SOUND ON SOUND
It may not be well known, but it is sought-after. Simon Lowther relates the history and mystery of an early 48-note polyphonic analogue synth and its well-connected family.
Emu Systems have been synonymous for so long with samplers and sampling that it may surprise some to learn that they started out making analogue synthesizers — and that through the '70s and early '80s, they produced some of the biggest, most sophisticated modular synths ever made. Simon Lowther gets out his patch cords...
We've all experienced the burst of creativity that getting hold of a new sound can bring about — but not being able to afford new synths and sound modules is also a familiar feeling.
Simon Lowther introduces the clan of classic American analogue synths, the Oberheim OBs.
Not all analogue classics have keys. The Xpander was an early module that packed in more features than its moderate size would lead you to expect, and left a legacy still discernible in modern synth design.