Remembering Paul Schreiber
The synthesis community is reflecting on the life and legacy of Paul Schreiber, a key figure in the development of electronic music technology. Schreiber, who recently passed away, was the creator of the MOTM synthesizer, the driving force behind Synthesis Technology, and a co-designer of the Realistic Concertmate MG-1, among many other contributions. His influence extended beyond the world of synthesizers, touching upon the early days of personal computing through his work at Tandy Corporation.
Synthtopia published a detailed obituary, offering a comprehensive look at Schreiber’s life and achievements. Other members of the synthesis community are also sharing their memories.
Make Noise, a prominent synthesizer manufacturer, expressed their condolences: “We join the synthesizer community in mourning the loss of Paul Schreiber. We send our thoughts and condolences to Paul’s friends and family and honor his lifetime of contributions to the world of synthesis.”
Eric Brombaugh, a colleague, also shared his sadness, stating, “I’m saddened to report that my friend and colleague Paul Schreiber passed away this morning. He was a consummate engineer with deep roots in music and technology and worked on the TRS-80, the Realistic Concert-Mate MG-1 synth, the MOTM modular system and many Eurorack modules. He will be missed.”
Schreiber’s impact is also highlighted by his work with the Realistic Concertmate MG-1, a collaboration with Moog, an early triumph of accessible and affordable electronic instruments. The MG-1’s design, as many have noted, anticipated many of the trends seen in contemporary instruments.
Beyond his contributions to music, Schreiber was also an electrical engineer at Tandy Corporation/Radio Shack. There, he worked on projects including the TRS-80.
Paul Schreiber’s impact on both music and technology is substantial, and his work continues to inspire. His innovations helped shape modern synthesizers and paved the way for innovative electronic instruments. His impact will be felt, and his legacy will be celebrated.
