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Description

Dive into the sonic adventures of the Crumar Orchestrator, a vintage analog synthesizer that has been celebrated for its rich orchestral textures and authentic sound reproduction since its introduction in the late 1970s. Designed to emulate a full orchestra, this iconic instrument allows musicians to explore a wide range of tones, from lush string sections to commanding brass ensembles. Its unique polyphonic capability makes it a favorite among those seeking to recreate classic sounds or add an analog dimension to modern compositions.

The Crumar Orchestrator is equipped with five independent sections: Brass, Strings, Piano, Bass, and Clavichord. Each section can be mixed and adjusted to create a multitude of soundscapes. The synthesizer features a responsive aftertouch keyboard that enhances playability and expression. This model is especially revered for its distinctively warm and full-bodied brass sounds, which are enhanced by the onboard analog filter.

Musicians and collectors alike appreciate the Orchestrator for its straightforward interface, which encourages experimentation without being overwhelming. The comprehensive control panel provides access to a variety of modulation and envelope settings, giving users the flexibility to shape and define their sound with precision. Whether you're layering intricate compositions or crafting your own distinct tone, the Crumar Orchestrator offers a tangible connection to the golden age of analog synthesis.

Key Features:

  • Five independent sound sections: Brass, Strings, Piano, Bass, and Clavichord
  • Polyphonic capability with aftertouch-sensitive keyboard
  • Onboard analog filter for rich sound modification
  • Straightforward interface with comprehensive control panel for sound shaping
  • Celebrated for its warm, full-bodied brass and orchestral textures

Product specs

Brand Crumar
Model Orchestrator Synth
Finish Black
Year 1980s
Categories Analog Synths, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital Analog
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Synth Action
Number of Keys 61 Keys
Polyphony 49 Voices

FAQs

What kind of sounds can I create with the Crumar Orchestrator?

The Crumar Orchestrator is known for its rich analog orchestral sounds, including strings, brass, and piano. It excels in layering these sounds to create lush textures typical of vintage analog synths.

Is the Crumar Orchestrator suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Crumar Orchestrator's 61 full-size keys and 49-voice polyphony make it ideal for live performances, offering a wide range of sounds and expressive capabilities.

How does the polyphony of the Crumar Orchestrator affect its performance?

With 49-voice polyphony, the Crumar Orchestrator allows for complex layering and playing multiple notes simultaneously without note dropouts, making it versatile for both live and studio settings.

What type of keyboard action does the Crumar Orchestrator have?

The Crumar Orchestrator features a synth action keyboard, providing a responsive and fast playing experience suitable for synth and orchestral sounds.

Is the Crumar Orchestrator an analog or digital synthesizer?

The Crumar Orchestrator is an analog synthesizer, known for its warm, vintage sound quality and authentic orchestral emulations.

Andralyn de Bagschaghe

Andralyn de Bagschaghe

1978 Crumar Orchestrator Synthesizer Demo Disc

Video thumbnail for 1978 Crumar Orchestrator Synthesizer Demo Disc by Andralyn de Bagschaghe

1978 Crumar Orchestrator Synthesizer Demo Disc

Andralyn de Bagschaghe

Andralyn de Bagschaghe

Video thumbnail for Crumar "Orchestrator" demo by Synthdude by Synthdude

Crumar "Orchestrator" demo by Synthdude

Synthdude

Synthdude

Video thumbnail for Crumar Multiman-S / Orchestrator - Synth Review & Demo | Analog String Synthesizer by synth4ever

Crumar Multiman-S / Orchestrator - Synth Review & Demo | Analog String Synthesizer

synth4ever

synth4ever

Video thumbnail for Synthesizer Show & Tell: Crumar Orchestrator/Multiman-S by Learson Peak

Synthesizer Show & Tell: Crumar Orchestrator/Multiman-S

Learson Peak

Learson Peak

Reviews

PROS

  • Favorite among vintage string synths for its unique sounds

  • Piano and clav sounds are pleasantly surprising and ghostly

  • Brass filter pedal enhances sound quality

  • Full polyphony offers rich, layered music experiences

  • Design facilitates easy repairs

  • Built-in lock-top case for portability and protection

  • Rare, adding to its collectible value

  • Offers a distinctive '70s sound, versatile for various music styles

  • Grainy sound quality provides a unique auditory texture

CONS

  • Brittle plastic sliders are prone to breaking

  • Considered overpriced by some, with better alternatives at lower prices

  • Materials used in construction are cheap and fragile

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Crumar Orchestrator.

Features and functionality

  • The Crumar Orchestrator has a 'swell pedal' input, although some users find its functionality limited or unclear.

    Source
  • The synth is split into two octave groups, each with independent voice selection and parameter slide controls.

    Source
  • The brass section includes a self-oscillating filter with attack and decay, offering unique sound possibilities not typically found in similar vintage synths.

    Source
  • A string timbre slider allows adjustment from dark to bright, providing tonal versatility for different musical styles.

    Source
  • The onboard vibrato includes adjustable speed and depth, enhancing expressiveness for sustained chords and pads.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners often enhance the sound with external effects like a flanger to improve the perceived thickness, especially for string sections.

    Source
  • The bass slider can quickly overpower other sounds, requiring careful adjustment during live performances.

    Source
  • Ideal for creating big symphonic patches, pads, strings, and funky brass, making it suitable for diverse musical genres.

    Source
  • The Crumar Orchestrator is frequently used in Parcels albums, highlighting its appeal for creating distinctive string synth sounds in modern music production.

    Source

User experience

  • Running the Crumar Orchestrator through a PA with additional delay effects is a common practice for live setups.

    Source

Build quality

  • The synth is encased in its own rugged tolex case, contributing to its heavy but durable design, ideal for frequent transport.

    Source
  • The internal wiring of the Crumar Orchestrator is highly praised, even surpassing 70s Japanese wiring in neatness and organization.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners suggest spending around $100 to update old electrolytic capacitors or investing $25 to learn and do it yourself for longevity.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Running the Crumar Orchestrator through a phaser and chorus is recommended for enhancing its sound, particularly for the Mark I model.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Soviet-made Tom-1501, a rip-off of the Crumar Multiman-S, is noted to be less well-made compared to the original Crumar models.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Crumar Orchestrator / Multiman-S Vintage Synth Review – Synthtopia

synthtopia.com
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 4 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
k_g_b_

lush 70s

Attack of the 1970s porn composer! Or space jazz, or 60s retro futurelounge, or whatever you want to call it. This thing sounds like it should have been playing the lobby music in 2001 when Dave shows up at the space station and sits down on all that Ikea furniture with those Russians. There is a grainy quality to the sound here that I don't find all that common, but it's beautiful and I think this synth is worth owning just for that.

3emesexe

Fantastic stringer synthesizer

For Bowie stringer sounds around 80 and mean deep bass spheres

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jonny Greenwood uses Crumar Orchestrator

Jonny Greenwood

Guitarist

Radiohead

...
Verified via Photo

One small but notable revelation of the MINIDISCS [Hacked] is that the song Melatonin was initially called “Crumar Song”. The studio recording of Melatonin begins with a stripped-back arrangement of just two string synthesizers panned left and right, and these synths form the foundation of the song. The MINIDISCS version (at 7:19 on track/disc 7) is even more stripped back – just Thom and the string synthesizer. It’s a recording that feels much too personal to listen to, giving a glimpse of Thom shakily throwing down the barest sketch of song to review and refine later on. However, the title lets us know that the particular string synthesizer which Thom used for Melatonin is the band’s Crumar Multiman-S (marketed in the United States as the Crumar “Orchestrator”). If the Crumar was purchased while Nigel was building Radiohead’s studio in 1996, then perhaps Melatonin was inspired by this new bit of gear. https://thekingofgear.com/post/185552511800/radioheads-crumar

See how Nigel Godrich uses Crumar Orchestrator

Nigel Godrich

Music Producer

Radiohead

...
Verified via Photo

From left to right: Apple Macintosh, Moog MemoryMoog, Roland RS-09, unknown computer, Sequential Circuits Prophet 5, Suzuki Omnichord Q-Chord, Crumar Orchestrator / Multiman-S, Korg Poly-Ensemble P PE-1000, Moog Keyboard Controller, MIDIPRO 49, Akai S3000X On table: Baldwin DS-50 Discoverer, Korg MicroKorg, ? ? Korg MS20

See how Graham Massey uses Crumar Orchestrator

Graham Massey

Guitarist, Keyboardist

808 State

...
Verified via Photo

can be seen in this post from September 10, 2020

See how Louie Swain uses Crumar Orchestrator

Louie Swain

Keyboardist

Parcels

...
Verified via YouTube

You can see Louis playing different keyboards all around the video. As shown in the proof URL, one of them, the Crumar Orchestrator

C

Chas T. Gray

Wall of Voodoo

...
Verified via Photo

Chas can be seen playing a Crumar Orchestrator in this rare photo.

See how David Arnold uses Crumar Orchestrator

David Arnold

Guitarist, Composer

...
Verified

David Arnold is confirmed to use the Crumar Orchestrator, as seen in the video where it is positioned on top of the ARP Quadra.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Crumar Orchestrator, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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