Octave CAT

Stunning original Octave CAT analogue synthesizer in perfect working order. It has just been serviced and calibrated. It’s possible to lose hours investigating what one of these can do – a very inspiring synth and one of our favourites.

This synth is in superb cosmetic condition for its age. Inevitably for an instrument that’s 30-plus years old there are a few scuffs and scratches, including a couple of quite long ones on the front face, but overall it is in excellent condition – click on the photos to zoom in and see more shots.

These classic US synths are vastly underrated and represent excellent value for money compared to their more famous rivals, the Minimoog and Arp Oddyssey. They are hard to find, and highly-rated by synth cognoscenti. The flexible nature of this synth means it really punches above its weight: particularly notable features are the cross modulation options and mixable waveforms. It dates from the mid to late 70s and sounds like a classic 70s American monosynth should: powerful and tonally brilliant. Sound design-wise it’s almost limitless with an abundance of bass, leads, and sound effects on tap – it’s easy (and very rewarding) to lose yourself for hours programming this beast…

There are no known operational faults with this unit. (Please note: it is always possible with vintage equipment that some crackly pots/sliders may develop over time when equipment has not been used – even during a short delivery period – this can usually be easily rectified either by use or with Caig Deoxit).

It’s a 100 – 130v model and will require a step-down transformer for use on 220/240v supplies. We can supply high quality, UK-made voltage transformers and strongly recommend that you do not use cheap Chinese transformers: we’ve found operational issues and sonic degradation caused by inferior transformers.

To find out more about this unique instrument we’d recommend Gordon Reid’s excellent Octave CAT article.