Computer Music Center
Videos
The Computer Music Center at Columbia University is the oldest center for electronic and computer music research in the United States. Electronic music work began at Columbia University and Barnard Co
RCA Mark II Sound Synthesizer, Computer Music Center at Columbia University
The "Victor" (nickname of RCA Mark II Sound Synthesizer) at the CMC was one of the first synthesizers. Exponents thought it would replace the orchestra, but it turned out to be difficult to keep consistent. Instead it was given to Columbia which used it to teach avant-garde electronic musicians.
The RCA Mark II Sound Synthesizer was the first programmable electronic music synthesizer. Designed by engineers Herbert Belar and Harry F. Olson at RCA with contributions from Peter Mauzey and compos
Computer Music Center
…research. The center was officially established with a grant from the Rockefeller Foundation in 1959 which was used to finance the acquisition of the RCA Mark II Sound Synthesizer from its owner, RCA. The center's flagship piece of equipment, the RCA Mark II Sound Synthesizer, was delivered in 1957 after it was developed to…
RCA Mark II
Close-up of the synthesizer