STEINER-PARKER SYNTHACON - Analog Synth Demo

video upload by synth4ever

"Steiner-Parker Synthacon vintage analog synthesizer demo. This demo of the rare Synthacon mono synth from Steiner-Parker features various sounds and tweaking. Filmed at the Vintage Synthesizer Museum in Los Angeles, CA.

The Steiner Parker Synthacon is a rare monophonic analog synthesizer produced in 1975-1979. It features 3 VCOs, white & pink noise generator, sample & hold, portamento, 2-pole resonant lowpass/bandpass/highpass filter, 2 ADSR envelopes, trigger generator, 49 keys, and a ton of signal routing via numerous switches.

Only a few hundred Synthacon synthesizers were produced, according to designer Nyle Steiner. It's capable of nice sounds of course, but it excels at chaotic and crazy modulations, squelches, ring mod tones, noises and has an extremely potent filter with resonance. The legacy of the Steiner-Parker Synthacon's filter design lives on today in some modular synth designs as well as some Arturia products.

It was a lot of fun to try the Synthacon and tweak it, as all the switches make it very interactive for quick signal routing. If you have the opportunity to try one, don't pass it up!"

Note a new SYNTHACON is in the works.

Steiner Synthacon VCF

Peng recently posted a Steiner Synthacon VCF for sale on AH. I asked him if he wanted me to put up a post and if so how long the images and samples would remain on the page. He gave me the go ahead to back everything up and put up a post, so here it is. You can find his contact info if you are interested in picking it up on his page. If the page is gone it's probably sold. Images saved here.

Stiener / Synthacon VCF
Built using a CGS35 pcb and a pcb designed and etched by me. This extra pcb adds an AP input with Wet / Dry control,
Bipolar FM input, and normal / inverting LP, BP, and HP input attenuators
Front Panel Express MOTM size and layout panel
Bourns and Spectrol pots
Sheilded cable for audio inputs

This VCF has a lot of charactor and many faces
Responses range from sweet coloring to extreme distortion
Using the AP input and Dry/Wet knob it can produce phaser-like sounds
Price: $250.00

Controls
FREQ - manual cutoff frequency
RES - Resonance control (sometimes called Emphasis). Turned fully clockwise the filter will oscillate
AP MIX - This control mixes between the Dry signal presented at the AP IN jack and the filtered signal. At the right settings you get phasing sounds.
HP IN, BP IN, and LP IN - controls the level and polarity of the input signal(s).
FM1 - bipolar (level and polarity) control for FM1 signal,
FM2 - level control for FM2 signal.

Inputs and Output
The four audio IN jacks (LP,BP,HP,and AP) can be used simultaneously. A spectral mixer. That is one of a handful of things that make this filter special.
AP IN - the signal presented here is routed to four places after it is buffered: The Dry side of the AP MIX pot, and the normalled lug of the LP, BP, and HP IN jacks.
Plugging into any of these jacks will disconnect the AP IN signal from getting to that input. A huge variety of sounds can be produced by plugging different VCOs into the seperate filter input stages.
LP IN - audio input for LP stage of filter.
BP IN - audio input for BP stage of filter.
HP IN - audio input for HP stage of filter.
1V/OCT - CV input for control of cutoff frequency. Commonly used for keyboard tracking. This is not exactly 1V/OCT! the filter will oscillate with the RES cranked but will not acurately track the keyboard. See the sound sample below.
FM1 IN - CV input for control of cutoff frequency.
FM2 IN - CV input for control of cutoff frequency.
OUT - Final output.

Important Notes
I could have ironed out some more of this filter's quirks, but I find that these quirks contribute a lot to the VCF's charactor.
I wanted to keep it as pure to the original design as possible.
Be forewarned, this design behaves very different than most VCFs you may be familiar with.
There's nothing else like it.

The output signal range is huge. Cranking up the input attenuators and RES level results in a large signal (I measured a little over +/-10V!). At certain mixes of the AP MIX pot and phase reversed input levels, the signal is well below +/-5V (assuming +/-5V input signals are used). You'll have to whip or tame this beast with an external mixer. Most times this is a nonissue since a VCA and/or mixer will commonly follow a VCF in the signal chain.

In the original design, turning the RES control would result in audible scratchiness. Once set the scatchiness disappears but using it a performance control was a no go. This has been improved greatly by adding a cap across the RES pot. Now it can be used while playing but the scatchiness is not completely gone. It is lessened by maybe 90% from how it used to be but, in some cases, can still be detected. This is not from a bad pot (I tried a half dozen different types)! It is a product of the circuit itself. It's nearly a nonissue but still, you should know.

High settings of inputs and RES will lead to unusual and downright unpredictable behavior. Not a bad thing IMO.

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Vintage Rare Steiner Parker Synthacon Silverface Analog Synth

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

via this auction

Update: check out demos of a Synthacon here, here, here, and here.

"Up for auction is this super rare circa 1975 Steiner Parker Synthacon. This is the earlier, silverface, monophonic version of this legendary synth that you'd be lucky to see for sale once a year. One of the few synths that truly deserves the title of "rare". I was able to create some jaw dropping sounds and I know I haven't even scratched the surface of what this synth can do.

The Synthacon is a 3 oscillator fully analog synthesizer. To the unfamiliar eye it looks a lot like the control panel for an aircraft. But this is one powerful synth that is capable of producing sounds a Minimoog would only dream of.

Each oscillator can be modulated in a variety of ways, including LFO, EG1, EG2, VCF, and sample-and-hold. It also has a pink and white noise generator. This synth is also known for having one of the best filters ever designed - it is super crunchy and the modulation routing is top notch. You can of course, get polyphonic sounds by blending the oscillators like most analog synths.

This synth has 49 keys w/ controls for Tune, Scale, Portamento, Range Select (8 octave range), and pitch bend.

You also have your other basic controls for attack, decay, sustain, and release, trigger rate, and sample and hold level."

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Steiner Parker Synthacon Model 174 Vintage Synthesizer SN 1270

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
Published on Nov 18, 2016 johnnyangel69

"Demo of Steiner Parker Synthacon vintage synthesizer. Admittedly I am not a synthesizer pro but just took this video to show some of the sounds that can be made with the Synthacon."

Update: looks like this one is for sale on Reverb.

via the auction:

"Here is an extremely rare Steiner Parker Synthacon Analog Synthesizer. The serial number on back is 1270 and there is also a hand written sharpie "1270A" on the bottom of the unit.

I picked this up locally here in Salt Lake City a little while ago. These Steiner Parker synths were made right here in SLC and as far as I know this unit has never left the state of Utah, but I do not know it's history so I cannot say for sure. The guy I got it from said he got it from a friend who claimed this may have been a prototype. I really don't know. All keys are working (check out video time 11:55) to show all notes from keys. This synth is pretty amazing but way beyond me as far as putting it to good use and making the most of it. I've uploaded a video here for you to check out the sounds this synth can make. Of course this video of sounds is only the tip of the iceberg as far as what this thing is capable of."

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Steiner Parker Synthacon

YouTube via matrixsynth

A new vid sent my way via vgermuse.

The grizzly bear of synths.

You can see the previous Synthacon vids here:
Steiner Parker Synthacon (with RC-20 Loop Station) live
Steiner Parker Synthacon (with RC-20 Loop Station) live 2

Steiner Parker SYNTHACON vintage analog synthesizer

via this auction
"All-transistor synthesizer in absolut top, rarely used all original condition from 1975 with polyphonic oscillator CV-ins.

- The machine is in excellent condition and works perfect, reliable, non-drifting nor detuning, seemingly never serviced but I can exchange capacitors on your request.
- No scratches, dents, broken parts, missing pieces.
- Rare duophonic keyboard version. Not all S&P Synthacon has this feature!
- It has one of the silkiest sound I've ever heard from a synth.
- 3 Oscillator each with different waveforms.
- Polyphonic CV-ins for each oscillator. Seems to be a factory upgrade ! ! !
- External signal processing input.
- Multimode self-oscillating filter: low, band, high-pass.
- TOP modulation possibilities: each oscillator can modulate each-other and so too the 2nd. envelope. So very complex FM sounds can be created.
- Extremely versatile gear. Much MORE than say a Minimoog. I'd compare it to the EMS VCS-3, AKS from this aspect.
- 220/110V selectable.
- Seems all original.

- My Synthacon has something extra feature which I haven't seen on any other Synthacons yet according the photos. I will test what it does and will keep you informed. Please take a look at the left-hand side front panel!

The Synthacon is one of the most expensive analog monosyth, so please bid accordingly! The machine will be sent very well packed. I profeesionally restore and sell houndreds of vintage synthesizers since 1993.

See my other synths and drummachines!"

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Steiner Parker Synthacon Demo via REwire

mp3 here

via REwire.

"I made a demo of my Synthacon, which I won after you posted the auction a few weeks ago (Thanks!).

This is a 2:57 song/demo using just the Synthacon for all sounds including drums which I sampled and sequenced. I knew this was the choice for Industrial style sounds and it does not disappoint. In the picture, the little Doepfer mixer module perched on top I use to scale the CV to play it at 1v/Oct. The Synthacon has multiple inputs on the back allowing me to modulate many of the functions with modular envelopes and synced LFO's to expand on it's own two envelopes and allow the third oscillator to be used for pitch rather than as an LFO. The Multi Filter, one of the most popular cloned ones, is what makes this rip but the stable edgy oscs are half the equation."

Custom Desktop Steiner-Parker Synthacon Demo Ft. Samatha Glass

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
Published on Jan 14, 2018 Switched On

"Our demo of the rare keyboard-less Steiner-Parker Synthacon. Hosted by Samatha Glass of Holodeck Records. Serviced In January 2018 by Switched On in Austin, Texas."

via this auction

"This original keyboard-free Synthacon is fully functional, recently serviced, and in very good condition. Service includes being full recapped, all pots and switches cleaned, and tuned & scaled. It has a rebuilt power cable and includes a Cinch Jones to 1/4" female jack for S-Trig in.

The Synthacon is rare and exceptional sounding 3 oscillator mono synth from the late 70's. It features switch based modulation routing with CV & Gate from the top. The signature Steiner Parker VCF offers rich filtering with powerful resonance and the 3 VCOs provide for stable robust sound source.

The modulation section consists of the Dual Envelope Generator, Trigger Generator, and Sample & Hold section. The Trigger generator is a square wave LFO capable of cycling the Envelope Generator. The Sample & Hold is fed by VCO 3 which allows you to route Noise as well as any of the waveforms for processing and can be triggered from either the Trigger Generator or the S-Trig input. Also any of the VCOs can used in the LFO range.

VC IN 1 is routed throught the S&H section, VC IN 2 is the standard 1v/Oct input, VCF IN is the CV input for filter cutoff, SIG IN routes external signals through the filter, and the Trig in is routed from the Cinch Jones port."

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synthacon farewell

Published on Aug 17, 2019 Todd Barton

"Sadly, I need to let go of my beloved, rare and beautiful Steiner-Parker Synthacon. Here's a recent look at it. I hope it finds a good home.
More details: bartonmusic@mac.com"

Todd Barton's synthacon was first featured back on November 11, 2006. You can find additional posts featuring Todd's synthacon here.

Steiner-Connolly Synthacon In the Works

Spotted this one over at Synthtopia.

Here's what Steiner-Connolly had to say about it:

“For those of you who haven’t seen it yet, the Synthacon is back!

This is an authentic, discrete, through hole recreation of this iconic 70’s synthesizer under the direction of Nyle Steiner himself.

We have added midi via a FATAR keybed, and a couple new features, but this unit has been tediously recreated right down to the original circuit board design and vintage components.”

The Steiner-Connolly Synthacon is available now to pre-order for $3,000 USD. Contact the company at support@steiner-connolly.com for details."

You can find tons of posts mentioning the Synthacon and various adaptations including individual modules and systems in previous posts here. One of my favorites though, is this demo by Todd Barton aka vgermuse. That sucker sounded brutal.

Steiner Parker Synthacon

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

via this auction

"For your consideration is a beautiful Steiner Parker Synthacon. The Synthacon has been recently serviced, and also has brand new keyboard bushings. If you're looking at this then you probably know that the Synthacon has an extremely flexible modulation architecture and amazing sound due to it's three oscillators and unique filter which does not cut out the low end on high resonance settings. You probably also know that these rarely come up for sale."

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SCI PROPHET 5 + DK SYNERGY + KORG MONOPOLY + STEINER PARKER SYNTHACON ~ Vintage Synthesizer Museum

Published on Jun 2, 2017 once upon a synth

"Demo of the Sequential Circuits Prophet 5, DK Synergy, Korg Monopoly and Steiner Parker Synthacon. The Prophet 5 is a vintage analog polysynth, the Synergy is a vintage digital polysynth, the Monopoly is a vintage paraphonic analog synth and the Synthacon is a vintage analog monosynth. I start off by playing melodic music and end with more experimental sounds on the Synthacon. I recorded these demos at the Vintage Synthesizer Museum here in California. Some light reverb was applied in post via ValhallaDSP Room."

Yusynth Synthacon Filter jam By Beshop

YouTube via toxictv

"Tr666, 2Osc,MiniMoogFilterClone,Synthacon,2Env, 1ANalogSeq,
EveryThing is build by my self Exept the TR606.
i film this becose of the Synthacon filter sound, that was pretty warm, maby its the 33° maby not"

Rare Vintage Modular Version Steiner Parker Synthacon Synthesizer

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

via this auction

"The fine item you are considering is a Rare Vintage Modular Version Steiner Parker Synthacon Synthesizer. Yes, it’s the rare modular version of the Steiner Parker Synthacon, but there is no “Parker” listed on the unit, only the “Steiner” name. The unit looks to be in excellent, well cared for condition, with the only issue I see being that one knob is missing (the knob from the VC Filter section) but the pot and pot post is still there and in good shape- only the knob has fallen off. I opened the back of the unit, and everything inside looks to be visually in good shape as well. Unfortunately, I do not have a keyboard for the unit, and I have no way to actually test the unit, so I’m selling it “as is”, although I will guarantee it to be as I have described, in excellent cosmetic condition, and looking like it was extremely well cared for. Please see my photos to have a look at this nice item."

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Vintage Steiner Parker Synthacon

via this auction

"The year, 1971, 16 years old from Japan, on a trip to NYC.Walk into Manny's Music in Manhattan. Excited that I'm getting my first "real" guitar, a new Gibson Les Paul Deluxe ( still have it!! finish is cracking nicely!!). Strange keyboard with a ton of switches catches my eye. Way cooler than the Mini-Moog I had seen before. My Dad, being cool that he is, urges me to check it out. Makes all kinds of weird noises. Gotta have it!!! Wow everybody back home, groove to Walter Carlos, pre Wendy, Morton Subotnick, etc. Awesome tones and crashes when I intertwine the oscillators, envelope generators, VC filters. Many a stoned headphone journeys taken. 2010, Synth hasn't seen the light of day in 30 years, packed away the whole time. Plug it in, move around the oscillators, and BAM, wacka-wacka memories!!!!!! I have no use for it now.But I know that it'll make someone's fantasy come true!!! The workout.... Every switch works, every knob works, every key works in tune ( all keys are uniformly stiff. they will need to be re-conditioned.. felt?) As you can see, no dings, a little dusty. This machine has never been played outside. Never been onstage like my Paul. Just in great condition for its age. Let me know how you would like it wrapped for shipment. Merry Christmas!!!!"

Update via Micke in the comments: "The Synthacon first appeared in 1975 so there's no way the seller could've bought it back in 1971. It's obviosly a typo.

Much more interesting than DM's use of this synthesizer is, in my opinion, its use on the Apocalypse Now soundtrack (1979). The Steiner EVI, synthasystem modular and double-synthacon are all over the score."

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STEINER-PARKER SYNTHACON MK1

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

via this auction

"We are delighted to offer this rare and powerful Mk 1 Steiner-Parker Synthacon for sale in full working order.

FULLY OVERHAULED BY JAMES WALKER.

Commission sale. Offers invited.

It's become ever-harder to track down these elusive beasts, especially in Europe. Not only were very few made, those who have them tend not to want to part with them. Going on first appearances, you might ask what is so special about this handbuilt American three oscillator monosynth? On closer inspection, one's eye is drawn to the rows of colourful switches that control the clever modulation routing that is one of the features that makes this synth so appealing.

Nyle Steiner's original Mk1 Synthacon is monophonic, as opposed to the later duophonic Mk2 units: the earlier ones are said to have the edge sonically over. Certainly the reaction to the first demos we put on instagram has been one of considerable excitement at the noises coming out of this machine.

CONDITION: In good cosmetic condition for its age. There are some signs of age to the face, including small spots of oxidation and minor staining in places. Woodwork has some wear. See photos for more information on cosmetic condition.'

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Vintage Original Steiner Parker Synthacon

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

via this auction

"Steiner Parker Synthacon original, recently totally overhauled/serviced. I think this synth sounds more interesting than most vintage synths like the minimoog/2600/synthi, it has a real wild 70’s sound with raw oscillators and juicy filter, it’s unpredictable sounding in the best way possible. Local pickup in San Francisco, please contact me prior to purchasing to arrange payment and pickup."

You can find a few good demos of the original Steiner Parker Synthacon from Todd Barton in previous posts here, and additiona demos thoughout posts here.

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An Unknown Prediction On the Minibrute

This is a bit off an off post, but thought it worth sharing as I got a little kick out of it. I was checking out this brute demo of a vintage PAiA 2700 by Jon Pyre on The MATRIXSYNTH Lounge. It reminded me of this video on the Steiner Parker Synthacon. I noticed in the comments of the Synthacon post an anonymous commenter stated: "Looks like something i'd love to see Arturia or Way Out Ware make an emu of..." :) I'm guessing the commenter was referring to a software emulation. Well, Arturia sort of did, but with hardware in the Minibrute which utilizes the Steiner-Parker filter. Of course the rest of the synth has to be factored in and no the Minibrute is not an emulation of the Synthacon, but still, I thought it was kind of interesting. You never know what might happen in time. There are some interesting comments in the post if you want to take a look back in time.

BTW, Doktor Future, are you still out there?

EMEAPP SONIC TEST DRIVE: STEINER-PARKER SYNTHACON Feat. DON SLEPIAN

video upload by EMEAPP

"That filter! Need we say more. The fabled Steiner-Parker Synthacon is a three oscillator beast of a portable mono-synth capable of immensely fat tones, is highly regarded for its tuning stability and is chock full of awesome control and modulation options. However, the star of the show is the Synthacon's peerless multi-mode LP/BP/HP which has cultivated an identity of its own and has achieved legendary status. Its a fantastic bit of electronic engineering and it truly behaves in a unique manner as compared to its contemporaries. Join Don Slepian as he takes a dive into the Sytnthacon and puts the filter through its paces."

Steiner-Parker Synthacon Minus Keys

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

via this auction

"Extremely rare "Keyboardless" module edition of the Steiner Synthacon. It has numerous entry points for external control (+TR and VC 2 would be your standard gate/cv jacks but there is also voltage control over the VCA and VCF, VC 1 for S&H, etc). The synth has been recapped, power supply regulators have been replaced and the switches have been cleaned to get this synth into fine, functioning state. All three VCOs have an insane range (about 17 octaves) so they can go from super-slow LFO territory all the way beyond the range of human hearing. This very well could be the only Synthacon in this form in existence; an undeniable jewel and overall ridiculously rich-sounding synthesizer."

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