Movement Systems Drum Computer

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The Movement Drum System I/II (generally referred to as the Movement MCS Percussion Computer) was a very rare British-made drum machine produced approximately 1981 (MKI) and 1983 (MKII). Both retailed at £1999.00 ex vat at march 1983 from 'Movement Audio Visual', 61 Taunton Road, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 3LP, UK. Both models combined two technologies; analogue synthesized drum sounds similar to Simmons SDS-V and basic digital digitized 8-bit drum samples. In total 14 independent voice modules could be played (either analogue or digital). Also notable for its computer-like design and its ability to display drum notes and sequencing graphically on a green black cathode ray tube display unit perhaps similar to page R on the fairlight CMI. Aesthetically this was perhaps the most provocative & industrious rhythm computer system ever made. The Movement Drum Systems are known to have been expensive upon release, and it is estimated that approximately thirty were made.

The original designer was Dave Goodway and for him it was a gargantuan effort which eventually became a labour of love. In 1981, Dave was joined by Jonathan Jowitt, who contribted to the addition of MIDI and features that made the sequencer work well in live situations (playlists, segue songs, etc).

Its most famous user was David A. Stewart of Eurythmics, who excelled in the use of this Drum Computer (and before) on their 1983 worldwide hit, "Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)." The machine (MKI) makes an appearance in the video, in a scene in which singer Annie Lennox is seated on top of a table in a meadow, as Dave Stewart types on the Drum Computer's keyboard. Note in this video the version used is a two-piece type base unit and separate monitor (perhaps a prototype or the MKI model). Phil Collins used an orange smaller 'one piece' MKII. David Stewart also used this machine on the following two albums, "Touch" and soundtrack album "1984 (For the Love of Big Brother)" The last commercial track release Eurythmics used this machine was on Sexcrime (Nineteen Eighty-Four). At this time the Eurythmics choose to use a lot of heavy ambient audio outboard processing to 'beef-up' and update perhaps the rather mild and dated sound of this classic machine.

In 1984, MIDI was added to create an additional 8 track sequencer. Other hardware modifications, like battery backed memory and disk drives were added, but the operation was small (only a two man team). Eventually, the big companies reigned supreme.

used on tracks:

Kim Wilde (Cambodia), Hot Chocolate (Girl Crazy).

Also used / owned by:

Thompson Twins, Phil Collins, Kissing The Pink, -->