TAPE LEADERS - Book Review & Flipthrough | Early British Music Composers & EMS Synthesizers

video upload by synth4ever

"Tape Leaders book review & flipthrough. Tape Leaders is a richly illustrated A-Z compendium featuring over 100 composers active with tape and electronics in the analogue era.

Containing information never previously uncovered, Tape Leaders shines a fresh light on many sound experimenters unacknowledged in the history of British electronic music. It also covers EMS synthesizers such as the VSC3, Synthi and others as well as BBC Radiophonic studio.

Get your copy of Tape Leaders here: https://velocitypress.uk/product/tape...

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Tape Leaders: A Compendium Of Early British Electronic Music Composers is an indispensable reference guide for anyone interested in electronic sound and its origins in the UK. The book compiles information on practically everyone active with experimental electronics and tape recording across the country to reveal the untold stories and hidden history of early British electronic music.

With an individual entry for each composer, it covers everyone from famous names like William Burroughs, Brian Eno and Joe Meek to the ultra-obscure such as Roy Cooper, Donald Henshilwood and Edgar Vetter.

There are sections for EMS and the BBC Radiophonic Workshop and amateurs, groups and ensembles that experimented with electronics, including The Beatles, Hawkwind and White Noise.

Author Ian Helliwell draws on his experience and extensive research into electronic music. After six years and dozens of interviews, he has amassed information never before brought to light on this fascinating subject.

With a specially compiled 15 track CD of mainly unreleased early British tape and synthesizer works (exclusively available to the Velocity Press shop), this is an essential book for anyone interested in electronic music history during the 1950s and 60s.

This hardback book is 22.7cm x 17.7cm, and the 224 pages are printed and bound on heavyweight 130gsm paper. You can grab a copy at

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TIMECODES

00:00 - Intro & Overview

00:50 - Electronic Music Composers A-Z
12:07 - Experimental Amateurs
13:20 - Electronic Music Groups
15:31 - EMS (Electronic Music Studios)
16:32 - BBC Radiophonic Workshop
17:25 - Tape Leaders CD Liner Notes
17:41 - Info, Credits & Index

19:02 - Conclusion & Final Thoughts"

Teenage Engineering Eurorack, POM-400 Matrix Kits & Talking to Aliens with a Steiner Masters Touch

Talking to Aliens video upload by Dave Vondle

This is a bit of a triple post. Dave Vondle of http://matrix.vondle.com wrote in to let me know the final 9 units of the Ghielmetti Pin Matrix Kit for the Teenage Engineering POM-400, previously posted here, have been completed. It's featured in the video above and in a post by Teenage Engineering on converting their Pocket Operator Modules (POM) to eurorack.

That said, first the description for the video above:

"Figured out how to communicate to extraterrestrial organisms.

The Calmset 3 connected to my brain is generating the frequencies - and the Masters Touch is taking breath, bite, and touch into the Teenage Engineering POM-400 (with my matrix kit attached). Breath controls the amplitude and bite/touch modify filter parameters. This all runs through the VOCU tape echo."

See here for some additional posts featuring the Masters Touch including pics. You can also find some info on Patchman Music here.

Second, info on the final batch of Matrix Kits from http://matrix.vondle.com:

"Over a year ago I created a bolt-on kit to turn a Teenage Engineering Pocket Modular 400 into a matrix synth like the EMS Synthi. Instead of using cables to patch outputs from one module into inputs of another, you use the supplied pins to connect a row (output) to the corresponding column (input).

I have completed the final batch of 9 kits, as the manufacturer of the matrices recently went out of business. Teenage engineering just wrote a blog post featuring the kit, so I figured it would be a good time to get these last kits out there.

More info about the kit:

The matrix itself was made in Switzerland by the established patchbay company, Ghielmetti, and the kit simply bolts onto the back of the POM-400 modules with the supplied hardware - there is no soldering required. Once bolted on, it enables you to make 100% of all the patches you could otherwise make using cables, with the added benefit of having virtually no restrictions on the number of available outputs and inputs for each module. Patch cables can still be used in conjunction with the matrix for interfacing the system with external modules and running sound out from the device.

I thought you folks might be interested! For more details and to place an order go to matrix.vondle.com

Bonus Video - Here’s me when I patched a Steiner Master’s Voice into the POM-400, with the kit installed:" [above]

Third: eurorack conversions for Teenage Engineering's Pocket Operator Modules (and euro racking Pocket Operators):

via Teenage Engineering: eurorack is a very common system format when it comes to modular synths. there are tons of modules and manufacturers on the market and the pocket operator modular series is eurorack compatible. this means any POM system can be used together with any other module, from any other brand. while the pocket rack format is slightly smaller than eurorack, you only need some minor tweaks to fit your pocket operator modules in your eurorack system.

here are a few ways to 'eurorackify' your pocket operator modulars and pocket operators, plus a bonus mod to really expand the capabilities of your POM-400.

eurorack front panels for POM
the two companies malm.audio and jklmnt have joined forces and created custom eurorack front panels for the complete range of modules available in the pocket operator modular POM-400 and POM-170. pick your favorite module and mount that in your existing eurorack system, or create a complete replica of an entire system. the various panels range from 6 hp width, up to 18 hp.

power adapters
they've also made a convenient power adapter that easily converts the power connector from pocket rack to eurorack. no soldering is required and everything above is available through the oddvolt webstore.

pokit for POM-16 by grayscale
the company grayscale makes modules and stylish eurorack front panels for a lot of products. their pokit is a eurorack conversion kit for the POM-16 keyboard. the front panel has a matte black finish and is 42 hp wide. the kit even comes with matching gray official knobs. this is a great option for enabling your system with the 4-channel sequencer, arpeggiator and keyboard that is the POM-16.

pocket operators and eurorack
the usually hand-held regular pocket operators can also be used in a eurorack system. this could for instance be a great way to create a portable and powerful grab-and-go live performance instrument, or to have pocket operators tightly and neatly integrated into your studio setup. here are two examples of how to mount pocket operators in a eurorack case.

EURORACK ADAPTER BY LPZW:

POKIT - EURORACK CONVERSION KIT FOR POM-16:

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."

Analogue Solutions Now Available in Black

via Analogue Solutions:

"Limited Edition Colossus (in black) is now available!

👉 Contact us for more information or visit the AS website for reservation and purchase info (see below)

http://www.colossus-synth.com"

Update: video & description added below.
video upload by Analogue Solutions

"This is a limited edition black version of the classic Colossus synthesizer!

We have chosen some of our favourite circuits from our own large back catalogue synths such as Polymath, Telemark and Vostok.

Colossus is not a Synthi 100 clone - all circuits are non-EMS, Analogue Solutions’ design.

The original Synthi was so large it wouldn’t fit through a standard doorway. We didn’t make that mistake but don’t underestimate its size. It will be prominent in your studio, or art gallery!

It is sized at 1585mm wide, 700mm deep and 655mm high and weighing in too big to fit on the scales. It’s not entirely practical, but to be impressive physically and in sound. It will be an awesome centrepiece for your studio.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Gelbart - VISIONS for orchestra, electronics, and bunny theater

video by Defekt Records

Some synths spotting in this one including an EMS SYNTHI 100 and Hammond auto-vari64. According to Gelbart of Defekt Records: "The ems synthi-100, recorded in the Canadian Music Centre in Calgary, is heard throughout and makes a short visual appearance at the 15:50 mark.

"Music and visuals by Gelbart

http://www.gelbartcorp.com"

Analogue Solutions Announces Colossus #4

I almost skipped posting this as the only news here is there's a 4th production run of the Colossus. I guess it's interesting knowing how many are out there. What's also interesting is I always assumed the Colossus was either built in a limited initial run, or it was built per order only. This is a mammoth endeaver and each one costs 25,000 GBP which comes out to $35,000 US. It is $4500 less than this little Sennheiser VSM201 Vocoder!

Note, the images in this post appear to be stock. You can find demos of the Colossus in previous posts here.

Press release follows:
""Analogue Solutions announces forthcoming fourth run of Colossus supersized synth that trips back to the future of analogue

KINGSWINFORD, UK: following a showstopping showcase during its introduction at SynthFest UK 2019 in Sheffield, British boutique electronic instruments innovator Analogue Solutions is proud to announce a forthcoming fourth run of Colossus — its supersized synth that trips back to the future of analogue, albeit symbolising so much more than a powerful analogue ‘workstation’ with no fewer than 12 VCOs (Voltage-Controlled Oscillators) beating at its monumental musical heart, rather representing art, architecture, and superlative studio furniture at its hand-built best by taking its design cues from the colossal classic that is the EMS Synthi 100, although no Synthi circuit was cloned or copied in making the destined-to-be-classic Colossus fit for a new generation of high-flying owners — as of February 15…

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Lot of 28 Rare EMS VCS3, Synthi 100, AKS Matrix Pins

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

via this auction

"rare EMS Synthi 100, VCS3, AKS Matrix pins. LOT of 28!! Vintage originals by EMS. ALL tested, perfect working!"

Interesting pic of the inside of one.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Switched On Austin - Synth studio & store tour | Austin, TX

synth4ever

https://www.switchedonaustin.com

A synth studio and store tour of Switched-On in Austin, Texas -- including the Switched On synthesizer showroom, walk-through of the Switched On synth store and brief highlight of the synthesizer repair area.

During a trip to Austin in early 2020 I had a chance to revisit the Switched On synth shop I first toured in 2018 [video bellow]. Switched On have since moved from their original location to a new spot and are under new ownership, so it was a great opportunity to see the new synth store.

This synth studio and store walkthrough showcases Switched On's extensive record collection, tape machines, various synthesizers, modular gear, classic vintage synths, rack units and more. To learn more about Switched On, visit https://www.switchedonaustin.com

CLICK FOR MORE »

Arp Fields - ARP 2500 live in concert

Pablo Garreton

"Arp Fields, for ARP 2500 synthesizer.

The composition was performed live with an 8.1 surround system at the Hochschule für Musik und Tanz, Cologne with the support of the Studio for Electronic Music.

All the sounds are generated live with the ARP 2500, the Doepfer modular is used as a mixer and for some LFOs. There is also an Expert Sleepers audio interface to send CV triggers to sync the spatialisation and some LFOs. All the pitches are manually adjusted with the controls of the ARP synthesizer. This modular system has a total of 12 oscillators. The synthesizer has not ever been restored, hence some parts where not working 100%.

All the sounds were spatialized with algorithms and LFOs in live with a custom Max/msp for the 8.1 surround system, controlled with a midi controller.

Composition, programing and live performance, Pablo Garretón
Sound recording, Simon Spillner
Video recording, Lucia Kilger and Helena Cánovas

Pablo Garretón 2018

www.pablogarreton.com

more videos from the work in progress can be found here:
Instagram: @pablogarreton"

Impro no. 572 - Arp 2500, EMS Synthi & Doepfer A100


"I found this video from when I was preparing and exploring for my concert with the Arp 2500 at the Studio for electronic music of the HfMT In Cologne. I’m am using ableton and M4L for synchro, custom LFOs and some mixing. After a while I decided I should do a piece only with the Arp 2500 sounds, as you can can see in my feed, I have a video of a live concert with this. Improvising in the studio is relatively easy compared to play in a live concert with this incredible machine, that has never been properly restored. The sound and the energy is still there anyway.

part I 0:00
part II 4:35"

Synthesizer von Gestern (Synths of the Past) Vol 2, Matthias Becker.

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

via this auction

"Beautifully-produced second volume of Matthias Becker's authoritative 'Synthesizers of the Past' book - in German, but with so many superb illustrations that it's hardly necessary to read the text. New, unused, still sealed. The photos were taken of another copy of the book.

Too many highlights to mention all, but the book covers such absolute classic synths as the Trautonium, ARP 2500, EMS Synthi 100, E-mu Modular, Steiner-Parker Synthacon, RMI Harmonic Synthesizer, Birotron, PPG 1002, Moog Taurus and Liberation, Roland System 700, Synlab Modular, Roland SH-7, Crumar DS-2, Korg Sigma, ARP Quadra, Roland RS-505 and VP-330, Fairlight CMI, Realton Variophon, Oberhaim OB-Xa, Xpander and OB-SX, Gleeman Pentaphonic, RSF Kobol, Emulator 1, Synergy, Roland SH-101, TB-303, TR-606, MC-202, Jupiter 6, Syntec Banana, SCI Prophet T8, OSCar......... an incredible roster which would (in the beautiful condition they are in the photos) probably now be worth over half a million US dollars.

All with superb photos by Dieter Stork. Hardback, beautifully printed on very high quality paper, bound to the highest standards. A coffee-table book which is also a superb source of information. The Rolls-Royce (OK, Mercedes) of synth literature. (I should know - I produced the Ford Fiestas of the genre.) ISBN 3927954012, printed in 1995."

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EMS Synthi A "Portabella" by Pin Electronics Germany

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

via this auction

"If you know you know , Midi , and Random Voltage Generator from the Synthi 100 onboard...
This unit was Pin's number 1 , the first made . Delivered to us by PIN on tour in Berlin 2018 , used on the Roger Waters Us and Them Tour lightly , then packed away . Unit is Flawless. Avoid the wait time , get your hands on this amazing piece of machinery today, ships from LA..FREE SHIPPING in the USA"

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Ghielmetti Pin Matrix Kit for the Teenage Engineering POM-400

via matrix.vondle.com

"A bolt-on kit to turn your Teenage Engineering Pocket Modular 400 into a matrix synth like the revered EMS Synthi. Instead of using cables to patch outputs of one module into inputs of another, you use the supplied pins to connect a row (output) to the corresponding column (input).

The matrix itself is made in Switzerland by Ghielmetti, the original manufacturer of the pin matrices on the EMS Synthi, EMS VCS3, ETI International 4600 and the Maplin 5600.

The kit simply bolts onto the back of the POM-400 modules with the supplied hardware - there is no soldering required. Once bolted on, it enables you to make 100% of all the patches you could otherwise make using cables, with the added benefit of having virtually no restrictions on the number of available outputs and inputs for each module. Patch cables can still be used in conjunction with the matrix for interfacing the system with external modules and running sound out from the device.

For more details and to place an order go to matrix.vondle.com"

EMS Synthi 100 - DEEWEE Sessions Vol.01 (Soulwax)

Published on May 5, 2020 The Vinyl Factory

This one was spotted and sent in via Joshuag.

"David & Stephen Dewaele (aka Soulwax/2manydjs) have always been fascinated by collecting instruments and recording gear. Their passion hasn’t been born by completism: every new item inspires a world of possibilities. The one item that always eluded them was the EMS Synthi 100—a huge and rare analogue synthesizer, of which there were only 31 ever produced, that can create a near infinite array of sounds."

via The Vinyl Factory

* David & Stephen Dewaele’s tribute to the EMS Synthi 100

* 48 page book exploring the background behind the album and the history of the Synthi 100.

* 1 x 180g black vinyl

* Vinyl and book housed in a fully art-worked inner sleeve, a perforated ‘patch bay’ outer sleeve and clear PVC bag.

* The book includes a foreword from David and Stephen Dewale, an introduction from 3030, the specific Synthi 100 unit that was used for the album; a history of its creation and an exploration of its sounds; and finally an interview with Ivan Schepers, the IPEM technician who has been 3030’s long-term custodian.

* Art Direction by Ill-Studio.

* Photography by Younes Klouche.

* Written, recorded, produced and mixed at DEEWEE by David & Stephen Dewaele.

* Available for pre-order from 05/05/2020

* Release date: 29/05/2020

CLICK FOR MORE »

EMS Synthi Hi-Fli SN 9206

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

via this auction

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Merry Colossmas From Analogue Solutions

Yearly Christmas card via Analogue Solutions!

This year featuring the massive monster system Colossus, inspired by the EMS SYNTHI 100.


Be sure to see the Holiday label for more! :)

The Datanomics SYNTHI 100

This one is in via MATRIXSYNTH reader, Daniel Araya of Camp303 who also restored the Belgrade SYNTHI 100 featured here.

"I just restored the University of Cuenca Synthi 100!

This is the last S100 ever made, by the company Datanomics that took over EMS in 1979.

They produced this unit in 1981/82 and it was used at Gabinete de Música Electroacústica de Cuenca (G.M.E.) until it was put in storage for many years.

Now, thanks to professors Sylvia Molina Muro and Julio Sanz Vázquez a new G.M.E. is started and the Synthi 100 is restored to be used at the University.

The Synthi had been stored in a good environment and was in a nice state.

This machine is very different from the other S100's, it is completely redesigned internally by Datanomics and is using CEM chips (Curtis Electromusic Specialities) that made it a lot simpler to service because the reduced number of components.

The sequencer and keyboard are based around Z80 microcontrollers and are greatly improved from the old ones. Some components had not aged well so I changed out every power supply capacitor and replaced some broken IC's and went through all modules and functions.

I managed to fix about 97% of it in two days, a small part of the sequencer and some controls are still left for the next visit.

The new studios are modern and spacious and sports an amazing vintage quadrophonic Genelec 1024B sound system that is also being restored as well as some cool vintage outboard effects and various reel to reel tape recorders.

I also discovered an original ad/article for this synth while researching, check this out.

pic attached (with a classic Akai sampler as a bonus!)

/Daniel Araya"

EMS SYNTHI HI-FLI PROTOTYPE 1 of 10 *Serviced* David Gilmour Guitar Synth

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

via this auction

"A very rare prototype Synthi Hi-Fli, dating from 1972, in excellent condition following a full overhaul by EMS earlier this year.
One of only ten pre-production units made in 1972. David Gilmour reputedly still owns two of them…

Ultra-rare prototype EMS Synthi Hi-Fli – this is a knob-twiddler’s dream of an effect and the ultimate in hens’ teeth: your guitar will never sound the same again.

Different sound and spec to a standard Hi-Fli – this is the second such unit we’ve had and it broke my heart to sell the last one (I’ve been a committed HiFli nut since I bought my first one many years ago and have always had at least one in the studio ever since).

The prototypes don’t have the growl function, which was introduced about 18 months later. Production Hi-Flis all have the Buzz switch, but only the first ten prototypes had the Fuzz switch, which adds some interesting colouration to the up and down-octave sounds.

Ten production prototype Hi-Flis were made in 1972 but a redesign quickly followed the launch at the Frankfurt Fair to try to reduce the factory cost (the prototype design is not especially ergonomic for a guitar player to use – you have to lean back somewhat to access the pedals underneath the main unit). This original design features a removable aluminium pole which plugs into the underside of the main console and the top of the base unit, acting both as a stand and a conduit for power and signal connections (pole not included with this unit). The heavy-duty nylon-dipped base houses the power supply and sturdy twin pedals.

Dave Gilmour of Pink Floyd is reputed to still have two of these original units, which, according to Phil Taylor were first used for the Dark Side of The Moon tour that started in May 1973 at Earls Court. Opinion is divided as to whether a Hi-Fli featured on the DSOTM recordings: I can only say that it certainly sounds like it did.
Number one in Analogman Tom’s list of rare guitar effects from his excellent book.
Used by David Gilmour – see this Gilmourish blog for further details – he bought a prototype in 1972 and from what he recalls it was “very, very expensive”; Gilmourish also suggest it was used during the recording of Dark Side Of The Moon

CLICK FOR MORE »

SYNTHFEST 2019 OMG, It’s COLOSSUS

Published on Oct 6, 2019 sonicstate

"We got a look at the massive new synthesizer from Analogue Solutions. It’s not for everyone, being a cool £25, but look at it.. it’s inspired by the massive EMS Synthi 100. And we’re glad it’s I the world."

Sarah Davachi PS-3300

Published on Sep 25, 2019 Shasta Cults

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This appears to the previous location of the NMC (National Music Center) Calgary. The EMS SYNTHI 100 now appears to be in be Live Room B at at the current location. See: https://www.studiobell.ca/living-collection.