EMS Universal Sequencer Playlist

video uploads by analogia pl

A few of these have been featured on the site before. You can use the player controls to skip around.

Playlist:

1. EMS Synthi with Universal Sequencer and RSF Kobol #emssynthi #rsfkobol #rolandph830

It’s a tune done on the Synthi and EMS Universal Sequencer with some help from RSF Kobol processed by Roland PH-830 phaser.

2. 2 x EMS Universal Sequencer with Roland MC-202 #emssynthi #emsuniversalsequencer #mc202

Universal Sequencer is playing a sequence on the Synthi and the 202 - that’s why it’s called “universal” as both sequence and real time layers have CV/gate outputs. No effects other than spring reverb on the Synthi.

3. EMS VCS3 Mk1 with EMS Universal Sequencer. #emsvcs3 #emssynthi #emsuniversalsequencer

No effects, just plain VCS3. Fun fact: this is instrument used to belong to great composer Alvin Curran.

4. EMS Synthi with EMS Universal Sequencer and RSF Kobol #emssynthi #rsfkobol #emsuniversalsequencer
5. EMS Universal Sequencer driving Roland MC-202 and SH-101 #emssynthi #emsvcs3 #emsuniversalsequencer

One "layer" of Universal Sequencer sequences the MC-202 and the other "layer" is used to play the SH-101 live.

I don’t know what it is with EMS, but each time you get to play one of their quirky and unusual designs, you get a new kind of feeling — as if these sometimes bulky and obsolete electronics are very much alive.

Let’s be frank: there are a million simpler ways to play an SH-101 or an MC-202. But somehow, using the Universal Sequencer makes those classic synths feel completely different.

6. EMS Universal Sequencer externally triggered #emssynthi #emsvcs3 #emsuniversalsequencer

Let’s get nerdier. Someone asked if the Universal Sequencer can be triggered from the outside world. Of course it can! What I did here was a recording a sequence into the Uniseq that would play the MC-202, switched trigger to external, then recorded a sequence into the SH-101 and use gate out from 101 to externally trigger in of the Uniseq. It works like a charm.

7. EMS Universal Sequencer swinging - external trigger from Synthi #emssynthi #emsvcs3

It’s been only a few days and I’ve only scratched the surface but the Uniseq is absolutely wonderful and powerful tool. While a KS can be regarded as a quirky instrument of its own and an extension of a Synthi or VCS3, the Universal Sequencer is really a command center, only full of mad scientists.

8. EMS Universal Sequencer - external trigger from audio #emssynthi #emsvcs3 #emsuniversalsequencer

I’m now beginning to scratch the surface of a completely new territory, and a very fertile one.

The sequencer of the US can be externally triggered by incoming audio. Depending on settings of amplitude of incoming signal, we get (an approximate way) to trigger this marvel. And here’s where real fun begins.

What you’re seeing in this video is audio from the right channel of the Synthi triggering the sequence that’s playing in the left channel. I’m any EMS work it’s important to know when one should stop asking himself questions how something works - here, I have no idea yet why changing waveshape of oscillator 3 introduced subtle changes in timing of the sequence but it did and it makes me love the US even more.

9. EMS Universal Sequencer with Synthi A and TB-303. #emssynthi #tb303 #emsuniversalsequencer #emsvcs3

EMS slav squat sessions, part 2

Universal Sequencer is playing a sequence on the Synthi and the 303 - that’s why it’s called “universal” as both sequence and real time layers have CV/gate outputs. TB-303 was beautifully modded by Werkstatt Matlak and can accept CV/Gate in. No effects other than spring reverb on the Synthi.

10. 2 X EMS Universal Sequencer with 2 X EMS Synthi #emsuniversalsequencer #emssynthi #emssynthiaks

EMS slav squat sessions, part 3.

Universal Sequencer on the right is master and the one on the left is synced to it. Otherwise it’s an equivalent of two Synthi AKS playing side by side. No additional effects used.

11. EMS Universal Sequencer and TB-303 triggered by Wu-Tang’s GZA voice #emsuniversalsequencer #tb303

EMS slav squat sessions, part 5.

This one is more conceptual. Since the Uniseq can be triggered not only by external clock but also audio (it has an envelope follower that detects transients in speech), I gave it a shot: I wrote a sequence into the Uniseq and hooked it up to TB-303. Then I found an acapella of Wu-Tang’s GZA on YouTube, slowed it down a little and used it to trigger the Uniseq. So in effect, GZA speaks the TB-303.

12. 2 X EMS Universal Sequencer with 2 X EMS Synthi #emsuniversalsequencer #emssynthi #emssynthiaks

EMS slav squat sessions, part 1.

Universal Sequencer on the right is master and the one on the left is synced to it. Otherwise it’s an equivalent of two Synthi AKS playing side by side.