All those mallet percussionists who feel inferior to their synthesist friends can take heart. Star Instruments have come up with a mallet-activated instrument that can sound just as peculiar as a keyboard synth. It is a four-octave, polyphonic instrument called the SYNARE MP, and it's capable of doing most of the things expected of a keyboard-activated model. The marimba-like keyboard can be split, allowing the player to sound two distinct voices at once — one in the top two octaves, the other in the bottom two. The SYNARE MP also boasts a four note polyphonic sequencer that is capable of remembering up to 16 different patterns of 32 notes each.

Other U.S. synthesiser manufacturers have been busy as well lately, trying to come up with competitive, low-priced models. Sequential Circuits' entry is the Pro-One, a mono synthesiser that puts a wide range of features into a compact package. It includes 2 VCOs with sawtooth, square and pulse width wave shapes, not to mention a 24 dB low pass filter with its own 4-stage envelope generator.

The Pro-One's digital sequencer is built-in and features 2 sequences and up to 40 note storage between them. Other standard features include an arpeggiator for up or up/down arpeggios, pitch and mod wheels, single and multiple triggering modes, etc. Its audio input with pre-amp lets the musician use microphones, guitars, other keyboards and instruments in conjunction with the Pro-One.

The latest idea from Oberheim is a polyphonic axe called the OB-Xa. It retains all the capabilities of Oberheim's OB-X while adding a few extras.

One of the new additions is a split keyboard function that allows the user to play one sound on the lower half of the keyboard and another sound on the upper half. There is also a doubling mode that lets the synthesist make two sounds with one finger. Other features include two-pole and four-pole filters, programmable transposition of either half of the keyboard, improved noise generator, filter envelope generator, pitch modulation of VCO 2 and a hold footswitch. The OB-Xa is available in four, six and eight-voice models.

E-mu Systems, a company known for its big, elaborate synthesiser setups, has come up with a small keyboard unit that does a lot. They call it the Emulator and say that it's 'a computer-based instrument that allows the musician to digitally record any sound — either live from a microphone or from a line level source — with up to eight-note polyphonic capability.'

It has a split keyboard function and a built-in disk drive that allows the player to store sounds on convenient 'diskettes' for recall later. The Emulator includes a library of pre-recorded sounds, more of which will be available from E-mu later. The company also plans to make some special function software (including a real time multi-track sequencer) available in the future.

U.S. sound modification people have been trying to stay on top of things, too. One of the newest devices from MXR, for instance, was created to meet the demand for a 'compact and cost effective chorus unit that produces realistic chorus effects and vibratos with a unique, automatic, one-control format.' MXR calls the product the 'Micro Chorus' and it has proved an instant success in the States. Also new from MXR are the Distortion II (which, the company believes, sets a new standard for approximating that warm, tube-amp distortion) and the Limiter, which produces a remarkably noise-free sustain.

Analog/Digital Associates, a small firm that has been making innovative devices in Berkeley, California, put a new flanger on the market recently. It includes an even/odd harmonic selector that 'brings a new dimension to flanging the ambience simulation,' according to the company. The flanger also has a voltage control input which lets the user control the delay time with either an externally applied voltage or the A/DA control pedal. And, the company feels, the flanger's special circuitry has totally eliminated background noise.

Another California manufacturer, Morley, also has a new line of effects boxes. The unique thing about them is the fact that they are both battery and AC operable. The six models include a compressor, deluxe phaser, noise gate/line drive, flanger, distortion plus and deluxe distortion.

All models include two light emitting diodes. One indicates that the effect is being used; the other indicates that the power is on but the effect is not in use. According to Morley, this feature helps eliminate battery and power drain.

New from Sunn is the SPL 4120 Dual 10-Band Equalizer, which is suitable for sound reinforcement and recording applications. It has two identical channels that feature a 15 dB cut or boost at ten ISO center frequencies, a level control with a 40 dB range, dual LED level sensing, balanced and unbalanced inputs, and a bypass switch that completely disconnects all electronics from the signal path, allowing level matching between the equalised and unequalised signal.

Whirlwind, a Rochester, New York firm that specialises in cords and cables for a wide range of musical applications, recently came out with the Medusa Multiple Wiring System, a product designed to make life easier for those cursed with the task of setting up p.a. and recording systems. The system includes a rugged cast aluminium stage box, riveted chassis mounted jacks and wire mesh strain reliefs. Each lead at the console end is reinforced at the stress points and provided with in-line cable grips and neoprene heat shrink jackets to provide reliable connections. The cable systems are all colour-coded for easy identification and all connectors for bi, tri and five-way systems are individually stamped for easy identification.

Acoustic guitar players who yearn for a natural sound at extreme volumes will be interested in two new transducers from California companies. One is the Barcus-Berry 'Insider', which is designed for permanent installation. The actual transducer mounts quickly inside the instrument without any need for tools or modification of the instrument, since a special water-activated adhesive holds the transducer beneath the bridge of the guitar. The output jack can be clamped to the rim of the sound hole or, for those who insist on complete invisibility for output jacks, an optional strap button jack is available.

Another transducer for acoustic pickers is the Dean Markley 'Artist' model, which boasts 'Inertia Mass Construction design for reproduction of both horizontal and vertical planular vibrations,' according to the company. The model is compatible with any amplifier; a preamp is not necessary. A special adhesive, which will not harm the instrument's finish, is used for temporary installation, and kits are available for permanent installation.

Companies and manufacturers mentioned:

Star Instruments, Inc., (Contact Details).
Sequential Circuits, Inc., (Contact Details).
Oberheim Electronics, Inc., (Contact Details).
E-mu Systems, Inc., (Contact Details).
MXR Innovations, Inc., (Contact Details).
Analog/Digital Associates, (Contact Details).
Morley, (Contact Details).
Sunn Musical Equipment Co., (Contact Details).
Whirlwind Music Dist., Inc., (Contact Details).
Barcus-Berry, Inc., (Contact Details).
Dean Markley Strings, Inc., (Contact Details).