No title link, just this shot pulled via this auction."Up for auction is a used MARION #MSR2 modular synth rack mount. Marion was founded by Tom Oberheim in 1993. It is similar to a Matrix6R. The unit turns on but is untested. It comes from a user who kept his equipment in good working order so I expect it to function well. No manual is included."
I didn't realize it was toted as a "modular" synth. The Oberheim Matrix-6 and of course Matrix-12 are sometimes alluded to as modular-like in that they have extensive modulation capabilities via their "matrix modulation." I wonder if the MSR2 is straight forward enough to program without a manual. The one thing I liked about the Matrix-6 was its relative simplicity. Everything was only one layer deep - no submenus. Everything logically flowed from left to right and all parameters were printed on the surface for easy reference. Some of the trigger modes and modulation sources such as the Ramps and Tracking Generators could use the manual to full grasp them, however in general it's a pretty straight forward synth and you could get away without the manual and just explore. The Matrix-6 was my first and favorite synth. Hence the Matrix in Matrixsynth. I never picked up an MSR2 to compare.
Via Jimmy.
Update via Jimmy in the comments: "It was "Modular" because it had room for two voice cards - the 8-voice analog matrix-style, and another that was planned - though none were ever produced."
I remember this now. I did a little searching and found this great SOS article on the MSR2. According to Tom Oberheim in the article, "'The MSR2 is a modular synthesizer comprising a 1U mainframe and two plug-in cards, or modules. The card modules utilise a simple connection system which provides MIDI, DC power and audio out. Effectively, each module card is a complete synthesizer, so there's no limitation as to what we can do in the future, and we plan to make the architecture open to third-party developers. Not only can we build synthesizer boards using different synthesis technologies, we could also build boards for effects like reverb, or we could put in a hard-disk recorder for specialised applications.'"
It was "Modular" because it had room for two voice cards - the 8-voice analog matrix-style, and another that was planned - though none were ever produced.
ReplyDeleteThe original models had very slow envelopes - I understand there was an upgrade available... wonder if this unit had the update?
i'm pretty sure there's a sound diver adaptation for the msr2. which is good because front panel programming on th ematrix is unbearably cumbersome. i was about to take exception to the describtion of matrices as being relatively simple until i realized that they are relatively simple. they just don't seem it when you're struggling with a tiny display and no data slider.
ReplyDeleteI was wondering wherefore modular? I've had it, played with it but never discovered the modular side... thanks jimmy for explaining out. The MSR2 has some conservative richness that I like... it's worth to get a working one at a cheap deal if you can find one.
ReplyDelete"Conservative Richness" - that's a great adjective! I once described a friend's euro-dance remix as "aristocratic", which I don't think he appreciated even though I meant it to be a compliment.
ReplyDeleteI would be glad if anyone commented on my music. Even if it's criticisms :) at least I learn.
ReplyDeleteBut the Marion MSR2 house some pretty synths... old school.
I am a tech and these things ALWAYS break and are pretty impossible to fix,
ReplyDeletethe ROM just fries for some reason, they sound really bad as well, sluggish envelopes, your much better off with a 6R.
Well here's a shameless plug, my 6R with manual and Mr. Burger's book in getting the most out of your 6R is currently posted on eBay - and linked by matrixsynthB
ReplyDeletesorry I just coudn't resist
You know, if this synth was shrunk to the size of a molecule, then that would be cool. Y'know?
ReplyDeleteIn the future, many things will be cooler than they are now (global climate change).
Thanks Jimmy. I remember that now. I did a quick search and found a good article on the MSR2 on Sound on Sound. I updated the post with the link.
ReplyDeleteYeah Doktor Future... it IS quite a heavy and long in depth module for a 1U... it's hard to fix into my racks because of the weight...
ReplyDeleteWell, mine been working fine, no breakdowns so I guess I'm lucky... I like to tie it with my korg prophecy sometimes so that I get extra depths.
I bet that "anonymous" (from yesterday, not me) is one of the bidders on this thing.
ReplyDeletehelp, i have an msr-2 and no idea how to control the filter over midi. is there a cc number or what? i have no editor of course. my email is rossi@kenyon.edu
ReplyDelete