MUSC0200 Computers and Music: Technology

1969
First inexpensive modular synthesizer in a very portable size.
Housed in a distinctive wooden case; later models had all the electronics built into a small plastic suitcase.
Monophonic.
Used a unique patch bay grid instead of patch wires, with small pins used to route signals to all of the modules (later copied by ARP)
Modules included:
3 oscillators
2 input amplifiers
2 stereo output amplifiers
noise generators
ring modulator
voltage-controlled low pass filter
DSR envelope generators
joystick controller
voltage-controlled spring reverb unit
Users include Pink Floyd, Brain Eno, Tangerine Dream, Stereolab, Yes, and Aphex Twin.

1970
First pre-patched, portable performance synthesizer.
Featured pitch bend and vibrato wheels (modulation wheels) which are now standard on all digital synthesizers.
Very popular and affordable ($1,500).

1971, 1972
Throughout the 70s, ARP was Moog's main competitor. Most professional keyboard players had both.
ARP had more stable oscillators that solved the pitch-drifting problem plaguing earlier synthesizers.

1956
Created in 1946 by Harry Chamberlin.
First polyphonic “sampler”.
Underneath each key is a small tape deck with recorded sounds of musical instruments and special effects – when the key is pressed, the tape plays; when released it rewinds.
In most units, a sound can only play for 8 seconds.
The Mellotron company started when Bill Fransen, an employee of Chamberlin's, sold the design in 1962 to an English company without Chamberlin's knowledge.

1962
The Mellotron MKI and MKII models were designed so that the right hand had the “lead” instruments (strings, flutes, brass, etc.) while the left hand played prerecorded rhythm tracks in various styles.
Each key played a continuous tape loop.
The M400, released in 1970, sold over 1,800 units and was used in many progressive rock bands.
The tape bank could be removed and loaded with custom sounds.
Brought orchestral sounds into rock music.
Mike Plunder of the Moody Blues introduced the Mellotron to The Beatles, who used it prominently in “Strawberry Fields Forever” (1967).