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Description

FEATURES:

  • Memorizes all parameters of all user-defined control panel settings
  • Groups of up to 64 memorized settings available at any one time
  • Instantaneous change time from one memorized sound to any other
  • Non-volatile integrated circuit memory modules, no tape, nothing mechanical
  • No loss of user's memorized sounds, even unplugged or with module removed, until user himself memorizes a new sound

It's called Integrated Memory Control. The result is the first completely programmable electronic music synthesizer. The programs are the user's own sounds set up with the front panel parameter controls.

The MCS 70 Memory Controlled Synthesizer represents a new concept in total integration of analog and digital operating systems allowing complete digital memorization of all parameters of the signal generating and processing modules.

Operating in the Panel mode, the audio result is determined directly by the variable panel controls. In the Memory mode the audio is determined by the previously defined and memorized panel settings.

A sound is memorized simply by pushing a button which cuases a digital code corresponding to the parameter control positions to be stored at the selected address (one of 64) of the memory modules.

Any sound may be instantaneously (5 milliseconds) recalled, even years later, after memorization, by pushing the corresponding memory address button.

Two memory modules each with a capacity of 32 programmable settings, are inserted in the rear of the instrument. Removing the module or unplugging the instrument has no effect on the contents of the memory. No setting is ever lost until the user decides to change the program at a given address. There is virtually no limit to the number of times the same address may be re-programmed.

Each module can be quickly removed and substituted by another containing 32 entirely different programs. Several sets of programs can be used, for example, during a concert. Each song can have its own characteristic sounds. There is no set-up time delay, and the performer can even change sound instantly in mid-phrase.

There can be optional interfacing with a floppy disk for expanded memory capactiy, or with any digital control source such as a mini-computer for digital control of complex sound structures.

Interfacing with other synthesizer systems can be effected by means of the rear panel standard connections.

Patch settings are controlled by selectors, switches and pots. No external patch chords interfere with the clearly laid out front panel controls, allowing easy and rapid operation of the instrument.

The 4 four octave keyboard has no mechanical contacts and enfrared emitter/photo-transistor couple is used for each key permitting greater velocity and sensitivity while eliminating such problems as bouncing and false contacts due to dust or rusting.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Audio Systems Electronics MCS 70.

Features and functionality

  • The MCS-70 is possibly the first synth with recallable memory patches, a groundbreaking feature for its time.

    Source

User experience

  • The MCS-70 is so rare that even finding pictures of it is as difficult as locating the synth itself.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The MCS-70 was used on the album "Automat," known for its Italia Disco style.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how Patrizio Fariselli uses Audio Systems Electronics MCS 70

Patrizio Fariselli

Keyboardist

Area - International POPular Group

...
Verified via Photo

Featured in this February 18, 2019 Facebook post. According to the liner notes of Tic & Tac, it was used on "La Torre Dell'Alchimista", "Lectric Rag", " Tic & Tac", "Sibarotega" and "Antes De Habler Abra La Boca".

ATTENZIONE! Notizia per i più malati! Il mio MCS70 (unico prototipo esistente) è in riparazione e potrebbe presto tornare a spandere gioia e rivoluzione

The story of how Fariselli acquired the synth is given here, where it is stated that Fariselli's MCS70 is the same one used on the cult classic album Automat.

“Ricordo il giorno in cui il mio Arp Odissey si ruppe irrimediabilmente, doveva essere il 1975, prima di un concerto a Roma: sound check nel pomeriggio, lo accendo e non funziona più. Frenetico giro di telefonate e mi suggeriscono di andare a trovare una persona che forse poteva fare qualcosa.

Fu così che conobbi Mario Maggi, uno dei pochi grandi progettisti di tastiere in Italia. Capì subito come non ci fosse nulla da fare per l’Odissey, perché occorreva sostituire una parte essenziale, e mi mostrò la macchina che lui stesso stava progettando, il prototipo che ancora oggi posseggo e che si chiama MCS70. Prototipo e unico esemplare rimasto, che comperai subito perché era proprio un sintetizzatore monofonico fantastico, immaginiamo un Minimoog all’ennesima potenza.

La qualità dei componenti era eccellente e soprattutto aveva 64 memorie, che rappresentavano allora una novità assoluta. Pensiamo al lavoro terribile che toccava sia a me che a Paolo Tofani in ogni situazione, di dover cioè tarare e ritrovare certe sonorità che andavano ricostruite ogni volta, consentendoci di poter sviluppare non più di quattro o cinque suoni a concerto. Di colpo avevo a disposizione 64 suoni memorizzati!”

On February 9, 2020, Fariselli posted to Facebook again to announce that the MCS 70 had been repaired.

Evento Storico!

Addì IX febbraio MMXX

Grazie alla competenza e alla passione di Marco Molendi, il mio MCS70, unico prototipo esistente progettato e costruito dall’ingegner Mario Maggi, è tornato a funzionare perfettamente.

Era inattivo dal MCMLXXXII

Ora può riprendere a spandere suoni strani, gioia e rivoluzione in giro per il mondo.

Later, on April 2, 2020, Fariselli posted a performance of the Patrizio Fariselli Trio's "Caterpillar" to his YouTube channel, in which he uses the MCS70 in it (as specified in the video description).

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