Tubbutec MC-2oh2 playing MC-202 voice and EMS Synthi

video upload by analogia pl

"Tubbutec upgraded MC-2oh2 is master of ceremony here. It plays the 202 voice on channel one and Synthi on channel 2 (via Portabellabz CV/gate card). I must say that - quite unexpectedly - this small powerhouse by @tubbutec has turned into a hub of my present live rig. It’s that versatile and fun to play."

Rare EMS Synthi 100 from 1971

video upload by datachild

EMS The Synthi Educational Handbook

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

via this eBay listing

Additional Tone Tweakers Listings

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EMS Synthi Users Manual

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

via this eBay listing

Additional Tone Tweakers Listings

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Korg USA Mourns the Passing of Jack Hotop, Legendary Sound Designer and Innovator

Some sad news in via Korg.

You can find posts on MATRIXSYNTH featuring Jack Hotop here for a look back on his influence in the synthesizer community. The first post was a simple pic back in 2006.

Press release from Korg follows:

Over a 40-Year Career, the Influential Synthesist and Accomplished Touring Keyboardist Shaped the Sonic Architecture of More Than 100 Landmark Instruments, Including the Historic M1 Workstation

MELVILLE, N.Y. - Korg USA announces with deep sadness the passing of longtime employee, celebrated sound designer, and musical instrument industry icon Jack Hotop. Joining Korg USA (then Unicord) in 1983, Hotop started as Senior Voicing Manager and spent over four decades driving the development, sound design, programming, voicing, and product demonstrations for more than 100 Korg products. As a pioneering engineer and exceptionally skilled performer, his extensive contributions helped guide the evolution of synthesizers and digital workstations from the early 1980s through the modern era, leaving an indelible imprint on instruments used by musicians around the world and for generations to come.

Hotop’s foundational expertise was anchored in a rigorous musical and technical background. Raised in a musical family, he began piano lessons at age seven, inspired by his father, a musician featured on several Broadway cast recordings, and numerous pianists on his mother’s side. By age 14, he was actively performing in local bands on a Gibson 101 organ. He pursued formal training at the Berklee College of Music, majoring in arranging, composition, and accompaniment, before expanding into emerging music technology at the Boston School of Electronic Music under Roger Powell. It was there that Hotop established his core synthesis fundamentals using early hardware including the ARP Odyssey, 2600, 2500, and EMS Synthi, building a deep understanding of waveforms, envelopes, low-frequency oscillators, and modulators.

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Recreating Pink Flyod's Iconic EMS Synthi AKS Sound | Voltage Labs

video upload by Voltage Labs

"In 1973, Pink Floyd released 'The Dark Side of the Moon', one of the most influential albums of all time. The track 'On the Run' is famous for its use of the Synthi AKS, a classic London-made analog synthesizer by EMS (Electronic Music Studios).

Today I’d like to show you how to recreate the iconic sequence of that track on an EMS Synthi A, then show how to program it on a Moog Mother-32, and finally how to patch it in a Eurorack system."

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."

SYSTEM FLOW 2 by Synthesizer Studio Berlin

Tutorialvideo upload by Synthesizer Studio Berlin

SYSTEM FLOW 2 PRESET PREVIEW SUPERCUT

video upload by Synthesizer Studio Berlin

"SYSTEM FLOW 2

Get it here for 14,99€:
https://www.synthesizerstudioberlin.c...

GRANUALR SAMPLER WITH 2 GRAIN SAMPLER SLOTS

This Instrument is made for Soundscapes, Pads, FX and Cinematic Sounds.

We freshly Recorded and meticulously prepared 255 Samples from our extensive Vintage Synthesizer Collection from Synthesizer Museum/Studio Berlin for our updated version of the popular SYSTEM FLOW Grain Sampler.
For this update we specially curated and prepared a huge Sound Library for a rich Soundpallette.
Additional Overdrive & Tape Delay style FX for each Sample Engine. New Filters and Modulation Routing Options
New Samples & Presets for version 2.0

NEW:
ADSR and MPE capabilities.
Choose your favorite Style of playing.
Choose ADSR for regular Keyboard playing.
DRONE for Chillout and Sessions where you just want to play a chord and let SYSTEM FLOW 2.0 do it’s thing.
Use MPE for a full polyphonic experience with poly Pitch-bend and controls for the Filters and LFOs with pressure and Slide.

Additional Routing capabilities. Filter & Sample read Position can now be modulated from all 6 Modulation Sources.

NEW FILTERS: virtual Analog Filters with Drive, Boost & HP options. Same as the Filter used for X-FLOW.

NEW FX per Sample Slot: We added a Tape Delay and Overdrive Distortion to each Sample Engine

New A & B View for a streamlined Workflow. Simple B View if you just want to play the Presets and or just want to drop some Samples into the engine or go to A view for a full experience with all parameters exposed. Same goes for the Reverb engine.

More Presets for the Reverb and a streamlined UI
Mix/Match & randomize each Parameter of the Reverb and make your own combinations of the Independent Granular Engine and Reverb Presets. More than 80 different Reverb Presets.

Komplete Kontrol & Maschine ready
Just add the Instrument to your User Library and browse the Presets from there with the 8 most important Knobs.
KK & Maschine open System FLOW 2.0 with the simple B view. Press the + Sign to reach the full A view.

Synths Samples that we recorded for SYSTEM FLOW:
Jupiter 4, Prophet 10, SH-2, SYSTEM 700, ARP 2600, Broken OB-X, CS-80, EMS SYNTHI AKS, MEMORYMOOG, MINIMOOG,
ADDTIONAL RECORDINGS: Guitar, Field Recordings, GLITCH NOISES, SPACE SAMPLES, SSB SCI-FI BRAHM’s

Requiers: FULL NI REAKTOR 6.5 or up

Comes with:
Presets: 30
Samples: 255
File Size: 547 MB
packed 296 MB as ZIP for easy Download"

Very early Synthi A -1971! s/n 4118

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.

Pic of the inside below.

"This auction is for an original 1971 Mk1 EMS Synthi A synthesiser, serial number 4118, in its Spartanite case. The case has a few marks and scratches as befitting a 55 year old instrument, but no chips or breaks. The latches, although showing some corrosion, work perfectly.
The Synthi front panel is one of the cleanest we’ve seen, being almost immaculate with virtually no panel marks and, unusually, no writing or marking absent or worn from the screen printing. In addition this example comes with the early chrome mirror finish knobs.

The internals are extremely clean and original with no modifications (see photo#4 now under the wrong thumbnail) and the unit has the genuine GE PA234 audio amplifier devices for the outputs and reverb.

The unit has been fully tested by one of the three or four people in the world who can call themselves EMS experts. It has been aligned and found to be working perfectly, and consequently given the original condition of the unit, no capacitors have been replaced. The original ones are working fine and show no signs of leakage or decay. However while the existing pots are electrically good with no scratchiness, some are a mechanically stiffer than current production models and the buyer might wish to have these replaced. This can be done at additional cost either here in the UK by EMS experts Lucid or by the buyer’s own engineer.

The Synthi comes with a full set of 20 patch pins and a new UK 240VAC mains lead (not shown). (Observant viewers may notice the absence of the usual Synthi A plastic name plate which usually adorns the outer case. This isn’t missing, but was simply never fitted as there are no holes for it, perhaps because of the early serial number. In addition the rear case is attached by four factory fitted screws and bushings, rather than the more usual arrangement of three)."

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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."

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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"

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EMS Synthi AKS _vintage 100% serviced

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.

One pic of the inside below.

EMS Synthi AKS!

* Vintage original. Fully serviced and restored! *

Original Synthi from the 70's with KS keyboard sequencer & cables.
The Synthi and KS have been together from new so they have matching serial numbers.

Recently serviced by specialized EMS tech. Ready for another future!

Nice condition. See pictures and make sure to click 'expand' and scroll for full detail.
Just ask if you'd like larger pictures or details.

Here's a list of the mods and extensive work done:

--------------------------------------
Caps replaced
Trimmers replaced
Vernier dials replaced : 3x
Envelope lamp replaced
Filter slew/unslew (push-pull)
Trapezoid polarity switch
VC Waveshape of Osc 1 and 2 via reverb mix column
Osc sync 3x + sync amount pots
Osc3 hi/lo range
Portamento
KS service
Calibrated
--------------------------------------

Fully working and technically great original Synthi AKS. This is a real instrument!
The recap, new trimmers and verniers should keep it going smooth for many years.
The very useful mods like Osc sync, portamento, envelope ±, controlled waveshape make it so much more versatile! Filter slew/unslew also a must on Synthi's. :)"

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EMS Synthi A

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 brand new Synthi A. Shipped Dec 2024 by EMS Cornwall after 4 years on the waiting list. Mods done by Robin Wood of EMS: - Oscillator stabilisation on Osc. 3 - Dual transistor upgrade for Osc3 if Hi/lo fitted - Oscillator Sync on Osc2 – variable with depth pot - VC Shape fitted to Osc2 and Osc3 - Hi/Lo frequency range - switchable (on all three oscillators) - X10 Envelope Attack/Decay time multiplier - 10-turn pot on Input Channel 1 - Centre-zero trapezoid - Patchable voltage inverter - Filter unslew switchable - Papageorgiadis Sample & Hold Built in a (vintage) Spartanite case (+ matching keys) and including all EMS documents (manual, invoice)."

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The Extraordinary EMS Synthi 100

video upload by Alex Ball

"A look at an incrediblY rare synthesizer from 1971.

Enormous thanks to the Townshend Studio and the University of West London for this opportunity.

https://www.uwl.ac.uk/study/study-fac...

Malcolm Clarke demonstrates the Synthi 100 sequencer as discussed in the video: [below]

0:00 Intro Performance
2:31 History of EMS
12:22 Music Interlude 1
13:46 Guided Tour of the Synthi 100
19:16 Music Interlude 2
21:48 The Vocoder 5000
24:59 The Digital Sequencer
25:49 The Townshend Studio
26:48 Summary & Thanks
27:36 Patreon Outro Performance"

The New Sound Of Music - 1979 - (Full Documentary) (BEATS T.V)

video upload by BEATS TV

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 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.

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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 Synthi 100 Reapir Part 3

video upload by Really Nice Audio

Really Nice Audio EMS Synthi 100 Repair

"Sorry I could not film too much as there were student rehearsals taking place and an interview about to take place in the Pete Townshend Studio at the University of West London
https://www.uwl.ac.uk/study/study-fac...

Music from my ATMOS album Height Supremacy, a track called 'Miles From Cornwell'
I thought a very apt track to play as EMS is based in Cornwell."

EMS Synthi 100 Repair Part 2 Belt and Braces Approach to bring back to life a beautiful linear PSU

video upload by Really Nice Audio

Part 1 here

"Join me in this second video to repair a classic EMS Synthi 100.

This synth is part of the Pete Townshend collection at the University of West London
https://www.uwl.ac.uk/study/study-fac..."

SWITCHTRIX ELECTRONICS SYNTHE 'A' PLUS/EMS SYNTHI A

video upload by SWITCHTRIX ELECTRONICS

"Introducing our first new model of 2026,the SYNTHE 'A' Plus.

As well as the additional features found on our standard SYNTHE 'A' such as

Audio/Low frequency and variable CV depth for all oscillators
Variable sync depth for oscillator 2
Gate and calibrated 1 volt/octave interface for all oscillators and filter
Variable cv depth for filter with CV unslew
Trapezoid short-normal-long times with output inversion
CV control of Osc 1,2 & 3 shape,filter response and reverb mix via matrix column M
Features our custom designed 16×16 analogue switch matrix with direct switch data entry.99 patch memories.
Built into a road worthy Explorer hard case.Black,green or orange

The plus version has the following additions.

Oscillator 1 sine output can be switched to sub 1 oct square and ramp output to sub 2 octave square.
Oscillator 3 pulse output can be switched to a ramp output or random voltage with noise as its source.
Triangle output can be switched to a square output or sample & hold with the envelope shaper as source.
Meter column can be routed to input ch 1 or 2 for variable inversion.
Ch 1 has variable slew.
Output channel 2 cv invert for stereo effects.

Price is £5299.In stock for quick despatch.

For more info contact mail@switchtrix.co.uk

Thanks for looking."