Michigan Synth Works

Notes: 8HP Tides version 2

Fully calibrated.

Notes: The Michigan Synth Works SY-1 Drum synth is a full size, exact replica of the Pearl SY-1 Syncussion. Every detail has been replicated from the original board layouts to the mechanical construction. The assembled version has been modernized to use current manufacturing processes while still using the original board layouts and all parts have been carefully chosen to match the behaviour of the original. Case, boards, and I/O Boards are all interchangeable with the original Pearl device

The Syncussion:

The Syncussion is a 2 voice drum synthesizer with two oscillators per voice and six different modes. Five modes mix and modulate the oscillators plus a noise channel. Each voice has controls for TUNE, DECAY, SWEEP amount, SWEEP Speed, Sweep up/off/down, LFO amount, and LFO speed, LFO Shape (Tri or Square), and sample and hold

OSC Modes:

A: One oscillator sound, at this position the regular drum synthesizer sweep can be effected.

B. Sound of one oscillator adjusting the other osciIIator frequency; produces a metallic sound.

C. Sound of a mix of two oscillator outputs; sound is similar to that of a vibraphone.

D. Sound of mix of two oscillator outputs; produces a low to high sweep and is done by hitting pad softly or hard; there is no connection to SWEEP SPEED and SWEEP RANGE

E. Sound of one oscillator adjusting the other oscillator frequency with a mix of noise; produces a sound similar to hitting thin metal.

F. Sound of only noise

Triggering:

The SY-1 is designed to be triggered via drum triggers which output a very low pulse signal. Modern 5V trigger signals (v-trig) can be used, how it i recommended experimenting with simple audio samples or more dynamic triggers. One of the more interesting features of the Syncussion is the dynamic response to the drum triggers and just sending a straight pulse which maxes out the trigger inputs does not do the device justice.

Tuning:

The original SY-1 uses a tune pedal to adjust the pitch of both oscillators while playing. This functionality has been retained in the original configuration but is of limited use without the pedal. The expanded version DOES have per voice CV control (1v/Oct) as well as the MIDI.
The Michigan Synth Works SY-1 is available in 3 different versions:

Expanded I/O Configuration: The inputs and outputs use 1/4" Stereo to 1/4" (3 included) to greatly expand the capabilities of the device. The Mod input is open for user modification, factory mods will be available. Please contact for details.

Trig 1,2 In - Mod 1,2 In - Mute - Tune 1,2 CV in - Output 1, 2

The SY-1 ships with a metal base panel but the DIY wood case can be used instead. It is provided UNFINISHED and sold separately.

What's included:
SY-1 Synthesizer
Universal Power adapter (100-240V, 12V DC out, Tip Positive)
Expanded I/O: 3x 1.5m TRS 1/4" Phone to 2x TS 1/4" Phone

Notes: An exact replica of the legendary Pearl SY-1 Syncussion drum machine, featuring expanded I/O board. Classic analogue sound with individual trigger inputs, two voices and six different oscillator modes per voice.

Supplier's Notes:
The Michigan Synth Works SY-1 Drum synth is a full size, exact replica of the Pearl SY-1 Syncussion. Every detail has been replicated from the original board layouts to the mechanical construction. The assembled version has been modernized to use current manufacturing processes while still using the original board layouts and all parts have been carefully chosen to match the behaviour of the original. Case, boards, and I/O Boards are all interchangeable with the original Pearl device.

Assembled versions come with the METAL back standard, the wood case is available as a DIY kit separately.

The Syncussion:

The Syncussion is a 2 voice drum synthesizer with two oscillators per voice and six different modes. Five modes mix and modulate the oscillators plus a noise channel. Each voice has controls for TUNE, DECAY, SWEEP amount, SWEEP Speed, Sweep up/off/down, LFO amount, and LFO speed, LFO Shape (Tri or Square), and sample and hold.

OSC Modes:

A: One oscillator sound, at this position the regular drum synthesizer sweep can be effected.

B. Sound of one oscillator adjusting the other oscillator frequency; produces a metallic sound.

C. Sound of a mix of two oscillator outputs; sound is similar to that of a vibraphone.

D. Sound of mix of two oscillator outputs; produces a low to high sweep and is done by hitting pad softly or hard; there is no connection to SWEEP SPEED and SWEEP RANGE

E. Sound of one oscillator adjusting the other oscillator frequency with a mix of noise; produces a sound similar to hitting thin metal.

F. Sound of only noise

Triggering:

The SY-1 is designed to be triggered via drum triggers which output a very low pulse signal. Modern 5V trigger signals (v-trig) can be used, how it i recommended experimenting with simple audio samples or more dynamic triggers. One of the more interesting features of the Syncussion is the dynamic response to the drum triggers and just sending a straight pulse which maxes out the trigger inputs does not do the device justice.

Tuning:

The original SY-1 uses a tune pedal to adjust the pitch of both oscillators while playing. This functionality has been retained in the original configuration but is of limited use without the pedal. The expanded version DOES have per voice CV control (1v/Oct) as well as the MIDI.

The inputs and outputs use 1/4" Stereo to 1/4" (3 included) to greatly expand the capabilities of the device. The Mod input is prewired to VCF freq but can easily be switched to decay via jumper on the voice cards.

The SY-1 ships with a metal base panel but the DIY wood case can be used instead. It is provided UNFINISHED and sold separately.

Whats included:

SY-1 Synthesiser

Universal Power adapter (100-240V, 12V DC out, Tip Positive)

Expanded I/O: 3x 1.5m TRS 1/4" Phone to 2x TS 1/4" Phone

Notes: Excellent polyphonic hybrid synth module from Michigan Synth Works, based on the Mutable Instruments Ambika. Six digitally generated voices are processed through a Polivoks-derived low-pass filter. Also available with Roland-style Shruthi SMR4mkII filter.

Supplier's Notes:
Xena is a rework of the legendary Mutable Instruments Ambika DIY synthesiser. Now fully machine assembled with an updated layout and an improved modern power supply. Available with all original 3 voice cards and compatible with 3rd part operating systems as well as a new AS3109 (modern reissue of the original Roland filter chip) filter

Xena Features:

6 voices with individual outputs, one Mix output (Mono)
2 digital oscillators per voice, with 36 oscillator algorithms/wavetables.
1 sub-oscillator, also configurable as a transient generator.
Pre-filter overdrive and bit-crushing effect.
Analogue 4-pole filter (or 2-pole multimode filter depending on the type of voicecard used) and VCA.
3 ADSR envelopes, 3 patch-level LFOs, 1 voice-level LFO.
Modulation matrix with 14 slots and 4 modulation modifiers.
1 arpeggiator, 1 note sequencer and 2 step sequencers per part.
Flexible mapping of the 6 voices. A single patch with 6 voice-polyphony, 6 independent mono parts, 2 layered patches with 3-voices polyphony, a 3-voice unison bass line on the lower half of the keyboard with a 3-voice unison lead on the upper half... all are possible!
MicroSD storage allows the storing of a life-long of patches, programs and multis, along with the history of editing operations for undo/redo.
Easy to change voice cards
Case size: 10.5"x6.5"x1.75"

Filter Options:

The device is available with the original 3 Mutable voice cards (more will be added later one). Mixing voice cards is possible but not recommended.

SMR Filter: This filter uses the same topology as the Shruthi SMR4mkII. It is a low pass 4 pole OTA-C filter. Its is a smooth "Roland-ish" type filter.
4P Filter: This filter uses the same core as the Shruhti 4-Pole Mission but only offers the LP4 output. The 4P filter is perhaps a a bit fuzzier than the SMR type.
SVF Filter: This filter board features a 2-pole state variable filter with low-pass, band-pass and high-pass modes. It is half of the Shruthi SVF Filter.

Includes:

Xena Desktop Synth
12V DC universal (100-240V) Power Supply
Preformatted SD card

Notes: Xena is a rework of the legendary Mutable Instruments Ambika DIY synthesizer. Now fully machine assembled with an updated layout and an improved modern power supply.

Xena Features:

6 voices with individual outputs.
2 digital oscillators per voice, with 36 oscillator algorithms/wavetables.
1 sub-oscillator, also configurable as a transient generator.
Pre-filter overdrive and bit-crushing effect.
Analog 4-pole filter and VCA.
3 ADSR envelopes, 3 patch-level LFOs, 1 voice-level LFO.
Modulation matrix with 14 slots and 4 modulation modifiers.
1 arpeggiator, 1 note sequencer and 2 step sequencers per part.
Flexible mapping of the 6 voices. A single patch with 6 voice-polyphony, 6 independent mono parts, 2 layered patches with 3-voices polyphony, a 3-voice unison bass line on the lower half of the keyboard with a 3-voice unison lead on the upper half... all are possible!
MicroSD storage allows the storing of a life-long of patches, programs and multis, along with the history of editing operations for undo/redo.
Easy to change voice cards

Filter Options:

SMR Filter: This filter uses the same topology as the Shruthi SMR4mkII. It is a low pass 4 pole OTA-C filter. It is a smooth "Rolandish" type filter

Includes:

Xena Desktop Synth
12V DC universal (100-240V) Power Supply
Preformatted SD card

Notes: Simple, straightforward and effective. The XVI-M offers 16 high-resolution faders, 16 programmable buttons and MIDI output over USB or TRS. Solidly built metal enclosure promises durability.

Supplier's Notes:
XVI-M MIDI Controller, 16 Faders, 16 programmable buttons, 14bit resolution

XVI-M Desktop is a 16 channel desktop MIDI control surface.

Features:

Long throw LED 60mm faders
USB MIDI, MIDI TRS#1 and MIDI TRS#2 outputs
USB Powered (USB C, Cable included). Stand alone adapter available but NOT included
14bit (MIDI Pitchbend) resolution faders. Can be set to any 7 bit CC or NRPN/RPN
Online parameter editor: https://misw.us/editor
Fader output can be routed to USB MIDI, TRS MIDI A or TRS B
3 color programmable button can be momentary, 1 state toggle, 2 state toggle, or 3 state toggle with each state sending a MIDI msg
Durable metal case
Includes:

XVI-M Control Surface
USB C to USB A cable (2m)
1.5m TRS A to MIDI DIN cable

Notes: XVI-M MIDI Controller, 16 Faders, 16 programmable buttons, 14bit resolution

XVI-M Desktop is a 16 channel desktop MIDI control surface.

Features:

Long throw LED 60mm faders
USB MIDI, MIDI TRS#1 and MIDI TRS#2 outputs
USB Powered (USB C, Cable included). Stand alone adapter available but NOT included
14bit (MIDI Pitchbend) resolution faders. Can be set to any 7 bit CC or NRPN/RPN
Online parameter editor: https://misw.us/editor
Fader output can be routed to USB MIDI, TRS MIDI A or TRS B
3 color programmable button can be momentary, 1 state toggle, 2 state toggle, or 3 state toggle with each state sending a MIDI msg
Durable metal case
Includes:

XVI-M Control Surface
USB C to USB A cable (2m)
1.5m TRS A to MIDI DIN cable