The Sigma is an interesting bi-timbric synthesizer consisting of two sections: a genuine analog "Synthe" and a Preset "Instrument" section. All together, there are 19 presets on it that give a variety of sounds. There are 11 presets for the "Instrument" section which include fuzz guitar, electric bass, clavi, string, flute, double reed, trumpet, hammered percussion, etc. And there are 8 presets for the "Synthe" section that give variable waveforms (square, pulse, sawtooth) in different pitch ranges (from 32' to 4'). Each preset has its own rotary control to vary its sounds. The Sigma is also unique for its ability to combine the synth and instrument sections for a nicer, layered synth sound or effect. While the synth section is nice, the instrumental sounds (tuba, trumpet, strings, guitar, etc.) are pretty darn bad, and only get interesting when mixed with the "Synthe" section sounds.

Cool joysticks add multi-dimensional control. Use one to control pitch, noise and vibrato and use the second joystick to edit the low-pass and hi-pass voltage controlled filters! There is also an "Effect" section which is for Vibrato, Portamento, Sample and Hold, Noise, Key Hold, Multiple Trigger and Ring Modulator (each with it's own rotary control to vary it's sound). Even though it has a switch labelled "Ring Mod," it's actually a cross-mod. It lets you cross modulate between the instrument and Synth sections.

Ultimately, however, a basic design, limited edit-ability and a pure lack of memory and MIDI leave the Sigma far behind on the evolutionary scale (although it does let you play a quarter-tone scale). The Sigma has a metal music stand that slides out the back to hold your sheet music suggesting it may have been aimed at hobbyists, though it has been used by Jean Michel Jarre, Rick Wakeman and Keith Emerson. One user describes the Sigma as, "An absolutely terrible keyboard, that is utterly fantastic!"

ldt

February 25, 2010 @ 4:46 am

Sold my Sigma last year to help finance a Little Phatty. It had many problems due to its age and I was tired of repairing my old gear. However I have to say I really miss this crazy keyboard and the great sounds it could produce. Running it through a Sherman filterbank was lots of fun.

greg

January 18, 2010 @ 5:39 pm

Hey, but no 18 VCO's here, that's nonsense guys! It would make it 5 times bigger and more expensive. I see you are missing the point, VSE people, this was meant to be typical PRESET 1-osc machine, not exotic obsoleteness. Though, there are more filters than just 2, which is important for the thickness.

greg

January 18, 2010 @ 5:31 pm

I never imagined that *preset monophonic* (or - something that was supposed to be one) can offer so much! Though it has weird architecture, the thing IS a synthesizer, a nasty one. Even crappy "tuba and guitar" presets can can sound wicked, if you combine them and put them through tube fuzz pedal, for instance. But much more can be done soundwise, of course, with the cross modulation, joysticks, etc, the sound becomes more alive than many "serious" full features analogues.

Rose Specs

December 13, 2009 @ 10:46 pm

Got one recently and i love it... warbles beautifully with that wacked out aftertouch. Its messed up in a really good gritty semi inconsistent way... i'd be very surprised if any digital simulation could come even remotely close to it's reality. To me the Sigma has great presence, movement and wildness when multiple instruments and oscillators are blended/cross modulated but its a bit weak with just a few osc engaged. Raw, full of character, the joysticks rule, metallic capability, multiple attack/release options produce wickedness. A really unique pleasure.

JOE

September 22, 2009 @ 7:37 am

punk of a synth . i like this one as you can lose track of time on it. its great for messing around on.intreasting sound on sound article about this one.dont know if i would buy one when you could save up a little bit more and buy the likes of a yamaha cs 10 before they go through the roof.all in all a good synth but not much balls.

<654321>

 

Post Comment!

Your Name: (Required.)

Email Address: (Required, not published.)

Image verification: (required)

Message:

 

Posting Rules:
Please keep your comments relevant! Do not post requests for help, do not use for sales, do not post unless you have something interesting to say about this instrument, or we may delete your post.

I have read and understand the posting rules.