One of the first analog synths to harness a microprocessor for patch memory, this 1979 gem earned its "CompuPhonic" nickname by blending hands-on analog soul with digital smarts ahead of its time. Designed as a monophonic companion to the Jupiter-4, it packs two detunable VCOs into a compact 37-key keyboard with synth action, wood side panels, and a layout of sliders, knobs, and switches that invite endless tweaking.
Dual analog oscillators offer sawtooth, pulse, square, and sub-oscillator options, stackable for thick monosynth punch or detuned via the VCO-2 Tune switch (A for chorus, B for intervals like fifths, or OFF for unison fatness). A resonant 24dB/octave low-pass filter pairs with a high-pass filter for sculpting, both fed by dedicated ADSR envelopes, while a versatile LFO with four waveforms modulates pitch, cutoff, or amplitude—even cranking into audio rates for FM-like clang. Noise generator and pitch/mod wheel add expressiveness, with 10 presets (Bass, Strings, Clavi, and more) plus 10 user patches, 8 performances, and 1 user performance stored via Intel 8048 control.
Vintage hunters love its warm, punchy leads and basses that hold up in modern mixes, though the mono/paraphonic limit and service needs keep it a collector's pursuit rather than everyday workhorse.
