[sdiy] Re: Harmonicomputer as project?

[Cyrus]

Hi all,
The Harmonicomputer is (was ) a low-bit digital harmonizer, one rack space,
with a set of a dozen black and white rocker switches on the face which switch
between various intervals.  It also has a manual pitch dial, and the same
modulation features found on early digital delays like their Effectron 1024. 
It also has jacks on the back for footpedal control (stepped or dialed) and
feedback loop.
The sound is unique and cool, and a web search also revealed that it was
featured in producing a number of horror-movie soundtracks.
The interior of the (fairly deep) chassis looks like a solid block of ICs. 
The only wires anywhere lead to the knobs, jacks, and power supply.  There is
no wasted space inside the chassis.  Techs have suggested that they may not be
able to conjure up whatever replacement IC it might need.
I bought it "as-is" on eBay.  I will probably put it back up on auction, but I
will feel compelled (unlike the prior seller) to reveal that it is working but
flawed and possibly unserviceable.
In spite of the degenerated sound quality, the user interface is excellent and
very intuitive.  I wish I could take the sound quality of my MXR blueface
pitch transposer and squeeze it into the interface of the Harmonicomputer.
-Cyrus

Paul Higgins <higg0008 at tc.umn.edu> wrote:

> I remember the Harmonicomputers; they were pretty neat things with a 
> definite sound to them.  The first half of Alex Lifeson's solo on "Red 
> Sector A" from Rush's "Grace Under Pressure" album uses one, set at a 
> seventh or something, to get some very otherworldly sounds out of 
> natural harmonics on a guitar.
> 
> They can't be that hard to fix, can they?  All through-hole parts, with 
> most likely very few custom chips, etc?  If so, it's definitely worth 
> repairing.
> 
> -PRH
> 
> On Thursday, July 8, 2004, at 04:49 PM, Rude 66 wrote:
> 
> > a little google search reveals that not only do a few studios list 
> > them, but
> > it's mentioned in an article in sound n sound magazine, where it's 
> > described
> > as 'a harmonizer with keys'. early digital.
> > i have a weakness for early digital low bit rate stuff.. our publison
> > Digital audio computer is supercool..
> >
> > it also depends what's wrong with it...
> >
> > but it seems rare and good enough to try to get it fixed. have you 
> > thought
> > about selling it 'as is' on ebay?
> >
> > r./
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "Cornutt, David K" <david.k.cornutt at boeing.com>
> > To: <synth-diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl>
> > Sent: Thursday, July 08, 2004 9:35 PM
> > Subject: RE: [sdiy] Harmonicomputer as project?
> >
> >
> >> From: Cyrus [mailto:orangutone at usa.net]
> >>> So,
> >>> I have posted to this and other lists, and emailed various
> >>> vintage gear techs,
> >>> and nobody is interested in fixing an ailing Deltalab
> >>> Harmonicomputer.
> >>
> >> I think the problem is simply that no one knows
> >> anything about them.  I saw your original posting on
> >> Digital Hell; I can assure you that that list is
> >> alive, but I didn't respond because I didn't have
> >> anything useful to say.  I've never even seen that
> >> model.  What is it supposed to do?  Is it a
> >> pitch shifter?
> 
> 
> Paul Higgins
> email: higg0008 at tc.umn.edu
> 
>