The Voyetra 8 represents a new way of thinking in synthesizer technology, but it never succeeded. The Voyetra is not at all a bad synthesizer. It creates rather striking sounds. At first glance it looks like an old computer system. It is composed of two pieces, the VPK-5 remote 61 note keyboard with aftertouch and velocity. And then there is the main synthesizer module itself. The synth is analog with 8 voices of polyphony.

Up front and very hands on are some knobs for basic but essential controls like cutoff, attack, LFO rate, de-tune and more. Much more in-depth programming and modulation routing can be done using the computer-like interface. There's a great 24dB/oct low pass filter, a very flexible and routable pair of LFOs for creating really weird or sweeping sounds and effects. There are 100 patches for storing your settings. There is even a simple arpeggiator, a 1700 note sequencer and a ring modulator.

The Voyetra 8 is a sophisticated analog instrument. Only serious musicians should consider it, however. Its programming can be difficult and require a lot of skill and knowledge. It is also very pricey and often hard to find. The Voyetra 8 has been used by New Order, Depeche Mode, the Eurythmics, and Trevor Horn ("Video Killed The Radio Star").

Note: The Voyetra 8 was made by the company Octave-Plateau (originally Octave Electronics) who in 1986 changed their company name to Voyetra and then finally to Voyetra Turtle Beach.

11 VISITOR COMMENTS

Robert Fair

March 24, 2012 @ 10:31 pm

I have two Voyetra 8 synthesizers I bought used in Manhattan in the 90's. Peter Lanzilotta at Double-Take totally refurbished them and they sound amazing, rich warm fat thick, and these go to eleven. Absolutely breath taking and awesome. http://www.robertfairmusic.com/

Chris

March 7, 2012 @ 2:34 am

Word is that Alan Polomo of Neon Indian used a Voyetra 8 extensively on the Era Extrana album. It's a great retro pop album, highly recommended.

micke

October 12, 2011 @ 11:34 am

Chances that a Voyetra-8 was used on "Video Killed The Radio Star" are miniscule considering the song was recorded in 1979, about 4 years prior to the release of this
synth.

Suzanne Ciani also used the Voyetra-8 in the mid '80s.

micke

October 12, 2011 @ 10:34 am

Also used by film composer Brad Fiedel and Pete Levin (brother of Tony Levin, bassist with King Crimson, Peter Gabriel)

mark styles

August 17, 2011 @ 8:56 am

I worked at Octave Plateau for several years. My job was quality control,testing and to give feedback to software programmesr.. At the time, it was only 8 people or so. It was an AMAZING instrument in it's day and an amazing period in my life.

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