Steiner Synthasystem Updates

Two new posts on Analogue Realities

V.C. Oscillator
Triple Envelope Generator

Interesting bits on graphic design: "Nyle sent me scans of the original artwork for the Frequency Divider panel which will help me get a better match with the panels I'm doing. For my stuff, I've always used Bulgarian for the module name and then a casual script like font for the pots, jacks, etc. Nyle likes a blockish, sans-serif font like he did originally, and I think he's right. I re-did the Triple Envelope Generator panel with pot tic marks, a Helvetica font slightly angled and used all caps for the letters, like Nyle did. I think it looks good."

One thing to consider is the historical relevance of this project. This is Nyle Steiner, maker of the Steiner-Parker Synthacon, Steiner EVI, and of course the Synthasystem, classic vintage analog synths from the mid 1970s. Realize this was before Tom Oberheim and Dave Smith came out with their classic synths. Many modular manufactures have filters based on his design. See the Steiner Parker label below for more.

Nyle Steiner is a major part of synth history and he is back.

Update via dingbre in the comments: "One quick comment on the graphics, the gray discs are not really part of the panel layout, but a check to make sure the knobs wouldn't cover the tic marks. I've chosen an Alco phenolic, 19 mm diameter knob. It's knurled, with an aluminum insert, and skirt. A slightly smaller version of the classic knobs Nyle used back then."

Nyle Steiner Sythasystem Designs and Schematics to be Made Available

You might remember the Steiner Synthasystem restoration project from this post. David who runs Analogue Realities sent in the following to the SDIY list. I asked him if I could put a post up for those not on the list and he gave me the OK.

via David on the SDIY list:
"Here's a bit of good news to anyone interested in the Steiner Synthasystem. I've had a couple of long talks with Nyle and he said it would be fine to share what I'm doing. He'd like as many people as want to build his designs and enjoy them.

To that end, as I actually get PCBs and schematics that work, I'll post and share as I can. If there is enough interest, I'll put together PCB, panel buys, etc. Otherwise, I'll make the layouts and schematics available somehow.

Keep an eye on my blog over the next few weeks for updates, etc.

Thanks again to those who have given me some great help so far, you know who you are :) So, to those who I swore to secrecy, you don't have to keep quiet anymore.

My blog and website:

http://analoguerealities.blogspot.com/
http://www.xmission.com/~dingebre/index.html

I'm going to meet with Nyle next month (after I recover from a total knee replacement on Monday) and he said he'd go over the schematics to make sure I have the latest corrections and designs.

So, I guess it goes up a notch from here."

Update: Read how it all started in this post.

5U format Synthasystem VCF

via Analogue Realities where you'll find more pics.

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

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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."

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.

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.

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New Steiner Parker Synthasyste PCBs Arrive

via Analogue Realities where you'll find more pics and the full details.

"The latest prototype PCBs are in today. If all goes well with the test builds, I should be ready to start a serious PCB buy for all who are interested in about a month!

Top to bottom: Sequencer Logic and Output/Pot, Power Distribution/ENVDL/ENVDT, VCA/VCF, Trigger converters, VCO

It's getting very close."

Salt Lake Area Modular Meeting 2010 - SLAMM

Top pic via Analogue Realities bottom pics via Joe Grisso's Picassa set here.
(click for more)

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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.

CLICK FOR MORE »

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."

DIY Steiner Synthasystem Triple EG

via Analogue Realities

After 35 years, a New Synthasystem

via Analogue Realities where you'll find more pics.

New DIY Nyle Steiner Synthasystem - First Signs of Life!

via Analogue Realities where you'll find more images and the full post.

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 Parker DIY Synthasystem Forum

via Analogue Realities

"Thank you everyone at Electro-Music. The Synthasystem now has its own Sub-forum. Not much there yet. I hope it will be an active and interesting place to discuss everything Steiner/Parker!

http://electro-music.com/forum/index.php?f=189"

DIY Steiner Synthasystem Panels are In - VCO

Full details on Analogue Realities

"The first panel order arrived, so I stuffed a VCO panel to see if it all fit right.I'm waiting on some MTA connectors to do the flying wires."

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:

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