Sequential Circuits Model 800 Digital 256-Step Sequencer SN 0330

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via this auction

" The Sequential Model 800 Sequencer is a 256-event cv/gate sequencer based on microprocessor technology. This was probably Sequential's first product. Dave Smith started making these units in his garage. A cv/gate sequencer based on microprocessor technology. First known product from Sequential Circuits. Less than 500 units were produced between 1977 and 1980 starting in Dave Smith's garage.

This is serial number 0330, and was recently refurbished by synth maestro Dave Brown at Modular Synthesis.

He did an incredible job, which you can see at this page documenting the repair and restoration

This SCI 800 is described at the bottom of the page (the top of the page is my other, much earlier SCI 800, that truly proved a challenge to reverse engineer and fix!)

It was built like a tank, encased in a 8"X10"X5" metal box. It represents one of the first attempts at a commercial meld between analog and digital technology.

The 800 consists of 16 toggle switches which enable "cells". Each cell can hold up to 16 note-events each. The cells are loaded from CV (control voltage) keyboard via the CV/gate inputs (1 volt per octave) and can be programmed over a 5-octave range. The Gate is switchable between S-trigger and voltage gate. An internal clock runs from 20Hz up to 5kHz to calculate absolute note length or beat division if being driven externally by a low frequency clock. External input is provided via a specially wired plug. A multi-pin parallel connector is used to hook two or more 800's together. A foot-pedal was available for toggling between record and play modes and start/stop. The CV/gate output is quantized to semitones (1/12). The gate can also be switched between S-trigger and voltage gate.

Sequences cannot be stored, however there may have been a battery backup modification. If a hi freq VCO is used to "clock" the sequencer, it can function as a crude audio waveshaper.

The Model 800 can hold up to 256 events. There are 16 switches which enable "cells", which can each contain 16 events. They are loaded by an external CV keyboard and can be programmed over 5 octaves. An internal clock running between 20Hz-5kHz calculates the absolute note length or beat division when driven externally by a low frequency clock.

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Sequential Circuits Model 800 Sequencer Technical Overview & Demo

Uploaded on Sep 5, 2011 krmelectronics·10 videos

"Technical overview of the Sequential Circuits Model 800 Sequencer."

Sequential Circuits Model 800 Sequencer Demo

Uploaded on Sep 5, 2011

"Demo of the Sequential Circuits Model 800 Sequencer."

Sequential Circuits' First Product, The Model 600 Sequencer and Complex Wave Generator

Brochure scan in via Brian Kehew.

This is a scan of a product flyer for the the Sequential Circuits Model 600 Sequencer and Complex Wave Generator.  It is first image of the  unit shared on the internet that I am aware of (click here for a search).  It was Sequential Circuits first product. Approximately only four units were made a couple of years prior to the Model 800.

An interesting side note is the aesthetics of the unit.  See if you can spot what's missing before you read on.  Sequential Circuits (along with Oberheim) started out creating products to work with existing synthesizers at the time.  So what's missing?  The trademark knobs and section outlines.  It wasn't until the Model 700 programmer in 1977 that we begin to see what was to become Sequential Circuits trademark look.   Another interesting side note is that the model numbers for Sequential Circuits first three products where not actually sequential, the Model 600 (1974), the Model 800 (1975), and the Model 700 (1977).  They broke out of the "Model" line for the name with the Prophet-5 (which was the Model 1000) in 1978, but came back once with the Model 64 Sequencer for the Commodore 64 in 1983.  One final thing I thought was kind of neat was that the final bullet point in the brochure called out how the Model 600 made for an excellent teaching aid for electronic music.  Indeed.

The following is the description from the scan (note the reference to the unit as a teaching aid):

"MODEL 600 SEQUENCER and COMPLEX WAVE GENERATOR

As A Sequencer -

- Three rows of 16 controls, each row with its own output.
- Built-in sequential control for up to 48 note sequences by turning only one knob.
- Voltage controlled clock can be set internally and/or controlled externally.
Patch one output row back to the VCO input, and the length of each note can be precisely controlled.
- Can sequence slower than one pulse every 30 seconds through and beyond the entire audio range.
- Any one level can be skipped by simply throwing its corresponding switch; hence, any combination of levels can be set.
- Direction switch for forward or backwards direction.
- Handy three-way mixers at the output for easy patch changes.
- LED (light emitting diode) visual display.
- Switch trigger output compatible with Moog synthesizers, including the Mini-Moog.
By flipping one switch, gate and trigger outputs can be obtained for other synthesizers, suck as the ARP 2600.

As A Complex Waveform Generator -

- The quality of the Model 600 makes it possible to be used as a complex waveform generator, with up to 48 segments constructing the composite waveform. Below is an oscilloscope plot of a 48 segment sine wave at 300 hertz, with the lower wave-form the output after being run through a low-pass filter.
- One can easily see the possibility for complete waveform control. With an internal adjustment, the external input can be adjusted to the standard 1 volt/octave; hence, the sequencer can actually be played as an oscillator by any keyboard.
- This capability makes the Model 600 an excellent teaching aid for electronic music, as well as a quality waveform generator for the perfectionist synthesizer performer."

Rare Sequential Circuits Model 700 Programmer

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"This is a very rare Sequential Circuits Model 700 Programmer designed to work in tandem with synths like Arp 2600s, Minimoogs (with CV) and other analog synths that didn't have the ability to store patches to have some of that capability. It includes a lot of great on board features. This particular unit still has the box and was barely used making it very close to new for such a vintage piece from the late 70s! Here's more info: RARE SEQUENTIAL CIRCUITS 700 SYNTHESIZER MEMORY / PROGRAMMER This vintage analog synth programmer was designed and developed by Dave Smith, founder of Sequential Circuits back in the later part of the 1970's. This particular unit was used on a Mini-Moog to assist in live performances and offered extremely swift and accurate recalls of analog synthesizer parameters. Overall, I'd say that this unit ranks a 7 out of 10 due to some of the lettering has worn off the front panel, there's a few light scratches, and there is a small amount tape residue on the top of the real panel [see photos]. Unfortunately I was unable to test it but was working fine and trouble-free when it put in storage - a bedroom closet - about 10 or so years ago so I can not say if it's working or not [However, When last used, it offered smooth, easy and trouble-free operation]. The unit powers up and the red LED display is strong & bright and the unit steps through the bank & program numbers like it's supposed to. It has the original, knobs, pots, switches and lighted push-buttons - All in working condition with a nice, rugged feel. Serial number is which I believe indicates that this unit was one of the first ever produced of the 700 series. I have recently been told that only 25 of these units were made so here's your chance to own a piece of Sequential Circuits early history. Below is a brief description and info I found on-line

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Sequential Circuits Model 800 Sequencer

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via this auction

"This is an extremely rare and amazingly intuitive sequencer. It belongs with someone who will use it more than i do. It's one of the finest Cv/Gate sequencers ever made due to it's logical layout and improvisational capabilities. More on that later...

There were only around 500 made, and they were hand made by Dave Smith himself. He started his entire company Sequential Circuits based on this round of sequencer sales, which then provided his business foundation for developing the Prophet 5 and other major musical instrument milestones .

And what's more is that of the 500, only the first 50 or so had the capability of working with both V/Octave standard AND Hz/V standard. This is one of them. It is serial number 0041, and presumably this capability was more expensive due to the pricier D/A conversion necessary for the higher resolution.

AND, what's even more, is that this is one of a small handful that had a mod done to the unit (by Dave Smith) that allows for musical rests to be placed between notes. One can add as many single beat rests as any sequence can fit.

Ok, so now for the depths...

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Synthesizer Ads From the Past - PPG Monkey, PRISM, DCS II, Synthia and More

You'll find the scans on Scott From Canada

Also check out scott3eh on Flickr
Some of the rarer items pictured here:
Adaptive Systems Synthia 1980
Kinetic Sound Prism 1980
Strider DCS II
Synclavier II Terminal Support Package 1981
Wersi Condor DMS 1984
Bob Moog on the Fairlight

The full list at the time of this post:
Adaptive Systems Synthia 1980
Akai AX80 1984
Aries Modular 1977
arp omni-2 ad 1980
Crumar Stratus 1981
crumar t1-b ad 1980
Emulator 1 1982
Ensoniq ESQ-1 1986
Fairlight-bob moog 1982
hohnar keyboards ad 1980

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Sequential Circuits Model 800 - Early Serial Number

Published on Jan 19, 2015 Synth Keith

"This video highlights the internal differences in the early serial number Model 800 sequencers, compared to the later ones. The most significant difference is a 10-bit DAC, which allow interfacing to Hz/V synths like the Korg MS-20 (Mini) or the Yamaha CS series."

Note the original Sequential Circuits logo.

Follow-up to Syncronizing The Sequential Circuits Model 800 Sequencer

SEQUENTIAL CIRCUITS MODEL 800 sequencer

via this auction
"This sequencer is very rare. Only 500 were made. From the nice website synthmuseum: "The Sequential Model 800 Sequencer is a 256-event cv/gate sequencer based on microprocessor technology. This was probably Sequential's first product. Dave Smith started making these units in his garage. Early serial numbers even feature a strange sci-fi looking Sequential logo. It was built like a tank, encased in a 8"X10"X5" metal box. It represents one of the first attempts at a commercial meld between analog and digital technology..." see synthmuseum for more. As always you can find prior posts here by using the search box on the top left of the site. Here's a search for "sequential circuits model 800" - click and scroll.

Sequential Circuits Model 800 CV / Gate Sequencer + Roland SH-2

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Published on Jan 3, 2017 4TrackNation

via this auction

"Various improvised performance abilities with this amazing old sequencer hand built by Dave Smith himself.
Externally clocked by a simple square wave oscillator.

Pre programming is dead simple and accomplished similarly to the way old school Roland sequencers were programmed.. Just play a series of notes on the keyboard.

This machine has 16 banks of up to 16 notes. It moves freely through them and you can enable and disable on the fly. Amazing tool that no other sequencer, somehow, has matched to this day.

Like the Roland CSQ 100 and 600, this sequencer can be used for either live performance of CV notes from keyboard or step performance of CV notes from keyboard. The video is all step performance. Notes were added to each bank by simply enabling the bank, hitting the start-record button and playing them one at a time from the keyboard, in no particular rhythm, then hitting stop-record."

via this auction

"This is an extremely rare and amazingly intuitive sequencer. It belongs with someone who will use it more than i do. It's one of the finest Cv/Gate sequencers ever made due to it's logical layout and improvisational capabilities. More on that later...

There were only around 500 made, and they were hand made by Dave Smith himself. He started his entire company Sequential Circuits based on this round of sequencer sales, which then provided his business foundation for developing the Prophet 5 and other major musical instrument milestones .

And what's more is that of the 500, only the first 50 or so had the capability of working with both V/Octave standard AND Hz/V standard. This is one of them. It is serial number 0041, and presumably this capability was more expensive due to the pricier D/A conversion necessary for the higher resolution.

AND, what's even more, is that this is one of a small handful that had a mod done to the unit (by Dave Smith) that allows for musical rests to be placed between notes. One can add as many single beat rests as any sequence can fit.

You are buying a major piece of history here.

Ok, so now for the depths...

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Syncronizing The Sequential Circuits Model 800 Sequencer

Published on Jan 15, 2015 Synth Keith

"Syncronization of the Sequential Circuits Model 800 Sequencer, with an external clock, tape sync, and drum machine.

The Model 800 in this video is an early model, with the high-resolution DAC, which allows recording of CV information from Hz/volt synths like the MS-20 (Mini)."

Sequential Circuits Model 800

images via this auction
"Sequential Circuits Model 800 Sequencer for analog synthesizers"

Inside a Model 800

via z

Sequential Circuits Model 800 Sequencer

Click here for shots via this auction.

Details: "SEQUENTIAL CIRCUITS MODEL 800 ANALOG SEQUENCER . Compatable with all analog CV and Gate synthesizers. I've discovered Dave Smith (founder of S/C) started making these units in his garage before eventually mass producing the incredible Sequential Circuits synths, drum machines (ect.) as we know them today. This is without a doubt VERY RARE ! Only 500 were made and maybe. It is in Good condition with few minor scuffs / scratches on the top and side. It has a sticker on one side from the place where it was originally sold - Rogue Music Store NY.NY. It has one broken push button (the start / record switch as shown in pic below) which can easily be replaced. The part here cost just over a dollar. You can still push it with the tip of your finger though. It Powers up and the lights come on. It counts through all 16 steps on the LED as it should. You can also walk the steps from 1 to 16. All this is done without it being hooked up to anything."

via Johan

Update via Micke in the comments:
"A little bit of trivia: the original version of this sequencer:
http://www.synthmuseum.com/sequ/seqseq800ad01.jpg
was used on Earth, Wind & Fire's hit "Getaway" which was recorded back in the summer of 1976.

I was told this by LA synthesist/programmer Dan Wyman.
Mr. Wyman is perhaps best known for his synth work on multiple Giorgio Moroder productions. He´s also responsible for the Moog modular programming on John Carpenter's classic synth-scores "Assault On Precinct 13" (1976), "Halloween" (1978) and "The Fog" (1979).

Micke "

Sequential Circuits Model 800 Sequencer

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"Vintage Sequential Circuits model 800 sequencer.. all original and in good working order. all lights, switches, knobs and display work as they should.. low serial number 071.... very rare and made by Dave Smith as the very first product offered by sequential circuits.Circa 1976, some slight wear and a few tiny scuffs.. faceplate in real nice shape.some oxidation on a few of the case screws but nothing very noticeable or major... It's 40 Years Old!"

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Vintage Sequential Circuits MODEL-800 Sequencer SN 00209 w/ Foot Switch

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"Vintage Sequential Circuits Model 800 Sequencer with Foot Switch

This unit has been fully tested with a dotcom modular system. All functions have been tested and found to be working as designed.

This unit comes with the rare foot switch. Two of the LEDs appear to have been replaced; they burn a little brighter than the rest.

A switch has been added to the back of the unit to allow the output jacks for CV and Gate to be directly connected to the input jacks for CV and Gate. This is beneficial for patching configurations where the source synth keyboard is not the playback synth. The switch is toggled back and forth between recording and playback.

Cosmetic condition is very good with only some scratches and scuffs on the top and sides."

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Sequential Circuits Model 800 Sequencer With Footswitch

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"Exceedingly rare Sequential Circuits Model 800 - Excellent used condition, one owner, only light use. All switches, LED's, display, and knobs work as they should, fully tested. All switches and jacks cleaned. All memory banks tested through all 16 steps with no record or playback issues. Switch works perfectly, with no issues. An amazing piece of equipment for CV/gate controlled synths. A great collector's example of the evolution of synthesizers!"

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Sequential Circuits Model 800 Digital Sequencer w/ Foot Switch Pedal

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"Sequential Circuits Model 800 Digital Sequencer cv gate 1vo Vintage Synthesizer. This Is very Rare and includes the almost impossible pedal as well."

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Sequential Circuits Model 800 Analog Sequencer with Foot Switch

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"Sequential Circuits Model 800 Analog Sequencer

This unit has 16 slots to record your CV / gate signals on. You can then playback a sequence one at a time, loop sections, play from 1 sequencer to the next, etc... Overall a very useful and inspiring tool to use."

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Sequential Circuits Model 800 Sequencer SN 00166

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"Sequential Circuits Model 800 Sequencer
In near perfect condition.

Lights up and tested while plugged in, I don't have a synth to fully program a sequence on it though."

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1978 Sequential Circuits Prophet-5 Brochure

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"This original vintage Sequential Circuits Fold Out Brochure contains information and picture’s of the the Sequential Circuits Prophet-5 synthesizer, Model 700 Programmer and Model 800 Sequencer.

This is a must-have for any vintage synthesizer/Sequential Circuits collector as these are getting very hard/impossible to find these days.

This Fold Out Brochure has no highlighting,underlining or any stamps in it. This original Brochure is in very good condition, see the picture's for more detail."

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SEQUENTIAL CIRCUITS CO. Model 800 Sequencer SN 800-00203

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"Very rare SEQUENTIAL CIRCUITS CO. Model 800 Sequencer. Serial number 800-00203. Made in Sunnyvale, CA. Excellent cosmetic and functional condition. Purchased from Rod Argent's old keyboard shop in London in 1978(still has sticker). 100% stock components.

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