EMS Product Sheets

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this listing

"Binder of 12 original EMS product sheets

AKS - VCS3 - Synthi 100 - Synthi Sequencer 256 - Keybord DK2 & KS - Hifli - Synthi E -Vocoder - vocoder 2000 - UIniversal Sequencer - Pitch to voltage converter - 8 octave filter bank"

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Peter Zinovieff's birthday and the EMEAPP EMS collection

video upload by EMEAPP

"Happy birthday to synthesizer pioneer PETER ZINOVIEFF. Here's a quick look at some of his innovations within our EMS here at the Electronic Music Education and Preservation Project (EMEAPP). This includes the VCS3 (The Putney), the Synthi AKS, the Synthetical Engine, and our Synthi 100 system, including the Compu-Synthi and the Vocoder 5000. Please follow us, there's lots of good stuff on the way!"

Update: from 1:42 in the video:

A Lollipop For Papa
video upload by Peter Zinovieff - Topic

Synthi100 Techno Jam #music #synth #electronicmusic #sounddesign #synthi100

video upload by Schema Musicalis

Also see: MoCM & Schema Musicalis drone improvisation with EMS Synthi 100

"Making beats with the EMS Synthi100 - speeding up to audio rate. CMRC/KSYME, Athens Conservatoire @SchemaMusicalis"

Percy Grainger's Free Music Machine

video upload by Robotussin Vintage Synth

"A video from the Australian Broadcasting Company about a composer and inventor called Percy Grainger, who made electronic instruments in the 1950s that would follow a curving line to create pitch and music. He physically made the curving line out of thick sheets of card and fed them into the machine, controlling the pitch of an oscillator."

EMS SYNTHI 100 in the beginning.

MoCM & Schema Musicalis drone improvisation with EMS Synthi 100

video upload by MOCM (A. Monopolis)

"Andreas Monopolis (MoCM) and Stelios Giannoulakis (Schema Musicalis) caress the mythical EMS Synthi100 synthesiser at KSYME, Athens Conservatory, November 2023

@SchemaMusicalis version:"

Andreas and Stelios playing the EMS Synthi100 @ KSYME

video upload by Schema Musicalis

"Andreas Monopolis aka MoCM meets Stelios Giannoulakis aka Schema Musicalis for Electroacoustic, Noise and Drone improvisations on the legendary EMS Synthi100. CMRC/ΚΣΥΜΕ, Athens Conservatory, Nov 2023."

MoCM & & Schema Musicalis drone Jam @ EMS Synthi 100

video upload by MOCM (A. Monopolis)

"Andreas Monopolis (MoCM) and Stelios Giannoulakis (Schema Musicalis) caress the mythical EMS Synthi100 synthesiser at KSYME, Athens Conservatory, November 2023"

New EMS VCS3/Synthi/Switchtrix Electronics VCSX-100

video upload by SWITCHTRIX ELECTRONICS

"Introducing our latest model.VCSX-100.

This Synth features the VCS3 OSC1-3,Filter,Envelope,Ring Modulator,Input channels,Meter and Joystick with the addition of the Synthi 100 Dual Random Voltage Generator,Multimode Filter,,Envelope Shaper and Octave Filter Bank.Housed in a VCS3 cabinet all module input and outputs brough out to 3.5mm jack sockets to interface with modulars or other VCS3/Synthi's

For more info contact
mail@switchtrix.co.uk

www.switchtrix.co.uk"

Dive into the World of EMS VCS3: Unraveling the Power of Modulation & Filters

video upload by Andy Whitmore

"Revolutionize Your Sound: Exploring EMS VCS3's Modulation & Filter Capabilities

Demo of a wide range of sounds & special FX of the VCS3 - & how to program them - explained by Andy Whitmore at Greystoke Studio.

The audio is DIRECT, 100% DRY, & IN STEREO - You are hearing the raw audio as it comes directly from the synthesizer. NO post processing (Effects, EQ, or Dynamics) whatsoever.

The VCS 3 (or VCS3; an initialism for Voltage Controlled Studio, version) is a portable analog synthesiser with a flexible semi-modular voice architecture, by Electronic Music Studios (London) Limited (EMS) in 1969.
This product was called various names by EMS. For example, the printed logo written to the front left of products are: 'V.C.S. 3' or 'The Putney (VCS 3)' on the earlier version, then 'The Synthi (VCS 3) II' on the later version (Synthi VCS 3 II).

The VCS 3's basic design was reused by EMS in many other of their own products, most notably in the EMS Synthi 100 (1971), and the Synthi A (1971) and AKS (1972) (essentially a VCS 3 housed in a plastic briefcase). The AKS also has a sequencer built into the keyboard in the lid.

VCS3 - as used by
BBC Radiophonic Workshop
Brian Eno
Chemical Brothers
Hawkwind
David Bowie
Flood
Ice-T
Jean-Michel Jarre
John Paul Jones - Led Zeppelin
King Crimson
Kraftwerk
Pete Townshend - The Who
Rick Wright, David Gilmour & Roger Waters - Pink Floyd
Tangerine Dream

Watch me bring that sound back to life!🎹🕺

🧢 More about Andy on https://www.andywhitmore.com/"

UVI Introduces Synth Anthology 4

video uploads by UVI

Note the above is a playlist featuring 4 videos. You can use the player controls to skip through them or just watch them all in order.

Details on Synth Anthology 4 follow:

The authentic sound of 200 synthesizers, from vintage to modern
4,000+ presets and layers deliver incredible sound with hardware soul
Feature-packed dual-layer engine with fx, arpeggiator and more

Synth Anthology 4 - A Synthesizer Tour de Force
https://www.uvi.net/synth-anthology-4

Rebuilt from the ground-up, Synth Anthology 4 now features the authentic hardware sound of 200 vintage and modern synthesizers, a fully redesigned engine with powerful features, fx, arpeggiator, smart sound suggestion engine, native MPE support, and more.
A dreamlike collection!

Also included in SonicPass ➡️ https://www.uvi.net/sonicpass

Video credits: Anthony Hak
Music Credits: Théo & Thomas

"The Best Keeps Getting Better

What's new in version 4?

Almost everything!
We've rebuilt the engine from the ground-up, added more synths, more presets, more effects, more filters, more modulation, a dedicated browser, a second fully-customizable layer for creating hybrid and blended timbres, an all-new smart suggestion engine that helps you quickly find similar sounds, a more powerful arpeggiator/phraser, bus effects, native MPE support, and more!

Real Hardware Sounds There is something unmistakable about the sound of a real hardware synth, from subtle differences between voice circuits and drift to the varied way filters bite into the sound; there's a distinct character and energy. Synth Anthology 4 delivers the authentic and uncompromising hardware sound with all the conveniences of a modern software instrument.

Every piece of hardware represents a unique creative vision, sonic character, innovations, and strengths. Whatever you're looking for, from analog to digital, vintage classic to future classic, you will find it here. Synth Anthology 4 delivers an incredible collection of hardware, every major manufacturer, every type of synthesis, every era, 200 synthesizers in all.

You won't find a more complete collection anywhere else."

The list:

CLICK FOR MORE »

The Mind-Blowing EMS VCS3 Sequence in Pink Floyd's On The Run

video upload by Andy Whitmore

"Unlocking the Magic: Synthi AKS Sequence in Pink Floyd's On The Run

Demo of a wide range of sounds & special FX of the VCS3 - & how to program them - explained by Andy Whitmore at Greystoke Studio.

The VCS 3 (or VCS3; an initialism for Voltage Controlled Studio, version) is a portable analog synthesiser with a flexible semi-modular voice architecture, by Electronic Music Studios (London) Limited (EMS) in 1969.
This product was called various names by EMS. For example, the printed logo written to the front left of products are: "V.C.S. 3" or 'The Putney (VCS 3)' on the earlier version, then "The Synthi (VCS 3) II" on the later version (Synthi VCS 3 II).

The VCS 3's basic design was reused by EMS in many other of their own products, most notably in the EMS Synthi 100 (1971), and the Synthi A (1971) and AKS (1972) (essentially a VCS 3 housed in a plastic briefcase). The AKS also has a sequencer built into the keyboard in the lid.

VCS3 - as used by
BBC Radiophonic Workshop
Brian Eno
Chemical Brothers
Hawkwind
David Bowie
Flood
Ice-T
Jean-Michel Jarre
John Paul Jones - Led Zeppelin
King Crimson
Kraftwerk
Pete Townshend - The Who
Rick Wright, David Gilmour & Roger Waters - Pink Floyd
Tangerine Dream

Watch me bring that sound back to life!🎹🕺"

EMS Synthi A

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"no need to explain, this is the EMS Synthi A, original from 72, 73, mk2, with prestopatch connector. 100% working order, ready to go on tour or in the studio."

Colossus Quartz AS250-Seq Expander w/ a Vintage RSF Kobol Expander I Synthesizer

video upload by

"Here's an AS250-Seq expander driving a vintage synth (RSF Kobol Expander I). The AS250-Seq fits seamlessly into your analogue synth studio and works well with most vintage and current analogue synthesizers that accept CV control.

Details:
https://www.analoguesolutions.com/col...

What is Colossus Quartz?

Tom Carpenter is excited to introduce Colossus Quartz, an exciting new range of add-on synth expanders, part of the Colossus range.

Colossus Quartz is the Colossus Slim split into quarters. This allows you to build the whole system one quarter at a time, spreading the cost, or, to just have single sections to use as expanders alongside your existing modular synthesizers.

Several benefits:

It enables you to buy one quarter at a time, so you can spread the cost eventually building up a complete Colossus System.

They can be used as expanders for Colossus.

And they can be used as expanders and used with other modular set-ups (Eurorack, 5U, etc).

Each quarter has a specific range of general features:

AS250-VCO This has a bank of 12 vernier VCOs, plus 2 Noise Generators, Random Voltage, Sample and Hold, Matrix Panel.

AS250-Mod This features 4 VCAs, 4 Envelopes, 2 LFOs, LCD Dual Channel Oscilloscope (can be upgraded to single channel CRT), Touch Keyboard / Sequencer.

AS250-VCF This has 8 Filters (4x SEM type, 4x Moog type), 8 VCAs, 2 real Spring Reverbs, 2 Ring Mods, 2 Slew Generators, Matrix Panel.

AS250-Seq This features a 64-step analogue sequencer, 4 Moving Coil Meters, Stereo Mixer, 2 Joysticks, 2 Multiples, 2 Sub-mixers.

All systems feature a full set of 3.5mm jack sockets for patching.

All the voice and modulation circuits are of course 100% analogue. We purposely steered away from digital, it doesn’t even have MIDI or USB (there are plenty of MIDI converter boxes out there should you need that facility). There are of course digital elements to the sequencer control - that is unavoidable - even classic analogue sequencers like the ARP sequencer used digital logic chips. In fact the EMS Synthi 100 features a digital sequencer.

Colossus is large scale, featuring large knobs that control metal shaft potentiometers. VCOs have multi-turn verniers. The two enormous pin matrix panels dominate the panels - these are incredibly expensive Swiss-made broadcast-quality signal routers.

There are two spring reverbs, touch keyboard, step sequencer, moving coil meters, joysticks and so much more. An immense expanse of jack sockets for additional patching within or without the system.

There are no gimmicks - this is pure synthesiser. A huge sound enclosed in a solid metal case wrapped in wood. No expense has been spared to bring this incredible machine to life.

Synthesisers like this only come around once in a decade, or possibly a generation."

Analogue Solutions Colossus Quartz Synthesizer Expanders

video upload by Analogue Solutions

Press release follows:

Analogue Solutions ‘splits’ Colossus AS200 Slim synth into ‘quarters’ to create Colossus AS250 Quartz range of expanders with possible piecemeal purchase

SHATTERFORD, UK: having shed some pounds off its ‘against-all-odds-created’ Colossus AS100 Classic super-synth (that took its inspirational design cues from the colossal classic personified by the rarefied Seventies-vintage Synthi 100, bravely built by British trailblazing entity EMS as one of the largest and most expensive examples ever birthed by anyone anywhere) to create Colossus AS200 Slim as a comparatively slimline version pitched as being a perfect fit for those with a little less studio space to spare or more restricted access for installation, British boutique electronic instruments innovator Analogue Solutions is proud to announce availability of Colossus AS250 Quartz as a range of add-on expanders — effectively ‘splitting’ Colossus AS200 Slim into ‘quarters’ to enhance existing Colossus systems or other modular synthesisers while also allowing for piecemeal purchase benefitting those wishing to build a complete Colossus system over time to spread the cost — as of May 2…

As a range of add-on synth expanders, each Colossus AS250 Quartz ‘quarter’ has a specific set of general features and is named accordingly: AS250-VCO — comprising a bank of 12 voltage-controlled oscillators (OSCILLATOR 1 through to OSCILLATOR 12), plus two noise generators (NOISE GENERATOR 1 and NOISE GENERATOR 2), RANDOM VOLTAGE GENERATOR, SAMPLE AND HOLD, and a 31 x 15 ANALOGUE PIN MATRIX ROUTING panel; AS250-Scope — comprising four discrete voltage-controlled amplifiers (VCA 1 through to VCA 4), four envelopes (ENVELOPE SHAPER 1 through to ENVELOPE SHAPER 4), two low frequency oscillators (LFO 1 and LFO 2), LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) OSCILLOSCOPE as standard or CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) OSCILLOSCOPE optionally available, and TOUCH KEYBOARD CONTROL / SEQUENCER; AS250-VCF — comprising eight voltage-controlled filters (with FILTER 1 through to FILTER 4 each of a SEM-type 12dB multimode design and FILTER 5 through to FILTER 8 each of a Moog-type 24dB low-pass design) with an associated VCA each, four envelopes (ENVELOPE SHAPER 1 through to ENVELOPE SHAPER 4), two spring reverbs (REVERBERATIONS 1 and REVERBERATIONS 2) with three real mechanical springs each, two RING MODULATORS, two SLEW LIMITERS, and a 31 x 15 ANALOGUE PIN MATRIX ROUTING panel; and AS250-Seq — comprising a 64-step analogue SEQUENCER (capable of operating in four different playback modes), four backlit moving-coil SIGNAL METERS, two JOYSTICKS, two MULTIPLES, MAIN MIXER, and two SUB MIXERS.

Modular by nature, it goes without saying, though, that each expander in the Colossus AS250 Quartz range features extensive patching capabilities with almost all parameters connectable via dedicated 3.5mm jack sockets, which when used in combination with those 31 x 15 ANALOGUE PIN MATRIX ROUTING panels — patch using (included) 3.5mm mono mini-jack leads to/from the synth circuits themselves to any matrix channels to be used, then patch using (included) red (10 kΩ) and black (0 Ω) pins accordingly — allow signals to be easily split and sent to multiple destinations with minimal cabling. “It is impossible to test every combination of patch,” proclaims Analogue Solutions Founder Tom Carpenter, before adding: “Some patches might produce unusual but still interesting results, or you could get something not mixing or buffering in quite the way you expect — just remember this is a living analogue synth, not a giant software controller that has clinical ‘perfection’.”

Put it this way: all voice and modulation circuits involved in Colossus construction are 100% analogue; in fact, Analogue Solutions steered purposefully away from digital technology to the extent of avoiding any MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) connections — those in need can, after all, always turn to third-party MIDI-to-CV boxes or Eurorack modules — though there are, of course, digital elements to the sequencer control involved in the aforesaid AS250-Seq expander that are unavoidable. As a brief aside, it is worth noting here that classic analogue sequencers like ARP’s advanced-for- its-time Model 1601 (launched in 1976) deployed digital logic chips while the colossal EMS Synthi 100 — itself inspiring Analogue Solutions’ Colossus concept from the get-go — even featured a digital sequencer that was truly ahead of its time.

Each expander in the Colossus AS250 Quartz range is — in keeping with that Colossus concept — large scale... think large knobs controlling metal shaft potentiometers, multi-turn vernier-VCOs, and panel-dominating pin matrixes constructed from eye-wateringly expensive Swiss-made broadcast-quality signal routers. Reality has it that the Colossus concept is a no-expense-spared super-synth. Indeed, it is fair to say that high-quality-constructed synthesisers such as the ‘complete’ Colossus AS100 Classic or Colossus AS200 Slim — also art and architecture incarnate, incorporating beautifully engraved wood cabinetry creating exquisite studio furniture in itself — only come around once in a decade, or, possibly, a generation. It is, of course, also fair to say that this comes at a cost. Thanks to the timely introduction of Colossus AS250 Quartz — effectively ‘splitting’ Colossus AS200 Slim into ‘quarters’ to create a range of add-on expanders enhancing existing Colossus systems or other modular synthesisers, piecemeal purchase benefitting those wishing to build a complete Colossus system over time to spread the cost is now an option.

Limited quantities of the Colossus AS250 Quartz expander range are available to order — priced (excluding VAT and delivery) at £6,900.00 GBP (AS250-VCO); £5,500.00 GBP (AS250-Scope); £6,900.00 GBP (AS250-VCF); and £5,500.00 GBP (AS250-Seq) — directly from Analogue Solutions’ dedicated webpage here: https://www.analoguesolutions.com/colossus-quartz"

PINK FLOYD The Dark Side Of The Moon Miniature Project 50 Years - Handmade Miniatures 1/6 scale

video upload by Ronaldo Lopes Teixeira ROLT

The synths, keyboards, and effects used in Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon.


Hammond RT-3 Organ + Leslie 122 Speaker
EMS SYNTHI AKS
EMS VCS3 Putney
Fender Rhodes 73 Stage Electric Piano
Farfisa Combo-Duo Organ
Steinway Baby Grand Piano
Wurlitzer Electric Piano
Moog Minimoog
Binson Echorec 2
EMS SYNTHI HI-FLI Guitar Synthesizer
Hiwatt 100 AMP

Analogue Solutions COLOSSUS CLASSIC - (Limited Edition w/ Black Wood Sides)

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via SYNTH CITY Reverb

Note auction links are affiliate links. See the site's privacy policy for more info.

"This demo unit was featured at Knobcon 2022, now on display here in our showroom. Can be freighted anywhere in the country, please contact us for more info!

Analogue Solutions is excited to introduce Colossus, an exciting new mega-synth with a design ethos truly from the dawn of analogue synths. It is more than a powerful analogue ‘workstation’ - it is also art, architecture, exquisite studio furniture.

Design inspiration is of course from the 1970’s EMS Synthi 100, however, no circuit from the Synthi has been cloned or copied. We prefer to make our own designs. We have chosen some of our favourite circuits from our own large back catalogue synths such as Polymath, Telemark and Vostok.

Colossus is not a Synthi 100 clone - all circuits are non-EMS, Analogue Solutions’ design.

The original Synthi was so large it wouldn’t fit through a standard doorway. We didn’t make that mistake but don’t underestimate it’s size. It will be prominent in your studio, or art gallery!

It is sized at 1585mm wide, 700mm deep and 655mm high and weighing in too big to fit on the scales. It’s not entirely practical, but to be impressive physically and in sound. It will be an awesome centre piece to your studio.

*diagonal dimension is a little less for those with tight door ways - about 620mm effective width.

Also we have found putting Colossus on its end, you can pivot it through narrow doorways (more details in the manual).

All the voice and modulation circuits are of course 100% analogue. We purposely steered away from digital, it doesn’t have MIDI or USB (there are plenty of MIDI converter boxes out there should you need that facility). This wasn’t designed to be the solution to your modern digital studio but rather a serious analogue power house of sound. There are of course digital elements to the sequencer control - that is unavoidable - even classic analogue sequencers like the ARP sequencer using digital logic chips. In fact the Synthi 100 features a digital sequencer.

This synth is purely for those who want it just as it was in the 1970s - but new with parts still in production.

Colossus is large scale, featuring large knobs that control metal shaft potentiometers. VCOs have multi-turn verniers. The two enormous pin matrix panels dominate the horizontal panels - these are incredibly expensive Swiss made broadcast quality signal routers - 1 for CV and 1 for Audio.

There are two spring reverbs, touch keyboards, step sequencers, moving coil meters, joysticks and so much more. An immense expanse of jack sockets for additional patching within or without the system.

There are no gimmicks - this is pure synthesiser. A huge sound enclosed in a solid metal case wrapped in solid hardwood. No expense has been spared to bring this incredible machine to life.

Synthesisers like this only come around once in a decade, or possibly a generation."

Phased Out (1975) EMS Synthi-100 film

video upload by zack dagoba

"Here is an amazing film from 1975 (I think), featuring an EMS Synthi 100

'An electronic music composer working late one night is considered obsolete by the Synthi100 electronic music synthesizer'

ENJOY 😉 😋"

Roland SH-3 w/ Rare EMS Synthi Style Diode Filter SN 220199

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"Future-proof service performed earlier this year with new electrolytic caps, calibration, all moving parts cleaned like the sliders, pots, keyboard etc. It has been very well maintained and kept in a smoke and pet free professional environment since new in 1974. The SH-3 are extremely rare with historians estimating build count at somewhere in the 40-100 range. The diode ladder filter was later revisited by Roland most popularly for the TB-303 in addition to the classic 100 series modular/semi-modular system."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Details on Analogue Solutions' Slim Colossus AS200 - Now Available to Order

Videos posted here and here. Priced at £23,500.00 GBP [roughly $29,586.85] (excluding VAT and delivery).

New press release with additional details: Analogue Solutions sheds some pounds from original Colossus super-synth, creating Colossus AS200 Slim ‘space-saving’ version

SHATTERFORD, UK: having spiritedly (and successfully) reimagined what an analogue super-synth could contemporarily become with the 2019-premiered, premium 12-VCO (Voltage-Controlled Oscillator) original Colossus taking its inspirational design cues from the colossal classic personified by the rarefied Seventies-vintage Synthi 100, bravely built by British trailblazing entity EMS (Electronic Music Studios) as one of the largest (and most expensive) examples ever birthed by anyone anywhere, British boutique electronic instruments innovator Analogue Solutions is proud to announce that it is accepting orders for Colossus AS200 Slim — shedding some pounds as a ‘space-saving’ version of its now-named Colossus AS100 Classic predecessor, pitched as being a perfect fit for those with a little less studio space to spare or more restricted access for installation, yet compromising very little to achieve a 53% reduction in its footprint depth to a comparatively slimline 330 mm measurement as well as an associated 33 lb (15 kg) weight loss (and comparative £3,000.00 GBP price tag drop) in doing so, but beautifully designed, nonetheless, to elegantly stack on top of a Colossus AS100 Classic to form a dreamlike ‘double-height’ Colossus Double system, the likes of which has to be seen (and heard) to be believed — as of April 26…

As a ‘space-saving’ version of its Colossus AS100 Classic super-synth sibling, the comparatively slimline Colossus AS200 Slim’s so-called ‘VCO Panel’ is identical, including no fewer than 12 VCOs (OSCILLATOR 1 through to OSCILLATOR 12), each boasting high-quality multi-turn vernier dials acting as a very high FREQ (pitch) range control that also allow them to be pressed into service as additional LFOs (Low Frequency Oscillators), a four (sawtooth, reverse sawtooth, square, and triangle) WAVEFORM count, PULSE SHAPE (allowing the pulse width of the square wave to be manually changed), and (output) LEVEL controls; associated VOLTAGE CONTROLLED OSCILLATORS jack points include pitch CV (control voltage), SYNC in, and audio OUT for each VCO, while odd-numbered VCOs have SUB (sub- oscillator) outputs and even-numbered VCOs have PW (pulse width) CV inputs. In addition, NOISE GENERATOR 1 and NOISE GENERATOR 2 each have a pink and white noise-mixing COLOUR control and an associated output LEVEL control, complimented by a RANDOM VOLTAGE GENERATOR with RATE and LEVEL controls alongside a SAMPLE AND HOLD generator with SOURCE and LEVEL controls for further flexibility.

Design differences — albeit, admittedly, of a purely visual functional nature — between the two super-synth siblings’ so-called ‘VCO Panel’ are apparent as Colossus AS200 Slim ships with a two-channel LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) oscilloscope as standard, so it is clearly capable of displaying two waveforms at once, although a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) oscilloscope is available as an option (for an additional £500.00 GBP, excluding VAT). Thereafter, this panel’s two triangle and square wave- featuring LFOs (LFO 1 and LFO 2), four discrete VCAs (VCA 1 through to VCA 4) — used to change the level of audio and CV signals, and four A(D)SR envelope shapers (ENVELOPE 1 through to ENVELOPE 4) are implemented identically.

Implementation of Analogue Solutions’ next-to-no-compromise Colossus AS200 Slim design involved no changes being made to its well-stocked so-called ‘VCF Panel’ central to its colossal sound — where FILTER 1 through to FILTER 4 are a 12dB multimode VCF (Voltage-Controlled Filter) design while FILTER 5 through to FILTER 8 are a 24dB low-pass design, all sitting comfortably with four ADSR envelope generators (ENVELOPE GENERATOR 1 through to ENVELOPE GENERATOR 4) each with three trigger modes, as well as two spring reverbs (REVERBERATION 1 and REVERBERATION 2) with three real mechanical springs each, two RING MODULATORS, and two SLEW LIMITERS — and so-called ‘Sequencer Panel’ — itself featuring four backlit moving-coil SIGNAL METERS together with a 64-step CV/Gate SEQUENCER capable of operating in four different playback modes.

Achieving a 53% reduction in Colossus AS200 Slim’s footprint depth to a comparatively slimline 330 mm to accommodate more restricted access for installation in comparison to the 700 mm depth allowed by the Colossus AS100 Classic — tilting the latter by 45 degrees effectively reduces that dimension diagonally to around 620 mm, however, which may well help with gaining access through unusually narrow doorways — meant making some design changes; at 750 mm in height, Colossus AS200 Slim is a little taller than the 655 mm-high Colossus AS100 Classic, therefore takes some of the features found in the Colossus AS100 Classic’s horizontal console and flips them vertically into one orientation. On the face of it, then, this inevitably involved some small compromises — not least that, though fully independent (as they are not internally wired to anything), Colossus AS200 Slim’s two vertically-mounted broadcast-quality 31 x 15 ANALOGUE PIN MATRIX ROUTING panels are somewhat smaller than those horizontally mounted in the Colossus AS100 Classic, while the latter’s two TOUCH KEYBOARD CONTROL / SEQUENCERS dominating its horizontally-mounted so-called ‘Touch Panel’ have had to be forsaken entirely in favour of a new vertically-mounted ‘Mixer Panel’ incorporating a 10- input stereo mixer, two fixed sub-mixers, and two joystick controllers. As a result, Colossus AS200 Slim actually provides more mixer inputs than Colossus AS100 Classic, which is no bad thing. That said, Colossus AS200 Slim’s four so-called ‘Jack Socket Patch Panels’ providing I/O from all circuits are the same as those implemented in Colossus AS100 Classic — other than now being vertically orientated, of course.

Clearly when it comes to Analogue Solutions’ spirited Colossus concept, there are now choices to be had. Having said that, those lucky enough not to be in a constrained financial position necessitating making a choice between buying a Colossus AS100 Classic or Colossus AS200 Slim could always consider taking the Colossus Double stairway to (analogue) heaven; after all, Colossus AS200 Slim has been beautifully designed to elegantly stack on top of a Colossus AS100 Classic to form a dreamlike ‘double-height’ Colossus Double system, the likes of which has to be seen (and heard) to be believed! Bearing in mind that a Colossus Double system ships as two separate units, at least two people are needed to lift a Colossus AS200 Slim on top of a Colossus AS100 Classic, with a third person highly recommended for moral support! The two super-synths concerned are safely secured together thanks to a selection of (provided) bolts to form one rigid unit. Ultimately, a Colossus Double system is as awe-inspiring to stand and look at as it is to play with.

Whatever way anyone might choose to approach achieving awe-inspiring Colossus Double system status — given that a Colossus AS200 Slim, of course, can be added to a Colossus AS100 Classic at a later date, it is incontrovertibly so much more than a powerful analogue ‘workstation’ with 100%-analogue voice and modulation circuits that steer well clear of MIDI and USB; it is also art and architecture incarnate, incorporating beautifully engraved wood cabinetry creating exquisite studio furniture in itself! After all, high-quality constructed synthesisers such as these only come around once in a decade — or, possibly, a generation!

Colossus AS200 Slim is available to order, priced at £23,500.00 GBP (excluding VAT and delivery) — directly from Analogue Solutions here: https://www.colossus-synth.com/buy — with delivery direct to the customer, complete with a selection of patch pins, 3.5 mm ‘mini-jack’ patch cables, and a IEC mains cable. Current delivery time is around two to three months after receipt of a £7,000.00 GBP deposit (excluding VAT and delivery) — payable to Analogue Solutions here: https://www.analoguesolutions.com/colossus-1 — with balance and shipping costs required shortly before despatch, though waiting will decrease down to around two weeks once Analogue Solutions has handled initial demand. (Should shipping be required, packing in a large wooden crate — can be completely ‘flat-packed’ for safe storage, should the customer wish to do so — is £320.00 GBP, with delivery by truck to most European countries estimated to be in the range of £300.00 GBP to £500.00 GBP and air freight to the USA estimated to be in the range of £1,700.00 GBP to £2,500.00 GBP.)

For more in-depth information (including variants, images, video, upgrades, support, and more), please visit the dedicated Colossus website here: https://www.colossus-synth.com/colossus

How to program a EMS VCS3 AKS SYNTHI

video uploads by Andy Whitmore

"Demos of a wide range of sounds & special FX of the VCS3 - & how to program them - explained by Andy Whitmore & Paul Soulsby at Greystoke Studio.

The VCS 3 (or VCS3; an initialism for Voltage Controlled Studio, version) is a portable analog synthesiser with a flexible semi-modular voice architecture, by Electronic Music Studios (London) Limited (EMS) in 1969. This product was called various names by EMS. For example, the printed logo written to the front left of products are: "V.C.S. 3" or "The Putney (VCS 3)" on the earlier version, then "The Synthi (VCS 3) II" on the later version (Synthi VCS 3 II).

The VCS 3's basic design was reused by EMS in many other of their own products, most notably in the EMS Synthi 100 (1971), and the Synthi A (1971) and AKS (1972) (essentially a VCS 3 housed in a plastic briefcase). The AKS also has a sequencer built into the keyboard in the lid."

Playlist:
Instructional video How to program an EMS Synthi AKS : VCS3 recorded through a iPhone - Part 1
Instructional video How to program an EMS Synthi AKS : VCS3 recorded through a iPhone Part 2
Instructional video How to program an EMS Synthi AKS : VCS3 recorded through a iPhone Part 3
How to program a EMS VCS3 AKS Synthi – this incredible 1971 monster synth from Putney-Part 4
Demo of EMS AKS SYNTHI - VCS3 Demo of sounds & in depth programming – 1971-Part 5

EMS VCS3/SYNTHI Custom made by Switchtrix Electronics UK

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videos uploaded by SWITCHTRIX ELECTRONICS

via this auction

"Here is a brand new EMS VCS3 custom made by Switchtrix Electronics UK.
The synth is a 100% accurate recreation of the VCS3 .

It uses many new old stock components eg germanium output transistors for the output amplifiers from 1981 and vintage 1970's ceramic capacitors for the filter ladder
Solid mahogany case

Features many popular modifications such as:

High/Low range and variable cv depth for all oscillators
Variable oscillator sync on Oscillator 2
Direct 1v/oct path that can be switched individually for each oscillator and filter.
Filter unslew
Envelope shaper times normal,short and long
Trapezoid output invert
Output channel 1 cv slew
Output channel 2 cv invert
Reverb CV column can now control Osc 1,2 and 3 shape,filter response,reverb CV and external output.
Patch matrix has direct input to the stick inputs
Patch matrix is our own design that uses analogue switches and functions exactly like the original sealectro matrix with the huge advantage of having 99 patch memories.At no point do any of the synth circuits pass through any digital circuits.Just like the original it is 100% analogue.
Coloured or silver anodised knob caps"

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