Heidi Marcum Electronics.

Vintage Synth

(Part 1 of 2)

Have you ever thought about creating your own effects pedal? Have you really built effects pedal, only to discover that your guitar sound has changed radically? Believe me, you're not the first to run through this problem. In fact, most of the pedal effects change in tone, and most of the time it is not for the better.

There are several things to consider when designing and building your pedals. If you are careful to address critical issues during this process you end up with a sound great guitar. If you're not careful, you could find yourself with a guitar sound that is less desirable.

Here are a few things that will affect your guitar sound in the design of your pedals.

• Cable length
• Types Cable
• True Bypass
• Buffering
• Unity gain structure

There are more things to consider this in Part 2, but for now, you're on track for its killer guitar when designing your effects pedal board.

1. Cable lengths - You should try to keep the length of your cables as short as possible. This includes the cables connecting the pedals as well. The reason is that over your cables are, the more loss of muscle tone, loss of profit and loss occurs upscale.
2. Cable Types - Just as the length of your cables can cause loss of tone, so can the type cables. This is something that is a kind of personal preference, but I will say that Mogami and Belden will always be a good choice. Keep mind that the larger cable is the first cable used from your guitar to the first effects pedal.
3. True Bypass - This can be good and bad, depending on the rest of the pedals in the chain. If your pedals are true bypass, and they are all turned off, you face the problem of all of your cable length by adding up a long cable going to the front of your amp. This is really bad if you are using vintage microphones with low output and high impedance. You should consider some type of buffer to maintain the stable signal.
4. Buffering - Buffering the signal may help when using the pedals true bypass with vintage microphones, but you have to play with matches. You may experience problems with signal peaks and sharp points depending on where the buffers are placed in the chain. The best solution is to plug your guitar directly into a fixed load of high impedance which is identical to the input of the amplifier. Then distribute the signal of the various effects and amps by low impedance buffered feeds. This will give you the signal level constant, and characteristic tone, This will not change when more effects are added.
5. Unity Gain Structure - This is another crucial issue when just to balance your sound. Example: If you used a chorus pedal and a delay pedal these devices are usually unity gain. When you get pre-amps, equalizers and units with gain control, you will need to balance all, so that a unit is not stronger than the other when turned on or off.

Hopefully this will give you great insight in the construction your personal guitar effects pedal board. If you carefully design and construct your pedal, pedal effects sound great every time you plug the years and years to come.

Be sure to check out Part 2 of using Guitar Tone Pedal.

If you have questions or comments, see details below.

Thank you, Bob Molton

For More Great Guitar Tone Tips Go to How To Get Great Guitar Tone

Bob Molton - Guitar Instructional Product Development

Vintage Electro Harmonix Bass Synth $500 In Store Used VINTAGE ELECTRO HARMONIX BASS SYNTH @824

In Store Vintage Vintage Yamaha Dx5 Keyboard Synth 8.0 623 013112 $599 In Store Vintage VINTAGE YAMAHA DX5 KEYBOARD SYNTH 8.0 623 013112

Used Yamaha Dx7 Vintage Synth W/ Flight Case $494.99 In Store Used USED YAMAHA DX7 VINTAGE SYNTH W/ FLIGHT CASE

IK Multimedia Sonik Synth 2 $158.95 Sonik Synth™ 2 is the ultimate synth workstation, with more synth and workstation instrument sound than any other comparable hardware or software. Over 5,000 sounds and 8.0 gigabytes make up the largest collection of modern and vintage instruments ever assembled in one product.

Synth Melody $10 Synth Melody

Laughing Synth $10 Laughing Synth

The Church of Synth $10.49 The Church of Synth

IK Multimedia Sonik Synth 2 Virtual Instrument $199.99 Sonik Synth 2 is the ultimate synth workstation, with over 5,000 sounds and 8GB of sounds to work with.strong>A synth workstation on steroids. This complete songwriting, producing, and arranging super tool has a wide range of audio samples with high quality vintage, modern, and futuristic synth and instrument sounds combined into one package. It includes an incredible audio sample sound set of important compositional tools such as rich, evolving motion synths, pads, leads, basses, electronic drums, percussion, and FX; as well as pianos, organs, guitars, drum kits, and beats, orchestral instruments, human voices, ethnic instruments, and more. Sonik Synth 2 also features an astounding 152 MB, 3 dynamics, grand piano, and other first call, high performance instruments.Sonik Synth 2 has sampled flavors of every type of synthesis including analog, digital, FM, physical modeling, wavetable, granular, additive, resynthesis, and more. It also contains a virtual museum of vintage keyboards, covering a wide palette of synth flavors including the fat analog sound of Arps, Moogs, Obies, Jupiters, Gleeman, Voyetra, Serge, EMS Synthi, Prophets, Trons, Rhodes, Wurlies, and B3s.Sonik Synth 2 has a massive selection of ready to play presets including both Combis and Single patches. Over 5,000 sounds and 8 gigabytes of samples on 2 DVDs give you millions of sonic possibilities. You can combine thousands of diverse sound elements collected over many years by Sonic Reality and an incredible array of integrated DSP effects featuring IK's award-winning AmpliTube and T-RackS, vintage phasers, flangers, chorus, delays, bitcrushers, analog filters, and more.This must-have tool has sounds that transcend across all styles of music including the latest dance trends, hip-hop, R&B, classic rock, jazz, soundtracks, etc., all with an intuitive audio interface that is easy to use right out of the box.Its built-in search engine has images of the instruments and an incredibly efficient design for keeping the creative flow going. Thousands of inspiring sounds are only a click away. It also has topnotch IK Multimedia synth workstation features like 16 multitimbral and layerable parts, 3 synth engines (including STRETCH), 32 built-in analog modeled DSP effects with BPM sync, and more.Sonik Synth 2 works as a plug-in for every major platform Mac and PC allowing users to integrate this powerful sound source into the sequencing environment of their choice, such as Pro Tools, Cubase, Logic, Digital Performer, Sonar and more.It can be used to expand SampleTank 2 sounds and is also compatible with the powerful SampleTank 2 sample workstation environment.

Ik Multimedia Sonik Synth 2 Virtual Instrument $199.99 Sonik Synth 2 is the ultimate synth workstation, with over 5,000 sounds and 8GB of sounds to work with.strong>A synth workstation on steroids. This complete songwriting, producing, and arranging super tool has a wide range of audio samples with high quality vintage, modern, and futuristic synth and instrument sounds combined into one package. It includes an incredible audio sample sound set of important compositional tools such as rich, evolving motion synths, pads, leads, basses, electronic drums, percussion, and FX; as well as pianos, organs, guitars, drum kits, and beats, orchestral instruments, human voices, ethnic instruments, and more. Sonik Synth 2 also features an astounding 152 MB, 3 dynamics, grand piano, and other first call, high performance instruments.Sonik Synth 2 has sampled flavors of every type of synthesis including analog, digital, FM, physical modeling, wavetable, granular, additive, resynthesis, and more. It also contains a virtual museum of vintage keyboards, covering a wide palette of synth flavors including the fat analog sound of Arps, Moogs, Obies, Jupiters, Gleeman, Voyetra, Serge, EMS Synthi, Prophets, Trons, Rhodes, Wurlies, and B3s.Sonik Synth 2 has a massive selection of ready to play presets including both Combis and Single patches. Over 5,000 sounds and 8 gigabytes of samples on 2 DVDs give you millions of sonic possibilities. You can combine thousands of diverse sound elements collected over many years by Sonic Reality and an incredible array of integrated DSP effects featuring IK's award-winning AmpliTube and T-RackS, vintage phasers, flangers, chorus, delays, bitcrushers, analog filters, and more.This must-have tool has sounds that transcend across all styles of music including the latest dance trends, hip-hop, R&B, classic rock, jazz, soundtracks, etc., all with an intuitive audio interface that is easy to use right out of the box.Its built-in search engine has images of the instruments and an incredibly efficient design for keeping the creative flow going. Thousands of inspiring sounds are only a click away. It also has topnotch IK Multimedia synth workstation features like 16 multitimbral and layerable parts, 3 synth engines (including STRETCH), 32 built-in analog modeled DSP effects with BPM sync, and more.Sonik Synth 2 works as a plug-in for every major platform Mac and PC allowing users to integrate this powerful sound source into the sequencing environment of their choice, such as Pro Tools, Cubase, Logic, Digital Performer, Sonar and more.It can be used to expand SampleTank 2 sounds and is also compatible with the powerful SampleTank 2 sample workstation environment.16-part multi-timbral sample-based synth workstationOver 5,000 sounds8GB of samples on 2 DVDsIncludes 32 analog modeled DSP effects - 5 per instrumentMultiple synth engines including STRETCH and Pitch-shift/TimestretchA complete virtual synth museum insideSampleTank-compatibleSound editing with full access to 50 Synth-Sampler engine contro

Ik Multimedia Sonik Synth 2 Education Edition $159.99 Sonik Synth 2 is the ultimate synth workstation, with over 5,000 sounds and 8GB of sounds to work with. And now educators can add it to their classroom setup and save $80 with this low-priced special. A synth workstation on steroids. This complete songwriting, producing, and arranging super tool has a wide range of audio samples with high quality vintage, modern, and futuristic synth and instrument sounds combined into one package. It includes an incredible audio sample sound set of important compositional tools such as rich, evolving motion synths, pads, leads, basses, electronic drums, percussion, and FX; as well as pianos, organs, guitars, drum kits, and beats, orchestral instruments, human voices, ethnic instruments, and more. Sonik Synth 2 also features an astounding 152 MB, 3 dynamics, grand piano, and other first call, high performance instruments. Sonik Synth 2 has sampled flavors of every type of synthesis including analog, digital, FM, physical modeling, wavetable, granular, additive, resynthesis, and more. It also contains a virtual museum of vintage keyboards, covering a wide palette of synth flavors including the fat analog sound of Arps, Moogs, Obies, Jupiters, Gleeman, Voyetra, Serge, EMS Synthi, Prophets, Trons, Rhodes, Wurlies, and B3s. Sonik Synth 2 has a massive selection of ready to play presets including both Combis and Single patches. Over 5,000 sounds and 8 gigabytes of samples on 2 DVDs give you millions of sonic possibilities. You can combine thousands of diverse sound elements collected over many years by Sonic Reality and an incredible array of integrated DSP effects featuring IK's award-winning AmpliTube and T-RackS, vintage phasers, flangers, chorus, delays, bitcrushers, analog filters, and more. This must-have tool has sounds that transcend across all styles of music including the latest dance trends, hip-hop, R&B, classic rock, jazz, soundtracks, etc., all with an intuitive audio interface that is easy to use right out of the box. Its built-in search engine has images of the instruments and an incredibly efficient design for keeping the creative flow going. Thousands of inspiring sounds are only a click away. It also has topnotch IK Multimedia synth workstation features like 16 multitimbral and layerable parts, 3 synth engines (including STRETCH), 32 built-in analog modeled DSP effects with BPM sync, and more. Sonik Synth 2 works as a plug-in for every major platform Mac and PC allowing users to integrate this powerful sound source into the sequencing environment of their choice, such as Pro Tools, Cubase, Logic, Digital Performer, Sonar and more. It can be used to expand SampleTank 2 sounds and is also compatible with the powerful SampleTank 2 sample workstation environment.16-part multi-timbral sample-based synth workstation Over 5,000 sounds 8GB of samples on 2 DVDs Includes 32 analog modeled DSP effects - 5 per instrument Multiple synth engines including STRETCH and Pitch-shift/Timestretch A complete vir

IK Multimedia Sonik Synth 2 Education Edition $159.99 Sonik Synth 2 is the ultimate synth workstation, with over 5,000 sounds and 8GB of sounds to work with. And now educators can add it to their classroom setup and save $80 with this low-priced special. A synth workstation on steroids. This complete songwriting, producing, and arranging super tool has a wide range of audio samples with high quality vintage, modern, and futuristic synth and instrument sounds combined into one package. It includes an incredible audio sample sound set of important compositional tools such as rich, evolving motion synths, pads, leads, basses, electronic drums, percussion, and FX; as well as pianos, organs, guitars, drum kits, and beats, orchestral instruments, human voices, ethnic instruments, and more. Sonik Synth 2 also features an astounding 152 MB, 3 dynamics, grand piano, and other first call, high performance instruments. Sonik Synth 2 has sampled flavors of every type of synthesis including analog, digital, FM, physical modeling, wavetable, granular, additive, resynthesis, and more. It also contains a virtual museum of vintage keyboards, covering a wide palette of synth flavors including the fat analog sound of Arps, Moogs, Obies, Jupiters, Gleeman, Voyetra, Serge, EMS Synthi, Prophets, Trons, Rhodes, Wurlies, and B3s. Sonik Synth 2 has a massive selection of ready to play presets including both Combis and Single patches. Over 5,000 sounds and 8 gigabytes of samples on 2 DVDs give you millions of sonic possibilities. You can combine thousands of diverse sound elements collected over many years by Sonic Reality and an incredible array of integrated DSP effects featuring IK's award-winning AmpliTube and T-RackS, vintage phasers, flangers, chorus, delays, bitcrushers, analog filters, and more. This must-have tool has sounds that transcend across all styles of music including the latest dance trends, hip-hop, R&B, classic rock, jazz, soundtracks, etc., all with an intuitive audio interface that is easy to use right out of the box. Its built-in search engine has images of the instruments and an incredibly efficient design for keeping the creative flow going. Thousands of inspiring sounds are only a click away. It also has topnotch IK Multimedia synth workstation features like 16 multitimbral and layerable parts, 3 synth engines (including STRETCH), 32 built-in analog modeled DSP effects with BPM sync, and more. Sonik Synth 2 works as a plug-in for every major platform Mac and PC allowing users to integrate this powerful sound source into the sequencing environment of their choice, such as Pro Tools, Cubase, Logic, Digital Performer, Sonar and more. It can be used to expand SampleTank 2 sounds and is also compatible with the powerful SampleTank 2 sample workstation environment.

Synth Play $10 Synth Play - Ding & Dong

Izotope Iris Spectral Selection Synth $199 Izotope's Iris enables you to delve into any sounds spectrogram and extract, layer, manipulate, and discover new sounds from within an audio file. With extended synth features, hundreds of presets, and over 4GB of source material, Iris is a mighty tool for sound design, musical inspiration, and sonic experimentation.You can drag any audio file into Iris and isolate the most interesting spectral portions with a comprehensive set of easy-to-use selection tools. Play your completely custom sound immediately from any MIDI controller. You can create new textures and dramatic soundscapes by layering multiple sounds from similar or completely disparate audio sources. Load up your wildest imaginations across four Pools--three dedicated to audio samples and one sub oscillator.Even noise and accidents sound stellar with Iris. Intelligent root key detection ensures a musical result, and advanced controls let you easily tweak, modulate, and add effects to taste--all powered by iZotopes award-winning DSP. A world of sound design is at your fingertips, with hundreds of presets from world-class sound designers and over 4 GB of audio samples, including recordings of insects, animals, machines, vintage synthesizers, musical instruments and much more.Create sounds that are uniquely yoursFind music in nature and in noiseMangle and manipulate audio in ways you've never imagined4GB of source material to begin with while you learn

Korg microKORG XL Synth with Multi-Modeling Technology $449 For years, the microKORG has been a top-selling synthesizer. Now the microKORGXL is ready to join KORG's popular lineup. Based on the same winning combination of a small footprint, 37 mini-keys, battery-powered portability, and huge KORG sound, the microKORG XL Modeling Synth is ready to expand your musical vocabulary. The fun factor is huge too. A gooseneck microphone is included for instant vocoding excitement, right out of the box.Neo-Vintage Synth PowerThe microKORG XL synthesizer carries a proud pedigree. The MMT (Multi Modeling Technology) sound engine is descended from the RADIAS/R3 synthesizers, while the dual effects processors come down from the famous KAOSS line. The black key/white key proportions have been adjusted for easier chording and playability; the key response has been improved for rapid-fire soloing. The square front keys give it that old-school feel too. Together with a sound-bending vocoder and six-pattern arpeggiation, KORG's microKORG XL packs a powerful sonic punch.The 8-voice MMT synth engine offers traditional analog waveforms plus a total of 7 algorithms, including formant waveforms, noise, and PCM/DWGS waves for those vintage keyboards and strings. Cross-modulation, unison stacking, and VPM (Variable Phase Modulation) let you create sounds that would be impossible for a conventional PCM synthesizer. Sync and ring modulation make it easy to create complex and powerful sounds. Two multi-mode filters, a drive/wave-shaping circuit for distinctively distorted sounds, and EG and LFO for creating time-varying tonal change, provide plenty of parameters for serious synthesis. Virtual Patching brings it all together.Seventeen up-to-the-minute effects deliver everything from a traditional chorus to grain shifting. In the delay, effects can be synchronized to MIDI clock for beat-sensitive situations. You can even process external sounds. The microKORG XL's amazing vocoder adds vocal characteristics to any sound, creating everything from talk-box filtering, pseudo choirs, talking instruments to vintage Sci-Fi robots. KORG's unique Formant Hold allows you to freeze the vocal input for continuous vocoder effects. Use the Formant Shift function to adjust the level and pan of each of the 16 bands, greatly altering the tonal character. The distinctive retro-styling allows for quick selection of any of the microKORG XL's 128 on-board, editable programs. For the diehard synthesists and sound designers, you can use the 3 performance edit knobs for fast, effective audio editing in performance. You're also free to select and assign your favorite parameters. Download the free editing software from the KORG website and manage sounds on your computer.37-note Natural Touch action keyboard8-voice MMT (Multi Modeling Technology) sound engine with 7 algrithmsDual effects processors from the KAOSS line17 effectsRing and sync modulationFormant Hold to freeze vocal input for more vocoder effects128 on-board, editable programs3 performance edit kno

Korg Microkorg Xl Synth With Multi-Modeling Technology $499 For years, the microKORG has been a top-selling synthesizer. Now the microKORGXL is ready to join KORG's popular lineup. Based on the same winning combination of a small footprint, 37 mini-keys, battery-powered portability, and huge KORG sound, the microKORG XL Modeling Synth is ready to expand your musical vocabulary. The fun factor is huge too. A gooseneck microphone is included for instant vocoding excitement, right out of the box.Neo-Vintage Synth PowerThe microKORG XL synthesizer carries a proud pedigree. The MMT (Multi Modeling Technology) sound engine is descended from the RADIAS/R3 synthesizers, while the dual effects processors come down from the famous KAOSS line. The black key/white key proportions have been adjusted for easier chording and playability; the key response has been improved for rapid-fire soloing. The square front keys give it that old-school feel too. Together with a sound-bending vocoder and six-pattern arpeggiation, KORG's microKORG XL packs a powerful sonic punch.The 8-voice MMT synth engine offers traditional analog waveforms plus a total of 7 algorithms, including formant waveforms, noise, and PCM/DWGS waves for those vintage keyboards and strings. Cross-modulation, unison stacking, and VPM (Variable Phase Modulation) let you create sounds that would be impossible for a conventional PCM synthesizer. Sync and ring modulation make it easy to create complex and powerful sounds. Two multi-mode filters, a drive/wave-shaping circuit for distinctively distorted sounds, and EG and LFO for creating time-varying tonal change, provide plenty of parameters for serious synthesis. Virtual Patching brings it all together.Seventeen up-to-the-minute effects deliver everything from a traditional chorus to grain shifting. In the delay, effects can be synchronized to MIDI clock for beat-sensitive situations. You can even process external sounds. The microKORG XL's amazing vocoder adds vocal characteristics to any sound, creating everything from talk-box filtering, pseudo choirs, talking instruments to vintage Sci-Fi robots. KORG's unique Formant Hold allows you to freeze the vocal input for continuous vocoder effects. Use the Formant Shift function to adjust the level and pan of each of the 16 bands, greatly altering the tonal character. The distinctive retro-styling allows for quick selection of any of the microKORG XL's 128 on-board, editable programs. For the diehard synthesists and sound designers, you can use the 3 performance edit knobs for fast, effective audio editing in performance. You're also free to select and assign your favorite parameters. Download the free editing software from the KORG website and manage sounds on your computer.37-note Natural Touch action keyboard8-voice MMT (Multi Modeling Technology) sound engine with 7 algrithmsDual effects processors from the KAOSS line17 effectsRing and sync modulationFormant Hold to freeze vocal input for more vocoder effects128 on-board, editable programs3 performance edit kno

Analog Synth Blue/Pink/Grey Music Dark T-Shirt by CafePress $26 Everybody loves an analog synth. This design is both modern and vintage, and will surely stand out among the rest Music Dark T-Shirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt Don't waste time deciding on which shirt to put on each morning. This dark shirt t-shirt will never go out of style and hides stains better too. This high-quality t-shirt is pre-shrunk and 100% cotton, which makes it both comfortable and durable.

Arturia CS-80V Soft Synth $199 Arturia CS-80V Soft Synth

Spectrasonics Omnisphere Virtual Synth $479 Spectrasonics Omnisphere Virtual Synth

dbx 120A Subharmonic Synth $199.95 dbx 120A Subharmonic Synth

Arturia Cs-80V Soft Synth $199 Arturia CS-80V Soft Synth

Dbx 120A Subharmonic Synth $199.95 dbx 120A Subharmonic Synth

Moog synth keyboard analog electronic Fitted T-Shirt by CafePress $26.5 For stylish weekend comfort anytime, guys will want to live in our Fitted T. Made of ultra-fine, combed ring-spun cotton, that gets softer with each washing. Lightweight for summer comfort or winter layering. Grab attention with this vintage fit that love Moog synth keyboard analog electronic Fitted T-Shirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt For stylish weekend comfort anytime, guys will want to live in our Fitted T. Made of ultra-fine, combed ring-spun cotton, that gets softer with each washing. Lightweight for summer comfort or winter layering. Grab attention with this vintage fit that love

Korg T-Shirt Synth Fitted T-Shirt by CafePress $29.5 For stylish weekend comfort anytime, guys will want to live in our Fitted T. Made of ultra-fine, combed ring-spun cotton, that gets softer with each washing. Lightweight for summer comfort or winter layering. Grab attention with this vintage fit that love Synth Fitted T-Shirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt For stylish weekend comfort anytime, guys will want to live in our Fitted T. Made of ultra-fine, combed ring-spun cotton, that gets softer with each washing. Lightweight for summer comfort or winter layering. Grab attention with this vintage fit that love

Dave Smith Instruments Prophet '08 PE Synth Module $1409.59 The Dave Smith Instruments Prophet '08 PE Module is a tabletop "knobby" synth module with all of the features and controls of the Prophet '08 Keyboard (minus the keyboard, of course) in an even more compact enclosure. With real analog oscillators, famed Curtis low-pass filters, and analog VCAs, the Prophet 08 Synth is capable of reproducing the familiar sounds of its legendary predecessors. But modern features like a greatly expanded modulation matrix and additional modulation sources—like three envelopes and four LFOs per voice — take it way beyond the vintage — ear and make this a worthy and unique addition to the Prophet family tree. The Prophet '08 Synth Module features a gated 16 x 4 step sequencer, arpeggiator, split or stacked key modes with separate stereo outputs per layer, and rack ears for optional rackmounting. The Prophet '08 module can also be used as an expander to increase the polyphony of another Prophet '08 — keyboard or module — to 16 voices.Affordable, full-featured polysynth with a 100% analog signal path Classic, real analog sound, including legendary Curtis analog low-pass filters, married to a modern feature set Small footprint, huge sound Tons of knobs for direct, realtime editing and performance Used as an expander, increases polyphony of another Prophet '08 to 16 voices

Used Dave Smith Instruments Prophet '08 Pe Synth Module $1379.08 The Dave Smith Instruments Prophet '08 PE offers a tabletop "knobby" synth module with all of the features and controls of the Prophet '08 Keyboard (minus the keyboard, of course) in an even more compact enclosure. With real analog oscillators, famed Curtis low-pass filters, and analog VCAs, the Prophet 08 PE Synth is capable of reproducing the familiar sounds of its legendary predecessors. But modern features like a greatly expanded modulation matrix and additional modulation sources - like 3 envelopes and 4 LFOs per voice - take the Prophet '08 PE way beyond the vintage - ear and make this a worthy and unique addition to the Prophet family tree.The Prophet '08 Synth Module delivers a gated 16 x 4 step sequencer, arpeggiator, split or stacked key modes with separate stereo outputs per layer, and rack ears for optional rackmounting. The Prophet '08 module can also be used as an expander to increase the polyphony of another Prophet '08 - keyboard or module - to 16 voices.Affordable, full-featured polysynth with a 100% analog signal pathClassic, real analog sound, including legendary Curtis analog low-pass filters, married to a modern feature setSmall footprint, huge soundTons of knobs for direct, realtime editing and performanceUsed as an expander, increases polyphony of another Prophet '08 to 16 voices

Dave Smith Instruments Prophet '08 Pe Synth Module $1549 The Dave Smith Instruments Prophet '08 PE offers a tabletop "knobby" synth module with all of the features and controls of the Prophet '08 Keyboard (minus the keyboard, of course) in an even more compact enclosure. With real analog oscillators, famed Curtis low-pass filters, and analog VCAs, the Prophet 08 PE Synth is capable of reproducing the familiar sounds of its legendary predecessors. But modern features like a greatly expanded modulation matrix and additional modulation sources - like 3 envelopes and 4 LFOs per voice - take the Prophet '08 PE way beyond the vintage - ear and make this a worthy and unique addition to the Prophet family tree.The Prophet '08 Synth Module delivers a gated 16 x 4 step sequencer, arpeggiator, split or stacked key modes with separate stereo outputs per layer, and rack ears for optional rackmounting. The Prophet '08 module can also be used as an expander to increase the polyphony of another Prophet '08 - keyboard or module - to 16 voices.Affordable, full-featured polysynth with a 100% analog signal pathClassic, real analog sound, including legendary Curtis analog low-pass filters, married to a modern feature setSmall footprint, huge soundTons of knobs for direct, realtime editing and performanceUsed as an expander, increases polyphony of another Prophet '08 to 16 voices