EMS 256 Sequencer Repair Part 4

video upload by Really Nice Audio

All parts

"In this episode we edge closer to getting this legend back in full working order. Now I have my extender cards I can probe the circuits and start debugging the rest of the faults.
After checking around the recirculation circuits and shift registers I decided to remove the 'Time Extender Board'. Now it plays back recordings!
I have to do some more research on this board in the next episode.

Thank you
https://www.pcbway.com
for making the extender boards. They were perfect!

This EMS 256 is part of Pete Townshend synth collection at
https://www.uwl.ac.uk/study/study-fac..."

Nightfall on the Island of the Sirens (soundscape) for VCS3 and Arp2600.

video upload by R. Reger

"The thumbnail shows the 2600, but this piece relies heavily on the VCS3."

Cha Cha Guitri - Non non non

I just recently came accross this one and thought it was worth sharing, if anything for the nun with the SYNTHI below. It immediately reminded me of the Every Nun Needs a SYNTHI ads. According to the article that the image is from, they formed around 1981. The article is in French and has one NSFW (not safe for work) image of a breast - fair warning if you pop it up with someone else within eyesight: [French | Googlish]. The following is the bit pertinent to synths followed by a translation of the full article. You can find the release via BandCamp above or in the article from Born Bad Records. I also wanted to post this for the way the female singer enunciates those lyrics.



"While they started out like everyone else, playing flute and acoustic guitar and listening to King Crimson, the arrival of synthesizers on the European music scene completely redefined their direction: they cut their hair, donned ties, and replaced Indian tapestries with Venetian curtains. Kraftwerk had clearly had an influence. It was around an EMS AKS synthesizer, a Roland SH101, and a Roland TR808 drum machine that the four friends gathered in their home studio to compose the carefree and joyful electronic and exotic tunes that are the hallmark of Chacha Guitry. The group thus chose to climb the sunny side of New Wave, the one taken by the B-52's or Isabelle Antena, rather than its dark side, cluttered with the heirs of Joy Division. The boys programmed the machines, while the girls created minimalist, geometric costumes using whatever materials were at hand (paper rather than fabric). Together they immortalize their youth on Polaroid, take glue and scissors to assemble photomontages in the style of their Dadaist idols."

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EMS 256 Sequencer Repair Part 3

video upload by Really Nice Audio

"I socketed all the IC's and tested what I could. Found almost 20 faulty IC's through this process. Thanks to PCBWay for making my extender boards. If my design is correct I will share the design on PCBWay so all the thousands of people that need to fix their 256's can order their own.

This 256 is part of the Pete Townshend Synth collection housed at the University Of West London. https://www.uwl.ac.uk/study/study-fac..."

07.30.2026 EMS RehbergSynthi AKS

video uploads by batchas

"The joystick is repaired. The decay is working again. Quicky before shutting down."

EMS Logik Demo

video upload by Jörg Schaaf

"I recently had an EMS Logik Synthesizer at my synth repair workshop. I could not resist recording some bleeps with it before it get's picked up again by the owner. I must say, I really love that synth. The form factor, the deep sonic landscapes it paints and last but not least the light weight of the case!"

EMS Synth room walk through

video upload by Goldsmiths Music

"The studios house a vast collection of vintage and state of the art electronic music instruments, equipment and facilities to suit to musicians, researchers, and artists with diverse creative practices and requirements.

In the studio’s 60 year history we have acquired a substantial assemblage of rare and unique electronic music-making, instruments, tools and technologies which have been at the centre of research projects across the department for many years.

Synthesisers & Drum Machines include:

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Pink Floyd's "Echoes" from Inside The Mix: Richard Wright Episode 1

video upload by EMEAPP and Mike Kiker

"Are you a fan of early Pink Floyd and their keyboardist, Richard Wright? We are too! We faithfully recreated his early setup and our Education Associate Mike Kiker delivers an instrumental remake of their beloved song, 'Echoes'. If you want to see a full technical rundown of the setup, go check out Episode 1 of 'Inside The Mix: Richard Wright'."

Hammond M-111, Farfisa Compact Duo CD/30, Fender Rhodes, piano, EMS SYNTHI AKS, and VCS3 Putney.

Also see Erik Norlander's Farfisa Compact Duo CD/30 Dual Keyboard Organ

Vintage 1970 EMS Synthi Hi Fli *Serial Number 1* Museum Grade Guitar Synth

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

SN 9001 via this Reverb listing

"This is 'The Holy Grail of Holy Grails' and I am so excited to offer this for sale on behalf of the second owner from new. This is an EMS Synthi Hi Fli, but the crazy thing about this is it's serial No. 1. This is THE first production Hi Fli ever built, produced immediately after the 10 prototype units, this is the very first production example to leave EMS. Even more remarkable, prototypes #9 and #10 remain in the hands of David Gilmour, placing this instrument directly in the lineage of those legendary examples. It was purchased many years ago from its original owner, this extraordinary survivor remains astonishingly complete, retaining its original pedals, manuals, factory schematic, original demo cassette, and accompanying original components—a level of completeness that is almost never seen. It's just undergone an incredible service by a leading UK tech, so it's quite literally ready to go! Museum-worthy. Investment-grade. Virtually impossible to replicate. This is one of them. What a privilege to offer it for sale. Please see the pictures below as they form part of my description. Grab a rarity!"

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EMS Synthi brutalizing the Octatrak [Excerpts]

video upload by batchas

"A short excerpt from today's session: sending a drum machine into the Synthi audio input.
No post processing, no EQ or else. Direct output to audio interface."

EMS VCS3 Synth "The Putney" with Cricklewood Keyboard

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this Reverb listing

"Here is an extremely rare EMS VSC3 "The Putney" Synthesizer, with the accompanying Cricklewood keyboard. Most VCS3's are extremely rare, but this one has the distinction of belonging to Al Kooper, noted guitarist, synthesist, record producer and arranger. This was used on many of his recordings in the 1970's and 1980's, and was restored 3 years ago to its original glory. A full set of replacement pots were purchased from EMS, but the tech who serviced it found that the original pots were still in fine shape, and after cleaning and lubrication, performed as they should. So, this comes with a full set of replacement pots for whenever service needs arise."

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EMS 256 Sequencer Repair Part 2 Re-Cap circuit cards and devising a plan.

video upload by Really Nice Audio

Really Nice Audio EMS 256 Sequencer posts

"What is the likelihood due you think I will get this sequencer fully functional? I am now able to see the memory fill up when using a key input. The hardest thing for me to work out was a strategy for the repair. Considering how old this unit is will I find many broken logic IC's?

It is hoping to play some music in September, let me know your thoughts below.
https://paymentportal.uwl.ac.uk/confe...

This is part of the Pete Townshend Synth Collection at the University Of West London

https://www.uwl.ac.uk/study/study-fac..."

Introducing Behringer AKS Mini | Classic AKS-Inspired Analog Synth Power

video upload by Behringer

"Meet the Behringer AKS Mini, an analog polyphonic synthesizer inspired by the classic AKS sound and designed for hands-on creativity.

Featuring 3 VCOs, variable waveforms, a resonant AKS-style VCF, spring reverb emulation, a 2-axis X/Y joystick and a 16-step motion sequencer, AKS Mini gives you an expressive analog workflow in a compact format. From evolving sequences to experimental textures, basslines, leads and classic synth tones, this instrument is built to move fast, sound bold and keep creativity in your hands.

Discover the AKS Mini and start shaping your sound."

“Reversing the Spell” 🔮✨ Buchla / Keen Association 287e / SoundFreak

video upload by Stephano Gavilanes

"Teaser of a new track using the Késako Player with a sample loop driving an 11-step sequence on the Buchla 246, and the Doboz TSNM II. Three individual outputs from the 246 are triggering samples on the Keen Association 287e. Also featuring SoundFreak Modular core set, Synth Thomas 292, and the vintage Buchla 296e👌🏽

Hope you enjoy it! 🤙🏼

Music composed and recorded by Stephano Gavilanes.© Copyright 2026. All rights reserved."

07.10.2026 EMS Synthi AKS - The sweet spot

video uploads by batchas

Playlist:

1. 07.10.2026 EMS Synthi AKS - The sweet spot
2. 07.10.2026 EMS Synthi AKS [01]
3. 07.10.2026 EMS Synthi AKS [03]
4. 07.12.2026 EMS Rehberg Synthi AKS
5. 07.12.2026 One minute with EMS Rehberg Synthi AKS [01]
7. 07.12.2026 One minute with EMS Rehberg Synthi AKS [02]
8. 07.12.2026 Half a minute with EMS Rehberg Synthi AKS

EMS 256 Sequencer Repair Part 1

video upload by Really Nice Audio

Really Nice Audio EMS 256 Sequencer posts

"Join me in a quest to get this incredible sequencer back up and running.

It is part of the Pete Townshend Synth Collection at the University of West London
https://www.uwl.ac.uk/study/study-fac..."

SN 6014

Seething (Ems VCS3)

video upload by Rhythmicons

"What else is there to say?"

Portabella Madness

video upload by verstaerker

"the PIN Electronics Portabella is such a mad beast
‪@pinelectronics7982‬

to listen more music by me please visit
https://verstaerker.bandcamp.com
https://verstaerkerahead.bandcamp.com"

EMS Rehberg Logik Analog Synthesizer & Keyboard (Made in Germany)

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this Reverb listing

Pics of the inside and the user manual below. "This edition is rare, and cannot be found anywhere as a set. Made by EMS London, and works differently than the Synthi A, although it appears to be the same. Here is a breakdown of what you get below:

In addition to the power supply, new patch cables as well as the original patch cables (standard mini jack), the lid of the "suitcase synthesis" and the original manual (or textbook) are included.

The modules of the EMS Synthis work perfectly, the overall sound and especially the filter sound very high-quality.

VCO – Voltage Controlled Oscillator • with the vibration forms sine, sawtooth, triangle and rectangle with external control voltage input for pulse width modulation • VCF – Voltage Controlled Filter • Multimode filter with 12 dB slope, low-pass, high-pass, band-pass and phaser • LFO – Low Frequency Oscillator • with the vibration forms sine and rectangle • SRG – Slow Ramp Generator •

with
the vibration form sawtooth • NG
– Noise Generator •
the noise generator offers white
noise • EG –
Envelope Generator (Envelope
Shaper)
• A-D-S-R • RM
– Ring Modulator • INV – Inverter • SL – Slew Limiter (Portamento) • EF – Envelope
Follower • External Audio
Input • Output/Mix
• Control Inputs"

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EMS VCS 3 The Putney SN 3211

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this Reverb listing

"This is a rare chance to secure an original VCS3 in excellent condition. This is one of the most iconic and revered synths of all time.

The VCS3 (nicknamed the Putney) is an analog monosynth housed in a distinctive angled wooden case, a truly classic synth. EMS (Electronic Music Studios) was created in England back in 1969. The VCS3 was one of their first synths and it is still a great, unique, funky little unit! Pictured above is the Mark I model. Pictured is another unit with the small wood-cased DK2 voltage-control keyboard required to play the VCS3.

It has three oscillators, and a unique matrix-based patch system. Instead of patch wires, the VCS3 uses a patchbay grid in which the synth components are laid out, and signal routing is accomplished by placing small pins into the appropriate slots. The VCS3 was, in actuality, a modular type synthesizer reduced down to an extremely portable size.

We are often asked whether mods adversely affects the value of a VCS3. Some collector types may view it as sacrilege, but most who buy a VCS-3 to use often value mods highly – many of our customers ask for more, rather than less, modifications. So, in short, in our view the answer is mods often add value/appeal rather than detract. These wonderful synths should be used rather than placed in glass cases. You won't see another VCS3 with as many perfectly integrated mods as this one has."

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