Playing Vangelis on Zynthian "Vangelis"

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"It's not recommended to install Zynthians https://zynthian.org upcoming OS update 'Vangelis' yet, but I did it anyway to play 'Chariots Of Fire' from memory. Table of contents:

00:00 intro
00:56 what is this?
01:18 that saw wave pluck
03:39 strings / pad
06:24 snare drum
08:52 piano (bass)
10:59 CS80 brass
13:12 recording the main motif in real time
14:13 playing a 'performance' using the pattern screen
16:26 some thoughts

HÄLP ZIS CHANNEL
https://www.patreon.com/floyd_steinberg
https://floydsteinberg.gumroad.com/
https://floydsteinberg.bandcamp.com/"

From Thom Yorke to Vangelis — A Short History of Sequential (Dave Smith Instruments) | PlayJason

video upload by Jason Mays

"When musicians talk about revolutions in electronic instruments, certain names echo through time — and few are more influential than ‪@SequentialLLC‬ the company founded by the late, great Dave Smith. In today’s "History of" episode, we’re tracing the complete history of Sequential (formerly Dave Smith Instruments), from the world-changing arrival of the Prophet-5 to the modern renaissance that brought the Sequential name back into the spotlight. Whether you’re a synth enthusiast, a gear historian, a Prophet devotee, or just someone who loves the intersection of music and technology — this is the story you need to know."

Cherry Audio Fuses Three Classic Synths into New SH-MAX Powerhouse

video uploads by Cherry Audio

Playlist: [Use the player controls to skip around.]


1. Cherry Audio | SH-MAX Synthesizer - NEW!
2. Cherry Audio | Preset Walkthrough with Andrew Longhurst
3. Cherry Audio | MAXIMUM OVERDRIVE Preset Pack for SH-MAX Synthesizer by James Dyson
4. NEW! Cherry Audio LIVE PREMIERE Tuesday, February 10 at 10 AM PST
5. Cherry Audio SH-MAX - Roland's SH series reimagined! (Demo / Tutorial) - CatSynth TV

Press release follows:


Cherry Audio has announced SH-MAX, an innovative software synthesizer that integrates three legendary SH-series synths from the '70s: the SH-5, SH-7, and SH-3A.

Cherry Audio has announced the launch of SH-MAX, an innovative software synthesizer that integrates three legendary SH-series synthesizers from the 1970s: the SH-5, SH-7, and SH-3A. SH-MAX captures the bold sound of the SH-5 while incorporating features and aesthetics from the other models, enhancing the original designs with greater power, versatility, and essential tools for modern music production. Musicians and vintage synth enthusiasts can start using SH-MAX today for the incredibly low price of just $59, available at cherryaudio.com and authorized resellers worldwide.

SH-MAX faithfully recreates the vibrant tones and workflow of the original SH hardware. It features powerful dual oscillators, two LFOs and ADSR envelopes, the dual-parallel multimode and bandpass filter sections, and the five-channel mixer of the SH-5 (1976), plus a ring modulator and sample/hold capability. Also included are autobend, duophony, filter FM, and the syncable VCOs with additional waveforms found in the SH-7 (1978). The extra additive-style oscillator from the SH-3A (1975) further enhances sound design flexibility. Moreover, SH-MAX incorporates and expands upon the expressive touch performance of the SH-2000 (1973) and features an onboard sequencer inspired by the Model 104 of the legendary System 100 semi-modular synthesizer from 1975.

SH-MAX honors its lineage while taking full advantage of modern software capabilities, supporting mono, duophonic, and 16-voice polyphonic operation for rich chords as well as earthshaking unison timbres. It features three unique retro interface themes that pay homage to the aesthetic of the SH-3A, SH-5, and SH-7, providing a visually immersive experience for true vintage synth enthusiasts. Additionally, optional drift and slop controls for the oscillators, filters, amp, and dual envelope generators introduce authentic analog character and warmth to every sound patch.

The highly flexible SH-style stereo mixer and its varied workflow options allow for modular-style signal routing. Each sound source -- VCO-1, VCO-2A, VCO-2B, the ring modulator, and noise -- can be independently routed to the VCF, BPF, or VCA, with each path enhanced with its own chain of studio-quality effects. With 20 effects available to arrange and reuse within its four chains, SH-MAX provides an exceptionally wide sonic palette. Additional features include a four-channel step sequencer capable of parallel playback or extended chaining, along with a touch effects panel that supports channel and polyphonic aftertouch with compatible MIDI controllers.

SH-MAX's legacy traces back to over five decades of synthesizer and electronic music innovation. The SH-series synthesizers have been used by a diverse range of artists, including Kraftwerk, Tangerine Dream, Jean-Michel Jarre, Brian Eno, Gary Numan, Throbbing Gristle, Skinny Puppy, Aphex Twin, Orbital, Mathew Jonson, Pink Floyd, Nine Inch Nails, Kitaro, MGMT, Vangelis, The Human League, Blondie, Yello, and more.

With SH-MAX, users can create everything from massive leads and thick basses to lush pads and exceptional sound effects, making it a true synthesis powerhouse at their fingertips. To inspire musicians right out of the box, SH-MAX includes over 300 expertly crafted presets that showcase its broad capabilities. For those wanting even more, the Maximum Overdrive Preset Pack by sound designer James Dyson is available from Cherry Audio for $9.99, offering 100 additional presets that highlight SH-MAX's raw analog tone, advanced modulation, four-channel step sequencer, and abundant effects.

Furthermore, until February 22nd, customers can take advantage of Cherry Audio's "Build Your Own Bundle" promotion at cherryaudio.com. Choose the Pick 3 bundle for $99 (regularly $129) or the Pick 6 bundle for $149 (regularly $169) to mix and match any of Cherry Audio's award-winning instruments for as low as $25 per plugin.

Cherry Audio's SH-MAX synthesizer is now available for $59 at cherryaudio.com and authorized resellers worldwide. SH-MAX is a virtual instrument for macOS (10.13 and later) and Windows (7 and later), provided as AU, VST, VST3, and AAX plugins, as well as a standalone application. A free 30-day demo is available. For in-depth product details, an introductory video, extensive demos, and system requirements, visit cherryaudio.com.

Building the ReZyklus - Vangelis' Zyklus MPS1 Clone

This one is in via Jeroen of https://zyklus-mps.com/

"A while ago a group of enthausiasts set out to create a clone of the Zyklus MPS-1 that was made famous by Vangelis for its use on Direct (this was also the inspiration for the actual 'Direct' system he used until ca 1994). The original creators of this machine, Pete Kellock and Bill Marshall graciously allowed us to use the schematics and software to create this clone and have given us their permission to set it free for everyone who wants to make their own. So here goes:

In this GIT repo is everything you need to create your own machine. You will have to source your own parts, but there is a list for that. The parts are basic components, nothing custom, but some items may become slightly rare (like small EPROMs).

Its basically just a Z80 based computer.
There are also files to have the circuit boards and panels created (we used jlcpcb for that), and some 3d printing files for various panel work. A lot of the buttons etc you can get cheaply from Aliexpress and the like. Bin files for the EPROMs are also avialable. I've been also given permission to open source the actual source code, and I will do that too, at some point, but I'm still working on a few small issues before I can do that.

https://github.com/jeroenhn/zykl

There is a discord server you can join where you can chat with other builders.

The clone as we made it, is a dedicated to the memory of Vangelis and it's noted as such on the main circuit board."

See this previous post for a Demo tape on the original Zyklus. See the Zyklus label at the bottom of this post for additional posts including a documentary with Vangelis.

Pictured: Paul's white ReZyklus in the making.

Original grey Zyklus below from this post. Only 40 were made.

Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)

video uploads by Modular Commune

The above is a playlist of performances for the event. You can find the full list below. You can use the player controls to skip around.

"13-16/11/2025
Gearing Space in 798 Art District, Beijing, China
Modular synthesizer live performance

Photographer: 包子
Camera operator: Tabriss, 千两道化,翰海, 孙太阳, Moy
Recording/Mastering: Ocicat
Video edit: ‪@tamiX-tamiX‬

1st video features TONYLIGHT with the following: 'I’ve used a lot of synths over the years but this one is something different… it’s a strange instrument. It’s small, much smaller than it appears in photos: it is part synth, part drum machine, part multi-track sequencer. I’m still figuring it all out but initial impressions are that it’s very unpredictable and slightly unstable… but in a good way.'"

https://www.leploop.org/

Full Playlist:

1. TONYLIGHT - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)
2. Tatsuya Takahashi & Layne - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)
3. Solar Bird - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)
4. Ninando - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)
5. Masayoshi Sakaguchi - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)
6. HATAKEN - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)
7. Linear Straight / Radical G - - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)
8. Nagelluck - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)
9. espinoza - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)
10. Crystal Dolls aka Manuel - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)
11. bunyi - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)
12. お化け学 obakegaku & ÉON - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)
13. Toyota Vangelis - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)
14. Thomas Fang - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)
15. Tangie - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)
16. Randombrothers - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)
17. Paul Tas - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)
18. Melting - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)
19. Alpha Decay - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)
20. Ninando - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)
21. Oykni - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)
22. Making Sound Machines - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)
23. Eric Schlappi - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)
24. Ëgg - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)
25. [Trailer] Modular Commune Festival Beijing 25
26. 隽皓 (CS_Star) - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)
27. 泻火 - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)
28. 昌平电 X 研究所 - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)
29. 刘博雍 - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)
30. Gia Wang - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)
31. Jarrod Radnich - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)
32. Huzz - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)
33. Eddie Chen - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)
34. Seven 九 - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)
35. MCV - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)
36. Nian YongXin - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)
37. 王凯文 - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)
38. 88pluto and Jah Young - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)
39. Ayshém 艾闪 - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)
40. Black Potion - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)
41. acid.T - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)
42. GUOFEI aka OSCPLLEX - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)
43. daftcat & 于舒洋 - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)
44. Erdna - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)
45. Juju - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)
46. Loop Fighter - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)
47. 阿拉坦怪怪 - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)
48. 周揚 - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)
49. Li Yanzeng 李言增 - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)
50. 呆呆鸟 - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)
51. Noby_Owl 鸮鸣 - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)
52. 肖雄文、张子博、凌诚、刘子汶 - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)
53. Alan Ip - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)
54. GXM - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)
55. thruoutin - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)
56. WEN LIANG 文亮 & Clouded5000郭大为 - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)
57. GUAN - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)
58. Vehement - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)
59. Immortal Manifestation 遊仙 - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)
60. J Stone - Modular Commune Festival Beijing 2025 (Vol.22)

Vangelis 'Rachel's song' Sunday morning improv on CP70, Rhodes, Moog Muse

video upload by Jose's Vintage Keys

"I love synths, but I love my Rhodes en CP70 even more. Together they shine. Especially using 2 Lexicon reverbs in serie (PCM70 short reverb - Model 200 long reverb) and my 2 new delays: Meraki and Empress."

Oberheim OB-X in there as well.

Prophet-6 + Minifreak = Vangelis, P.I.

video upload by Good Sunset

"Theme song for Vangelis, P.I. No criminal is safe on the Parisian streets when Vangelis, P.I. is on the case. From the blinding lights of the Champs-Élysées to the rain-slick Montmartre back alleys, this bearded Hellene wants justice, peace, and harmony for the city he calls home—and the CS-80 that’s his only true love.

Tune in Friday night at 8, 7 Central and Mountain.

🌇 ‪@SequentialLLC‬ Prophet-6 ➡️ ‪@strymon‬ Deco ➡️ ‪@walrusaudioeffects‬ Qi
​⁠🌇 ‪@ArturiaOfficial‬ Minifreak ➡️ ​⁠🌇 ‪@empresseffects‬ Zoia
🌇 TEAC R-1500 reel-to-reel

🤍 GS"

The CS-80 Sounds DEAD Without FX?! | Vangelis RAW

video upload by Andy Whitmore

"Everyone says the Yamaha CS-80 needs huge reverb and delay to sound alive…
But does it really? In this video, you’ll hear the real CS-80 completely DRY – no FX, no EQ, no compression – recreating eight classic Vangelis riffs exactly as they come out of the synth.

Can the legendary 'Synth of the Gods' still sound inspiring with nothing on it? You decide.

🎧 Best listened to on good speakers or headphones

✅ Real Yamaha CS-80
✅ 100% Dry – No FX, EQ or compression
✅ Iconic Vangelis sounds played live

⏱️ Time Stamps

00:00 – Intro
00:15 – Vangelis – Chariots of Fire Brass Melody
00:49 – Vangelis – Blade Runner Brass Line
01:59 – Vangelis – Blade Runner String Pad
03:00 – Jon & Vangelis – I Hear You Now Main Theme
04:33 – Vangelis – Chariots of Fire Brass Lick
05:10 – Vangelis – To the Unknown Man Intro Melody
06:41 – Vangelis – Blade Runner Flute Intro Line
08:07 – Vangelis – Blade Runner Brass Line (No Bass)
09:04 – Outro

💬 Comment Challenge:
Does the CS-80 really sound dead without FX – or is its raw tone still unbeatable?
Tell me what you think below 👇"

Vangelis Cover From Chariots of Fire: Abraham's Theme. #moogmuse #CS80 #3rdwave

video upload by Jose's Vintage Keys

"Playing with this beautiful melody - using OBX, Muse, CS80 and my new 3rdWave - with lots of vintage Lexicon"

Yamaha CS80 - multitrack recording - pHatt and funky

video upload by The Synth King

"Hi,
here is my second demo of the mighty Yamaha CS80. This time the song or improvisanton turned out to be completely atypical, not at all similar to the style of Vangelis. Leave a comment and let me know what you think about it. Bernd"

Vangelis on the Real CS-80 (Now with Proper FX!) | Blade Runner + Chariots

video upload by Andy Whitmore

"After a bunch of you (rightly!) pointed out how much Vangelis relied on reverb, delay, and chorus, I went back in and rebuilt the atmosphere properly. This is the CS-80 as it was meant to be heard: huge, cinematic, and dripping in Blade Runner / Chariots energy.

In this video I play 8 classic Vangelis riffs on my original CS-80, matching both the synth tones and the iconic effects vibe as closely as possible."

Time Stamps:-

00:00 Intro
00:20 Vangelis – Chariots Of Fire Brass Melody
00:54 Vangelis – Blade Runner Brass Line
02:05 Vangelis – Blade Runner String Pad
03:06 Jon & Vangelis – I Hear You Now Main Theme
04:39 Vangelis – Chariots Of Fire Brass Lick
05:16 Vangelis – To the Unknown Man Intro Melody
06:47 Vangelis – Blade Runner Flute Intro Line
08:14 Vangelis – Blade Runner Brass Line (no bass)
09:10 Outro

Roland VP-330 ~ The Iconic String & Choir Synth From Vangelis

video upload by RetroSound

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

The unique choral textures of the Roland VP-330 are explored in this video, showcasing its potential in music production. Viewers are shown how this classic synthesizer a distinctive layer of vintage warmth.
The iconic, almost ethereal sound of the VP-330's 'choir' and 'human voice' presets, highlighting why it stood out in its era.

Demo Track: MinoTaurus

additional gear:
Moog Taurus bass pedal
Roland Juno-60 Synthesizer
Korg KR-55B drum machine

synth tees: https://retrosound.creator-spring.com"

SN 621474

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

via this Reverb listing

"Roland System 100 Model 102 in very good condition. It is designed as an expander to the Model 101 but can also be used with other modular or semi-modular synths. Very warm sounding (Spiral by Vangelis). At the time of listing, everything is working, including the patch points. This is a 100 / 120 V model which has been calibrated for 120 V."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Roland TB-3 Acid Breakbeats TB-303 Bassline Aira Synthesizer Rik Marston

video upload by Rik Marston Official

"*Watch in HD* *Turn it UP!* *No Talking!!!*

My Etsy store: AhnyxianSoundDesign
https://www.etsy.com/shop/AhnyxianSou...
selling Synthesizer Sample Packs, UP NOW!
Also Jupiter-8 Prophet-6 OB-6 & more in .WAV format
& Exclusive Yamaha Montage / MODX, Korg Kronos / Nautilus
Sample Packs!
Do you like Ambient Chill Zen Electronic Synthesizer Music
like Vangelis, Kitaro, Brian Eno & more?
https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/ri...
Check out my band Earth Empire! ('Best of Earth Empire')
Sounds like a mix of Depeche Mode, Front 242 & Gary Numan!
https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/ri...
on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon & more!

'Roland TB-3 Acid Breakbeats TB-303 Bassline'
This fantastic synthesizer was a gift from my friend David Lovering
of The Pixies! David has given me the POWER OF ACID!
And I shall use it! In abundance!
This "Touch Bassline" is the Roland AIRA version of the
legendary TB-303 Bassline! And you use it with your fingers!
But in this little synthesizer demo I play some preset patterns
linked via Ableton LIVE to a funky Breakbeat at 120BPM."

“Vangelmon” - a Vangelis tribute with Strymon Cloudburst and Sequential Pro3

video upload by Andrea Leva

"The new Strymon Cloudburst it’s an instant inspiring new reverb. It immediately inspired me to craft this new patch on my Pro3 and called 'Vangelmon' a tribute to Vangelis. This reverb sound reminded me about his music.
The sound it’s entirely produced by the Sequential Pro3 with reverbs and fx, other than Cloudburst I used the Microcosm by Hologram Electronics for the pluck rhythm at the bottom.
Maybe it’s going to be a track in the future. Who knows !!

Bio: https://ffm.bio/andrealevamusic"

Control Synths from Your Phone: Piano Improv on Blade Runner Riff | iOS MIDI (Beta)

video upload by Cristián R. Villagra

"Live piano improvisation over synth riffs driven by my in-development iOS MIDI control app (no name yet). The app sends MIDI to my computer to play arpeggiators and tweak sound parameters in real time (filters, tone, mix, FX) using on-screen faders, knobs, XY pads, mini keyboards, and pitch bend.

Session routing (Kontakt):
• CH1: Noire Piano — played from Arturia KeyLab 88 Mk3
• CH2: Two synths — driven by the app’s Bass Arpeggiator (riff inspired by Vangelis’ Blade Runner theme)
• CH3: Lead synth — performed from the app’s mini keyboard
• CH4: Minimal electronic drums — driven by a second arpeggiator

Why this app? Many keyboards I use on stage have few (or zero) surface controls—sometimes not even pitch bend—so I built a mobile controller to unlock hands-on control: shape filters, automate movements, morph textures, balance layers, and keep playing fluidly. If this helps me, I know it can help other players too.

This video is a 6-minute+ live jam to show the workflow: arpeggiators keeping motion underneath while I improvise on piano and ride parameters on Page 2 of my scene (faders/knobs/XY). The app is still in development and I plan to release it as soon as possible.

If you’re into MIDI control, live keys, or sound design, tell me what you’d like this app to do next—your feedback will shape the release.

Additional Keywords: iOS MIDI app, mobile MIDI controller, live arpeggiator, synth arps, Kontakt Noire, Native Instruments, Arturia KeyLab 88 Mk3, phone MIDI, DAW performance, synth filters, XY pad, faders and knobs, pitch bend on mobile, live improvisation, Blade Runner inspired, Vangelis, sound design workflow"

Erik Norlander's Korg Maxikorg Maxi-Korg DV800 Vintage Synthesizer, Kenton CV, Custom Wood, Soft Case

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

via this Reverb listing

"A rare and powerful dual monophonic synth from the early '70s.
Everything works great; very good condition for its age!

The Korg Maxikorg (also known as the DV800) is one of Korg’s earliest analog monsters, featuring two fully independent synth voices that can be layered, split, or run in duophonic mode. With rich oscillators, aggressive filtering, and a truly wild modulation section, this thing is a playground for experimental sound design, dirty basslines, and vintage leads.

Includes soft case in great shape, and is a perfect fit for this unit.

Highlights:

Two completely separate synth engines, each with its own VCO, VCF, VCA, and envelope
Kenton CV upgrade
Beautiful custom built dark walnut cabinet
Switchable mono, dual, or duet modes
Powerful resonant filters and per-voice modulation
Preset tone selectors with full manual override
Early Korg analog tone: warm, raw, and full of character
37-note keyboard
Famously used by Vangelis and The Who, the Maxikorg stands out for its unusual architecture and expressive possibilities. It’s a cult classic for collectors and sound designers alike.

30% of the sale supports the Bob Moog Foundation, preserving the legacy of analog innovation and inspiring future generations."

CLICK FOR MORE »

📼 '80s reloaded: Roland VP-03 and the allure of the classic vocoder

video upload by SICK FOR SYNTHS

"Discover the Roland Boutique VP-03, the compact vocoder that recreates the legendary Roland VP-330, a key player in electronic music from the '70s and '80s. Used by artists such as Vangelis, Human League, and Laurie Anderson, this instrument defined the sound of an era with its 16-band vocoder, synthetic strings, and ethereal choirs. In this video, we'll explore how the VP-03 works, listen to its vintage sounds, and discover how Roland has captured the magic of a classic in a pocket-sized format.

Perfect for those who love retro synths, cinematic sounds, and the aesthetic of vintage electronics, the VP-03 is a unique instrument for bringing the charm of '70s and '80s productions back to life."

Yamaha CS-80

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

via this Reverb listing

CLICK FOR MORE »

Roland VP-330 | This Synth Made Vangelis Famous… But WHICH Version?

video upload by Andy Whitmore

"🎹 This Synth Made Vangelis Famous… But WHICH Version?

The Roland VP-330 is one of the most iconic vocoders and string machines ever created — made legendary by artists like Vangelis, 10cc, and Vince Clarke. But did the MKI and MKII versions sound the same? In this video, I compare the two side by side — same settings, same riffs, totally different vibe.

From lush choir tones to robotic vocoded phrases, you’ll hear the subtle — and not-so-subtle — differences that make each model unique.

The Roland VP-330, or Vocoder Plus, is one of the unsung heroes of the late '70s to early '80s synth world, being used on hits by the likes of Queen, Phil Collins, Stevie Wonder, Vangelis, and more recently, Dua Lipa.

As the name suggests, the Vocoder Plus combined a vocoder with chorused strings and a synthetic choir sound. Its recent resurgence in popularity has seen an official Roland Boutique recreation, an unofficial Behringer clone, and software emulations try to recreate its classic tones.

The VP-330 was the last and most famous of the Roland string synthesizers, a line that started in 1975 with the release of the Roland RS-101. This early string machine keyboard utilised divide-down technology, meaning that a single oscillator could have its pitch divided down to play any note on the keyboard, allowing polyphony at a much cheaper price point than traditional polyphonic synthesizers. These kinds of synths were named paraphonic.

⚠️ While Vangelis famously used the VP-330, this video doesn’t analyze his exact recordings — it’s a deep listen into the synth itself.

🎧 Best experienced with headphones!

👇 Let me know in the comments: Which version do YOU prefer?

0:00 – Intro
00:36 Queen Radio Ga Ga
00:43 Phil Collins - In The Air Tonight
00:50 Stevie Wonder I Just Called to Say I Love You
00:58 - Vangelis Blade Runner
01:10 - How the VP-330 Works
01:52 - Roland VP-330 MKI – Vocoder Sound
01:56 - Roland VP-330 MKII – Vocoder Sound
05:30 – Roland VP-330 MKI - String Sound
05:54 - Roland VP-330 MKII - String Sound
06:17 - Roland VP-330 MKI - Choir Sound
06:42 - Roland VP-330 MKII - Choir Sound
07:07 - Outro"