It's a combination of the VCS3 and SYNTHI 100 circuits built into a large VCS3 style case.
SPECIFICATIONS
6 x VCS3 A style oscillators. Each oscillator features variable sync,variable cv depth and voltage controlled shape.
Oscillators 1 and 2 feature sub octave generators.Sine output can be switched to – 1 octave square and the ramp output – 2 octave square.
Oscillators 3-6 also feature additional waveforms. The square output can also be switched to ramp or sample and hold(noise input). The triangle output can be switched to fixed square or random voltage(this samples the next oscillators triangle)
"In 2016 and 2017, while working on the debut album for my band Pin Park, I recorded a few hundred tracks. Around 200 survived the first cut, and that number was eventually trimmed down to 50. These recordings were literally rescued by Marcin Bociński from legatomastering.pl after I had forgotten about them for quite some time.
The setup I used was extremely limited: an EMS Synthi AKS (occasionally a VCS3), an EMS Vocoder 1000, and three Boss pedals (looper, reverb, and distortion). Everything was recorded onto a low-quality Zoom device running through a substandard mixer. Each track was captured in a single take with no overdubs, which meant there was no real possibility for mixing. Marcin’s mastering work was nothing short of amazing, bringing these raw recordings to life.
In 2018, Apekwolf Records released 14 of these tracks. The remaining 36 were never made available—until now. Enjoy!"
"I've been tinkering with some of my older, discontinued and obscure modules recently, so I decided to share some of my experiences. Not technical or user guides, just self-indulgeance. This time it's the Livewire Audio Frequency Generator that gets the perpetual noob treatment, an huge, flexible, and pretty damn good saounding VCO with wave-shaping, sub oscillator (both square and triangle), and a bunch of fixed or variable waveforms.
Key features of this are the 'Animated Pulses' and 'Alien Saws', which are both affected by the 'animation section'. Each consist of two waves overlapping eachother, and the 8 pots to the right control the pulse width and phase position of both, but on the higher and lower portions of the waveforms separately... which of couse can all then be modulated! Bonkers! It sounds great though, and you could lose yourself for some considerable time just listening to how these 8 controls affect the timbre of the two waveform outputs.
As always, running the module through my AJH Synth modules never dissappoints - totally vintage charcter and warmth, with no shortage of functionality and physical control. A great-sounding VCF based on the Musonics (pre-Moog) Sonic V, and a VCA based on the early Minimoog, complete with amp-like overdrive when driven hard. The Ring SM is also based on the Moog CP-3 mixer, with -1 & -2 sub-octave generator, and 3-axis ring modulator based on the EMS Synthi/VCS3.
Gear used:
Livewire Audio Frequency Generator V2
AJH Synth Sonic XV diode filter, Dual LFO, Sample Hold & Noise, Ring SM, Discreet Cascaded VCA.
Cosmotronic Cosmix Pro
Happy Nerding FX Aid (as reverb)
Expert Sleepers Disting Mk4 (as WAV recorder)
CASA Modular acrylic case powered by Konstant Lab StrongPWR.
No post-processing, just the audio straight from the modular."
0:00 Commentary and demonstration by MAD @MADZINE
21:07 Demonstration by founder Alina Kalancea @alinakalancea
22:59 Another participating artist creates dance-style music using Soundfreak Modular
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Soundfreak Modular is an Italian modular synthesizer brand dedicated to bringing the classic EMS VCS3 synthesizer into the Buchla 4U format, officially licensed by EMS.
During Superbooth 2026 in Berlin, Soundfreak Modular hosted an invite-only side event. Huge thanks to brand ambassadors MAD and Fang-Yu for making it possible for me to attend, and for so enthusiastically walking me through Soundfreak's synthesizers. I learned so much.
At the end of the video, founder Alina Kalancea and another artist in attendance also give live demos.
It was a true honor to be at the Soundfreak Modular gathering, soaking in the charm of 4U EMS-style synthesis along with the rooftop views over central Berlin.
"The studios house a vast collection of vintage and state of the art electronic music instruments, equipment and facilities to suit to musicians, researchers, and artists with diverse creative practices and requirements.
In the studio’s 60 year history we have acquired a substantial assemblage of rare and unique electronic music-making, instruments, tools and technologies which have been at the centre of research projects across the department for many years.
"Are you a fan of early Pink Floyd and their keyboardist, Richard Wright? We are too! We faithfully recreated his early setup and our Education Associate Mike Kiker delivers an instrumental remake of their beloved song, 'Echoes'. If you want to see a full technical rundown of the setup, go check out Episode 1 of 'Inside The Mix: Richard Wright'."
Hammond M-111, Farfisa Compact Duo CD/30, Fender Rhodes, piano, EMS SYNTHI AKS, and VCS3 Putney.
"Here is an extremely rare EMS VSC3 "The Putney" Synthesizer, with the accompanying Cricklewood keyboard. Most VCS3's are extremely rare, but this one has the distinction of belonging to Al Kooper, noted guitarist, synthesist, record producer and arranger. This was used on many of his recordings in the 1970's and 1980's, and was restored 3 years ago to its original glory. A full set of replacement pots were purchased from EMS, but the tech who serviced it found that the original pots were still in fine shape, and after cleaning and lubrication, performed as they should. So, this comes with a full set of replacement pots for whenever service needs arise."
"This is a rare chance to secure an original VCS3 in excellent condition. This is one of the most iconic and revered synths of all time.
The VCS3 (nicknamed the Putney) is an analog monosynth housed in a distinctive angled wooden case, a truly classic synth. EMS (Electronic Music Studios) was created in England back in 1969. The VCS3 was one of their first synths and it is still a great, unique, funky little unit! Pictured above is the Mark I model. Pictured is another unit with the small wood-cased DK2 voltage-control keyboard required to play the VCS3.
It has three oscillators, and a unique matrix-based patch system. Instead of patch wires, the VCS3 uses a patchbay grid in which the synth components are laid out, and signal routing is accomplished by placing small pins into the appropriate slots. The VCS3 was, in actuality, a modular type synthesizer reduced down to an extremely portable size.
We are often asked whether mods adversely affects the value of a VCS3. Some collector types may view it as sacrilege, but most who buy a VCS-3 to use often value mods highly – many of our customers ask for more, rather than less, modifications. So, in short, in our view the answer is mods often add value/appeal rather than detract. These wonderful synths should be used rather than placed in glass cases. You won't see another VCS3 with as many perfectly integrated mods as this one has."
"The core of this piece is how the gong interacts with feedback from the VCS3 that I generate by overdriving the synth’s reverb module. If you’re a synth fan, the synth action in the first part of the piece is minimal but gets more involved in the second half."
"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."
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 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"
"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."
"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.
"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.
