MATRIXSYNTH

Devowski

Remember devowski? Title link takes you to his new website.

Title link takes you to a couple more shots pulled via this auction. Not the best, but you don't see these often.

Details:
"Here we have a Korg MS-02 Interface in PERFECT WORKING ORDER. Sorry for the out of focus photos. Cosmetically in GREAT shape, a 9 out of 10. No particular blemish stands out as worth mentioning, just some occassional surface scratches and smudge marks, but again, in great cosmetic shape, especially for a 30 year old item. I have the original manual and will send that as well.

From the manual:

"For complete connection compatibility between synthesizers.
The MS-02 is ideal if you want to upgrade your synthesizer by adding on other synthesizer units having different kinds of keyboard control voltage and trigger signals. The built-in, fully adjustable log amp, anti-log amp, and trigger processor ensure complete system flexibility and compatibility between any presently voltage controlled synthesizer."

Meaning, you can use this unit to connect any major analog synth with CV in/outs to any other synth with CV ins/outs. Hugely useful for connecting your Moog to your MS 20, or your ARP to your MS 10, or whatever you desire. Crazy Analog synth sounds possible!

Furthermore, it has juntion points on the bottom, which is hugely useful for modular patching. For instance, on the korg ms 20, it only allows you to patch one parameter to only one other paramater, but with the junctions, you simply connect your parameter in, and have the possibility to patch it to two, or even THREE different other patch points. This doubles or even TRIPLES your possibilities!!! So useful!

Here are the specs:
1. LOG AMPLIFIER Tuning
Width
Hz/V input (0~15V)
Oct/V Output (-12V~+12V)
2. ANTILOG AMPLIFIER Tuning
Width
Oct/V input (-4V~+4V)
Hz/V output (-12V~+12V)
3. ADDING AMPLIFIER Channel 1 level control
Channel 2 level control
Input Channel 1
Input Channel 2
Output
4. TRIGGER PROCESSORS x 2 Trigger indicator
Reverse switch
Input (Vth=+2.5V)
Output (0V~+15V)
5. OTHERS Power switch
Pilot lamp
6. JUNCTIONS 4 x 2
3 x 1
7. DIMENSIONS 283 (W) X 110 (H) X 195 (D) mm
8. WEIGHT 2.2kg
9. POWER CONSUMPTION Voltage (local voltage, 50/60Hz), wattage (5W)"

EMS VCS3 Putney

Title link takes you to shots pulled via this auction.

Oddly, it looks right at home.

Some interesting details:
"The EMS expert I have been dealing with has only seen pictures of this unit. This is what he wrote:

'Your VCS3 is interesting because it is a very early model. Although it does say VCS3a on the back panel, this is not a commonly recognized 'species' of VCS3 and the unit would fall under the heading of VCS3 Mk1. More importantly the circuitry and components are the same as the Mk1 VCS3 (and Synthi A Mk1 - the suitcase model) I noticed the pencil marking '210' on the images you emailed and suspect that this is the correct serial number.'"

Sequential Circuits Pro One

More pics here via this auction.

Details:
"From the manual:
About the Pro-One
The Pro-One is a monophonic (one-voice) keyboard synthesizer. Its principal sound sources are two voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs), referred to as OSC A and OSC B. OSC A, OSC B, and a white noise source can be mixed into the resonant low-pass filter (VCF). The filter modifies the voice timbre under control of its four-stage envelope generator. The filter may also serve as a sound source. This stage is followed by a voltage-controlled amplifier (VCA), which shapes the voice amplitude also under control of a four-stage envelope generator. The keyboard provides frequency control voltage (KYBD CV) for the oscillators and filter, and generates a GATE which controls the envelope generators.

In addition to this basic voice, the Pro-One has extensive modulation provisions. Three modulation sources are available: the filter envelope generator (FILT ENV), OSC B, and a separate low-frequency oscillator (LFO). Each can be mixed and routed for either DIRECT or WHEEL-controlled modulation of five destinations: OSC A frequency (FREQ), OSC A pulse- width (PW), OSC B FREQ, OSC B PW, and filter frequency (FILTER).

This complement of analog synthesizer modules and the routings provided for their interconnection have been well-proven in the Pro-One's ancestors, the Prophet-5 and Prophet-10 polyphonic synthesizers. Besides allowing the synthesist to play up to five or ten notes at one time, these two instruments contain microcomputers which program all the control settings comprising a sound. The Pro-One is neither preset nor programmable: you always "patch" the precise sound you want with the knobs and switches on the control panel. But the Pro-One voice itself is identical to a single Prophet voice, so it is capable of as much range and expression.

Possessing the Prophet's sound and all standard monophonic synthesizer features, the Pro- One's own microcomputer makes possible innovations unheard of on a lowcost synthesizer; a 40-note sequencer, an arpeggiator, keyboard modes such as single- or multiple- triggering, and the unique automatic glide feature. An audio input with preamplifier and automatic GATE generator allows synthesizer processing of low-level inputs such as a microphone or electric guitar. The audio output can drive a monophonic or stereo amplifier, or stereo headphones. Of special interest to computer enthusiasts, the Pro-One readily interfaces for control by an external microcomputer."

I love the introductions for synths in manuals. You get a glimpse of how the people behind the synth wanted users to perceive it - it's the culmination of all the work that went into the synth. Introductions to manuals were one of the first things I put up on the old Matrixsynth site back in Oct of '97. Click on the nostalgia link when you get there to see them.

Roland SH-5

Title link takes you to shots pulled via this auction.

Width: 37 inches
Depth: 17 inches
Height: 13 inches
Weight: 50 pounds

ARP 2600

Title link takes you to shots pulled via this auction. This one has the 4012 "Moog" style filter. Be sure to check out the audio demo. Via Dave.

Update via dead man's party (appropriate name) in the comments: "The musician? The mp3 tells you: Michael Bacich. He played keyboards for Oingo Boingo in the late 80's. I'm not sure what he's been doing since then but he posts on AH and/or SDIY occasionally." I thought someone would catch that. : )

Demo mirrored here.