The Classic 80s Sound of a-ha - Train of Thought | Vintage Synth Recreation

video upload by RetroSound

"In this new video I recreate the sound of “Train of Thought” by a-ha from the album Hunting High and Low. Written by Pål Waaktaar, this track is one of the standout examples of 1980s synth-pop production, combining melodic hooks, layered textures, and distinctive Scandinavian pop atmosphere.

For this vintage synth recreation I focused on capturing the character, tone, and arrangement of the original recording using classic hardware synthesizers and samplers. My setup includes the Yamaha DX7 II FD and the Roland Juno-106 for the main synth parts and signature textures.

The bass, flute sound (Fairlight) and selected drum sounds were created with the E-mu Emulator II. I also used the PPG Wave 2.2 for additional digital bass layers, digital textures, and atmospheric effects.

My goal was to explore how the classic a-ha sound was built — from analog warmth and FM synthesis to early digital sampling and wavetable synthesis.

If you enjoy vintage synthesizers, 80s synth-pop, classic a-ha productions, and deep dives into iconic keyboard sounds, this recreation is for you."

Emu Proteus FX Operational Owners Manual

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via this eBay listing

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E-mu Proteus 2 Sound Module (Orchestral)

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via this listing

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E-MU Systems MP-7 Command Station SN 090300199

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via this Reverb listing

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E-MU System Proteus 2500 SN 070203469

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via this Reverb listing

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1977 E-Mu Systems Modular Synthesizer - Original VCA - 2000 Blueprint

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via these Reverb listings

See the seller's other listings for more.

"For sale is a vintage original Blueprint for the modular E-Mu Systems - VCA - 2000 Voltage Controlled Amplifier Submodule dated 12/05/1977. DOC.#2000 - 011-002

Don't miss out on this historic piece of history.

I accept offers for this original E-Mu Modular Blueprint.

This is a must-have for any vintage synthesizer/E-MU collector as these are getting very hard/impossible to find these days.

This Blueprint is in very good condition, see the picture's for more detail.

I'm shipping worldwide. The actual shipping-cost must be paid by the winning bidder of this auction. All sales are final. No returns accepted. Selling as is, don't hesitate to contact me for more information and/or picture's.

Please check my other auction's as well, I can combine shipping to reduce shipping-costs . Thank you for your interest."

E-mu + OB-X #synth

video upload by Rosen Sound

UDO DMNO: Brilliant, but needs explaining

video upload by Alex Ball

"A look at the new DMNO synthesizer from UDO, specifically about what it is and more importantly, what it isn't!

0:00 Intro
1:20 It's a....molysynth
2:59 Demo 1: House Atreides
3:56 How to play it
6:00 Demo 2: Space Trousers
7:13 Understanding sound design
8:50 Demo 3: Block Game
10:31 Who it's for, who it's not
13:00 Outro Patron Jam

Thanks to UDO & thanks to my Patrons for their ongoing support"

E-MU Emulator II Sampler Synthesizer w/ Gotek Drive

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via this eBay listing

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E-mu ESI-32 Digital Sampler Sound Module SN 119606449

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via this listing

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Silver E-mu ESI-32 Digital Sampler Sound Module SN 089709952

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via this listing

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E-MU Systems Emulator II+ HD 61-Key 8-Voice Sampler Workstation (Rep Sample w/ Flight Case)

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via this Reverb listing

Additional SYNTH CITY Listings

"Originally owned by E-MU Systems, this Emulator II+ HD is believed to have been used for trade shows, demonstrations, and internal studio work during the golden-era of sampling. It has traveled extensively in the included ATA flight case, complete with original travel stickers and E-MU rep badge. One latch is broken, be can be secured during shipment. Name has been blurred for privacy.

Overall condition is exceptionally clean for a unit of this age, with only minor cosmetic wear.

This unit has been comprehensively serviced and is fully functional. A new power supply has been installed along with a new display. Two USB floppy emulator drives have been installed and include USB storage. The previously installed switching power supply has been properly rewired and mounted to the power supply panel. Tantalum capacitors in the secondary supplies have been replaced. A faulty Z80 CPU IC has been replaced. Two CEM chips have been replaced and the voice IC sockets have been cleaned. Tact switches have been disassembled and cleaned. Faders have been replaced with correct original type units. The mix volume control has been replaced. The panel PCB ribbon cable has been replaced. The keybed has been fully disassembled, cleaned, and serviced.

A rare opportunity to own a fully sorted Emulator II+ HD with direct lineage to E-MU itself, equally suited for studio use or serious collection. Model 6075 // Serial No. 2394"

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Mos-lab Main cabinet (Emu modular)

video upload by MOS-LAB

"Here’s a quick demo of my MOS-LAB EMU modular main cabinet driven by the Tangram Sequencer.

Apologies for the image quality — the room is quite dark, and filming aluminum panels is always tricky due to light reflections on the surface, which makes it hard to capture them properly on camera.

Still, you’ll get a good idea of the sound and workflow. More videos (with better lighting!) coming soon.

Enjoy!

👉 Available to order:
https://www.mos-lab.com"

E-MU Systems ESI-32 Rackmount 32-Voice Sampler Workstation w/ Gotek Drive SN 109606176

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via this Reverb listing

Additional SYNTH CITY Listings

"E-MU Systems ESI-32 Sampler, tested in great working condition. Smooth encoder operation, backlight is fully functional. Has a new Gotek drive installed the factory ESI factory bundle soundset! Includes AC power cable."

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E-mu MP-7 Command Station 128-Voice Synthesizer SN 040203009

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via this Reverb listing

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E-MU E4XT Ultra Rackmount Sampler SN 060001097

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via this Reverb listing

Additional SYNTH CITY Listings

"The E4XT Ultra was E-MU Systems’ flagship sampler, representing the peak of their sampler design with a mature and highly stable operating system.

This unit is fully functional and shows typical signs of use for its age. Includes AC power cable. A must-have for any E-MU collector or producer looking for that classic sound. 64MB memory installed."

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The Sound of Depeche Mode – Emulator II & Emax Sampling Synthesizer

video upload by RetroSound

"Step into the iconic sound world of Depeche Mode and explore how their legendary tones were created. In this demo, we recreate classic textures using the original E-mu Emulator II and the Emax SE vintage sampling synthesizer. From atmospheric pads to punchy, industrial sequences, deep bass sounds, this video showcases the authentic sound design techniques that defined an era.

The DM sound list:
0:06 The Things You Said
0:19 Get The Balance Right
0:30 Never Let Me Down Again (Aggro Mix)
0:41 Shake The Disease
0:52 Home
1:05 But Not Tonight
1:18 Halo
1:30 It`s Called A Heart
1:43 Stripped
1:58 People Are People
2:12 Behind The Wheel
2:26 Everything Counts
2:42 Waiting For The Night
2:56 Something To Do
3:08 In Your Room
3:21 A Question Of Time
3:33 Never Let Me Down Again
3:47 Black Celebration
4:03 Pipeline"

Emu Emulator Analog Voltage Interface SN 62

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via this Vemia listing

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"Extraordinarily rare E-mu Model 6040 Analog Voltage Interface for the Emulator I. The only other one for sale is over 2500GBP.

This example has been serviced, three switches replaced, and voltages tested, but we have no Emulator I to use for complete testing. You'll need a standard RS232 cable, and the correct OS software - see the Emulator Facebook group. Switchable voltage, IEC mains socket.

Packing 6GBP."

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Emu Modular, 45 modules & keyboard a/s

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via this Vemia listing

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"Superb, rare E-mu 45 module dual cabinet system with the elaborate and powerful keyboard. The main power supply has stopped working - so unable to test modules. The S&H module is known to be a non working module. Generally good physical condition, so a really great project. At a rough estimate, it might cost 2000GBP to get everything 100%. Very well worth it indeed. Please check the photos for the modules included.

VEMIA can collect and pack: 60GBP."

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E-MU Systems Classic Keys

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video upload by Seventy Three Records Music Store

"E-mu Classic Keys Quick Demo.. Sounds SWEET!"

via this eBay listing

"Emu Classic Keys in great condition. It all works and sounds great. All these classic 70s, 80s 90's synth sounds sound big! Great addition to any synth lovers rig. This box has MY favorite Mellotrons and Chamberlins Of any box I have ever used.. Emu nailed them.. as well as all the classic synths and a wicked CP70! See the attached video of THIS very synth.. scrolling through some cool presets!"

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