The Analog Synthesizers

From the first Back In Time Concert, October 31, 2004.

Here are the Analog Synthesizers

These are the instruments I'll be playing excluseivly for the "Back In Time" segment of the concert.

The Minimoog. The classic performance monosynth. A quick change machine, can go from wind to a bass drone, to a screaming lead, with the turn of a few dials. Can't play analog space music without this one. First introduced in 1970, this synthesizer changed the music industry forever.

The Moog Opus3, a classic string ensemble, brass, and organ in one synth. Has Moog filters and a Minimoog type pitch bender. Has that 70's sound that is tough to reproduce without the real deal. Introduced around 1979-80.

The Sequential Circuits Pro-1. Another classic monosynth. A one voice Prophet. Has the added feature of two programable step sequences and an arpegiator.While the step sequencer might not be as usefull today, it is just the ticket for electronic space music. Introduced in the early 80's.

The SCI Prophet VS rack. I had to cheat a bit here, as this is a MIDI module that is a Digital/Analog hybrid synthesizer from around 1986. But it is a classic synth that has some unbelievably cool sounds. A vector synthesizer that used 4 digital oscillators that can be vectored in time with automation or the joystick, while 8 analog filters shape the sound. I originaly was going to use a Roland RS-09 string/organ, but it sounded much like the Opus3 and didn't quite cut it as my only other poly synth. The VS fills that void nicely. I will control this from the MS2000 keyboard.