Kawai SX-240 POLYPHONIC SYNTHESIZER

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"The Kawai SX-240 is an eight voice, fully programmable polyphonic analog synthesizer released in 1984. The SX-240 has a big, wide and full analog sound, courtesy of its two analog DCOs and one sub-osc per voice. You have the options of poly-8, poly-4 and mono modes. In mono mode it is possible to have all 24 oscillators stacked into one for an extremely powerful sound. Leads, basses, brass, drones, pads and strings all have a unique analog sound on the SX-240. Strings and pads get especially warm and fluid when switching on the Ensemble effect, which is just a chorus. The SX-240 also has a function called Brass, which is actually a ring-mod effect.

Modulation possibilities are somewhat limited due to having just one saw wave on DCO1, but with adjustable PW and PWM plus a noise generator, you can find some great sound possibilities. The LFO can be routed everywhere in the DCO, VCF and the VCA. It also has an LFO trigger button to start or stop the LFO on command. The SX-240 uses eight SSM 2044 filter chips which help make up its powerful filter sound. The filter also strangely jumps into self oscillation around the value point of 98 to 99. There are also both portamento and glissando, though it was uncommon to find both of these effects on synths of the time.

This particular unit is in great shape! It has some minor cosmetic wear but is fully functional. All keys, sliders, buttons, etc. work as they should! This synth is so easy to use and also is very tweakable to get the sound you're looking for!

EXAMPLES of how it sounds!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBBas8HNc9w

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUuRrwot3PY

http://www.synthmania.com/sx-240.htm"

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Kawai SX 240 LINN LM2 Vintage Synth & Drum Machine

YouTube Uploaded by Sjobeck7 on Apr 6, 2012

"Kawai SX-240 on custom dual mode Mono/String Patch with hovering "heavenly" preset patch on Ensoniq SQ-1 With custom, punchy Linn-Drum pattern repeating over top secret erractic late night neurotic mix down so not to forget the best nightmare I ever had~..."

Oberheim OB-8 & Kawai SX-240 Space-Chirp!

YouTube Uploaded by Sjobeck7 on Nov 11, 2011

"GO DUCKS!!!"

Kawai SX-240 Space-Chirp!

Uploaded by Sjobeck7 on Nov 11, 2011

Kawai SX-240 presets

YouTube via lesingemonotone
"Swiftly browsing thru some of the factorypresets on the Kawai SX-240. Also trying out some functions like mono-, split- and dualmode + portamento and glissando."

Kawai SX-240

YouTube Uploaded by Sjobeck7 on Nov 26, 2011

"To put your SX-240in test mode hold down C-E-G in the lowest octave while powering up, then release! Simply turn off to re-start."

Kawai SX-240 Analog Synth Demonstration on YouTube

YouTube via williamenroh of inside synthesis.
Update: I just found out this actual unit is up for auction here. Shots saved here for posterity. Also, there appears to be a second one for auction here. As always, be careful on the bay.

#ffs​ February Filter Sweep part 1 by SynthAddict

video by SynthAddict

Synths featured: Korg ARP Odyssey, DSI Polyevolver, Arturia MatrixBrute, Access Virus TI, Roland Juno-6, Kawai SX-240.

"In support of the movement against the recent YT algorithm trend of blocking/demonetizing basic synth filter sweep demos, I have made a simple collage of basic filter sweeps from different gear. Enjoy...more to come since it's early in February..
I was intending to get this done earlier but a busy work week and some computer/video tool glitches made it a rough time. All good now...
Sorry for the wonky audio/video and camerawork in parts, this was a rush job."

Note SynthAddict is the one who let us know about the #FFS YouTube protest. You can find additional details and demos here.

Kawai K4 Demo 1

YouTube via undrervapen

"Short video I made of me and a Kawai K4. all sounds are Kawai K4 presets, strait out the box. Many sounds I am playing trough the Kawai K4's internal DCF filter. Drums and effects are all factory Kawai K4 sounds and effects. The Kawai is an early 80's digital synthesizer that makes some nice clean sounds. The synth was known for its ease of use in programing. Fully midi in/out/thru with addition card input for more sound programing. The soft pads and smooth leads are my favorite for this syth."

Update via Doug in the comments: "the K4 was released around 1989. Definitely wasn't around in 1984 as the video claims.

Perhaps the video maker has confused the K4 with the SX-240, which was released in 1984."

Kawai K4 Demo 2

Una selección de sintes analógicos

YouTube Published on May 17, 2012 by Hispasonic

"Juan Carlos, de musicon.es, nos muestra algunos detalles de su exposición de sintetizadores analógicos durante la concentración que tuvo lugar en Barcelona el pasado 28 de abril."

Googlish: "Juan Carlos, musicon.es, shows some details of his exposition of analog synthesizers during the rally that took place in Barcelona on April 28."

Arp Axxe, Jen Synthtone, Kawai SX-240, Roland JD-800, Musonics Minimoog (see the Musonics label below), Sequential Circuits Prophet-5, Moog Memorymoog, Doepfer MAQ 16/3, Roland RE-501, Synthesizers.com Modular, EML Poly-Box, Moog Minitaur, Little Phatty, Slim Phatty, Moogerfoogers, and Voyager XL.

LinnDrum LM2 Original Presets

YouTube Uploaded by Sjobeck7 on Feb 19, 2012

LinnDrum - Kawai SX-240

Uploaded by Sjobeck7 on Feb 19, 2012

syntezatory.prv.pl - Kawai SX-240

YouTube via Jexus.

"2 May 2007. Brought to you by WC Olo Garb." syntezatory.prv.pl

"Bohemian Rhapsody" - on 5 organs...

YouTube via organfairy.

Interestingly this one kicks in at :51 as well (see last post).
"...and two synthesizers, two toy keyboards, and a computer soundcard. This is one of the most complicated arrangements I have ever done. Most of the orchestra was pre-recorded as a MIDI file that runs on the computer driving the Roland soundcard, the Yamaha HE-8 and ELKA X-30 organs, and the SIEL DK-80 and Roland JX-8P synthesizers. The parts that I am playing manually is performed on the ELKA EP-8 and X-1000 and Technics SX-C600 organs, the little CASIO SA-1 toy keyboard, and the MT-240 for the gong in the very end. I don't know if Freddie Mercury who wrote it was a genius or a madman. But it is one of the strangest pieces I have ever played.... "