under some circumstances. I haven't rigorously tested to determine exactly why and when
this happens.
When sending MIDI program (system-exclusive) information to the Split-8, the programs
are sent as a string of single-program dumps. The synthesizer will sporadically "lose"
some programs if a short delay is not inserted between each program, presumably
because it cannot handle MIDI data transmitted at the speed that modern computers can
send it. Most sequencers and librarians will let you specify such a delay between packets
of sysex information. I have found that a 50 millisecond delay is adequate. Shorter delays
may also work; I didn't test rigorously.
4.3 Rumours and speculations:
Built in Japan, this was one of the last synths marketed by SCI. It was released in 1985 at
a list price of $1199 (or $1195) U.S., with an optional footswitch. I have read that a
“handful” of Split-8s were sold, which may have been called “Pro-8”s in Japan and
possibly also in the U.K. This and some other SCI synths (Six-Trak, MAX, Multi-Trak)
were built inJapan around a synth chip that was reputedly originally designed by Curtis
for video games (the “Bally/Sente synth on a chip”; in other words, the Curtis CEM
3394). The rumour is that a Japanese company built the Split-8, then bullied SCI into
marketing it by threatening to sell it to Korg instead. (Another version of this story
suggests that SCI was very happy with the product and requested only minor, cosmetic
modifications, and decided to market the synth simply because they were worried about
competition from Korgand other Japanese companies.) Regardless of the truth, SCI lost
on this, because it was introduced two years after the Yamaha DX7 made everyone want
to buy digital synths instead. Ironically, Yamaha later acquired SCI, then turned around
and sold them to Korg anyway. I believe the Six-Trak was a more successful instrument;
more people seem to own them and they command higher prices in the used market, as
well as having wonderful sysex control of many parameters and 6-way multitimbral
operation. It could be argued that Sequential made another marketing blunder by listing
the Split-8 at $300 more than the Six-Trak. According to Keyboard magazine, June 1985,
John Bowen wrote the factory presets for the Split-8. The Split-8's model number is 608.
5.0 USERS AND INFORMATION
5.1 Use in recorded music:
An audio sampling CD entitled “Astral Ambience”, produced by Martin Newcomb of the
Museum of Synthesizer Technology, features a large list of vintage synthesizers,
including the Split-8. The CD is reviewed in the June 1996 issue of Keyboard magazine,
pp. 77-80. No explicit mention is made of the Split-8 samples, sadly. Contact The
Museum of Synthesizer Technology, Box 36, Ware, Hertfordshire SG11 2AP, England,
44-1-279-771619; in the U.S., Big Fish Audio, 11003 Penrose St., Ste. C, Sun Valley,
CA 91352, 1-800-717-3474 or 818-768-6115, fax 818-768-4117. List price is UKP
32.95,US $69.95. Keyboard reviewed this CD very favourably.
5.2 Spare parts and manuals:
Summary of Contents for 608 SPLIT-8
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