Extremely rare vintage 1972 Triadex Muse Analog Sequencer Synthesizer manufactured in limited quantities by Triadex Incorporated in Newton, Massachusetts, in the early 1970s. The synthesizer measures 13.5 x 10 x 11 and bears a Triadex parts label affixed to bottom: “Model: MUSE-1, AC 115-125V, 60CPS, 40W, No. 01061-118, OK50Hz.” Includes the original “Computers for People” Triadex retail card, which lists the Muse at $300. In fine working condition, with a cleaning scuff on the wooden box.
Considered to be one of the first digital sequencers, the Muse uses eight 40-position slider switches, which control a series of digital logic circuits using complicated algorithms. The binary output from the logic circuits is fed into a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), and the output from the DAC is fed into a simple VCO. The result is a sequence of notes that, depending on the slider settings, can take years to loop back around to the beginning!
Four of the sliders control the interval of notes, and the other four control the overall theme. A bar-graph lamp display near the sliders shows the status of the logic gates. Another set of sliders control the volume from the internal speaker, the tempo of the sequence, and the pitch. Additional switches allow you to start the sequence from the beginning, step through it note-by-note, or substitute a rest point in place of the lowest note.
Designed by Marvin Minsky and Edward Fredkin, MIT professors with an interest in artificial intelligence, the Triadex Muse is a sequencer-based synthesizer that was intended as a compositional aid that, despite achieving poor sales, made a notable mark upon the world of music, especially among the avant garde. The Muse retailed for only a brief period of time, and the exact number of units sold remains unknown; the number is thought to be under 300.
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