i’ve got one of these!
- yes, it is separate modules behind the panel
- god, the graphics are dense and half-pointless, cluttering up an already-busy panel. i removed a lot of them with matte black nail polish.
- the dual quantizer is only useful after you let go of the idea that it quantizes pitch into a key (can be useful for making changeable odd scales of CV)
- the metal case it comes mounted to has corners so sharp they’re actually dangerous. i re-mounted mine on a custom wood box.
It’s an odd bird in general. less CV than you’d expect in a lot of ways. the only CV on the envelopes, for example, is essentially a VCA on the output (and two of the four envelopes have no CV at all!). But it’s got some interesting design decisions, that one included, that lead to unique results. The envelopes and LFOs all have what is basically a coarse length knob in addition to all the normal knobs. The mixer is bizarre, integrating a ring-mod-specific channel, and generating a sub-oscillator on channel 1 (divide-down). The results are unique and thiccccc. The filter distorts easily, but richly. The TZFM oscillator, the fold-y sinus module, the unusual semi-stereo filter, all lead to a gigantic, growling character that’s achievable in a lot of different ways. The whole strange upper right module, with its envelope following, gate extraction, etc, is quite a trick to learn - but makes for a fascinating workflow once you’re into it.
i also had to tune the oscillators myself. they didn’t track well as-delivered. but with some dialing in (using trimmers accessed by removing the large knobs), they are right as rain.
Overall, it’s almost like a semi-modular synth that you need to /learn/ the basic patch of. and that basic patch is not documented. It’s not really designed to be played as a standalone system, but more a standalone voice, controlled externally. That said, i’ve had wonderful times playing it as a standalone system - they just involved experimentation beyond what the tools at hand suggest. It’s got unexpected limitations for what it is, but it has character for days. character goes a long way.
this may have sounded overall like a harsh review. but, i’m a person who readily lets go of gear that doesn’t vibe with me - and the 7200 is a forever-keeper. it’s idiosyncratic, with limitations AND capabilities that one doesn’t expect, but it’s got a great, huge, pliable sound - that sound is all its own.
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