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.

Romannis1972

January 22, 2013 @ 1:40 pm

I have had two of these (the first one died, the second one I still have as it was flat out given to me). I loved the sound of the monosynth! The one that was given to me has a totally failed monosynth section, but the polysynth section is still going. It does sound nice, although I do not use the polysynth section without effects. too bad they didn"t add an envelope section to the polysynth. I have full schematics for it, so I hope one day to find some poor soul who's life isn't riddled with problems enough to take on restoring the monosynth section hahaha...

francesco

November 10, 2012 @ 6:41 pm

crumar ds-2 REUP : http://www.enricobassi.it/digitalsynth2.htm

gustavo

October 1, 2012 @ 2:34 pm

Hello People I have one that I bought recently and leave 100% I need someone who has one can take a picture of a platelet LFO 2 is not detailed in the Schematics and the only way is to re-build it someone can make me this great favor ? If you are not located in the mess of components I can send pictures indication of what I'm missing! Thank you. Gustavo

Tim

May 23, 2012 @ 7:29 pm

This was the first synth I ever owned. 81 maybe 82. It would do weird things if you were playing outside in warmer weather. The pitch bend wheel sometimes wouldn't go back to a 0 position. The guys with richer dads owned prophet 5s but I owned this. Remember playing Tom Sawyer and Abacab on this. Wow, blast from the past. I was 21 then.

GOZNE

March 17, 2012 @ 12:32 am

I have a DS-2 without fail. This very nice and neat. There is talk that is unreliable, but never caused me problems and not to tune. Their sound can be very thick or thin, modulating VCF, VCA and oscillators. The filter is excellent, either internal or external modulating sounds. This to me since 1990 and I've only changed a few transistors and power supply. Do not believe everything they say about DS-2, depends on the care and affection.

<4321>

 

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.