UVI PX Apollo now released

[MillerSam]

PX Apollo is based on a rare synthesizer prototype from the early ‘70s of which only 2 are known to exist. Part of a larger project that was eventually abandoned, this instrument was the precursor to one of the world’s first and most prolific polyphonic analog synthesizers. With a sound that can be described as rich, warm and surreal, this instrument was extraordinarily playable for the time, sporting velocity sensitivity and a performance interface, while its polyphonic 71-voice architecture signaled the coming paradigm shift in synthesizer design that would soar during the following decade.



Price: 49 USD Intro / 79 USD
http://www.uvi.net/en/vintage-corner/px-apollo.html

[Numanoid]

PX Apollo is based on a rare synthesizer prototype from the early ‘70s of which only 2 are known to exist.

An early prototype PolyMoog ?

[Ingonator]

PX Apollo is based on a rare synthesizer prototype from the early ‘70s of which only 2 are known to exist.

An early prototype PolyMoog ?

The picture at the website looks like the Polypmoog 280a that was a more simple version of the original Polymoog 203a Synthesizer (which had more controls/features). Anyway both of them did not seem to be as rare as mentioned at the UVI website.
The more simple 280a also seemed to be the one with the famous "Vox Humana" preset.

At this video the guy shows 3 Polymoog version wher one is called a prototype version of the Polymoog 203a:




A Polymoog 280a Kontakt library called "Zom Zom" is availabe from Synth Magic:
http://www.synthmagic.co.uk/zom-zom.html

[Numanoid]

The PX Apollo name implies that it is based on parts of the Moog Constellation system I think

The Polymoog is the descendant of an ambitious project by Moog Music to create a large ensemble system called the Constellation. It was to include two keyboard synthesizers, the polyphonic Apollo and monophonic Lyra, and the Taurus foot pedalboard synthesizer. Although the Constellation project never made it to production, the Taurus pedalboard was released on its own, while the "Apollo Polyphonic Synthesizer" went on to become the Polymoog. It is also noteworthy that the Apollo/Polymoog project did not directly involve Bob Moog and was instead mostly designed by Dave Luce at Moog Music.

[flametop]

From the moog forums cira 2003

The Moog Constellation was a prototype system consisting of three prototype devices; the Lyra, the Apollo, and the bass pedals.

The Apollo was a polyphonic synth that evolved into the Polymoog, but it was a cheesy organ-like top octave division system with a master VCF so not really a proper polyphonic synth. It was designed by Dave Luce.

The bass pedals evolved into the Taurus pedals.

The Lyra is a 3 VCO monosynth that never made it into production. Bob Moog designed it and the bass pedals.

The Constellation made an appearance on ELP "Brain Salad Surgery". The Lyra is heard a lot as the solo synth, the Apollo is featured on "Benny the Bouncer". ELP took the Constellation less bass pedals on tour in 1973, and the Apollo didn't last a month. Keith Emerson kept the Lyra for a long time until he donated it to Audities. The Apollo and the Lyra are currently in the possession of the Audities.org collection. The bass pedals are long gone.

The Lyra still functions, but the Apollo has been long cannibalized and is beyond salvaging.

[sprnva]

The PX Apollo name implies that it is based on parts of the Moog Constellation system I think

Some Google-fu got me these links.

http://www.brain-salad-surgery.de/moog_ ... ation.html

http://www.matrixsynth.com/2015/03/vint ... ation.html

[Numanoid]

So Keith Emerson co-designed Apollo...?

Constellation is sort of MiniMoog + PolyMoog + Taurus

Would have made an awesome set up in a church in the 70's

[hopmanjr]

Something smells a bit wrong here. The spec of the PX Apollo seems to bear no relation to either the Apollo that was part of the Moog Constellation triumverate, nor the later one that became the Polymoog Keyboard featured in the helpful vid posted above from Moog Foundation.

The UVI site claims that the samples are from "a rare synthesizer prototype from the early ‘70s of which only 2 are known to exist," which certainly suggests the former. It was "initially inoperable (-) it required a tremendous restoration effort and no expense was spared to ensure complete authenticity and original functionality." So, is this the one that belongs to the Audities Foundation - the only extant, original Apollo as far as I'm aware - or has another one shown up? Did they not document this restoration? A video? Not even a pic of the dusty old beast? I'd love to know more - this would make for some great synthporn by itself, let alone a great promotional tool for UVI.

Incidentally, the PX Apollo appears to sound great, and I've just shelled out for it on the basis of the introductory offer...!

[tonedef71]

Incidentally, the PX Apollo appears to sound great, and I've just shelled out for it on the basis of the introductory offer...!

It would seem that UVI held off on its release until their latest voucher promo had ended.

[MikeCallon]

Incidentally, the PX Apollo appears to sound great, and I've just shelled out for it on the basis of the introductory offer...!

It would seem that UVI held off on its release until their latest voucher promo had ended.

Yes, I'm pretty upset about this one .... I got a 'loyalty' voucher but had nothing to spend it on as I already own pretty much everything (at least everything that suits my style of music) ... and then 2 days after the voucher expires we get this. Loyalty voucher indeed

[stroker_ace]

Something smells a bit wrong here. The spec of the PX Apollo seems to bear no relation to either the Apollo that was part of the Moog Constellation triumverate, nor the later one that became the Polymoog Keyboard featured in the helpful vid posted above from Moog Foundation.

The UVI site claims that the samples are from "a rare synthesizer prototype from the early ‘70s of which only 2 are known to exist," which certainly suggests the former. It was "initially inoperable (-) it required a tremendous restoration effort and no expense was spared to ensure complete authenticity and original functionality." So, is this the one that belongs to the Audities Foundation - the only extant, original Apollo as far as I'm aware - or has another one shown up? Did they not document this restoration? A video? Not even a pic of the dusty old beast? I'd love to know more - this would make for some great synthporn by itself, let alone a great promotional tool for UVI.

Incidentally, the PX Apollo appears to sound great, and I've just shelled out for it on the basis of the introductory offer...!

So............first impressions?

[vic_france]

Well, my New Year's Resolution didn't even get me through to the end of January! .. bought this.. and I must say, I absolutely love it! Great sound (very solid bass end ).. and, of course, if you also have Falcon, its possibilities become absolutely huge .

[Numanoid]

Wish UVI would make at least two sizes of the GUI in the UVI Workstation. The GUI is small on the 23" inch screen I'm using at the mo.

Also got problems with crackling filters, and crackling when changing patches, not to mention cubersome midi learning, in the Workstation

Think I will pass on this now, bet there will be an even better sale on it later this year.

[MogwaiBoy]

I wonder if Sparkverb 2 will be announced right after the current 50%-off Sparkverb sale

[plexuss]

I've downloaded the PX Apollo soundset 3 times now and it unrar's ok but UVI Workstation says its invalid. I've activated it with iLok. does anyone have any ideas on what I can try? I've emailed UVI and they say they can't help because everyone is at NAMM. nice. ridiculous. they release a product and then leave no one to help customers? anyway, I have a refund request in but I am willing to try something if someone has any advice.