MATRIXSYNTH

Serge N Voice Controller

via Loscha:

"In 1982, Serge Modular Music Systems were set to release something very amazing, which, it appears, never saw retail production. This marketing bulletin which I found among some other things I was given is the only illustration I have been able to find out about the device. Read into it what you will, and bear in mind, that the date is not April the 1st."

Do check this out. You will be surprised. The scanned bulletin also includes a price list.

Fender Chroma Polaris - showing some presets

YouTube via zioguido

Be sure to turn your volume back down after watching.

"This is my Fender Chroma Polaris from 1982. It's an amazing analog 6 voice synthesizer with digital control. The core of the digital part is an Intel 80186 CPU running at 6 MHz. In those years the most powerful PC had a 8086 CPU @ 4,7 MHz! The analog path is comprised of CEM VCO and Filters, while the envelopes and the LFOs are generated digitally. It's very easy to program, really powerful, with plenty of memory for your presets and a fine dynamic keyboard. If you find one at a reasonable price (around US$500) don't let it go! In this video I'm showing you some of the factory presets."

Handmade Music_Etsy Labs_Music Machines_2007

YouTube via rustyanalog.
"Filmed at Handmade Music Night at Etsy Labs in Brooklyn, New York, Sept 27, 2007"

they are coming...

YouTube via verstaerker. "...they are with us"

Alesis A6 Andromeda: arp. + step sequencer

YouTube via YpsilonVector.
"Sound presets with arpeggiator and step sequencer. All digital tuning functions are turned off."

KORG MicroKORG

images via this auction

Roland RS-202

images via this auction

"This is the Roland RS-202 "Strings" Keyboard. Unlike some string machines, its note releases do not get cut off when you hit new keys. Very useful and lush.

The five-octave keyboard can be split to play two different patches, each one being a combination of Strings I, Strings II (different octave), and Brass. A slower attack can also be switched in for each side, as well as a fixed volume attenuation. The Sustain (really the release) of each side is controlled by sliders. There are also global tone controls for the Strings & Brass. The time-honored Roland tradition of two different Ensemble (chorus) settings is global. There are High & Low audio outputs, and a Gate Out in case you need to hook it up to your System 700 modular rig. Like other Roland keyboards of the period, the AC cord is attached & housed in a little hatchway on the bottom."