DK70

Back in the mid-80s, this hybrid gem squeezed 8-voice polyphony into a battery-powered portable package, making rich analog-style synth sounds accessible without needing a wall outlet or breaking the bank.

It packs eight DCOs—digitally controlled oscillators drawing from an organ chip—for pulse, sawtooth, and noise waveforms, feeding into a shared SSM2045 analog lowpass filter and VCA for that classic subtractive synthesis vibe. Digital envelope generators and LFO handle modulation duties, with single or multi-trigger modes on the filter for monophonic bite or polyphonic spread, all topped by onboard chorus effects. Programming happens via front-panel pushbuttons across its 49-key (four-octave) velocity-sensitive keyboard, storing 40 presets plus 10 user patches, expandable via cartridge, and a real-time two-track sequencer captures performances on the fly. At just 10 pounds with stereo outs, it's a lightweight road warrior built for gigging.

Synth enthusiasts dig its punchy Italo disco tones and surprising depth for the era, though the button-only editing can feel clunky for onstage tweaks compared to knob-heavy rivals. A true vintage sleeper in Siel's lineup.