Roland CV Sequencer CMU-800 with Apple IIe

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via this auction
This is a fairly unique opportunity to get hold of a Roland CMU-800, and the computer required to run it, with an easy to use and space saving SD card floppy disk system, without having to spend months/years trying to put your own set-up together. Buy it all in one go and take all the ball ache out of the equation. Hook it up to your CV/Gate synths and start making music now.

Mint condition and working Roland CMU-800 8 channel CV/Gate Sequencer and manual,with built in 7 voice analogue drum machine supposedly similar to the TR-606.(I actually prefer the CMU's drums as they seem cleaner and snappier to me than the 606.The hats are also better in my opinion.

Also a very basic unfiltered 6 voice digitally generated synthesiser.(Actually quite useful for testing out compositions without having to fire up your precious vintage synths, and I'm sure I can hear these sounds on Doris Norton's Personal Computer album)The interface card is a clone I built myself and it works exactly as the original.

Plus it comes with an Apple IIe personal computer (rebuilt power supply)with SDISK II SD card floppy disk drive, so no bulky annoying 5.25" floppy disks or drives required.Working and in very good condition for it's age. I will supply this with 5 SD cards.

THE SOFTWARE LOADS UP FROM SD CARD AUTOMATICALLY ON POWER UP AND LOADS IN 8 SECONDS.
You treat each SD card as if they were 1 floppy disk. You use 1 SD card to load up the Sequencer, then you change SD cards and use another one for loading/saving your songs. Easy. And also easy to archive all your work. Just put the SD card in your computer and copy the file somewhere safe.Double easy.
You can also do the bulk of your programming on a PC based Apple II emulator(no sound or CV/Gate control possible of course) and then load that file up into the real thing for fine tuning and to see how it sounds.
(I may consider offering some spare parts(1 motherboard for spare chips/disk interface card and more) with this Apple IIe if you turn out to be a cool customer.This is totally at my discretion and is not guaranteed or offered as part of this auction.Contact me if you are interested in this proposition)

Also comes with a handy little 10" composite/vga monitor which is plenty big enough to work on and doesn't take up much room. This has a scratch on the front of the screen but it doesn't cause any problems during use of the sequencer software.This also comes with it's own power supply and composite lead.

Operation
If you build a complete song from start to finish then there are no problems that I have found, however, the loop function in the software can sound a little sluggish(at least to my ears) I'm guessing that this is because it takes time for the old 6502 to get back to bar 1 (a sloppy coded IRQ I suppose). Just put together a song by using the repeat command to repeat as many steps as is required (easy to do, and what this was really designed to for(the centre of your CV studio)).You also do the same for the internal rhythm channel if you are using that.That's about it for old school problems.(not a problem if you actually write a complete score)..."

ROLAND 4-Channel Mixer / Synthesizer, Model CMU-800 SN 317458

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via this auction

If anyone knows where to find the software for this please comment or shoot me an email. From the description of the auction it sounds like this one comes with it, but if you bid, be sure to make sure with the seller on eBay.

"The Roland CMU-800 is a four-channel mixer with internal preset voices and sequencer software for an Apple II or PC. There is a ribbon cable out the back with a card attached. It features analog synthesis with fixed sounds. Four note polyphony in the chord section, monophonic bass and melody synth sections, and an analog drum section.

The Chord/Melody section has only 1 sound. The drum section is similar to the TR-606 Drumatix, and the bass section is similar to the TB-303 Bassline (some limited adjustments in sound were possible via software). It has separate melody, bass, chord, rhythm, mix outputs. There's also 8 cv/gate outs to run external analog equipment by control voltages, and there's a click in/out. On the face it has knobs for portamento, Melody sustain & decay, Bass decay, and Chord decay. It also has volume level sliders for each of the instruments and a master volume slider. The software uses a similar music programming method as the MC-8 or MC-4."

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Final Set of A-Z of Analogue Synthesisers

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via this auction

The listing is from the author Peter Forrest who states this is likely the last set.  These are great books and imo the most comprehensive.  Click on the pics to get an idea of what they are like.  Peter also has other items listed including The Museum of Synthesizer Technology and Synthesizer von Gestern II.

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Roland CMU-800 ~1983

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via this auction

"This unit is in amazing condition looks and works like new even it's 25+ years old! It has MIDI option installed. This is custom prepared unit, almost not possible to buy anywhere else:

http://cmu800r.deftaudio.ru/midi.html

You'll be able to control everything that could be controlled. Including single voice Melody channel, single voice Bass channel, 4 voices Chord channel and analog Drum channel. CV/GATE ouput also works, so, you'll get 8 channels of CV/GATE in addtion!

Midi implementation chart:
Midi channel CMU800R CV/Gate out Comments
1 Melody Ch1 1-voice
2 Bass Ch2 1-voice
3 Chord Ch3 1-voice
4 Chord
Ch4 1-voice
5 Chord Ch5 1-voice
6 Chord Ch6 1-voice
7 - Ch7 1-voice
8 - Ch8 1-voice
9 - -
10 Rhythm - 7-poly drums in GM
11-16 - -

Also support pitch shift, CCs on 01, 16, 17, 18, RPN and midi reset mesages.

Audio Demos:

http://cmu800r.deftaudio.ru/audio.html"

Vintage Roland DG Model CMU-800

via this auction

Search for CMU-800 on the right for previous posts. I believe the CMU-800 requires software and a PC to work.

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AMDEK CMU-800 Analog sound module DEMO with MIDI

YouTube Uploaded by Caknobs on Nov 11, 2011

"1982年にAMDEK(RolandDG)から発売された8ch CV/gate out付きアナログ音源が入手できました！MIDI制御でパターンを鳴らしています。chiptune的に楽しんでみました。ミキサーを通さずノンエフェクトでPCに直録­りした音です。

Here comes the CMU-800.It is the AMDEK make which I owned.（not RolandDG logo）
This clip is my first CMU-800's Sounds DEMO.It is controlled by MIDI."skclabo(my friend)" made this MIDI-IF.

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Roland CMU-800R with MIDI Option Installed

via this auction

"For the quick info visit:

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/dec04/articles/roland.htm

www.cmu800r.deftaudio.ru

http://sites.google.com/site/analogvocoderinfo/interfaces/roland-cmu-800r

The CMU-800 is one of unique and rare module that was produced by Amdek and then by Roland in th past. It's a medium-sized, off-cream metallic wedge, with a barrage of jacks on the back and a bare minimum of knobs on the front. It also sported this ruddy great ribbon cable hanging out the back!

What is it? Essentially, its a computer-controlled CV/gate output system, designed to work with computers - a Japan-market-only NEC Z80 machine and the humble Apple II range. No MIDI, no inputs as such, just a means to let your "brand spanking new 8-bit computing marvel" be the controlling heart of your System 100M. The box was the same for each model, you just bought the interface and software to suit your particular CPU.

This unit is in amazing condition looks and works like new even it's 25+ years old! It has MIDI option installed. This is custom prepared unit, almost not possible to buy anywhere else:

http://cmu800r.deftaudio.ru/midi.html"

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DIY Synthesizer "Promenade"

YouTube Uploaded by skclabo on Oct 10, 2011

"音源として自作のモジュラーシンセだけを使用して「展覧会の絵」からプロムナードを演奏してみました。
まだまだ演奏に甘い部分がありますが、お許しください。
ちなみにMIDI-CVインターフェースとしてMIDI化したCMU-800を使用しています。"

Googlish:
"Use only your own modular synth sound as" Pictures at an Exhibition "Promenade tried to play from.
There are still playing sweet part, please forgive me.
Incidentally, as the CV-CMU MIDI Interface MIDI-imposed uses 800."

CMU-800 MIDI-IF DEMO

YouTube Uploaded by skclabo on Aug 20, 2011

"新しく製作したCMU-800 MIDIインターフェースのデモです。
CMU-800の内蔵音源の他に、インターフェースから出力されるDIN SYNCで同期させたTR-606とCH8のCV/GATE出力でSH-101を演奏させています。"

Roland AMDEK COMPU MUSIC CMU-800

via this auction
"Branded as 'Amdek' but is actual fact exactly the same as the Roland branded cmu-800

'Although Roland were based in Hamamatsu by the early '80s, Kakehashi established the AMDEK Corporation in Osaka. Their main product lines were small effects units and computer monitors manufactured for Roland (but not by Roland) in Taiwan. For a couple of years, the company proved to be surprisingly successful but, as competition mounted, Kakehashi decided not to compete with the large computer companies entering the market, and in 1983 he ceased supplying monitors, simultaneously discontinuing the effects units. But this was not the end for the company. Kakehashi renamed it the 'Roland DG Corporation', and then used it as a vehicle to release a range of the company's own computer and music peripherals.'"

Roland Compu Music CMU-800

via this auction

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VINTAGE ROLAND DG COMPU MUSIC CMU-800 SYNTH DRUM GATE

via this auction

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CMU-800 & SX-150 MIDI Demo

YouTube via skclabo — November 23, 2008 — "YouTubeにもアップしてみました。
MIDI化したCMU-800とSX-150でYMOのTHE END OF ASIAを演奏させてみました。
ラストのピッチベンドにご注目ください。"

CMU-810 Compu Synth, CMU-800 Compu Music, Roland, C-64

via this auction

"Roland CMU-810 Compu Synth Expander Module with manual for sale. Also, I have a Roland CMU-800 Compu Music with impossible to find software, interface, and Manual for Commodore 64. I don't know much about these but they are tested and working. Everything looks like new. I've had them for about 15 years and only tested them so I really don't need them. For more information about them just google Roland CMU-800 and CMU-810."

via jbrave

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pearl_drxDemo_dance.flv

YouTube via stereoping — May 21, 2010

"A realtime-arrangement-demo of my modded Pearl DRX-1 drumsynth. Normally this excellent drumsynth must be painfully programmed by 4 buttons on the front and had 8 storagememories. i rejected this digital circuitry and added 40 pots, one for each of the 8 parameters of the 5 voices. In contrast to the simmons-things the voices are nearly identical: Pitch, Decay, Attack (adds a short enveloped noise, not just a click), Filter (slightly resonant), Bend (just piuuu) and Overtone (adds a second detuned oscillator) and Level. Sequencing comes from mc-909, the triggersignals come from my modded CMU-800 which holds (besides its modded analog drumvoices) a 16channel- midi to trigger interface. The CMU also runs the Pearl Syncussion in the background. Other synths used: D-550, Fantom and V-Synth. Just Pearl and Roland-Gear :) It is not a perfect song/arrangement but i guess you like it more than just listening to the drx alone."

pearl_drxDemo_soft.flv

stereoping — May 21, 2010

Another much softer demo of my Pearl DRX-1. Normally this excellent drumsynth must be painfully programmed by 4 buttons on the front and had 8 storagememories. i rejected this digital circuitry and added 40 pots, one for each of the 8 parameters of the 5 voices."

Roland CMU-800R XMas CAROL

YouTube via digitalbeatsyndrome.

via this auction

"I take no credit for any of the work in this film. The DIY retrofit of the CMU-800R was done by RJB who is author of the Japanese DIY synth blog Radiojunkbox."

via this auction
"Roland CMU-800R Analog Synth / Drum machine. Very rare to find one of these in this condition, complete with the Apple IIe software and interface card. It has a Bass Channel (mono), Lead Channel (mono), Chord Channel (4 note poly), and Drum Channel (TR-606 drum sounds). It also has 8 Channels of CV(0 5.25v, 1v/octave) out and 8 channels of Gate out (0-12v), which would compliment the CMU-810 sister synthesizer or other analogs using CV-Gate. This particular unit was found in the basement of a music school with another flawless unit, some confused person had marked on the box sound mixer. I had hopes to MIDI retrofit it but never got around to it. I've listed links so you can listen to how the machine sounds, I do not take credit for any of the music or film in the links. The particular unit for auction is NOT in any of the videos and audio clips, I've listed them for audio demonstration only. For those who are interested in MIDI retrofitting this synth, the video by deftaudio demonstrating this machine in action with the MIDI retrofit installed. He offers the retrofit for sale."

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Cagura Sappro City Standar DIY Analog Synth

via RJBlog here

Anyone know more about this one? via philip.

Update: some additional info in the comments. Also see this holiday track featuring a Roland CMU-800 and SH-101. Click on the "CMU-800 de Xmas" link when you get there.

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Roland DG CMU-800 with a MPU-401

via this auction

Roland CMU-800R

Click here shots via this auction.

Details:
"2 VERY RARE ANALOG + CV synth + 2 apple2 computers the kit includes:
- 2 x cmu-800r de roland compu music for apple
- 2 x apple2 with disk drive
- 1 x cart midi interface for apple2 de Passport Designs
- 1 x operation manual for cmu-800 original
- shématics (copy)
- no software"

You *might* be able to track the software down. See this post. via JB

Roland CMU-810

Click here for shots via this auction. Details: "This is the Roland CMU-810 Compusynth, one of the rarest synths ever made by Roland DG Group, an obscure offshoot of the Roland Corporation that remains to this day. In the old dealer price sheets from the 80's it was listed as an expander for the CMU-800 Compu Music, a small mixer/synth/drum machine in a similar housing that you hooked up to a computer. If you look online or read Peter Forrest's A-Z book, a false rumor has perpetuated that this is simply an SH-101 or an MC-202 in a metal box without a sequencer. They reference the schematics but the schematics are nowhere to be found. I've been looking for years for them without any luck. I've compared all three synths side by side, and have triggered the CMU from both an SH-101 and MC-202 sequencer as well as the Roland MC-4. The sound out of this box is entirely different than it's younger cousins, more aggressive, with a faster attack, and much nicer filter. The SH-101 and MC-202 sound very plasticky and thin compared to the CMU. The CMU-810 sounds more like the SH series of synths and soundwise it's probably closer to the SH-09. It excels at bass sounds and percussive effects. It also differs from the MC-202 and SH-101 in that it has a delay slider on the LFO, an input to control the VCA for tremolo effects, and removes the trigger control over the envelope. It also has a built in miniature mixer so you can merge the sound of two additional synths or drum machines (MC_202/TR-606?) with the output of the CMU. It sports sliders from the era of the Jupiter-8 indicating that it probably predated the MC-202 and SH-101 by at least a year or so. One European reviewer on SonicState wrote, "They say it is like the 101/202 but I have not heard any of them (101/202) as aggressive as my new baby (cmu). Very clear, very warm, loads of rumbling and as stated before it can be a very aggressive basspump. If you want to get rid of yours give me a shout cause I would not mind linking a few together." I agree 100%. I would buy one over an MC-202 or SH-101 anyday. But the CMU makes a good partner for either of these synths because it takes up such a small footprint and can act as a second voice when hooked up via CV/GATE. You can watch a video of a CMU-810 on YouTube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eof7hVqBsw0"



Previous CMU-810 posts