SIEL Cruise: The Versatile Dual-Section Synthesizer

Overview of the SIEL Cruise

The SIEL Cruise, introduced in 1981 by Italian organ manufacturer SIEL, is a unique synthesizer that combines two distinct sections: a monophonic synthesizer and a polyphonic string machine. This versatile instrument was designed to offer musicians a comprehensive sound palette in a single package.

Key Features of the SIEL Cruise

• Synthesis: Analog subtractive (Mono section) and divide-down (Poly section)
• Keyboard: 49 keys with split capability
• Sections: Mono Synthesizer and Poly Synthesizer
• Mono Section:
  • One digitally controlled oscillator (DCO)
  • 10 preset sounds and free synthesis mode
  • ADSR envelope, VCF with cutoff and resonance
• Poly Section:
  • Fully polyphonic string machine
  • Four sound sections: Brass, Strings, Piano, and Accordion/Organ
  • 10 preset sounds with combinable options
• Effects: Built-in vibrato and “Animator” (chorus-tremolo-LFO effect)
• Controls: Various sliders and switches for sound shaping
• Connectivity: Separate outputs for Mono and Poly sections

Development and Innovation

The SIEL Cruise was developed as SIEL’s entry into the synthesizer market, combining their Orchestra and Mono synthesizer models into one powerful instrument. Its dual-section design offered musicians the flexibility of both monophonic and polyphonic sounds in a single unit.

Unique Aspects

• Dual Synthesis Approach: Combines monophonic synthesizer with polyphonic string machine
• Versatile Sound Palette: Offers a wide range of sounds from bass and leads to strings and brass
• Split Keyboard: Allows for assigning different sections to different parts of the keyboard

Impact on Music Production

Applications in Music

• Pop and Rock: Used for creating bass lines, lead sounds, and string textures
• Electronic Music: Favored for its warm analog sounds and versatility
• Studio Production: Prized for its ability to produce multiple types of sounds in one instrument

Legacy and Historical Significance

• Represents SIEL’s transition from organ building to synthesizer manufacturing
• Rebranded and sold in the US as the Sequential Circuits Fugue
• Poly section released separately as the SIEL Orchestra and ARP Quartet
• Contributed to the characteristic sound of many recordings from the early 1980s

Conclusion: The SIEL Cruise’s Place in Synthesizer History

The SIEL Cruise holds a unique place in synthesizer history as a versatile instrument that combined monophonic and polyphonic synthesis in one package. Its innovative dual-section design and wide range of sounds made it a powerful tool for musicians in the early 1980s. The Cruise’s legacy continues to influence modern synthesizer design, cementing its status as a notable instrument in the world of analog synthesis.