Siel Kiwi

Analog polysynth (1983)

"Italian Analog polysynth based on DCO with resonant filters and patch memory. The Kiwi replaced previous simlar model Dk-600 and it seems it had a major distribution in Germany rather than in Italy "

Main Data

Company: Siel
Model: kiwi
Class: synthesizer
Keyboard: 61 keys with velocity
Dates: 1983
Country: italy
Weight: 15 Kg
Dimensions: 90 mm x 39 mm x 18 cm
Price: 400€

Display: none
Technology: analog
Polyphony: 6 voices
Multitimbric: 1 part
Oscillator: 2 DCO saw + pulse
Filter: 1 VCF LP 24dB/oct
Envelope: 1 EGS ADSR type
Effect: none
MODULATION: 3 LFOs
Memory: 95 slots
Midi: in / out
PSU: internal
IC: 6X SSM2024 VCA (Quad Current Controlled Amplifier)
6X SSM2056 EG (Voltage Controlled Transient Generator)
6X SSM 2044 VCF (4-Pole Voltage Controlled Filter)
2X SSM2031 (High Frequency Oscillator) + TMS3631AN

61 keys keyboard with 2 wheels:
- pitch (to DCO1 and or DCO2)
- modulation (depth to LFO1 and or LFO2/3)

Rear panel connectors:
-Midi IN / OUT / THRU
- mono output
- I/O for tape (with switch tab mode)
- 5 din connector for VCA CV control
-5 din connector for VCF CV control

none yet

- No official VST plugin

- No user manual yet

- No service manual yet

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Kiwi In details

VOICE main system CPU is based around Texas Instruments TMS7000. Custom IC TMS3631AN generates 6 voices polyphony with 2 detunable oscillators DCO1 / DCO2 with 3 footages at 4' 8' 16'.
Each oscillator features 2 mixables (only 50% volume) shapes and a noise generator with no control (but volume) can be mixed to DCO.

Oscillator

-2 oscillator per voice at 4' 8' 16'
- sawtooth / pulse shape
- DCO2 detune coarse+ fine

Polyphony

up to 6 voices, no split, no stack

Noise

Pink noise generator with volume control

Dynamic response

4 different keyboard curves sensivity: high/medium1/medium2/low

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LFO / EG / FILTER

FILTER

the VCF is a low pass type 24dB/oct resonant
- keytracking mode

LFO

- 2 separate modulators for DCO pitch
- extra dedicated LFO for pulse width and filter cutoff

Envelope

-1 EG generator assignable to:
VCA / VCF
The dynamics destination (velocity) can be assigned to either ADSR level or Attack time.

Siel Kiwi memory and editor

Editor

The Kiwi is sysex compatible, some old editors maybe for commodore64. No info about this for now.

Memory

The kiwi holds up to 95 patches. Memory system works with a battery with frequent leakage issues.

Our Verdict

"Fun little polysynth with limited structure, still a good piece of hardware if in good shape. Not so common."

Sound
quality

Interface

Build
quality

Rarity

Quality /
price

Overall

CONS

- unreliable
- 1 EG
- very basic

PROS

-vintage
- lot of good IC
- sounds nice

Are you a KIWI user? do you like it? You do not agree with our review? Let us know in the comment field just below

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