Categories
Effect Rack Multi-Effects Processor

Yamaha SPX90

Digital multi-effect processor

Classic digital multi-effect processor from the mid-1980s. Great Yamaha effects including many types of reverbs, delays, chorus, flanger, pitch-shifting, and the “Symphonic” ensemble effect.

Yamaha SPX90 audio demos

A Roland Juno-60 was used to play these demos – first dry, then wet.

Yamaha SPX90 photos

Yamaha SPX90 manual

Yamaha SPX90 specs

Year of release1985
Presets30 ROM, 60 RAM
Sound generation methoddigital
MIDIin, thru
Sound expansion capabilitiesn/a
EffectsSeveral types of reverbs, delays, chorus, flanger, pitch-shift, compressor etc.
Controlsbuttons
OutputsMono input & Stereo outputs 1/4″ pairs
DisplayLCD green
Power consumption20W
Dimensions(W x H x D)
480mm x 45.2mm x 285mm
(18-7/8” x 1-3/4” x 11-1/4”)
Weight3.2 kg ( 7 lbs)

Yamaha SPX90 links

https://www.yamaha.com

Categories
Effect Rack Digital Reverb Processor

Roland SRV-2000

Digital Reverb Processor

The classic Roland SRV-2000, a great-sounding digital reverb rack processor from the mid-1980s.

Roland SRV-2000 audio demos

A Korg 01/W FD synthesizer with its internal effects turned off was used as the sound source for all demos below.

Roland SRV-2000 photos

Roland SRV-2000 manual

Roland SRV-2000 specs

Year of release1985
Presets32
Sound generation methoddigital
MIDIin, thru
Sound expansion capabilitiesn/a
EffectsSeveral types of reverb, Eq
Controlsbuttons
OutputsMono input & Stereo outputs 1/4″ pairs
DisplayLCD blue
Power consumption37W
Dimensions482(W) x 47(H) x 362(D) mm
19″ x 1 7/8″ x 14 1/4″
19″ Rack Mount (EIA-1U)
Weight5.2kg / 11 lb. 8 oz

Roland SRV-2000 links

https://www.roland.com

Categories
Digital Accompaniment Keyboard Keyboard

Casio MT-100

Digital Accompaniment Keyboard

Casio MT-100 demo

Casio MT-100 photos

Casio MT-100 manual

Casio MT-100 specs

Year of release1985
Sound generation methoddigital
Number of keys49 mini-keys
Polyphony
Sounds20 (organ, flute, trumpet, oboe, violin, piano, harpsichord, celesta, mandolin, funny, pipe organ, clarinet, horn, accordion, cello, elec. piano, vibrabphone, harp, elec. guitar, cosmic tone)
Rhythms12 (rock, pops, disco, 16 beat, swing, latin swing, bossa nova, samba, beguine, tango, waltz, slow rock)
Auto-accompanimentCasio Chord switch (fingered/on), Accompaniment variation selectors (bass & chord), Accompaniment volume
Responds to velocityno
Aftertouchno
Displayno
MIDIno
Sound expansion capabilitiesno
Sequencerno
Arpeggiatoryes
EffectsVibrato, Delayed vibrato, Sustain, Reverb, Graphic equalizer (350Hz, 500Hz, 1KHz, 4KHz, and 10KHz)
Controlsbuttons, sliders
AccessoriesFive D-size manganese dry batteries
Speakers8.0 cm dia. x 1 (output 1 W)
OutputsOutput impedance = 6 K ohms, Output voltage = 2 V (RMS)
Power3-way AC/DC power source;
– Home AC outlet: 100, 117, 220 or 240 V (plus minus 10 V), 50/60Hz, with optional AC adaptor AD-1
– DC: Batteries: Five D-size manganese dry batteries. Battery life = Approx. 18 hours.
– Car battery: with car battery adaptor CA-1
Power consumption3 W
Dimensions62(H) x 633(W) x 188mm (D)
Weight2.6 Kg. (including batteries)

Casio MT-100 links

https://www.casio.com/products/electronic-musical-instruments

Categories
Digital Accompaniment Keyboard Keyboard

Casio MT-18

Accompaniment keyboard

Casio MT-18 audio demo

Casio MT-18 photos

Casio MT-18 manual

Casio MT-18 specs

Year of release1985
Sound generation methoddigital
Number of keys32 mini-keys
Polyphonymono
Sounds8 sounds (piano, harpsichord, organ, violin, flute, clarinet, trumpet, celesta)
Rhythms12 rhythms (rock, disco, 16 beat, swing II, swing IV, samba, bossa nova, beguine, tango, march, slow rock, waltz
Auto-accompaniment4 chords (Maj, min, 7th, min 7th)
Memory play– ROM Pack memory function
– Auto Play
– Melody guide I, II, Cancel guide
– One Key Play
Responds to velocityno
Aftertouchno
Displayno
MIDIno
Sound expansion capabilitiesROM packs
Sequencerno
Arpeggiatorno
Effectsno
Controlsbuttons, sliders
Accessories5 AA size manganese dry batteries (SUM-3), ROM pack
Speaker8.0 cm (2 1/2″) dia. x 1 (output = 1.1 W)
Output jackOutput impedance = 50 ohms
Output voltage = 1.6 V (RMS) max.
Power3-Way AC/DC power source:
AC: 100, 117, 220 or 240 V (plus minus 10V), 50/60 Hz, with optional AC adapter AD-1.
DC: 5 AA size manganese dry batteries
Power consumption1.4 W
Dimensions43 (H) x 515 (W) x 173 (D) mm
(1 3/4″ (H) x 21″ (W) x 7″ (D))
Weight1.0 kg (2.2 lbs) including batteries

Casio MT-18 links

https://www.casio.com/products/electronic-musical-instruments

Categories
Digital Polyphonic Synthesizer Synthesizer

Yamaha DX100

FM Synthesizer

Yamaha DX100 audio demos

Bank A

Bank B

Bank C

Bank D

Bank I

Yamaha DX100 photos

Yamaha DX100 specs

Year of release1985
Polyphony8-note
Sound generation methodFrequency Modulation (FM)
Preset memories 24 RAM, 192 ROM
Keyboard49 mini keys
MIDIyes
Sound expansion capabilities no
Sequencerno
Arpeggiatorno
Effectsno
PowerC-size batteries x 6, power adapter
AccessoriesFC4/FC5 foot switches, BC-1 breath controller, PA-1210 AC adapter
Dimensions 628mm (W) x 75mm (H) x 218mm (D) (24.7″ x 2.9″ x 8.6″)
Weight 2.7 kg (5.9 lbs)

Yamaha DX100 manuals

Yamaha DX100 patches

Yamaha DX100 links

www.yamaha.com

Categories
Analog Polyphonic Synthesizer Synthesizer

Roland Alpha Juno-2

Digital/Analog synthesizer

The slightly improved successor to the original Alpha Juno. Great analog sound and one of the most famous Techno sounds ever, the “hoover” sound.

 Roland Alpha Juno-2 audio demos

Original Sound Chart Factory Programs (the “mythical” bank found in the earlier production Alpha Junos – thank you http://www.llamamusic.com/mks50/mks-50_patches.html for the information and data!)

Factory Programs A (same as Alpha Juno and MKS-50)

Factory Programs B (same as Alpha Juno and MKS-50)

 Factory Programs 2 (alternative factory set)

Roland Alpha Juno-2 photos

Roland Alpha Juno-2 factory patches in sysex

Roland Alpha Juno-2 specs

Year of release:1985
Polyphony: 6-voice
Sound generation method:analog
Keyboard:61-key
Preset memories64 ROM + 64 RAM
MIDI:In, out, thru
Keyboard modes:single
Sound expansion capabilities:no
Sequencerno
Arpeggiatorno
Effectschorus
Touch sensitivityyes
Aftertouchyes
Display:yes, LCD
Accessories:Memory cartridge M-64C
Dimensions972mm (W) x 246mm (D) x 85mm (H)
38 ¼” (W) x 9 ⅝” x 3 ⅜” (H)
Weight7.5 kg / 16lb 9oz

Roland Alpha Juno-2 links

www.roland.com

Categories
Analog Polyphonic Synthesizer Synthesizer

Bit 99

Digital/Analog synthesizer

The slightly improved successor to the original BIT One. Great analog sound.

Crumar Bit 99 audio demos

Factory Programs Set 1

Factory Programs Set 2

Crumar Bit 99 photos

Crumar Bit 99 manual

Crumar Bit 99 factory patches in .wav

Crumar Bit 99 specs

Year of release:1985
Polyphony: 6-voice
Sound generation method:analog (DCOs)
Preset memories 99
MIDI:yes
Keyboard modes:single, split, dual 
Sound expansion capabilities:no
Sequencerno
Arpeggiatorno
Effects no
Touch sensitivityyes
Aftertouchno
Keyboard61-key

Crumar Bit One links

www.crumar.it

Categories
Analog Polyphonic Synthesizer Synthesizer

Roland JX-8P

Analog Polyphonic Synthesizer

The Roland JX-8P is a six-voice polyphonic synthesizer that came out in 1985.  It is a typical “hybrid” synth of that era, featuring DCOs but VCFs and VCAs.

The sound is – like its relatives JX-10 and MKS-70, very “lush”, classy and full. The keyboard is dynamic and has aftertouch. There are many editing parameters available, and also they typical Roland on-board chorus, and portamento.

Since the synth was built at a time when digital technology had exploded and all synths started looking like the DX7, the JX-8P has no knobs – but relies on multi-functions, buttons and a slider to edit the sounds. The PG-800 programmer can be used to program the synth with a more traditional “analog style” interface. The Roland JX-8P features full MIDI, and also accepts a cartridge to store 32 additional patches.

Roland JX-8P audio demos

Factory patches I

Factory patches II

Roland JX-8P photos

Roland JX-8P specs

Year of release1985
Polyphony6-voice
Sound generation methodanalog (DCO)
Keyboard61-key
Preset memories64 ROM + 32 RAM + 32 cassette
MIDIin, out, thru
Sound expansion capabilitiesno
Sequencerno
Arpeggiatorno
Velocityyes
Aftertouchyes
OptionsProgrammer PG-800, Memory Cartridge M-16C, Pedal Switch DP-2, Carrying Case AB-2
Dimensions 38-7/16″ (W) x 14-3/4″ (D) x 3-9/16″ (H)
Weight 11.5 kg

Roland JX-8P manual

Roland JX-8P links

www.roland.com

Categories
Analog Polyphonic Synthesizer Synthesizer

SIEL DK 80

 Dynamic Bitimbric Synthesizer

The SIEL DK 80 is a nice mid-level synth from 1985. It features:

  • 12 voices
  • Double sound generation
  • Dynamic keyboard
  • Advanced MIDI functions
  • 87 programmable parameters
  • Up to 150 programs on line
  • 2-track real time polyphonic MIDI sequencer.

The “sonic character” of the DK 80 is very nice and interesting, and it’s a classic “hybrid” with DCOs and VCFs/VCAs. Still, it’s capable of very powerful and “fat & gluey” sounds.

The DK 80 can also have an optional pedalboard, called “PD 80” which features two pedals: the one on the left is programmable, and the one on the right is dedicated to Sustain. A great setting for the left pedal is to “scroll” the patch programs, because – in pure mid-80s style – one needs to select the program with the keypad and then press “Enter”. With the left pedal, it’s much quicker to go through the programs to play / check them out. It’s also great for live use.

The left pedal can be assigned to:

  • Start/Stop of the sequencer,
  • Program Up
  • Key Data To MIDI

SIEL DK 80 audio demos

Resident factory sounds

SIEL DK 80 specs

Year of release:1985
Polyphony:12 voices
Sound generation method:analog
Preset memories40 ROM + 10 RAM, 50 + 100 on RAM card
MIDI:in, out, thru
Keyboard61 keys
Sound expansion capabilities:no
Sequenceryes
Arpeggiatorno
Velocityyes
Aftertouchno
Dimensions 
Weight 

SIEL DK 80 photos

SIEL DK 80 manual

SIEL DK 80 links

Categories
Digital Polyphonic Synthesizer Synthesizer

Korg DW-8000

 Programmable Digital Waveform Synthesizer

Korg DW-8000 audio demos

BANK A

BANK B

Korg DW-8000 specs

Year of release1985
Polyphony 8-voice
Sound generation methodDWGS
Preset memories 64
Keyboard61 keys
MIDIin, out, thru
Sound expansion capabilitiesno
Sequencerno
Arpeggiatoryes
Velocityyes
Aftertouch yes
Dimensions 998mm (W) x 338mm (D) x 101mm (H)
Weight 10.9kg

Korg DW-8000 manuals

Korg DW-8000 patches

Korg DW-8000 links

www.korg.com