions will become available. See Analogue Realities for more info.

New DIY Stiener VCO 99% Working

via Analogue Realities where you'll find more info and pics.

DIY Steiner Synthasystem Racked

via Analogue Realities where you'll find more pics and details. I believe this is the first racking of the new Steiner Synthasystem.

CLICK FOR MORE »

DIY Steiner Synthasystem Progress - VC OSC and Triple Envelope Generator

via Analogue Realities where you'll find more pics and info.

Steiner Synthasystem VCF PCB Re-issue

via this auction

"This is a re-issue of the rare and unique Steiner VCF bare PCB. Nyle Steiner had a big part in this project and was key in the testing and tweaking phases of the design. This PCB is a DIY project. See this website for the project details.

The PCB is a modern re-capture and professionally etched and screened PCB with high quality materials for reliability and ease of assembly. This is a BARE PCB for intermediate to advanced Do-It-Yourself'ers.

This is not a tribute, clone, or anything like it. It is a faithful re-capture of the original Synthasystem (not Synthacon) VCF with selectable Low Pass, Band Pass, and High Pass modes. The PCB is of a size which will work with all the current standard panel sizes, Euro, MOTM/DotCom, Fractional (Frac), and others. Being original, the PCB runs on +12 and-10 volt supplies, but will work with +/- 12VDC and is designed to also work with +/- 15VDC supplies. The builder has the choice of using modern components, such as monolithic NPN pairs, or all discrete transistors.

There are several PCBs available." Contact the seller or Analogue Realities for details.

Steiner Synthasystem VCO PCB Re-issue

via this auction

"This is a re-issue of the rare and unique Steiner VCO bare PCB. Nyle Steiner had a big part in this project and was key in the testing and tweaking phases of the design. This PCB is a DIY project. See this website for the project details.

The PCB is a modern re-capture and professionally etched and screened PCB with high quality materials for reliability and ease of assembly. This is a BARE PCB for intermediate to advanced Do-It-Yourself'ers.

This is not a tribute, clone, or anything like it. It is a faithful re-capture of the original Synthasystem (not Synthacon) VCO type A with Saw, Sine, Pulse, and Triangle outputs. The PCB is of a size which will work with all the current standard panel sizes, Euro, MOTM/DotCom, Fractional (Frac), and others. Being original, the PCB runs on +12 and-10 volt supplies, but will work with +/- 12VDC and is designed to also work with +/- 15VDC supplies. Only minor modifications were made to make it friendly with current Control Voltage sources such as an on board Volt/Octave trimmer and a frequency range trimmer. Otherwise, it is the same as the original. The builder has the choice of using modern components, such as monolithic NPN pairs, or all discrete, hand matched transistors.

There are several PCBs available." Contact the seller or Analogue Realities for details.