Eko Ekosynth P15

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"A rare Ekosynth P15, the semi-preset analog synthesizer released by the Italian EKO in the late 70s. The machine has been recapped and serviced by a professional technician and it just looks and sounds perfect.

The EKOsynth P15, manufactured by the Italian company EKO, is a rare preset-based monophonic synthesizer dating back to approximately 1979. Embodying the classic design concept of its era, it provides 15 preset sounds (thus earning the name P15) created using the single powerful VCO sculpted thorough 15 discrete analog circuitries providing dedicated filters and envelopes. The resulting sounds bear little resemblance to their claimed emulations of real-instruments but actually sound exceptionally warm, solid and very fun to play.

The presets range from unbelievable deep basses (Bass Guitar, B-Clarinet, Contra Bass, Horn) to 70s synth leads (Fuzz Guitar, Oboe, Reed, Trombone..) to analog strings and percussive sounds (Panpipes, Vihuela, Marimba..). However, when switched to "Manual" mode, the presets can be routed to the Filter section and the preset push buttons are basically used as waveform seletors. The Manual mode gives access to a self-resonating 24 dB/oct lowpass filter with Cutoff and Resonance and equipped with an envelope generator featuring Attack/Decay controls. Additionally, in Manual mode, the VCA envelope with Attack/Sustain controls can be used to further shape the sounds.

Beside the VCF and VCA sections, the Ekosynth P15 implements other features to shape its sounds, both in Manual and Preset mode. In addition to the "Glide" (portamento) control, there is a single LFO with sine or square waveforms that can modulate the VCF, VCA, or VCO and its speed can be adjusted to a rate of almost self-oscillation. The amount of the LFO modulation can be set through the "Wah-wah" (VCF), "Tremolo" (VCA) and "Vibrato" (VCO) sliders.

The Ekosynth P15 operates as a monophonic and entirely analog instrument. Although the front panel displays the term "Digital System," this (marketing) label merely refers to the implementation of integrated circuits, considered cutting-edge technology at the time. Nevertheless, the entire signal path remains fully analog, resulting in a pleasingly warm sound and a very good tuning stability.

The Ekosynth P15 represents a rare and distinctive Italian interpretation of the preset-based synthesizer format from the late 1970s. Its beautiful design, the sturdy build quality its and user-friendly interface make this synth a delight to explore and play."