Vintage Synth Explorer

Crumar • DS-2

The DS-2 is basically a monosynth with an added 44-voice polyphonic strings section. The DS-2 was one of the first synthesizers to use DCOs (digitally controlled osc.) making it stable in tune but maybe not as fat as VCO synthesizers. That isn't to say it can't sound fat...it can. Especially if you use the polyphonic string section and apply some slow LFO modulation to the pitch. This is a very big and good looking synth with a lot of knobs for instant hands-on control. And you don't need a hardcase, it's built into one. Just lift the cover and there it is (smart!).

FYI: This is possibly one of the most unreliable synths when found on the used market! Models almost always have failed components in either the monosynth or polysynth stages. Most frequently encountered are failures of one or both DCOs, or the entire polysynth stage in of itself. Purchase of a DS-2 can be a VERY risky proposition!

What's good about it then? Well it has two nice LFOs, one with S&H and staircase waveforms. You can use either or both LFOs for modulation of Osc 1, Osc 2, VCF and the VCA. Pulse-width can be set manually or modulated by either LFO. The VCF is killer, it has a nice Moog sound in it that fattens up the sound. The two ADSRs are very fast so there's no problem making bass and drum sounds with it. It has an external input for processing other sounds through its lovely filter too. It is used by Cirrus, the Cardigans, Tambourine Studio, and Sun Ra.

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MartinL

Posted 220 days ago

I play DS2 Crumar in 1996...
Big analogic & Big weight
I like Pink & white sounds.
Big sound on bass...Like minimoog...
Big patch to use.
Very very interesting engine sound...
I like the DS2
Sorry for my bad english ! bye !

ProphetofJupiter8

Posted 229 days ago

I owned this synth for a few glorious months recently. It is really good for many reasons; great filter, very phfat oscillators (do not be fooled DCO haters, its got balls((big balls)) , two lfos that can go to both DCOs, VCF, VCA, and PWM simultaneously, one lfo has a ramp waveform (cool!) and a very good S&H as well. The poly section doesnt really sound like anything in particular (sounds like poly?), but it is very usable if you desire some wonky polyphony (i liked it). It has a ton of presence, and is a great and flexible mono(poly)synth. There is bad, though. The keyboard isnt very good. It is also pretty big. Like it was made out of a baby rhino big. I sold it because it took up to much room. Also, the VSE description states reliability issues; however, mine worked fine without issue for the few months I had it. If I ever get enough room, I will buy one again.

Tommy Mandel

Posted 237 days ago

I used one of these on Ian Hunter/Mick Ronson's "Welcome to the Club" in 1979, and other records too. It sounded great. Sadly it's gone now.

Nick Esposito

Posted 324 days ago

Klaus Schulze used three Crumar synths. Perhaps these included the DS-2?

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