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Site News

This page lists all site updates from 1999 to present in reverse chronological order. RSS feeds (what is RSS?) are available to track site news and updates:

2020

May

Flowstone VST Plugin for Chroma. Also: ChromaTalk archives for January, February, March, and April 2020.

April

CPU Plus Firmware revision 220; addition of P32 to The Chroma CPU Plus (CC+): User's Guide - Configuration Interface & MIDI Support.

2016

January

Catching up after a busy fall—ChromaTalk archives for:

2015

August

ChromaTalk archives for July 2015 (7 threads, 25 messages).

July

ChromaTalk archives for June 2015 (6 threads, 21 messages).

June

ChromaTalk archives for May 2015 (10 threads, 36 messages).

May

ChromaTalk archives for April (5 threads, 29 messages).

April

ChromaTalk archives:

Still working to catch up on last year.

February

CPU Plus Firmware revision 218 and other changes to CC+ documentation.

2014

December

ChromaTalk archives:

February - November

I took some time away from the site and list this year. It’s been a weird and difficult time for me: among several other things, my father was in the last stages of Parkinson’s Disease after about eighteen years, in hospital much of the year from January, and finally died in September. And in retrospect, after fifteen years of near-daily effort, it was perhaps time to have a break from the Chroma for a while.

January

ChromaTalk archives for December (5 threads, 16 messages).

2013

December

ChromaTalk archives for November (6 threads, 34 messages).

November 2013

ChromaTalk archives for October (10 threads, 43 messages).

October

ChromaTalk archives for September (8 threads, 28 messages).

September

ChromaTalk archives for July (7 threads, 35 messages) and August (4 threads, 16 messages).

August

No updates. Sunniest ever summer in Vancouver.

July

ChromaTalk archives for June (15 threads, 59 messages).

June

The ChromaTalk mailing list has finally moved to the same domain as the site. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for May (7 threads, 42 messages).

May

Chroma Memory Extension: The 1600 Programs Chroma, by Michael Röpsch [21030816]. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for April (13 threads, 46 messages).

April

ChromaTalk archives for March (10 threads, 43 messages).

March

Retail Prices compiles price lists and other information on original pricing for the Chroma. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for February (12 threads, 99 messages).

February

Parameter Chart Version 2.1 includes hyperlinks from the PDF to the relevant sections of the site, along with various additions and corrections. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for January (14 threads, 84 messages).

January

ChromaTalk archives for December 2012 (8 threads, 38 messages).

2012

December

ChromaTalk archives for November (9 threads, 39 messages).

November

Various additions to Recordings/Samples and Video. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for October (10 threads, 50 messages).

October

CPU Plus MIDI Velocity Maps includes downloads of custom velocity maps supported by the new Revision 217 CPU Plus firwmare, by David Clarke [21030085++]. Also, corresponding revisions to the CPU Plus User's Guide; and User Implementations added to the CPU Plus Alphanumeric Display page. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for September (5 threads, 21 messages).

September

ChromaTalk archives for August (18 threads, 57 messages).

August

ChromaTalk archives for July (10 threads, 89 messages).

July

TouchOSC iPad Template Modifications by Leon van der Sangen [21010301] for use without a computer. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for June (13 threads, 94 messages).

June

Anvil Case Foam Specs by Dave Blees [21030552]. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for May (13 threads, 39 messages).

May

Chroma 21030552 For Sale by Dave Blees, original owner. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for April (17 threads, 57 messages).

April

Atari Bank Loader (and other apps) for Polaris, by Albrecht Storz. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for March (16 threads, 87 messages).

March

Polaris Membrane Panel Replacement by Paul DeRocco [21030230]. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for February (13 threads, 67 messages).

February

ChromaTalk archives for January (23 threads, 130 messages).

January

Test Controller by Luca Sasdelli [21010226]: implementation of a voice board test controller. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for December (22 threads, 92 messages).

2011

December

Scans of the Chroma warranty card. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for November (11 threads, 44 messages).

The site is now 404 pages (plus a few "hidden" ones which you can access by donating), which comprise 2,942 files weighing in at 997MB.

November

ChromaTalk archives for October (14 threads, 58 messages).

October

Expanded descriptions and performance notes from Fender for Factory Patch Set 4 and Set 5. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for September (10 threads, 28 messages).

September

Chroma Cult Patch Credits: known authors for the sets compiled by Ken Ypparila [21030229] in the 1980s. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for August (17 threads, 148 messages).

August

BCR2000 Set Up by David Clarke [21030085++] describes how to set up a Behringer BCR2000 for use with the Chroma. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for July (14 threads, 62 messages).

July

New EQ Board including schematics and PCB, by Heinz Weierhorst [21010276]. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for June (14 threads, 69 messages).

June

CPU Plus Firmware v215 offers random patch generator, support for parameter feedback for 'knob boxes,' and more. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for May (16 threads, 43 messages).

Pressure Sensor Kit documentation revised.

May

ChromaTalk Archives for April (16 threads, 63 messages).

April

Expander Performance Manual, with set up information specific to this rare unit. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for March (27 threads, 161 messages).

March

iPad Editors for the Chroma! Plus: ChromaTalk archives for February (20 threads, 94 messages). Split off the Polaris Price History from the Chroma Price History.

February

ChromaTalk archives for January (12 threads, 57 messages). New scans of the product brochure from Eric W. Mattei [21030443+].

January

Review from Strumenti Musicali magazine (English and the original Italian), January 1983. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for December (13 threads, 68 messages).

2010

December

ChromaTalk archives for November (17 threads, 117 messages).

November

ChromaTalk archives for October (12 threads, 98 messages).

October

ChromaTalk archives for September (14 threads, 40 messages).

September

Mackie C4 Control Template by James Coplin [16330036+]. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for August (17 threads, 120 messages).

August

Alphanumeric display support for the CPU Plus (CC+). Plus: ChromaTalk archives for July (15 threads, 72 messages).

July

ChromaTalk archives for June (20 threads, 125 messages).

June

The Chroma Fact Sheet, from the ARP era, provides clues to the early design of the instrument. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for May (23 threads, 132 messages).

May

50 patches by David Hobson [21030506]. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for April (17 threads, 101 messages).

April

Previously missing material from the ChromaFace manual thanks to August B. Raring [21010148]. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for March (14 threads, 60 messages).

March

ChromaFace Schematic is a recently obtained document from the company that produced the MIDI retrofit in the 1980s. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for February (8 threads, 54 messages).

February

Chromatrol for Behringer B-Control by Matt Thomas [21010021] includes presets and panel graphics for the MIDI controller desk. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for January (10 threads, 82 messages).

January

Panel Colour Themes reviews the origin and design of the "Halloween" and rare gold monotone instrument themes. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for December (11 threads, 199 messages).

2009

December

Pressure Sensor Retrofit Kit by Chris Borman [21030194+] details a newly available pressure sensitivity upgrade for the Chroma. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for November (17 threads, 72 messages).

November

Hardware Description and Specifications for the Apple II interface card, from the Sequencer Manual. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for October (13 threads, 71 messages).

Split the Expander registry into pages for model 1631 and 1633, and the Polaris registry into pages for models 2121, 2123, and 2123B (Polaris II).

October

Excerpt of Chroma-related information from Musical Applications of Microprocessors by Hal Chamberlin. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for September (11 threads, 34 messages).

September

How the Chroma Tunes Itself by David Clarke [21030085++] is a technical article that details the tuning process: oscillator and filter scaling and offset, and "tuning quirks." Plus: ChromaTalk archives for August (16 threads, 53 messages).

July-August

The entire Polaris Service Manual is now on the site in hypertext format, including large format schematics in PDF. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for June (12 threads, 52 messages) and July (8 threads, 26 messages).

The HTML content of the site now comprises over a million words.

June

Price History is a listing of known prices paid for the Chroma, Expander, Polaris, and accessories. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for May (11 threads, 31 messages).

May

New patches and notes submitted by Scott Harper [21030473]; most are by Ian Underwood of the Mothers of Invention. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for April (14 threads, 44 messages).

April

The Interface Manual has been updated from the 1982 to the 1986 edition, which includes numerous additions, particularly with respect to the Polaris (for example, Polaris Structure and Polaris Objects and Streams). Plus: ChromaTalk archives for March (12 threads, 77 messages).

The mailing list has moved to a new home; everyone has been re-subscribed.

March

Preliminary new parameter chart, redrawn for improved utility and readability: have a look at send feedback. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for February (9 threads, 19 messages); the site is ten years old!

Februrary

Polaris Sysex, an article by David Clarke [300831++] on his approach to accommodating variations in Polaris firmware revisions. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for January (10 threads, 50 messages).

January

A Devil Between Mirrors, recent recordings by Richard Willoughby [21030348] featuring the Chroma. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for December 2008 (9 threads, 42 messages).

2008

December

Fender's Replacement Parts list, including original net and list prices. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for November (7 threads, 44 messages). Added sysex versions of Polaris patches.

November

New registry page: Model 1611 (Computer Interface). Plus: ChromaTalk archives for October (8 threads, 24 messages).

October

New audio from Chris Smalt [21010280+]: an original composition, and an audience recording from the 1984 Musicom trade show in Rotterdam, possibly featuring Peter Vettese. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for September (8 threads, 33 messages).

September

Chroma article from Synthesizer Magazin's May-June 2008 issue in English and the original German. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for August (12 threads, 58 messages).

July-August

The Interface Manual (1982) is now available in hypertext. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for June (18 threads, 60 messages) and July (24 threads, 84 messages).

June

Three banks of patches from Åke Danielson [21010068]. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for May (15 threads, 57 messages).

May

Chroma Service Policy Guide from Fender. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for April (19 threads, 70 messages).

April

Schematics and Source for the Syntech/Chroma Cult/KMX MIDI retrofit, by Ken Ypparila [21030229]. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for March (20 threads, 71 messages).

March

Switching Power Supply Unit Replacement Kit by Luca Sasdelli [21010226] et al., a self-install upgrade available for order. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for February (14 threads, 43 messages).

The site now consists of 1900 files, approximately 200mb.

February

Kenton MIDI Kit User Manual. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for January (12 threads, 39 messages).

January

Polaris EPROM Code: binary files and installation instructions. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for December 2007 (8 threads, 14 messages).

2007

December

Maas-Lupp patches found by Marco Rosano [21010197] on an old cassette tape that was with his Chroma when he bought it, and patch names he wrote for them. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for November (15 threads, 50 messages).

November

Chroma Voice Board Test Controller schematics by Dave Wilson of the New England Synthesizer Museum. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for October (12 threads, 38 messages).

October

Fender/Chroma Music System outlines features of the ground-breaking Apple II software for the Chroma and Polaris. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for September (8 threads, 45 messages).

September

Polaris RAM IC Types by Gregory Ryan Freer details Polaris RAM upgrades and includes installation instructions from Fender. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for August (9 threads, 36 messages).

Site version 3.0.4 update, which introduces the use of $_GET rather than depending on register_globals being enabled, at least for the main part of the site framework (still have to convert side navigation and incidental uses throughout the content).

The site now consists of over 1800 files, around 200MB.

July-August

The entire Programming Manual is now online in hypertext format. This essential reference includes sections on Structure, Programming, Panel Parameter Descriptions, Hidden Functions, creation of a Sample Program, Cassette Interface Notes, and a Glossary. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for June (14 threads, 45 messages) and July (7 threads, 24 messages).

June

A Windows Interface for the Rhodes Chroma, by Mark David [21030170+], documents an abortive but impressive project to build an interface for the PC. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for May (12 threads, 41 messages).

May

Fender clip art for the Chroma. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for April (9 threads, 59 messages).

April

Excerpts from E&MM interview with Peter Vettese in which he discusses the Chroma. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for March (14 threads, 73 messages).

March

Keyboard Spec Sheets announcing the Chroma and Chroma-Apple Interface. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for February (8 threads, 35 messages).

February

Analog Bach by Marco Rosano [21010197], excellent recordings of baroque music on the Chroma, and an inspiring essay about synthesizers as musical instruments. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for January (18 threads, 97 messages).

January

A diversion this month: expanded About This Site information, including site history, statistics, design, and implementation. I have had several requests for this information, and have been meaning to compile some of what I've learned from running the site these past eight years. Also: ChromaTalk archives for December 2006 (21 threads, 87 messages).

2006

December

CPU Plus Firmware info, revision history, and downloads, by David Clarke [21030085++] and Sandro Sfregola [21010294]. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for November (14 threads, 127 messages).

November

Chroma to Chroma Interface Lead by Martin Straw [21010093+] documents the physical connection between two Chromas (including the Polaris). Plus: ChromaTalk archives for October (12 threads, 51 messages).

The site now consists of over 240 pages, comprised of 1500 files, and weighs in at over 150mb.

October

The Opcode Patch Librarian Manual has been added to the site. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for September (12 threads, 70 messages).

Created a page specifically for Mac OS X Editors & Librarians (i.e., current), separate from the Mac OS software for historical interest.

The Registry reached 200 instruments (not including the Polaris); see Registry Hits 200 Instruments in the October archive.

September

The Parameter Chart has been updated to include CPU Plus (CC+) functions, thanks to Åke Danielson [21010068]. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for August (12 threads, 44 messages).

August

The entire Service Manual (1983 Rhodes edition) is now available on the site, complete with large format schematics and drawings in PDF format. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for July (10 threads, 24 messages).

July

CPU Plus installation instructions and user's guide. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for June (11 threads, 28 messages).

June

CPU Plus, a very impressive hardware upgrade for the Chroma by David Clarke and Sandro Sfregola, is now available for order! Plus: ChromaTalk archives for May (11 threads, 51 messages).

May

Use of the Pressure Sensor is official documentation from Fender on how to program for pressure. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for April (13 threads, 28 messages).

Michael DeAngelis contributed some Polaris patches.

April

The ChromaTalk mailing list has a new home with more features and configurable options. See list tools. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for March (12 threads, 42 messages).

March

Synth Check: Rhodes Chroma review, by Paul Fishman, from the January 1983 issue of International Musician. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for February (13 threads, 33 messages).

Added the program printouts for factory sets 1 through 5; they're now available from the Manuals page.

February

How to Load Patches from Cassette Tape, by Martin Straw. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for January (9 threads, 28 messages).

January

New patches from Jim and Vincent Russo [21030433] and Walt Whitney: see Patch Downloads. (Also retired the StuffIt X files to help rid the world of this now-unnecessary bloatware, though the Galaxy patch files are still available in older '.sit' StuffIt archive format for "classic" Mac OS users.) Plus: ChromaTalk archives for December 2005 (9 threads, 65 messages).

2005

December

CPU Plus, by Sandro Sfregola [21010294] and David Clarke [21030085++], documents a very impressive custom built hardware upgrade for the Chroma. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for November (17 threads, 114 messages).

Added patch conversion tools compiled for Mac OS X.

November

Polaris Advertisements: brochure and print ads. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for October (14 threads, 72 messages).

Added PayPal donations; see Donate to rhodeschroma.com.

Added a print style sheet (CSS file, later incorporated into the main CSS file; see 5 years later: print CSS still sucks) so that Web pages print without navigational elements (panel and side nav).

October

Music UK Review by Vince Hill, November 1982. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for September (8 threads, 49 messages).

September

Photo Gallery: Some of the better pictures of the Chroma gathered over the years. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for August (9 threads, 40 messages).

August

GenEdit ST Chroma Editor, by Dave Blees [21030552]. An editor for the Atari ST. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for July (10 threads, 27 messages).

The site is now over 200 pages; it is comprised of over 1100 files and is approximately 78mb in size.

July

Building New Voice Boards, by David Clarke [21030085++]. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for June (4 threads, 6 messages).

June

Museum of Synthesizer Technology Chroma/Expander article, by Martin J. Newcomb. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for May (10 threads, 50 messages).

May

How to swap the original power supply with a readily available switching unit, by Sandro Sfregola [21010294], along with instructions for how to build high reliability prototype circuit boards. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for April (9 threads, 57 messages).

April

EES MIDI Kit Documentation: pictures and translation by Jesper Ödemark [21010135]. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for March (12 threads, 45 messages).

March

Chroma Expansion Board and New Firmware, by Sandro Sfregola [21010294] with David Clarke [21030085++], documents a homebuilt hardware upgrade with expanded memory and on-board MIDI. Schematics and firmware are available. Plus: ChromaTalk archives for February (10 threads, 36 messages).

Also, version 3.0.3 of the site, and version 3.0.1 of home.css, support Google site search on the home page.

February

Hardware Fault Diagnosis & Repair by Martin Straw [21010093+], a former Chroma tech from the UK, provides detailed steps for checking and repairing a malfunctioning instrument. Also, ChromaTalk archives: January 2005 (12 threads, 55 messages).

chroma.css version 3.0.1, which added compensation for a CSS layout problem in Internet Explorer for Macintosh, was posted February 3; site version 3.0.2, which changed to the @import method for style sheet references, was posted February 4.

January

Major update: version 3.0 of the site. Complete review and revamp; web standards compliant; new content, structure, and visual design.

Significant new content includes:

Other additions include the Apple II board schematic in the Syntech/Chroma Cult user's manual; the January 1987 Chroma Cult mailing; a bank of patches from Kurt Otto and a few of David Clarke's patches; new pictures of the Syntech and ChromaFace MIDI retrofits; contributor acknowledgements; and more that you will see throughout.

There is lots of new content coming in the months ahead.

Site version 3.0.1, which enhanced error checking, was subsequently posted.

2004

February-December

The bulk of the work on version 3.0 of the site was done during this time. Most work on the old site was suspended in order to focus on completion and eliminate duplication of effort (e.g. maintaining the ChromaTalk archives in two formats).

January

ChromaTalk Archives: December 2003 (14 threads, 116 messages).

2003

December

ChromaTalk Archives: November 2003 (7 threads, 22 messages).

November

ChromaTalk Archives: October 2003 (9 threads, 38 messages).

October

ChromaTalk Archives: August 2003 (1 thread, 2 messages) and September 2003 (8 threads, 30 messages).

September

No updates.

August

ChromaTalk Archives: July 2003 (3 threads, 14 messages).

July

ChromaTalk Archives: June 2003 (4 threads, 18 messages).

June

ChromaTalk Archives: May 2003 (4 threads, 29 messages).

May

Chroma and Chroma Expander article/review from the just-revised edition of Peter Forrest's book, The A-Z of Analogue Synthesizer, Part Two, N-Z. Also, ChromaTalk Archives: April 2003 (3 threads, 19 messages).

April

ChromaTalk Archives: March 2003 (5 threads, 12 messages).

March

Instruction manual for and pictures of the fan retrofit from David Clarke [21030085++]. Also, ChromaTalk Archives: February 2003 (1 thread, 2 messages).

February

ChromaTalk Archives: January 2003 (5 threads, 11 messages).

January

Voice Board Revisions: The Changing Face of Chroma Dual Channel Voice Boards by David Clarke [21030085++]. Also, ChromaTalk Archives: December 2002 (3 threads, 5 messages).

2002

December

ChromaTalk Archives: November 2002 (4 threads, 7 messages).

November

Synthesizer von Gestern: mp3s from the CD by Matthias Becker and Klaus Stülen. Also, ChromaTalk Archives: October 2002 (2 threads, 2 messages).

October

ChromaTalk Archives: September 2002 (2 threads, 2 messages).

September

Kenton MIDI Kit documentation: installation and user documentation. And ChromaTalk Archives: August 2002 (1 thread, 3 messages).

August

ChromaTalk Archives: June 2002 (6 threads, 9 messages) and July 2002 (7 threads, 19 messages).

July

ARP Chroma Announcement: ARP announced the Chroma with an ad in their ARPeggio magazine of June 1980.

June

David Clarke's [21030085++] Pressure Sensor and Interface provides some detail on the optional (and rare) pressure retrofit. David also provided some information for an addition to the Parameter Chart. Also, ChromaTalk Archives: May 2002 (10 threads, 43 messages).

May

Added new scans and full text transcripts to the Product Brochure and Advertisements pages. Also, ChromaTalk Archives: April 2002 (6 threads, 19 messages).

April

ChromaTalk Archives: March 2002 (3 threads, 17 messages).

March

Added a "Wanted" page that details a few obscure things I'd like to find for the site. Also, ChromaTalk Archives: February 2002 (10 threads, 30 messages).

February

Interview with Philip Dodds and Tony Williams of the ARP/CBS Chroma team, a site exclusive. And ChromaTalk Archives: January 2002 (9 threads, 17 messages).

January

ChromaGraph Manual for the Apple II software by LaBach Software. Also, ChromaTalk Archives: December 2001 (7 threads, 19 messages).

2001

December

The eight Field Change Notices posted, with schematics. Also, ChromaTalk Archives: November 2001 (9 threads, 22 messages).

November

The eight Service Notes posted. Also, ChromaTalk Archives: October 2001 (10 threads, 23 messages).

October

Two soft copy manuals posted: Interface Manual (1.7mb PDF) and Sequencer Manual [PDF removed due to very low demand; contact me if you'd like a copy]) for the Fender Music System. And ChromaTalk Archives: September 2001 (8 threads, 37 messages).

September

Playing the Rhodes Chroma with the Apple II Sequencer from Electronics & Music Maker, April 1983. Also, ChromaTalk Archives: August 2001 (5 threads, 33 messages).

August

Review from Electronics & Music Maker, October 1982. And ChromaTalk Archives for June (4 threads, 12 messages) and July (5 threads, 20 messages).

July

No updates.

June

Scan of the Chroma warranty reimbursement form. Also, ChromaTalk Archives: May 2001 (4 threads, 15 messages).

May

Version 2.5 of the site: reorganized, revamped, and recoded. Also posted ChromaTalk Archives for March 2001 (5 threads, 7 messages) and April 2001 (7 threads, 11 messages).

April

Added the manual for the JLCooper ChromaFace MIDI retrofit.

March

Added David Clarke's [21030085++] EPROM Files which includes downloads of object files and disassembled source. Also, ChromaTalk Archives: February 2001 (16 threads, 50 messages).

February

Posted Gene Stopp's short article on The ARP/Rhodes Chroma VCO. And ChromaTalk Archives: January 2001 (7 threads, 19 messages).

January

Added the Chroma review from Julian Colbeck's Keyfax Omnibus Edition: The real story behind the synthesizer revolution, with kind permission from the author. Also, ChromaTalk Archives: December 2000 (6 threads, 12 messages). Also added this Site News page.

2000

December

Posted a review from the Australian magazince Sonics. Also, ChromaTalk Archives for October 2000 (1 thread, 5 messages) and November 2000 (6 threads, 20 messages).

November

Completely revamped the ChromaTalk archives in HTML format (previously, they had been plain text files created by the mailing list software).

October

ChromaTalk Archives: August 2000 (11 threads, 40 messages) and September 2000 (3 threads, 9 messages).

September

No updates.

August

Reorganized the site, adding an Articles section, including new contributions from David Clarke [21030085++]: ChromaKnob describes a "more intuitive and more easily used programming interface" custom built hardware add-on for the Chroma and Expander; Keyboard Velocity Curves analyzes the way the keyboard scanning processor works between firmware revisions of the instrument. Also, ChromaTalk digests covering July (2 threads, 4 messages) and portions of August 2000.

July

ChromaTalk digests covering part of May; June (3 threads, 8 messages); and the beginning of July 2000.

June

ChromaTalk digests covering most of April (8 threads, 46 messages) and May (8 threads, 26 messages).

May

No updates.

April

Two new articles posted with kind permissionn of their authors/publishers. Fender's Triad Interface, from the August 1983 edition of Polyphony, is a brief description of the Chroma's computer interface. An excerpt from The A-Z of Analogue is a short history and review of the instrument [since updated with material from a revised edition]. Also, a ChromaTalk digest covering the first part of April 2000.

March

ChromaTalk digest which included February 2000 (1 thread, 2 messages) and March 2000 (just a single message).

February

Posted the Chroma Parameter Chart, a guide (here in PDF format) that lists each value for every parameter that makes up a Chroma patch, plus some additional diagnostic commands. Also added the About This Site page. And ChromaTalk digest Volume 1 Number 11, covering most of November 1999 (2 threads, 6 messages) and January 2000 (1 thread, 3 messages).

January

Posted a test audio file of Factory Set 5, which is now available as a .wav file from Patch Downloads.

1999

December

No updates.

November

ChromaTalk digest Volume 1 Number 10, most of November 1999 (2 threads, 6 messages).

October

ChromaTalk digest Volume 1 Number 9, which covered most of October 1999 (2 threads, 11 messages).

September

Added David Clarke's [21030085++] Patch Conversion Tools for converting patches from Galaxy to sysex to tape (audio) to textual parameter listings. Also created a site map and ChromaTalk digests Volume 1 Numbers 7 and 8, which consisted of most of September 1999 (8 threads, 12 messages).

August

Keyboard magazine kindly granted permission to reprint several articles: Keyboard Report; The Rise and Fall of ARP Instruments, a history of the company that designed the Chroma before it went bankrupt; Mark Vail's The Synth That Survived ARP's Fall; and Bob Moog's The Apple II/Rhodes Chroma Interface. Also, ChromaTalk Archives Volume 1 Number 6, late July and early August 1999 (3 threads, 11 messages).

July

Started the ChromaTalk Archives with Volume 1 Numbers 1 through 5, corresponding roughly to the current archives June 1999 (8 threads, 45 messages) and July 1999 (7 threads, 24 messages).

June

Major update: version 2.0 of the site. Complete redesign and expansion. Original five pages replaced by sections; significant new content includes:

March-May

Various updates and additions to the content, based on feedback and e-mails that started to pour in as people began to link to the site and search engines picked it up.

February

Site version 1.0 launched on February 21 with five pages: