How do I know if my old synth is real analogue?

vexkon · Joined: Sep 06, 2006 Posts: 15 Location: bosstown

I bought an old elka keyboard (the X-109) and wondered if it might be analogue? I wasn't sure how I would be able to tell because there's no information on the net about it.

Thanks for any guidance.

elektro80 · Posted: Fri Apr 06, 2007 3:01 am Post subject:

Please post some pictures of it. Very Happy

vexkon · Joined: Sep 06, 2006 Posts: 15 Location: bosstown

Ok, when I get home I'll take some pics and post them up. Smile

The Why Project · Posted: Fri Apr 06, 2007 5:39 am Post subject:

The Elka x-109 is a so-called combo organ, and I think it dates from somewhere in the latter half of the 70ies. As far as I know, it's an early
version of the more known x-19T

Those things most often work with a frequency divider cirquit after an analogue oscillator. If the organ is fully polyphonic, this is most certainly
the case...
The other (flute etc) will most probably work with 'normal' square wave
oscillators and filters.

Also, in that time there was hardly any (affordable) digital technology around, so I would say with 99% certainty that this device is indeed fully
analogue.
The only question now is if it's built of fully discrete components, or if IC's are used...

Regards,

The Why Project

vexkon · Joined: Sep 06, 2006 Posts: 15 Location: bosstown

Thanks for the clarification The Why Project Very Happy

. Yes it is fully polyphonic, (haven't tested out how many notes I can play yet though) and the flutes are definately square waves.

There are preset fx on there namely a delay vibrato and reverb (which has a wet dry) so they must be analogue as well.

ICs?

Guess they did make a couple of proper synths including the synthex which I guess has a real dirty sound, wish I could here that one.