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Description

Step into the world of vintage synthesis with the Powertran Transcendent 2000, a classic monophonic analog synthesizer that captures the raw essence of early electronic music production. Originally designed by Tim Orr in the late 1970s, this synthesizer has become a cult favorite among synth enthusiasts and collectors. Known for its distinctive VCO design and versatile modulation capabilities, the Transcendent 2000 allows for deep sound exploration, from warm, lush pads to gritty, cutting leads.

The Transcendent 2000 features a single voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) with a choice of waveforms, giving musicians the flexibility to craft a wide range of tones. The dedicated low-frequency oscillator (LFO) supports modulation of both the VCO and the filter, adding dynamic movement to your soundscapes. With its user-friendly interface, this synthesizer encourages creativity and experimentation, making it a valuable tool for both studio work and live performances.

Whether you're looking to recreate the iconic sounds of the past or forge new sonic territories, the Powertran Transcendent 2000 is a powerful and inspiring instrument. Its authentic analog circuitry ensures a rich, organic sound that digital emulations can't quite replicate, making it a prized possession for any synth aficionado.

Key Features:

  • Monophonic analog synthesizer with a distinctive VCO design
  • Single voltage-controlled oscillator with multiple waveform options
  • Dedicated low-frequency oscillator for modulation
  • Classic analog filter for warm and resonant tones
  • Hands-on interface for intuitive sound shaping
  • Perfect for vintage sound enthusiasts and experimental musicians
LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER

LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER

1970's DIY ANALOG SYNTH MAGAZINE KIT - The POWERTRAN Transcendent 2000

Video thumbnail for 1970's DIY ANALOG SYNTH MAGAZINE KIT - The POWERTRAN Transcendent 2000 by LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER

1970's DIY ANALOG SYNTH MAGAZINE KIT - The POWERTRAN Transcendent 2000

LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER

LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER

Video thumbnail for The Powertran Transcendent 2000 - classic Joy Division synth by SynthMania

The Powertran Transcendent 2000 - classic Joy Division synth

SynthMania

SynthMania

Video thumbnail for POWERTRAN TRANSCENDENT 2000 - The Coolest DIY Mono Synth Of The 1970's? by THIS MUSEUM IS (NOT) OBSOLETE

POWERTRAN TRANSCENDENT 2000 - The Coolest DIY Mono Synth Of The 1970's?

THIS MUSEUM IS (NOT) OBSOLETE

THIS MUSEUM IS (NOT) OBSOLETE

Video thumbnail for Powertran Transcendent 2000 - a few sound demos by SynthMania

Powertran Transcendent 2000 - a few sound demos

SynthMania

SynthMania

Video thumbnail for Powertran Transcendent 2000  - HQ by SynthDIY

Powertran Transcendent 2000 - HQ

SynthDIY

SynthDIY

Video thumbnail for Powertran Transcendent 2000 [ overview ] by midierror

Powertran Transcendent 2000 [ overview ]

midierror

midierror

Video thumbnail for Barney talking about MARTIN HANNETT’S TRANSCENDENT 2000 by ANDRE MORGENROTH VINTAGE

Barney talking about MARTIN HANNETT’S TRANSCENDENT 2000

ANDRE MORGENROTH VINTAGE

ANDRE MORGENROTH VINTAGE

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Powertran Transcendent 2000.

Build quality

  • The Transcendent 2000 kits show varying solder quality due to DIY assembly, with common issues in solder points needing reflowing and pots often appearing corroded.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners recommend checking power supply voltages first, specifically ensuring approximately +12V and -12V output from the PSU plug.

    Source
  • Regular maintenance includes replacing dirty or corroded pots and switches, which are available as off-the-shelf parts.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The kit's ICs are socketed, making them relatively easy to replace or work on compared to direct-soldered components.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Transcendent 2000 is ideal for those interested in learning circuit debugging and electronics, offering a hands-on experience typical of vintage synth kits.

    Source

Other

  • Historical context: The Transcendent 2000 was featured in Electronics Today magazine, highlighting its significance as a DIY project from the late 70s.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Bernard Sumner uses Powertran Transcendent 2000

Bernard Sumner

Singer, Guitarist

Joy Division

...
Verified via Photo

In the picture you can see Martin Hannett and Bernard with a Powertran Transcendant placed on top of Bern's Arp Omni.

See how Glass Animals uses Powertran Transcendent 2000

Glass Animals

Singer, Guitarist

Glass Animals

...
Verified via Mixonline

"He states its intuitiveness as a draw for creating Pink Floyd-like loops and ambient space-y sounds. He also managed to get his hands on a Transcendent Synth 2000, which usually comes in a build-it-yourself kit, but Bayley’s used to belong to Martin Hannett of Joy Division."

See how Thomas Dolby uses Powertran Transcendent 2000

Thomas Dolby

Singer, Keyboardist

Bruce Woolley & The Camera Club

...
Verified via Muzines

"Dolby's toybox still contains the Transcendent 2000 synthesiser that began his collection of musical diversions."

See how Biosphere uses Powertran Transcendent 2000

Biosphere

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Transcendent 2000 can be seen in this photo.

See how Ott uses Powertran Transcendent 2000

Ott

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Photo

Ott is shown using the PowerTran Transcendent 2000, a synth designed by Tim Orr, in a user-uploaded photo on Ottsonic. This synthesizer, known for its affordability as a DIY kit, is rated three stars by Vintage Synth Explorer.

See how Look Mum No Computer uses Powertran Transcendent 2000

Look Mum No Computer

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

throughout the video you can see his transcendent 2000

See how Martin Hannett uses Powertran Transcendent 2000

Martin Hannett

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Martin Hannett "At one time I owned around seven Transcendent 2000 synths, several ARP Omnis,several Jen SX1000s and a couple of Mini Moogs". Pictured is Martin Hannett with one of his Transcendent 2000's while working in the studio with Joy Division guitarist Bernard Sumner.

See how Erol Alkan uses Powertran Transcendent 2000

Erol Alkan

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

Item can be seen 1:43 into this video

See how Jerry Dammers uses Powertran Transcendent 2000

Jerry Dammers

Keyboardist, Composer

The Specials

...
Verified via BBC

In the BBC radio program "Soul Music - Ghost Town," at 12 minutes and 17 seconds, producer John Collins identifies the Powertran Transcendent 2000 as the source of the siren sounds used by Jerry Dammers in "Ghost Town."

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 Powertran Transcendent 2000, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1
Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus
Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus Combo Guitar Amplifiers
1
Korg MicroKORG
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1

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