Sound Master Memory Rhythm SR 88 – sound, operation, programming

I demonstrate its sound, controls and programming. Sound Master Memory Rhythm SR 88 was made in Japan, released in 1981. I bought this unit new around 1983. This video's sound was recorded with the SR 88 plugged directly into a Motu M4 audio interface and the narration on a different channel.

It runs on four AA cells in a removable plastic holder with a push-on connector like on a 9 V battery. I used NiMH rechargeable in this demo and they clearly work fine. Perhaps you get a slightly different sound with higher voltage cells, I don't know. The AC Adapter socket is a very common size but I didn't test it as I am not sure what polarity it needs. (The -ve center pin convention wasn't so well established in 1981 and I didn't want to risk it.) I'm sure you could visually confirm polarity by tracing PCB tracks. Another Youtube by markusfuller shows that the single-layer PCB is easily removed and worked on.    • Sound Master SR-88 vintage analog drum mac...  

I don't demonstrate the clock and SQ trigger outputs. The SQ (sequencer?) output triggers with the CYM (cymbal) sound and is therefore programmable. I'm not sure how to use the Foot Sw. remote control input. I guess it starts and stops play but maybe does other things too.

According to Vintage Synth Explorer "There is also a straightforward modification that adds a clock in socket for those wishing to slave the SR-88 to another device." http://www.vintagesynth.com/misc/sr88...