The RS-09 is an analog string and organ synthesizer (similar to the Saturn-09 which only produced an organ sound). It's old, it's cheap and they're usually worth finding! The string sound and organ sounds are nice, fatty analog sounds. The organ and string sections can be played simultaneously or individually. An ensemble/chorus effect and external sound input are welcome features. But aside from all this, there isn't much else left to this synth. A simple 2-vco architecture with simple and limited editable parameters, no patch memory and a small keyboard.

There are three versions of this unit. The one shown above is a V.3. The differences are mainly cosmetic and in the control surface; the V.3 uses touch-switches, the V.1 uses rockers and tends to be more reliable due to that. This instrument can be found for around $100, and they could add a nice flavor to any modern analog-electronic keyboard studio. It has been used by Jimi Tenor, UB40, and The Cure.

Derek

May 16, 2013 @ 11:43 pm

Just picked a V1 up for $150 locally with plans to fix it up and sell it (had to replace some switches and give it a good cleaning). After fixing it up and playing around with it, I just can't let it go, even for the $500 price tag it seems to be going for lately. With the Ensemble on, this synth sounds awesome. Add in a Phaser and you've got instant space ambient! You can also use this to start a Goblin cover band or score your own 80's horror film! You can use this to process external audio (Ensemble and Tone only, not Vibrato). Made my Monotron sound pretty buttery!

Mike

April 26, 2013 @ 7:55 pm

Hey Jan, there are 2 trim pots directly behind the string/organ slide sections that allows you to adjust the stereo width of the audio when going through the ensemble/chorus effect. Use a small flat head and make the adjustments while you listen. I think this will fix your issue. Cheers.

January 8, 2013 @ 1:39 pm

BeN-HuR

January 17, 2013 @ 5:09 am

Probably the ultimate Organ Strings synth from that time. I used it on my track "Strings of '79" and many others and it is terrific with a nice reverb touch. Ensemble on the right polyphony can get you a nice flanger too. Great one and highly recomended.

Jan

January 8, 2013 @ 1:39 pm

Just got one of these, a V.1 for $280, after looking for a string synthesizer for quite a time. It's in really good shape, however there's a problem with the ensemble - when in stereo, it only works in the left channel. Both channel works fine, if the ensemble is set to off. I have to get someone to look at it.

But the string sound (and organ sound, for that matter) is just what I was looking for, I love this little string synthesizer.


Btw. The pictures shows a V.1 , and not a V.3 , as the description says. The V.3 has colored push buttons.

Nate Silas

September 18, 2012 @ 12:42 pm

Isn't this the synth the Police used on "Spirits in the Material World" (Ghost in the Machine) and "Behind My Camel" (Zenyatta Mondatta) ? I've had one since the early 90s and it still makes it onto many recordings - 10ft Ganja Plant, Sim Redmond Band. And yes it's crackly but still totally awesome and unique. Will never sell mine!

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