Multivox

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1 History
2 Re-branding
3 The Multivox Range
4 References

[edit] History

Multivox were an American based synthesizer company from the mid 1970's. They specialized in delivering Japanese designed and built equipment to the American market. They were criticized as having extremely similar, yet "inferior", design and circuitary to designs by Roland. Multivox ceased trading in the early 1980's having "faded into synth history".¹ In addition to synthesizers, the company was also responsible for marketing several Effects pedals.

[edit] Re-branding

As a result of the old criticism of Multivox synthesizer technology and their comparisons with Roland hardware several hoax/fraudulent cases have occurred. The main hoax was based around a Multivox MX-3000 synthesizer (the flagship of the Multivox range). These machines themselves are quite rare although not particularly sought after among collectors and musicians due to their apparent obscurity. Hence when a Roland MX-3000 appeared on the market a vast amount of controversy surrounding the original Multivox design was stirred up again. Eventually it was revealed by the seller that the piece was in fact originally Multivox but he had re-badged the synthesizer himself in an attempt to stir up interest in his sale. This requires citation.

[edit] The Multivox Range

Multivox produced over 14 different types of synthesizer. Each begins with the preface MX- (an abbreviation for Multivox).

MX-20 - The MX-20 was produced 1977-1978². An electric piano. Preset based with few controlling parameters.
MX-30 - This model is a slight expansion on the previous MX-20 but with the addition of decay and vibrato controls.³
MX-51 - Another piano based model. This requires citation.
MX-65
MX-75
MX-S100 Sequencer - A combination synthesizer and sequencer. Performs the same functionality as a Roland TB-303 with the acid capabilities. Sometimes referred to as the MX-8100 (typo).
MX-150/Basky - An organ style bass pedal.⁴
MX-202 - Bears great similarity to the Roland RS202 synthesizer.⁵
MX-440 - String & Bass ensemble. Similar to above.
MX-450 - Very rare Bass Pedal. Little is known. Sources needed.
MX-880 - A Roland "copy". String synth.⁶
MX-2000 - As above.
MX-3000 - The largest and most feature-laden synthesizer of the range. Includes an individual bass synth, preset synth, preset edit synth, and monophonic lead synth. And a blend control for all 4 synths.
MX-8100 - Digital keyboard sequencer with up to 4 patterns depending on how much memory you use for the patterns. The MX-8100 has separate outputs for V/Oct and Hz/V control voltages.