The PAiA FatMan is unlike other analog synths because it is based around one main concept - you build it yourself (DIY). So in addition to offering quite nice analog sounds, it gives you a chance to delve into synthesizer construction, and this can really help you learn more about how these things work. It can be built in about a day. Although it was first released in 1992, it is a true analog instrument and is still currently available and manufactured.

It is a small monophonic analog synth with two oscillators, 18 rotary knobs, 3 switches and NO keyboard. There is a low-pass resonant A(S)R filter, an ADSR VCA and portamento. It is quite affordable since you have to build it yourself. The kit comes with most of the components and detailed instructions so that anyone with a little soldering experience could put one together successfully.

There are two versions, a rack-mount or a desktop module. All of the components and specifications are the same for both. It's capable of producing some pretty quirky analog sounds and basslines but the number of different sounds you will get out of this synthesizer is limited. There is MIDI on-board, albeit very simple and basic. The FatMan uses control voltages to operate so the MIDI is really a MIDI-to-CV converter. However, it does not transmit MIDI info from it's knobs, though it's CV outputs can be used to control other old analog gear you may have around. Still this is one basic synth, with no effects, no arpeggiator or sequencer and no patch memory storage. But the DIY aspect is novel and the finished product is well-worth the effort!

3 VISITOR COMMENTS

Stein

December 1, 2011 @ 11:25 am

It can also be heard here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5ubiaj9wJM

The drums are korg kr-33 but the rest is all Paia Fatman.

alessandro_

October 7, 2010 @ 6:55 pm

i got modular 9600 and i never finished assembling it. its soo boring.. i was happy to start working on that but it reminded me when i was at school soo stopped ah ah

they should sell already assembled synth would be good for lazy musicians...

Tony

December 13, 2008 @ 6:08 pm

That bottom image is of my 1997 fatman which I sadly no longer have, and really miss. I don't think Paia even has the blue panels anymore, it's all black now. It was my first synth, and it was perfect as a learning tool. It's simple, but sounded really good. It also responded to midi velocity, which is missing on most vintage synths.

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