Elektor Formant Modular Analog Synthesizer Demo

video by Vykaar Tones

"The Elektor Formant made in this one off unique style in 1978. Most were made using separate panels available from the Elektor magazine but this one is a custom build. 3xVCOs, VCF switchable HP or LP and 6,12,18,24dB, ADSR and AD envelopes. Dual VCA. Resonant filter module, ring modulator and envelope follower. White and Pink noise, LFO and TR808 cymbal tone generator added by me a few years ago. The CV and Gate are provided by a 960 sequencer and CV transposed with a Keystep37."

Elektor Formant 18-module case + keyboard

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via this auction

"Up for sale is an Elektor Formant 18-module case: a big unit with space for 12 modules and a smaller case with space for 6 modules. Two modules are installed: 'kov / gate' and a 'netz (psu)' module. The keyboard is also included, but the cable to connect it with the case isn't there anymore. We sell it as-is, for spares / project. There are some psu boards installed, but it's such a mess inside that we can't say anything about the technical condition.

Cosmetically everything is in used condition. One of the corners of the keyboard is broken, an inlay of a knob of the keyboard interface is missing, there are a few scratches on the keyboard case and keys. The wooden cases have a few scratches and wear and tear. A lot of screws are missing. Please check all the photos before purchase."

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Elektor Formant DIY 2010 White

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via this auction

"Legendary Elektor Formant synth! 3 oscillator.

Made by professional synth builder from original documentation.

Case made by cabinet maker and painted with 2K paint. It’s semi modular.

You can redirect path if you want to."

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Mirror Systems - Benge performs live on 7 classic Modulars

Note the above appears to be a collage of previously posted videos. Mirror Systems is now available on Bandcamp. Benge also brought us 13 Systems, and 20 Systems before that. You can find them and more on Benge's BandCamp site. Mirror Systems is a continuation of his modular explorations. Benge also performed as part of John Foxx and The Maths.

"A 43 minute film to accompany my latest release Mirror Systems, available here:

https://zackdagoba.bandcamp.com/album...

Eight live performances on seven classic modular systems. Some of these are slightly longer than on the album version

Systems used:

01 - ARP 2500
02 - Moog Modular 3C
03 - Buchla 200
04 - Elektor Formant
05 - Buchla 100
06 - Yamaha CS30
07 - Buchla 200
08 - Serge Modular

Recorded, filmed and edited by Benge (BDEdwards)
Memetune Studios, UK, August 2020"

via BandCamp

"Download includes 11 page full colour booklet!

This album features a series of solo improvisations on modular synthesisers. On occasion some additional ancillary equipment was used (see below) to augment the sound. A video is available to watch entitled “Benge Mirror Systems” which documents the improvisations. Some of the tracks presented here were edited slightly for the purpose of creating a satisfactory album-flow

Tracklisting and description:

01 - Arpor. Created on a vintage ARP 2500 from 1971. In addition some reverberation (Emu Modular spring-type) was used and a monophonic digital delay line (Yamaha D1500)

02 - Mirroog. Featuring the Moog Modular 3C from the late 1960s. No other sounds used

03 - Mirrula. Created on a cloned version of the Buchla 200, designed in the 1970s in California, these modules are based upon the original schematics of Don Buchla’s circuits. No other sounds used

04 - Forror. The system used was a late 1970s Elektor Formant, a large format system made in Germany. In addition a vintage (1990s) TC Electronic M5000 dual reverberation system was employed

05 - Birror. Created on a vintage Buchla 100 modular system from the late 1960s. No other sounds were used

06 - Mirroha. Made with a 1977 Yamaha CS30. This synthesiser was Yamaha’s answer to compact complete systems such as the Buchla Music Easel and EMS VCS3. It contains 2 VCOs, 2 VCFs, 3 envelopes, an 8 step sequencer, 2 VCAs, LFO and other sundry elements. In addition, some reverberation and fx were added (Yamaha SPX90 phaser and TC Electronic M5000)

07 - Buchror. Another study on the Buchla 200

08 - Sergor. Made on the Serge Modular, a large 8 panel system containing mostly early ‘paperface’ modules, and some later STS-era ones

Total running time: 39 minutes"

90's ELEKTOR FORMANT MODULAR SYSTEM - 3 VCO MATRIX SYNTHESIZER + KEYBOARD

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via this auction

This one was spotted and sent in via M Me.

3x VCO
CVF 24 dB
VCF
6x ADSR
LFO
RBM Ring Modulator
RFM FILTER
NOISE
NF-MIXER
3x KEYBORD INTERFACE
3x VCA
COM
+ MATRIX ...
220 V

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Ludus Pinsky Live lockdown diaries

Published on Apr 30, 2020 luduspinsky

Live for 'le cannibale' lockdown diaries
28/04/20

---
Elektor Formant modular on the right and a couple modules on the left. Looks like a DIY sequencer in between and a number of other DIY modules. Extensively modded KORG Poly-800 and Nova Mod Roland SH-101. Apparently an EDP Wasp filter clone is featured as well.

Update on the Poly-800 mod: "in the poly800 I added a steiner filter, phaser, chorus, lfo, vca and a double counter (4017) to play with the rhythm."

Sequencing and Ratcheting Analog Synthesisers

Published on Dec 6, 2019 Vykaar Tones

"Sequencers = Doepfer Darktime with A160-5 module, Beatstep Pro, Moog Mother-32 and SH-101 with tubbutec mod.
Synthesisers = Elektor Formant, Korg MS20, SH101, Mother-32, Boomstar 4075, Arturia Minibrute 2S, Behringer Model D and Pro~1"

Performant

Published on Jul 20, 2019 zack dagoba

"Another side of the Formant Modular - this thing is crazy - like a drunk uncle at a wedding party"

zack dagoba Formant Modular videos

Informant

Published on Jul 19, 2019 zack dagoba

"I've been getting into the Formant Modular today. I recently built a new cabinet for my modules and had them all refurbished, and they sound great. This is a really interesting system, and sounds like nothing else, mainly due to the way it distorts and all melds together. I think its because there are loads of really cool 1970s components inside it!"

Synth Rorschach #64: Moon Rocks

Where does NASA keep the Moon Rocks? - Smarter Every Day 220 Published on Jul 9, 2019 SmarterEveryDay

The source of Formant knobs. Moon rocks!

OK, this one is a bit of stretch, but when I saw the small thumbnail for this video on YouTube, my first thought was, "did SmarterEveryDay do a video on modular synths?!". For a split second I thought that was a Formant modular in the background. In the larger still above it now reminds me of square Mattson Mini Modular panels with Formant knobs.

Elektor Formant Modular Synthesizer in Custom Clear Plexiglass Cabinet

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via this auction

"Elektor Formant Modular Synthesizer in a custom transparent cabinet.

Modules installed:
- x2 RFM
- x1 Noise
- x1 COM
- x2 ADSR
- x1 Interface
- x2 Dual VCA
- x2 LFOs
- x3 VCO
- x1 VCF
- x1 VCF 24dB
- Power supply"

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Vintage '70s Elecktor Formant Analogue Music Synthesizer

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via this auction

Pics of the inside and one of the manual cover below.

"The Formant Synthesiser is a synth DIY project published in Elektor magazine between 1977-1979. It was the first small-scale analogue synthesiser around with modular construction that could be built at home at an affordable price. Includes card extension cable for testing and some additional spare parts, cassette tape, and manual. Everything working well, aside from the ring mod section which is disabled."

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The history and future of Eurorack modular synths with Doepfer #TSR19

Published on Apr 18, 2019 DivKidVideo

"A rare moment of free time and having great people in the right place at the right time here's an interview with Felix of Tuesday Night Machines talking to Dieter Doepfer, THE CREATOR OF EURORACK at the Thomann Synth Reactor #TSR19 event.

Felix and I wanted to chat to Doepfer about both his history (the history or Eurorack), his current polyphonic modules, future module sand ideas and a quick look at what the future of the Eurorack might be.

We also talk about the Elektor Formant DIY synth, the new Frequency Shifter module coming later this year, CV controlled LED lighting, Dieter was also the EU distributor for Doug Curtis' Curtis chips/components, Raul's World of Synths, favourite Doepfer modules and plenty more."

Helm Elektronik - Formant Based Modular System

via Vemia

"This is a professionally built huge modular by Helm Electronics. The founder of the company set himself the task of turning the original Formant modular into a professional and super-powerful machine, and this is the result. The build quality and the sound put it in a completely different league as compared to the Formants you usually find. If you ever wanted to know what this beast can really do, this is the one to get. Massive sound and clear studio quality signal path. Envelope gate and vco cv connections are to a large extent normalised and need no patching but you can of course override and patch as you like. Hugely powerful sequencer and a great keyboard that plays well. I have gone through it and the reverb needs work - or maybe is just missing its tank. Nothing serious at all. I also have a few spares which I will include. It is also extremely beautiful."

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Spring forward

Published on Jan 28, 2019 Vykaar Tones

"Doepfer MAQ 16/3 sequencing Dark Energy modules and Elektor Formant synthesizers. Lead lines played on Korg Triton and Roland JP-8000. Drums from Roand CR-8000 recently modified with 10 buffered voice outputs."

Steam Trax

Published on Jan 10, 2018 Vykaar Tones

"Step time sequenced analog synthesisers starting of with noise from the Trax RetroWave R-1 and then a bunch of stuff in my usual improvised old school one take and take a break style.

Other equipment used:
Elektor formant modular
Beat Step Pro
Roland CR8000
SH101 with tubbutec mod
Boomstar 4075
Waldorf Streichfett
JP8000
RS09
Doepfer Dark Energy Mk1 x 3
Doepfer MAQ 16/3
Doepfer modular racks
Mackie USA mixers
Eventide reverb and delays"

Introni - Archive of Italian Electronic Magazines

I spotted this one in a post by Francesco Mulassano of Soundmit and Torino Synth Meeting. The image comes from this PDF. I was curious what exactly it was, and what synth was pictured, so I reached out to him. According to Francesco:

"Introni is a sort of archive of almost all old italian electronic magazines (and a few in other languages), very interesting archive, inexhaustible source of great pictures. Onde Quadre was one of this magazine, they spot sometimes synthesizers as a diy project like this.

http://www.introni.it/pdf/Onda%20Quadra%201979_10.pdf
http://www.introni.it/pdf/Radiorama%201957_06_bis.pdf
http://www.introni.it/pdf/Electronics%20World%201967_02.pdf (page 42)

http://www.introni.it/pdf/CQ%20elettronica%201969_08.pdf (electronic organ)

http://www.introni.it/pdf/Radio%20Elettronica%201972_12.pdf (electronic music generator) MOOGH!!

http://www.introni.it/pdf/Radiopratica%201969_09.pdf (page 35)
http://www.introni.it/pdf/Radiopratica%201969_10.pdf

http://www.introni.it/pdf/Radio%20Elettronica%201977_02.pdf (very good project)
http://www.introni.it/pdf/Radio%20Elettronica%201978_06.pdf
http://www.introni.it/pdf/Radio%20Elettronica%201979_03.pdf
http://www.introni.it/pdf/Radio%20Elettronica%201979_07.pdf
http://www.introni.it/pdf/Radio%20Elettronica%201980_03.pdf
http://www.introni.it/pdf/Radio%20Elettronica%201982_08.pdf
http://www.introni.it/pdf/Selezione%20Radio%201978_12.pdf
http://www.introni.it/pdf/Sperimentare%201975_11.pdf
http://www.introni.it/pdf/Sperimentare%201977_12.pdf

http://www.introni.it/pdf/Sperimentare%201979_09.pdf (string synth part 1)
http://www.introni.it/pdf/Sperimentare%201979_10.pdf (part 2)
http://www.introni.it/pdf/Sperimentare%201979_11.pdf (part 3)
http://www.introni.it/pdf/Sperimentare%201980_01.pdf (part 4)
http://www.introni.it/pdf/Sperimentare%201980_02.pdf (part 5)
http://www.introni.it/pdf/Sperimentare%201980_03.pdf (part 6)

http://www.introni.it/pdf/Elettronica%20Flash%201997_10.pdf (syntar page 23)

http://www.introni.it/pdf/CQ%20elettronica%201977_10.pdf (page 1851 synthesizers panel)

book
http://www.introni.it/pdf/Scacchi%20-%20Musica%20Elettronica.pdf
http://www.introni.it/pdf/Zierl%20-%20Strumenti%20Elettronici%20per%20l'audiofilo.pdf

audio
http://www.introni.it/manuali_audio.html


this is another magazine not covered on introni website
http://www.robertobizzarri.net/NE/
http://www.robertobizzarri.net/download/download.php?file=NuovaElettronica/Fascicoli/084-085_Nuova_Elettronica.pdf (Monophonic synth)

another website
http://www.hp64000.net/page3/page3_2/page3_2.html
http://www.hp64000.net/page3/page3_1/page3_1.html

Elektor_Giugno_1982_n37.pdf (page 28)
Elektor_Settembre_1982_n40.pdf (page 49)
Elektor_Novembre_1982_n42.pdf (page 42)

this is the complete project (ELEKTOR) ElektorFormantMusicSynthesiser.pdf

The system is:
(PDF part 1)
(PDF part 2)
(PDF part 3) + sequencer

here a search engine for the introni archive http://www.casacarpi.com/Ricerca_risultati.asp
type MUSIC in Oggetto field and you have all the music projects

on the left column, click on Hobby/elettronica/vecchie riviste"

Francesco also recommended another site he first encountered when getting into synth DIY here.

multisequence

Published on May 25, 2017 zack dagoba

"I connected up lots of analog sequencers! See http://myblogitsfullofstars.blogspot.... for more info"

"The modulars involved are the Polyfusion, the Emu, the ARP2500, the Formant, the Paia and the Serge."

Demo1 Elektor Formant clone system NEW - Sequencer demo

Published on Mar 5, 2017 RicardoDiLago

"small clone of the Elektron Elektor Formant . Wunderfull warm VCF and build in sequencer. Here is a little demo, sequencer is clocked by a LFO and an other LFO controls Freq Cut Off. If you want more info please ask."

This appears to be the first post on a clone of the Elektor Formant. The Elektor Formant was of course DIY as well.

Elektor Formant Vintage Modular Synthesizer w/ Doepfer Modules from 1978

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via this auction

This one spotted by Florian Anwander. The Doepfer modules are the String Phaser, String LFO, Frequency-Divider, and External Input pictured below. The docs under the formant manual below are for the Doepfer modules. Interesting bit of synth history.

From the listing, translated into Googlish:

"Main Unit:

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