Synthfind

“I had this for almost two years and as part of the cull, its not being used enough to justify keeping it.

Already considered a modern classic, UK stalwart Ken Macbeth has really turned his hand into something of masterpiece, a beautiful piece that has equally been revered and treasured by many enthusiasts. Make no mistake this will be the Buchla of our time!

Its been well looked after in my care and I am the 2nd owner, what you see is exactly what you will see in the pictures so please ask any questions in advance. Slight blemish to note on the back is a small pitting I have shown in one of the pictures and a small dot mark on the gold key plate none of which of course affects its superb sound!” Click here to visit listing on eBay

“For sale here is my Macbeth M5 all analogue semi-modular synth. A Rare + Modern Classic in Superb condition. After the main picture head on of the synth as a whole including upper & lower half in pics 2+3, the next 8 show each ‘section’ of the M5 in close up & the last with it under it’s dust cover. Note that the face plate is in superb condition as pictured.

I am the Original Owner from new on production in 2006, as serial number on the rear will show to the buyer.

It has had only bedroom studio (non-smoking) use in that time and was kept under wraps (dust sheet) when not in use.

This is the Original M5 with the black & orange colour scheme, as used for the later version ARP 2600.

Note that whilst it ‘looks’ like a later model Rev.3 ARP2600, the M5’s ‘sound’ is both Moog and Oberheim ‘inspired’.

The original ARP 2600 (Blue Meanie model) that many/most claim sounds best of the 2600’s, stole the Moog filter design of course, hence epoxy sealed units, lawsuit, 4072 ARP filter redesign, etc… Plus, the M5 actually dwarfs the 2600 in overall height + size. This M5 is one of around 90 (I think) of the original versions that were hand made between 2005/6, so only 13-14 years old compared with 35+ for a 2600.

As such it offers far more likely long term reliability and with great build quality courtesy of Ken McBeth. No tiny slider tops or mini jack sockets to fiddle with… On a practical note you can get multiple (man sized) finger tips between the slider tops for patching/mixing/modulation purposes. A joy to play with as you can easily see all patch points, sources, destinations, signal flow, etc.

As regards stability & tuning, many older analogue synths had & still do have problems with these factors. This M5 tunes very accurately and holds tune throughout every session, nor is this dependent on whether it’s hot or not – inside or out, as was the downside of many old analogue synths, though it’s appreciated some do like such instability… I prefer to start off with known stability & increase detuning/instability if/when needed. There is even a stability pot on Osc#3 for ‘dialing in’ that effect when required, except it’s under your control and not at the mercy of other elements…” Click here to visit listing on eBay

“”An extremely rare chance to bid on a MacBeth M5N (less than 100 ever made) semi modular synthesiser designed by Ken MacBeth. This is the latest version of the M5 with the modded envelopes which are a lot “snappier” and the filters have been modded to improve S/N. Otherwise the M5N is just a new paintjob and and new slider caps. The sound of the MacBeth is just phenominal…from some of the videos and interviews on the web it seems that Ken took the best of his favourite synths (EMS VCS3, Arp 2600 and MiniMoog) and created a real analogue from scratch using discrete components (no chips) and to my ears this is a real success…its got the qualities of all of the synths which is weird as you end up saying things like “thin but warm”, “fat and ethereal” which just doesnt make sense…until you hear the M5N.

Steel housing with three VCOs each with Subosc, Sync function and diverse Waveforms,
Ext. In,
Lag processor,
Two LFOs,
S&H,
24dB Filter,
12dB Filter,
VCA (x2),
Noise,
Ringmodulation,
panning module and diverse connection possibilities.
60 Dials and Switches,
minimum 62 partly self-switching patch sockets and more.
Internal Power supply is expected
Internal Spring Reverb
no midi.”

This is made in EU, so is 230 volt, and needs transformer to operate in U.S..

This is 65 pounds and has to be shipped by freight only. Sorry for the high cost, but it is truly the largest and heaviest synth I own, moreso than a Moog, Arp or Oberheim OBMX
Does NOT include any patch cables, there never were. You will have to pickup your own. These are the A-Plug type, the ones that are the wide stereo jacks. You can get them online!” Click here to visit listing on eBay

“For your consideration is the rare MacBeth Elements Analog Synthesizer. It is in very good cosmetic condition, and 100% operational condition. It comes complete with the original power supply.” Click here to visit listing on eBay

“This Macbeth X-Series Micromac D fully analog synth is in very good cosmetic condition, and it works as it should, no functionality issues.

Made in the UK.

As you may know, this is a rare synth, out of production, and hard to come by. Built like a tank. Solid enclosure and solid controls. No cheap Chinese plastic components here.

These synths are making their way into sought-after vintage instruments. It’s a sure investment that you get to enjoy for many years.” Click here to visit listing on eBay

“Macbeth Studio Systems M3X (Series Two) Analogue Synthesizer in absolutely immaculate condition.”
Click here to visit listing on eBay

“It is EuroRack synth voice module of Macbeth Studio Systems.
It is a specification, sound which considers Minimoog.
I think that it is a precious model that is not readily available in Japan.

We will send for equipment arrangement.

Although it is confirmed all the way, there are abrasions that do not appear in the photograph, but I think that it is in a beautiful state as a whole.” Click here to visit listing on eBay

” In perfect condition other than some rack rash under the screws, cannot be seen when racked. Original box not included”
Click here to visit listing on eBay

“great condition – kept in a clean, smoke free, petless studio” Click here to visit listing on eBay

“EINER VON WENIGEN. VERKAUFE MEINEN MACBETH M5 ANALOG SYNTHESIZER. TRAUMZUSTAND. TECHNISCHE DETAILS GIBTS IM INTERNET. KENNER WISSEN WAS DER SYNTH KANN. UNVERGLEICHLICHER HAMMERSOUND. KEIN ARP 2600 KLON. VÖLLIG EIGENSTÄNDIGER SOUND. ANTESTEN NACH VORHERIGER ABSPRACHE IN 64625 BENSHEIM MÖGLICH. BITTE KEINE UNVERSCHÄMTEN ANGEBOTE ODER TAUSCH VORSCHLÄGE. ES HANDELT SICH UM KEINEN NOTVERKAUF. ABHOLUNG RATSAM. VERSAND NUR AUF EIGENES RISIKO DA ZIEMLICH SCHWER!” Click here to visit listing on eBay

“For sale here is my Macbeth M5 all analogue semi-modular synth. A Rare + Modern Classic in Superb condition.

I am the Original Owner from new on production in 2006, as serial number on the rear will show to the buyer.

It has had only bedroom studio (non-smoking) use in that time and as last picture illustrates, was kept under wraps when not in use.

This is the Original M5 with the black & orange colour scheme, as used for the ARP2600.

Note that whilst it ‘looks’ like a later model Rev.3 ARP2600, the M5’s ‘sound’ is both Moog and Oberheim ‘inspired’.

The original ARP2600 model stole the Moog filter design of course, hence epoxy sealed units, lawsuit, 4072 ARP filter redesign, etc… Plus, the M5 actually dwarfs the 2600 in overall height/size. As for sound, well…

You can pay £*?* today for an ARP2600, especially ‘restored’, as they would often have to be, in order to be 100% working as when initially manufactured. Many electrical components in vintage gear need replacing after 30 years in any case, such as capacitors, worn pots/sliders/sockets, etc.

This M5 is one of around 90 hand made between 2005/6, so only 10 years old compared with 35+ for a 2600. As such it offers far more likely long term reliability and with great build quality courtesy of Ken McBeth. No tiny slider tops or mini jack sockets to fiddle with… On a practical note you can get multiple (man sized) finger tips between the slider tops for patching/mixing/modulation purposes.

As regards stability & tuning, many older analogue synths had & still do have problems with these factors. This M5 tunes very accurately and doesn’t need to be ‘tuned up’ at the beginning of every session, nor is this dependent on whether it’s hot or not – inside or out, as was the downside of many old analogue synths, though I appreciate some do like such instability.

I prefer to start off with known stability & increase detuning/instability if needed. There is even a stability pot on Osc#3 for ‘dialing in’ that effect when required, except it’s under your control and not at the mercy of other elements…

IMO the M5 is sonically much more powerful and versatile than the 2600, based on the dual filter design alone.

It has both a Moog ‘based’ (and classic) transistor ladder 24dB/Oct filter for VCF1, PLUS an Oberheim ‘based’ State Variable 12dB/Oct filter for VCF2.

As well as dual VCF’s, I often used the CV controlled Stereo + Pan Amp with integrated Spring Reverb for Stereo/Spring FX of one or other VCF, or even a VCF MIX, such that I had 4 audio ‘stems’ per patch for mixing. A glimpse of the huge flexibility on offer here & that’s only on the output audio…

There’s no end to cross patching, mixing audio & CV signals & yet easier to see & keep track of what’s going where. There are more modulation & audio paths possible than I care to mention… 1000’s basically!

That said, as it’s semi-modular, loads of connections are already made (normalled) such that you can get hundreds of variations per ‘patch’ with just sliders & pots before you have to even reach for a patch lead/cord. Immediate results are easy. Though it certainly encourages experimentation once you’re feeling more adventurous.

It has a total of 70 sliders which makes it easier to see the settings at distance for many of the functions, as well as allowing for easier ‘patch mixing’ as one might do or have done on a classic analogue mixing desk. It could be a great educational tool in that regard, or else any synth fan could simply get lost in the possibilities and enjoy the sonic adventures…

There is no manual for this synth, so it is assumed you are not a beginner to analogue synthesis & CV control.

As well as using as 2 separate mono synths, the M5 has ‘per Oscillator CV’, allowing you to play 3 note polyphonic chords with the right CV/Gate set-up and opens up another whole area that mono only synths can’t access…

In a Mono set-up you can of course easily detune to play ‘fixed’ chords shapes from one note in any case
and is great fun to experiment with this alone & the fine sliders have musical intervals marked for guidance. Or you could flip all the OSC-CV (labelled ‘KBD’) to -1V, and hear what ‘reverse’ playing would sound like… More fun.

As pictures shows this is a huge synth, at 3/4 of a metre high & wide. As well as all those those sliders, it has 23 rotary/switchable pots and over 100 ¼ jack sockets!” Click here to visit listing on eBay

“I am the Original Owner from new on production in 2006, as serial number on the rear will show to the buyer.

It has had only bedroom studio (non-smoking) use in that time and as last picture illustrates, was kept under wraps when not in use.

This is the Original M5 with the black & orange colour scheme, as used for the ARP2600.

Note that whilst it ‘looks’ like an ARP2600, the M5’s ‘sound’ is more Moog and Oberheim.

The original ARP2600 stole the Moog filter design of course, hence epoxy sealed units, lawsuit, etc…& You can pay £5K upwards for an ARP2600, especially ‘restored’, as they would often have to be to be 100% working as when initially manufactured. Many electrical components in vintage gear need replacing after 30 years in any case, such as capacitors, worn pots/sliders, etc.

This M5 is one of less than 90 hand made between 2005/6 and so only 10 years old compared with 35+ for the 2600, so far more likely long term reliability and with great build quality courtesy of Ken McBeth. No tiny slider tops or mini jack sockets…

On a practical note you can get multiple finger tips between the slider tops for patching/mixing/modulation purposes.

IMO it is sonically much more powerful and versatile than the 2600, based on the dual filter design alone.

It has both a Moog ‘based’ (and classic) transistor ladder 24dB/Oct filter for VCF1, PLUS an Oberheim ‘based’ State Variable 12dB/Oct filter for VCF2.

As well as dual VCF’s, I often used the CV controlled Stereo Pan Amp + Spring Reverb for Stereo/Spring FX of one or other VCF, or even a VCF MIX, such that I had 4 audio ‘stems’ per patch for mixing. A glimpse of the huge flexibility on offer here & that’s only on the output audio…

There’s no end to cross patching, mixing audio & CV signals & yet easier to see & keep track of what’s going where. There are more modulation & audio paths possible than I care to mention… 1000’s basically!

That said, as it’s semi-modular, loads of connections are already made (normalled) such that you can get hundreds of variations per ‘patch’ with just sliders & pots before you have to even reach for a patch lead/cord. Immediate results are easy. Though it certainly encourages experimentation once you’re feeling more adventurous.

It has a total of 70 sliders which makes it easier to see the settings at distance for many of the functions, as well as allowing for easier ‘patch mixing’ as one might do or have done on a classic analogue mixing desk. It could be a great educational tool in that regard, or else any synth fan could simply get lost in the possibilities and enjoy the sonic adventures… ” Click here to visit listing on eBay

“Macbeth M3X, Serial No.4, thought to be only 100 of these hand made synths in existence. Small cosmetic scratch on one corner, shown in photograph.” Click here to visit listing on eBay

“Excellent minty condition perfect working order,” Click here to visit listing on eBay