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Sequential Circuits | Model 800

Description

The Sequential Model 800 Sequencer is a 256-event cv/gate sequencer based on microprocessor technology. This was probably Sequential's first product. Dave Smith started making these units in his garage. Early serial numbers even feature a strange sci-fi looking Sequential logo. It was built like a tank, encased in a 8"X10"X5" metal box. It represents one of the first attempts at a commercial meld between analog and digital technology. The 800 consists of 16 toggle switches which enable "cells". Each cell can hold up to 16 note-events each. The cells are loaded from CV (control voltage) keyboard via the CV/gate inputs (1 volt per octave) and can be programmed over a 5-octave range. The Gate is switchable between S-trigger and voltage gate. An internal clock runs from 20Hz up to 5kHz to calculate absolute note length or beat division if being driven externally by a low frequency clock. External input is provided via a specially wired plug. A multi-pin parallel connector is used to hook two or more 800's together. A foot-pedal was available for toggling between record and play modes and start/stop. The CV/gate output is quantized to semitones (1/12). The gate can also be switched between S-trigger and voltage gate. Sequences cannot be stored, however there may have been a battery backup modification. If a hi freq VCO is used to "clock" the sequencer, it can function as a crude audio waveshaper.
BrandSequential Circuits
ModelModel 800
DeviceMisc
TypeDesktop
Engine TypeSequencer
EngineSequencer
Engine DetailedDigital sequencer
Sequencer16 banks of 16 step sequences allowing up to 256 notes and ability to save them.
Keys0
Key typeN/A
VelocityN/A
AftertouchN/A
CV-gateCV/Gate I-O
Produced:1975 - 1975
Legend: Obvious Y: Yes, N: No, N/A: Not Applicable
VCO Voltage Controlled Oscillator DCO Digital Controlled Oscillator
LFO Low Frequency Oscillator Sub Sub Oscillator
VCF Voltage Controlled Filter VCA Voltage Controlled Amplifier
Velocity As with a piano, the harder you hit a key, the louder the sound, unlike most organs which always produce the same loudness no matter how hard you hit a key. Aftertouch Pressing a key after you activated it. Channel Aftertouch, no matter which key, it will send a Channel message. Poly Aftertouch, sends the pressure per key instead of the whole channel.
Values for OSC, LFO, Filter, Envelope are per voice unless stated otherwise.

Manuals, patches etc.

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