(click to enlarge)

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.

12 VISITOR COMMENTS

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.

sunny pedaal

March 8, 2012 @ 1:41 pm

i'v owned two, still have one of these. 2 because i believed in the crap the people keep repeating of inreliability . sold one because the other one Never broke up, so i didn't need a spare.
it's one of the nice synth's i have. great interface, big knobs, lots of space to tweak. filter 24db full resonance, 2 good sounding stable oscillators + ( thru filter) the poly/organ sound. 2lfo's 2 eg, snappy when needed .altogether : can sound fat , dirty and clean high too. underestimated!
and .... still available at normal priced due to all bad talk around it.
price about 700euro's !

Extra

November 30, 2011 @ 8:19 pm

Can this synth be compared to the Crumar Spirit?

joseph franco

January 6, 2011 @ 8:26 pm

just bought one a week ago, the synth looks almost brand new but i was told it was totally shot by the service tech from the store where i bought it. so i got it home powered it up and the only thing wrong with it was that the filter was intermittent...i opened it up and soldered a loose wire and now it works perfectly. i think that service tech needs to get a new job! i love this synth! the sound is huge kinda like a Moog crossed with a Sequential Circuits smooth, fat, and dirty.

elias

November 22, 2010 @ 6:48 am

I want to by one ,but the seller say's that the noise generator doesn't work. Is that easy to fix and were could you find spare parts for this synth?

<321>

 

Post Comment!

Your Name: (required)

Email Address: (required)

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.