RSF KOBOL EXPANDER I+II Clones

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

via this auction

Note MOS-LAB also made KOBOL Clones.

This one was spotted and sent in via M Me.

"You canmodulate a lot using control voltages:
The VCO’s waveform, LFO rate, resonance, attack time, decay time, sustainlevel, release time (Exp. II)!


The RSF Kobol was the French synth company's firstcompact keyboard synthesizer, certainly inspired by the Minimoog. It is a muchmore compact instrument than the Modular Model 11 series of synthesizers theyhad been making thus far. It is a monophonic analog synthesizer withtraditional controls, knobs, switches and two oscillators for a good solidanalog synth sound. Initally released as a keyboard in 1978, a 3-unitrack-mount system was later released in 1979.

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NightBird's RSF Polykobol Videos

"RSF Polykobol II" live & short démonstration (NightBirds Electronic Studio)

YouTube Uploaded by NightBirds31 on Nov 7, 2011

"Here is a short demo with an RSF Polykobol.
Quickly made...
Tired this morning to do better:)"

NightBirds Teaser 1 (RSF Polykobol II, RSF Kobol & ARP Odyssey)

Uploaded by NightBirds31 on Nov 5, 2011

"Instruments Used :
RSF Kobol (Fx)
RSF Polykobol II (sequence & Fx with the second split part)
ARP Odyssey (Fx & play)
WEM Reverbmaster & Pre-Mixer (mix & spring reverb used)

Video by Monade

P&C NightBirds Electronic Music - 2011

* Just a hypnotic sequence recorded with a RSF Polykobol II.
Live improvisation with ARP Odyssey, RSF Kobol."

NightBirds Teaser 2 (Live arpegiator sequence with the RSF Polykobol II...)

Uploaded by NightBirds31 on Nov 6, 2011

"Instruments Used :
RSF Kobol (Melodie)
RSF Polykobol II (Arpegiator sequence & Fx sounds with the second part split)
KORG Micro-Preset (Improvisation)
ROLAND MC-202 (Ambient Sounds)
WEM Reverbmaster & Pre-Mixer IV (mix with spring reverb)

Live improvisation in the futur studio.

P&C NightBirds Electronic Music - 2011"

RSF Kobol Expander I and II

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via this auction

"The rack version of the RSF Kobol with a great sounding and very snappy SSM filter.
The Kobol Rack (Expander I) was essentially only the VCO/VCF/VCA/LFO sections of the Kobol in a rack module. The Expander 2 was an add-on to the Kobol that added some new processing modules such as ring modulation, sample-hold, andenvelope followers as well as extra VCA and LFO modules.

The Kobol looked and sounded great, andwas quickly snapped up by the big names in synthesizers of the time. But beinga small French company, RSF were never able to truly mass produce these.
About 800 Kobol Racks were made, 200 Expander 2's. This makes them quite rare!

They have been used by Vince Clarke,Vangelis, Jean-Michel Jarre, Depeche Mode, Peter Gabriel and Hans Zimmer.

The RSF Expander II rack mount modular synth was manufactured as a companionoption module for the Kobol Expander I synthesizer. The19" 3 U space unit features a Ring Modulator, Envelope, a VCA, an LFO,Mixer with 3 inputs and 1 output. Additionally it has a Sample & Holdmodule with internal or external clock, a Noise Generator, Voltage processorthat is delectable Linear or Logarithmic, Voltage Inverter, Gate Delay, anEnvelope Follower, Lag Generator, and finally 2 multiples."

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NightBirds / Short Live in Studio (RSF Polykobol sequencer, RSF Kobol...)

NightBirds / Short Live in Studio (RSF Polykobol sequencer, RSF Kobol...) 2012

YouTube Uploaded by NightBirds31 on Mar 26, 2012

"Petit concert dans le studio avec une programmation de séquence dans le séquenceur du RSF Polykobol.
Mais aussi, RSF Kobol, ARP Odyssey et le clavier ROLAND 101... joué en temps réel.
Petit concert uniquement :)
Enregistré en sortie directe de la table de mixage MACKIE LM-3204.
------------------------------------------------------
New Live with RSF Polykobol sequencer (programming sequence in the sequencer), RSF Kobol, ARP Odyssey and ROLAND 101 keyboard... played in real time.
Short live only :)
Recorded directly from the mix table MACKIE LM-3204.

Video by NightBirds.
Publication & Copyright by NightBirds Electronic Music - 2012

http://soundcloud.com/nightbirds-electronic
http://soundcloud.com/nightbirds-past-records"

RSF Kobol Expander I & II

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

"Here is for sale a rare example of a perfectly working RSF Kobol Expander I, one of the most sought after synths of the 80s.  Only around 800 units manufactured! Probably one of the best sounding mono synths ever built. Note this is a 220-240v European voltage model. You must use a transformer to work with 115V US power (transformer not provided).


Some called it the French answer to the MiniMoog, among other great features it has :
1. An incredibly pure and powerful tone, due in part to its high quality components
2. analog morphing waveforms (UA726 Fairchild)
3. SSM filters and envelopes (2040 & 2050)
4. and many others (see below)

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A Dangerous Minute: RSF Kobol + Analogue Solutions Oberkorn

YouTube Published on Aug 11, 2012 by rezfilter

"Headphones Recommended!

Here's a one minute video of the RSF Kobol and Analogue Solutions Oberkorn in action, recreating a classic bass line from the Sensual Remix of "Dangerous", by Depeche Mode:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBogM-vrmCY

The Oberkorn is stepping the bass pattern and controlling the filter of the RSF Kobol Expander. The filter is also being manually opened and closed. The transposition is being done via MIDI to CV into the Oberkorn's transpose section for CVA (pitch).

Enjoy."

Update: Black Oberheim SEMs above the RSF Kobol.

RSF Kobol Modular: 41U rare Kobol rackmounts!

via this VEMIA auction

"This is a monstrous and extremely rare RSF Kobol modular system composed of 8x Kobol Expander 1s with cv gate, modulation, audio in and programmer expansions, 1x Expander II, 2x Programmer sequencers, 1x Keyboard mixer, patchbay and Polyclavier (8 voices and sequencer) that can drive the whole system. All modular system is perfectly working and fully tested. About the Polyclavier status, I have just plugged the keyboard and tried for a while...and all seems to be ok. The Kobol modules are fitted on three high quality professional travel cases, closable as a cube... very nice! I'm not sure if it was this one, but seems that a similar Kobol big modular was used on the Jean Michel Jarre China tour in the '80s ... The cosmetic condition is very good apart from the Polyclavier upper wood and front left corner which need some restoration. Working voltage is 220 /240 volts. (VEMIA note: please bear in mind that the owner isn't guaranteeing that all Polyklavier functions are 100%, because he is not familiar with it.)"

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Chaos (RSF Polykobol, RSF Kobol & ARP Odyssey) NightBirds 2012

YouTube Uploaded by NightBirds31 on Mar 16, 2012

"Just a dissonant and chaotic live set.
Recorded directly from the mix table MACKIE LM-3204.
Effect used is a couple of Midiverb-Midifex.

Video by NightBirds.
Publication & Copyright by NightBirds Electronic Music - 2012

http://soundcloud.com/nightbirds-electronic
http://soundcloud.com/nightbirds-past-records"

Live Improvisation 2 (RSF Polykobol, RSF Kobol & ARP Odyssey) NightBirds 2012

Uploaded by NightBirds31 on Mar 16, 2012

Just a little recreation in live with the arpeggiator from the RSF Polykobol, RSF Kobol and ARP Odyssey.
This live is not perfect because... I'm tired :)
For fun !
Recorded directly from the mix table MACKIE LM-3204.

Video by NightBirds.
Publication & Copyright by NightBirds Electronic Music - 2012"

RSF Kobol Expander II

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

via this auction

"Super rare RSF Kobol Expander 2.
Approx Only +-200 units built.
Not serviced, but fully functional, in good condition (just a few small aesthetic scraches).
Powersuply is 220V.(Europe)

If you own a Kobol expander 1 The Expander2 gives you a full ADSR, S&H, an extra LFO, Lag & noise, ring mod, etc.


It can also be combined with other machines.

Comes with power chord

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

The rsf's are powerfull synthesizers, built in France in the end of 70's begining 80's, with a HUGE and beautiful, super warm and wide sound.

The Kobol can be coupled with the Kobol Expander 2 and the programmer ( very very rare amazing sequencer ).

These beautiful machines are rare because they were produced by hand by two brothers for only a couple of years."

RSF Kobol & BlackBox / Short demo / Sequenced by Doepfer MAQ16/3 (NightBirds) 2012

YouTube Published on Apr 26, 2012 by NightBirds31

"* Une simple et basique démo ce matin avec le RSF Kobol connecté avec la RSF BlackBox. Séquençage avec le Doepfer MAQ 16/3.
Pas envie de faire une programmation plus compliqué... :)

* A simple and basic demo this morning with the RSF Kobol connected with the RSF BlackBox. Sequencing with the Doepfer MAQ 16/3.
Not want to make programming more complicated... :)

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RSF Kobol Expander II Analogue Analog Modular Synth

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

"RSF Kobol Expander II, an ideal partner for your RSF Kobol Expander but also just as easily integrated into a vintage modular or semi-modular synth system such as those from ARP, Moog, EMS, Roland, etc as well as modern modular synthesiser systems from the likes of MOTM, Synthesizers.com, Analogue Systems, Analogue Solutions, Doepfer, & all the Eurorack variety...

These Expander systems were made by Ruben & Serge Fernandez of the RSF Synthesizer Company in France from 1979-81. It uses an SSM 2050 chip for the envelope generator as well as other rare IC's from that era alongside analogue circuit design.

Certainly vintage, it seems the Fernandez brothers were inspired by the Moog & Oberheim synths of the day but as the vintage synth crew know all too well, RSF instruments had a character all of their own, with some unique features that allow for amazing flexibility, especially on the Expanders, thanks mainly to extensive Control Voltage (CV) implementation for all the modules within the unit, as evidenced by the number of jack sockets around the edges- 40 in total. (Note these are for 1/4" jacks & have been cleaned.)

There were only around 200 of these synth Expanders made so certainly a VERY RARE item.

Effectively 10 analogue synth expander modules housed in a 4U 19" rack. (Not including the multiples.)

Contains the following modules:

1 Ring Modulator
1 ADSR envelope
1 VCA
1 LFO
1 Mixer (3 Inputs & 1 Output)
1 Sample & Hold (S&H)
1 Noise Generator
1 Voltage processor
1 Gate Delay
1 Envelope Follower
2 Multiple Jack Groups (One group of 4, one group of 3)"

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RSF Kobol Xpander Oscillator Modulation

Published on Apr 10, 2017 Meta Function

"In this video, Meta Function demonstrate oscillator modulation on a RSF Kobol Xpander I & II.

The Kobol features continuous morphing of the oscillators waveshapes. Oscillator one is modulated via a triangle LFO, with oscillator two modulated via the same LFO but with a S&H waveshape. The Kobol's filter is a SSM2040, designed by Dave Rossum of E-mu Systems and used in the first 2 versions of the Sequential Circuits Prophet 5. The Kobol was used heavily on early Depeche Mode tracks and by the late great and dearly missed Fad Gadget.

Sequenced via a Sequentix Cirklon.

Audio recorded via Calrec S2 console and SSL convertors. All dry, no FX, EQ or compression. The only post production performed was normalization.

Watch at 1080p with good quality audio monitoring for the best experience.

Meta Function developed the free Max For Live synthesizer, The Mono Junction in partnership with Sonicstae.com. Featuring a novel NegSawPW waveshape, extended pulse width modulation sounds are easily created.

Not got the Mono Junction yet? Get it here:

http://metafunction.co.uk/mono-junction/"

Medic Modules EKG Eurorack Analogue Sequencer: Creating 80's Hooks w/ RSF Kobol

Published on Jun 27, 2013 rezfilter·52 videos

"Take it up a notch! http://tinyurl.com/lctm7ra

Here's the new Medic Module EKG sequencer paired with an RSF Kobol Expander synthesizer. CV, Gate out to the Kobol. The Kobol is fed into the AS Spring Reverb module from Analogue Solutions.

Clock is from an Oberkorn, but can also be any LFO.

The EKG analogue sequencer is a a versatile 8 step analogue sequencer with unique Mode switches

CV Out, Gate Out, Clock In, Clock Thru, Reset In.

Each step also has a unique Function control. Each step can be turned off, skipped, repeated or set as a reset point.

Modes; Off (rest), x1, x2, x3, x4, Skip, Reverse, Reset

Size: 38HP

Voltage: -12/+12V

Power: +12V, 15mA / -12V, 15mA

Weight: 275g

Depth: 25mm

Enjoy!"

RSF KOBOL keyboard (1978)

Published on Jul 19, 2015 kovalmoog

"RSF KOBOL Keyboard version (1978)

I made this demo video right after servicing the unit.

RSF produced less than 200 units of the keyboard version of Kobol, and God knows how much of them
are in working conditions on these years. It is a very rare and very interesting synth, with its audio path
based on SSM chips (VCO, VCF, VCA) and 16 memories.

Curiously, the digital board which interfaces the panel and allows parameters to reach the memory
"has none CPU chip", nor even an eprom with a routine. It's all C-MOS logic and a pair of 1k-bit memory chips.
We are talking of 1978 !"

RSF KOBOL Expander

via this auction

"Here is a rare RSF KOBOL Expander 1, vintage semi modular analog synthesizer, in near mint conditions! It's very rare, built with hi quality old school components, based on UA726 fairchild and SSM IC's (2040 and 2050). the Kobol is one of the most powerful monosynth ever made, this unit come with CV and external I/O options and programmer predisposition socket on the back panel..."

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RSF Kobol

via synthforum.nl where this is listed for sale along with a Teisco sx400 and Farfisa Polychrome.

"RSF Kobol Keys. (Erg Zeldzaam)
-ssm2040 filter en 2050 vco's-
-2 x 8 staps (geheugen) sequencer-

in erg mooie staat (uit collectie Olivier Grall)
Ik heb een mail gestuurd naar iemand die zoekende is naar een kobol keys. Deze persoon heeft voorrang.. daarna jullie... daarna evt. internationaal.
2800,-"

RSF Kobol Synthesizer with Memory Slots and Built-in Sequencer

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

via this auction

"This unit works 100 percent and is in a very good condition. The RSF Kobol was the French synth company's first compact keyboard synthesizer. It is a monophonic analog synthesizer with traditional controls, knobs, switches and two oscillators for a good solid analog synth sound. Unique are the 16 memory slots for saving your sounds and the built in sequencer.

Although it is mostly a traditional analog synth with stable oscillators and lots of knobs that allow you to control the ADS envelope, the filter section and the nice LFO, it did offer some unique features for its time. Most notably, the oscillator waveforms can be continuously swept across for a very cool morph from square to saw to pulse, etc. This, as well as note on/off and other parameters can be controlled via CV/gate. External sounds can be processed through the delicious SSM Kobol filter and envelope sections too."

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NightBirds "Live Improvisation in Studio".

YouTube Uploaded by NightBirds31 on Nov 8, 2011

"Recorded Live in the Studio.

Instruments used :
RSF Kobol
RSF Polykobol II
KORG PS 3100
KORG MS 20
ROLAND Jupiter-6

ROLAND MC-202 & 707 for Sequences Synchronization.

NightBirds Electronic Music from France.
P&C 2011"

NightBirds Live in Studio part II (9 Nov. 2011)

YouTube Uploaded by NightBirds31 on Nov 10, 2011

"NightBirds Live with :
RSF Polykobol II Arpeggiator, Korg PS 3100 & Korg MS-20.

Recording in two tracks.
One for control the arpeggiator of Polykobol and move the parameters.
The other one, for playing with the Korg PS 3100 & the MS-20.

* I've playing with only two voices on the Polykobol. The others are in calibrations."

NightBirds Live in Studio part III (11 Nov. 2011)

Uploaded by NightBirds31 on Nov 11, 2011

"NightBirds Live with :
RSF Kobol, RSF Polykobol II, KORG PS 3100, KORG MS-20, TEISCO 60F & ROLAND MC-202.

Recorded live in one track. Some problems with the PS3100. What made it difficult to recorded... But hey, it's a live :)"

RSF Kobol Expander 2 SN 13235

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

via this auction

"Super rare RSF Kobol Expander 2.
Only +-200 units built.
Fully functional,in good condition.
Powersuply is 220V.(Europe)

If you own a Kobol expander 1 The Expander2 gives you a full ADSR, S&H, an extra LFO, Lag & noise etc."

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Hi-Res Pics of Black Corporation's Upcoming KIJIMI 8-Voice Analog Synthesizer

Click the pics for full size.

"KIJIMI, a new 8-voice analogue synth by Black Corporation. Info, presentation and preorders start at Superbooth."

Black Corporation of course are the people behind Deckard's Dream, the Yamaha CS80 inspired polysynth. The KIJIMI will be RSF inspired - essentially a polyphonic Kobol with ssm2040-like filters, Kobol waveshapers, additional modulation sources and destinations, an additional HPF, 2nd LFO, extended envelopes, and polyAT. A prototype KIJIMI was spotted at NAMM this year.

Update: some additional info added above.

Note: Kijimi is based on the RSF Kobol mono synth. via the creator himself, Roman Filippov: "It’s a polyphonic kobol more than polykobol, since it uses ssm2040-like filters, not ssm2044"

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