Arturia ASTROLAB - Some Historical Context; PPG Realizer (1986)

1.3. Some Historical Context
We believe AstroLab is the first instrument that truly delivers on the promise of software
instruments embedded in hardware. However, there have been many synths that were
created in the same spirit. Here are just four examples, including one of our own.
1.3.1. PPG Realizer (1986)
German innovator Wolfgang Palm’s company PPG lay claim to the first hardware synth
meant to run emulations of other synths, complete with graphics and multiple synthesis
methods including analog modeling, FM, wavetables, and sampling. An image of a synth
such as a “Mini” appeared in the central screen, with the surrounding hardware knobs
controlling the onscreen knobs. Its cost of $65,000 prevented it from being a market
success.
Wolfgang Palm’s PPG Realizer
Arturia - User Manual AstroLab - WELCOME TO ASTROLAB 7