Description:
This is a 12 minute documentary on nearly 40 years of the Synopsis Video Synthesizer, designed by Rob Schafer, with video by Denise Gallant. The synth was built in 1974-81 and was the only voltage controlled synth of its kind. It featured an 8 level keyer, 4 level fader, LSH control, high frequency oscillator patterns, and a Pitch Follower for audio pitch and amplitude controls.
The video shows the early experiments at UCSC, use of the synth in live music settings in San Francisco and LA, use in music videos, and movie special effects.
Also includes later use, and video art in dance, sculpture, Las Vegas shows, and the NAMM TEC Awards show in Anaheim.