RetroSound Studio Tour: Classic Analog String Machines from the 70s and 80s

video upload by RetroSound

"Step inside RetroSound Studio for an in-depth studio tour focused on classic analog string machines from the golden era of the 70s and 80s.

In this video, I showcase my collection of vintage string synthesizers, legendary analog ensemble keyboards that shaped the sound of disco, prog rock, synth-pop, ambient, and early electronic music. These iconic instruments are known for their lush chorus effects, warm analog tone, and unmistakable vintage character.

From rare string machines to well-loved classics, this studio tour is a deep dive into the history, sound, and vibe of analog synth technology that continues to inspire modern music production today.

Whether you’re a synth enthusiast, producer, collector, or just love retro sounds, this tour of RetroSound Studio highlights why analog string machines remain timeless.

Stringmachine list:
0:07 Logan String Melody 2
1:30 Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus Mk2
4:38 Crumar Performer B
7:53 Korg EPS-1
10:03 ARP Quadra
13:50 Rmif Opus
15:29 Elektronika EM-26

The analog string machine playlist:"



Shop: https://retrosound.creator-spring.com/
Bandcamp: https://retrosound.bandcamp.com/"

The Florian Schneider Collection to Be Auctioned at JULIEN*S November 19

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

via JULIEN*S

"THE FLORIAN SCHNEIDER COLLECTION

Auction to be held at Musician's Hall of Fame & Museum, Nashville, on November 19

An incredible collection of more than 450 artifacts from the life and career of Florian Schneider, co-founder of the pioneer electronic band Kraftwerk."

Pics and videos featuring some of the gear below, and his Lederhosen for good measure (thanks greg!).

Update: the post has been fully updated with all the synth related gear. This may just well be the longest post to be featured on the site. I wanted to capture all the pics for all of the details including notes, scuffs, and of course serial numbers. It's an interesting look into what he used, the condition he keped his gear, in some cases, how he actually used his gear. Note the phonetics on the keys of the Casio CZ-101 and DX-100. Note the Midi Switch Box with a built-in speaker? What's that about? Note the camouflage key strap on the Korg RK-100 Remote Keyboard. Did he pick it out himself or did the keytar just come with it? Note the repeat midi controllers and the MIDI saxaphones. Wind was his primary instrument. You'll find a ton of the acoustic gear he used in the other listings. This is a fascinating insight into both what and how he used his gear.

Side note: there is no affiliate compensation for this post. The note at the top automatically shows for all posts with the Auction label.


Rack Mount Sennheiser VSM-201 Vocoder

Starting Bid $5,000

Estimate $20,000 - $40,000 USD

A late 1970s Sennheiser VSM 201 Vocoder with no serial number from the personal studio and collection of Florian Schneider of Kraftwerk (see images). While it’s said that only a few dozen of these Vocoders were produced, a few examples made it into the hands of forward-thinking musical artists including Herbie Hancock, Daft Punk, and of course, Kraftwerk, who used a VSM-201 like this on their albums Man Machine (1978) and Computerworld (1981). The VSM-201 has an intelligible sound that has not yet been bested by modern gear. Includes power cable. This VSM-201 has been removed from its wooden enclosure (which bears the serial number plate) and modified with a metal rack mount casing, presumably for live use. Requires 240v, IEC power cable not included.

Dimensions: 19 x 9 x 9 inches

Category: Kraftwerk, Equipment

Provenance: PROVENANCE From the Estate of Florian Schneider

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The Rmif Opus string synthesizer from the USSR

video upload by RetroSound

"(c)2007-25 by RetroSound
supported by UVI: http://bit.ly/retrosound-uvi

❤️ Support #RetroSound​ channel: https://retrosound.creator-spring.com

Theme From A Summer Place by Percy Faith (1959)
Written from Max Steiner

I used my old soviet trio RMIF Opus string synthesizer, Elektronika EM-26 vocoder/strings, Alisa 1377 analog synthesizer and some orchestral samples from my Emax sample library.

This cover song series contains my own recreations of my favourite songs from the last 50 years. The original music from which I take inspiration belong to their respective owners. I recreate tracks only for personal passion and to pay homage to these tracks.
My intention is not to create covers that sound exactly like the original (if you want to hear identical sounds, please listen the original). It's more of an inspiration with my sounds from the old synthesizers from the past and of course the great appreciation for the original performers and producers."

Soviet Synth Combo 🎹

video upload by RetroSound

"(c)2007-25 by RetroSound
supported by UVI: http://bit.ly/retrosound-uvi


❤️ Support #RetroSound​ channel: https://retrosound.creator-spring.com

My four soviet synths in one track 🎹
The title called ~Newski Prospekt~ ✨

The track are made with the following gear:
Formanta Polivoks (1982)
Rodina Alisa 1377 (1985)
RMIF Opus (1986)
Elektronika EM-26 (1992)

The Nevsky Prospekt (Невский проспект) is a 4.5-kilometre-long street in the historic center of Saint Petersburg and one of the most famous streets in the world. The street was laid out between 1711 and 1721 as a link between the Admiralty in the west and the Alexander Nevsky Monastery in the east of the city. From the middle of the 18th century, it increasingly developed into a boulevard as the numerous local aristocrats had their residences built here. I have walked along this street several times myself and have always been impressed by its beauty and vibrancy. The street is the heart of the city. And Saint Petersburg is deeply rooted in my heart.

The video sequences and street ambience are made by my friend Natalja Smirnowa in january 2025"

Radiohead - Everything in it's right place - by Denis NGC0

video upload by NGC0 Music

"A short version of 'Everything in it's right place', one of my favorite Radiohead songs. (The raining effect is just an internal joke, for being nicknamed 'Sad video FX guy' by Davie504)

On this track I have performed all parts myself using the gear below:
- Moog Matriarch (Bass)
- DSI OB-6 (Pads, stabs, lead, source sound for the vocoder)
- MPC Live 2 Retro (Drums)
- Elektronika EM-26 (Vocoder)"

Elektronika EM-26 Soviet USSR Analog Vocoder and String Synth w/ Original Gig Bag

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

via this auction

"Here we have an amazing, rare, obscure Elektronika EM-26 analog vocoder and string synthesizer in superb condition. Complete with original bag and schematic diagram.

The EM-26 serves just as well as a stand alone vocoder as it does as a brilliant string synthesizer. the option to input a carrier frequency means you are able to choose from either the on boards carrier (vocoder signal) or another synthesizer in your studio.

The mic preamp is something to be excited about and the on-board chorus is absolutely amazing. You are able to proccess external sounds (such as a drum machine) through this section to add chorus or distortion without even engaging the vocoder which yeilds awesome effects."

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RITM-2 RARE COLLECTIBLE VINTAGE USSR SOVIET ANALOG SYNTHESIZER

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

via this auction

"Elektronika EM-26 portable vocoder is intended for synthesis the voice or external signals, has internal strings ton-generator, analyzer-synthesizer, modulations and vocoder effects. Control panel include 4 sections: VIBRATO, VOCODER, STRINGS and LEVEL, also it has a panel real time transpose and other controls.

VIBRATO section has sliders - accent, depth and rate VOCODER - chorus knobs (on, mode), mic/vocoder level STRINGS - on/off, level, violin/cello, sustain LEVEL - mic, line A, line C Keyboard PANEL: main level, pitch, interval, octave, pitch bend

CONNECTION (1/4 jack): mic in, line A,C, phones, output, pedal, power."

SN 1640

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ELEKTRONIKA EM-26 - VINTAGE SOVIET ANALOG VOCODER STRING SYNTHESIZER w/ Gig Bag

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

via this auction

Additional alexstelsi Listings

You can find demos of the ELEKTRONIKA EM-26 in previous posts here.

"rare soviet analog vocoder synthesizer that was manufactured in early 90`s in the USSR. One of the two vocoder models ever produced in the USSR, Elektronika EM-26 portable vocoder is intended for synthesis the voice or external signals, has internal strings ton-generator, analyzer-synthesizer, modulations and vocoder effects. Device due to it`s architecture and parts has unique sound and can produce variety of analog vocoder effects!"

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ELEKTRONIKA EM-26 w/ Teal Side Panels SN 029 30

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

via this auction

"Elektronika EM-26 portable vocoder is intended for synthesis the voice or external signals, has internal strings ton-generator, analyzer-synthesizer, modulations and vocoder effects. Control panel include 4 sections: VIBRATO, VOCODER, STRINGS and LEVEL, also it has a panel real time transpose and other controls.

VIBRATO section has sliders - accent, depth and rate VOCODER - chorus knobs (on, mode), mic/vocoder level STRINGS - on/off, level, violin/cello, sustain LEVEL - mic, line A, line C Keyboard PANEL: main level, pitch, interval, octave, pitch bend

CONNECTION (1/4 jack): mic in, line A,C, phones, output, pedal, power."

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Polivoks Analog Synthesizer & Elektronika EM-26 Strings - КИНО Группа Крови - synth cover

video by RetroSound

"Synth cover version of "Gruppa Krovi" by my favorite group KINO.

all synthesizer sounds: Polivoks Analog Synthesizer (1982)
string sounds: Elektronika EM-26 (1992)
drums: LinnDrum (1982)
recording: multi-track, played by hand

RetroSound synthesizer demo videos since january 2007.
All is for free. If you like my work, so can you support me with a donation or a purchase of my synth shirts or music albums. Thank you!

RetroSound Merch Shop: https://teespring.com/de/stores/retro...
RetroSound Home: https://retrosound72.wixsite.com/home"

ELEKTRONIKA EM-26 SN 001086

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

via this auction

"Elektronika EM-26 portable vocoder is intended for synthesis the voice or external signals, has internal strings ton-generator, analyzer-synthesizer, modulations and vocoder effects. Control panel include 4 sections: VIBRATO, VOCODER, STRINGS and LEVEL, also it has a panel real time transpose and other controls.

VIBRATO section has sliders - accent, depth and rate VOCODER - chorus knobs (on, mode), mic/vocoder level STRINGS - on/off, level, violin/cello, sustain LEVEL - mic, line A, line C Keyboard PANEL: main level, pitch, interval, octave, pitch bend

CONNECTION (1/4 jack): mic in, line A,C, phones, output, pedal, power."

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Elektronika EM-26 vintage soviet USSR analog vocoder synthesizer

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

via this auction

"The unit is professionally serviced, tested & perfect working condition with signs of use. 1/4 TRS "Jack" installed.

Elektronika EM-26 portable vocoder is intended for synthesis the voice or external signals, has internal strings ton-generator, analyzer-synthesizer, modulations and vocoder effects. Control panel include 4 sections: VIBRATO, VOCODER, STRINGS and LEVEL, also it has a panel real time transpose and other controls.

VIBRATO section has sliders - accent, depth and rate

VOCODER - chorus knobs (on, mode), mic/vocoder level

STRINGS - on/off, level, violin/cello, sustain

LEVEL - mic, line A, line C

Keyboard PANEL: main level, pitch, interval, octave, pitch bend

CONNECTION (1/4 jack): mic in, line A,C, phones, output, pedal, power."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Elektronika Em 26 Vintage Soviet Analog Vocoder String Synthesizer

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

via this auction

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ELEKTRONIKA EM-26 - VINTAGE SOVIET ANALOG VOCODER STRING SYNTHESIZER

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

via this auction, also on Reverb

"Up for sale is very rare soviet analog vocoder synthesizer that was manufactured in early 90`s in the USSR. One of the two vocoder models ever produced in the USSR, Elektronika EM-26 portable vocoder is intended for synthesis the voice or external signals, has internal strings ton-generator, analyzer-synthesizer, modulations and vocoder effects. Device due to it`s architecture and parts has unique sound and can produce variety of analog vocoder effects! (check the Demo section)
The synth is in excellent working condition, fully tested and works as it should.

Control panel include 4 sections: VIBRATO, VOCODER, STRINGS and LEVEL, also it has a panel real time transpose and other controls.
VIBRATO section has sliders - accent, depth and rate
VOCODER - chorus knobs (on, mode), mic/vocoder level
STRINGS - on/off, level, violin/cello, sustain
LEVEL - mic, line A, line C
Keyboard PANEL: main level, pitch, interval, octave, pitch bend
CONNECTION (TRS 1/4 "jacks"): mic in (preamplified), line A (not amplified), line C (carrier input), phones, output, pedal."

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Rare Elektronika EM 26 Soviet analog vocoder synth

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

via this auction

"Totally working! Fully serviced – new capacitors, new resistors, new original knobs. No midi. External condition has signs of use as it is shown on pictures."

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ЭЛЕКТРОНИКА ЭМ-26 вокодер Elektronika EM-26 Vocoder - Байкал

Published on Apr 9, 2019 RetroSound

(c) 2019 vintage synthesizer demo by RetroSound

#ЭЛЕКТРОНИКА ЭМ-26 #вокодер
Elektronika EM-26 Analog #Vocoder & Strings , made in USSR 1991

Spec:
VIBRATO - accent, depth and rate
VOCODER - chorus (on/off, rate), mic/vocoder level
STRINGS - on/off, level, violin/cello, sustain
LEVEL - mic, line A, line C
Keyboard - main volume pitch, interval, octave

drums as vocoder modulator: KORG KR-55B

ЭЛЕКТРОНИКА ЭМ-26 вокодер - Elektronika EM-26 Vocoder - С новым годом товарищ!

Published on Jan 2, 2019 RetroSound

"(c) 2019 vintage synthesizer demo by RetroSound

#vocoder sound and analog strings: ЭЛЕКТРОНИКА ЭМ-26 вокодер
#Elektronika EM-26 Vocoder & Strings, made in USSR (1991)
bass and glide sound: ПОЛИВОКС #синтезатор - POLIVOKS Analog Synthesizer (1982)
drums: LinnDrum
recording: multi-track
fx: reverb and delay"

ELEKTRONIKA EM-26 RAREST VINTAGE SOVIET USSR ANALOG VOCODER SYNTHESIZER

Published on Dec 25, 2018 GLvintageSHOP

"Electronika EM-26 portable vocoder is intended for synthesis the voice or external signals, has internal strings ton-generator, analyzer-synthesizer, modulations and vocoder effects."

Update: some pics via this auction

"Electronika EM-26 portable vocoder is intended for synthesis the voice or external signals, has internal strings ton-generator, analyzer-synthesizer, modulations and vocoder effects.

Control panel include 4 sections: VIBRATO, VOCODER, STRINGS and LEVEL, also panel near left of the keyb for pitch and other control.

VIBRATO section has sliders - accent, depth and rate
VOCODER - chorus knobs (on, mode), mic/vocoder level
STRINGS - on/off, level, violin/cello, sustain
LEVEL - mic, line A, line C
Keyboard PANEL: main level, pitch, interval, octave, pitch bend
CONNECTION (1/4 jack): mic in, line A,C, phones, output, pedal, power.

The supply voltage of the unit - 220-230V/50Hz. For use it with 110/127V, a voltage converter is necessary/ not added.

MADE IN USSR"

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UVI String Machines 2 - 62 legendary analog stringmachines from the 70s and 80s - RetroSound

Published on Jul 8, 2018 RetroSound

"(c) 2018 vintage synthesizer demo by RetroSound

I have sampled my old analog string machines for UVI String Machines 2, including ARP Quadra, Logan/Hohner String Melody 2, Crumar Performer, KORG EPS-1, Solton Programmer 24, Elektronika EM-26 and the rare Logan Vocalist choir synthesizer...

UVI String Machines 2
Over 60 string synthesizers spanning 50+ years of design innovation from around the globe have been carefully collected, restored and recorded to create one remarkable instrument: String Machines 2. A multi-year effort, String Machines 2 greatly expands on the original, including many rare sounds and machines exclusive to this collection as well as a completely updated architecture and interface. Now you can create stunning keys, pads, brass, bass, voices, piano sounds and more with the warm analog tones of vintage string synths. 355 hand-crafted presets have been designed to get you started, built on a foundation of 46,000 samples, while a versatile dual-layer architecture lets you easily combine the sounds of multiple machines together to create new hybrids with creative freedom.

direct link: http://bit.ly/retrosound-uvi"

UVI String Machines 2 | Trailer & Overview

RetroSound feat. Sofia - до луны и обратно - E-MU Emulator II Электроника ЭМ-26 синтезатор

Published on May 28, 2018 RetroSound

"(c) 2018 vintage synthesizer track by RetroSound feat. Sofia

music title:
до луны и обратно - Bis zum Mond und zurück - To the moon and back

The music is inspired by the legendary COSMOS series by Carl Sagan from the early 80s.
voice and lyrics: Sofia from Sankt Petersburg. :)

Музыка вдохновлена легендарной серией COSMOS Карлом Саганом с начала 80-х годов.
текст: и голос: София из Санкт-Петербурга.

Вселенная безгранична, бесконечна.
Тысячи миллионов километров и световых лет пролегают между небесными телами.
Землю и Солнце разделяют 149 600 000 километров.
Расстояние до галактики Андромеда составляет 2 520 000 световых лет.
Проксима Центавра расположена в 4 220 000 световых лет от Земли.
Это целая бесконечность...
Но что значит расстояние для двух людей, связанных самой Вселенной?
Оно не значит ничего...

all synthesizer sounds and drums: self made and factory sample sounds from the E-MU Emulator II (1984)
voice fx and strings Elektronika EM-26 (1992) made in USSR
recording: multi-tracking without midi
fx: reverb and delay

all pictures in the video made by RetroSound"