Aries 300 Modular System

Complete, Working, Single-Owner (50 Years), with Documentation

A complete Aries 300 modular synthesizer system, comprising the original modular cabinet with installed modules, matching keyboard controller, patch cables, and original documentation, including printed manual pages and schematic blueprints.

The system was purchased new, assembled, and used by pioneering electronic musician Michael William Gilbert, and remained in his possession for approximately 50 years.

Condition

The system is in very good overall condition. The cabinet retains its original wood panels with a light stain and polyurethane finish. There are several small areas of surface and edge repair, all of which are shown in the photographs.

The system is largely stock, with a small number of minor, well-documented modifications made shortly after initial assembly (see below).

The mains power cable from the module enclosure has been professionally replaced. All other components are believed to be original.

Functionality

The system has been tested and is believed to be fully functional. All modules respond to control inputs and produce expected outputs. As with all vintage modular systems, calibration may be necessary depending on the intended use.

ID Markings

As an anti-theft measure carried out early in its life, the modules and keyboard were engraved with identifying markings referencing the original owner. These engravings remain present on the instrument. Portions of these markings have been obscured in the photographs for privacy.

History

Aries systems were produced in relatively small numbers in the mid-1970s and are considerably less common than systems produced by other modular synth manufacturers. Complete Aries systems with documented single ownership, original documentation, and long-term use by a known electronic musician are rarely encountered.

Module Complement

Ten modules are installed in the system, arranged left to right as follows (modules are fully interchangeable within the cabinet):

• AR-317 Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO)*
• AR-317 Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO)*
• AR-315 Balanced Modulator*
• AR-318 Sample & Hold / Clock / Noise Generator*
• AR-324 Dual LFO / Lag Processor / Inverter
• AR-312 Envelope Generator
• AR-312 Envelope Generator
• AR-323 Dual Mixer
• AR-314 Voltage Controlled Filter (VCF)*
• AR-316 Voltage Controlled Amplifier (VCA)*

The right-most Output & Power panel (part of the AR-326 assembly) is integral to the cabinet and is not a removable module. All modules retain original panel labeling and knobs. Modules marked with an asterisk (*) incorporate additional functionality via modifications described below.

System Components

In addition to the modules listed above, the system comprises the following original components:

• AR-310 Case and Backplane Connectors
• AR-311 Keyboard
• AR-313 Keyboard Interface
• AR-320 Keyboard Case
• AR-322 Power Supply
• AR-325 Normalled Prepatch Kit
• AR-326 Output and Power Control Assembly

All major system components required for standalone operation are present.

Note: No Aries product or kit is known to have used the designation AR-319. All other model numbers in the AR-310 to AR-326 series are accounted for and present in this system, aside from an AR-321 Hex Attenuator panel, which is not included. The AR-325 Normalled Prepatch Kit comprises only instructions and a sheet of adhesive labels, both of which are included and remain unused.

Modifications

The system includes a small number of period modifications. All are cleanly implemented and are described below.

• AR-317 Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) (2x):
  Each module is fitted with two additional small unlabeled rotary controls located below the main control knobs, to the left and right of the RANGE toggle switch. These controls function identically on both VCOs. The left control attenuates the CONTROL 2 input signal, and the right control attenuates the PWM input signal.

• AR-315 Balanced Modulator:
  Two additional unlabeled toggle switches are installed below the main control knobs. These provide selectable AC or DC coupling for the modulation inputs: the left switch controls the X MOD input, and the right switch controls the Y MOD input (left switch position = DC, right switch position = AC).

• AR-318 Sample & Hold / Clock / Noise Generator:
  No front panel modifications are visible. However, the module appears to have been lightly modified internally. A detailed functional description will be provided where confirmed.

• AR-314 Voltage Controlled Filter (VCF):
  Two additional small unlabeled rotary controls are installed below the main control knobs. The left control attenuates the AUDIO 2 input signal, and the right control attenuates the CONTROL 2 input signal.

• AR-316 Voltage Controlled Amplifier (VCA):
  One additional small unlabeled rotary control is installed below the main control knobs, to the right of the CONTROL MODE toggle switch. This control attenuates the CONTROL 2 input signal.

• AR-311 Keyboard and AR-313 Keyboard Interface:
  A small rectangular perfboard is mounted beneath the main board, populated with several resistors and two 741-series operational amplifiers. This modification was carried out in 1976 by Carl Fravel of Gentle Electric. It provides a second voice capability and the option to route keyboard control signals internally via the keyboard cable and octal connector. For additional details, please see the original modification notes. At present, keyboard signals are not routed within the main cabinet, so enabling this functionality would require additional internal backplane wiring.

Documentation

All printed assembly guides, parts lists, schematics, board layout blueprints, theory-of-operation notes, and trim procedure documents are included and are in excellent condition. All are original Aries-issued documents and not later photocopies. Most blueprints and schematics are printed on oversized folded sheets.

Additional Photos

For more photos, please see: https://www.tall-dog.com/aries/