One Of The STRANGEST Synth's Of The 1970's - EML SYNKEY

video upload by LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER

"Today we went to Studio 2 At Willem Twee Studio's
Download the Sounds from this video to be used as samples here :-
https://www.patreon.com/posts/1016424..."

See the Willem Twee Studio label below for more.

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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EML SYNKEY 2001 Programable Synthesizer

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

via this auction

You can find demos of one in previous posts here.

"EML SYNKEY 2001 Programable Synthesizer SYN KEY Vintage Rare. Sold for restoration. I do not know anything about these. It had one card. When I plug it in there is one red light -that comes on. It is very faint. You can barely see it. It flashes. The wood body was wobbly so I replaced several screws and nuts (see photo) I know nothing about the electronics part but do know about framing/replacing nuts/bolts."

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Electronic Music Laboratories EML Synkey (Model 2001) SN 10788

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

via this auction

"One of EML's final products. Super rare bird, almost impossible to find in the wild. The Synkey was one of the very first synthesizers to offer patch memory over it's unique plastic punch-card system. Released in both programmable and non-programmable versions. This is the programmable model, however it does not include any punch-cards.

Features 13 oscillators along with 13 pushbuttons (semitones) on the front panel which allows one-finger chords to be played by selecting which intervals of the chromatic scale. Super cool feature.

Single multimode voltage controlled filter, capable of continuously variable response from lowpass to bandpass to high pass (a feature of most EML synths). ADSR envelope generators were provided for the voltage controlled amplifier (which was capable of being switched into a ring modulator mode) and the VCF; however, the decay knob controlled both the decay time and the release time. A single low frequency oscillator (referred to by EML as the "modulation oscillator") was provided, with five selections of waveforms.

This synthesizer was just serviced, along with an new AC power cable. Rare, rare, rare!
Serial number 10788"

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Ca. 1980 EML SynKey 1500

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

via this auction

You can find demos in previous posts here.

"The EML Synkey is a wild, rare synth originally from the mid 70s. It just predates the rise of the polyphonic analog synth. This is a mono synth that can stack harmonic intervals on any note played. You can create a bevy of one finger chords with ease. It also features an early version of aftertouch called “Second Touch.” While it was listed as having 13 oscillators, what it had was a single VCO utilizing divide-down technology.

These were used most notably by Herbie Hancock and Frank Zappa! In very good cosmetic condition, with some age appropriate wear and scratching of the wood surfaces. This Synkey just got the full treatment by our in house techs, and is ready for action!"

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The Sounds of the EML Synkey, the punch card synth from 1976

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
video upload by 24framemedia

"All sounds from the EML Synkey except the background sequences towards the end which were made with the MFB Dominion 1

The EML Synkey was originally created in 1976 with a punch card reader to save presets, supposedly around 47 were made before they changed it and discontinued the punch card reader. It shares the same Oscillator and Ring Mod as the legendary EML 101. One of the beefiest oscillators I've ever heard and the ring mod is out of this world. the synth uses a divide down circuit to create semitones across the entire octave so one can make chords with a single key press since the synth is monophonic. There's a variable state filter sweepable between low pass, band pass and high pass."

via this auction

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EML Synkey

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

via this auction

You can find demos of the Synkey in previous posts here. There's also an orange accent model.

"Rare as all hens teeth! The EML Synkey punch card synth! Supposedly only 47 were made with the punch card reader!"

The portamento pot needs replacing, the aftertouch also needs adjustment at the keybed, this is a fairly easy procedure and hopefully I can get it done before I ship but can also send documentation on how to do it.

This is the same Oscillator, Filter and Ring Mod included on the EML 101, the Ring Mod is amazing, out of this world and hands down the best ring mod I've ever heard!

The SynKey is a classic programmable polyphonic synthesizer with plenty of unique features. Its sounds are thick and analog. It has thirteen oscillators! That is, one for the primary tone and twelve more for higher semi-tones, each of which are easily accessed by a simple on/off button. You can turn on or off any of the oscillators you wish, and no tuning is necessary! The oscillators only generate square waves and though the synth itself is monophonic, the SynKey is still one fat sounding synth. Its new 'Second touch' is like Aftertouch which gives you filter sweeps, vibrato and pitch bends by pressing harder on the key."

UVI Synth Anthology 3

Playlist:
UVI Synth Anthology 3 | Trailer
UVI Synth Anthology 3 | Overview
UVI Synth Anthology 3 | Preset Showcase

Full details: https://www.uvi.net/synth-anthology-3

"An incredible collection of hardware synthesizer sounds, expertly programmed, individually sculpted with outboard processors, multisampled and mastered to perfection. Synth Anthology 3 delivers the pure and powerful sounds of 132 hardware synthesizers, gently processed to taste with the best hardware processors on the market. You'll find everything from classic analogs like the Oberheim SEM and ARP 2600 to digital powerhouses like the Synclavier and FS1R, to modern classics like the OB-6, Prophet 6 and Minilogue, all expertly programmed and sampled, delivering the authentic and unmistakable sound of hardware.

WHAT'S NEW IN VERSION 3
-55 new hardware synths featuring classics and rarities
Includes Arp 2600, Behringer DeepMind 12, Casio HZ-600 and VZ1, Cavagnolo Exagone, Clavia NordLead 3, Crumar Spirit, Davoli Davolisint, Dotcom Modular, EML ElectroComp 101, SynKey and Synthi AKS, JEN SX1000, Kawai Synthesizer-100F, Korg PS3100, MS-50, 01RW, M3, Prologue, Polysix, 800DV and X3R, M-Liberation, M-One, M-Subsequent 37, M-Modular 3p and M-Sonic Six, Novation Peak, Oberheim Matrix-12 and SEM, Powertran Transcendent 2000, PPG 1020 and Modular, RLD D-110, RLD Fantom-G6, RLD J-6, RLD SH-5, RLD JD-990, RLD System-100 and RLD System-700, RSF BlackBox and Modular, Sequential Circuits Six-trak, Studiologic Sledge, Teenage Engineering OP-1, OP-Z, PO-14 and PO-16, Vermona Synthesizer, Waldorf Pulse 2, Wave and Quantum, Yamaha SY-2 and V50, and Yusynth. -542 Waveforms created from 50+ hardware
-Updated UI
-Updated FX section with EQ
-Updated arpeggiator section with Chord and Phrase modes
-1,000+ all new factory presets

https://www.uvi.net/synth-anthology-3

EML SYNKEY 2001 demo by Morgan Fisher

morganfisherart

"A short demonstration of the EML Synkey 2001, a unique analog instrument that offers parallel harmonies on all 12 intervals of the octave. Frank Zappa used it, and I was first shown it by Eddie Jobson, his keyboard player, back in about 1976. Recorded in 2013 in Morgan Salon.
EML Synkey 2001の簡単なデモ。ユニークなアナログシンセサイザー。 1〜12半音の並列ハーモニーを提供します。 フランク・ザッパはそれを使用し、気に入りました。 私は1976年頃、ザッパのキーボード奏者であるエディ・ジョブソンに最初に見せられました。
2013年にモーガンサロンで録音。日本語字幕があります。"

You can find additional EML SYNKEY posts here.

EML Synkey 2001 w/ CV/Gate mod

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
Uploaded on May 18, 2020

via this auction

"incredibly rare Synkey. Bought for a project last year and now just want to make some room.

If you aren’t familiar, this was the last synth released by EML and while technically a monosynth has 13 oscillators that can be “stacked” in chromatic intervals to create chords. It could also “save” presets via punch cards and the reader on the left but I have never had or used the feature.

This also has a *very* rare CV/gate mod that can be used via the portamento jack on the back. It works via a standard TRS to TR/TS Y insert cable, where the tip goes to CV ring goes to gate. You can search YouTube for the Synkey and see it in action from a previous owner some time ago.

While I’ve never had it serviced, the Synkey itself is in pretty incredible shape physically—though like any 40 year old synth has the occasional scratchiness. I’ve never looked into who could even work on it, though I know there are technicians around that do work on other EML synths (like the EML-101)

I attached a video I took this morning that shows some of the functionality of the front panel and a lot of the modulation sounds."

Not the tuning knobs on the back.

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EML SynKey 2001 Rare Vintage Synthesizer w/ Punch Cards SN 10688

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via this auction

"Here's a rare EML Syn-key Synthesizer. I acquired this from a public school about 4 years ago and it worked back then but time has seemed to have taken it's toll. It was stored inside the house over those years but now it seems to have lost it's tones, it will make quiet rising and falling white noise when the keys are depressed but little else. It sounds like it's trying to make sound without any tones if that makes any sense. Either way it's not working properly and will need to be repaired or rebuilt. The keys functioned last time I used it but again that was 4 years ago. Cosmetically there's quite a few scuffs and scrapes from the years as you can see in the photos.
On the upside there are cards and a manual with it! There are four blank cards, thirteen factory cards and 13 user programmed cards. Sorry, no hole punch for the cards is included. Only the Factory cards are labeled with descriptions, they are as follows...

Sea With Birds
Bell
Orient
Horn
Striker
Funky Bass
Baroque Horns
Electronic Flute
Wow #1
Plucked String Bass
Staircase Stinger
Cello
Clavier"

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Rare Working Vintage EML Syn-Key 1500 Analog Synthesizer

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Published on Mar 1, 2017 Hailstone Entertainment

This is about as rare as it gets. I believe this is the first Syn-Key 1500 out of well over 155,000 posts on the site. You might remember the Synkey 2001 with punch card reader and blue accents from previous posts. This is the little brother version minus the punchcard reader. To come across one, let alone working, is a rare treat.

via this auction

"Up for auction we have a very rare EML Syn-Key 1500 analog synthesizer. They did no make many of these! The 1500 is the little brother of the 2000 and does not use memory cards. It has some unique features and sounds great. This unit is in working condition, although there is the odd scratchy potentiometer, so it may need a light servicing if you want it to be 100%."

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EML Synkey with CV/GATE Mod Demos

EML Synkey VIDEO 1 with CV/GATE Mod

Published on Sep 13, 2013 Gregory Cox

"A sound character demonstration of this extremely rare and unique synthesizer. All audio direct from interface into camera.

Photos of the mod here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/7753328@..."

EML Synkey controlled by x0xb0x

Published on Oct 16, 2013

"Fiddling with knobs while my x0xb0x sequences my EML Synkey. TR606 keeping the 4s. This one has a CV/GATE mod which doesn't come standard."

Vintage SynKey 1500 by Electronic Music Laboratories EML SN 10775

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

via this auction

"Up for auction is a SynKey 1500 by Electronic Music Laboratories (EML). This is a monophonic synthesizer with some very unique features. For starters, while it only has a single oscillator, it is continuously variable between pulse, saw, and square wave. And while it's a monophonic synth, the SynKey allows the player to add overtones in musical intervals using the 12 button array in the VCO section. This makes it easy to play a chord using a single finger! The filter section features low pass, band pass and high pass. The keyboard also features after-touch that can be applied to the filter, LFO, or as a pitch bend..."

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EML Synkey

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via this auction

Some nice synth spotting in the background including a GRP A8, EMS VC3S, EML Electrocomp 400, KORG PS3200.

808 STATE-NIMBUS-GRANADA TONIGHT-1992.

Uploaded on Oct 22, 2011 sunsetz777·235 videos

"One of Manchester's finest 808 state perform Nimbus.I think this was from Liverpool's Albert Dock."

Major synth spotting: Oberheim Four Voice System (FVS), ARP 2600, Odyssey & Sequencer, Moog Memorymoog, Minimoog, Prodigy & Opus 3, Roland JD-800.  I can't place the synth under the Minimoog.  I know I've seen it before.  It's not a Steiner Parker Synthacon and it's not the PPG mono synth.  You can see the front panel knobbage at 3:03 (303?). It looks like a Powertran but hinged up. I thought it might be an EML Synkey but it has more knobs. I know that synth. What is it?

Update: answer via Colin f in the comments below.  I was going to add it to the post but didn't want to spoil it for anyone trying to guess.  The answer didn't come to until I was finally drifting off to sleep last night.

1976 SynKey Programmable Synthesizer Print Ad

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via this auction

"Original vintage magazine advertisement. Approx 7 3/4" x 10 3/4"."

The SynKey was by EML. Click here for additional posts including video demos.

1976 EML SynKey Synthesizer with Program Punchcard Voicings Ad

via this auction

See the seller's other items for more.

"1976 EML SynKey Synthesizer Program Punchcard Voicings Original Vintage Ad"


Ad measures approx. 8 x 11 inches.

Pete Cannon in Synth City (UK's Largest Collection of Synths)

Pete Cannon in Synth City (UK's Largest Collection of Synths) from Behind Closed Doors DVD Magazine on Vimeo.

Don't miss the elusive Thunderchild SZ3540 at 2:28. Apparently only two in existence. Followed by the MIMIC, E-Mu modular, EML Synkey patchcard synth, giant educational KORG MS20, Polysynthi, CLEF and more.

www.louisden.com/bcd
www.twitter.com/bcddvd
www.facebook.com/bcddvd

"Here's Pete Cannon's full section from #BCD2!

Watch this video as Behind Closed Doors Vol.2 take Pete Cannon on a secret and surprise trip to the UK's largest collection of Synthesizers in Bristol. Synth-Nut Pete get's a tour from collection owner Andy Horrell and can hardly contain himself. Andy's collection has over 400 synths pre-dating 1984! This is what we call Synth City.

For more info and to purchase Behind Closed Doors Vol.2 (2010), please visit: www.louisden.com/bcd2

To find out more about Pete Cannon and his music, follow him on twitter: www.twitter.com/petecannonbeats

To find out more about Emis Music: http://www.emismusic.co.uk/

Behind Closed Doors Vol.3 DVD (2012) is now available and features: !llmind, Khrysis, Househoes, Samiyam, Rhettmatic, J.Bizness, Aspect One, Kelakovski, Mr Thing, Myke Forte and more! www.louisden.com/bcd to find all the details, watch the trailer and order!"`

The PPG 1003 "Sonic Carrier" - World's First Programmable Synth?

via Wolfgang Palm on Facebook
Be sure to see the video below.

"This was the first programmable synthesizer (1977)."

Programmable as in patch memory. The 1003 was a programmable monophonic synth with two oscillators, digitally controlled keyboard, and it was duophonic.

But was it the first?

Excerpts via Part 4 of the PPG Story:

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