Saving This Synth From The Scrapheap!! 1970s Maplin/ETI 4600 Restoration Part 2

Part 2 added to this post.

This Circuitry Is AMAZING - 1970s Music Synth Restoration

video upload by THIS MUSEUM IS (NOT) OBSOLETE

Maplin ETI 4600

Saving This Synth From The Scrapheap!! 1970s Maplin/ETI 4600 Restoration Part 2

video upload by THIS MUSEUM IS (NOT) OBSOLETE

"Today we try to fix this piece of history!"

ETI International 4600 Vintage Semi-Modular Synthesizer

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

via this listing

"This is a large semi-modular synthesizer, designed in Australia and released as a kit by Electronics Today International magazine in 1973. The large aluminium panel pivots forward for maintenance. Its 22x22 matrix switchboard, joystick, complex modulation and feature set is reminsicent of a larger EMS VCS3, a comparison enhanced by the use of genuine Cliff "little Dalek" knobs.

The main modules in the 4600 design were repackaged for the (smaller) ETI 3600 and the lightly larger Maplin 5600 kit synthesizers. Its notable features are volts-per-herz VCOS (rather than volts-per-Octave linear VCOs), complex Transient Generators that are like simple three stage sequencers, and a different-sounding VCF.

This is a rare, powerful and unique synthesizer that needs some TLC from a competent builder to unlock its potential.

STORY

In the early 80s before it had been completely built, it suffered damage (the plaster ceiling collapsed on it, because of a shoddy repair job after the previous tenants, a punk gang, had a "demolition party" that destroyed all internal walls). The keyboard was destroyed and there seemed little reason to replace it (the first 4600 keyboard circuitry was problematic and had been replaced by a design from the Fairlight team.) There was some scratches to the case and a lot of dust, though the pots did not seem scratchy.

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Rare Titan Synthesizer by Tim Orr of Powertran, Transcendent 2000, & Maplin ETI 4600

A Funky Uses For A Tape Machine and a massive Tape - MAGICALL E2 video upload by @THISMUSEUMISNOTOBSOLETE

Formant & Digisound get a mention as well. See this post for another video of the Titan and an article.

"Plans are a foot. if you want to get on the list use contact form below. if you'd like to Support the museum here :- https://www.patreon.com/lookmumnocomp...
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information / contact:-
https://www.this-museum-is-not-obsole..."

Maplin ETI 4600 Analogue Vintage Synthesizer

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via this auction

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Ghielmetti Pin Matrix Kit for the Teenage Engineering POM-400

via matrix.vondle.com

"A bolt-on kit to turn your Teenage Engineering Pocket Modular 400 into a matrix synth like the revered EMS Synthi. Instead of using cables to patch outputs of one module into inputs of another, you use the supplied pins to connect a row (output) to the corresponding column (input).

The matrix itself is made in Switzerland by Ghielmetti, the original manufacturer of the pin matrices on the EMS Synthi, EMS VCS3, ETI International 4600 and the Maplin 5600.

The kit simply bolts onto the back of the POM-400 modules with the supplied hardware - there is no soldering required. Once bolted on, it enables you to make 100% of all the patches you could otherwise make using cables, with the added benefit of having virtually no restrictions on the number of available outputs and inputs for each module. Patch cables can still be used in conjunction with the matrix for interfacing the system with external modules and running sound out from the device.

For more details and to place an order go to matrix.vondle.com"

E&MM Spectrum Synthesiser Preview

Published on Oct 20, 2019 Reuben Jones

"The E&MM Spectrum is a British DIY synthesizer designed by Chris jordan and released with Electronics and Music Maker magazine in 1981.....

The magazine provided a painted metal faceplate, keyboard assembly, and printed circuits boards. The rest was sourced by the builder using a supply kit provided by the now defunct Maplin Electronic Ltd, UK (see also the Maplin/ETI 3600, 3800, 4600, and 5600S synthesizers).

The synthesizer uses the famed Curtis integrated circuits: VCOs (CEM 3340), VCF (CEM 3320), VCA (CEM 3330), and envelopes (CEM 3310). These chips were used by many companies at the time, including AKAI, ELKA, Ensoniq, Oberheim, Roland, and Sequential Circuits.

Perhaps the closest synthesizer to the Spectrum is the Sequential Circuits Pro~One, both of which use the same CEM chips for VCOs, filter, and envelope; and use a similar two-VCO architecture. However, whilst the Pro~One is known for an extensive modulation section, the Spectrum is very interesting in its own right.

The design makes the most of the CEM 3340 VCOs, with a total of five waveforms, including a SUB square wave. The LFO, with multiple waveforms including random and regular sample and hold (the latter of which produces more defined sequencer like voltages), can be routed in positive or negative polarity to the VCOs, filter, ringmod/noise, and output. The multimode LP, LBP and BP filter is a self oscillating one and can be modulated by the joystick, envelope generator, and the LFO. There are also two sync options, as well as FM, ring mod, and an envelope shaper. The stereo output can also be modulated for panning and stereo FX; and there are eight jacks for external connectivity including CV/Gate in and out, and pre filter in.

In conclusion, I would describe the Spectrum as a drunk and wonky Pro~One. Mine is temperamental, and sometimes has a mind of its own, but when tamed, the Spectrum becomes a very live and organic synthesizer. The tech who serviced it for me said it reminded him of an ARP 2600, and described it as a 'proper synth'. GreatSynthesizers.com describe it as "...a mixture of EMS Synthi, Sequential Pro-One and Roland SH-5" and "one of the most outstanding monophonic analog synthesizers in history".

This audio was recorded directly from the Spectrum in mono, using a TC Electronic Alter Ego delay pedal for some parts. All parts played from the keyboard, or using the LFO to gate the amplifier."

Maplin ETI 4600 Synth

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via this auction

Some info via the seller: "Ok...., as far as i can tell its a finished project all parts there on the circuit boards with just a few wires to connect, keyboard and power supply socket which i have.
I had an external power supply made up by a professional who knows his synths, (ex BBC tech)
he has been inside these beasts before.
He thinks the power supply may have been taken out and an external one used as inside is a reverb tank that could have been picking up interference from the original, Makes sense.

The keyboard itself looks as if its never been played as its in excellent condition and is still in need of fixing down, about 4 screws i think but all the wood inside it fixes to is fitted.

This will definitely need servicing and some of the pots/controls are a bit stiff so some spray could well sort them out, also as you can probably tell if you know these synths is that its missing all its coloured caps, i personally think it looks far better like this and not like a toy but again these can be easily sourced if you wanted it totally original.
It has 6 of the original pins for the matrix board and i will supply info as to where to get more if you want them, i have collected all i could from the web about this synth which includes the original building and setting instructions plus other stuff."

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International 3600 4600 Original Vintage Publication

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

via this auction

"Rare Australian publication 66 pages containing block diagrams, schematics, parts lists, theory of operation, PCB layouts, construction notes - everything you need to know in order to build a modular analog synth. Two models covered, International 3600 and 4600."

Seems like we are in a Maplin ETI run. Also posted in the last 30 days:

Joy Division Producer Martin Hannett's International 4600 Up for Auction?

ETI - Electronics Today International - Jan 1974: Full Scale Synthesizer Build

Maplin 5600S Analogue Vintage Syntheseiser Demo Video

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ETI - Electronics Today International - Jan 1974: Full Scale Synthesizer Build

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

via this auction

"How to repair calculators

Digital Stopwatch Project

Hi-Fi… Construction… Communications… Developments"

Maplin 4600

ETI 4600 Synthesiser Auction Video Overview & Demos

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
YouTube Published on Aug 9, 2012 by MikeyJTUK
4 part video series for this auction.

"ETI 4600 synthesiser demonstration. This is being sold on eBay from August 15th 2012 and ending on August 25th. World-wide shipping is available. This is an overview showing the complete 1970s vintage analogue synthesiser with an overview of the modules and layout.

This synth was a state-of-the-art design when it was conceived back in the1970s. Designed by Trevor Marshall in 1973, this synthesiser was offered in kit form by Maplin Electronic Supplies (in the UK). The parts cost was around £500, and was said to match the performance of synthesisers costing £1500 - that equates to a staggering £15,600 in today's money (according to www.thisismoney.co.uk calculator). This is a collector's dream! This actual synthesiser is featured on the home page of www.eti4600synthesiser.org.uk website, is fully working, and is in great condition considering it is some 35 years old. This synthesiser was built by me in 1977 when I was a teenager and has remained in my possession until now.

Not only is this a great asset for lovers of nostalgia and early electronic music history, but also for the modern day sound design engineer who can sample these great 70's sounds and combine the wonderful early synthesiser sounds with the precision, reliability, automation, and flexibility of modern DAW's!

See the other 3 parts for an in-depth demonstration."

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ETI Maplin 4600 Analog Synthesizer

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

via this auction

"The specifications of this synth are pretty incredible. It features:
4 VCOs
2 VCFs
3 Envelope Generators
5 Mixers (don't ask me why)
2 Amplifiers, both switchable between amplitude and ring modulation.
1 Equalizer
1 Spring Reverb
1 Joystick
1 Pink/White Noise source
and last but not least
A 484 point matrix patch-panel."

More information can be had here: http://www.trevormarshall.com/eti.htm

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ETI/Maplin 4600

flickr set By uhddra
(click for more)

Maplin ETI 4600 vintage synthesiser

via this auction

"ETI 4600 Synth for restoration /repair. This has been stored away with the intension of repairing it some day but never had the time to bring it back to life. The power supply is missing the minus 14 volt rail and oscillator one has a short out on + 14 to 0 volt . Also filter two drags the supply down to + 8 volts from the +14 volt rail.I have not gone any further with this so it's going up for auction.The front panel is in good condition and the case has only a few marks here and there,one shown in photo on right hand side of cabinet.This synth is complete ,nothing missing from inside just needs some time spending on it . It comes with mains lead, pack of patch pins and copy of construction manual."

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ETI Maplin 4600 Analogue Synthesiser

via this auction

"Electronics Today International/Maplin Analogue Synthesiser circa 1975 that would have been originally purchased in kit form."

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ETI MAPLIN 4600 for sale on ebay

YouTube via cores303. via this auction

"Analog modular synthetizer with 4 vcos (and the 4th has two outputs) !!!

A matrix patch (like synthi aks or vcs3) bay allows for incredible routing options, This thing is ultra fat and makes the craziest sound effects, mega sci-fi sounds with its inbuilt spring reverb."

ETI 4600 Modular Synthesizer 1975 Analog synth

via this auction

"Extremely rare modular synthesizer. This was the predecessor to the Maplin 5600S and was available from 1973 (just after the EMS VCS3 became available) as a kit in the UK

The synthesizer has the following features:

4 VCO voltage controlled oscillators (each with sin, tri, saw, inverted saw and square wave with pulse width
All oscillators can be switched to Low range and have 32, 16, 8, 4, 2, 1 and 1/2' settings for pitch!
2 VCF voltage controlled filters (multimode lpf/bpf/hpf)
2 Amplifiers or Ring Modulators
3 envelope generators in the form of 1 Envelope Generator and 2 Transient Genrators
5 Mixers (3 x 5 input and 2 x 2 input)
1 Noise generator (pink & white)
1 Equalizer
1 Spring reverb
1 keyboard controller for glide and pitch modulation
1 joystick controller
1 four octave CV-Gate keyboard
1 Pitch Matrix patching system. Instead of patch cords, the system is patched this way

There are approx 15 pins for patching included"

via:
Web: http://www.davidmorley.com
Twitter: twitter.com/dlmorley

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Synth Surprise in Morrissey's "Last Of The Famous International Playboys"

This one spotted via Gunner:

"I was just taken aback by some synth content in a Morissey video(!) Synth at about 2:40 and for microseconds in a couple other places. Looks like the [Maplin] ETI 4600 "International", which corresponds too nicely with the song title to be incidental."



ETI 4600 international synthesizer
YouTube via scienceforce
"This is the ETI 4600 intarnational synthesizer, structure based on Matrix patch panel like EMS VCS-3, AKS.
There are two different ETI 4600 versions: one blackface and the other extremly rare Silver face!
Sound like Space Odyssey ;-)"

ETI Maplin International 4600 Analog Synthesiser

via this auction via the forum

"ETI 4600 International - Maplin Edition

This is a 1973/74 Analog Synthesiser."

Maplin ETA 4600 Website

http://www.eti4600synthesiser.org.uk/

You'll find more info on the Maplin ETI 4600 DIY synthesizer including samples. According to the site, the top image is the Australian version and the bottom is the UK.