FORMANTA EMS-1 - Demystified Full Review!

video upload by LFOstore

"Welcome to the one of the most rare and complex sounding Soviet synthesizers - Formanta EMS-1!

This beauty was restored by Dmitry Borovskih and now fully tuned and midified.

In this video chief of Lfo.Store Nick Klimenko first time on YouTube showing It's capabilities:

Preset polyphonic Organ
Analog Phaser FX
Complex monophonic synth:

2 Osc
Portamento/Glissando
Complex LFO
White Noise
Pwm
Pitch Mod
Ring Mod
Filter with mod
Amp with mod and loop

This middle 80s beast sounding really impressive and expressive!

Discover our legacy with www.lfo.Store!"

Ultravox - Dancing With Tears In My Eyes | 80s Vintage Synth Cover | Emulator II

video upload by RetroSound

"Ultravox – Dancing With Tears In My Eyes

Originally released in 1984 as the second single from Ultravox's seventh studio album, Lament, Dancing With Tears In My Eyes became one of the band's biggest international hits and remains a defining classic of the 1980s New Wave and Synthpop era. The song reached No. 3 on the UK Singles Chart and became a Top 10 hit across several European countries.

For this cover, I used a selection of legendary vintage synthesizers and drum machines to recreate the iconic sound and atmosphere of the original recording as authentically as possible.

Instruments:
Rodina Alisa 1377 – Analog Bass
Oberheim OB-Xa – Pads & Synth Textures
E-MU Emulator II – Piano, Choirs & Additional Samples
LinnDrum – Drum Machine
Simmons Electronic Drums – Classic 80s Electronic Percussion"

Website ► https://retrosound72.wixsite.com/home

BLTN – spaceJam14 (Live Electronic Session)

video upload by Patrick Pattern

"A fully live, improvised hardware set by BLTN, a duo (Lucile Dacia & Patrick Pattern(me)). Everything is sequenced and played live on hardware — no DAW, no overdubs. Gear used in this session:

- Sequentix Cirklon (sequencing)
- SOMA Pulsar-23
- SOMA Lyra-8
- Polivoks"

When a legendary synth designer shows up in the comments | In Memory of Vladimir Kuzmin

video upload by HAINBACH

"To commemorate the passing of Vladimir Kuzmin, the renown inventor of the Formanta Polivoks synthesizer, and to raise funds for his family, an independent group of musicians and instrument makers held a memorial event in Moscow. They asked me to contribute a video message about his legacy. Since Vladimir Kuzmin had previously commented on my videos, which was mind-blowing to me, I decided to tell that story. It is a bit embarrassing, since I got a few things wrong in my videos that he corrected me on. But at least I enjoyed my errors tremendously, and he did not seem to be mad about them.

Here is the live stream of the event:"

Вечер памяти Владимира Кузьмина 07.07.2026

video upload by mnnscene

"On June 12, Vladimir Kuzmin—the creator of the Polivoks and one of Russia's most influential figures in synthesizer design—passed away. We have decided to organize a charity memorial evening in Moscow to honor him (https://t.me/Kuzmin_memorium).

The loss of such a significant historical figure in the world of audio equipment came as a great shock to us all, and we wish to share our sentiments—as well as the legacy left by the Polivoks' creator—with everyone who cares. We want everyone to be able to join us; admission is free, and any donations collected will be given to Vladimir Mikhailovich’s family.

We have invited leading sound artists and key figures from the synthesizer world who had direct ties to Vladimir to participate in this memorial event. They will give lectures and perform compositions using instruments developed by the Formanta factory.

Participants include:
Vlad Kreimer (Soma) (https://vk.com/somasynths)
Vladimir Kabanov (PRIBOR) (https://t.me/priborpedals?ref=vc.ru)
Sergey Letov (https://t.me/SergeyLetov)
E-Nitra (https://vk.com/e_nitra)
Spiralnix (https://vk.com/necrostellar)
Chronos (https://vk.com/away.php?to=https%3A%2...)

There will also be an exhibition area featuring a museum of Formanta instruments alongside modern designs from domestic manufacturers that will be available for purchase. Proceeds from instrument sales will also go to Vladimir Kuzmin’s family.

If you would like to show your support and honor the memory of the deceased’s family, you can make a contribution via this link (https://pay.cloudtips.ru/p/390a62ff). The funds will be transferred to his widow after the memorial evening takes place."

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MARS Vacuum-Tube Synthesizer: The Most Aggressive Modern Synth I've Ever Tested

video upload by Vulture Culture

0:00 Intro Jam
2:17 Mono Mode & Basic Oscillator Shapes
4:16 The Vacuum Tube Filter
7:49 Duo Mode / Polivoks-Style Duophony
8:47 Poly 1 Mode / Korg Mono/Poly Behavior
10:47 Ensemble Mode & Supersaw Sounds
14:14 LFO Shapes, Retrigger & One-Shot Mode
17:31 Sample & Hold Filter Modulation
20:16 FM Synthesis Overview
29:00 Pros & Cons
37:43 Closing Thoughts

"What happens when you build a vacuum tube-based hybrid synthesizer in a Soviet space lab and send it back from the future? Today we’re demoing, reviewing, and explaining MARS from Eternal Engine Electronic Musical Instruments — one of the strangest, most beautiful, and most aggressive modern synthesizers I’ve ever played.

MARS is often described as a four-voice polyphonic tube synthesizer, but architecturally it’s more accurately a paraphonic synthesizer. The four digital oscillator voices can be played across multiple notes, but they all share the same tube-based filter and vactrol-based amplifier. That puts MARS more in the tradition of instruments like the Korg Mono/Poly and Formanta Polivoks than a conventional analog polysynth.

In this video, I walk through the full architecture of the Eternal Engine MARS: the digital oscillator section, mono / duo / poly voice modes, pulse-width modulation, ensemble mode, FM synthesis, modulation matrix, envelopes, LFO, sample & hold, the gorgeous Nixie lamp interface, the resonant vacuum tube filter, and the asymmetric tube overdrive that gives this synth its raw, snarling character.

This is not a safe, polite, modern analog synth. MARS is boutique, unusual, heavy, beautifully built, and absolutely vicious when pushed. The tube filter and drive section give it a sound that feels alive in a way most modern synthesizers don’t — somewhere between vintage analog synth, industrial bass machine, experimental sound design box, and Soviet sci-fi artifact.

If you’re into industrial music, EBM, darkwave, synthwave, experimental electronic music, vintage synthesizers, boutique synths, tube distortion, paraphonic synthesis, analog filters, FM basses, PWM pads, or Polivoks-style aggression, MARS is worth hearing.

I also talk through who I think this synth is actually for — and who should probably pass on it. Because while I absolutely adore the sound, MARS is not a cheap “do everything” synth, and it’s not trying to compete with mass-market analog polysynths. It’s a character instrument. A monster. A special machine for people who want something truly different."

hot brain my / Dominion 1 - Ritm 2 - TW #electronicmusic #music #analogsynth #techno #synth #akai

video upload by elect-ricco

akai timbre wolf
MFB Dominion 1
DSI MoPho X4
VG-Line Ritm-2
Analogue Solutions nyborg-12
doepfer dark energy I&II & dark time
dreadbox erebus & hades & EPSILON
MAM MAP1
seymour duncan dark sun
Blackout Effectors Whetstone Analog Phaser
Gamechanger Audio Light Pedal Optical Spring Reverb
subdecay harmonic Antagonizer
Catalinbread Cloak
Astronaut V.2 Multiverb Space Unit
time shadows
VG-Line BD9Q9
vermona kick lancet
swissonic audio 2

Ultrarare Soviet synthesizer Unost" 33 PSMIDI | ЮНОСТЬ 33 PSMIDI

video upload by Futulyric

"Manufactured at the Murom plant in the early 1990s, it was released in a small run of about 200 units. It contains 128 standard MIDI instruments."

You might recall the Roland Juno-106 inspired Unost' 21. This is the first post to feature the 33.

Polivoks Synthesizer | Vladimir Kuzmin Tribute

video upload by RetroSound

"Vladimir Kuzmin, the creator and designer of the legendary Polivoks synthesizer, passed away last week.✨

I had the privilege of communicating with Vladimir several times, and I always experienced him as a very kind, helpful, and incredibly humble person. Behind one of the most unique synthesizers ever created was not only a talented engineer, but also a warm and generous human being.
This video is dedicated to Vladimir.

For this tribute, I created a cover version of “Summer” (“Лето”) by Kino, a Russian band whose music I deeply appreciate. The entire arrangement was made using only the Polivoks synthesizer — every sound, melody, texture, and atmosphere comes from this unique instrument.

The Polivoks was developed in the Soviet Union in the early 1980s and became famous for its aggressive character, distinctive multimode filter, and raw analog sound. Originally designed as a compact alternative to Western synthesizers, it later became a cult instrument among musicians and synthesizer enthusiasts around the world.

Thank you, Vladimir, for creating an instrument with such a powerful voice and for leaving a lasting mark on electronic music history.
Rest in peace.✨"

Кузьмин Артаура 2016

video upload by VG-Line

"Продолжим дело Владимира Кузьмина. Навечно в памяти. Сказавший Слово Мастер. Пусть земля ему будет пухом. Спасибо, Владимир Михайлович!

#polivoks #maestro #quintet #analogsynth #synth #synthesizer #synthmods #sovietsynth"

"Kuzmin Artaura 2016

Let us carry on the work of Vladimir Kuzmin. Forever in our memories. A Master who spoke the Word. May he rest in peace. Thank you, Vladimir Mikhailovich!

#polivoks #maestro #quintet #analogsynth #synth #synthesizer #synthmods #sovietsynth"

Vladimir Kuzmin, Creator of the Legendary Soviet Polivoks Synthesizer has Passed Away

Some sad news in via @elta_music

"Greetings to the entire synth enthusiast community.

We have some bad news for you.

Vladimir Kuzmin, creator of the iconic POLIVOKS synthesizer, passed away on June 12th.

Rest and peace our dear friend. Our collaboration was wonderful. Condolences to the family. #polivoks #polyvox #synth #synthesizer #synths"

Vladimir Kuzmin's influence in the world of synths is legendary. You can find endless posts featuring his Polivoks synthesizr here. The Polivoks was often compared to the minimoog, however, it was also known for its agressive sounding filter which has been cloned and/or used by various synth makers, including the Harvestman aka Black Corporation, Analog Craftsman, SOMA's PULSAR-23 1984 edition, AJH Synths Matrix VCF module, and of course Elta Music's implementations of his designs.


The following is an interview with Vladimir Kuzmin from Soundmit 2020.


SOUNDMIT

"We interviewed Vladimir Kuzmin together with Giulio Curiel of New Musical Instruments. Inventor of the Polivoks and other Russian synthesizers in the 70s and 80s, we hear from his voice the story of those incredible years"

Formanta Polivoks - Soviet Analog Synthesizer Ambient (SASA) #2

video upload by LFOstore

"Soviet Analog Synthesizer Ambient (SASA) space launched!

Thanks to our great master Alex Taber for advices,
Repair, midi mods and tuning for this lovely old USSR machines.

Maybe it's a first time in history when these rare machines are collected, restored and played and filmed in one authentic video.

By Nick Klimenko

We want to show that Soviet analog instruments are not odd or noisy unfinished boxes, but perfect and beautiful instruments with its own spirit and history.

This cosmic ambient soundtrack played and recorded with:

Formanta Polivoks (main drone)
Electronica EM-25 (lead sound)
Murom Aelita (reso sweep)
TOM 1501 (lead sound)
Ritm-2 (s&h solo)
Maestro (unique internal arp)
Alisa (lead sound)

Recorded with Zoom LiveTrack L6 - a perfect portable mixer.
FX by Zoom H9 Max"

A Potted History of Drum Synthesizers

video upload by Alex Ball and Nathan Curran Tugg the Drummer (Tugg)

"A look at a niche within a niche, the drum synthesizer; a story that begins in the late 60s and continues to this very day."

0:00 Intro
0:25 Definition of a "Drum Synthesizer"
2:24 Precursors, DIY and Impakt
4:03 Star Instruments Synare
5:09 How these Instruments Worked
6:13 Syndrum: The First Famous Drum Synth
8:45 Ult-Sound: Japan's First Drum Synth
10:10 Pearl & Tama: Here Come The Drum Companies
13:20 Simmons: The Zeitgeist
19:21 The Flood Gates & Mega-Montage
24:48 Soviet Offerings
25:17 Decline and the Splitting Point
27:05 Vermona: A New Era
29:28 Elektron: Blurred Lines
30:58 A Plethora of Machines
32:24 Clavia/Nord: Simply Red
33:39 Modern Day: The Culmination
34:44 Summary & Thanks
35:23 Patron Outro Jam

Update:

1/14/26 Simmons SDS6 + TAMA DS200 + Alesis MIDIVERB II + CXM 1978

video upload by Cfpp0

"This is one of two videos I recorded for the great Alex Ball (‪@AlexBallMusic‬) to use in his video about the history of drum synthesizers. I’m using the Simmons SDS7 to trigger the two halves of the TAMA DS200, with reverbs from the Alesis MIDIVERB II and the CXM 1978. The DS200 is running hot through the MIDIVERB II, overloading the preamp. The CXM 1978 has a long predelay in lo-fi mode to create a grainy pitchy echo."

Elta Music Polivoks-8 | Superbooth 2026 | Voltage Labs

video upload by Voltage Labs

"ELTA Music expands the Polivoks legacy with the Polivoks-8, an eight-voice analog synthesizer inspired by the original Soviet design. Featuring dual oscillators per voice, multimode filtering, and extensive modulation options, it brings the distinctive character of the classic instrument into a modern polyphonic format."

PIF vintage Ukrainian Analog Soviet Synthesizer

video upload by EONSKI

Обзор "bldzr"

video upload by LMZ

Click CC at the bottom of the player for subtitles.

"В следующей версии будет два типа выходного сигнала для синхронизации с другими устройствами.
#lmz #lmzvuk #bldzr #analog #drumbass #synth"

In the next version, there will be two types of output signals for synchronization with other devices.
#lmz #lmzvuk #bldzr #analog #drumbass #synth

Apparatus & Tom 1501 from UltraRare.SU

video upload by Futulyric

Demo https://ultrarare.su/

FORMANTA EMS-01 - Ode To Devotion (Live)

video upload by LFOstore

"This composition played live by Nick Klimenko on recently restored & tuned flagship of soviet synthesizers - Formanta EMS-01.

Its very hard to tune OSC sections & there are not so many fully working & tuned units in the world!
Thanks to / @ДмитрийБоровских-ш7п for midifying & tuning work!

Working unit sounding ultra mega magnificent!

FORMANTA EMS-01 is an electronical music instrument combining a polyphonic organ and a monophonic synthesizer. It is designed to perform music of all genres and to create various sound effects while recording soundtracks for movies and plays, or studio recording. The organ has a 5-octave keyboard, 6 preset sound timbres, frequency vibrato with adjustable vibrato delay, decay adjustment and a stereophaser (both for organ and synthesizer). The "vibrato delay" scheme is activated again only after all the previously pressed keys are released. In the "legato" mode the "vibrato delay" scheme is not activated.

The synthesizer has:

3-octave keyboard;
modulator, modulation voltage from which is applied to frequency modulator, width modulator, filter, and amplifier; broad band oscillators 1 and 2 (with various waveforms);
mixer, designed for summation of signals from oscillators 1 and 2, noise generator, external source, and ring modulator; filter, designed for dynamic and static changing of the spectrum of summarized signal from mixer output;
amplifier, designed for making the sound corresponding to various parameters of the envelope;
Visual division of the synthesizer panel into the above listed sections and their lay-out make it more easy to orientate oneself while setting the required timbre. Besides, the synthesizer is able to simultaneously control one more similar synthesizer through a special cable and connectors CONTR IN and CONTR OUT.

The instrument provides the opportunity of connecting stereo headphones; the volume in headphones doesn't change in case of changing the volume of the instrument from zero to maximum at all the outputs of the instrument with the foot pedal; thanks to this, preliminary control of timbre through the headphones before applying it to amplifiers is possible. By switching on PHASER into the channel of organ or synthesizer, it is possible to get stereo sound in the outputs STEREO L and STEREO P. In case PHASER is switched off, both channels will function in MONO mode."

Inside a Soviet Synth Collection – Rare Analog Sounds You’ve Never Heard

video upload by RetroSound

"In this video, I take you on a tour through my personal "Best Of" collection of rare Soviet Synths gathered over the past 30 years. These instruments are known for their distinctive sound character, shaped by unconventional engineering and vintage components.

Featured in this collection:
0:00 Rodina Alisa 1377
3:11 Formanta Polivoks
9:52 Elektronika EM-26
11:40 RMIF Opus

Each of these synthesizers offers a unique tonal palette – from raw and aggressive textures to warm analog pads and experimental sound design. Their unpredictable behavior and lo-fi charm make them especially inspiring for electronic music production.

If you're into analog synths, vintage gear, or experimental sounds, this collection showcases some of the most interesting and underrated instruments from the Soviet era.

(c)2007-26 by RetroSound
supported by UVI: http://bit.ly/retrosound-uvi

synth tees: https://retrosound.creator-spring.com
Donation: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/9N..."

East Block Synths playlist:

Alisa 1377 (1985) - Ambient Sound Demo

video upload by LFOstore

"#alisa #1377 #alisa1377 #synth #demo
Rare USSR synthesizer restored by Alex Taber!

It was made in USSR in 1985 at Luberetskiy Military Radioplant 'Rodina' near Moscow.

ALISA synthesizers were made especially for experimental electronic music, creating of sound effects in soviet cinema and scientific acoustic researches. This unique instrument has warm, aggressive and absolutely original analog sound!

The synthesizer has 1 OSC with 4 wave forms, ADSR , filter, various modulations, vibrato and portamento effects.

OSCILLATOR: tune; octave +1/+2; portamento; wave forms: triangle, saw, square, odd harmonics; frequency modulation (for all 4 waveforms); impulse-width modulation (for square wave form) with impulse width and depth controls; harmonics (for odd harmonics wave form). You can use individual OSC waveforms (triangle, saw, square, odd harmonics) or mix them together to get unique sounds!

LFO: on/off modulation switch, two waveforms (triangle, square), modulation rate, modulation rate coarse switch - 1Hz/10Hz.

FILTER: cutoff, resonance, vibrato (filter modulation), ADSR, switch between filter control- keyboard or contour OSC (ADSR). The synths filter due to it`s original architecture can be used as additional oscillator when filter`s resonance knob in self-oscillaltion position and it sounds really weird and interesting!

AMPLIFIER: ADSR, main volume, on/off synthesizer."

Formanta Polyvoks SN 0689257

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.

"Formanta - Polyvoks (s/n 0689251) The most famous Russian analogue synth. All working, although has not been used for a while, so the controls really need a clean, and maybe a calibration. One crack in the case on the back left edge. 220V (UK mains lead supplied - although not the original one). Adaptor included to convert DIN output socket to 1/4' jack.

VEMIA note: the slight damage is likely caused by the interesting design decision to put a plastic case round a heavy metal chassis and adding a lid so that the whole is nearly 20kg. Needs extra-special packing . VEMIA can collect and pack: 24GBP."

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