Synare: Difference between revisions

The '''Synare''' was a series of [[electronic drum]]s made by [[Star Instruments]] in the mid-1970s through the 1980s. The Synare was a drum synthesizer, meaning that it was essentially a [[synthesizer]], but instead of being controlled by a [[Keyboard instrument|keyboard]], it was triggered by hitting rubber pads which were pressure-sensitive or programmable. Star Instruments, based in Stafford, CT, was owned by [[Electronic Music Laboratories|Norman Millard]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Millard|first=Norman|date=1980|title=Modern Drummer Magazine|url=https://moderndrummer.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/md17.pdf|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=|website=|page=10 Reader's Platform}}</ref> [[Dave Kusek]] served as chief engineer from 1975-1979.

===The Synare 1 (Synare Percussion Synthesizer | Synare PS | PS1)===

===The Synare 2 (PS2)===

This model was manufactured from 1976 to 1982 and was Star's flagship. It was very much like the Synare 1, with one oscillator providing sawtooth, pulse, or white noise. It added assignable functions, such as the ability to route the LFO in order to simultaneously modulate several parameters. The LFO also provided a sawtooth waveform. The pitch of the oscillator could set to a wide range of octaves, then fine tuned with a separate parameter. A major improvement over the Synare 1 was the introduction of a fairly advanced sequencer with multiple patterns, and the ability to change patterns and octaves on the fly. This model also featured sixteentwelve pads rather than the four of the Synare 1. The retail price in 1976 was $1,395.00, and as a result the Synare 2 remains a very rare item.

===The Synare 3 (PS3)===

Noted for its 'flying saucer' appearance, this was the first affordable model for most musicians. As well as the ability to be run on batteries, the model featured 2 oscillators with no variable waveforms, a white-noise generator, as well as a sweep function, which could be used up or down to achieve a descending 'booming' sound which was used extensively in disco records of the era. Oscillator 1 was the noise generator with a 'tune' function. The amplifier section had volume, attack, and decay controls. This model also had a low-pass filter with cutoff, resonance and decay controls and was manufactured from 1977 to 1982.

Very similar to its predecessor, but with an actual [[drumhead]] rather than a rubber pad. Had modulation route and depth controls. Made from approximately 1979-19831979–1983. Very rare. Can be seen in video of "[[Love donDon't liveLive hereHere anymoreAnymore]]" by [[Rose Royce]].

==Notable Usersusers==

* [[Alan Myers (drummer)|Alan Myers]] of [[Devo]]

* [[Gary numan|Gary Numan]]

* [[LolWarren TolhurstCann]] of [[The CureUltravox]]

* [[DavidStephen RobinsonMorris (musician)|DavidStephen RobinsonMorris]] of [[TheJoy Division]] and [[New Order (band)|New CarsOrder]]

* [[Merzbow]]

* Layne Rico of [[Our Daughter's Wedding]]

* [[Josh Klinghoffer]]