Univox SR-95

I purchased my Univox SR-95 new in 1972. Don't recall what I paid. At the time I thought it was the most fantastic sounding thing I had ever heard. With this producing rhythm sounds, my ex-wife playing bass and me on guitar . . . we put on quite a show. It is simplicity itself. Push one or more buttons on the front that are clearly labeled for the desired beat, rotate the knob for tempo, press the start button [or the supplied footswitch] and awaaaay you go.

It is what it is! Two banks of ten rhythms each. Any number of buttons can be selected at the same time on any one bank, depending only on your dexterity and ability to withstand the convoluted sounds created. There are no expansion cabilities. There are sliders for volume, balance, and optional sounds: Quijada, Guiro, Tambourine.

By today's standards it is a dud! I played around with mine for a year or so after purchasing it in 1972 then stored it away.

Just removed it from storage today [6/6/07] and plugged it in for the first time in 34 years. Worked perfectly and sounded the same as years ago. Mine is in absolutely pristine condition.

Seems well built. Even though I've had it for 35 years I've only used it for about 1 year. It survived 34 years in storage and came to life immediately. Sometimes wonder what of the stuff manufactured today will survive a shelf-life of that length of time.

Univox has been defunct for years. Doubt anyone would answer the phone if you 'could' find an old listing.

This is a relic from the past. No practical value in my opinion. Might have some value to a collector . . . they can be a weird bunch.<g>

If it was stolen, other than being pissed because of the intrusion, I'd probably just get a good laugh now that someone else has this boat anchor.

In essence, the Univox SR-95 is essentially a rebadged US re-issue of the Korg Mini Pops 7 drum machine, most famously used by Jean Michel Jarre in his 'Oxygene' album (in tandem with the famous Eminent 310 organ). It is identical in terms of functionality and external design to the Korg machine, with all of the same preset rhythms and sounds, including the 'special' instrument sounds (Guiro, Quijada, Tambourine etc).

To select a rhythm, you simply depress on of the buttons housed on the front of the machine and tap the 'Start' button.

Controls are also present to control volume levels, including those relating to the special instruments and an analogue tempo dial.

In exactly the same way as the Korg MP7, the real bonus of the SR-95 is in it's ability to select multiple rhythms simultaneously to create complex triple - time rhythms. This feature is in fact a design flaw which was cleverly utilised by the likes of Jean Michel Jarre when applied to the rhythm compositions as heard in his Oxygene album (parts 2 & 4). Selecting multiple presets does not, to my knowledge, place any additional direct strain on the internal circuitry of the machine.

There is no MIDI function available, although enthusuasts have been known to hardwire external trigger outs directly into the internal circuitry. Outputs include High and Low volume outputs and an external pedal input to trigger rhythhms (any bog standard on/off synth/keyboard sustain pedal can be used, although I'm not if and how an analogue pedal would respond.)

As mentioned previously, the real reason many will decide to purchase this device is due to its ability to generate those infamous Jean Michel Jarre type rhythms, otherwise the machine's noteriety is somewhat limited to the likes of hardened drum box collectors.

Take away those unique Jarre sounds and you are effectively left with a very antiquated sounding analogue drum machine with no direct control over the composition and editing of the individual drum sounds, apart from the non standard multiple rhythm technique as previously mentioned.

Jarre fans be warned, however. The SR-95 model I owned sounded distinctly different in terms of rhythm composition (with additional sound differences) to the original Korg Mini Pops 7 (I also own one of these) when I tried to create those well known 'Oxygene' beats. (When I tried to replicate the 'Oxygene - part 4' rhythm on the Univox for example, it sounded completely wrong in terms of structure and tone when compared to the corresponding rhythm on the Korg Mini Pops 7 machine, which suggests either my Univox was faulty, or there may be some definitive engineering differences between the Korg and Univox machines, which I'm aware were manufactured several years later.)

It has also been noted that Univox machines tend to sell for less than original Korg models, which may account for some of my observations. Jarre purists - if in doubt, try to obtain the original Korg Mini Pops 7 machine. (There are several models available, each with slight physical differences, tempo dial/volume slider colours etc. They all sound identical, to my knowledge, however.)

Internally, we're talking old electronics (early to mid 1970's), so it may require expert care should your unit break down. (The main fuse can be screwed out directly at the back of the machine.) As with the Korg MP7, there only seems to be one internal IC which acts as the clock controlling all the instrument sounds. The sound themselves are generated with old school electronic omponents. Often, when these machines are obtained, one or several instrument sound fail to function, which can usually be remedied by replacing cartain internal resistors.

A comprehensive internal schematic seems almost impossible to obtain via the internet. (If anyone should come across one, especially for the Korg Mini Pops 7, then please mail me at: minipops7@aol.com or ajlaggan@aol.com )

Assuming your machine is fully up and running, then yes, it can be both gigged with and depended upon if handled with care.

I'd recommend purcahsing a backup unit, as these machines are now becoming very sought after.

No chance, not in this day and age :)
Tehcnical problems could be addressed by some very knowledgeable and helpful chaps who fequent the official Jean Michel Jarre forum. (It's usually best to ask under the 'Instruments/Synths and making music section.)

It's a great machine, but I'd recommend the original Korg Mini Pops 7 over the Univox SR - 95 due to the apparent sound differences in the Univox re - issue. Feel free to mail me with any questions regarding both machines :)