Jean-Michel Jarre & The ‘Rolls Royce Of Analog Synthesizers’, The Schmidt Synthesizer

Jean-Michel Jarre shared this video, sharing his thoughts on what he calls the ‘Rolls Royce of analog synthesizers’, the Schmidt Synthesizer.

The Schmidt Synthesizer is a monster eight-voice polyphonic analog synthesizer with digital control and preset memories. Schmidt recently announced that they were making another batch of 25 of the synths, with about 50 already in the wild. 

In the last decade, Jarre has done a series of concerts using a massive collection of rare analog gear, performing his early classics. Here’s an example, from Oxygéne Live in Paris, December 2007:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=su6MRe95FA8

25 thoughts on “Jean-Michel Jarre & The ‘Rolls Royce Of Analog Synthesizers’, The Schmidt Synthesizer”

    1. This or an 88 key Yamaha Montage, Modal 008, Prophet 12, an new Minimoog Model D, Behringer DM12, a Studiologic Sledge 2.0, and still have some pocket change left……..or the Schmidt. Hmmmmm.

    2. 510 monotrons would be another option, giving higher (510-note) polyphony.

      Not too sure if I would set my mind on either option, but for those of us on tour I’d probably recommend Schmidt, for it’s more lightweight @ just 45 KG as opposed to 50.

      Another advantage is it doesn’t need 500-channel mixer (maybe if only for some very complicated feedback synthesis techniques), and is easier to set-up.

  6. If I had US$20k to spend on a synth, it would really come down to either a Dotcom System 110 or the Schmidt. As much as I would love the modular, in the end, it would be the Schmidt. There are several reasons:
    1) Polyphony. That is an advantage that is unbeatable for how I would use the synth.
    2) Patch store and recall.
    3) I don’t need a hardware sequencer, all of my sequencing would be from the DAW.
    4) The kind of music I do and how I do it is just much more suited for the Schmidt than a modular. I do electronic classical and covers of songs I like. I work entirely “on the box.” The synth is the sound source I make the music with.

    With that said, if I had $40k to spend, I would get one of each. Yep, one can dream…

  9. Nothing innovating or interesting about a synth only a few people can afford. With a price tag like that it would seem Schmidt seems to think it’s still 1967 and not 2017

    2. “Nothing innovating or interesting about a synth only a few people can afford. ”

      Like the Moog Modular when it came out, or the Yamaha CS-80, or the Fairlight? They all cost as much as a house, and musicians used them to revolutionize music.

      Great musicians can make music with cheap toys (see Kraftwerk) – but most prefer to work with great instruments, and there’s nothing elitist about great musicians of all types wanting to play a great instrument.

      1. Those instruments you mentioned was something new and revolutionary in the past.

        This instrument does not offer anything new or revolutionary for the “now”. It is just another over-priced instrument in the hands over an over-hyped artist.

        1. This is one of the greatest analog synth designs ever.

          It’s out of my price range, but I’m not so stupid as to dismiss the achievement it represents!

  12. Admin: Personal attack deleted.

    Also, you’re using multiple user names (Biyance, Mr. Hotchild, etc) to post comments, which will result in your comments being flagged as spam.

  13. Audio recording from the synth could have been better imo

    Always great to see Jarre give his impressions too.

    This synth seems a bit overkill for anyone’s real life needs though it’s sure nice

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