EML ElectroComp 101 EML-101 w/ Seq Mod

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"Fully serviced this tasty instrument in March 2020 by seasoned Tim & crew @ Synapse Audio in Portland, a first generation EML-101, early serial of 554. Approximately one thousand EML-101’s were manufactured in total, a fraction of the original 20,000 - that is twenty thousand - Minimoogs in their initial run.

The popular sequencer modification is indeed installed and included on my 101, thus reassigning CM3 input as the “Seq” input found in second generation 101 models. Having used it successfully with a Korg SQ-1, CM3 values throughout the synth become attenuators for the sequence input! Very neat tech. Modification explained in documentation. This should be a blast with a device like the Make Noise 0-Control or Doepfer Dark Time or…?

Elsewhere for mods, Tim increased the gain to compensate for volume loss during resonance increase. Nevertheless, be advised that overall output volume still plummets when increasing resonance. Resulting amplitude loss can be somewhat mitigated by feeding back the filter into its mixer - as well as achieving abrasive effects! - using a compressor to level out the signal or just doing it old-school by hand. Its filter is not the burliest of densities yet has its own thing going with the various modes, patching… more below.

An optional modulation wheel may be found on select EML-101 models that had it installed. Originally lamenting its absence on my model, it encouraged me to explore other options - and much cooler ones! - settling upon a Koma Kommander which rests neatly beside the keyboard at left. Many CV controllers are available. What a current time for gear options! Or use the control panel brain sans keyboard with an 0-Control or Landscape Stereo Field or other fun box to interact with it. Fun times, indeed. All documents are on hand in digital PDF’s - service itemized receipt from Synapse, scanned schematics, recalibration instructions, original user manual with patching suggestions and patch panel descriptions straight from EML. Neat historical and informational value. Other than the digital docs which I can email, only the synthesizer itself is offered here.

Select musings:

The EML ElectroComp 101 represented my coveted dream synthesizer for some time. It is a synthesist’s synthesizer, quite cerebral, as an instrument designed by four electrical engineers originally for the educational sector. Thus, it offers a generous array of uniquely radical features scantily available elsewhere, notably on old synths: the abundance of continuously variable waveforms and filter slopes on smooth pots (!) rather than either/or choices, microtonal scaling due to yet more smooth pots, that brash ring modulator, duophonic ability, a plethora of 1/4" patch points allowing for feedback shenanigans and easier interfacing with external effects or other synths like Korg's MS/PS series, a handy 5V source, wide ranging S&H, numerous routing options, multiples, generous envelope times, and on and on. Such smooth shifts of texture await... you can even fade smoothly into ring mod in the VCA (a.k.a. "Modulator")... or activate abrupt redirections. Very abrupt. Like, this machine ain't shy. All this sexy circuitry housed in mega flattering livery of inspiring laboratory vibes. The brain panel can be used independently of keyboard - totally detachable. No fewer than four raw-sounding oscillators for mega thick walls of sound. Its square wave quality is my fave - vary its duty cycle manually or onward to other hybrid waveforms among that smooth knob travel like a Kobol. This thing can absolutely output the bass with aplomb, and get real bloody loud. 101 can produce downright filthy textures with ease, ideal for y'all with a consciousness and ear for edgy tones, or smooth triangle leads as well. The bottom end on that mother. Jeez. Moog, eat your heart out."