# Big Pimpin' with the RCA Synthesizer Mk II...

- Site: Analog Industries
- Author: Chris Randall
- Date: 2006-02-28
- URL: https://analogindustries.com/2006/02/big-pimpin-with-the-rca-synthesizer-mk-ii/

![Big Pimpin' with the RCA Synthesizer Mk II...](https://analogindustries.com/images/blog/rca-front1-450.jpg)

Metasonix ain't the only game in town for tube synths. If you want to go vintage, you could do worse than the RCA Synthesizer Mk. 2, pictured above. (Or part of it pictured above, anyway...) [Here](http://www.obsolete.com/120_years/machines/rca/rca_blue.aiff) is a recording of this beast in action, courtesy of Obsolete.com, who have a pretty complete [article](http://www.obsolete.com/120_years/machines/rca/index.html) about this synth, installed in 1958.

"Yes, but Chris, I'd swear that photo looks relatively current," you say to me. "Those aren't chairs from the 50s!" Good eye. The above picture, taken from [this site,](http://www.organizedsound.com/gear3-rca.html) (one of a couple dozen, as you'll no doubt find out) is of the synth as it currently stands, still in its original home at the [Computer Music Center at Columbia University.](http://www.music.columbia.edu/cmc/index.html) As far as I can tell, it is still in operating condition.

Take special note in the Obsolete.com article about how it is "programmed," via punched paper rolls. That could really take the fun out of making music, I think.

## Comments (8)

**characterstudios** (2006-02-28):

Yeah, been looking to add one of those to my collection for a long
time now :)

**satchvaisoul** (2006-02-28):

Hey does anyone around here own Ableton's Live ? i was wondering if its of any use. I'vv heard tons of great stuff about it.

**Chris Randall** (2006-02-28):

You might want to try KvR for that kind of talk...

-CR

**Muff Wiggler** (2006-02-28):

can you guys make an AU version of 'One Ping Only'? pls omg!!11

**satchvaisoul** (2006-02-28):

Whats KvR Chris? thanks - kyle

**dm** (2006-02-28):

www.kvraudio.com/

**penzoil washington** (2006-03-02):

Le Caine and Raymond Scott's stuff was more fun!

**moogboy010** (2009-01-26):

Thanks a million for the exstensive photos of the R.C.A.!
I've been wondering what was behind the wizards curtain for yrs.Would love to see the R.C.A. restored for posterities sake.
Such a great piece of electronic music history.
Thanks again!