OSCar monophonic/duophonic synthesizer

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated. SN 0639 via this auction

"OSCar - Best of British vintage monophonic/duophonic synthesizer
* 'As new' condition - 25th anniversary next year but one owner, never gigged, lightly-used, carefully stored
* Incredible sounds - fattest bass, wild leads, amazing special effects
* Instant response tactile knobs, performance wheels and buttons - no hard-to-use menus
* Fully-programmable with 36 User Patch Memories, arpeggiator and step sequencer
* Factory-fitted MIDI In/Out/Thru
* Serial number 0639 one of the last produced after February1985 with final firmware revision 'M2'
* Original Operation Manual included*
* Original factory patch data cassette tape included
* Data CD on which I have included factory presets**, images, and interesting OSCar web addresses
* Stand apart from the crowd with unique sounds - and the look!

OSCar is now regarded as a classic in the synthesizer world. OSCar is a highly-versatile vintage workhorse, suited to many musical genres, but more recently has found particular use in Dance, House, and Electronica. It is an analogue-sound digitally-controlled synth using the classic subtractive but also additive synthesis models to produce its sounds. The OSCar is also a performer's synth, direct and immediate access to its sounds makes playing an intuitive dream

If you've lusted after a vintage MiniMoog synth - don't bother! The OSCar has absolutely stable oscillator tuning, massive programmable dual-oscillator sound with separate modulation LFO, and has been built to take on the road if needed.

This OSCar is 240V 50Hz (but can be internally set to 110V) and doesn't require a separate power supply. The rechargeable internal memory battery may need to be replaced soon (but currently is working OK).

*Operating manual - the cover has come loose from the pages through age (but this is an easy fix), my name is stamped in small font on the front cover, and there is some highlighter on some of the text. Also, my name is written in ink in small discrete font on the OSCar's lacquered wooden base (this can be easily sanded off by the new owner).

**Factory presets - currently not stored in memory. I have put around ten of my own sounds into memory and the rest have been left 'blank'. You can load the factory sounds in if you want to, but I recommend that you make your own sounds and store them in memory, it's very easy to do.

Note that if sounds are 'lost' from memory (through memory battery failure), it is possible on power-up (depending on the random position of the control knobs) to have no apparent sound, or at least a 'nonsense' sound, on key-press. This is not a fault and is resolved by setting the control knobs to appropriate positions and saving patches, or loading-in a set of patches - check the manual for details.

http://www.airburst.co.uk/oscar/ (plenty of detail about OSCar specifications and operation, also sound samples, even hand-drawn schematics)

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/sep99/articles/oscar.htm (fantastic more recent muso's article "Life of OSCar")"

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OSCar MONOPHONIC SYNTHESIZER (Full Midi V3)

via this auction

"Polyphony - Monophonic (Duophonic via built-in Sequencer)
Oscillators - 2 DCO's with sawtooth, triangle, and square-, variable- or modulated-pulse waveforms and 5 preset digital wavefroms
LFO - 1 LFO with square, triangle, sawtooth waveforms, sample-and-hold
Filter - Two 12dB/oct analog filters which can be linked in series for 24dB/oct configuration. Lowpass, bandpass, highpass modes.
Dedicated ADSR envelope, Frequency Cutoff and Resonance controls.
VCA - Two ADSR Envelopes
Keyboard - 37 keys
Memory - MIDI Model: 12 user, 24 preset patches. MIDI-equipped V3 (latest): 36 programmable patches. Custom Waveforms: 24 programmable digital waveforms.
waves. Sequencer: 24 sequences.
Control - Trigger In, full MIDI spec.
Date Produced - 1985

OSCar
The OSCar is a classic mono-synth from British manufacturer Oxford Synthesiser Company (OSC). It first appeared on the scene in 1983 and was considered then to be in the same class as the Arp Odyssey & Minimoog mono-synths (it is). Its late arrival makes it one of the more advanced programmable mono-synths. Amazing sounds and digitally controlled dual oscillators with analog filters and plenty of programmabilitie. It also has full midi MIDI spec.

The Oscar is monophonic, but can also achieve duophonic capability when using just one oscillator per voice. Waveforms offered include sawtooth, triangle, and square, variable, or modulated-pulse waveforms. In addition to these analog waveforms, there's an additive-synthesis function allowing you to create your own custom waveforms by simply mixing the amplitudes of any of its 24 harmonics using the keyboard. Up to 24 of these custom waves can be stored and used with either oscillator. Once you've got some sounds it's time to hit the filter section - the real analog heart of this synth! It has two 12dB/oct filters which can be linked for a steeper 24dB/oct slope. It features switchable lowpass, highpass and bandpass filtering and your basic frequency cutoff and resonance type controls. The filter has its own ADSR envelope as well (a second ADSR envelope controls the amplifier section). The filter can also be modulated by the LFO. The OSCar's LFO offers triangle, sawtooth, square, and other wave shapes and can also be used to modulate the amp, pitch, or pulse-width. There's even a sample-and-hold function. A simple built-in sequencer gave the OSCar duophonic capabilities! It could play a sequence on one of the oscillators while the keyboard can be used to simultaneously play along with the sequence. It stores up to 24 sequences. With full MIDI spec (V3) you can easily synchronize your OSCar and other MIDI gear together and a computer! The sound patches that are stored in memory can also be dumped via MIDI to more permanent storage mediums. MIDI models also offered 36 programmable memory patches which are assigned to the actual keyboard keys (pre-MIDI models had 12 preset and 24 user patches). The OSCar is very hard to find as there are little more than 2000 in excistence, so now is your chance.

It is working well and has been well maintained over the years by the same qualified engineer who used to work in the famous 'Rod Argents Keyboards' in Denmark Street, London W1, the same place I purchased her back in 1985.

‘Sequencer’
The OSCar's sequencer, operates in step-time mode, and is fairly sophisticated. It features the rare ability to lengthen notes or insert spaces, so that it isn't restricted to producing an
endless stream of notes of identical length. This is done by holding down the required note while advancing the step button, or pressing the Space button just below the wheels.
Twenty-four sequences can be stored (the numbered keys being pressed into service for one more function) but then these can be chained together into more complex sequences, complete with program changes. As a result, with a bit of planning, you can produce really quite sophisticated bass lines and other monophonic sequences, whilst playing a second part over the top, if you want. All this can be triggered externally via a Click In which is ideal for interfacing with the drum machines of the day (Linn, Emu Drumulator, Sequential Drumtrak) and OSCar can often be seen as one half of a very tight rhythm section at live gigs. There is even the facility to sub-divide the incoming clocks to create slower or faster lines without spending hours inserting Spaces or making each note four times the length. The same triggering is available on the arpeggiator, which made it amongst the most flexible of the day with multiple octave ranges and random ordering. Or you can just use your computer for sequencing and a nice midi cable, it's your choice.

Oxford Synthesiser Company OSCar Specifications
* Type: Synth/ keyboard/
* Synthesis Type: Digital Accoustic simulation Subtractive, Additive (24 harmonics)
* Polyphony:
o Max: 2
o Typical in use: 1
* Multi-timbral (number of parts): 1
* Oscillators per Voice :
o Min : 1
o Max : 2
* Controllers : Pitch bend, mod wheel, (sysex?)
* Effects :
o Number of FX units : 0
o Number of different effects : 0
* Keyboard :
o Number of Keys : 37
o Can send on 1 simultaneous MIDI channels
o Responds to :
o Sounds can be split by :
* Memory :
o Patches : First versions: 12 RAM/24 ROM. Later versions: 36 RAM.
o Performances :
* Inputs and Outputs :
o Number of Audio Outs (excluding Phones) : 1 stereo
o Number of Audio Ins : 0
o Number of MIDI Outs (excluding Thru) : 1 (if MIDI'ed)
o Number of MIDI Ins : 1 (if MIDI'ed)

Well known artists credited as using OSCars include:
* Billy Currie, Chris Cross and Midge Ure of Ultravox
* John Foxx
* Geoff Downes (Asia)
* Jean-Michel Jarre and Dominique Perrier
* Keith Emerson
* Stevie Wonder
* Tim Simenon
* Sneaker Pimps

Examples of OSCar sounds on commercial releases include:
* Ultravox - "Love's Great Adventure" (solo, atonal sequence)
* Band Aid - "Do They Know It's Christmas" (bass line)
* Jean-Michel Jarre - "Revolutions Overture" (bass line, solo at climax)
* Stevie Wonder - "Skeletons" (bass line [with Elka Synthex])
* S-Express - "Theme From S-Express" (bass line)"

Boxed Ear OSCar Kontakt Sample Pack Released

"Boxed Ear is proud to present OSCar Kontakt Sample pack.

Boxed Ear has announced the release of OSCar, a new library for Kontakt 4 and 5 made entirely with the OSC OSCar synthesizer.

Released in 1983 by the Oxford Synthesizer Company, the OSCar was a unique combination of analog and digital. The oscillators are a digital design with the capability of being able to build waveforms using additive synthesis. These feed into an analogue multi-mode filter design which was inspired by the Minimoog trick of looping the synths output back into the filter's input to overdrive the filter circuits, resulting in a characteristically crunchy sound.

Included in the pack are 119 Kontakt instruments which cover a wide range of synth sounds, both monophonic and polyphonic: tough basses, gorgeous evolving pads, complex leads and a host of other synth sounds all stamped with the OSCar’s unique sound.
Details:
1.1Gb soundset
Over 2300 samples at 24-bit, 44.1 kHz quality
119 Kontakt instruments

Availability and pricing
OSCar costs USD $49, EUR €39 or GBP £30 inc.VAT and is available now from the Boxed Ear website.

Full version of Kontakt 4 or 5 is required. OSCar does NOT work with the free Kontakt Player."

Moog OSCar

I remember seeing this a few years ago on the 'bay. The claim was that it was the prototype of the Oxford Synthesizer Company's OSCar in the case of a Moog Source.

Via the AH archives:

"it was confirmed in SOS. There's an article on it. you can even see it in
the auction.

I don't think that many peopel want it because it's not working properly.
It's collectible, but that's all, not so overly usable..."

"I also think that this is the one described in a issue of Future Music
some years ago when they did a interview with Lionrock. I don't
remember the issue, though I know that I still have it. Apparently, it
was stolen shortly after the interview was completed. I saw the SOS
article too and, since the owner of the piece at that time had worked
with Lionrock, I assumed that the synth was returned."

I found this article on Sound on Sound, but no mention of the word prototype or moog (I need to read the whole thing). But I did find this information that I've also forgotten over the years. Chris Huggett, was the man behind the EDP Wasp, Oxford Oscar, Akai S1000, and finally the Novation Supernova. Pretty impressive.

From Sound on Sound:

"Chris Huggett? In the same way that I had to go and get a proper job with E&MM and then Sequential to make a living, Chris eventually had to get a more reliable source of income. I put him in touch with Akai, for whom I was doing S900 sound development, and the next thing I knew he was writing the operating system for the new S1000. Chris worked for Akai behind the scenes on most of the sampler operating systems for more than 10 years until he grew frustrated with their refusal to let him work on the hardware design as well (with the Wasp and OSCar, he had of course done both). Having fostered Novation in its early days with help and advice, he eventually joined them full-time a couple of years back and is the guiding light behind the virtual technology of the Supernova. So a very British designer is once more working on a very British synth for a very British company."

Update via Turboskin in the comments: "Found the restoration of this exact Moog OSCar: stereoping.com/"

Update 3/8/12: Bigger pics here: Legendary Moog OSCar Up for Auction

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Legendary Moog OSCar Up for Auction

via this auction

Some of you might remember this one from this post back in September of 2005.

"For sale is the legendary moogOSCar, there is only one of them on this planet. A real Oscar with latest OS, everything working perfectly in a Moog Source housing. Was once owned by Roger Lyons and was restored some years ago after it arrived here in europe in a terrible shape. It has an audio input for feeding audio through the filter and a CV-input for controlvotages on the cutoff-frequency. This is not a fake or diy-crap, it's a fully working OSCar in a funny and extremely servicefriendly housing. The pitchbend-pot is a bit crackly, if you plan to use the synth on stage you should replace this pot. Worldwide shipping with excellent packaging. Keep in mind this OSCar wants 220 V, maybe you need a converter in your country. I ship with the original "Sound on Sound"-Article on this unique thing and with a complete OSCar manual. Please have a look how other bayers have rated me."

This one in via gregor.

Update: see the comments below from the person that created it.

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OSCar Oxford Synthesizer Company

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

via the seller: "Here it is! This is the Oscar you've been waiting for. For sale here is a MINTY OSCar Oxford Synthesiser Company. This is one of the nicest Oxford I have ever seen. Includes midi, fully functional & in near perfect minty shape. It comes from the original owner, kept in climate controlled storage for the past 25 years and before that in a pro studio with very little use. The graphics are crisp and easy to read. No rusty/mold or worn scratchy pots here, everything plays nice and smooth. You won't find another Oscar this nice! Even includes rare original manual. Very rare 117 USA voltage model with standard USA 3 prong cable. Oscars were made in the UK at most run at 220v, No need to use a transformer with this one within the USA, which is super convenient! Will post a demo video when I get a chance.

If you've never played an Oscar, you are missing out. They sound AMAZING, with a huge set of features for the time, including programmable harmonic waveforms, patch memory, sequencer, an awesome arpeggiator, duophonic capabilities (yes you can play two notes at once) along with the best filter I have ever played, allowing for LP, BP, HP, overdrive capabilities. Huge bass, leads, effects unlike anything else. Easily my favorite monophonic synthesizer of all time, & I've played them all, from Minimoogs to Arp Odysseys to Synton Syrinx. If I had to describe the sound I would say it's instant Boards of Canada, smooth, bubbly, analog with an aggressive Aphex Twin side that can get gritty & rough. Check out the detailed pictures below to make sure you like it. These Oscars rarely show up for sale and never show up in such nice condition. I am open to offers but remember, someone may grab this while you are waiting. Don't let this be the one you missed out on!"

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AE#135 Oscar Synthesizer Part 3, Name That Tune Results, Digital Oscillator Theory Of Operation

Artifact Electronics

"The results of our Name That Tune competition followed by an explanation of how the digital oscillators operate in the Oscar.

00:00 - Oscar Synthesizer Part 3
00:34 - Name That Tune results
04:35 - Oscillator intro
05:33 - Sine Wave Theory
12:22 - Wave samples
20:21 - Variable sample rate playback
24:41 - Variable wave pointer increments
34:54 - The Oscar oscillator circuit
47:55 - Outro"

Artifact Electronics OSCar posts

Win a Vintage Restored OSCar From Novation! - Timeline of Synths by Designer Chris Huggett

Novation has created a fantastic timeline of synths that were designed by and with Chris Huggett. Not only was he the mastermind behind Novation's line of synths, but also EDP (Electronic Dream Plant) and the Oxford Synthesizer Company OSCar.

"Most people know him as the genius behind Wasp and OSCar, the legendary monosynth from Ultravox's Love's Great Adventure, Stevie Wonder's Skeletons, and Jean-Michel Jarre's Revolutions Overture.

Chris' synths have been used by everybody: Orbital, Ultravox, Tom Yorke, Trent Reznor, Dire Straits, Pink Floyd, Genesis, Stevie Wonder, Jean Michel Jarre, Keith Emerson- the list is endless. His heritage synths are sought across the world, and sell for upwards of £5000.

He is a true synth legend. He is also our synth designer. Every Novation synth has been conceived, shaped and refined by his passion and expertise, which spans five decades. To celebrate that, we're giving away an OSCar!"

Click here for the timeline and how to enter. I captured the timeline of synths below for the MATRIXSYNTH archives. It's not as nice as Novation's timeline so be sure to see it there while it's up!

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OSCar Classic Mono Synthesiser

via this auction

"OSCar was just completely serviced and overhauled by James Walker at Synth Repair Services. The last OM2a MIDI software is installed. Basically this is the best spec OSCar. This is the ultimate OSCar, in as new condition."

Oxford Synthesizer Company OSCar

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

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Oxford Synthesizer Company OSCar

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"Oxford Synthesizer Company OSCar 37-Key Analog Monophonic Programmable Synthesiz. Condition is "Seller refurbished".

The OSAar was a synthesizer manufactured by the Oxford Synthesizer Company from 1983 to 1985. It was ahead of its time in several ways and its later versions were among the few mono-synths of its time to have MIDI. Around 2000 were made.

When synthesizer manufacturer Electronic Dream Plant folded in 1982, Chris Huggett went on to form the Oxford Synthesizer Company. The OSCar synthesizer was launched in 1983. Chris Huggett designed the electronics while independent product designer Anthony Harrison-Griffin was responsible for the unique look and build of the OSCar.

1985 VERSION M2 (MIDI) MIDI note receive response much faster than version M1.

Timing clock receive implemented.

Original UK model run on 230 v 50 Hz. Need an AC converter to be used in the USA

Perfect working conditions

Misses 2 top caps wheels knobs controller , 1 store recall push button and 1 sequencer insert button [shown in pictures] but they all work perfectly fine

Perfect esthetic conditions no scratches

Original Manual

Offers below $5,999.00 not accepted"

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Oxford Synth Company OSCar with Roland TR808 - unedited improvised noodling

Published on Aug 11, 2015 -CALC-

"Here is a completely unprepared improv, the first time I played on the OSCar synth. This was just played from the keyboard but I also had some fun advancing the OSCar's built-in sequencer with a trigger from the 808 afterwards too.
Its a bit long and some of it's crap... though you gotta remember this was my first time with both devices! That said the beginning and the end sound alright :o)
The OSCar itself is one of the finest instruments I've played on! it's filter is really very special indeed."

OSCAR SYNTHESIZER - FITTING THE TAUNTEK MIDI BOARD AND OPERATING SYSTEM

video by Mindburner

"The OSCar is a fabulous monosynth designed and built by Chris Huggett. My machine had been plagued with issues from day one. A major problem was the highly unreliable start up. The synth would not 'boot' and many power off/on cycles were needed to get it to work.

TAUNTEK have a new MIDI PCB and Operating System with may new features. I hoped this may fix my synth and make it useable aging. Here I detail my install of one of the first version of the Firmware.

The PCB needs to be built but many of the parts are readily found.

More details can be found at TAUNTEK
Special thanks to the folks on the OSCar freelists group.

Video for information only. A qualified synth tech is always recommended for synth repair."

Inside an OSCAR.

The PULSCar files - #1

Published on Jan 24, 2018 Stereoping

"First track in a remix series of some songs i made in the 90ies when i still had an OSCar synthesizer. As the OSCars are as expensive as rare nowadays, i am currently trying to build a sustitude by transplanting a DIY OSCar VCF into a Waldorf Pulse, replacing it's ladder filter and interfacing the Pulse's internal control voltages. Being half PULSE, half OSCar, the project is called PULSCar. It's not yet finished but good enough to make the first video i think. Also part of the PULSCar is a derived 'Synth Programmer' in OSCar design. I hope you enjoy the song :-)"

Oxford Synthesizer Company OSCar

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via this auction

"This iconic and rarely available synth has been with the same owner and seldom used for the past 20 years. It's sound is featured on recordings from Stevie Wonder, Ultravox, Sneaker Pimps, Jean-Michel Jarre and the bass line for 'Do They Know it's Christmas'.

Driven by 2 DCOs (sawtooth, triangle, square, variable and 5 preset waveforms) this monosynth can be duophonic when using just one oscillator per voice. The additive-synthesis function give you the ability to create your on waveforms by mixing the amplitudes of the 24 harmonics using the keyboard. 24 custom waves can be stored and used with either oscilator.

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OSCar & OSCar "Sugar Groove"

Published on Nov 13, 2012 by djessay101

"Roland TR-727 ( Master-Clock + Beats), Roland TR-808 ( Beats ), OSCar Synthesizer 1 ( Bassline ), OSCar Synthesizer 2 ( Funny Sound Line ), DotCom Modular ( Percussion Sound ), EDP Gnat ( Noise Wind ), EDP Wasp ( Fast LFO - Space Sound ), Roland Juno-60 ( Pad ), Roland System 100 Sequencer with Oberheim OB-1 ( Metal Sound ), Korg SB-100 Synthibass ( Second Bassline ) ...... playing ' Sugar Groove'"

Novation // OSCar Giveaway

Published on Aug 3, 2015 NovationTV

New video for the Novation OSCar giveaway contest first posted here.

"We are getting very close to giving away this legendary OSCar created by our synth designer Chris Huggett in 1983 - one of the most advanced programmable monosynths of its time and one of only 2000 ever made!

Before we could let it go we sat down with CALC in his studio to say our goodbyes and have one last jam.

To enter the competition please visit: http://www.novationmusic.com/novation..."

Oscar Synthesiser - Vintage, Rare MIDI Model

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via this auction

"The Oscar is a dual oscillator, digitally controlled mono-synth with analogue filters and user memory patches. This Oscar is a later version and has the MIDI board fitted, it also comes with the original manual and copies of the hand drawn schematics that are available on-line..."

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Oxford Synthesizer Company OSCar

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction, also on Reverb.

"For sale here is a rare OSCar Oxford Synthesiser Company. This OSCar has midi and is 100% fully functional. It came just back from servicing and plays perfectly. Cosmetically it's in excellent shape. It sounds AMAZING, with a huge set of features for the time, including programmable harmonic waveforms, patch memory, sequencer, an awesome arpeggiator, duophonic capabilities (yes you can play two notes at once) along with one of the best filters I have ever played, allowing for LP, BP, HP, overdrive capabilities. Huge bass, leads, effects unlike anything else. One of my favorite monophonic synthesizers of all time, & I've played them all, from Minimoogs to Arp Odysseys to Synton Syrinx. If I had to describe the sound I would say it's instant Boards of Canada, smooth, bubbly, analog with an aggressive Aphex Twin side that can get gritty & rough."

Looks like SN 0305 or 6305

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Oxford Synthesizer Company OSCar SN 0691

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
via this auction

"Offered for sale is this Oscar in very near mint cosmetic condition and perfect working order.


It is incredibly clean for a synth that's nearly 30 years old and is without doubt the best one we've sold (see detailed photos below). There is minimal wear to the paintwork, the keys are shiny and clean, the rubber casing is exceptionally good with no obvious signs of perishing - the rubber parts are undamaged (most Oscars suffer from these parts breaking off and it's uncommon to find one with no damage).

Our definition of 'mint' is 'as it left the factory' - clearly very few if any used synths of this age can be described thus; this OSCar truly is in near mint condition.

It has just been serviced by James Walker at Synth Repair Services (one of the UK's most respected vintage synth techs who has a particular fondness for OSCars) and he's given it a clean bill of health. He also looked after it for the previous owner: it's been very well-maintained and has had a good deal of work carried out both in the recent service and over the past 8 years. As a result, we don't believe you will find a better example of this iconic British synth anywhere else.

Cosmetically, it has just one issue that we can make out: the low F key is slightly yellower than the others; it may have been replaced at some point in the past. It has been PAT-tested for electrical safety.

At 30 years old OSCars generally need a few things replacing/improving if they are to continue working as intended - especially the Midi board connections which can be very unreliable, resulting in synth that can stop working when moved from one room to another, never mind being sent by courier. The original control pots tend to become unreliable and often need replacing.
Everything necessary and advisable has been done to bring it up to top spec and make this amazing vintage synth as reliable as possible: it should reach its new owner in perfect working order.

It's serial number is 0691 and has the midi board and latest OS Eprom (OM2a)..."

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