SSMVC

SSM Voice Card

Overview Throughout the 1970's E-mu Systems supported the synthesizer kit community, helping enthusiasts who couldn't afford a retail synthesiser at US$2000+, but who could afford to spend a few hundred dollars putting together a kit of parts. The analog synthesizer modules in the Modular were available as pre-built sub-modules, without front panel controls and as a populated and tested PCB's.

E-mu Systems were able to go one step further in 1979, with the availaibility of SSM chips that miniaturised each synth module. Dave designed a complete monophonic synthesiser that fitted on a printed circuit card that was just 6" x 6.5". This card could be used by enthusiastic synthesizer builders to create a monophonic synthesiser or it could form the basis for a larger computer controlled polyphonic system.

We know of at least one musician who built an eight voice synthesiser using these voice boards, designing a modular like main system cabinet to hold them. more »

Voice Architecture The Voice Evaluation Board was a complete dual oscillator analog synthesiser, consisting of:

Two VCO's using the SSM 2030, with PWM, linear and exponential FM, and hard sync.
A single VCF using the SSM2040, which could be configured as high-pass, low-pass or phase shift.
Two voltage controlled ADSR's, based on the SSM2050
Two VCA's based on the SSM 2020
An optional on-board power supply
A 100-pin edge connector (S100 bus)

Revision 2 The Voice Card was updated to use the latest SSM chips, and later models used the SSM2033 and SSM2055/56.

Options The Voice Board came with user documentation and the schematics. It could be bought in three configurations:

1600K - Basic Kit with SSM chips and special components
1610K - Complete Kit with all components
1610 - Assembled Board, which has been tested

The Voice Board does not seem to have sold very well, and they are rarely seen on the second hand market. It was advertised in Polyphony, a US synth DIY magazine, and sold from 1979 - 1981.

Product Spec