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Early computer-music workstation comprising an AlphaSyntauri keyboard controller, Apple II Plus computer, and Mountain Computer Expansion Chassis, together forming one of the earliest commercially available digital music production systems. Introduced around 1980 through a partnership between Syntauri Corporation and Mountain Computer, the AlphaSyntauri transformed the Apple II into a sophisticated synthesizer, composition, and performance platform years before MIDI became an industry standard. Combining dedicated synthesis hardware, software-based sound design tools, and a full-size keyboard controller, the system represents an early convergence of personal computing and electronic music technology. The system includes:
- AlphaSyntauri keyboard controller (serial #050065), 61-key, five-octave keyboard, housed in its original cardboard box.
- Apple II Plus 64K computer (serial #A2S2-106185), including 48K Rev. D motherboard, Astec power supply, Davong Rev. B 16K RAM expansion card (Slot 0), Mountain Computer Expansion Chassis Interface card (Slot 4), and Apple Disk II controller card (Slot 6).
- Mountain Computer Expansion Chassis (serial #00290), tested to power on, containing: Expansion Chassis ribbon cable and interconnect cabling; Mountain Computer Music System Card 1 (serial #6113-202-04), with attached light-pen and audio-out cables; Mountain Computer Music System Card 2; Malibu Design Group I/O card with Apple I/O ROMs; Syntauri interface card with keyboard cable; and NOC disk controller card.
- Two Apple Disk II drives (serial nos. A2M0003-395634 and A2M0003-145314).
- Sanyo VM 4509 monochrome monitor (serial #65219726), with video cable and BNC-to-RCA adapter.
- Apple II Plus power cable and IPHC power adapter for the Expansion Chassis.
- Two black hand controllers.
- Group of 40 AlphaSyntauri, Mountain Computer, and music-system software disks.
- Printed documentation, including Mountain Computer Music System and Expansion Chassis manuals.
The Apple II Plus computer, Disk II drives, monitor, and Expansion Chassis have been tested and powered on and operated as described by the consignor. The AlphaSyntauri keyboard, Music System cards, Syntauri interface card, Malibu Design Group I/O card, NOC disk controller, hand controllers, and software disks remain untested. In overall fine condition, with a couple of cracks to the monitor housing.
Developed at the dawn of the 1980s, the AlphaSyntauri system combined the Apple II's processing power with dedicated synthesis hardware installed through Mountain Computer's expansion architecture. The resulting workstation enabled digital sound generation, composition, editing, storage, and performance from a personal computer, representing an early example of computer-based music production prior to the adoption of MIDI-based systems.
