Powertran

Synthesizer

• Transcendent 2000

  The Transcendent 2000 is a monophonic analog synthesizer designed by Tim Orr and sold as a kit by Powertran in 1978. Originally conceived as an affordable DIY alternative to commercial synthesizers, it features a single VCO, switchable lowpass and bandpass filter, and a 37-key keyboard. Notably, it was the first synthesizer owned by Joy Division and can be heard on their debut album Unknown Pleasures.

• Transcendent DPX

  The Powertran Transcendent DPX was a DIY synthesizer kit designed by Tim Orr (formerly of EMS), sold from the late 1970s until 1982. It featured selectable piano, strings, and brass voices with full 61-note polyphony, touch sensitivity, and built-in effects including chorus, vibrato, and delay. Due to its complexity across multiple circuit boards, fewer units were successfully completed compared to Powertran's simpler kits.