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"The EML 500 was a response to the popular trend towards compact performance synthesizers set by the Minimoog and ARP Odyssey. The EML 500 is a monophonic analog synthesizer with dual VCOs like the Odyssey for a nice thick sound. However it is no match for the Minimoog's 3 oscillators. Nice and evenly distributed sliders and switches are laid out across the top of the keyboard for easy access to all editable parameters in a true and obviously analog programmable synthesizer. The knobs and patch cords of modulars like its bigger brother, the EML 101 as well as the classic ARP 2600 and Moog 3C systems were coming to an end with the rise of these easier to use performance synthesizers.
Typical analog parameters can be found and controlled straight from the knobs and sliders above the 44-note keyboard. The dual VCOs offer square, sawtooth and noise waveforms. There is a simple VCA envelope section with controls for attack, sustain and decay (ADS). The VCF section is very nice with switchable low-pass, band-pass and hi-pass filtering, resonance but no external audio input capability. The LFO can generate some great modulation possibilities with 6-waveform shapes to choose from. Other features include sample-and-hold, a ring modulator, octave up/down switching, a sustain pedal input and CV/Gate external control. Also, the unique thing about this synth is that by use of the scale slider, it can play microtonally as well as in equal temperament across the keyboard.
As far as truly analog vintage monophonic synthesizers go, the EML 500 is an elegant yet inexpensive alternative to similar machines that will not let you down when it comes to sounds, flexibility and programmability. It's been used by DEVO--It's the 'Whip-it' sound!"
The whip crack in "Whip It"
ReplyDeleteWow, no bids at $799. Seems like a pretty good price for a gorgeous looking little analog. If I wasn't such a broke-ass punk hip-deep in tax woes this year I'd scarf this thing up faster than dogs on steak.
ReplyDeleteJust switched over to the Google Blogger, doing a quick comment check.
ReplyDeleteThe EML Electrocomp 500 was also responsible for the V-2 rocket sound in "Through Being Cool" as well as the explosion in "Race Of Doom" (both songs from the 1981 album "New Traditionalists").
ReplyDeleteQuotes from Mark Mothersbaugh on the EML 500:
"That turned out to be a valuable synthesizer"
"I bought it about three-
and-a half years ago"
"But it's almost impossible to get this keyboard to scale, so we couldn't use it for anything until we found that it makes the best mortar bomb explosions and V-2 rocket sounds"
"It's got a great filter, and the envelopes are great too"
(source: Keyboard - Aug 1981)
Micke