Erica Synths Syntrx II Review and Demo // Not just for Bleeps, Fizzes and Ambient Soundscapes

video upload by Starsky Carr

"The Erica Synths Syntrx II is one of the most talked-about synthesizers of recent years — but three years on from its release, is it still worth your money? In this in-depth review and demo, I finally get hands-on with this modern spiritual successor to the legendary EMS VCS3 and EMS Synthi, and I want to bust two big myths: it's NOT as complicated as it looks, and it's NOT just a crazy sci-fi sound effects machine.
🎹 What's covered in this video:

-Syntrx II vs the original EMS VCS3 / EMS Synthi — key similarities and differences
-Syntrx II vs Syntrx I — what changed and why
-The 16x16 digital pin matrix explained simply
-Using the Syntrx II as a standard 3-oscillator monosynth
-The trapezoid (looping) envelope in practice
-All-analog signal path walkthrough
-Onboard 3-channel sequencer, DSP reverb and delay, envelope follower
FM, self-oscillation, noise modulation, and filter techniques
-Sample & hold circuit — how to set it up
-The joystick as an LFO / recording modulation source
-MIDI setup tips (offset fix, CC assignments for X and Y axes)
-Patch saving — what it DOES and DOESN'T save, and why it matters
-Honest pros and cons

🎵 Extended drone demo — 5 minutes of the Syntrx II running a single live patch with the trapezoid looping envelope, FM, noise, filter modulation via joystick, and DSP effects. The full version was over 10 minutes — it really is that good.

💷 Price context: Original EMS Synthis now sell for £24,000+. The Syntrx II comes in under £2,000. If you've ever wanted that Synthi sound without selling a kidney, this might be your answer."

Ritual #3 for VCS3, Arp 2600, Voyager, Mellotron and Gongs.

video upload by R. Reger

Three Phutney EMS clone PCBs, Tuned

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.

"Set of Three Phutney PCB Cards – EMS VCS3 / Synthi A Clone A set of three fully built Phutney PCB cards for the EMS VCS3 / Synthi A. These are the highly regarded clone boards designed by Derek Revell, widely considered among the most accurate reproductions available for anyone wishing to recreate one of these classic synthesizers, or to replace cards in an original EMS instrument.

The boards were professionally assembled by an experienced audio engineer, using new old stock germanium and silicon transistors to get as close as possible to the character of the original EMS circuitry.

They have been extensively tested and calibrated in my 1975 EMS Synthi AKS. My original intention was to use them to build a VCS3 “Cloney”-style synth, but that project never materialised.

During testing, resistor values were carefully adjusted until the cards performed and sounded indistinguishable from the original EMS circuit boards.

The sale also includes: • Header and PCB solder-in edge connectors to simplify wiring during a build • A set of blue edge connectors with solder tags if you prefer the more traditional “old-school” wiring approach

All three boards are fully populated, tested, and confirmed working. As mentioned, they were bench-tested and run inside a working EMS Synthi AKS, allowing direct comparison with original EMS cards during calibration.

If you are planning to build a vintage EMS-style synthesizer, this is an excellent starting point, as the boards are already assembled, tested, and carefully tuned to match the performance and sound of a 1975 Synthi A / VCS3."

CLICK FOR MORE »

EMS Synthi AKS Mk2, 1975 w/ Docs & 7" Record

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.

"A superb and highly original EMS Synthi AKS Mk2, manufactured in 1975, in full working order and very nice cosmetic condition as shown in the photos. The aluminium front panel is in excellent shape and fitted with the original vernier dials, which have developed a lovely natural patina with age and use. The Spartanite briefcase is also in very good condition and retains the correct EMS London badge.
This is a genuine, unmodified example that retains its original character and components, something that is becoming increasingly difficult to find. It has clearly been a well-loved and carefully maintained instrument. I have owned it for the past 11 years, but it’s now time for it to move on to someone who will give it the use it deserves.

The Synthi A itself has been recently serviced by a professional vintage synth technician, and the KS sequencer was serviced four months ago by Robin Wood at EMS in Cornwall, ensuring everything is functioning exactly as it should.

Included with the synth: • Extra patch pins • Original Synthi–KS sequencer umbilical cable (excellent condition) • UK mains cable • Two keys for the Spartanite case so it can be locked — a great security feature… after all, no one would think of stealing a locked briefcase synth!

Also included is an excellent collection of original EMS documentation and ephemera, which is becoming increasingly difficult to find with surviving instruments: • Original EMS user manual, bound for protection • EMS 7' 33rpm demonstration record with cover • Original guarantee form (unused — unfortunately the manufacturer’s warranty has now expired!) • Several original EMS leaflets for the Synthi, VCS3 and Synthi 100 & Synthi Hi-Fli • Unused patch cards from 1975, in two different formats • Original 1975 EMS price list • An unbound copy of the Synthi Educational Handbook

Overall this is a beautifully preserved and highly original Synthi AKS Mk2, complete with period accessories and documentation — something that is becoming increasingly rare.

If you are looking for an authentic EMS instrument with real provenance and ready to continue making extraordinary sounds for decades to come, this is a wonderful example. Serial Number: 45104KS"

CLICK FOR MORE »

RING SM Sounds - A Ring Modulator/Sub-bass Generator & CP-3 Mixer for #eurorack

video upload by AJH Synth Official

"Playing around with the RING SM from AJH Synth. This is a hugely useful module, combining a 3-way all-analogue Ring Modulator, a -1 and -2 octave sub-bass generator, and 5-channel Moog CP-3 based mixer.
This is a real ring mod, as opposed to the more common, simpler and cheaper circuits found in many synths, such as the Odyssey, which often used CMOS chips to mimic the same behaviour. The authentic vintage circuit recreated in the RING SM is based on the Ring Mod of the EMS Synthi/VCS3, and has a hugely thick, rich tone.
The Sub Bass generator derives shaped square waves at 1 or 2 octaves below the pitch on an incoming VCO. This shaped squares are slightly curved at the edges, almost a cross between a square and a sine wave, which produces a much better balance of harmonic content and warmth/fatness than the common, purely square or sine sub basses found on most synths and modules, resulting in thicker yet more musical sub-octaves. Additionally, the 'Double' feature can generate an octave above the incoming triangle or sine wave.
The CP-3 mixers saturates as you'd expect from this classic vintage design, with soft clipping, and a boosted gain level on input channel 5."

EMS VCS3 Cornwall Modifications

video upload by Rhythmicons

"Some of you might want to get your VCS3 modded. This is part one in a series of videos showing the ones that I have added to mine. Shown is the Voltage Controlled Waveshaper and the Variable Oscillator Sync."

EMS Universal Sequencer Playlist

video uploads by analogia pl

A few of these have been featured on the site before. You can use the player controls to skip around.

Playlist:

1. EMS Synthi with Universal Sequencer and RSF Kobol #emssynthi #rsfkobol #rolandph830

It’s a tune done on the Synthi and EMS Universal Sequencer with some help from RSF Kobol processed by Roland PH-830 phaser.

2. 2 x EMS Universal Sequencer with Roland MC-202 #emssynthi #emsuniversalsequencer #mc202

Universal Sequencer is playing a sequence on the Synthi and the 202 - that’s why it’s called “universal” as both sequence and real time layers have CV/gate outputs. No effects other than spring reverb on the Synthi.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Self Playing Patches by BENGE

video upload by Memetune Studio

"This series of studies explores an idea that Benge has been working on over the past year or so, namely that of Cybersynthesis. This involves programming self-contained patches on various modular systems which, once set in motion, will produce dynamic, evolving soundscapes, sometimes purely abstract in nature, at other times veering towards the more melodious

Many different methods were deployed in the patches, depending on the system being used, but normally multiple sequencer and switching devices were combined to give varying degrees of control over long time periods, often without repetition

Other things like random control signals and semi-random events were combined with the sequencers and switching units to bring variation to the performances the machines were making

The key idea at the heart of Cybernetics is the concept of bringing control to chaotic processes. To do this, some kind of feedback loop would ideally be established that can monitor and limit events that might otherwise spin out of control. The Serge and Modcan systems featured here each have various comparator circuits that can, to a certain extent, achieve this highly advanced synthesis feature

In the absence of such sensor paths, it is sometimes possible to use audio or voltage mixers and feedback chains to set various parameters to be on the very edge of chaotic behaviour, an approach used in many of the patches on display here

Other techniques such as the quantisation of voltages and the forcing of notes to play within certain predetermined musical scales were also employed in some of the pieces, which is another way of taming chaotic elements into into a more musical realm

Overall, a wholly experimental approach was applied to the various setups, with the intention of providing an insight into how these machines can behave. Of course, each system has an almost limitless depth to the complexity of patches available, and each track on the album provides just a single snapshot of each instrument used. But hopefully it provides an interesting glimpse into the wonders that these self-playing systems can achieve

Tracklist:

01 - Buchla 100 and EMS VCS3
02 - Serge Paperface
03 - Modcan A-Series
04 - ARP 2500
05 - Buchla 200 and DK Synergy
06 - Serge and LW Comparator
07 - Moog Modular 3C
08 - Roland Discrete System
09 - Buchla 200

MORE INFO HERE:
https://modular-station.com/modulisme...



Synthesiser programming and recording, design and concept: Benge (B D Edwards)

Made at Memetune Studios, England

(c)+(p) 2025 Memetune Recordings

Special thanks to Philippe Petit at Modulisme (modular-station.com/modulisme) for his continued support"

Songlines (soundscape) for Arp 2600, VCS3 and Gong

video upload by R. Reger

"Original soundscape for analogue instruments."

New From Hinton Instruments

via Hinton Instruments

New MIDI Modules
01 February 2026

Our range of 3U professional MIDI controlled analogue modules continues to expand with four new products. These are all in an advanced development stage and the order of release will be according to interest and demand. For further information please use the contact form.

With many 3U modules now using MIDI they may be directly connected with internal cables or brought out to panel connectors. Maximum flexibility for connector types, position in case, and routing is provided by Molex KK 0.1" headers on the pcbs.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Semiqiuncentennial Tension

video upload by Rhythmicons

"An EMS VCS3 does a throbbing drone. The Moog Model 10 is sequenced by a synthesizers dotcom q960/q119 with a little help from the Mos-Lab envelope.

The Serge comprised of licensed circuits by Elby Designs, Catgirl Synth, all lovingly paneled and assembled by Rich at Lower West Side Studios of Canada. There is a Buchla clone of a Source of Uncertainty module assembled and paneled by Jason Fry of Free State FX that is randomizing various parts of an M401 Multimode (Arp 1047 clone) also built by LWSS.
From the 401, the audio heads to the Analog Craftsman Gristleizer. The result is a little rhythmic bubbling.

The title is a nod to Tricky’s Pre-millennium Tension album but nevertheless reflective of the current zeitgeist.

But hey, no sirens this time!

In the meantime I crave my own."

SWITCHTRIX ELECTRONICS KS SEQUENCER WITH INTERFACE/ARP ODYSSEY

video upload by SWITCHTRIX ELECTRONICS

"Our recreation of the classic KS sequencer using the output interface to connect to an ARP ODYSSEY.

This allows the KS to connect to 1V/oct synths or MK1 EMS Synthi/VCS3

For more info contact

mail@switchtrix.co.uk"

Red version in previous posts here.

EMS VCS3 Mk1 with EMS Universal Sequencer. #emsvcs3 #emssynthi #emsuniversalsequencer

video upload by analogia pl

"No effects, just plain VCS3. Fun fact: this is instrument used to belong to great composer Alvin Curran."

Distortion Spectrum for VCS3, Arp 2600, Moog Voyager, Mellotron and Percussion

video upload by R. Reger

"Most of the instruments on this track were run through a Fairfield Circuitry 20% More Slew Limiting Distortion pedal, which facilitates an enormous range of distortion options, from the familiar to the very unfamiliar."

Making a sawtooth and sine from a triangle wave - converting waves the opposite way as usual .

video upload by organfairy

"I switch it on at 4:35 and run it with a sequencer at 5:25.

After having made the 'classical' sine wave generator • Analog sine wave generator [video below] and the 'sort of digital' sine wave generator • Synthesizing waveforms with a frequency di... [posted here] a couple of months ago, I thought I should do a sine wave the third way - if not for other reasons it could be to say that I have done a sine wave trilogy: Start with a triangle and convert it to a sine wave.
This is a method that was often used commercially. If a function generator has both triangle and sine it is often made this way, and the XR2206 component that is often found on cheap tone generator kits works this way internally. I am not sure about the EMS VCS3 but I have a suspecion that OSCILLATOR 1 is also based on this idea as it can make saw and sine at the same time.
I do start with making a sawtooth wave though. I have not seen this method used before, but I doubt that I am the first to have done it.

The music is sort of a mood composition where I focused more on the mood and the sound construction than the melody, which is rather unusual for me as I consider myself a melody focused music tinkerer. Whatever it is I made it on my Roland D-20."

Analog sine wave generator

video upload by organfairy

"I test run it at 4:15

After making that "somewhere in the swampy wasteland between analog and digital sine wave generator" last week, I decided to try and make a classical analog sine wave generator - just for the fun of it.
Sine wave generators are sort of an interesting thing: They are basically just an amplifier connected back to front through a filter, but the amplifier needs to be regulated in some way, otherwise the sinewave will get distorted to a point where it is often more a square wave.
This sine wave generator is not controllable from a keyboard like the other one I made, so it is more for modulation purposes or maybe if I one day take up the obscure art of musique concrete.

The musique ridicule that I play during the video is something I fumbled together playing my Korg Rhythm 55, Elka X-1000, and Roland D-20."

VCS3 sequence processed with Synthi Hi-FLi

video upload by Digitana Electronics

"A basic sequence being played on a VCS3 and processed with one of the re-release Synthi Hi-FLi's which has been modded to add hi level audio input and also external cv control of phase shifting. Some delay is also added.

The sequence has to be 'punchy' enough to trigger the attack/decay detector on the Hi-FLi (which a plucked guitar string would normally achieve). I am not using the external cv control of the phase shifting in this demo..just slow sine wave modulation selection. Treble boost has a huge effect on the sound as does sub octave. Fuzz tends to soften things."

Benge electronic album Orgoustic Plus 30

video upload by Memetune Studio

"There is a new Benge album out today!



It's 30 years since I released my first album. This is a a kind of follow up

In 1995, I decided to set up a small home studio and record an album, using a combination of acoustic and electronic instruments. The result was my debut solo record Electro-Orgoustic Music, which was also the first release on my label Expanding Records

It was the beginning of a lifelong journey, a sonic adventure in which I explored my musical passions, combining old and new equipment, trying to discover my own unique voice with these fascinating instruments. I have followed my instincts and expanded my toolbox, but kept true to my original vision: to surround myself with inspirational tools and live amongst them, using them daily in my work and play

Here, I present to you an album made 30 years on from that debut recording, using a similar cast of instrumental characters, in fact many of the same ones which appeared on the first album

This album was made on the following equipment (asterisk denotes an appearance on the 1995 album):

Moog Modular 3C*
Arp 2500
Buchla 200
EMS VCS3*
Serge Modular
AKAI S950* / S5000 and AX73
Minimoog*
Yamaha CS40M
Korg Lambda
Baby Grand Piano*
Double Bass*
Clarinet*
Drums, Cymbals, Percussions*
Lexicon 224X and PrimeTime-95
AMS RMX16, Quantec QRS
Neve 88D Mixing Console"

Pits Playground & Perfect Pads 2 - Soundsets for Waldorf Iridium & Quantum synthesizer.

video upload by WaldorfMusicChannel

"https://waldorfmusic.com/produkt/soun...

With loving attention to detail, Pit created 69 patches that showcase the extensive synthesis capabilities of the Iridium/Quantum family. The sound set combines analogue warmth with digital precision. Special emphasis was placed on the interaction between playing and sound generation: thanks to extensive modulation routings, an organic flow is created that makes playing inspiring and lively. Ideal for losing yourself completely in the sound.

The sound palette includes Moog-style leads and basses, assertive brass and poly synths, PPG and Prophet VS-style wavetable sounds, as well as digital pads and atmospheric textures. Pre-made sequences, arpeggios and overloaded effects have been deliberately omitted. Instead, you get dynamically playable instruments that enrich your musical expression.

A real playground for lovers of ‘real’ synthesizer sounds.

Pit is a real synthesizer freak. He discovered his love for synthesizers and electronic music back in the early 80s. His collection includes legendary synthesizers such as the EMC Rehberg VCS3, Oberheim OB8, Minimoog and Memorymoog, to name but a few. And of course an Iridium Keyboard."

Perfect Pads 2 - Soundset for Waldorf Iridium & Quantum synthesizer.

video upload by WaldorfMusicChannel

"https://waldorfmusic.com/produkt/soun...

The second edition of the Perfect Pads collection, this time with 34 brand new meticulously crafted pad patches for the wonderful Iridium & Quantum synthesizer.

This pack makes use of the various native sound engines of the Iridium/Quantum, which are blended with high-quality recordings of some of the fantastic analog pad synths like the OB-X8 and ISE-NIN.

The result is another highly usable pack of presets with some of the widest and warmest pads available on the Iridium & Quantum, immediately usable for many different music genres or a great starting point for further tweaking."

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.

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."