Cheetah MS6 (1988–1992)

A 19-inch rack of unassuming British analog grit that somehow earned cult status—and a nod from Aphex Twin

Overview

At 19 inches wide and built like a no-frills studio workhorse, the Cheetah MS6 doesn’t announce itself with flair. It arrived in 1988 from Cardiff, Wales, not as a flagship from a synth giant, but as a bold pivot by a company better known for computer peripherals. Cheetah, previously entrenched in data interfaces and floppy disk solutions, plunged into the analog synth market with this full-featured, six-voice module—and promptly became a footnote in the story of budget gear that punched above its weight. Priced at £299 upon release, it targeted musicians who wanted real analog polyphony without the Roland or Yamaha price tag. The MS6 uses traditional sound generation techniques combined with CEM-based circuitry, following the classic oscillator-filter-amplifier model. It was designed as a standalone sound module, rack-mounted and keyboardless, relying on external MIDI control. Despite its modest origins, it managed to linger in studios long after Cheetah vanished from the scene, remembered not for polish, but for raw sonic character.

Specifications

Manufacturer	Cheetah
Model	MS6
Type	Analog polyphonic synthesizer module
Synthesis Method	Subtractive
Oscillators	2 per voice (DCOs)
Waveforms	Pulse Variable, Saw Up, Sine
Polyphony	6 voices
Multitimbral	Yes
Physical Format	19″ rack-mount
Original Price	£299

Key Features

Two DCOs per Voice with PWM

Each of the MS6’s six voices is equipped with two digitally controlled oscillators, offering stable tuning and precise waveform control. While not as richly textured as VCO-based drift, the DCOs provide a clean, consistent foundation suitable for everything from tight basslines to evolving pads.

Oscillator-Filter-Amplifier Architecture

The MS6 adheres strictly to the subtractive synthesis model: oscillators feed into a filter stage, then to a voltage-controlled amplifier. This straightforward signal path makes it intuitive for users familiar with classics like the Prophet or Jupiter lines. Signal flow is uncluttered, with minimal modulation routing options compared to contemporaries, but enough to shape characterful tones without overcomplication.

CEM-Based Analog Circuitry

Built around Curtis Electromusic Specialties (CEM) chips, the MS6 shares sonic DNA with other late-’80s analog gear that This gives it a somewhat uniform, slightly clinical analog tone—cleaner than the warmth of discrete designs, but capable of surprising punch. The use of CEM chips likely helped keep costs down while ensuring reliable performance across temperature changes.

19″ Rack-Mount Design

Designed for integration into professional and semi-pro setups, the MS6 occupies standard 19-inch rack space, making it easy to install alongside effects units, sequencers, or mixing gear. There is no keyboard; it functions solely as a MIDI-controlled sound module, a practical choice for composers building a modular rig.

Overall Volume Memory

One of the few memory functions documented is the ability to store an overall volume level. While the manual confirms multitimbral operation, the extent of patch memory—such as how many presets it can store—is not specified in available documentation. This limited memory reflects its era’s compromise: real-time control over deep recall capabilities.

Historical Context

Cheetah, originally a British computer peripherals manufacturer, ventured into the hi-tech music market in the 1980s with the Designed by Ian Jannaway, the synth was an ambitious attempt to deliver professional-grade analog sound at a consumer price. It emerged during a period when digital synths dominated, yet retained a fully analog signal path—a deliberate choice that appealed to purists. Despite positive remarks about its sonic flexibility, Cheetah failed to sustain momentum and is now listed among synth companies that tried and failed. The MS6, however, gained a quiet afterlife in underground circles. Notably, it earned a rare cultural footnote: Aphex Twin was said to have referenced or used the MS6, a testament to its niche appeal among experimental electronic artists.

Collectibility & Value

The MS6 has grown in reputation among analog synth enthusiasts, though it remains obscure compared to Japanese contemporaries. Owners note its ability to produce a wide range of sounds, with one reviewer stating it “can turn its hand to just about anything the analogue enthusiast might want to hear.” Some users report a specific issue with patches—particularly the most desirable ones—exhibiting instability or failing to recall correctly, though the root cause isn’t documented. A service log from December 2020 records a unit brought in for repair due to a faulty power supply, suggesting this may be a point of failure over time. Market prices vary widely: one unit reportedly sold for £460 on eBay in the past, while a recent listing on Reverb offered a “Used – Very Good” condition unit at $1,165.91 plus shipping—indicating rising collector interest, if not broad liquidity.

eBay Listings

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