Digitana EMS Synthi Poly MIDI CV

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via this auction

"This is the Digitana Electronics Synthi AKS Poly MIDI / CV. MIDI in / CV out. Works great!"

Colored knob caps on this one. You can see one with chrome/silver posted back in 2014 here.

Digitana EMS Synthi / VCS3 Presto Connector SN 01

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via this auction

"This is the Digitana Electronics EMS Synthi / VCS3 MKII Presto Connector. Use this to connect your Synthi to other modular gear. Works great."

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Digitana Electronics E.M.S. Synthi KS Expander

video upload by Digitana Electronics

"Just a mad demo working through all the functions of the KS Expander hooked up to an E.M.S. Synthi A with touch Keyboard Sequence connected."

E.M.S Synthi 100 Dual High Pass Filter: Test 2: Vocals

video upload by Digitana Electronics

"Second test of the E.M.S Synthi 100 Dual High Pass Filter module made by Digitana Electronics and Portabellabz. This one on some audio with vocals.

Artist: Major 3rd

Track: Sacrifice"

New DIGITANA E.M.S Synthi 100 Dual High Pass Filter Rack

video upload by Steven Thomas

"Testing the new Dual High Pass Filter rack FX built under license from E.M.S (Cornwall) by Digitana Electronics and Portabellabz. This filter was originally found in the E.M.S Synthi 100 synthesizer. The unit has the exact same form factor as classic E.M.S rack effects modules from the 1970s.

https://www.synthi.co.uk/synthi-100-m..."

"This is a new 19” rack module built under license from EMS (Cornwall) by Digitana Electronics (UK/Italy) and PORTABELLABZ (Belgium). It is a 100% faithful reproduction of the Dual High Pass Filter (DHPF) section found on early versions of the legendary EMS Synthi 100 synthesiser. An original spare ‘Mk1’ DHPF PCB from a Synthi 100 was kindly loaned by Robin at EMS and then faithfully reconstructed using the same trace artwork/layouts, via modern PCB design software. The PCBs are very high quality with ENS gold plated card edge contacts and traces. The same components as found in the original circuit are used throughout.

The DHPF rack case was deliberately chosen to be the same design as those found in the classic EMS rack instruments from the 1970s such as the Random Voltage Generator, Pitch to Voltage Converter, Octave Filter Bank etc. These were created in CAD from original engineering drawings kindly made available by Robin at EMS. The 1U high chassis is formed from 3mm silver anodised front/rear panels which are connected by solid aluminium side blocks and then 2mm anodised aluminium top/bottom covers. This allows the rack to be safely mounted in standard 19” rack enclosures. The panel graphics use anodic digital printing technology which is far more resistant to wear than silk screened graphics. Original control knobs/coloured inserts/jack sockets made by Cliff Plastics are also used to meticulously maintain authentic EMS design.

An optional beautiful wood rack sleeve is available with the exact same design as found in vintage units. These are made from Afrormosia hardwood (now on the protected species list) just like the original. The wood is ethically sourced from existing historical stock.

Inside the DHPF, the only change compared to 1970s rack modules has been to use a modern (and safer) switch mode PSU. This also has the advantage of allowing a wider range of operating mains voltages (from 98v–220v AC).

The Synthi 100 was designed by David Cockerell and the high pass filter design itself is rather unusual compared to other high high pass filters found in synthesisers. It has CV control of frequency cutoff but also has a response control which can control feedback of the output, creating a resonant peak that at extremes pushes the filter into self-oscillation. The use of diode ‘strings’ in the CV control section of frequency is quite unusual and is reminiscent of the same principle he used in his (later) Synthi Hi-Fli design, although there the filters sections are used to phase shift the input signal.

The high pass filter is capable of easily removing the fundamental in any audio passed through and then the first harmonic as the cutoff frequency is increased. By increasing also the response, the higher frequencies are boosted in a mix and eventually the filter will self-oscillate.

The two filters in the module are identical and a central three-way toggle switch has positions series, off and parallel."

The One of a Kind EMS Synthi KB1

EMS Synthi KB1 by Digitana from portabellabz on Vimeo.

"Wish a nice background music from the Synthi KB1 will come ;)
Thanks for sharing, Steve !
synthi.co.uk/"

This image was spotted and sent my way via @deejayiwan. I've seen it before so I did a quick search on the site, but only found this previous post. A little digging on the web and I found the video above and a post on none other than x0xb0x creator, Adafruit's blog. According to that post:

"ask.audio blogs about the 2017 recovery of a rare, one-of-a-kind EMS Synthi KB1 synthesizer, a model that never made it into production. This one was made for the band YES in 1971. Digitana Electronics obtained the synth and was looking to document some music history.

'We are pleased to announce that Digitana Electronics has acquired an important piece of E.M.S. history…the E.M.S. Synthi KB1 keyboard. Only one prototype was ever made, for the band YES in 1971.

'The synth never went into production. It has remained essentially unused for 46 years though Steve Howe (YES guitarist) did use it on a track in the first of his ‘homebrew’ demo recordings, some of which featured on the bands albums. We plan to release more photos and audio demos of this keyboard in the future so that E.M.S. fans everywhere can finally hear and find out more about this beautiful and historic instrument.'”

SYNTHI HIFLI DEMO CHARLIE BURCHILL SIMPLE MINDS

Published on Mar 8, 2019 Steven Thomas

"Legendary guitarist Charlie Burchill/Simple Minds runs through some of the signature effects of the iconic E.M.S. Synthi HiFLi FX unit, re-released under license to E.M.S. by Digitana Electronics. Huge thanks Charlie!"

Modded EMS Synthi A w/ Synthi Matrix Interface by Digitana Electronics

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via this auction

"Includes very rare Synthi Matrix Interface by Digitana Electronics which connects to the Synthi via the Presto Patch connection.
Includes power cable, all patch pins plus a couple extra cables for modulation.

There were 3 mods done (one on each oscillator) which are factory mods and allow the user to modulate the "shape" of each oscillator. Apparently a tech who specializes in Synthis mentioned this Synthi is a "MKIII" with a reverb driver based on 741 + germanium transistors (great sounding), a 5-pole filter and a MC1496 ringmod.

The EMS Synthi A is one of the most classic legendary mono synths, and it really is worth every penny, it has such unique huge analog sound and can get a range of tones like no other synth. A must have for any serious collector or musician's studio. If you have been waiting for just the right Synthi, this is the one! Don't pass this legendary synth up!"

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EMS Synthi A w/ Digitana Electronics Synthi Matrix Interface

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via this auction

"EMS Synthi A --- In excellent condition!! Fully working and looks fantastic! Comes with full helping of patch pins, the Digitana Electronics Synthi Matrix Interface, 2 pin to mod jack cables and the power cable.
The 3 mods done(one on each oscillator) are factory mods and allow the user to modulate the "shape" of each oscillator. A tech who specializes in Synthis told me that this Synthi is a "MKIII" and that it has a reverb driver based on 741 + germanium transistors(great sounding), a 5-pole filter and a MC1496 ringmod."

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Superbooth 2017: Digitana EMS Inspired Synths

Published on Apr 23, 2017 sonicstate

"Digitana Electronics make complimentary expansions for the EMS synthi range, and are working on a VCS3 inspired synth voice.
http://www.synthi.co.uk"

HALia by Digitana Electronics In Collaboration with FSOL

via Digitana Electronics

"This product is still in development and the final list of features on production units may change.

Another new project being developed in collaboration with The Future Sound of London. This is an all digital 'pocket' synth using multiple powerful ARM-based microcontrollers. Sonic possibilities are endless. Everything from huge pulsating multi-oscillator drones, FM-synthesis to Buchla-esque noodlings (and everything in between) are all possible. Imagination is the only limit!

Details and audio samples to follow."

Digitana is also working on the SX-1 Stand Alone EMS SYNTHI AKS KS Expander posted here.

Love FSOL.

SX-1 Stand Alone EMS SYNTHI AKS KS Expander From Digitana

Update: a disclaimer via the Digitana website worth noting:

"IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER

All products on this website use Digitana Electronic's original designs, with the exception of the EMS Synthi Hi-FLi re-release, which is built under license from EMS. No use is made of EMS circuits or other intellectual property belonging to EMS. Digitana Electronics is not affiliated to EMS, which is run by Robin Wood.

If you want the real Synthi sound, you still have to go with Analogue Systems which are the only ones making modules under license."

Original post:

via synth.co.uk

"This product is still in development and the final list of features on production units may change.

The SX-1 is a 'stand alone expander' based around the Synthi AKS KS Expander (described elsewhere on this website). It is the result of ongoing collaborations between Digitana Electronics and the legendary UK band The Future Sound of London. It shares all the features of the Synthi AKS KS Expander but requires no Synthi to use it (though one can of course be used with it) and in addition has a host of new features described below.

SX-1 FEATURES

DUAL ANALOGUE VCO
Each VCO features sine/triangle and square waves and 'wave-folding' (voltage controlled) that adds higher harmonics/distortion to each waveform for amazingly rich and varied timbres, even unfiltered! Each VCO is frequency controllable via CV1 or CV2 which can either be external or MIDI generated from the built in MIDI-CV converter or 'free running'. The frequency range of the VCOs is very wide, from LFO to high frequency audio. Two modulating waveforms are available (speed controlled by the Sample & Hold clock or LFO) via toggle switches to modulate the wave-folding of VCO1 and VCO2. These same waveforms are also available to modulate CV1 and CV2. All VCO1 and VCO2 waveforms are individually available either 'pre' or 'post' the filter/envelope/delay/distortion sections via 3.5 mm jacks.

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Digitana Electronics EMS Expansion Modules

You might recall the EMS Synthi HiFli Clone from Digitana Electronics back in 2010. Since then, they have made a number of EMS modules and accessories. To the left is the KS Expander, below is their SYNTHI Control Console followed by the Dual VCS3 - DK2 CV Interface, VCS3 mk2 External CV and Gate Interface, Synthi VCS3 Poly Midi-CV Interface, and the Synthi VCS3 Quad Midi-CV Interface. You'll find more on their site.

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DIGITANA Electronics EMS Synthi HiFLi Re-Release Update

Plans for the HiFli re-release was announced in January. The following is an update via Steven Thomas of DIGITANA Electronics England:

"Hi all..just to advertise that I have made an agreement with Robin Wood at EMS to built 15 re-release Synthi HIFLi's under license. The agreement is that I build 15 to sell directly. After that I may build more and also build for EMS to sell rebadged as an EMS product, depending on how sales go.

So far I have 9 people down on my build list.

For pricing, estimated build times and how to get on the waiting list see :-

http://www.synthi.co.uk/hifli.html

where further information and several sound demos may be found.

No deposit is required. Each person on the build list will be offered the chance to purchase or not when their unit is ready.

So far 2 units have been completed.

I plan to update the webpage with serial numbers as each unit is built so people can keep track.

cheers

steve thomas
(digitana)"

NOT NAMM: EMS Synthi HiFLi Clone by DIGITANA Electronics

via http://www.synthi.co.uk

Overview of features (be sure to check out the link above for full details)

"HiFLi Main Features

The HiFLI consist of several sections. Those on the left half are Top Boost, Octave Shift (containing Sub-Octave and Ring Modulation features) and Sustain Fuzz. Then a Bypass Mixer (mixing wet/dry signals) divides the left and right parts and the right half consists of probably the most important part as regards sound shaping, a wonderful multi-feature Phase Filter.

I also added 2 features that appeared on the original HiFLI mk2 units: a bypass front panel slide switch to bypass the left hand side effects completely and send the audio signal directly into the Phase Filter (very useful!) and an additional ‘Growl’ switch that drops down the fundamental note extracted from the audio in by 2 octaves (The Sub-Octave drops it by 1 octave) thus allowing further new sounds (particularly gritty/growly basses) to be created."

DIGITANA not to be confused with this Digitana?

via The SYNTHI