OSC OSCar
OSCar | |
---|---|
Manufacturer | Oxford Synthesiser Company |
Dates | 1983 - 1985 |
Technical specifications | |
Polyphony | monophonic with limited duophonic capabilities |
Timbrality | 1 |
Oscillator | 2 digital oscillators |
LFO | 1 triangle/sawtooth/square/sample & hold |
Synthesis type | Analog/Digital Hybrid Subtractive Additive |
Filter | 1 resonant multi-mode (lowpass/bandpass/hipass) filter |
Attenuator | 2 ADSR |
Storage memory | 24 patches |
Input/output | |
Keyboard | 37 keys |
External control | MIDI |
The OSCar was a synthesizer manufactured by the Oxford Synthesiser Company from 1983 to 1985. It was ahead of its time in several ways and its later versions were among the few mono-synths of its time to have MIDI.[1] Around 2000 were made.[2]
History
When synthesizer manufacturer
Design and features
Harrison-Griffin's use of distinctive black rubberized components to protect the controls and main casing became one of the instrument's most distinctive visual features. He even built a dummy 3-pin mains socket into the ends to safely store the plug.[4]
While the basic structure of the OSCar is the common subtractive synthesis model, it has many unusual features and design quirks. The main difference from other synthesizers of the time was its digital oscillators and control system. The oscillators have an array of standard wave shapes including triangle, sawtooth, square and a variable pulse-width modulation, but the digital system also provides additive synthesis. New waveforms can be created by changing the amplitudes of up to 24 harmonics, widening the available sound palette in comparison with purely analogue synths. The two oscillators can either be played together monophonically, or the OSCar can be set in a duophonic mode where they keyboard controls one oscillator and the sequencer the other.[2]
The filter consists of two 12 dB/Oct
The OSCar has an elementary sequencer. In duophonic mode it allows the user to play a monophonic lead whilst a sequence plays simultaneously. Many sequencers at the time could only play notes of a fixed length but on the OSCar it was possible to lengthen individual notes or insert rests.[5]
Users
Although only 2000 OSCars were made they found their way into many professional hands.
Emulation
The GForce impOSCar is a software emulation of the OSC OSCar.
See also
References
- ^
Russ, Martin (2004). Sound synthesis and sampling. Oxford: Focal press. p. 153. ISBN 0-240-51692-3. Retrieved 2010-08-23.
- ^ a b c d e
Wiffen, Paul (September 1999). "LIFE OF OSCAR". ISSN 0951-6816. Retrieved 2010-08-22.
- ^ "Anthony Harris-Griffin (blog)". Retrieved 2010-08-22.
- ^ https://medias.audiofanzine.com/images/normal/osc-oscar-1516159.jpg [bare URL image file]
- ^ "Oxford Synthesiser Company OSCar". Retrieved 2010-08-23.
Further reading
- Mark Vail, Vintage Synthesizers: Groundbreaking Instruments and Pioneering Designers of Electronic Music Synthesizers, pub Backbeat Books (2000), ISBN 0879306033
External links
- The OSCar pages - website dedicated to the OSCar
- Vintage Synth Explorer - listing for OScar