ElectroComp EML 101 - Sounds & patches - Analog synth demo

Published on Jun 24, 2019 synth4ever

"ElectroComp EML 101 analog synthesizer demo of various sounds and patches.

The ElectroComp 101 is the successor to the rare ElectroComp 100 from Electronic Music Laboratories (EML), a small synthesizer company based out of Connecticut in the USA.

Manufactured from 1972-1982, the ElectroComp EML 101 is a patchable semi-modular synth with a pre-wired voice path that can be over-ridden via patching.

The ElectroComp EML 101 has four oscillators (two of which could go sub-sonic, for use as LFOs) with multiple waveforms, 12 dB/oct multi-mode filter (LPF/BPF/HPF) with resonance, two envelope generators, ring/amplitude modulator, noise, and sample-and-hold. It is also duophonic and has audio input for processing external signals through its filter.

The 4-oscillator architecture, multi-mode filter, and elaborate patch control makes the ElectroComp EML-101 one of the most flexible portable patch-synthesizers available at its time of manufacture. The EML 101 has a very metallic sound to it and can go into crazy experimental territory when it comes to sound design.

Reverb effects from Source Audio Ventris. Filmed at www.synthpalace.net in Montreal Quebec, Canada."

EML ElectroComp 101 vintage analog synthesizer

via this auction

"EML ElectroComp 101 analogue duophonic synthesizer. An opportunity to own a rare vintage EML 101 in excellent original 'collectors' condition - only 1000 were made and this was originally sold on 11 November 1974 based on the log kept by ex-EML founder Dale Blake.

I bought the EML from Tone Tweakers in the USA in 2008 where it had been fully serviced. It's in extremely good condition and is all original apart from the leather handle (which I replaced with one very similar to the original), and the four rubber stick-on feet on the bottom. EML built their instruments from military grade components and they last very well.

The EML 101 has four VCOs two of which can double as an LFO. The VCOs can be swept from triangle through square to saw. It has a lovely and characterful 12db VCF which sweeps continuously from LP through BP to HP and, contrary to some reports, will self-resonante a little. It also has a great modulation control sweeping through AM to RM.

The EML 101 sounds nothing like its contemporary rivals from ARP and Moog and has a character of its own - edgy but huge, with a lot of bottom end. It's capable of duophony as well. There are lots of modulation possibilities, including S&H. It's semi-modular and audio and CV can be used interchangably when using patch cords. It's also possible to tune the EML 101 to tunings other than 12 semitones per octave.

Please note that EML used a system of 1.2v/octave (so 0.1v per semi-tone) which, apart from the lack of practical interface, means it's not compatible with any other analogue synths, but who cares when you've got four VCOs! Please also note that the EML-101 runs on US voltage (110v) so requires a step-down transformer for use in the UK/EU.

The EML 101 is built into its own wooden case and the synthesizer is attached to the keyboard by catches."

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Electronic Music Laboratories Electrocomp EML-101

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via Switched On Reverb

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"This EML 101 is fully serviced by in-house technicians, fully functional and in excellent condition. It sounds awesome.

The ElectroComp 101 is the successor to the rare ElectroComp 100 from Electronic Music Laboratories (EML), a small synthesizer company based out of Connecticut in the USA. Like the ARP 2600, the 101 is a patchable (1/4'' patch cords) semi-modular synth with a pre-wired voice path that can be over-ridden via patching. But unlike the ARP (or MiniMoog for that matter), the 101 has as many as four oscillators (two of which can go sub-sonic, for use as LFOs). The 101 is also Duophonic so you can play up to two notes at once. Another major distinction was that unlike Moog and ARP, who used transistors that would tend to drift out of tune under various operating temperatures, EML used op amps which proved to be far more stable and reliable.

Other onboard features include a voltage controlled 12 dB/oct multi-mode filter with resonance, two envelope generators, ring/amplitude modulator, noise, and sample-and-hold (they call this the "Sampler"). In addition, the 101 makes no distinction between control voltage and audio paths allowing just about any source to be patched to any control or audio input in any order. The 101 could easily be closed, secured and carried inside its wood casing.

This synthesizer is fantastic. It's warm, punchy, powerful and has lot of bite not to mention a sound that sets it apart from its contemporaries and, for that matter, any other synth."

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Electronic Music Laboratories Electrocomp EML-101 FULLY SERVICED

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via this listing

"This EML 101 is fully serviced by in-house technicians, fully functional and in great condition. It sounds awesome.

The ElectroComp 101 is the successor to the rare ElectroComp 100 from Electronic Music Laboratories (EML), a small synthesizer company based out of Connecticut in the USA. Like the ARP 2600, the 101 is a patchable (1/4'' patch cords) semi-modular synth with a pre-wired voice path that can be over-ridden via patching. But unlike the ARP (or MiniMoog for that matter), the 101 has as many as four oscillators (two of which can go sub-sonic, for use as LFOs). The 101 is also Duophonic so you can play up to two notes at once. Another major distinction was that unlike Moog and ARP, who used transistors that would tend to drift out of tune under various operating temperatures, EML used op amps which proved to be far more stable and reliable.

Other onboard features include a voltage controlled 12 dB/oct multi-mode filter with resonance, two envelope generators, ring/amplitude modulator, noise, and sample-and-hold (they call this the "Sampler"). In addition, the 101 makes no distinction between control voltage and audio paths allowing just about any source to be patched to any control or audio input in any order. The 101 could easily be closed, secured and carried inside its wood casing.

This synthesizer is fantastic. It's warm, punchy, powerful and has lot of bite not to mention a sound that sets it apart from its contemporaries and, for that matter, any other synth."

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EML ElectroComp 101 EML-101 w/ Seq Mod

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via this auction

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Andy Wig - EML ElectroComp Revealed #1

YouTube via arthurpainter

"Another new moniker (they come and go). Here we have my vintage EML ElectroComp 101 performing a few unruly feats helped along by yours truly. Many thanks to Mini at Tone Tweakers for providing me with a 101 of exquisite beauty and functionality"

Andy Wig - EML ElectroComp 101 Revealed #2


"Another stab at a beautiful noise using only my EML 101, with a tiny bit of delay added. Enjoy."

Andy Wig - EML ElectroComp 101 Revealed #3


"The last of this series of improvs employing my EML 101 with varying degrees of success, here again twiddling knobs and wiggling noise out of the ether of electricity. Fun."

EML ElectroComp 100 (PRE 101) VINTAGE Synthesizer with Original Docs & Flexi-Disc

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via this auction

"This is a real collector's item. It is in very, very good shape for being approximately 45 years old and in working order. Compare the shape of the keys to the EML 101's for sale.

Condition: Used (but very good condition considering it is approx. 45 yrs old)

Seller Notes: “VERY VERY RARE ..” (Much more rare than the EML 101)

Brand: ELECTRO COMP

Number of Keys: 44

Model: EML 100

Country/Region of Manufacture: United States

Type: Synthesizer

This EML 100 Synthesizer is vintage and very very rare. Less than 100 of them made in 1970/71. It is the predecessor to the EML 101. It is in good working condition. It comes with the User's Manual, 2 original patch chords and the 33 1/2 LP provided at original purchase (The Sounds of E.M.L. Synthesizers). It also comes with a 13 page EML 101 electronic schematic and a 13 page Alignment Procedure of the EML 101 which was the mass produced version of the EML 100.

Patches shown in the User Manual have been setup and verified.

Very few blemishes. Slight corrosion on metal latches (not bad). Very few scratches on outer case. Keys in perfect shape."

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Vintage Electronic Music Labs ElectroComp EML-101 Synthesizer Early Production Model

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via this auction

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EML Product Literature

via this auction

EML PRODUCT LITERATURE SYNTHESIZER PRIMER BOOK (RARE)
EML Electronic Music Labs Inc. Vernon CT
Interesting for any vintage synthesizer collector. A great reference for any future buyer of EML instruments. These are my clear copies of EML’s product literature packs.

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EML ElectroComp Vintage Synthesizer Brochures

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via this auction

"This a crazy rare treasure trove of vintage 1970's original material from the Electronic Music Laboratories Inc, (EML), makers of the Electrocomp Synthesizer line. The company was based in Vernon, Connecticut and made a line of quasi-modular synths that competed with Moog, Arp and Oberheim. More rare than these other well known names, these synthesizers had unique features for the price and a distinct sound to them.

Included in this package are:

(1) EML Family of Synthesizer Brochure, half folded into a four page brochure. The last quarter page is a response card that was returned, presumably to receive the other brochures that are included. This brochure includes pictures and features of the EML 101, EML 200, EML 400 Series and the Syn-Key

(1) "The Best Portable Synthesizer In The World" Electrocomp 101, half folded into a four page brochure with detailed illustrations and technical features. Note the price of $1495 back then! The keyboard player in my high school and college band has this synth and I spent many hours hearing it do bass lines and leads, cool stuff!! It was duophonic, patchable and hot stuff at the time!

(1) This Synthesizer Started a Revolution! ElectroComp 200, half folded into a four page brochure with detailed illustrations and technical features (note there are two of these in the picture, but only one is included in this auction). This is an interesting unit that seems to be designed to teach synthesize to students at school and appears to be an "expander" unit to the 101 with a price of $950

(1) Todays Sound, The Right Price!, Electrocomp 500 $895 half folded into a four page brochure with detailed illustrations and technical features. This one does not have patch points and appears to hard connect key features from the 101.

They are in excellent condition and perhaps some of rarest vintage synth literature from the period. EML was relatively short lived despite the quality of their products and it is hard enough to find any of their synthesizers let alone a set of documents like this!!"

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EML ElectroComp 101 Analog Synthesizer Demo Tracks

Published on Jun 26, 2016 peahix

"All sounds except for drums made with an EML ElectroComp 101 Analog Synthesizer. Recorded in Cubase using an audio clock pulse to trigger the sampler on the EML."

Playlist:
EML ElectroComp 101 Analog Synthesizer Demo Track 1
EML ElectroComp 101 Analog Synthesizer Demo Track 2
EML ElectroComp 101 Analog Synthesizer - Noodlings

EML ElectroComp 101 – Vintage Duophonic Semi-Modular Synthesizer

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

via this Reverb listing, also on eBay

"A rare and revered classic, the ElectroComp 101 was Electronic Music Laboratories’ evolution of the original ElectroComp 100—crafted by the Connecticut-based company known for its educational and experimental instruments. Released as a flexible alternative to the ARP 2600 and Minimoog, the EML-101 brought serious innovation to semi-modular design.

Unlike its contemporaries, the 101 featured four voltage-controlled oscillators—two of which operate sub-sonically for LFO duties—with morphable waveforms accessible via rotary selectors. It’s duophonic, allowing up to two-note polyphony, and provides a unique modulation architecture where control voltage and audio signals are treated interchangeably, offering highly creative patching possibilities.

A 12dB/oct multimode filter (low-pass, band-pass, and high-pass) with resonance adds tonal versatility, and the onboard ring/amplitude modulation, sample-and-hold (“Sampler”), and dual envelope generators give the 101 deep sound-shaping power. Thanks to its use of op-amps instead of temperature-sensitive transistors, the 101 also boasts impressive tuning stability compared to Moog or ARP synths of the era.

Designed with portability in mind, the unit folds neatly into its own wooden case, making it ideal for studio or stage use.

Originally marketed to universities and educational institutions, the EML-101’s modular flexibility, rich analog tone, and rock-solid build quickly caught the attention of professional musicians and sound designers, cementing its place as one of the most powerful portable synthesizers of the 1970s.

Features:

Polyphony: Duophonic

Oscillators: 4 VCOs (2 with sub-audio range; variable waveforms + noise)

Filter: Multimode 12dB/oct filter (low-pass, band-pass, high-pass) with resonance

Envelopes: 2 ADS generators

Effects: Ring/Amplitude Modulator, Sample-and-Hold

Modulation: Any CV or audio signal can be patched freely

Keyboard: 44-note

Control: CV/Gate compatible

A previously used item that shows signs of cosmetic wear but is fully operational and functions as intended—a vintage gem ready to inspire."

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EML-101 Technical Overview

Published on Jun 24, 2015 Synthesizer Keith

"This video gives a technical overview of an Electrocomp EML-101."

Sequenced Bass Without A Sequencer On the EML-101

Published on Jun 24, 2015

"This video shows how to generate a sequenced bass sound on the EML-101, without any external equipment."

Electronic Music Laboratories Electrocomp EML-101 SN 1216

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via this auction

"Introduced by Connecticut based Electronic Music Laboratories in 1972, the ElectroComp 101 is a portable and patchable duophonic synthesizer which rivals other 1970s synths from Moog and Arp. Notable for it's relative tuning stability and distinctive audio signature, the EML 101 is a synth that has a character all of its own, with a distinctive sample and hold circuit and ring/amplitude modulation. The rich sound of this synth is rounded out by a 12/db octave multimode filter. This instrument, has been stored for 29 years and is in great shape contact with any questions. No Manual or patch cables included. Shipping to be calculated aprox $250 in the lower 48. SN# 1216"

You can find additional EML-101 posts here including demos.

ELECTROCOMP EML 101 ANALOG SYNTHESIZER

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
Published on Jul 5, 2015 jimjam041

"Electrocomp EML analog synthesizer model 101 for sale on ebay"

via this auction

"Electrocomp EML analog synthesizer model 101 serial number 273, A very early one. Very nice cosmetic condition, a few light scratches on the cabinet and alittle seperation on the edge joints but very solid. The face plate is excellent with no missing print and no discoloring from use. The knobs are all original as is the electronics. Item powers up and creates some interesting sounds."

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ElectroComp Synthesizer model 101 Electronic Music Labs Inc.

Published on Mar 4, 2018 Vykaar Tones

"Twiddling knobs on this great American vintage analog synthesizer half way through restoration and repairs. Very well built hard wired to tag strips like an amp inside and sealed AB pots like minimoog ( a pain to open and clean) some of the caps have died and oxidation on all metal parts... The lack of connectors inside is a blessing as in my opinion most Moog synthesizers for example suffered from far too many unreliable connectors which constantly oxidised and caused random faults.

Some info from vintagesynthcom:
The ElectroComp 101 was the successor to the rare ElectroComp 100 from Electronic Music Laboratories (EML), a small synthesizer company based out of Connecticut in the USA. Like the ARP 2600, the 101 was a patchable (1/4'' patch cords) semi-modular synth with a pre-wired voice path that could be over-ridden via patching. But unlike the ARP (or Minimoog for that matter), the 101 had as many as four oscillators (two of which could go sub-sonic, for use as LFOs) with multiple waveforms that you could sweep between using its rotary knobs. The 101 was also Duophonic so you could play up to two notes at once. Another major distinction was that unlike Moog and ARP, who used transistors that would tend to drift out of tune under various operating temperatures, EML used op amps which proved to be far more stable and reliable.

Other onboard features included a voltage controlled 12 dB/oct multi-mode filter with resonance, two envelope generators, ring/amplitude modulator, noise, and sample-and-hold (they call this the "Sampler"). In addition, the 101 makes no distinction between control voltage and audio paths allowing just about any source to be patched to any control or audio input in any order. The 101 could easily be closed, secured and carried inside its wood casing.

In its day, the 101, as most of EMLs instruments, were marketed and sold to universities and other educational markets. But with the 4-oscillator architecture, multi-mode filter, and elaborate patch control, the EML-101 was undoubtedly one of the most flexible of all of the portable patch-synthesizers available at its time of manufacture. So it did not take long for it to find its way into mainstream music. It has been used by Skinny Puppy, Tommy Mars, Download, Weezer, Foreigner, and Ohm."

Electrocomp EML 101

via this auction

"Rare, made-in-Connecticut Electrocomp EML-101 Synthesizer in EXCELLENT **ORIGINAL** Condition. A few minor chips on the case and it's missing the handle (what else is new?) and a few of the latches are new BUT it hasn't been modded and has ALL its original knobs and the graphics are crystal clear. Only a college inventory number is scratched over the "ElectroComp" log (see in pictures).

It's been professionally renovated by www.analogsynthservice.com including ALL NEW KEYBOARD BUSHINGS and sounds and plays great. The keyboard has a few uneven keys but otherwise you have a thick "scary sounding" 4 oscillator monster with patch bay capabilities. It's temperamental for sure and NOT a synth for the faint of heart. But it's a living, breathing analog beast that, plugged through my tape echo, provided me with hours of lost-in-space musical bliss. I have a seriously killer CMS renovated 2600 and I'm hardly ever playing so it's time to let the 101 go to a good home be it studio or stage."

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Blue EML ElectroComp 100 Synthesizer with Extras Including Flexi Disc

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

via this auction

"Condition: Used (but very good condition considering its 45 yrs old)

Seller Notes: “VERY VERY RARE ..” (Much more rare than the EML 101)

Brand: ELECTRO COMP

Number of Keys: 44

Model: EML 100

Country/Region of Manufacture: United States

Type: Synthesizer

This EML 100 Synthesizer is vintage and very very rare. Less than 100 of them made in 1970/71. It is the predecessor to the EML 101. It is in good working condition. It comes with the User's Manual, 2 original patch chords and the 33 1/2 LP provided at original purchase (The Sounds of E.M.L. Synthesizers). It also comes with a 13 page EML 101 electronic schematic and a 13 page Alignment Procedure of the EML 101 which was the mass produced version of the EML 100.

Patches shown in the User Manual have been setup and verified.

Very few blemishes. Slight corrosion on metal latches (not bad). Very few scratches on outer case. Keys in perfect shape. A couple pots could use some use or cleaning..."

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IDOW: Robert Wheeler & Allen Ravenstine Release EML 101 & 200 Recordings

Pere Ubu's Robert Wheeler & Allen Ravenstine, featured in the modular documentary I Dream of Wires, have released two LPs on 12" vinyl, City Desk & Farm Report, featuring the EML 101 & 200.  You can watch a clip from IDOW featuring them and their EML systems including a custom EML in this prior post.  A double CD is planned in the future.

"In the spring of 2012, Allen Ravenstine and Robert Wheeler travelled to historic Grant Avenue Studio in Hamilton, Ontario, to appear in I Dream of Wires, a film documentary about the role of modular synthesizers in electronic music.

Canadian Filmmaker Robert Fantinatto dedicated 20 minutes to an interview with the two pioneers of industrial electronics, and their choice of the unique EML Electrocomp synthesizer as a performance instrument in Pere Ubu.

Allen Ravenstine was a composer, patron and pioneer of the burgeoning Cleveland arts scene in the early 1970's. As synthesist with Pere Ubu, playing the EML-200 and later the EML-101, he earned international acclaim for his inspired use of industrial sound before retiring from popular music in the late 1980's. His approach to live performance - rejecting the traditional tonal keyboard for an intuitive wash of modulated noise - has been much imitated but rarely equaled.

Robert Wheeler (of Home & Garden) joined Pere Ubu in 1994, playing the EML-101 and a handmade Theremin. He is a relative of Thomas Edison - a birthright that led him to take a leading role in the Edison Birthplace Museum in Milan, Ohio. In January 2010, he accepted a Grammy Award on Edison's behalf..."

Click here to continue with the full article & info on ordering the LPs.

ElectroComp EML-101 Demo with 1V/Octave Conversion Mod

Bell Tone Synth Works
Published on Aug 16, 2017

"The ElectroComp EML-101 is a fantastic duophonic semi-modular synthesizer from 1974. Bell Tone Synth Works repaired this 101 and also added a custom circuit to allow the synth, which is scaled to 1.4 V/octave with a DC offset, to accept control voltage of the standard 1V/octave scale, allowing it to be played with an external sequencer or other CV source. In this video, we're using it with the inexpensive Korg SQ-1 step sequencer. This synth also has unique FM capabilities that allow it to make some amazing sounds! For more info or to inquire about having your synth repaired or modded, visit belltonesynthworks.com."