[sdiy] RMI

[>>>marjan<<<]

Hey, has anyone ever thought of RMI Harmonic Synth?
There's scarce info around, not much details, but
it's digital machine with two digital oscillators
each with mixable fundamental and 16 harmonics,
followed by svf filtering. Used by Jarre in Oxygene
& Equinoxe. 
Has anyone seen inside, or have schematics? Sounds
like a bit different machine. It'd be interesting 
to have it as a module?

Here's some from the reviews:

"In 1974 RMI introduced it's first, and only synthesizer. Although it
was housed in the familiar RMI case, it was a totally different design
than any previous instrument. To my knowledge, it was the first digital
designed synthesizer available on the consumer market. The instrument
was probably years ahead in design, and not understood, except by the
professional musician. 

"The instrument was monophonic, with two independent digital harmonic
generators. Each generator's waveform could be modified independently,
effectively like having two synthesizers by depressing one key. The unit
had AM and FM control, and voltage controlled filters. Its own
expression pedal controlled each audio output.

"The instrument listed for $2995, and was manufactured through 1976."
---Tom Emerick, {Allen Organ Company}
"The Harmonic Synthesizer - a precise approach to synthesis. You are
given accurate control of waveforms by Digital harmonic Generators [2
digital oscillators with 16 sliders for producing frequencies 1x to
16x]. At your command are relative intensities of all overtones to
beyond audibility! Each of the two digital harmonic generators produce
an independent audio output for exotic contrasts in stereo. Preset
waveforms can be selected or mixed with the generators for instant
changes. Dynamic effects are created by voltage-controlled filters with
low-pass, band-pass, and high-pass mixable outputs. [The envelope
generator for the VCF is very strange on the Harmonic Synthesizer. It
has a knob to select "Sweep Up", Sweep Down" and another knob for time.]
Intricate melodic and rhythmic "sequencer" patterns are created by
holding chords. Digital circuitry insures tuning stability and
"drift-free" performance. The controls are rugged. The case is tough.
RMI enjoys a history of building trouble-free instruments."----[from the
{RMI Harmonic Synthesizer's promotional brochure}]

-- 



marjan


me    : Marjan Urekar
e-mail: urekar.m at eunet.yu
s-diy : http://surf.to/marjansystems
music : http://go.to/forcemajeure