Voyager Modules = polyphonic modular system / Oberheim syste

[ebg31]

I'm pretty sure that I read this right. It IS possible to attach several Minimoog Voyager modules together through MIDI to create a massive, modular synthesizer sound. This system is highly reminiscant of the original Oberheim synths, because they used the same principle.

In fact, according to Herbert Deutsch, it was the Oberheim design(s) that directly led to the creation of the Prophet 5 -- and, eventually the Memorymoog, which was commonly referred to as "sis Minimoogs in one.." The logic is there, people. The Oberheim Four- and Eight-Voice systems contained several seperate synthesizer modules w/ Moog-style front panels and innards made out of microchips tied together by a digital scanning keyboard. That's pretty much how the Prophet series "evolved," except that the seperate synth units are all controlled from one front panel. How many remember all that?

[Array]

Yeah, Tom Oberheim's SEM (Synthesizer Expander Module) was a pretty cool idea. They were originally sold as an add-on to the MiniMoog and Arp 2600. The differance between the SEM and the Prophet 5 though, is that the SEM were discrete, making them more expensive to produce. The analogy between the Moog RME and the SEM is definately valid though.

[LWG]

Hello,

Analog Solutions offers a module based on the Oberheim SEM (SEMblance) with a few added features the originals didn't have, and I inquired as to whether they had plans to combine four into a poly package and they don't seem inclined to do so. They also market the module as a device that can be made into a poly system by daisy-chaining via midi.
Multiple mono synths run in this fashion can equal a polyhonic synth functionally, but may not be very practical in an economic or logistical sense.
With an actual polysynth like the four, six or eight voice, all of the modules are packaged on one chassis, they can be run from a common supply,
they utilize one programmer to keep track of settings, they can have an output section (module) that mixes the audio from all the modules to one or two stereo pairs, in addition to handling voice panning.
It would seem that if one were to use individual modules for polyphony, you
need separate power lines, an outboard mixer for the module's outputs,
and you are required to purchase the same product multiple times for as many notes of polyphony. This can not only be an expensive proposition,
but can make for a somewhat messy setup in logistical terms.
It is true that the mono synth modules are a nice alternative to keyboard synths, i.e. less expensive, no keybed to clean, and in the case of the RME, you have a unit without the touch pad if you don't require this feature however, it doesn't necessarily follow that multiple mono synths linked together form a practical sustitute for a well-designed poly synth.


Regards,


LWG

[vorlon42]

Yeah, Tom Oberheim's SEM (Synthesizer Expander Module) was a pretty cool idea. They were originally sold as an add-on to the MiniMoog and Arp 2600.

That's exactly what I wanted to do with my Mini and SEM -- to be able to drive 5 oscillators at once and/or have sounds with two sets of loudness/filter envelopes. (Plus it would be way cool to use the SEM's filter in high-pass mode on the Mini's oscillators.) I had DB Musical Electronics in Buffalo NY add CV out and S-Trigger out jacks to my Mini. The CV out jack is labeled "CV | Out:Tip | In: Ring".

I tried plugging a 1/4"-to-1/8" patch cord into the Mini's CV Out and SEM's V In jacks. I got a drone sound; no change in pitch. I think the S-Trig Out (it's a 1/4" jack) goes into the SEM's Moog-Gate jack. And I suppose the SEM's Audio-In and Audio-Out jacks go into the Mini's Audio-Out and Audio-In jacks, respectively.

Is this the correct arrangement? Am I missing something? And will I need a special patch cord for the CV out, one where the ring isn't connected? I'd prefer to not have to deal with the sales hawks at the local Radio Shack.