Pricing and availability

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The NED Synclavier II stands as an iconic piece of music history, blending digital synthesis with sampling capabilities that were groundbreaking during its era. Renowned for its FM synthesis, this powerhouse synthesizer offers a versatile sound palette that has shaped countless hits and film scores since its release. The Synclavier II is celebrated for its ability to produce crystal-clear tones and complex sound textures, making it a favorite among professional musicians and composers.

This synthesizer features a dynamic interface that combines a keyboard with a computer-based control system, offering comprehensive sound design options. With the Synclavier II, users have access to a wide range of sounds, from classic analog recreations to cutting-edge digital timbres. Its ability to seamlessly integrate with other studio equipment makes it a valuable tool for both live performances and studio recordings.

The Synclavier II's sound engine is complemented by an intuitive user interface that allows musicians to dive deep into sound manipulation. Whether you're crafting the perfect pad, punchy bass lines, or intricate soundscapes, this synthesizer provides the tools to bring your musical visions to life.

Key Features:

  • FM synthesis for a diverse range of sounds
  • Sampling capabilities for added versatility
  • Integrated keyboard and computer-based control
  • Seamless studio integration for professional use
  • Intuitive interface for advanced sound design
  • Renowned for its clear tones and complex textures
VCO8

VCO8

The Incredible Sounds of Synclavier II (1981)

Video thumbnail for The Incredible Sounds of Synclavier II (1981) by VCO8

The Incredible Sounds of Synclavier II (1981)

VCO8

VCO8

Video thumbnail for Jon Appleton demonstrates the Synclavier II (1984) by Matt Bucy

Jon Appleton demonstrates the Synclavier II (1984)

Matt Bucy

Matt Bucy

Video thumbnail for Synclavier II - Demo (audio) by SoloB3

Synclavier II - Demo (audio)

SoloB3

SoloB3

Video thumbnail for Synclavier II - Timbre Disk 7 by 100 Things I Do

Synclavier II - Timbre Disk 7

100 Things I Do

100 Things I Do

Video thumbnail for Denny Jaeger - The Incredible Sounds Of Synclavier II デニー・ジャガー (マイケル・ジャクソン 今夜はビート・イット) by mandarake

Denny Jaeger - The Incredible Sounds Of Synclavier II デニー・ジャガー (マイケル・ジャクソン 今夜はビート・イット)

mandarake

mandarake

Video thumbnail for The Incredible Sounds of Synclavier II (1982) by EDSynth

The Incredible Sounds of Synclavier II (1982)

EDSynth

EDSynth

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about NED Synclavier II.

Features and functionality

  • The Synclavier II was renowned for its polyphonic digital sampling, allowing manipulation of real-world "found noises" within music compositions.

    Source
  • Additive synthesis frames display 24 harmonics, with frequencies displayed from low (left) to high (right), impacting sound as notes are held down.

    Source
  • It's mentioned that the Synclavier II's software architecture remains identical in modern recreations, ensuring authentic sound and functionality.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Synclavier II's main rival was the Fairlight CMI, which was more sampling-focused and known for its use in Kate Bush's "Running up that Hill".

    Source

User experience

  • Early users, like Depeche Mode, found the Synclavier II challenging and cumbersome to set up and use, impacting initial impressions and workflow.

    Source
  • Owners highlight the Synclavier II's intuitive visual interface, making it accessible even for those not experienced with synthesizers.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A fully loaded Synclavier system could reach costs around $100,000, making it accessible only to top producers of the time.

    Source
  • Synclavier II units can range from $6k to $70k+, influenced by condition and ownership history, with Jam & Lewis' PSMT listed at $69k.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Modern digital recreations, such as Arturia's Synclavier V, offer similar capabilities for $150, showcasing significant advancements in accessibility and technology.

    Source
  • Arturia's Synclavier V and SynclavierGO! iPad app allow users to replicate Synclavier II sounds affordably, expanding accessibility for enthusiasts.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Maintaining a Synclavier II is costly due to aged internal cards, with few technicians having spare parts available for repair.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Synclavier II was heavily used on Genesis' "Mama" album, showcasing its ability to blend sampling and analog elements seamlessly.

    Source
  • Frank Zappa utilized the Synclavier II's sequencer for complex compositions, preferring it over live musicians for precision.

    Source
  • Soft Cell's "Non Stop Erotic Cabaret" employs the Synclavier II on every track, demonstrating its versatility across an entire album.

    Source
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 7 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
vohs
vohs

101

worse than a crack habit

spent 5 years building mine from spare parts. was worth the wait. most powerful sounding synth/workstation i have. even tracking into it imparts a very powerful and forward sound. no need for this review the countless albums made on it are enough. if you have disposable income and time to blow..... get one.

atonalmeasure

Ahh the holy grail of FM & sampling

Always wanted to see what the hoo har was about especially after hearing it all over MJ's Thriller album, Grace jones Slave to the rhythm and Paul Hardcastles work, definitely would love to have one for a while.

jimmarchi1

don't forget mid-period Depeche mode for synclavier 1 and 2 creating a lot of those cool resythesis/additive percussion loops...

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Pete Townshend uses NED Synclavier II

Pete Townshend

Singer, Guitarist

The Who

...
Verified via Photo

NED Synclavier II is in this photo.

See how Sting uses NED Synclavier II

Sting

Singer, Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via YouTube

In a live performance of "We Work the Black Seam Together," Sting uses the NED Synclavier II, showcasing its role in the pre-production phase of his solo career. This is documented in a YouTube video by bedz2big.

See how Frank Zappa uses NED Synclavier II

Frank Zappa

Singer, Guitarist

The Plastic Ono Band

...
Verified via Photo

Frank used the Synclavier on his last albums, mostly triggered via guitar.

See how Martin L. Gore uses NED Synclavier II

Martin L. Gore

Singer, Guitarist

Depeche Mode

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "Depeche Mode, Berlin 1984, Recording Sessions" by Daniel Haro, at 2:55, Martin L. Gore is seen attempting to play the sequence to the song "Lie to Me" on a NED Synclavier II.

See how Pat Metheny uses NED Synclavier II

Pat Metheny

Guitarist, Bassist

Pat Metheny Group

...
Verified via YouTube

In a 1986 interview featured on YouTube by Dario Alenczyk, Pat Metheny discusses his use of the NED Synclavier II.

See how Kraftwerk uses NED Synclavier II

Kraftwerk

Composer, Music Producer

Kraftwerk

...
Verified via Kraftwerkfaq
  • an NED Synclavier provided resynthesized voices on the tracks Electric Cafe and Music Non Stop.
See how Nile Rodgers uses NED Synclavier II

Nile Rodgers

Singer, Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Duran Duran

Nile Rodgers used the NED Synclavier II during the production of Duran Duran's song "The Reflex." As stated by John Taylor of Duran Duran, "Little did we know he’d just got this instrument called the Synclavier, which was basically a sampling keyboard, and he was able to sample vocal parts, tune them and play them back in." This information is sourced from an interview published by Duran Duran, authored by Katy Krassner.

See how Stevie Wonder uses NED Synclavier II

Stevie Wonder

Singer, Drummer

U.S.A. for Africa

...
Verified via Photo

In this 1984 photo, a New England Digital Synclavier II is visible in the background. Probably used on Woman In Red.

See how Michael Jackson uses NED Synclavier II

Michael Jackson

Singer, Composer

The Jackson 5

...
Verified via Keyboardmag

In the section of the source URL's page called THEN: "The Vintage Keys of Thriller" by Michael Boddicker, the studio engineers working with MIchael Jackson are said to have used a Synclavier.

Quote: "The “Beat It” digital gong. Tom Bähler played a demo sound that came with his Synclavier — literally a factory patch, right out of the box." Although referred to simply as a "Synclavier", the accompanying image is apparently of a Synclavier II.

See how Tony Banks uses NED Synclavier II

Tony Banks

Singer, Keyboardist

Genesis

...
Verified via Photo

A NED Synclavier can be seen on the left of Tony, standing on top.

See how Herbie Hancock uses NED Synclavier II

Herbie Hancock

Keyboardist

The Headhunters

...
Verified via Herbie Hancock

Used on Lite Me Up and more, as specified in Herbie Hancock’s Electronic Instrument Glossary from September 14, 2016.

Synclavier Digital – First made in 1979, this digital polyphonic sampling synthesizer was known as the top of the line and could cost as much as $200,000. It featured a full-size weighted keyboard with sixty-four note polyphony. Herbie first used this instrument on his 1982 album Lite Me Up.

See how Gary Numan uses NED Synclavier II

Gary Numan

Singer, Guitarist

Tubeway Army

...
Verified via Muzines

"There is quite a lot of synth on the album though, including the Roland JX-8P, the Yamaha DX7, some Emulator sounds sampled into the PPG, and even a Synclavier which we had for a short time. It's a good machine, but it takes too long to get into and it's much too expensive. I'm interested in the idea of replacing the conventional studio with the 'tapeless studio', and if Synclavier get the long-term sampling onto hard disk working perfectly, you'll be able to do that even for the vocals. But the system best suits someone like Paul Hardcastle who's doing a lot of well-paid production work with it - my production work is done as a favour for the other bands on the label."

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 NED Synclavier II, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

1 alternative for NED Synclavier II, curated by the Equipboard community.

More Synthesizers

Sequential Prophet-6

$3,444.00 - $3,499.99

# 1

Rank

Kevin Parker Thom Yorke Trent Reznor
168 artists using
Moog Grandmother

$999.00 - $1,084.00

# 4

Rank

Dominic Fike Deadmau5 Martin Garrix
51 artists using
Korg Minilogue

$411.00 - $699.99

# 10

Rank

Aphex Twin King Krule Misha Mansoor
132 artists using
Moog Subsequent 37

$1,496.00 - $1,899.00

# 14

Rank

Skrillex Neil Halstead Charlie Puth
68 artists using
Arturia MicroBrute

$301.69 - $652.00

# 15

Rank

John Dwyer Noisia Adrian Utley
64 artists using
Korg MicroKORG

$389.00 - $538.00

# 16

Rank

Kevin Parker Trent Reznor Joe Duplantier
323 artists using
Yamaha Reface DX

$279.00 - $449.99

# 18

Rank

Mac DeMarco Aphex Twin Taylor Swift
34 artists using
Korg MS-20 Mini

$497.44 - $899.99

# 20

Rank

Kevin Parker Mike Shinoda Deadmau5
92 artists using
Roland AIRA SYSTEM-1

$749.99 - $1,763.18

# 21

Rank

Nick Reinhart Porter Robinson Liam Howlett
53 artists using
Yamaha Reface CS

$79.99 - $495.44

# 22

Rank

Mac DeMarco Fred again.. Justin Vernon
48 artists using
Moog Matriarch

$1,709.10 - $1,948.00

# 24

Rank

Thom Yorke Fred again.. Deadmau5
39 artists using
Roland AIRA TB-3

$309.99 - $915.00

# 27

Rank

David Guetta Jean Michel Jarre Richie Hawtin
52 artists using
Moog Minimoog Model D

$3,999.00 - $4,999.00

# 28

Rank

Kevin Parker Paul McCartney Mac DeMarco
330 artists using
Roland Boutique JU-06

$479.99 - $1,099.00

# 31

Rank

Mike Shinoda Matthew Healy Damon Albarn
35 artists using
Behringer Model D

$166.00 - $299.00

# 32

Rank

Mac DeMarco Clay Parton The Real Mike Dean
28 artists using
Novation Mininova

$389.00 - $529.99

# 34

Rank

Suga (Agust D) Jean Michel Jarre Bonobo
39 artists using
Korg Volca Bass

$119.99 - $159.99

# 38

Rank

Richie Hawtin Eric Avery Amir Derakh
39 artists using
See also: Synthesizers

Community setups

Gear Guides