Crumar DS-2 and Dynacord tape delay = JOY !

YouTube via joyoussound. via Nusonica.
"It's my beloved Crumar DS-2 italian "moog" synth from the 70's with the great Dynacord EC-504 tape delay. Together they're a joy to play!"

Crumar DS-2

images via this auction.

"Vintage Crumar DS-2 Synthesizer.One of the first dual DCO analog synths, with a poly section as well."

Anyone confirm these are DCOs and not VCOs?

CRUMAR STRATUS Vintage CEM Synthesizer SN 00269

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via this auction

"Unfairly marked as "slimmed-down version of the Crumar Trilogy", the Stratus is actually a synth with its own character and features, a hybrid keyboard with a set of sounds which belong neither to the world of the conventional organ nor to that of complex polyphonic synth. Released in 1982, it's a 6-voices polyphonic analog synthesizer + organ synth which can be played separately or simultaneously.

SYNTH SECTION

The Synth section implements two 74LS221 oscillators (the same used in the ultra-rare Crumar DS-1) with saw, square and saw+square waveforms. The two oscillators can be synced or tuned separately. The Synth architecture is basically built around CEM chips and in fact it features 6 CEM VCFs, 6 CEM VCAs and 6 CEM EG (one per voice). The CEM filters and envelopes, combined with the various oscillator features, make it possible to create a wide range of electronic pianos, lush strings, quasi-vocal pads and tuned percussive sounds. A very unusual (unique?) feature is the "Alternate" switch: this automatically switches between sawtooth and square on every key depression, or only after all the keys have been released and one is depressed again.

ORGAN SECTION

The Organ section implements two additional detunable (or syncable) master tone generators divided-down to generate the octaves of the 4 horizontal drawbars (2', 4', 8' and 16'). The fact that the two master Organ oscillators can be detuned allows to produce a vast, rich, organy sound. The Organ section is fully polyphonic and can benefit of the Glide effect and the LFO features. The Organ audio output can be taken separately from a ¼inch jack socket on the back panel, or from the socket marked 'Polysynth' which in fact gives a mix of synth and organ if used alone.

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Vintage Crumar DS-2 Synthesizer SN 346

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via this auction - learn how to sell on eBay here

"The ds2 is a very rare ( 500 made ) crumar synth which has digital ( , fat . raspy saw , pure square and lovely sine thats unlike any analogue i heard ) analogue filters , 2 x lfo , weird lfo shapes and to top it off a 44 key string synth section ( which works at the same time as the main osc's for sublime chord tuned keys.)

Creatively this machine is freaks synth or one for retro heads , the 2 lfo's and mod matrix make this not unlike the sequential pro 1 at times but way more complex ( it has ladder / staircase and s/h random lfos' which take you straight into star trek / bbc radiophonic territory)The machines string section makes super cheesy and cool 60's and 70's pad sounds and just plain psychedelic wavering timbres very similiar to the boards of canada stuff , you know those detuned and weavy psychedelic tones.The machine also excels at leads from thin and tonal to fat and pwm ones and as it has 2 main osc's it can play chord leads that go from classic rave tones to crazy jazz tones , it can emulate a moog lead with ease , really its very moogish.The machine also reminds me alot of the Oxford oscar , it has a very very similiar tone to the oscar at times , a rough and ready filter and a resonance that sqwarks like a banshee , it self resonates and the filter will then act as a osc and track perfectly.I should also mention the lush pink and white noise section ( which again just adds to this machine )The machine i feel outdoes many analogues , its osc's are really mean and fat , they dont sound digital ! but do at times have a slight plastic tone which is what makes the machine sound so cool and psychedelic." Hard shelled case included. I stated earlier just 2 little missing slide covers for the Lfo's. Super easy to replace. Thank you and enjoy G.S.112"

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Crumar DS2

images via this auction

When digital was in...

"The DS-2 is basically a monosynthesizer with an added 44-voice polyphonic strings section. The DS-2 was one of the first synthesizers to use DCOs (digitally controlled osc.) making it stable in tune. Especially if you use the polyphonic string. This is a very big and good looking synth with a lot of knobs for instant hands-on control. And you don't need a hardcase, it's built into one.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Polyphony - Monophonic synthesizer section; 44 voice polyphonic string section
Oscillators - 2 DCOs
LFO - 2 LFOs; LFO 2 has Sample&hold and Staircase waveforms
Filter - 1 4-pole LPF with Cutoff, Resonance, ADSR and ENV-amount
VCA - ADSR
Keyboard - 44 keys
Memory - None
Control - Gate
Date Produced - 1978"

Vintage Crumar Digital Synthesizer DS-2 SN 00030

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via this auction

Pic of the inside below. This one needs some work.

"Vintage Crumar DS-2; in very good condition, cosmetically, and mostly functions very good, Very clean inside and out; I don't think this synth has been played much, and spent the last 30 years stored in a dry climate.

lowest E key cuts out intermittently only on POLY section; but if you play it softly its fine. Works fine for both oscillators.
some of the LFO modulation routing switches are noisy.
some keys are slightly blemished
Resonance control isn't very gradual; after 9 it jumps quickly to self-oscillation.
Pitch bending potentiometer is not the original.
Missing one slider cap."

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Soma Plays Synthesizers

flickr by Persiflage
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full size

Crumar DS-2
KORG MicroKORG

via catsynth.com

Looks like we are on a bit of a Crumar DS run.

Crumar DS-1 vintage analog monophonic synthesizer

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via this auction

"This is the ORIGINAL DCO synthesizer model. Around the time my recently turned 52 year old body was graduating from HS Crumar was selling this item. A synthesizer that would have tuning stability. Yet they called it DCO when in reality the control is ANALOG....however the generation of that initial waveform was a digital chip... a 74LS221 set up as a relaxation oscillator with a capacitor. In other words the analog control currents charge a capacitor to the threshold of the chip and it discharges the cap at that point and then starts a new charging cycle while outputting a waveform that is tied to that frequency.

Anyway DIGITAL was a new buzz word back then :-). Then they didn't want to emphasize the fact that everything AFTER the digital chips that create the initial waveforms is analog. Down to the details of the delay circuit for the LFO where the flexible modulations can be made to GRADUALLY arise after the strike of a note, rather than abruptly like on polysix and some other common analog synths. So this is a fairly powerful analog beast in other words that has oscillators that stay stable. I acquired a DS2 which adds a poly section into the mix and extra lfo so decided to let this one go since... they are otherwise extremely similar.

FOR THE COLLECTOR though..they built a few thousand DS-2's it appears. THey built probably (from the serials we've seen) less than 200 of the DS--1. So it is one of the most collectable 'landmark' synths in history.

THis one as you can see is in really awesome shape for it's age. I'll put lots of end padding in the box so that corners dont' get smashed and the innards don't get trashed. Will final check it before shipment. The tune pots were a little iffy as I recall last I played it so I'll clean those. Otherwise it was working awesome! I got this from a guy in Hawaii! Serial number A72 as I remember. I think we've seen serials up to A 144 or like that.."

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The Forgotten Synthesizers Of Marche Region

video upload by HAINBACH

Update: you can find additional posts featuring The Museo Del Synth Marchigiano here.

"The Marche Region in Italy was home to a thriving industry of music instrument production from the 1950s to the mid-90s. Tens of thousands of people made organs, accordions and small runs of synthesizers that were like nothing else in the world. Much production closed in the 90s, leaving only a few companies around, and many people lost their jobs. The history of Marche synths was not talked about, too bitter were the memories. The Museo Del Synth Marchigiano aims to change that - a motley crew of synth lovers work together to get the story about this special time in music instrument history out.

I was invited to play a show at Acusmatic Festival in Ancona and visit the collection before. I was overwhelmed by the amazing sounds these machines made, so I captured them on tape and for use in my performance. I also just had to film every synth I could get my hand for you to enjoy. You will find instruments by Siel, Elka, Elgan, Farfisa, Crumar, CRB and more here.

https://www.museodelsynth.org"

Timeline:

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Crumar Spirit

via this auction

"OK, by now, everyone knows the Crumar Spirit was designed by some of the Moog folks, namely Dr Moog, Tom Rhea, and Jim Scott. What's never been explained is how or why. That's where I come in. This is how it might have happened...

Let's first set the stage.

The year is 1982. The monophonic Prodigy and Rogue were still in production. Moog's attempt at a less-knobby synth (the Source) had been released the year before. The powerful but problematic MemoryMoog had finally started to ship and everyone involved really needed a break because of all the problems. New development had temporarily ground to a halt as all hands came on board to salvage the MemoryMoog effort.

During this time, the Rhodes Chroma had also recently been released.

Three Moog folks - Dr Moog, Tom Rhea, and Jim Scott decided to take a short holiday overseas to unwind and reset. They chose Italy as their destination and set off on their trip.


Meanwhile...
In Italy, Crumar had the DS-2 and Performer synths out there. They had also teamed up with a New York based firm to create the GDS and Synergy but they were having as many problems with them as Moog and ARP did with their recent polysynths.

So, the three Moog employees are in Italy, touring around and checking out the local culture. A chance meeting with Mario Crucianelli kickstarts an idea for a new synth. Moog as a company is stretched too thin and is too worn out to take on any new R&D. Dr. Moog and friends discuss features that they'd like to see. Since this isn't going to be branded as a Moog, there is some more freedom to borrow ideas from other synths and to vary from the traditional Moog designs. They have had good luck with the CEM 3340 and 3360 ICs in the MemoryMoog and the Chroma was using the 3350 VCF to create some unusual routings and new sounds. Rather than worry about licensing a Moog filter for this product, the team decided to go off on a new track and try a pair of 3350's and provide separate control over each filter chip.

The idea for a monosynth that could sound traditional or radically modern was born and the Spirit is the result.

Well, that's how it might have happened...

Let's get back around to the auction now.
I have a Crumar Spirit, serial # 62, that's been cleaned and calibrated. In addition to the synth (110 volts) and power cord, I'm including the owner's manual and schematics. In addition, I sketched out the trimpot locations and names for the VCO board to make future calibrations easier. As an added bonus (I'm all about giving you guys bonuses), I'm including 2 CEM 3340 VCO ICs, 1 CEM 3350 filter IC, and 2 CEM 3360 VCA ICs. So you'll never have to worry about CEMs again."

Octave CAT

via this auction

“The original Octave Cat was a beast. Some features included a four-note sequencer patch, in which using the sub-oscillator on VCO-1 and the additional pulse, were allowed to form steps. Switching the sample and hold to VCO-1 could accomplish pseudo '4-step-sequencing' on VCO-2. More important than flashy tricks was the ease of use associated with Octave instruments. The machine was carefully and logically planned out, with ADSR and AR located on the upper left hand side (this arrangement allows for easy release or attack variations, which should be considered quite nifty). Unfortunately, the pitch bend slider seemed to be in poor review with many users (in the Cat's defense, the pitch slider is equipped with a "dead zone" in which any position 4 millimeters above or below the center hardly affects the pitch. This is probably achieved with the use of diodes). The original A-1000 of 1975 lacked voltage control, and had an external fuse. An updated version included CV control, but retained the external fuse. What I believe to be the final A-1000 revision places the fuse internally, and seems to be the most common of the A-1000 Cats. (Apparently VCO-1 has a different circuit design than VCO-2. It seems that VCO-1 has a better circuit design, so side by side comparisons will be made in the audio sample section.)
Three waveforms with two sub-oscillators offered a pleasing variety of waveforms and a ripping sound. Audio frequency pitch modulation was available, along with cross modulations of VCO-1 & VCO-2 and vise versa. Four envelope destinations along with the squirmy discrete A-1000 filter were enough to bring a smile to any synthesist of the era (a terrific November 1977 A-1000 Octave Cat ad can be seen here).
It is without doubt that the Octave Cat is a "special" synthesizer. Many mid to late 1970's synthesizers fit into this category as well (Crumar DS-2, EML Electrocomp 500, Powertran Transcendent 2000, KORG 800DV, Roland SH-1, Jen SX-1000, etc etc). These are the synthesizers that really never received the exposure of Arps and Moogs. The Cat has been considered a knock-off Arp Odyssey, and unrightfully so. Various sources claim that Arp took Octave Electronics to court, but the reality is that Arp dropped charges, and they were no strangers to "borrowing" ideas themselves. Comparing the Arp Odyssey to the Octave Cat is completely beside the point; they are both amazing instruments of the 20th century.
The Cat electronic music synthesizer has strong metal sliders. They feel very comfortable and precise. Unfortunately Arp opted for plastic sliders, which often feels stiff and hard these days. A good portion of the Cat is sliders, and perhaps 1/3 is knobs. The Cat is a synthesizer that rarely becomes boring, and new original sounds can always be developed. The actual sound of the Cat is unique as it is relatively indefinable, partly because no one has popularized it like the Minimoog.”

Text from- octavecat.homestead.com. The link isn't working for me. If anyone has any ideas, feel free to comment.

Crumar DS-2

images at this auction 

"IT FEATURES * Polyphony - Monophonic synthesizer section; 44 voice polyphonic string section * Oscillators - 2 DCOs * LFO - 2 LFOs; LFO 2 has Sample&hold and Staircase waveforms * Filter - 1 4-pole LPF with Cutoff, Resonance, ADSR and ENV-amount * VCA - ADSR * Keyboard - 44 keys * Memory - None * Control - Gate"

Crumar DS-2

via this auction 

"Crumas DS 2 digital Synthie from 1978." Note the built in case.

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1978 Crumar DS2 Synthesizer

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via this auction

I think the seller is mixing up the Crumar Spirit with the DS2. From the listing:

"Der letzte von Robert Moog in den späten 70er Jahren entwickelte Synthesizer."

"The last synthesizer developed by Robert Moog in the late 70's."

Moog worked on the Crumar Spirit from 1983.

via Wikipedia: "In 1978, Crumar released their first full-fledged synthesizer, the DS-2, which had one of the earliest digitally controlled oscillators (DCO).[2] Crumar synthesizers are comparable and contemporaneous to Moog synthesizers and other analog synthesizers; in fact, the Crumar Spirit synthesizer (1983) was designed by Bob Moog himself, along with Minimoog co-designer Jim Scott and Tom Rhea (who wrote Moog manuals)."

Crumar DS2 Synthesizer

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via this auction

"Completely serviced by wellknown dutch top tech (with invoice)
Great state, great sound and complete with lid/hardcase.

The DS-2 is basically a monosynth with an added 44-voice polyphonic strings section. The DS-2 uses DCOs (digitally controlled osc.) making it stable in tune. That isn't to say it can't sound fat...it can. Especially if you use the polyphonic string section and apply some slow LFO modulation to the pitch. This is a very big and good looking synth with a lot of knobs for instant hands-on control. And you don't need a hardcase, it's built into one. Just lift the cover and there it is.

It has two nice LFOs, one with S&H and staircase waveforms. You can use either or both LFOs for modulation of Osc 1, Osc 2, VCF and the VCA. Pulse-width can be set manually or modulated by either LFO. The VCF is killer, it has a nice Moog sound in it that fattens up the sound. The two ADSRs are very fast so there's no problem making bass and drum sounds with it. It has an external input for processing other sounds through its lovely filter too."

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UVI Introduces Synth Anthology 4

video uploads by UVI

Note the above is a playlist featuring 4 videos. You can use the player controls to skip through them or just watch them all in order.

Details on Synth Anthology 4 follow:

The authentic sound of 200 synthesizers, from vintage to modern
4,000+ presets and layers deliver incredible sound with hardware soul
Feature-packed dual-layer engine with fx, arpeggiator and more

Synth Anthology 4 - A Synthesizer Tour de Force
https://www.uvi.net/synth-anthology-4

Rebuilt from the ground-up, Synth Anthology 4 now features the authentic hardware sound of 200 vintage and modern synthesizers, a fully redesigned engine with powerful features, fx, arpeggiator, smart sound suggestion engine, native MPE support, and more.
A dreamlike collection!

Also included in SonicPass ➡️ https://www.uvi.net/sonicpass

Video credits: Anthony Hak
Music Credits: Théo & Thomas

"The Best Keeps Getting Better

What's new in version 4?

Almost everything!
We've rebuilt the engine from the ground-up, added more synths, more presets, more effects, more filters, more modulation, a dedicated browser, a second fully-customizable layer for creating hybrid and blended timbres, an all-new smart suggestion engine that helps you quickly find similar sounds, a more powerful arpeggiator/phraser, bus effects, native MPE support, and more!

Real Hardware Sounds There is something unmistakable about the sound of a real hardware synth, from subtle differences between voice circuits and drift to the varied way filters bite into the sound; there's a distinct character and energy. Synth Anthology 4 delivers the authentic and uncompromising hardware sound with all the conveniences of a modern software instrument.

Every piece of hardware represents a unique creative vision, sonic character, innovations, and strengths. Whatever you're looking for, from analog to digital, vintage classic to future classic, you will find it here. Synth Anthology 4 delivers an incredible collection of hardware, every major manufacturer, every type of synthesis, every era, 200 synthesizers in all.

You won't find a more complete collection anywhere else."

The list:

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Sun Ra Plays the Crumar DS-2 Synthesizer

video upload by Farsetto Nero

"1978’s Crumar DS2 analog synth"

Crumar TRILOGY Vintage Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer

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Crumar Trilogy Sound Test video upload by Mario Mantero

Note this video is from 2016 and not the specific TRILOGY listed below.

via this auction

“Released in 1981 by Crumar, the Trilogy is a polyphonic analog synthesizer organized in 3 sections : Polysynth, Organ and Strings. The three sections are combined into one instrument to make up the six-voice analog hybrid synth. The Trilogy is a very versatile and warm machine that can easily generate synth basses & leads, electronic pianos and organs, warm strings, lush pads and sci-fi type noises. Thanks to the razor-sharp filter resonance you can also get a variety of tuned percussive sounds.

SYNTH SECTION
The Synth section implements two 74LS221 oscillators (the same used in the ultra-rare Crumar DS-1) with saw, square and saw+square waveforms. The two oscillators can be synced or tuned separately. The Synth architecture is basically built around CEM chips and in fact it features 6 CEM VCFs, 6 CEM VCAs and 6 CEM EG (one per voice).

ORGAN SECTION
The Organ section implements two additional detunable (or syncable) master tone generators divided-down to generate the octaves of the 4 horizontal drawbars (2', 4', 8' and 16'). The fact that the two master Organ oscillators can be detuned allows to produce a vast, rich, organy sound. The Organ section is fully polyphonic and can benefit of the Glide effect and the LFO features.

STRINGS
The Strings section is relatively simple but generates warm and unique brassy string sounds. The Strings section features a stepless "Footage" knob to mix low and high strings (16 ′ to 8 ′), a cutoff filter named "Timbre" and volume Attack and Release. The Strings section is 6-voice polyphonic and can benefit of the Glide effect and the LFO features

OUTPUTS
What is nice about the Trilogy is that in addition to being able to layer the sections they all also feature individual outputs for separating the sounds. The Organ and Strings audio outputs can be taken separately from a ¼inch jack socket on the back panel, or from the socket marked 'Polysynth' which in fact gives a mix of synth and organ if used alone.

MODULATION
The Trilogy LFO features triangle and square waveforms, and sports controls not often found on other synths. These included a variable delay control that determines how quickly the LFO is brought into the sound, a variable slope for blending two separate tones, and a glide feature for a glissando pitch change in the initial attack of a sound. An oscillator sync option determines the high frequency attack of one oscillator with the other high frequency oscillator. An input on the rear panel allowed for pedal control of this function.
Geek Porn : the presets 2->8 are not "static", they just cannot be edited using the synth knobs and sliders. You need to open the synth and tweak the dozens of trimpots placed on the preset board using an insulated screwdriver!”

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Crumar Performer Schematics

images via this auction

"Crumar Schematics
- 10 pages of schematics for the Performer
- Performer Parts List
- DS 2 and Performer Interface guide (2 pages)
- one page of handwritten service info about the performer
- one page schematic for the C.P.B-1
- five pages of schematics for the O.M.B 2 synth (photocopied)"

Crumar DS-2 Analog Synthesizer with DCO's

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via this auction

"This synth could use some tlc.

It makes sound in it's current condition and most of the functions seem to work in general.

Unfortunately, it only works when set to certain waveforms in the two LFO's so it's going to need some attention.

It only makes sound when LFO 1 is set to ramp and LFO 2 is set to square."

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