Aries modular

[terjewinther]

Hi,
Has anyone ever come across an Aries modular?
These were either DIY projects or readymade modules from the US, 1970s. I have some modules in for service right now that are in bad shape, and I am curious to know if anyone has used some and can tell what kind of quality they deliver. Generally I have only heard good things about the Aries modular, and it might be that when in good shape they sound swell. But I also see a lot of shortcomings from these modules and the design. This is the first time I ever see some Aries modules first hand, so any feedback on the matter is appreciated.

[EdisonRex]

I built an Aries around 1976-1977. I wish I still had it. Kevin Kissinger still has a monster Aries. You can hear it, as he has broadcast some streams with it on this site.

Generally, if I remember, the components were okay and pretty standard, after 30+ years there would be some deterioration. The circuits should withstand the addition of modern parts though, nothing was really that sophisticated if I remember, they did sound nice though.

[kkissinger]

After 33 years, my Aries still works to specification.

They used Allen-Bradley pots and they have not become scratchy after all these years. I have had to replace a bypass switch on the Phaser and have, in the past, had to replace the big capacitors on the power supply.

The oscillators are extremely stable.

I have made a few mods to the synth. I dioded the gate and trigger inputs to the envelope generators to prevent "backfeeding" of trigger and gate signals. I've added a Paia MIDI-to-CV converter to it.

The only module that I don't (and have never liked) is the output module because it is too noisy. However, not a big deal because I always just fed the output from the end of my signal chain (generally a VCA) directly to my recorder and/or amplifier-speakers. I want to rebuild the output and power module to bring the level up to +4dbv balanced output for compatability with the rest of my studio.

The keyboards have also held up very well. The contacts are self-wiping gold-plated contacts that never need cleaning. If a contact is intermittent then all one has to do is repeat the note a few times (this happens on some of the less-used high notes).

The Pitch-to-Voltage converter is really an awesome module that works very well.

How does it sound? Well, if you like Moog or Arp Synthesizers, then you probably would like the Aries.

If you purchase one, make sure that it comes with all the schematics. Since it is a kit synthesizer, the quality may vary depending on the skill of the builder.

Also, I power up my Aries on a regular basis -- this is important. An instrument that has sat in an attic for thirty years may require a major restoration effort.

The Aries is a precision instrument -- for example, if you want to do classical transcriptions, then the keyboard action and tuning accuracy permits this kind of use. The five-octave keyboard was quite a luxury in the mid 1970's. They utilize 1% metal film resisters across the keyboard voltage divider. The keyboards are two-voice capable. The voice output produces a voltage that corresponds to the lowest note that is pressed. The aux-voice output produces a voltage that is the difference between the highest and lowest note. Thus, to track the highest note one must sum the Voice and Aux Voice voltages.

The control voltages are standard 1v/Octave. The gates, triggers, VCO, and LFO voltage are all 10v peak-to-peak. Thus, the Aries modules are compatable with modern equipment.

I just posted some looped/improvised tracks at http://kevinkissinger.com/ariesinfo.shtml. You will also see a number of multi-track works and other Aries synth tracks from my tape "archives" there.

On my theremin page, I used the Aries for parts of the Franck "Prelude, Fugue, and Variation".

I'm not entirely sure -- from what I've seen my collection of Aries tracks may be one of the largest that is available all in one place.

We are holding a regional electro-music festival here (near Kansas City) in July. I plan to have the Aries there in the exhibition space and may use it for a set. Would be great to have you attend and you will get to experience the Aries and a lot of other homebuilt/DIY equipment there.

Here is a link to the Call for Participation:

http://electro-music.com/forum/topic-32546.html

(edit: I see that you are from Norway... well, would be great to have you at the festival however I guess from Norway to Kansas City is a long distance to travel! )

[Beermaster]

Wow - Great info there kkissinger !!

I also have a small aries system with 11 modules including a lot of later modules. I also have a load of schematics and an original owners manual too ( may pdf it if anyone wants a copy )

Beer

[kkissinger]

The Aries modules, at least in my experience, have held their specs.

I would like to add some more modules though I will have to build another cabinet. Here is my "wish list":

. One (or two) Klee Sequencers
. A fixed-filter bank
. A clock divider
. Some additive filters (i.e., distortion, wave-shaping, etc.) or some more "exotic" filters
. Convert the output driver module to produce balanced outputs at pro (+4dbv) level.
. A buffer amplifier to handle trigger signals from my MIDI-to-CV converter (the triggers are not quite gusty enough and I have to tie up a mixer to drive many EG's from a single trigger)

I can think of some other things I'd like, too, however that's the start of my list.

I would like to make everything myself (DIY) and would appreciate suggestions on filters/modulators -- etc that I might want to add.

[EdisonRex]

[kkissinger]

[terjewinther]

Thanks a lot for all the feedback - especially Kevin. I will check up on all those links and examples. Also interesting to hear about all the schematics and documentation. I do have a lot of schematics and docs, but should I need anything, I am grateful for all the kind help offered here.

[source66]

Hello Terje and all other's

Take a look om my Aries site for additional info.
If any one have any more schematic then on the site or any other Aries info?
please fell free to contact me.

http://www.leinermedia.net/aries/home.html

Robert Leiner
www.leinermedia.net
Sweden

[XpanderXT]

I had an Aries modular that I used live back in the 80's. It was only about a 9 module system or so but it could do a lot. I worked on two different Moog's at college and liked the Aries a lot better. It was much more stable than the Moog's for sure. I had it tied in with an Arp 2600 (grey panel). The Aries had a beefier sound than the Arp, thinner than a Moog.
I still have a catalog and all the schematics, reference manual and even the PCB layouts. I want to figure out how to photo reduce these to boards and make one again. If you get a chance at one or to fix yours, do it. They are not very complex and should be able to be fixed without any drama by a decent tech.

[andrewF]

I am really keen to see the schematic for the Aries AR-338 VCO.
From what I have read it seems to be a unique design.
never been able to find it......Can someone help?
cheers

[kkissinger]

One of my regrets is that I didn't purchase at least one of the AR-338 VCO's. I don't have diagrams or schematics for this, either.

I forgot to mention in my wish list above, that I'd really like to add a fixed filter bank to my Aries synth. I have felt that a FFB is a kind of "missing" link -- one of the modules that the Moog Modulars had that the Aries lacks.

[terjewinther]

I have the schematics for the VCO, and I believe I have the PCB layout as well. Will check and get back to you.

[andrewF]

go ahead make my day!!!!!
even just the schematics would be awesome
thankyou

[terjewinther]

The schematics for the VCO is already on the Leiner site:
http://www.leinermedia.net/aries/schematics.html

[andrewF]

I can see the AR-317 Mult-Waveform VCO
but not the AR - 338, maybe I am wrong but thought the 338 was a completely different design to the 317?

[terjewinther]

[Beermaster]

Hi Guys,

I have a 338 PMS VCO in my system and I also have the schematic and assembly instructions.

I also have a complete Aries owners manual with the extra sections covering the sequencer and switches.

I can get my wife to PDF the 338 Info if wanted

Email me privately on:

Lester@Lesterbarnes.com

Beer.

[Beermaster]

[andrewF]

email sent

[terjewinther]

Just a quick update on the Aries modular service that I have been doing:
The owner didn´t want a full restoration at this time, just the nececcary service to make it working (more or less). Thanks to everyone here I got the modules up and running. The power supply was scrapped, using a new power. Some details (exp./lin on the VCA and the odd input/output on some modules are still not working), but we got it running. Connected to a keyboard and/or an analog sequencer we got quite some interesting and good sounds out of it. It was easy to completely overdrive the mixer and/or the VCF, which created sonic mayhem, and especially combined with various VC processes this turned into very useful musical material. The owner will now include it into his studio, and hopefully he will find it interesting to complete the service/restoration so this can be a complete and useful musical instrument.
Thanks a lot to everyone who gave me feedback and schematics!

[CZ Rider]

Great to see all of the Aries users past and present here. Aries is one of those systems I lusted for back in the late '70s. I was going to get one back then, but all of a sudden polyphonic synthesizers hit the market, and I used my Aries money to purchase a new CS-80. ( Foolish move.)
Anyhow, just recently aquired a 14 module Aries 300. Thanks to reading this thread and the many great web sites like Robert L's and and Kevin K's, I have begun the restoration process. I'll post a few pics now, but will document the project and put up a page in the future.

First step, I need a cabinet. I chose 1/2" walnut.


My design will be two rows of 8 Aries and a bottom row of Frac to give me the ability to add newer/diffrent modules to complement the Aries. The size is for a portable all in one modular. There is a 3" valance panel on the bottom so a keyboard in front won't block the bottom row. Here is the first mock up.


Next I have to devise a method to fasten the modules to the cabinet. I chose an aluminum L shape with Tinnerman clips for 6-32 round head Allen Key screws.


Test fitting the finished frames. Having problems with the Frac, as the Blacet modules need suprisingly wide amount of clearance to fit. The MOTM dropped right in. Must redesign that part. Can see the black plywood bottom piece. After final measurement I'll trim the side length.

Well, I'm a long way from completing, but thanks to this thread, I have decided to begin this project.

[terjewinther]

That is so great!
I am really inspired by your story and the photos.
Keep it up!

[source66]

The AR-338 PMS VCO is now available on my Aries site!
http://www.leinermedia.net/aries/home.html

Thanks to Beermaster and his wife for the scan.

Cheers
Robert

[terjewinther]

Thanks for all the info and documents.
Photos of the serviced Aries can be seen in the top photo and the 3rd bottom photo from the analog synth service grathering here:
http://www.wintherstormer.no/concerts/20090620/20090620.html