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Synths |
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| SMS (Synthetic Music Systems) MARS & BOB | |
 Synthetic Music Systems |
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Synths |
| Last Updated: | |
| SMS (Synthetic Music Systems) MARS & BOB | |
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Synthetic Music Systems |
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SMS MARS above / SMS BOB Below
| SMS MARS + BOB |
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SMS (Synthetic
Music Systems) is a very small British (UK)
company. The MARS was introduced back in around 2001, along with the BOB and Planet 7. These are hand built by Andy Pledger who also designed the synth. MARS stands for "Modular Analogue Rack Synthesizer'' BOB stands for "Break Out Box" |
| Basically the MARS is a 1u monophonic synth, with 16 knobs on the front and 21 patchpoints on the back - which are usually joined by short (included) patchcords to the BOB, which brings them to the front but also includes additional NOISE circuit & patchpoints. (Some versions of the BOB has I think Ring Mod instead of the NOISE.) |
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| As usual, not to be confused with Vermona M.A.R.S. & M.A.R.S. Control which are totally different company & products. |
| SMS MARS + BOB and Me |
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The SMS MARS is a rare breed. I think only 30 were
made. NICE BLUE LOOKING, me think! Originally priced at around £225 & £95 for the BOB, it's quite affordable. Problem is, it's very rare and not easy to find. the SMS website was long gone. There was an info page at Midiwall and I think the 1st units were reviewed by Sound on Sound (but I don't seem to be able to find the article on their web). |
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It's actually quite funny. I actual got
round to know Andy, the maker of the synth. BUT I didn't buy the MARS from him! I got it from a store in Europe. Since Andy knows all the 30 people who he has made and sold the MARS to, he was wondering which one has sold off their rare instrument! I know that Martin J. Newcomb of the famous Museum of Synth Technology has one of these (cos I spotted the MARS in one of his eBay items photos underneath the stuff he was selling!) |
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Andy also designed the
Analogue System
SPAWN, which is very similar to the SMS MARS/BOB. (I got to know Andy because he sold me a SPAWN). |
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I got the SMS MARS + BOB around
November/December 2003. Has been using it with my spare Kenton Pro2 Midi-CV Converter. |
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| The MARS has been used in a few tracks I did in 2004. |
| FRONT PANEL |
| MARS |
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| BOB |
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| REAR PANEL |
| MARS |
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| BOB |
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MIDI-fying BOB !!! |
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What? Modding such a rare piece of equipment?? Hahaha, no
one is as insane as me. If Andy sees this, he might be furious! (Sorry, mate, I couldn't resist). |
| -> See MIDI BOB page !! |
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MARS & (Midi) BOB & their Cousin SPAWN
Other Links on the SMS MARS |
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C Y 's files on the SMS MARS |
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