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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
Videos
VCO8
The Incredible Sounds of Synclavier II (1981)
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
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The Synclavier II was renowned for its polyphonic digital sampling, allowing manipulation of real-world "found noises" within music compositions.
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Additive synthesis frames display 24 harmonics, with frequencies displayed from low (left) to high (right), impacting sound as notes are held down.
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It's mentioned that the Synclavier II's software architecture remains identical in modern recreations, ensuring authentic sound and functionality.
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Comparisons
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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".
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User experience
Value and pricing
Software and compatibility
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Modern digital recreations, such as Arturia's Synclavier V, offer similar capabilities for $150, showcasing significant advancements in accessibility and technology.
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Arturia's Synclavier V and SynclavierGO! iPad app allow users to replicate Synclavier II sounds affordably, expanding accessibility for enthusiasts.
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Setup and maintenance
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Maintaining a Synclavier II is costly due to aged internal cards, with few technicians having spare parts available for repair.
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Use cases and applications
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The Synclavier II was heavily used on Genesis' "Mama" album, showcasing its ability to blend sampling and analog elements seamlessly.
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Frank Zappa utilized the Synclavier II's sequencer for complex compositions, preferring it over live musicians for precision.
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Soft Cell's "Non Stop Erotic Cabaret" employs the Synclavier II on every track, demonstrating its versatility across an entire album.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 7 Ratings
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.
257
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.
40997
don't forget mid-period Depeche mode for synclavier 1 and 2 creating a lot of those cool resythesis/additive percussion loops...
Artist usage
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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.
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.
In a 1986 interview featured on YouTube by Dario Alenczyk, Pat Metheny discusses his use of the NED Synclavier II.
- an NED Synclavier provided resynthesized voices on the tracks Electric Cafe and Music Non Stop.
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.
In this 1984 photo, a New England Digital Synclavier II is visible in the background. Probably used on Woman In Red.
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.
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.
"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."
Album Usage
The NED Synclavier II has been featured on the following albums:
Why? (feat. Neil Tennant) [Superchumbo Mix]
Bronski Beat & Neil Tennant (2024)
Hardcastle X (The Eclipse)
Paul Hardcastle (2022)
The Cars at Live Aid (Live at John F. Kennedy Stadium, 13th July 1985)
The Cars (2018)
3-D The Catalogue
Kraftwerk & Kraftwerk (2017)
3-D Der Katalog (German Version)
Kraftwerk & Kraftwerk (2017)
A-Z (Remastered 2016)
Colin Newman (2016)
Astronomica
Crimson Glory (1999)
Strange and Beautiful
Crimson Glory (1991)
Dutch (Original Motion Picture Score)
Alan Silvestri (1991)
Predator 2 (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Alan Silvestri (1990)
They Live - Expanded Original Motion Picture Soundtrack 20th Anniversary Edition
John Carpenter & Alan Howarth (1989)
Money For Nothing (2022 Remaster)
Dire Straits (1988)
Music for the Masses
Depeche Mode (1987)
Lovely Thunder
Harold Budd (1986)
Crimson Glory
Crimson Glory (1986)
The Dream Of The Blue Turtles
Sting & Sting (1985)
Theme of Secrets
Eddie Jobson (1985)
Bachbusters
Don Dorsey (1985)
Selections From The Original Soundtrack The Woman In Red
Stevie Wonder & Dionne Warwick (1984)
Heartbeat City
The Cars (1984)
Hysteria
The Human League (1984)
Lite Me Up
Herbie Hancock (1982)
Thriller
Michael Jackson (1982)
Dare!
The Human League (1981)
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.
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