Macbeth synthesisers ?

Patchmouse · Joined: Sep 27, 2006 Posts: 136 Location: London

Hi all, I want to buy an analogue synthesizer, and the Macbeth M5 is on my short list, bu I can't seem to find a contact address or telephone number for the guy ? has he gone out of business ? the website seems to be partly disabled, can anyone help me ? I'm also interested in getting a Buchla 200e, and I was wondering how to go about this as I'm based in the UK, I do intend to ring Buchla Associates about this nearer the time, but I was wondering if anyone has had problems importing equipment like this from the USA ?

Patchmouse.

EdisonRex · Posted: Wed Nov 02, 2011 4:31 am Post subject:

Ken MacBeth is very much alive, kicking and on Facebook. The M5 is long out of production, but you can check up on him at http://www.macbethstudiosystems.com/

EdisonRex · Posted: Wed Nov 02, 2011 4:36 am Post subject:

RL Music, by the way, was the UK importer of Buchla (and Metasonix) for a long time. Richard (Lawson) is now doing the Touch Digital controllers (ImpOSCAR) with Kent Spong. You might check with him at least about what he knows about Buchla systems in the UK.

Patchmouse · Joined: Sep 27, 2006 Posts: 136 Location: London

Thanks Edison, but I still can't find a phone number or email for the guy, his website doesn't provide either, only information about modules etc, weird....I clicked the link you gave me, and no luck, no phone, no contact info.

I'm trying to draw up a short-list of possible current analogue modular synth's to buy, I'm down to an Analogue Systems RS800 or the Buchla 200e, although the Buchla isn't strictly analogue, as it uses digital technology in the 200e, and it does sound different to the 200. The Macbeth M5 attracted me because I loved the original ARP2600, but it was so unreliable, and the thought of owning something similar but more reliable was tempting, although I was told it wasn't a clone, sound wise, so the jury is still out !

Thank's for the Buchla info BTW.....

Patchmouse.

Patchmouse · Joined: Sep 27, 2006 Posts: 136 Location: London

PS, I really don't care about budget etc, I have a set amount set aside to buy back some "nostalgia" and to maybe jolt me into working in a different way from using software synth's, it really is as simple as that. Music isn't my main source of income, so it's not that important as it doesn't have to "justify" it's importance. So, if this thing just sits in my studio and makes a few strange and inspiring noises now and again it's earned its keep !

Paychnouse.

elektro80 · Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2011 5:04 pm Post subject:

Possibly off topic, but a good alternative to the M5 could be a configuration similar to the M5 of modules from Roger Arrick - http://www.synthesizers.com

Brilliant products, and these will play well with modules from other vendors too. Obviously a 100% correct copy" of the M5 couldn´t be built this way, but instead something similar that sounds equally powerful and is just as musically interesting.

EdisonRex · Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2011 5:13 pm Post subject:

patchmouse - PM me and I'll send you some details for Ken. He does check in here from time to time but he is a busy guy. His new full size modular stuff is pretty impressive and he's also working on a micro modular. I just don't feel comfortable posting it here.

Patchmouse · Joined: Sep 27, 2006 Posts: 136 Location: London

Hi, I rang RL Music, unfortunately they are no longer representing Buchla regarding the 200e, so if I do want one I'll have to order it directly from Buchla, shipping, and import duty, plus VAT may make this just not viable. Buchla do not have any European connections right now. I have spoken to Analogue Systems regarding one of they're large modular systems, so that's been added to my even shorter....shortlist ! Smile

Patchmouse.

YashN · Joined: Jun 27, 2011 Posts: 58 Location: Canada

Patchmouse · Joined: Sep 27, 2006 Posts: 136 Location: London

Hi thanks, yes, I have tried the contacts menu, but nothing ! I think he may be updating his site ?

Thank's....

Patchmouse.

YashN · Joined: Jun 27, 2011 Posts: 58 Location: Canada

Patchmouse · Joined: Sep 27, 2006 Posts: 136 Location: London

Thanks, I'm using an ad blocker, so that may stopped the page,

Thank's again....

Patchmouse.

Muied Lumens · Posted: Thu Nov 24, 2011 1:33 pm Post subject:

Hi Patchmouse, did you see this?

http://electro-music.com/forum/topic-50718.html

...

Patchmouse · Joined: Sep 27, 2006 Posts: 136 Location: London

Hi Lumens, thanks for that, I'll keep an eye on it....I've had thoughts about getting an ARP2600, but having owned vintage equipment before, and having the nightmare of constant repair bills, something new makes more sense, even though it may not be quite the same, I don't want to be that anal about it.

Take care.

Patchmouse.

LektroiD · Posted: Tue Nov 29, 2011 6:21 pm Post subject:

I've just sent Ken a message linking this thread, hopefully he'll be in touch...

Have you seen his latest creation; Mk1 Modular? That might also be of interest to you Smile

ken macbeth · Joined: Feb 17, 2009 Posts: 3 Location: edinburgh, UK

Hi All- and thanks Lektroid for passing the message on!

Yes- Patchmouse, my prefered way of communication (initially) is always by email. I last had a phone number on my site back in around 2003. There were quite a number of folks who just wanted to phone for a chat- which at times could be well lengthy! - I couldn't keep up with the calls and trying to get things done so I ditched it. Also- during the production of the M5 (early days) a fellow synth manufacturer suggested that I only use my distributors for sales instead of direct from myself. Distributors tend to buy in more stock when they know that they are the outlet! The same manufacturer suggested that I do modules as well- this was good advice!
Regarding the M5/M5N- although that was a fantastic unit- and a unit that I'm proud of- the cost involved proved to expensive as were the logistics of shipping. The average price to ship to the States was around the £500.00 mark- and it wasn't much cheaper to ship the 32Kg package to the EU- that it was! When I stepped into the modular market- it allowed some design changes to the circuits- where I could make purely discrete circuits, I did- it also allowed more freedom around the designs- and thus came the X-Series modules and the new Mk1 modules.
I am once again due to update the website (when I get time) with information regarding the 6 space 5U Mk1 VORTEX module that is also to be a desktop synth and a keyboard synth! I'm using all my energy on these guys just now- with the hope to show them at NAMM!

Patchmouse · Joined: Sep 27, 2006 Posts: 136 Location: London

This is more or less what I've replied to Lektroid, but I thought I may as well post it here.....

Thanks to Ken Macbeth for replying to my post. This is more or less where I'm at at the moment...... I'll contact Ken Macbeth as soon as I've made-up my mind, I don't want to waste anyone's time. I know what the Buchla is like, and it ticks all the boxes for me apart from the actual sound quality, the latest 200e isn't actually "all" analogue, it contains a lot of FM and digital circuitry, and you can definitely tell the difference in sound compared to the older 200, it's more "metallic" which I'm not keen on myself. Also, I know I have a bit of spare money right now, but the total cost of importing a 200e is really OTT, TBQH. The Macbeth synth's from what I have heard on the net, and gathered from the design, are very much based on the Moog philosophy, with a traditional "musical" module list with a big beefy sound, I'm looking for that sound, but with the quirkiness of the Buchla, with lots of random possibilities, so I haven't really come to any conclusions yet.

Patchmouse.

joaopaulo · Joined: Nov 30, 2011 Posts: 2 Location: Brazil

I just purchased an M5 but I am having some issues that perhaps you could help me resolve.

The Spring Reverb does not work and the envelopes only work if there is CV and Gate connected.

Since I am new to modular systems perhaps I am missing something here. Are there any adjustments that I have to do for the spring reverb to work?

Do the envelopes only work if there is CV and Gate present?

Thank you very much
Joao

ken macbeth · Joined: Feb 17, 2009 Posts: 3 Location: edinburgh, UK

Hi Joao- I sent this email reply of to you a moment ago!

'Hi Joao- thanks for your message.

If the reverb is not working- there is a possibility of three things- 1. The tank has been damaged in transit- if so, one can be obtained from Accutronics, its a long type 9 tank- http://www.accutronicsreverb.com/ 2. The connectors to the tank may have come away in transport. 3. The previous owner may have removed the tank for wall mounting it.
Also- make sure that you have the reverb sliders in the up position- the easy way to test is if you insert an audio oscillator to the reverb input.

Regarding the Envelopes- there are two operations to acctuate them- a Gate signal applied and the manual trigger button. Try setting the EGs to having no attack and press the manual trigger button- you should see the LED indicators light up if this is working!

I hope that thse answers help you...

Best Wishes, Ken'

joaopaulo · Joined: Nov 30, 2011 Posts: 2 Location: Brazil

Hi Ken,

I opened the M5 and the spring reverb's cables were in place, the 3 springs are NOT broken and everything seems to be OK visually. If replacement is needed, Accutronics offers 3 type 9 tanks. They are:

Accutronics Reverb Tank 9AB2C1B.
10 ohm input, 2,575 ohm output, medium decay, type 9, 3 spring.

Accutronics Reverb Tank 9AB3C1B.
10 ohm input, 2,575 ohm output, long decay, type 9, 3 spring.

Accutronics Reverb Tank 9EB2C1B.
800 ohm input, 2,575 ohm output, medium decay, type 9, 3 spring.

Which of the 3 is the correct one to buy?

Thanks
Joao