Philips/Brother PCM 100 Composer Digital Sequencer
The Philips/Brother PCM 100 Composer Digital Sequencer, introduced in 1986, was an innovative mini-workstation that had a short-lived presence in the market.
It featured a 2-OP FM synthesizer, creating sounds similar to those found in the Yamaha Porta series home and toy keyboards.
The PCM 100 came with a 2-octave touch keyboard and a powerful real-time/step sequencer equipped with 8K RAM for recording. Its large LCD screen made composing and note entry straightforward, allowing playback of any of the 100 built-in FM sounds.
While the synthesizer itself was monophonic, it provided three additional parts for accompaniment, including bass lines, chords, and 15 rhythmic patterns. A standout feature of the PCM 100 was its integrated cassette recorder, which allowed users to store and load their composed sequences.
Specifications
Architecture
- Type: Digital
- Synthesis: Frequency Modulation (FM)
- Oscillators: 2
- Waveforms: Sine
- ROM Size: 32 kb
- Modulation: Envelope, Oscillator, Sequencer
- Notes: 2-OP FM Synthesizer
Envelopes and LFO
- Envelopes: 1
- LFO: 1
Polyphony and Tuning
- Polyphony: 4
- Timbrality: 4
- Tuning: Standard
- Modes: Polyphonic
Patches
- RAM: 100 patches
- Storage: Internal, with 6 percussion sounds and 15 rhythm patterns
Sequencer
- RAM: 8 kb
Chips and Operating System
- Chip: Yamaha OPL YM3526
Case and Controls
- Type: Desktop
- Keyboard: 25 keys, touch plates, plastic
- Controls: Buttons
- Display: LCD, LED
- Dimensions: 220 x 190 x 40 mm
- Weight: 715 grams
Connections
- Audio Output: 1/4″ phone jack, stereo
- Main Audio Output Count: 2
- Power: 9V DC, 500 mA
Production
- Year Released: 1986
- Year Discontinued: 1988
Design Notes
- Designer: Lindsey Williams