Siel DK600

DK600

The DK600 is Siel's unique Italian take on the mid-eighties programmable polysynth with MIDI implementation (badged as the Opera-6 in the UK). Just like the Juno-106 and Poly-61 of the time, the Siel was a 6 voice synthesizer with straight forward programming, simple effects and digitally controlled analog oscillators (DCO's). However, the Siel, having dual oscillators per voice sounds thicker than the Juno or Matrix because it's got 12 oscillators! And because they're DCO's, you know they'll always remain stable and in-tune even though they are analog in nature.

The DK600 has many other nice features such as complete MIDI implementation. There are 3 LFO's for extreme modulation. Both the filter and amplifier have standard ADSR envelope sections. And like similar synths, all the sliders and buttons are intuitively placed on the front panel for hands-on real-time programming.

EK-600 Expander

The EX600 Expander module was also released (pictured above), featuring the same great internal synth engine as the DK600. However, the Expander is not programmable except from a DK600, an external MIDI sequencer or editor such as Unisyn. The Expander was intended to be programmed by transferring patches from the keyboard version. It's not rack-mountable either so it's usually best to go for the keyboard version. After all, the keyboard features the great layout of controls, velocity sensitivity and 61 notes (5 octaves)!

11 Visitor comments

Josh Lange

August 3, 2011 @ 5:15 pm

I have this synth, looking to sell it.

JAIME BATISTA

July 8, 2011 @ 8:19 pm

I own the Expander module--love it big time- but I had a flood in the basement--away went my manual..where could I pick up another??any suggestions welcome

Alex E

June 30, 2011 @ 10:28 pm

If you find one, grab it. Even if it's not working, pick it up and service it. (Watch out for Ni-Cad battery leaks, though.) You do not see these very often; only about 2,000 were reportedly made. And it gives similar programmable synthesizers from the era a very good run for their money.
It sounds kind of brassy, classy and maybe a little aggressive too. The filter is incredible. Same awesome SSM2044 filter found in the Polysix. Not a super thick sounding synth or anything, but great nonetheless! The person below compared the sound to a JX-3p, and I'd say that's a pretty fair assessment.

Jim Wicked

July 23, 2010 @ 6:16 pm

I just got one of these in the mail today. The SSM filter really shines on this thing. It can get very JX3P-ish/low-level Jupiter sounding. It's limited, but there's still a lot of room to maneuver within its limits, and surprisingly, LFO 1 can go audio-rate so some form of FM is possible. The only thing I wish it had was sync capability, then I would be happier than a pig in the White House. Other than that, it isn't too shabby!

Robert Gerrard

July 12, 2009 @ 8:05 am

I used to sell these intersting synths. I remember a superb demo of all the Siel keyboards (at the Music Trade Fair in London) based around all the music from Flashdance!

The oscillators are capable of producing some really gorgeous twinkly sounds, as well as very fat brassy or bass patches. Nice keyboard touch too. I miss playing mine (which I borrowed from stock and sold off as ex-demo!).