Macbeth M5

I use a lot of analog synthesizers in my music so I thought it was time to start posting some nice examples of musical instrument design. I have always been obsessed with vintage analog synthesizer interfaces and although the Macbeth M5 is a modern analog synthesizer, it adheres to the design ethics of and pays homage to the modular synthesizers of the 60’s and 70’s. The color scheme and layout is evocative of the classic Arp 2600. There is something so raw and utilitarian about the construction and layout of these that’s just beautiful. If you look at the interfaces of modern digital synthesizers it’s all plastic eye candy and blinking lights. I must admit, I have never played an M5, but it looks so good I think I can give it a pass sound unheard. Photo Via Macbeth. I will start posting some examples from my studio soon.

6 Comments Leave A Comment

Justin Meyers says:

October 22, 2007 at 1:02 pm

Do you like the Roland Juno60? I want to say it’s the first polyphonic analog synth… but I could be wrong. Anyway… it’s a beauty. I was in a metal band, kinda like the locust that used this, so many amazing sounds and features.

http://www.synthony.com/vintage/juno60.html

Scott says:

October 22, 2007 at 1:07 pm

Justin-
I like a lot of the Roland stuff, but never been a fan of the Juno…It does have a nice look to it though.
I believe the Sequential Circuits Prophet 5 (1978) is credited with being the first Polyphonic Synthesizer (there were others but the P5 was seen as the first “practical” example)