STEINER-PARKER SYNTHACON - Analog Synth Demo

video upload by synth4ever

"Steiner-Parker Synthacon vintage analog synthesizer demo. This demo of the rare Synthacon mono synth from Steiner-Parker features various sounds and tweaking. Filmed at the Vintage Synthesizer Museum in Los Angeles, CA.

The Steiner Parker Synthacon is a rare monophonic analog synthesizer produced in 1975-1979. It features 3 VCOs, white & pink noise generator, sample & hold, portamento, 2-pole resonant lowpass/bandpass/highpass filter, 2 ADSR envelopes, trigger generator, 49 keys, and a ton of signal routing via numerous switches.

Only a few hundred Synthacon synthesizers were produced, according to designer Nyle Steiner. It's capable of nice sounds of course, but it excels at chaotic and crazy modulations, squelches, ring mod tones, noises and has an extremely potent filter with resonance. The legacy of the Steiner-Parker Synthacon's filter design lives on today in some modular synth designs as well as some Arturia products.

It was a lot of fun to try the Synthacon and tweak it, as all the switches make it very interactive for quick signal routing. If you have the opportunity to try one, don't pass it up!"

Note a new SYNTHACON is in the works.

Steiner Parker Synthacon Model 174 Vintage Synthesizer SN 1270

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
Published on Nov 18, 2016 johnnyangel69

"Demo of Steiner Parker Synthacon vintage synthesizer. Admittedly I am not a synthesizer pro but just took this video to show some of the sounds that can be made with the Synthacon."

Update: looks like this one is for sale on Reverb.

via the auction:

"Here is an extremely rare Steiner Parker Synthacon Analog Synthesizer. The serial number on back is 1270 and there is also a hand written sharpie "1270A" on the bottom of the unit.

I picked this up locally here in Salt Lake City a little while ago. These Steiner Parker synths were made right here in SLC and as far as I know this unit has never left the state of Utah, but I do not know it's history so I cannot say for sure. The guy I got it from said he got it from a friend who claimed this may have been a prototype. I really don't know. All keys are working (check out video time 11:55) to show all notes from keys. This synth is pretty amazing but way beyond me as far as putting it to good use and making the most of it. I've uploaded a video here for you to check out the sounds this synth can make. Of course this video of sounds is only the tip of the iceberg as far as what this thing is capable of."

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Steiner Parker Synthacon

YouTube via matrixsynth

A new vid sent my way via vgermuse.

The grizzly bear of synths.

You can see the previous Synthacon vids here:
Steiner Parker Synthacon (with RC-20 Loop Station) live
Steiner Parker Synthacon (with RC-20 Loop Station) live 2

Rare Vintage Modular Version Steiner Parker Synthacon Synthesizer

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

via this auction

"The fine item you are considering is a Rare Vintage Modular Version Steiner Parker Synthacon Synthesizer. Yes, it’s the rare modular version of the Steiner Parker Synthacon, but there is no “Parker” listed on the unit, only the “Steiner” name. The unit looks to be in excellent, well cared for condition, with the only issue I see being that one knob is missing (the knob from the VC Filter section) but the pot and pot post is still there and in good shape- only the knob has fallen off. I opened the back of the unit, and everything inside looks to be visually in good shape as well. Unfortunately, I do not have a keyboard for the unit, and I have no way to actually test the unit, so I’m selling it “as is”, although I will guarantee it to be as I have described, in excellent cosmetic condition, and looking like it was extremely well cared for. Please see my photos to have a look at this nice item."

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Custom Desktop Steiner-Parker Synthacon Demo Ft. Samatha Glass

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
Published on Jan 14, 2018 Switched On

"Our demo of the rare keyboard-less Steiner-Parker Synthacon. Hosted by Samatha Glass of Holodeck Records. Serviced In January 2018 by Switched On in Austin, Texas."

via this auction

"This original keyboard-free Synthacon is fully functional, recently serviced, and in very good condition. Service includes being full recapped, all pots and switches cleaned, and tuned & scaled. It has a rebuilt power cable and includes a Cinch Jones to 1/4" female jack for S-Trig in.

The Synthacon is rare and exceptional sounding 3 oscillator mono synth from the late 70's. It features switch based modulation routing with CV & Gate from the top. The signature Steiner Parker VCF offers rich filtering with powerful resonance and the 3 VCOs provide for stable robust sound source.

The modulation section consists of the Dual Envelope Generator, Trigger Generator, and Sample & Hold section. The Trigger generator is a square wave LFO capable of cycling the Envelope Generator. The Sample & Hold is fed by VCO 3 which allows you to route Noise as well as any of the waveforms for processing and can be triggered from either the Trigger Generator or the S-Trig input. Also any of the VCOs can used in the LFO range.

VC IN 1 is routed throught the S&H section, VC IN 2 is the standard 1v/Oct input, VCF IN is the CV input for filter cutoff, SIG IN routes external signals through the filter, and the Trig in is routed from the Cinch Jones port."

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Vintage Original Steiner Parker Synthacon

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

via this auction

"Steiner Parker Synthacon original, recently totally overhauled/serviced. I think this synth sounds more interesting than most vintage synths like the minimoog/2600/synthi, it has a real wild 70’s sound with raw oscillators and juicy filter, it’s unpredictable sounding in the best way possible. Local pickup in San Francisco, please contact me prior to purchasing to arrange payment and pickup."

You can find a few good demos of the original Steiner Parker Synthacon from Todd Barton in previous posts here, and additiona demos thoughout posts here.

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Matrixsynth by vgermuse

Click here for Buchla 200e tracks by Todd Barton, aka vgermuse. The following is the track listing along with synths used for each.

1. drifting--evi-2000, steiner-parker synthacon, boss rc-20
2. being and time--steiner-parker synthacon, boss rc-20
3. metalliton--buchla 200e
4. slowEvolution--buchla 200e, metasynth 4
5. cresting--buchla 200e
6. autumnAmbience II--steiner-parker synthacon, boss rc-20
7. stormBirds--buchla 200e
8. spaceMetal--buchla 200e, metasynth 4
9. exponentialSpace--serge modular music system, roland jp-8
10. horizoning--buchla 200e
11. offering--evi-2000, boss rc-20

Steiner Parker EVI with Microcon

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

via this auction

"Around only 200 were produced between 1975 and 1979, they were each hand made by Nyle Steiner himself. This is not the later and most "common" Crumar Italian version but the original US version. It sounds far more better and has much more sound options. The sound module which comes in this early version is the legendary original Steiner Parker Microcon analog synth.

These particular EVI trumpet and Microcon module have been bought years ago as new old stock from the original Steiner Parker French importer. They have never been used except for testing. They are in close to new condition. They show a few light scratches here and there. Both have just been fully tested. They work absolutely great together, delivering this incredible deep, rich and edgy sound everybody is looking for!

Also, the Microcon works perfectly alone, without the EVI connected. It could be easily included in a complex analog synth setup, adding the unique original Steiner Parker sound from its very compact but versatile box.

The EVI would also work nicely once interfaced with any analog synth, giving a fantastic control of the expression.

The auction includes:

- Steiner Parker Electronic Valve Instrument – More infos here

- Steiner Parker Microcon Synthesizer Expander Module – More infos here

- Original case with key

- Connection cables

- Operation manual showing patches for interfacing the EVI with Steiner Synthacon, Arp 2600, Arp AXXE, Minimoog, Oberheim synths...

Please click here to read the full EVI manual"

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Vintage Rare Steiner Parker Synthacon Silverface Analog Synth

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

via this auction

Update: check out demos of a Synthacon here, here, here, and here.

"Up for auction is this super rare circa 1975 Steiner Parker Synthacon. This is the earlier, silverface, monophonic version of this legendary synth that you'd be lucky to see for sale once a year. One of the few synths that truly deserves the title of "rare". I was able to create some jaw dropping sounds and I know I haven't even scratched the surface of what this synth can do.

The Synthacon is a 3 oscillator fully analog synthesizer. To the unfamiliar eye it looks a lot like the control panel for an aircraft. But this is one powerful synth that is capable of producing sounds a Minimoog would only dream of.

Each oscillator can be modulated in a variety of ways, including LFO, EG1, EG2, VCF, and sample-and-hold. It also has a pink and white noise generator. This synth is also known for having one of the best filters ever designed - it is super crunchy and the modulation routing is top notch. You can of course, get polyphonic sounds by blending the oscillators like most analog synths.

This synth has 49 keys w/ controls for Tune, Scale, Portamento, Range Select (8 octave range), and pitch bend.

You also have your other basic controls for attack, decay, sustain, and release, trigger rate, and sample and hold level."

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Steiner Parker Synthacon

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

via this auction

"For your consideration is a beautiful Steiner Parker Synthacon. The Synthacon has been recently serviced, and also has brand new keyboard bushings. If you're looking at this then you probably know that the Synthacon has an extremely flexible modulation architecture and amazing sound due to it's three oscillators and unique filter which does not cut out the low end on high resonance settings. You probably also know that these rarely come up for sale."

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SCI PROPHET 5 + DK SYNERGY + KORG MONOPOLY + STEINER PARKER SYNTHACON ~ Vintage Synthesizer Museum

Published on Jun 2, 2017 once upon a synth

"Demo of the Sequential Circuits Prophet 5, DK Synergy, Korg Monopoly and Steiner Parker Synthacon. The Prophet 5 is a vintage analog polysynth, the Synergy is a vintage digital polysynth, the Monopoly is a vintage paraphonic analog synth and the Synthacon is a vintage analog monosynth. I start off by playing melodic music and end with more experimental sounds on the Synthacon. I recorded these demos at the Vintage Synthesizer Museum here in California. Some light reverb was applied in post via ValhallaDSP Room."

Sytem 100m with custom Steiner-Parker Synthacon VCF clone

YouTube via dracena — October 04, 2009 — "http://www.myspace.com/sarculator
--------------------------------
A demonstration of Steiner-Parker Synthacon VCF clone (Curetronic Steiner VCF) put in a custom made system 100m module enclosure. I named it "m-128".

All sounds in this demo (including drum and percussion sounds) were programmed on system 100m.
For the "self propelled" sound example in the second part of this video an additional LFO was trans-patched from Korg MS-20 to Sys-100m.

Modules in my system100m:
181 - 49key keyboard
112 - dual oscilator x 2 (that's 4 VCOs altogether)
121 - dual filter
130 - dual VCA
140 - dual envelope generator & LFO
150 - ring modulator, sample&hold, noise,LFO
128 - custom Steiner-Parker VCF clone (by Curetronic)
440 - custom SSM2040 VCF clone (by MOTM)

more at:

http://www.myspace.com/sarculator

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zMKD_..."

Steiner-Parker Synthacon Variations

Published on Aug 2, 2018 Todd Barton

"Taking a single note through some transformations on the Steiner-Parker Synthacon..."

You can find a handful of Steiner-Parker videos by Todd Barton in the archives here, one from way back in November 2006!

STEINER-PARKER SYNTHACON MK1

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

via this auction

"We are delighted to offer this rare and powerful Mk 1 Steiner-Parker Synthacon for sale in full working order.

FULLY OVERHAULED BY JAMES WALKER.

Commission sale. Offers invited.

It's become ever-harder to track down these elusive beasts, especially in Europe. Not only were very few made, those who have them tend not to want to part with them. Going on first appearances, you might ask what is so special about this handbuilt American three oscillator monosynth? On closer inspection, one's eye is drawn to the rows of colourful switches that control the clever modulation routing that is one of the features that makes this synth so appealing.

Nyle Steiner's original Mk1 Synthacon is monophonic, as opposed to the later duophonic Mk2 units: the earlier ones are said to have the edge sonically over. Certainly the reaction to the first demos we put on instagram has been one of considerable excitement at the noises coming out of this machine.

CONDITION: In good cosmetic condition for its age. There are some signs of age to the face, including small spots of oxidation and minor staining in places. Woodwork has some wear. See photos for more information on cosmetic condition.'

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NAMM: Arturia NAMM 2012 Teaser - The MiniBrute?

YouTube Uploaded by tomesoTV on Jan 17, 2012
[New video below]
"Arturia NAMM 2012 Teaser
More information on Thursday January 19th
Weitere Informationen am Donnerstag den 19. January"

Update:

The Arturia MiniBrute Hardware Synth?

"Key features:

Voltage controlled oscillator
25 key keyboard with aftertouch
Steiner-Parker multi-mode filter
Innovative analog Ultrasaw , Metalizer , Brute Factor technology
14 faders and 29 knobs
Rich interface, CV , Gate , USB , MIDI
Advanced arpeggiator
Rugged metal housing"

via KVR, via hpsounds.



Arturia MiniBrute Tour
YouTube Uploaded by Arturiaweb on Jan 18, 2012

Steiner Parker filter, and according to hpsounds, "the analog design was made by on of the french SDIY specialist Yves Usson. [aka Yusynth]" Nyle Steiner, Yusynth & Arturia. Amazing.

via hpsounds

Update: some additional pics including CV Ins & Outs via an anonymous reader:

Update 1/18/12 5:37 PST: Flyer scans added (click on each for the full size shot):

Update 1/18/12 8:30 PM: I should note The MiniBrute is an appropriate name. Listen to the Steiner-Parker filter in the original Synthacon here. The filter is also popular in the modular community include clones by various manufacturers and the new Steiner Synthasystem modular by Nyle Steiner himself. See the Steiner Parker label below for more.

Update: 1/19/12:

Introducing Arturia MiniBrute Analog Synthesizer

Uploaded by Arturiaweb on Jan 17, 2012

"MiniBrute is Arturia's new analog synthesizer. With a pure analog signal path and innovative new features it sets a new standard for what a hardware synthesizer should be. The pure analog, multi-wave oscillator combined with a huge sounding classic multi-mode filter, and wide range of modulation capabilities will bring new life into your recordings and stage performances. Add to that outstanding features like the Ultrasaw, Metalizer, Arpeggiator, LFO with sample & hold, full USB/MIDI/CV connectivity; all of which are housed in a rugged metal enclosure and it is almost too brutal to think about!"

ProAudioStar.com First Look : Passion Pit on The Arturia MiniBrute !

Uploaded by proaudiostar on Jan 18, 2012

"We check in with Passion Pit while working on their new album to see what they think of Arturia's brand new all analog synth. Arturia lent us a demo and once we showed it to the guys with Passion Pit we knew we werent getting it back. They liked it so much they had to put it on some of the songs they were doing and even re-recorded some bass parts with it. With is robust sound and ease of use this keyboard will no doubt be a must have!"

EMEAPP SONIC TEST DRIVE: STEINER-PARKER SYNTHACON Feat. DON SLEPIAN

video upload by EMEAPP

"That filter! Need we say more. The fabled Steiner-Parker Synthacon is a three oscillator beast of a portable mono-synth capable of immensely fat tones, is highly regarded for its tuning stability and is chock full of awesome control and modulation options. However, the star of the show is the Synthacon's peerless multi-mode LP/BP/HP which has cultivated an identity of its own and has achieved legendary status. Its a fantastic bit of electronic engineering and it truly behaves in a unique manner as compared to its contemporaries. Join Don Slepian as he takes a dive into the Sytnthacon and puts the filter through its paces."

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 Synthacon with Sequencer 151

YouTube via b3nsf
"Just messing around with these babies, totally cool sounding ... Nyle Steiner is the man!"

Steiner Parker Synthacon, Sequencer 151 and Masters Touch

"I thought maybe I'd put 3 Steiner instruments to the test... Sounds dang good."

Steiner Parker Minicon Analog Synthesizer

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

via this auction

Note this appears to be the first Steiner Parker Minicon post on MATRIXSYNTH. You'll find pics of the inside below.

"Up for grabs is the only Steiner Parker Minicon. It is the only one I have ever seen for sale. It's so rare that the only photo I have found of it online is from a Steiner Parker brochure. This synth is in excellent condition with the exception for some minor paint chips along time top. This is a great synth with a huge sound that is very similar to its bigger brother the Synthacon. It takes 1 v/oct and Strig in. I have a spare knob for the noise which is missing the silver insert. Comes with the power cable."

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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."