Vintage Synth Repair

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?
ViewItem&item=2547498143&category=38071&rd=1

Has anyone ever heard of this thing before? Technically, it sounds 
unlike anything else I've seen.  I guess the guy's been showing it 
off around avant-garde happenings around Madison & Milwaukee...

From the auction:
The MOTUS MAVIS is a completely unique, totally analog synthesizer. 
There will only be one of these units made ever. It was made to give 
the musican total creative control over the wonderful analog sounds, 
allowing melodic loops with analog drum beats to transform into 
incredibly odd rhythmic passages at the twist of a knob. Everything 
from vintage analog sounds to never-before-heard voicings are 
possible in the same sequence. This synthesizer contains a 10-step 
SEQUENCER, two different kinds of OSCILLATORS, a LFO which is in sync 
with the sequencer, and a BIZARRE OUTPUT section that gives it a very 
strange stereo output for an amazing variety of really strange 
sounds, which are totally controllable. All this is enclosed in a 
beautifully handcrafted custom case.


ANALOG SEQUNECER

The sequencer has a range from about 3 seconds per step up into the 
audio rate range. Its speed can be voltage controlled by any input 
including another sequencer, a lfo, a midi to cv converter, or even 
any audio source(microphone, keyboard, guitar, drum machine, etc.) 
There is an input attenuation knob (IN) to control the amount of 
input. An external clock can advance the sequencer as well, perfect 
for synchronizing to a drum machine or other synthesizer gear. Any 
audio signal can also act as the clock making this unit into a 
strange effects processor unlike any other. Any number of steps 
between 2 and 10 can be selected by the STEPS knob which is a 9-
position rotary switch. There is a seperate output for the SEQUENCER 
volatage to control most any modular or cv synthesizer (moog, blacet, 
paia, roland, synthesizers.com, analog solutions, doepher, etc.). A 
bright blue led indicates the step which is active. The HOLD switch 
allows the sequence to remain on a step until the control is 
released. This is very useful for precise tuning of individual steps, 
and also acts as a great performance control, adding a "fill" or 
varaitions to the pattern. The LFO remains active and keeps the 
rhythm steady, and the sequence continues running still right in 
sync. 


LFO

The analog LFO (low frequency oscillator) is synchronized to the 
sequencer adding many different effects, tremelo, vibrato, and even a 
percieved doubling of the number of sequencer steps. Like the 
sequencer, this can run up into the audio range creating an infinite 
amount of strange effects. There is a seperate output for the LFO to 
control most any modular or cv synthesizer. This output can also act 
as a clock for other sequencers and drum machines. The power 
indicator flashes alternating red/blue in time with the LFO, creating 
a mezmorizing effect which gets more hypnotic as the speed starts 
reaching the audio range. It looks purple in the pictures, but that 
is only because of a longer exposure time. The seperation of the 
colors is very distinct and vivid.


ANALOG OSCILLATORS (VCO'S)

There are 2 different analog oscillators in this unit. Both can run 
well above the range of human hearing and one can go sub-audio as 
well, acting as a free running lfo. These "out of range" settings 
cause intensely strange modulations in the output section, creating 
many metallic clangs, pitched noise cuts, and a barage of intense 
sound fields. Each oscillator has a seperate control to adjust the 
amount of the LFO and the SEQUENCER that control the OSCILLATOR. This 
means that each OSC can be seperately controlled by any amount 
(including none) of both (or either) the LFO and the SEQUENCER, as 
well as its individual FREQ (frequency) control. These high quality, 
highly stable oscillators then run into the bizarre output section 
which produces an infinite amout of strange sounds.


OUTPUT SECTION

The OUTPUT SECTION combines the 2 oscillators into a bizarre STEREO 
output. Effects produced by this unique circuitry include: ring 
modulaton, distortion, amplitude modulation, frequency modulation, 
octave, frequency and pitch shifting, panning effects, heterodyning, 
bizarre analog drum sounds, glitch sounds, noise bursts, wierd 
accents, and worlds of experimental and indescribable sounds. There 
are too many different sounds to even begin to hear, but listen to 
the samples for a couple of examples of the variety of high quality 
sounds. These samples were meant to exhibit a few of the less likely 
sounds produced. More simplified synth lines are possible, as well as 
worlds of strange and harsh pitched noises, and bizarre tonal bursts, 
to name a few.


CONSTRUCTION

The unit measures 18.5 x 17.25 x 3" and is much larger than it may 
appear in the pictures(see dollar bill for size comparison). The 
front panel is 1/8 inch metal polished to a mirrored shine, which is 
not captured in the pictures. The surface is sealed and protected to 
prevent any kind of tarnishing or loss of polish. It is housed in a 
beautiful solid oak hardwood cabinet, also incredibly sturdy. Both 
the front panel and the wood case are custom made for this unit, 
using the highest quality construction, from raw materials(this is 
not a case from something else). The circuit is a high quality PCB 
(printed circuit board) not prototyping board or flying wires, like 
many unreliable designs. High quality parts were used throughout 
including high precision 1% tolerence resistors for every resistor in 
the unit. The MOTUS MAVIS is powered by a regular wall outlet with an 
easily replaceable detachable power cord, and a 2 way power switch 
for polarity matching to other gear (just like on old tube amps) 
making it immune to interference. Many other small additions complete 
the uncompromising attention to detail, such as: special rubber non-
skid feet, several layers of high gloss varnish, extra large knobs 
for precise tweaking, and many other extras. High quality 3.5mm phono 
jacks are used, which can be replaced with 1/4" if desired, at a 
small extra fee, and possibly a little longer shipping date.