The Sounds of the EML Synkey, the punch card synth from 1976

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video upload by 24framemedia

"All sounds from the EML Synkey except the background sequences towards the end which were made with the MFB Dominion 1

The EML Synkey was originally created in 1976 with a punch card reader to save presets, supposedly around 47 were made before they changed it and discontinued the punch card reader. It shares the same Oscillator and Ring Mod as the legendary EML 101. One of the beefiest oscillators I've ever heard and the ring mod is out of this world. the synth uses a divide down circuit to create semitones across the entire octave so one can make chords with a single key press since the synth is monophonic. There's a variable state filter sweepable between low pass, band pass and high pass."

via this auction

"Rare as all hens teeth! The EML Synkey punch card synth! Supposedly only 47 were made with the punch card reader! This is one of the most unique sounding vintage synthetic I have ever played and I've played a lot of them! I am NOT eager to let this go but I will trade it for an Oberheim Two Voice Pro.

Video in description is of this actual synth!

PLEASE READ!!!
The portamento pot needs replacing, however it is the next thing on my techs list so it can be taken care of likely before the synth is packed and shipped and I will update once it has been done.

The synth has been thoroughly cleaned inside and out, the aftertouch is working! The buss bars have been cleaned with a pencil eraser, the aftertouch is set to be super sensitive so it doesn't take much to activate it, set for a light player. This can be adjusted if desired by moving the bars away from the spring and I can talk the new owner through this process if need be, it's relatively simple. I have the full schematics for this synth and can provide to buyer via pdf, it contains some information on possible mods for thesynth as well!

This is the same Oscillator and Ring Mod included on the EML 101, the Ring Mod is amazing, out of this world and hands down the best ring mod I've ever heard! It's also one of the beefiest oscillators out there. The divide down circuit allows for combinations of semitones to be selected to make single note chords.

The SynKey is a classic programmable monophonic synthesizer with plenty of unique features. Its sounds are thick and analog. It has thirteen oscillators! That is, one for the primary tone and twelve more for higher semi-tones, each of which are easily accessed by a simple on/off button. You can turn on or off any of the oscillators you wish, and no tuning is necessary! The oscillators only generate square waves and though the synth itself is monophonic, the SynKey is still one fat sounding synth. Its new 'Second touch' is like Aftertouch which gives you filter sweeps, vibrato and pitch bends by pressing harder on the key.

The SynKey employed a truly unique form of program memory for supposedly better on-stage use and hassle-free programming. Sounds that you create are stored on plastic punch-cards. One sound or patch can be stored per card and this includes most of its editable parameters. The SynKey originally shipped with 25 blank cards and 25 pre-punched cards, which were some EML factory sounds. So loading and storage of programs was fast and easy. But without the cards... well, then you'll just have to revert back to writing down your patch settings. There were two models made, the programmable one pictured top (SynKey 2001), and a non-programmable version pictured just above (SynkKey 1500)."