New Steiner Synthasystem Videos

New Steiner Synthasystem VCO type A

YouTube via dingebre | February 05, 2011 |

"This is a faithful re-release of the Steiner Synthasystem VCO type A. As always, Nyle was an integral part of this re-release. This VCO only differs from the original in that it incorporates the ability to tune it to a 1 Volt/Oct scale. Thank you Nyle.

More info at the web site: http://www.xmission.com/~dingebre/Syn..."

Steiner Synthasystem VCF

dingebre | February 05, 2011 |

"This is a faithful re-release of the Steiner Synthasystem VCF. Nyle was an integral part of this re-release, thank you Nyle."

Steiner Synthasystem Studio Sequencer

dingebre | February 05, 2011 |

"This is a faithful re-release of the Steiner Synthasystem Studio Sequencer. This incorporates all the features of the first generation sequencer plus all the extra features Nyle added to the second generation sequencer. Nyle was an integral part of this re-release, thank you Nyle."

New Steiner Synthasystem Complete!

via Analogue Realities:

"I pronounce the Synthasystem fully resurrected. The last module was the Ring Modulator. Nyle spent a couple of hours with me today and it works. I can now make the order for a small production run of the last three PCBs. The panels are done and now I'm going to build my modules.

I'll update the web pages over the next few days and get the module information up to date."

For those that haven't been following, Nyle Steiner is behind this. He has been working with David of Analogue Realities to bring the Steiner Synthasystem back to life. Note this is not a one off restoration. These are new modules initially available for order as DIY kits. Last I checked in with David, eurorack would be coming. A new Steiner Synthasystem modular has just made it into being. See the links above for more info and the label below for posts featuring Nyle Steiner's work.

Caleb Condit 5U Stiener Microcon Synthesizer Voice & Additional Steiner Synthasystem Modules

Avialable at Synthcube (note Synthcube will build to order as well as provide kits).

Left: "This is a full kit to build the classic steiner microcon voice module in dotcom/mu format

designed by nyle steiner, with a new PCB release from david ingebretsen

panel design by caleb condit, 2u wide

the voice includes vco, vca, vcf, lfo and eg"

Below: additional Synthasystem modules from Caleb Condit.

David Ingerbretsen worked directly with Nyle Steiner to resurrect the Steiner Synthasystem. See this post from back in 2010 at the first Salt Lake Modular synth meet with Nyle Steiner looking at David's reproduction, and see this post for some videos.  A search on Synthasystem will bring up additional posts.

Steiner Synthasystem Progress - VCA Now Working!

See the post on Analogue Realities. According to David, Nyle Steiner currently has a sequencer, VCO, VCA, and EG working. The full Synthasystem will come. I'll only be posting major updates, so be sure to check out the rest of Analogue Realities for more. If you have an RSS reader be sure to sub to it for updates.

Update: some more info of what's to come via David.

"I will eventually offer:

1. VCO type “A”. The Synthasystem also had a type “B” and “C” which were scaled back version of the type “A”. Since the Type “A” does it all, I don’t think I’ll re-issue the others unless there is some demand)

2. VCA/Mixer

3. VCF (the “real” original Steiner version. There is a difference in how Nyle did the resonance as compared to how those doing tribute filters typically do it)

4. Four different EGs.

a. ENVDL #1 – Duration Level

b. ENVDL #2 – Duration Level with a switch which converts the attack time to a delay time

c. ENVDT – Instead of duration level control, it controls the duration time. It also has a switch to convert the attack time to an initial delay time

d. ENVVD

One will be the Triple Envelope Generator which combines #1, #2, and #3 above. It’s the one which was in the Synthasystem. The fourth is one I don’t think Nyle ever released, but I’m going to. It has a variable damping. I haven’t built it or seen documentation other than a schematic I found digging through Nyle’s archives so I’m not sure what it’s controls really do. The end user can build these all separately if they want to.

5. Voltage Sequencer

6. Frequency Divider

7. Two voice keyboard

8. “Multiphonic” Keyboard (very cool controller)

9. Noise generator

10. Peak Selector

11. Phaser

12. Ring Modulator (Nyle is toying with the idea of changing this from using the MC1495 chip to discrete components based on his VCA design)

13. Sample and Hold

14. Selective Inverter (honestly, I haven’t quite figured this one out yet. Nyle tried to explain it to me but I didn’t quite get it.)

15. Tuner/Monitor

16. Input Pre-amp

17. Voltage Controlled Trigger Generator

18. Voltage Follower (basically a slew rate limiter or portamento)

19. Voltage Processor (generates different combinations of normal and inverted outputs of an input signal)

20. Power Supply panel/distribution.

21. Trigger converter. This is not a Steiner design, but something people will need to use these in modern modulars. The Steiner modules uses S-Triggers like Moog. This is a daughter board or a separate module to convert between S-Triggers and Voltage triggers. For example, you can piggyback one of these to an EG PCB so that you can seamlessly use voltage triggers on the front panels.

As a timeline, I am ordering some PCBs this week. Actually as soon as I get this email written J I am ordering what I hope will be production boards. I have some SDIY’ers who have offered to stuff a PCB or two to test the PCBs, BOMs, and build notes. So, In a month or two, I should actually be able to start offering the first few core modules, VCO, VCF, VCA, EGs, and sequencer.

David"

New Projects: Analogue Realities & Analogue Solutions Red Square DIY Kits

via Analogue Realities.

Analogue Realities also worked with Nyle Steiner on new Steiner Synthasystem project.

"Monday, September 12, 2011
New Projects...
Hi Everyone!

I have 3 new projects to announce. First, I have prototype PCBs for the Duo-Phonic keyboard. I've got an idea how to modify a Fatar keybed to use reed switches and magnets as a buss keyboard. I'll post my results.

Second, I'm working on the Microcon. It will be a module suitable for Eurorack or standalone. In standalone, you will need to add a +/- 12 volt supply. I've got the schematic mostly captured. I'm thinking I can get PCBs in about 2 months.

Third, Tom Carpenter at Analogue Solutions is selling Red Square PCBs and panels. Pretty bare bones, but I'm putting a page together to help out those who are building it. There are some unique semiconductors and the BOM lacks some part numbers, eg: pots with switch. Anyway, I also bought an assembled Red Square and will take some photos of the inside so the PCB interconnection and other details will be more clear."

Update via electro-music.com: "To compliment the Steiner Synthasystem resurrection I completed (see here http://www.xmission.com/~dingebre/Synthasystem.html), I'm now undertaking the Steiner Microcon. I'll put up a page with build/calibration notes and will have PCBs for sale. Be aware, it does use two Vactrols which are becoming extinct. They are the VTL5C3/2 variety right now available at Allied Electronics. It also makes use of 5 74C14 Hex Inverters. There are some substitutes which I'll have in the build notes. It also uses a 2n5246 JFET which also recently went away, but it isn't really special and there are substitutes. Everything else should be relatively easy to find.

There are a couple of trimmers on the PCB which will be configured so you can make it a panel pot, like resonance, and sustain level. So, stay tuned.

The Microcon was a standalone synthesizer voice, VCO, LFO, VCF, EG (driving a VCA). It also had a unique way to "fatten" the VCO sound. Below is a photo taken of one Nyle mounted in a custom rack of 8 (or was it 9) Microcons as a special order."

Nyle Steiner Playing the New Synthasystem

YouTube Uploaded by dingebre on May 11, 2011

"I let Nyle borrow the Synthasystem and here is a sample of what he did with it. In an email, Nyle said, "This synthesizer has all the character and feel that I remember the old ones having." High praise indeed. Thank you Nyle

Check out the blog and web site for more info. http://analoguerealities.blogspot.com/ and http://www.xmission.com/~dingebre/Synthasystem.htm"

[Re-posted. This one was a casualty of the recent Blogger outage.]

Synthasystem VCO Project Page and Website

via Synthasystem

If you've been following along, you might notice the site is different than the blog Analogue Realities. On the site:

"This page is the top level to the Steiner Synthasystem I am ressurecting. As this project grows, these pages will have schematics and build notes as well as order forms. I think I am decided that as a module is tested and a final prototype is built, I'll add the page with ordering information."

Nyle Steiner Documentary In the Works

via Analogue Realities

"Nyle came by today, which is always a treat. The occasion was there is a documentary being made about him and his life. Part of that life crossed mine and so I got to be a small part, too. When the documentary is finished, I'll post a link if it's allowed. It was a lot of fun. Nyle played his EVI hooked into my Synthasystem. Then, Nyle (and I) played around with it having fun (mostly Nyle tweaking the knobs). The photo on top is just a sort of long shot while the crew was setting up lights. The one at the bottom is Nyle himself in front of my Synthasystem."

Analogue Realities worked closely with Nyle Steiner on bringing back the Stiener Synthasystem to DIY and eurorocack.

Update: you can find the completed documentary “Steiner’s Workshop” here.

Manhattan Analog - Steiner Synthasystem VCF

Published on Feb 16, 2018 DivKidVideo

"After my first patch jam video earlier in the week [posted here] here's the full video demo with the Steiner Synthasystem VCF from Manhattan Analog. As you'd expect, it's a fantastic sounding filter! Details and timing index below.

I should say this is an official re-issue of the Steiner VCF, to quote Jason from Manhattan Analog "this is a faithful (and officially licensed) re-issue of the Synthasystem VCF, built largely from the original schematics which Nyle was generous enough to share with me."

TIMINGS / INDEX
00:51 Intro / feature run down
01:58 Low pass sweeps (varying res and drive / input level)
03:50 Band pass sweeps
04:20 High pass sweeps
04:57 Envelope modulation
06:03 Bassline synth riff
08:39 Complex input signals (pitch tracking, modulation etc)
13:07 Audio rate modulation
15:44 Filtering drum sounds"

Manhattan Analog - Steiner Synthasystem VCF *FIRST PATCH*

Published on Feb 14, 2018 DivKidVideo

"When you hear that Jason from Manhattan Analog is making a new filter you stop and take note. His MA35 [video here] and SVVCF [video here] are both fantastic so I knew this would be too. The Steiner Synthasystem VCF is gorgeous based on Nyle Steiners work with the Synthasystem and brought to life authentically in euro rack format."

DIY Steiner Synthasystem FM noise & Sync

Published on Jun 11, 2013 MrPalebluedot·38 videos

"Just a noisy FM patch."

DIY Steiner Synthasystem sync

Published on Jun 12, 2013

"off screen a minibrute is providing the sequence and clocking the synthasystem sequencer which is sweeping the frequency of the synched oscillator."

Steiner Parker Synthasystem Sketches

Published on May 19, 2018 Todd Barton

"I've been getting back into exploring my Synthasystem and posting sketches on my Instagram https://www.instagram.com/synthtodd/
Here are the collected 6 sketches. Oh, the delay used is an old DeltaLabs Effectron II"

For a fun look back, check out Todd Barton's Synthacon videos posted here on MATRIXSYNTH back in 2006 and 2007.

Steiner Synthasystem VCO PCB Re-issue

via this auction

"This is a re-issue of the rare and unique Steiner VCO bare PCB. Nyle Steiner had a big part in this project and was key in the testing and tweaking phases of the design. This PCB is a DIY project. See this website for the project details.

The PCB is a modern re-capture and professionally etched and screened PCB with high quality materials for reliability and ease of assembly. This is a BARE PCB for intermediate to advanced Do-It-Yourself'ers.

This is not a tribute, clone, or anything like it. It is a faithful re-capture of the original Synthasystem (not Synthacon) VCO type A with Saw, Sine, Pulse, and Triangle outputs. The PCB is of a size which will work with all the current standard panel sizes, Euro, MOTM/DotCom, Fractional (Frac), and others. Being original, the PCB runs on +12 and-10 volt supplies, but will work with +/- 12VDC and is designed to also work with +/- 15VDC supplies. Only minor modifications were made to make it friendly with current Control Voltage sources such as an on board Volt/Octave trimmer and a frequency range trimmer. Otherwise, it is the same as the original. The builder has the choice of using modern components, such as monolithic NPN pairs, or all discrete, hand matched transistors.

There are several PCBs available." Contact the seller or Analogue Realities for details.

Nyle Steiner Synthasystem Updates

There have been updates on on the Steiner Synthasystem remake on Analogue Realities. Pictured here is the sequencer on Nyle's workbench from this post. The following quote is from this post on July 29th.

"This was great. I'm traveling and when I got off the plane, I saw I had some voice mail. I call in and I got this weird synthesizer sequence playing for about 30 seconds. I thought this is a weird prank call, and then it hit me. It was probably Nyle and he got the sequencer working. I hit "call caller" and sure enough, Nyle got the sequencer going already."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Pre-Orders Open for DIY Steiner Synthasystem and Nyle Steiner at SLAMM

via David of Analogue Realities:

"Pre-Order/Order forms for the VCO, VCF, VCA, Triple EG, Sequencer, Trigger Converter, and Transistor Matching PCB are online. They are at the new Electro-Music “Synthasystem” Forum and my website.

There was also a Salt Lake Area Modular meeting and Joe Grisso posted some photos at his site [previously posted]

Nyle Steiner came and brought four of the prototype PCBs hooked up and working and a different filter he designed, built, and sold for a while."

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."

Nyle Steiner Sythasystem Designs and Schematics to be Made Available

You might remember the Steiner Synthasystem restoration project from this post. David who runs Analogue Realities sent in the following to the SDIY list. I asked him if I could put a post up for those not on the list and he gave me the OK.

via David on the SDIY list:
"Here's a bit of good news to anyone interested in the Steiner Synthasystem. I've had a couple of long talks with Nyle and he said it would be fine to share what I'm doing. He'd like as many people as want to build his designs and enjoy them.

To that end, as I actually get PCBs and schematics that work, I'll post and share as I can. If there is enough interest, I'll put together PCB, panel buys, etc. Otherwise, I'll make the layouts and schematics available somehow.

Keep an eye on my blog over the next few weeks for updates, etc.

Thanks again to those who have given me some great help so far, you know who you are :) So, to those who I swore to secrecy, you don't have to keep quiet anymore.

My blog and website:

http://analoguerealities.blogspot.com/
http://www.xmission.com/~dingebre/index.html

I'm going to meet with Nyle next month (after I recover from a total knee replacement on Monday) and he said he'd go over the schematics to make sure I have the latest corrections and designs.

So, I guess it goes up a notch from here."

Update: Read how it all started in this post.

5U format Synthasystem VCF

via Analogue Realities where you'll find more pics.

"Tony has finished a 5U format Synthasystem VCF. Nicely done Tony!"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Steiner Synthasystem VCF PCB Re-issue

via this auction

"This is a re-issue of the rare and unique Steiner VCF bare PCB. Nyle Steiner had a big part in this project and was key in the testing and tweaking phases of the design. This PCB is a DIY project. See this website for the project details.

The PCB is a modern re-capture and professionally etched and screened PCB with high quality materials for reliability and ease of assembly. This is a BARE PCB for intermediate to advanced Do-It-Yourself'ers.

This is not a tribute, clone, or anything like it. It is a faithful re-capture of the original Synthasystem (not Synthacon) VCF with selectable Low Pass, Band Pass, and High Pass modes. The PCB is of a size which will work with all the current standard panel sizes, Euro, MOTM/DotCom, Fractional (Frac), and others. Being original, the PCB runs on +12 and-10 volt supplies, but will work with +/- 12VDC and is designed to also work with +/- 15VDC supplies. The builder has the choice of using modern components, such as monolithic NPN pairs, or all discrete transistors.

There are several PCBs available." Contact the seller or Analogue Realities for details.

DIY Steiner Synthasystem Racked

via Analogue Realities where you'll find more pics and details. I believe this is the first racking of the new Steiner Synthasystem.

CLICK FOR MORE »