Aries Archive [sdiy] how to build a cv keyboard

[cynthia.webster at gte.net]

Hi Sakke!

Aries used to manufacture a fine 5-octave keyboard with 
analog Control Voltage circuitry known as the AR-313 
Keyboard Interface.

The design is similar to the later generation on ARP 2600 
keyboards due to the fact that the design is Duophonic, 
meaning that it will actually play two voices instead of just one 
(monophonic).   For the record a full keyboard such as a 
traditional acoustic piano - is known as "Polyphonic" because 
all keys can be played, (well at least eight or ten finger's worth 
is generally considered Polyphonic anyway)!

See here!

John Loffink is very kind to host an Aries Circuit Archive at

http://www.microtonalsynthesis.com/aries/

Anyone with other Aries module documentation is invited to 
contact me to include their data in this wonderful archive!
cynthia.webster at gtre.net

All of the AR-313 information is here for you to use in making 
your own keyboard.    

I used to have an ARP 2600 with the original monophonic ARP 
keyboard.  However it was stolen out of the back of my car 
years ago, (thank goodness they didn't take the other case, the 
one with all the "modules"!  )  As a replacement I ordered an 
Aries Duophonic keybopard that was one octave more than the 
ARP and I just Loved it!    There are other worthwhile keyboards 
available today from Synthesizers.com and from Analog 
Systems   (see www.modularsynth.com) that will work with all 
the different modulars being made, and most circuits that can 
be found around the web.  

Some of us would rather use the analog cicuitry found in the 
Aries type - true Control Voltage  keyboards, than the newer  
midi to control voltage converters mainly available today.  The 
way the keyboards feel and play are completely different.

I was fortunate enough to find two vintage Aries Keyboards in 
mint condition, and have adapted them for use with my 
wonderful Modcan modular system.  recently there have been 
a few excellent Roland control voltage keyboards for sale on 
eBay... 

If I could have my cake and eat it too, I'd love to have one of  the 
newer acoustic piano emulating actions with actual weighted 
(wooden) keys - attached to true analog CV circuitry... But that 
is not likely to ever happen!  

You might considerhunting around for a keyboard, and 
purchasing one thus leaving your do it yourself efforts to the 
rest of the synthesizer cicuitry.  Seeing how complex or 
sophisticated most oscillator circuits are, I'd suggest making 
some other modules first - in order to to build the confidance in 
your skills required for the VCOs...

Good Luck!

Cynthia


> From: "s.matik" <smatikka at welho.com>
> Date: 2002/09/12 Thu AM 08:28:22 PDT
> To: <synth-diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl>
> Subject: [sdiy] hoe to build a cv keyboard
> 
> hi,
> 
> i´ve loved the sound of an analog synths from the day i first 
heard
> kraftwerk play. (and thats a long time ago). but with no 
money, it´s been
> impossible to buy one..or two or three ;) but a month ago i 
realized that
> it´s more than possible to build one myself! so.. i´m all new 
to this synth
> diy stuff, but from what i understand i need a cv keyboard to 
generate the
> "voltage"-part for the VCO. i´ve tried to find even a piece of  
schematics
> or other info from the internet with no results. could someone 
help me out
> here a bit.
> 
> sakke
> 
> 
>