EMS Documentary Clips & Interviews

video uploads by Ektoplasmic Interzone

Update: video 8. w/ Liz Parker added.

Playlist:

1. Zinovieff featured on "Tomorrows World" (1968) - Clip from BBC Program
2. Zinovieff from BBC's "New Horizons" (1971)
3. Rise and Fall of EMS London - Zinovieff interview
4. EMS Studio London - Peter describes the challenges of the electronic studio
5. Peter and Robin at EMS Oxfordshire Studio
6. Malcolm Clarke demonstrates Synthi 100
7. VCS3 Waves and Harmonics
8. Liz Parker demonstrates Synthi 100 Radiophonic

And a massive playlist from Ektoplasmic Interzone featuring additional videos:

Electronic Music Studios (EMS) London Ltd Synthi


You can use the player controls to skip around. Click the drop down on the trop right of the player to scroll through titles.

EMS Synthi Sequencer 256

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

via this Reverb listing

You can find a video of the nixi tube display previously posted here. One was also featured in the film "The Shout".

"Exceptionally rare EMS Synthi Sequencer 256 - AKA "The Synthi Moog Sequencer"

Here we have one of the rarest items produced by EMS, it was incredibly expensive while in production, think of it as 3 layers of CV recording - you can record and play back CVs from external envelope generators, Pitch to CV converters, random voltage generators (etc.) or its own built in keyboard.

If you are interested in history, this particular Synthi Sequencer is serial #001 making it possibly the first production digital sequencer assembled and sold by EMS. I updated this unit to later spec while under restoration, original cables and components are included with this sale along with a manual and service documents I purchased from EMS in Cornwall.

Please note: The DK1 keyboard in the photo is shown for scale and is not included with this sequencer, however it is available in another listing.

Condition:

This synthi has recently been restored and calibrated. It is very clean but exhibits signs of its age such as wood chips and scratches. Contact me for more details on the condition and restoration."

Torso Live Session #2: Mike Sheridan

video upload by torso electronics

"Torso Electronics presents the second live session recorded at our office space in Copenhagen.

This episode features Mike Sheridan, unfolding a 14-minute meditative dronescape of slow, evolving resonance. Subtle layers of frequency drift and intertwine, forming a weightless sonic field that invites for deep attentive listening. Performed on the Pin Portabella MK IIIe, the Z.Vex Instant Lo-Fi Junky Vexter, the Boss GE-10, and the S4 Sculpting Sampler.

About Mike Sheridan
Mike Sheridan has been a part of the Copenhagen electronic music scene since the mid 00’s. He entered the scene, barely in his teens, with his landmark debut album I Syv Sind (In Two Minds, 2008). Sheridan traced an ambient and dreamy approach, and with limited tools at hand, he constructed a teenage masterwork that few could have predicted. Among the first in his generation, Mike Sheridan launched his career to high acclaim, effectively crossing over to mainstream audiences.

See more at
www.mikesheridan.info
www.torsoelectronics.com
www.instagram.com/torsoelectronics

Video by Spektrals"

Torso Live Sessions

Analogue Systems (Part 1): About EMS

video upload by Stromkult

"This is the first part in a series of videos featuring the UK modular stalwarts Analogue Systems originally published in 2015. It was filmed during a visit of Andreas Schneider to Cornwall, where Analogue System's Bob Williams and Steve Gay reside and have built AS modules since the 1990s. After recently stumbling upon these videos again, we talked to Andreas and thought it would be nice to republish them and make them available on YouTube for the first time ever.

While Bob has since retired, Steve continues to craft modules with the same exceptional audio quality in South Cornwall. The video goes into the direct historical connection between Analogue Systems and EMS (of Synthi fame). Steve - who once worked for EMS and received exclusive license from EMS' Robin Wood to reproduce some of the VCS3 circuits - explains how this heritage has shaped the character of Analogue Systems and resulted in modules like the RS-510e Trapezoid Generator."

Maciek Polak "Remaining exercises For Synthi AKS Solo" - Master 31

video upload by analogia pl

"In 2016 and 2017, while working on the debut album for my band Pin Park, I recorded a few hundred tracks. Around 200 survived the first cut, and that number was eventually trimmed down to 50. These recordings were literally rescued by Marcin Bociński from legatomastering.pl after I had forgotten about them for quite some time.

The setup I used was extremely limited: an EMS Synthi AKS (occasionally a VCS3), an EMS Vocoder 100, and three Boss pedals (looper, reverb, and distortion). Everything was recorded onto a low-quality Zoom device running through a substandard mixer. Each track was captured in a single take with no overdubs, which meant there was no real possibility for mixing. Marcin’s mastering work was nothing short of amazing, bringing these raw recordings to life.

In 2018, Apekwolf Records released 14 of these tracks. The remaining 36 were never made available—until now. Enjoy!"

EMS Synthi AKS

video upload by Soundgas

"EMS Synthi AKS - been asked to demo it for a potential buyer and realise it’s been a while since I spent any meaningful time with one🫣.

So maybe less a demonstration, more a case of finding your way through an AKS.

Really doesn’t matter as sometimes it’s more fun with an element of mystery - to paraphrase Quincy Jones: leaving space for God to stumble into the sequence?🤓"

Florian Schneider's Kling Klang Sennheiser VSM-201 Vocoder In Original Case Sells for $256,000

Here are the top four selling items from the recent THE FLORIAN SCHNEIDER COLLECTION (synth pics captured here).

Kling Klang Sennheiser VSM-201 Vocoder In Original Case - $256,000

Stage Played EMS Synthi A Suitcase Synthesizer - $115,200

Rack Mount Sennheiser VSM-201 Vocoder - $76,800

Robovox and Votrax Silver Rack Case with Votrax Phoneme Keyboard - $76,800

---

And for those curious, the Traditional Lederhosen went for $2,560.

CLICK FOR MORE »

FLEA MARKET / FUSE / DIY - SYNTHI (with internal spring reverb) by Jacob Steel

video upload by jacobsteel

"DIY Synthi - piano stand test! #synthesizer #electronicmusic #synth #synthi #diysynthi #matrixsynth"

And a playlist in chronological order:


"Currently running the following:

Oscillators 1-4 - started out with the XR2206, schematic, pretty much from the data sheet. This part is the crazy chaos part. The XR2206 can be amplitude modulated as well as frequency modulated (here with a button) Oscillators 5-6 - Digital (this part will be CV volt-octave controlled) https://www.alldatasheet.com/datashee...

Envelope - 555-based envelope, similar to "the fastest envelope in the west" https://www.schmitzbits.de/adsr.html"

Playlist:

1. DIY SYNTHI first test all components
2. DIY Synthi longer demonstration….
3. DIY Synthi, stick demonstration
4. DIY Synthi - CV to Matrix test
5. Ölands Norra Udde - the Northern Head of Öland (DIY Synthi jam)
6. Alla världar som finns - (All Worlds That Exist) voice/lyrics Johan Holmlund
7. Synthi - Piano short improv

EMS Synthi AKS (Vintage) with Original Blue Sequencer

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

via this Reverb listing

CLICK FOR MORE »

EMS Synthi 100

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


via this Vemia listing

Click the auction link on top when you get there for additional listings.

"This is my EMS 100, serial number 007, clearly licensed to thrill. Arguably, one of the most iconic if not the most iconic modular synth ever built. This is the unit formerly owned by TC media composer Bruno Spoeri. It came to me in a very good state and I enjoyed it for a long time.
I have owned several VCS3s and AKS over the years as well and I would describe the EMS 100 as sounding substantially more organic. It can of course do all the weird and wonderful stuff an EMS synth is known for and take this to extremes. But it also excels at playing it melodically (yes it can do that) which is much helped by the dual manual keyboard which is velocity sensitive (!) and very expressive.

I want the buyer of this wonderful item to be as happy with it as I was. The EMS is therefore currently being refurbished by a world leading specialist with huge experience in servicing and building modular synths and commercial studios all over the world. State of refurbishment The EMS has undergone a complete overhaul. The refurbishment also includes the woodwork and the dual keyboard.

As reported by my tech, the sound generation and the keyboards are fully functional. We haven't managed to fix the sequencer in time for the auction. We also need to fix one of the two spring reverbs. If these two issues haven't been fixed before the auction end I will contribute 5k Euro to the repair as a lump sum reduction of the purchase price. It will be in the buyer's discretion to decide on the further course of action.

Shipping: The EMS 100 main unit is a substantial item. It is currently sitting at my tech's premises. It can be delivered by him with a lorry to most parts of central Europe (within reason). This is to be arranged between the buyer and my tech and will have to be compensated on terms agreed between the buyer and my tech. My tech will also be happy to help setting it up after the journey.

If overseas shipping is required, the EMS main unit can be divided into two parts, the lower pedestal and the console (i.e. the synth itself) which is sitting on the pedestal. Along with the dual manual keyboard this will result in three parts for the shipping. It is no problem to build a crate. This will be have to be arranged by the buyer with my tech.

Important: All shipping arrangements must be made by the buyer with my tech. The ownership of the EMS will pass to the buyer upon receipt of the auction price while the EMS is still sitting at my tech's place. It will be shipped directly from him at the buyers instruction, arrangements and risk. My tech is of course happy to assist with shipping and he has experience with shipping. He has shipped large format consoles over the Atlantic, so he knows what he is doing. As always, the buyer is of course responsible for all import duties and taxes as normal. (Within the EU that is zero!)

Bidding: I kindly ask bidders to only bid with serious intent. Please do not bid if you cannot follow up on your bid. Please keep in mind that the bid constitutes a binding contract and not following up can cause substantial damage to me and/or other bidders. I trust that you understand.

VEMIA note: on reflection, given the pretty remarkable condition of most of the Synthi, we think 'very good' is a more accurate cosmetic score. Please look at the photos to decide for yourself."

Listed for 159950 EUR / 139304 GBP

CLICK FOR MORE »

EMS Putney s/n 377 & D.K.1 -Cardiff Unit SN 377

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

via this Vemia listing

Click the auction link on top when you get there for additional listings.

"I bought this lovely old VCS3 / DK combination in April's VEMIA. Apparently the last of Cardiff University's EMS gear after many years. I knew the top panel was a bit tatty - the photos were clear - but I didn't think it would matter much in use. Actually it did. The bottom panel was excellent (except for Cardiff Uni's incised name and the serial number - exactly like the other one sold on VEMIA and the one on the Wikipedia entry). The wood of the case was excellent. So the missing screenprint bits on the main panel actually got to be annoying. Luckily the brilliant Robin Wood and Lucid were able to work out a solution. Robin had a replica panel made and screenprinted, and Lucid did the painstaking job of installing it. The result is just beautiful and well worth the expense.

Unfortunately circumstances mean that I now need to sell it. Everything else is exactly as it was in the last auction, so I'll use the same photos from that, just adding some new ones of the beautiful new main panel. It will be in perfect working order, thanks to Lucid's expertise.

As of Oct 31 it is now back at VEMIA and will be shipped from there.

Packing 30GBP."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Cloney Synthey and DKS

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

via this Vemia listing

Click the auction link on top when you get there for additional listings.

Pics of the inside below.

"It is complete with DKS keyboard and has been recently serviced by the clone circuit designer Derek Revell. It has a gate input modification but apart from that is unmodified.

It's now at VEMIA, and is in great near-mint cosmetic condition. One catch is a little bit fiddly, but that's about the sum of any problems."

CLICK FOR MORE »

EMS Universal Sequencer driving Roland MC-202 and SH-101

video upload by analogia pl

"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."

EMS Universal Sequencer externally triggered

video upload by analogia pl

"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."

SWITCHTRIX ELECTRONICS VCS300/EMS VCS3

video upload by SWITCHTRIX ELECTRONICS

"Using the inverting input amplifiers to create a contrary motion random voltage cv."

The Florian Schneider Collection to Be Auctioned at JULIEN*S November 19

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

via JULIEN*S

"THE FLORIAN SCHNEIDER COLLECTION

Auction to be held at Musician's Hall of Fame & Museum, Nashville, on November 19

An incredible collection of more than 450 artifacts from the life and career of Florian Schneider, co-founder of the pioneer electronic band Kraftwerk."

Pics and videos featuring some of the gear below, and his Lederhosen for good measure (thanks greg!).

Update: the post has been fully updated with all the synth related gear. This may just well be the longest post to be featured on the site. I wanted to capture all the pics for all of the details including notes, scuffs, and of course serial numbers. It's an interesting look into what he used, the condition he keped his gear, in some cases, how he actually used his gear. Note the phonetics on the keys of the Casio CZ-101 and DX-100. Note the Midi Switch Box with a built-in speaker? What's that about? Note the camouflage key strap on the Korg RK-100 Remote Keyboard. Did he pick it out himself or did the keytar just come with it? Note the repeat midi controllers and the MIDI saxaphones. Wind was his primary instrument. You'll find a ton of the acoustic gear he used in the other listings. This is a fascinating insight into both what and how he used his gear.

Side note: there is no affiliate compensation for this post. The note at the top automatically shows for all posts with the Auction label.


Rack Mount Sennheiser VSM-201 Vocoder

Starting Bid $5,000

Estimate $20,000 - $40,000 USD

A late 1970s Sennheiser VSM 201 Vocoder with no serial number from the personal studio and collection of Florian Schneider of Kraftwerk (see images). While it’s said that only a few dozen of these Vocoders were produced, a few examples made it into the hands of forward-thinking musical artists including Herbie Hancock, Daft Punk, and of course, Kraftwerk, who used a VSM-201 like this on their albums Man Machine (1978) and Computerworld (1981). The VSM-201 has an intelligible sound that has not yet been bested by modern gear. Includes power cable. This VSM-201 has been removed from its wooden enclosure (which bears the serial number plate) and modified with a metal rack mount casing, presumably for live use. Requires 240v, IEC power cable not included.

Dimensions: 19 x 9 x 9 inches

Category: Kraftwerk, Equipment

Provenance: PROVENANCE From the Estate of Florian Schneider

CLICK FOR MORE »

The Vintage Synthesizer Museum Doc - A "Living Museum" where otherworldly sounds come to life!

video upload by Helium Vision

"In this episode of Helium Vision, we invite you into a world that hums with the strange and the beautiful—the Vintage Synthesizer Museum (VSM). Founded in 2013 by the avid synthesizer historian Lance Hill, this “living museum” exists in a space where the past and present come together to offer an immersive experience into the magical world of sound. It’s not just a museum—it’s a place where visitors and artists can disappear into their work, perform in a unique atmosphere, or learn the art of synthesis.

Initially opening its doors in Oakland the VSM is now nestled in the heart of Los Angeles, this space has since witnessed the presence of many modern visionaries—Damon Albarn, Egyptian Lover and Neurosis, to name a few—each leaving behind their own distinctive imprints.

Come with us, as we step into the otherworldly corners of the Vintage Synthesizer Museum and uncover the tales of the instruments that dwell within.

patreon.com/heliumvision
instagram.com/heliumvision
heliumvision.com

///Credits///

Featuring:
Lance Hill @vintagesynthmuseum
Kareem Karam @k.joseph.karam

Directed & Edited by Vice Cooler @vicecooler
Producer: Sapi Chhabra @sapisonic
Director of Photography: Dalton Blanco @daltoncamera
Camera Op: Adam Franklin @adamscottfranklin
Camera Op: Vice Cooler @vicecooler
Audio Engineer: Scott Cornish @actuallyadog
Story by Vice Cooler & Sapi Chhabra
Music by: Lance Hill, Kareem Karam
Original Score by Vice Cooler

Find out more on the VSM here:
https://vintagesynthesizermuseum.com/"

EMS Synthi AKS

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

via this Reverb listing

"Finally selling this old classic. Had the reverb tank and some other repairs done by Robin Wood of EMS a few years back. I will provide receipt of work.

Everything works great. Comes with the cables and full set of pins. Cosmetically it’s in very good condition."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Ems VCS3 "Putney"

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

via this Vemia listing

Click the auction link on top when you get there for additional listings.

"Legendary VCS3 'Putney' in great condition. Serial number 255. Some wear on the top of case. Has been fully refurbished by Lucent. Comes with all pins, a cover and keyboard cord."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Totally insane vintage synthesizer! The Synthi 100. #musicproduction #synth #fleamarketfinds

video upload by datachild

EMS Universal Sequencer

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

via this Reverb listing

"Ultra Rare Ems Universal Sequencer !

it belongs to a famous french producer"

CLICK FOR MORE »