Part 2: Instruments for Electronic Music Studios

The Serial Sound Structure Generator

The Serial Sound Structure Generator (860008, 870021, 910221, 910222) was built between 1965 and 1970. It was a precursor of the sequencers that first became popular on analogue synthesizers, then on digital synthesizers. This instrument offered a much more comprehensive range of options than did the smaller synthesizer versions. It was able to repeat interlocking series of up to thirteen pitches, and up to thirteen durations, using varying timbres. It could be used in conjunction with other serial structure generators and with other instruments in the studio, including the Multi-Track, and was intended to facilitate the serial, or twelve-tone, method of composition.

The first Sonde (1968) produced 200 sine tones that were controlled by individual sliders. (CSTM)