Multivox
Multivox
Also known as: Multivox/Sorkin, Multivox Sorkin
UnclaimedMultivox was an American synthesizer and effects brand that operated from the mid-1970s into the early 1980s. Originally established in the 1940s as the guitar and amplifier manufacturing arm of the New York-based Peter Sorkin Music Company, the brand was repurposed in the 1970s to import and distribute Japanese-built electronic instruments for the U.S. market, most notably from the Hillwood/Fi...
Multivox was an American synthesizer and effects brand that operated from the mid-1970s into the early 1980s. Originally established in the 1940s as the guitar and amplifier manufacturing arm of the New York-based Peter Sorkin Music Company, the brand was repurposed in the 1970s to import and distribute Japanese-built electronic instruments for the U.S. market, most notably from the Hillwood/Firstman company founded by Kazuo Morioka.
The catalog covered more than fifteen synthesizers — almost all carrying the "MX-" prefix — alongside electric pianos, drum machines and a line of effects pedals sold under the Big Jam name. Recognized models include the MX-202 string and brass ensemble (often compared to the Roland RS-202), the MX-75 Pulser duophonic synth, the MX-20 electric piano, the MX-3000 polysynth flagship and the FR6M "Rhythm Ace" drum machine. The Firstman SQ-01, sold in the U.S. under the Multivox banner, paired a small bass-synth voice with an onboard digital sequencer.
Multivox products were typically aimed at the budget end of the market and have long been a staple of vintage-synth and lo-fi enthusiast circles. The brand's instruments are commonly traded on the secondhand market through outlets such as Reverb and remain favorites among collectors interested in late-1970s Japanese-built analog gear.
Multivox has 6 products cataloged on Equipboard, including Synthesizers, Effects Processors, and Univibe & Rotary Effects Pedals. Their gear is featured by 5 artists, with the strongest followings in Rock, Pop, and Electronic. Notable users include John Frusciante, Alex Scally, and Rhett Shull.
Artists Who Use Multivox
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