EDP Spider

Back in 1978, this little gem burst onto the scene as one of the first digital sequencers with a massive 252-step capacity—way ahead of the typical 8 or 16 steps from analog rivals—making complex patterns a breeze on a budget of just £199.

Housed in a compact black and yellow plastic case measuring 25cm x 15cm x 6cm and weighing only 0.7kg, it runs on internal batteries for about 1.5 hours of portable action, with memory holding up to 2 hours more even if power dips. Programmable in real-time mode (up to 84 notes, capturing exact durations including silences up to 5 seconds) or step entry, it outputs stable CV/gate via a 10-bit D/A converter—folks even noted it stabilized other synths' pitch—and a proprietary LINK system to chain multiple Wasps or Gnats. Simple controls let you tweak CV range/scale (with exponential conversion), trigger polarity, and dump programs to tape; it syncs externally too, turning your setup into a preset powerhouse.

Vintage players cherish its reliability and Wasp synergy, though battery life and the odd non-functioning survivor draw common gripes in collector circles. If you're into raw, early digital sequencing, this portable brain fits right in.