The Max's strength lies in multitimbrality: 6 voices, 6 oscillators and even 6 VCF's! However this synth has too many limitations on basic needs: cheap construction and parts; editing requires an external software editor and a Commodore 64 (or Macintosh, see Patch Files below); there are no real-time performance controls - not even pitch bend or modulation wheels; too many presets (80) but far too few user patches (20). The preset sounds consist of basic organ, string and brass type sounds, but exploring this analog synth can lead to some cool sounds. The VCF, VCA and VCO sections all have separate ADSR envelope generators. The LFO can control the VCO, VCF or VCA. A nice touch are the two separate on-board sequencers - sort of a Sequential tradition.

For those of you who want to edit the sounds on the Max, you will need Sequential's Model 920 software and an ancient Commodore 64 computer or you can use Mark of the Unicorn's Unisyn software editor for Mac/PC (You can even use modern MIDI controllers like the Oxygen-8). This is the only means of editing sounds, without which you are stuck with the 80 presets and whatever may be in the 20 user patches. The sequencing specs are dramatically enhanced by the Model 920 software as well, boosting the note capacity from 500 notes to 3400. Strongly consider the Multi-Track or even the Six-Track before diving into the Max because it simply does not compare with the programmability and ease of use as even its closest relatives. It is used by Cirrus and Richard Barbieri.

rick

August 9, 2011 @ 8:36 pm

Yah, fully editable over MIDI CC, any editor for the Sixtrak should work just as well with the MAX.

http://modularsamples.com/?q=SCI%20MAX%20MIDI%20CC

senor v

June 5, 2011 @ 5:31 am

To me below:

Yep! So, basically it's a Six Trak minus the editing control panel and the pitch/modulation wheels. Pfft... With an idea like that, no wonder SCI started to lose money heavily during the mid 80s. Pretty strange though, as I see it to be the eyesore of the SCI line. If the Six Trak were meant to be a beginner's synth, or the lowest of the product line, then where would the MAX place?

senor v

June 5, 2011 @ 5:24 am

Suppose it's editable by CCs?

Tebbes

October 11, 2010 @ 1:27 pm

I read the following in the Multi-Trak midi guide:

Max's programs are specially designed to compliment the Multi-Trak's factory programs.

eyerish

September 20, 2010 @ 10:40 pm

I have had mine since new and another I bought a few years ago. I have tons of hookups and programs to use it with my Commodore computers. Which I have. It is great. The board by itself is very limited,but with the C64 its a fantastic board.

<4321>

 

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