Synergy DK

via this auction.

Update via the comments regarding the details that follow: "It was a Crumar GDS that was used on Carlos' TRON soundtrack, not a Synergy. Also, I'm not aware of that Larry Fast ever used a Synergy. That was just his artist name."

Details:
"Here is your chance to own one of the rarest keyboards in existence (there are reportedly only about 100 working models left in the world!) as used by Wendy Carlos (Tron and "Beauty in the Beast") and Larry Fast. This particular model has the MIDI in/out/thru on it, and looking inside, seems to have been done by a skilled technician (or perhaps the factory). This means it is the II+ model. The sounds are very digital in nature, but have a nice warm tone to them. There are plenty of electric pianos and strings, as well as some neat digital drum sounds. The keyboards velocity sensitivity drastically change the sounds, and this is part of the nature of the Synergy's programming.

I also have 14 original sound cartridges with this, 4 of which seem to be blank. The cartridges include: VCART 1-3 "Voices", CARLOS WC-1 "ORCH-PLUS", CARLOS WC-2 "Bells and Whistles", CARLOS WC-3 "Missing Links", DEMO "Demonstration of internal voices" and TCART1 "Processor and Panel Tests" and TCART2 "Oscillator and D/A tests"... These are included in the auction.

From the web: The Synergy is a Phase Modulation/Additive synthesizer and has lots of DX type FM sounds. The Phase Modulation algorithms are user defined with up to 16 oscillators available.
The envelopes have up to 16 stages/per osc, and are loopable. Program/sounds consists of 2 'boundaries' which are 2 separate timbres. The keyboardist can morph between these timbres via velocity and key number. The DK SYNERGY II synthesizer originally retailed for around Six Thousand 6$k (Thanks matrixsynth.com!)

Also from the web:

http://users.ece.gatech.edu/lanterma/synergy/
http://www.synthmuseum.com/synergy/index.html
http://www.synthony.com/vintage/dkigds.html

The rear of the Synergy has 1/4" unbalanced outputs 1 and 2, and balanced XLR outputs 1 and 2. There is also RS-232 output for interfacing to a Kaypro computer for programming. The knobs on the front offer user control of the sounds, but in order to really dive into this synthesizer, you need the Kaypro."

DK Synergy II+ Synthesizer with Kaypro II PC SN 01272

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

via this auction

"The listing is for a Digital Keyboards Synergy II+ synthesizer with Kaypro II PC in great condition! One of the first premium digital synthesizers manufactured in the US , The synth is based on Dr. Hal Alles from Bell Labs synthesizer architecture.This model is the programmable version and has the solid wood casing which only came out with the very early serial numbers. The wood was replaced by tolex to reduce cost in following years. Approx 700 total Synergy units were made of which about 300 were said to be the upgraded programmable version.It is estimated that only 100 or so units are still operational today of which about 20% are the higher end wooden case version. When the Synergy II + hit the market in the early 80s, they were going for upwards of $10K for the wooden programmable version with Kaypro PC. The DX7 came out with their FM synthesis in 83 for $2500 and changed the entire synth industry. After that DK was dumping their units for under $7K with Kaypro and eventually went under in 1985. I payed $5,450 (including shipping) for this unit 8 months ago so for a 30 year old rare synth , it is still holding it's value.

The Synergy II+ 's Kaypro II PC is in great shape as well with two functional drives and the 1980s style green light screen resolution is still very prominent. You can find Kaypro PCs for sale on eBay should you ever need a back up. The sale includes everything you see in the photos- Synergy synth, Kaypro PC and keyboard, null modem cable to RS232 port ,original operational manual for the synth( not a copy), instructions for understanding the Kaypro and the complete Synergy library.The library includes close to 500 patches. It includes the L1-L13 FDs, VCART1-VCART6 FDs and Wendy Carlos Library( WENDY 1-WENDY3 FDs). All library, diagnostic, software systems and boot disks have been backed up with multiple copies, anywhere between 4-6 sets of each. The sale also includes a 2 hour video made by the original owner who purchased this synth as a floor model in 1983. The video on DVD is well thought out as well as his written start up instructions to get a new owner going. You definitely want to review the video and documents to understand the nuances using the synth and PC software . Included are the original documents listing the names and categories of the library disks and patches/voices in alphabetical order and by instrument or sound type. Other documents include synth schematics, pin schematics if you want to make your own null modem cables and addendum released by DK.

This synthesizer is definitely not for the touring musician or quick knob turning gratification player. This synth is typically purchased as a collectors piece or a programmers synth who enjoys sound sculpting for personal pleasure or studio recording. This synth has unique architecture and very sophisticated envelope control . What makes the Synergy II+ unique even to this day is that you voice each oscillator twice for both frequency and amplitude and you have 16 different envelope points for each envelope. So you get to control how each voice changes in response to velocity. For example, you might choose to have a phase modulated envelope that rises very sharply at low velocities and dies off fast, but at high velocity(loud notes) it rises less sharply and dies off much more slowly. Or you could do the opposite with the carrier envelope scheme which means the loudness envelope of the timbre operates normally with a sharper attack the harder you press the key but a shorter decay at louder amplitudes. Since you can define two 16 point frequency envelopes for each oscillator and you are dealing with phase modulation, you can have sound going from strictly harmonic overtones to inharmonic partials and back again over time or set it up to go inharmonic to harmonic and back again. And this effect is with just two oscillators. Typical Synergy II+ patches use 3-6 oscillators so you can also detune them to get chorus effects. Another reason to set up multiple chains of oscillators for a patch is to have different sets of overtones moving in and out of harmony against one another which gives you very complex timbral effects like you would get with real instruments. Another reason to use multiple oscillators is so you can combine additive synthesis with phase modulation to create some very realistic percussive sounds like bells or chimes using subharmonics of the fundamental of a note to create that low hum that is not harmonically related to the timbre ,but present in real percussive instruments.There is a reason that Wendy Carlos still has two Synergy GDS units among her gear of only 5 remaining keyboards.

For those not familiar with the Synergy, there is a good website if you Google DIgital Keyboards Synergy Preservation Page.Also there are several YouTube videos on this unit. However, here are the basics:

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Synergy II and Kaypro II Computer

Title link takes you to shots pulled via this auction. Note this Synergy is not working.

Details: "The Synergy II+ is famous as the synthesizer that Wendy Carlos used on the legendary recording "TRON" [actually it might have been the GDS according to this] and "Beauty in the Beast", the Synergy took place of Wendys Moog modular system on these recordings. The Synergy is a Phase Modulation/Additive synthesizer. Phase Modulation is similar to FM found on the popular synthesizers like the Synclavier and Yamaha DX instraments synths however the Synergy has FAR more settings and tones when it comes to crafting the ultimate in synthesized music.
The Phase Modulation algorithms are user defined with up to 16 oscillators available.
The envelopes have up to 16 stages/per osc, and are loopable.
Program/sounds consists of 2 'boundaries' which are 2 separate timbres.
The keyboardist can morph between these timbres via velocity and key number.
Voice allocation is highly advanced, allowing for very complex keyboard splits/layers/voice cycling.
There are many advanced features on the DK SYNERGY II that have never been equaled or surpassed in other synthesizers of the era. The DK SYNERGY II synthesizer originally retailed for around Six Thousand 6$K and the adittional kaypro II computer to accompany it around Thirteen hunderd dollars $1.3K."

Sent my way via Matt.

Hands On - Energy for UVI Falcon and Workstation

Published on Feb 14, 2016 Synth Anatomy

"Energy is Synthesizer sample library by UVI. Energy can be load in UVI Workstation and Falcon Synthesizer Workstation.

ENERGY is the product of a unique and extremely rare additive synthesizer from the early 80’s, the Digital Keyboards Synergy. Released in 1982, the DK Synergy was based on an extremely sophisticated additive engine for the time, derived from the nearly $30,000 Crumar GDS (General Development System) and famously used by Wendy Carlos on the original TRON soundtrack. In fact many of the Synergy’s presets were crafted by Carlos herself, who is noted to still use the synth to this day."

DK (Digital Keyboards Inc.) Synergy SN 01185

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

via this listing

"The Synergy is a digital additive synthesizer that uses phase modulation with 32 digital oscillators and produces a unique sound. All functions have been tested and are in great working condition. This is a vintage Digital Keyboards Synergy synthesizer. This gem is a piece of music history, with an iconic sound that can be heard in such places as the Tron soundtrack. It has been used and loved, which shows, but is a great synth!

This unit is in excellent working condition, with only one known function issue. The Eb key in the 2nd octave on the keyboard seems to stick after the first time it is struck (it is playable again 1 time after each power-up). There are no other known issues. The pictures are of the actual item."

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Digital Keyboards Original Synergy Digital Additive Synthesizer - Progenitor Digital Synth SN 01166

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

via this Reverb listing

"This is the holy grail of early digital additive synths: a true successor to Bell Labs' Alles Machine, built by Crumar and Digital Keyboards between 1982–85. With only ~700–800 units ever made and fewer than ~100 still running today this Synergy Mk. I stands as an ultra-rare, pro-grade instrument crafted for sonic innovators like Wendy Carlos who used it on the TRON soundtrack as well as her albums Digital Moonscapes and Beauty in the Beast.

This unit is fully functional and fully responsive. It harnesses a formidable engine of 32 digital oscillators capable of additive and phase-modulation tones, delivering 8 or 16 voice polyphony. You have 24 internal presets at your disposal, with cartridge expansion support. It’s standout feature is the ability to layer up to four distinct tones simultaneously, creating lush, shimmering textures or aggressive, harmonically rich leads. Sure, editing is minimal on-board, but that means its extremely user-friendly. Dial in a tone and go."

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DK Synergy II+ Digital Synthesizer SN 01170

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

via this listing

Additional Tone Tweakers Listings

"Fully serviced and working great. The Synergy II+ is a digital additive/FM synthesizer that sounds like no other. Somewhat similar to the extremely popular Yamaha DX7, it's tone is mellower and warmer. A popular website states 700-800 were made and estimates less than 100 are in operation today. We don't know how they came up with this estimation, but this one's working great, as we just fully serviced it. Famous users include Jay Wires, Wendy Carlos, BT (crumar gds), Junkie XL and Steely Dan. Carlos used it on the Tron soundtrack and other recordings.

Previously, one needed an old Kaypro computer with special software to edit sounds, but someone recently developed an editor that can be run on a modern computer."

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Digital Keyboards Synergy II+ 2 synthesizer w computer guts SN 01209

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

via this eBay listing

Additional Tone Tweakers Listings

Pics of the inside below.

"This unit was professionally serviced. The Synergy II+ is a digital additive/FM synthesizer that sounds like no other. Somewhat similar to the extremely popular Yamaha DX7, it's tone is mellower and warmer. A popular website states 700-800 were made and estimates less than 100 are in operation today. We don't know how they came up with this estimation, but this one's working great, as we just fully serviced it. Famous users include Jay Wires, Wendy Carlos, BT (crumar gds), Junkie XL and Steely Dan. Carlos used it on the Tron soundtrack and other recordings.

Previously, one needed an old Kaypro computer with special software to edit sounds, but someone recently developed an editor that can be run on a modern computer. We haven't used it yet but are really excited to. Please buy this now, before we decide to keep it!

This particular example includes the circuitry of a Kaypro or equivalent computer's CPU. (See pics) Connections were added to the back panel for the accessories, but they were not included when we purchased this item, so we were unable to test this additional computer and disconnected it during restoration, though we left it in place in case a future owner has access to accessories and wants to try to get it running (no guarantees about that though since we didn't test it). The ports on the back have not been tested as we don't have anything that hooks up to them.

There are currently a few patches that are silent, and the first one is low volume and voices change octaves in a seemingly random fashion. We suspect these patches just need to be reprogrammed. At some point, we hope to find time to download and learn the modern editing software mentioned above so we can reprogram these patches, but time is limited, so we may just leave this up to the next owner who we assume will want to load in their own patches. The patches currently in memory are a mix of organ, piano and what seem to be orchestral type sounds."

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UVI Introduces ENERGY 32-Oscillator Additive Future Synth Based on the DK Synergy

ENERGY | Official Trailer UVI© Published on Jun 2, 2015

"UVI ENERGY
32-Oscillator Additive Future Synth
http://www.uvi.net/energy.html

Features at-a-glance:
» Extremely rare and powerful synth, immaculately preserved
» Programmable with performance optimized engine
» Now with an expanded preset library

Now available as a stand-alone instrument! UVI ENERGY delivers the rare and complex sounds of the 32-oscillator Digital Keyboards Synergy. With commercial production ceasing 30 years ago and a total run of less than a thousand units, this wildly obscure synthesizer delivered futuristic sounds far ahead of its time and helped to shape the iconic timbres of the original TRON.

Also included in the Vintage Vault and Vintage Legends bundles.
http://www.uvi.net/vintage-vault.html"

TMP-3-03 Vintage Synth TV Series from Benge

video upload by Memetune Studio

00:00 Opening Titles
00:17 Introduction
01:27 Switched On 80s
16:14 Synthesiser Club
19:48 Commercial Break
23:57 Patching Today
35:04 Little Black Boxes
38:53 Video Lab
44:22 Outro

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Episode three of the third series of the TV program from Benge, made at his Memetune Electronic Music Studio

The series explores his passion for vintage synthesiser instruments and studio gear and how he uses them in his productions and collaborations

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

It is divided into the following sections:

SWITCHED ON 80s - This third series takes an in-depth look into six classic 80s synthesisers, selected because of their interesting and unique attributes

SYNTHESISER CLUB - A short musical demonstration of a synthesiser classic or three, concentrating on 'families' of synths

COMMERCIAL BREAK - Some shameless Memetune shilling

PATCHING TODAY - A deep-dive into vintage modular systems and how to set up a patch on them, starting from scratch, this time using Cybersynthesis techniques to bring an element of surprise to the patches

LITTLE BLACK BOXES - A further look at some classic rack mount studio gear of the 80s and 90s

VIDEO LAB - A look at old video equipment and how to create experimental visuals, concentrating on a specific device in each episode

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

In THIS episode:

SWITCHED ON 80s - A detailed presentation on FM synthesis and its history, looking at the DK Synergy (as used on the Tron soundtrack), but mainly the Yamaha DX series of synths

SYNTHESISER CLUB - a very 'timely' composition, made on Moogs; a Minimoog, a Polymoog and the mighty Moog Modular 3C from the 1960s, which was used for sequences, and also all the drum sounds

LITTLE BLACK BOXES - A look at the Roland MKS Super JX, the lushest pad-synth of them all

COMMERCIAL BREAK - Some adverts for Memetune-related goodies, including the Memetune Annual 2024, the range of Memetune merchandise and Benge's FORMS series of single-synth albums

PATCHING TODAY - on the incredible Crystal Machine - the legendary double-Synthi-A made by EMS, Tim Blake, Patrice Warrener, Graham Wood, and looked after by Lucidsounds. Plus a beautiful VCS3 Mk1 and rack of EMS peripherals for good measure

VIDEO LAB - In this episode we look at the Grass Valley Indigo AV Mixer, which is the central hub of the Video Lab, and provides many more ways of getting that genuinely vintage look to the Memetune video productions

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

LINKS:

Benge's Studio Blog: http://myblogitsfullofstars.blogspot.com

Memetune Studio Instagram: @memetunestudio

Benge & Memetune Merch on Bandcamp: https://zackdagoba.bandcamp.com

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

The MemeTune Programme Credits:
Everything in this video was created by B D Edwards (Benge)
All music, design, writing, filming and production completed at Memetune Studios, UK, 2025"

minime123 Synth Sale

Via minime123:

"FA: Vintage Synths + (27 items)

Hi friends,

We've got the following up on eBay now if anyone's interested. Some are ending soon:

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQfgtpZ1QQfrppZ25QQsassZ123synthland


- Akai S-1000 w digital card
- Akai S-900 faulty
- Analogue Solutions SEMblance Oberheim SEM Clone
- ARP Odyssey III
- DK Synergy
- Emu Emulator III Keyboard w 8 Megs
- Ensoniq ASRx
- Ensoniq EPS faulty w/4x expansion
- Ensoniq SQ-R
- Hohner Clavinet D6
- Kawai K5M boxed
- Korg ES-50 Lambda
- Korg LP-10 Analog Piano
- Korg Toneworks Effects
- Korg Wavestation SR
- Moog Taurus 2 Pedals + Synth
- Moog Taurus 2 Pedals Only
- Mu-tron Bi-Phase
- Oberheim Mini-Sequencer
- Polymoog Keyboard
- Roland AX-1 Keytar (black)
- Roland SH-1000
- Sequential Circuits Prophet VS
- Sequential Circuits Six-Trak
- Yamaha DX-11 w hard case
- Yamaha DX-7 original for parts
- Yamaha DX7IIFD

Any questions please email me at minime123@onebox.com

We've got lots more stuff so email us if you're looking for anything - we'd much rather sell directly than have to post to eBay."