Felix Visser, the Man Behind Synton Has Passed Away

Some sad news in. Felix Visser, the man behind Synton and such synth clasics as the Syrinx, Fenix, 3000 series modular, and more, has passed away. He recently worked with This Is Not Rocket Science on their Fenix synthesizer as well as the inspiration behind the AnalogFX SER-2020. We lost one of the greats, a synth pioneer.

via Wikipedia:

"Synton was a manufacturer and distributor of high-end electronic music equipment in the Netherlands. They were one of the principal importers of music equipment from E-Mu, Ensoniq, and Fairlight in Europe. Felix Visser, the founder of Synton began the company in 1973 after purchasing an EMS Synthi AKS and setting out to produce similar equipment with more of the functionality that he was looking for in an analog synth. Eventually, the company developed Synton Syntovox vocoders as well as the System 2000 and System 3000 modular synthesizers that were sold to Karlheinz Stockhausen and distributed in the United States by Bob Moog's Big Briar Inc. In 1983, Felix Visser, product specialist Marc Paping, and designer Bert Vermeulen created the Synton Syrinx, a monophonic analog synthesizer that contained unique features such as a metal touchplate for manipulating sound as well as a formant filter."

The image on the left is a screenshot from an interview with him at the 2018 Soundmit synth event (embedded below and previously featured here).

See the Synton label for numerous posts featuring his creations.


video upload by Soundmit

Jean Michel Jarre 1981 Studio Footage and Magnetic Fields Part 4 Performed In The Studio

video upload by Willy Billiams

https://www.jeanmicheljarre.com/

Some Fairlight, EMS, and Oberheim OB-X synth spotting. Moog Rogue, Solina, and Korg PE-2000 K-5 Poly Ensemble S come in later. Note what looks like a modular system at 5:37. Anyone ID it?

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

CLICK FOR MORE »

Vends Analog-Lab Vocoder X-32

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

via this Reverb listing

You cand find a demo of the prototype from 2008 here, and additional posts here.

Google translated from the listing:

"A rare unit from France!

This is an EMS 2000 vocoder.

Made in France, only 100 units were produced.

32 purely analog bands, with a frequency response of 20Hz to 120Hz (low-pass), 120Hz to 9Khz (30 bands), and 9Khz to 20Khz (high-pass). This distribution gives it unparalleled intelligibility. It also results in absolute precision across the entire spectrum, with superb harmonic richness.

The X-32 was designed to accommodate all sound sources, allow for diversified signal routing, and the use of exclusive vocoder functions, making it an incredible Machine

Features:
Analog vocoder with 32 filters and stereo spatialization
Built-in regulated oscillator
3-stage harmonic generator
LFO with progressive waveforms
Triangle-square morphing
Sync trigger
Line/instrument input
Dynamic microphone input with inverter
Devoiser with formant detection
Adjustable white noise addition
Outputs: Mono, Stereo L & R, OSC out, 0-5V drive/CV, noise substitution input, direct source output

Dimensions: 19" rack
Height: 2 units / depth 33 cm
Power supply: 18V - 1500 mA
Weight: 5.5 kg

Worldwide shipping, customs fees are the buyer's responsibility.

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Rare EMS Vocoder 2000

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

via this listing

"Beautiful Black version EMS vocoder 2000
Release in the early 80s."

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EMS Brochures

via this listing

"AKS - VCS3 - Synthi 100 - Synthi Sequencer 256 - Keybord DK2 & KS - Hifli - Synthi E -Vocoder - Vocoder 2000 - UIniversal Sequencer - Pitch to voltage converter - 8 octave filter bank"

Update: accidental repeat post. You can find the original with additional pics here.

The Memetune Annual 2024

video upload by Memetune Studio

"Available now from the Memetune Bandcamp merch page - a very limited run of BOTH Annuals (2023 and the new 2024 edition) at a special price!

https://zackdagoba.bandcamp.com/merch...

The new Annual is also released today:

https://zackdagoba.bandcamp.com/merch...

The second edition of the Memetune Programme Annual - for the year 2024

Hardback book (A4 size) with 74 full colour pages and download code for the accompanying music album

Based on the second season of Benge's unique 6 part TV series focussing on his passion for vintage synths, studio gear and video production equipment

The Memetune 2024 Annual follows the TV series format, broken down into the following categories:

LITTLE BLACK BOXES looks at some classic 80s and 90s rack mount synths, instruments that are often overlooked due to their utterly bland appearance. Their sounds, however, are anything but

SWITCHED ON CYBERSYNTHS features a brief history and description of abstract electronic music, in particular sounds created on modular synths, taking in randomness, chaos theory, feedback loops, nonlinear modifiers, plus stochastic and algorithmic ideas. It ends with perhaps the largest modular synth patch ever attempted, featuring 11 of the Memetune modulars containing over 430 modules

SYNTHESISER CLUB points a vintage video camera at various synthesisers and systems, and focuses on ‘families’ of synths, meaning a group of instruments made by one manufacturer in a particular time in synth history

PATCHING TODAY is a deep dive into patching on a selection of vintage modular systems, namely the Modcan A-Series (the most versatile modular ever made?), the Polyfusion 2000 (the simplest modular?), an EMS rig containing a VCS3, TKS sequencer, 8-octave filter bank and dual Synthi 100 HPF (the most English modular?), a Paia 4700 (the worst modular ever made?), the Buchla 100 (the first modular ever made?) and a hybrid Roland “green” modular system containing a modified System 100, SH5 with special modular panel and RE201 Space Echo (the ‘wonkiest’ system ever made?)

VIDEO LAB begins by presenting a short film called Proof of Hypertravel made entirely in the Lab, and then goes on to detail the lengthy process that went into making it, covering such things as Storyboarding, World-Building, Green Screening, Compositing, Special Effects, and types of vintage video cameras

There is also the Memetune Puzzle Page, the legendary Memetune Dictionary of Words, and a tour of the Memetune garden in a 1980 Lotus Esprit

The music on the download album that accompanies this annual has been selected from the second series and contains all the tracks made in the Synthesiser Club, Patching Today and Little Black Boxes sections respectively, approximately 60 minutes of original synthesiser compositions to enjoy whilst perusing the Annual

To watch the series search on YouTube for 'Memetune Programme by Benge'"

EMS Brochures / Product Sheets

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

via this listing

"Binder of 12 original EMS product sheets

AKS - VCS3 - Synthi 100 - Synthi Sequencer 256 - Keybord DK2 & KS - Hifli - Synthi E -Vocoder - vocoder 2000 - UIniversal Sequencer - Pitch to voltage converter - 8 octave filter bank"

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UVI Introduces Synth Anthology 4

video uploads by UVI

Note the above is a playlist featuring 4 videos. You can use the player controls to skip through them or just watch them all in order.

Details on Synth Anthology 4 follow:

The authentic sound of 200 synthesizers, from vintage to modern
4,000+ presets and layers deliver incredible sound with hardware soul
Feature-packed dual-layer engine with fx, arpeggiator and more

Synth Anthology 4 - A Synthesizer Tour de Force
https://www.uvi.net/synth-anthology-4

Rebuilt from the ground-up, Synth Anthology 4 now features the authentic hardware sound of 200 vintage and modern synthesizers, a fully redesigned engine with powerful features, fx, arpeggiator, smart sound suggestion engine, native MPE support, and more.
A dreamlike collection!

Also included in SonicPass ➡️ https://www.uvi.net/sonicpass

Video credits: Anthony Hak
Music Credits: Théo & Thomas

"The Best Keeps Getting Better

What's new in version 4?

Almost everything!
We've rebuilt the engine from the ground-up, added more synths, more presets, more effects, more filters, more modulation, a dedicated browser, a second fully-customizable layer for creating hybrid and blended timbres, an all-new smart suggestion engine that helps you quickly find similar sounds, a more powerful arpeggiator/phraser, bus effects, native MPE support, and more!

Real Hardware Sounds There is something unmistakable about the sound of a real hardware synth, from subtle differences between voice circuits and drift to the varied way filters bite into the sound; there's a distinct character and energy. Synth Anthology 4 delivers the authentic and uncompromising hardware sound with all the conveniences of a modern software instrument.

Every piece of hardware represents a unique creative vision, sonic character, innovations, and strengths. Whatever you're looking for, from analog to digital, vintage classic to future classic, you will find it here. Synth Anthology 4 delivers an incredible collection of hardware, every major manufacturer, every type of synthesis, every era, 200 synthesizers in all.

You won't find a more complete collection anywhere else."

The list:

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Jen Synthetone SX-2000

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
video upload by ohm_studi_ohm

"FOR SALE HERE

Quick demo of a recently serviced and modded Jen Synthetone SX2000 italian mono synth.
CV/Gate and Fiter inputs were added, see the other video where I showcase the synth with external control. (

• Jen Synthetone SX... )
Recorded straight with no FX nor treatment.

The SX2000 is one of my favorite mono synth, I always had at least one in my setup. Just one oscillator but thaks to a ladder filter inspired by the EMS VCS3 it sounds very nice, it can be beasty and funky. Very simple architecture but some nice features like both VCF and VCA enveloppes can be set either in Attack Decay mode, Attack Sustain Release mode or repeat mode, rate being set by the LFO. This alone broadens the sonic range. The added CV/Gate kit (based on the Kentron one) enables this one to be interfaced by sequencers and/or modular synthesizers."

Jen Synthetone SX-2000 externally controlled demo

video upload by ohm_studi_ohm

via this auction

"Synth was serviced:
- fully recapped
- busbar and key contact were cleaned
- faders were cleaned and lubbed
- CV/GATE/Filter kit was added
- full calibration

It is in perfect working condition.
I have to point that the faders are not great on those synths, and though they were serviced they can be sometimes be hard to move. It's because the have a little play on the lever so when you engaged the move sometimes this play brakes them. Nothing dramatic but I just prefer to point it out, it's not Roland SH smooth faders. You just have to get how to grab them and then it's easy.
All the different SX-2000 I own had this issue and no cleaning or lube will ever make them perfect.

Cosmetic wise the synth has some wear but still looks more than decent."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Rare Analog Lab X-32 32 Band Vocoder

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

via this auction

"A rare unit from France !
This is a clone of the EMS 2000 made from a small French company, only 100 units were made.
It sounds amazing and it is a good compromise considering the price of the real vocoder 2000."

You can find a demo of the prototype here, and additional posts here.

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EMS 16 Channel Matrix Vocoder w/ Filter Bank Patch Matrix?

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

via this auction

"EMS unit with many features like double oscillator, pitch shifter, levels on every bands...etc... great sounds"

Update: Looks more like a Synton Syntovox 221 as seen in previous posts including demos, but note the different layout. I don't beleive I've seen this particular model before. If anyone knows what this is feel free to leave a comment.

Update 2 via the comments:

"I am assured by EMS that this is NOT an EMS build. After I complained to reverb the seller changed the description and calls it a "custom projekt". It is built around an EMS 2000, so good luck if it ever needs a service or repair. The seller still has it branded as EMS even though it is a codged together unit and NOT EMS. You can't put a Ferrari engine in a ford and sell it as a Ferrari, can you?"

And via the listing:

"this a rare opportunity to obtain a classic EMS sounds

and add many features like double oscillator, pitch shifter, levels on every bands... more a classic pin matrix.... this is a custom projekt based around an original EMS 2000 vocoder pcb board"

Note the custom faceplate. The original EMS 2000 is completely different. You can find some pics in additional posts mentioning the EMS 2000 Vocoder here.

Rare EMS Vocoder 2000

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

via this auction

"Beautiful Black version EMS vocoder 2000
Release in the early 80s.
It will be fully serviced prior to sale."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Superbooth 22: EMS Sound Freak New Modules

video upload by sonicstate

"Sound Freak are working with EMS to produce Buchla format modules bringing the best bits of the VCS3 to the modular world.

We got a look at the triple VCO from the VCS3, with sunc and FM, and the double VCS3 filter in a single module, with switchable slope between 18 and 24 dB, and control of slew for vintage or more snappy response. Finally we saw the trapezoid envelope generator, again from the VCS3, but with full CV control.

Available summer 22.

VCS3 Triple VCO Price: 2,000 euro. VCS3 Filter Price 1,600 euro. VCS3 Trapezoid Envelope Price 1,400 euros."

See the Soundfreak label below for more.

TMP-01 Vintage Synth TV Series from Benge

video upload by zack dagoba

Additional Vintage Synth TV episodes by Benge

00:00 Opening Titles
00:33 Introduction
01:32 Switched On Monosynths
17:58 Synthesiser Club
19:43 Commercial Break
21:51 Patching Today
32:15 Video Lab
35:02 Outro/Coming Up Next Time

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

First in a new six part series of programmes from Benge made at his Memetune Electronic Music Studio

The series explores his passion for vintage synthesiser instruments and studio gear and how he uses it on his productions and collaborations

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

It is divided into the following sections:

SWITCHED ON - Featuring in-depth discussions about the history and development of the synthesiser over the years, including demonstrations and feature guides of many classic and iconic instruments

SYNTHESISER CLUB - A short musical demonstration of a synthesiser classic or two

PATCHING TODAY - A deep-dive into vintage modular systems and how to set up a patch on them, starting from scratch

VIDEO LAB - A look at old video equipment and how I create visuals for my music

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

In THIS episode:

SWITCHED ON MONOSYNTHS - A brief history of Monosynths, with the Minimoog, ARP Odyssey, Roland SH101, SH5, Korg 800DS, Yamaha CS40M, Elka Soloist, EMS VCS3, Buchla Music Easel, and various related sequencers: Moog 960, ARP 1601, EMS TKS

SYNTHESISER CLUB - ARP / Rhodes Chroma, ARP 2500

PATCHING TODAY - Emu Series 2000 Modular synthesiser

VIDEO LAB - Brief introduction to the lab, Panasonic WJ-MX50, Sony Camera, Grass Valley Indigo vision mixer

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

LINKS:
Benge's Studio Blog: http://myblogitsfullofstars.blogspot.com
Memetune Studio Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/memetunestudio
Benge on Bandcamp: https://zackdagoba.bandcamp.com

Oblong album: https://townsendmusic.store/product/5...

Stephen Mallinder Um Dada album: https://www.daisrecords.com/products/...

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

The MemeTune Programme Credits:
Everything in this video was created by B D Edwards (Benge)
All music, design, writing, filming and production completed at Memetune Studios, UK, 2022

zack dagoba Vintage Synth TV

EMS Vocoder 2000 SN 12037

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

via this auction

"This listing is for an EMS Vocoder 2000 MK1 speech synthesizer. A rare and classic unit, capable of producing very interesting vocal and tonal effects. Recently serviced by Rosen Sound, and in excellent working order."

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Jen SX-2000 Vintage Monophonic Synthesizer SN 4821

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

via this auction

"Very nice little rare analog synthesizer from the seventies. Similar to Korg M-500, Roland SH-2000,...
It is fully functional and visually in good condition.
The following service work has been done:

- Faderboard removed , cleaned and a little deoxydized
- Keyboard contacts cleaned
- Electrolytic capacitors replaced
- cleaned inside and outside

Some faders still slightly hooked (due to construction)
2 fader caps are missing ( standard ) 2 caps fit a bit light on it

Very unique sound ( EMS Diode Filter )
CV Gate retrofittable"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Vintage Synthesizer Museum MIDI Karaoke with Oscar Cash

video upload by Vintage Synthesizer Museum

"The Vintage Synthesizer Museum and Oscar Cash Present: The MIDI Jukebox.
On February 4th, from 1PM-4PM, we will transform VSM into a MIDI Karaoke bar. You pick the song, and we send the melodies to several synths and the drums to the TR-909. While the song plays you can twist knobs, change presets, or perform vocal duties with the assistance of the EMS Vocoder 2000. All this led by your handsome host, Oscar Cash. If you are interested in attending in person, please contact us to join our mailing list, so you can reserve a spot.

As always, you can also book a private appointment to play these classics yourself.
https://www.vintagesynthesizermuseum.com"

Roland VOCODER SCV-350 // I LOVE this thing

video upload by Starsky Carr

"A look at Roland's Vocoder SVC-350. It's probably the best your money can buy - The Moog is hugely expensive and the EMS Vocoder 2000 and 3000 are incredibly rare (and equally expensive). This isn't bad value in comparison, they seem to sell for around £1500. BUT.. .sounds. a lot better than any other hardware I've used... but then most of them are digital - nothing wrong with that but they don't have the clarity for some reason. I'm not sure if the Digitech Talker has analog circuitry but that sounds very clear too. check out my vocoder roundup for more." [posted here]

EMS Vocoder System 2000

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

via this auction