oneoff EMS SYNTHI, Eurorack, ARP Odyseey & "ohm" lo-fi Videos

Published on Feb 26, 2013 oneoff

Playlist:
The Modulation Pin- Adds CV to the Synthi -sequencer
The Modulation Pin- Adds CV to the Synthi matrix- LFO
random sequencer x2
Random looping sequencer
EMS effect machine
Talking EMS SYNTHI
Talking ARP Odyssey
EMS Synthi Aks connected with a CV/GATE converter box to x0xb0x sequencer
EMS Synthi Aks connected with a CV/GATE converter box to x0xb0x + a midi keyboard
EMS Synthi AKS inverter mod 3.wmv
EMS Synthi AKS inverter mod 2.wmv
EMS Synthi AKS inverter mod 1.wmv
EMS Synthi AKS inverter mod and ring modulator.wmv
EMS Synthi AKS envelope generator and trapezoid
EMS Synthi AKS - trapezoid and shape mods.wmv
EMS Synthi AKS - testing the mods...wmv
EMS Synthi AKS - more mods and speekers test
EMS Synthi AKS ring modulator and reverb test
EMS Synthi AKS - noise through filter
EMS Synthi AKS - filter and trapezoid action
EMS Synthi AKS - 3 osc. and noise source test
"ohm" lo-fi cardboard experimental sampler
"ohm" lo-fi cardboard sampler - sample chopper
"ohm" lo-fi cardboard experimental sampler

Video Tracks from The Synthi Group Vol. II

the synthi vol. II - digitana - Vayu Somnium.mov

YouTube Uploaded by thesynthi on Jan 6, 2012

"Download: http://www.archive.org/details/ca345_tsg

Artist: Digitana
Title: Vayu Somnium
Time: 5:15
Device: All sounds made entirely with a single VCS3 controlled by a
TKS , and an EMS RVG.Some delay effects used on some tracks and slight
overall reverb added to the master for ambience.
Genre: psychedelic/experimental
Contact: http://www.synthi.co.uk
Location: UK"

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Nordostpassagen Pt 1. [Casio SK60 & EMS SYNTHI E]

"Live improvisation at 22/12/11.

Casio SK60. EMS synthi E. (rvrb,delay.0,5 ms).

No post/effects or editing , one take."


Casio SK60 pic from here and EMS SYNTHI E from here. Additional tracks below.


And some additional EMS tracks from Georgios Karamanolakis:

For Cello and Ems Synthi E .

For Cello and Ems Synthi E . by Georgios Karamanolakis
"Live improvisation at 12/11/2010

Cello: Aigli Drakou
EMS Synthi E: Georgios Karamanolakis

It was a rainy night...
In this piece, the cello provides proportional voltages which control various modules of the EMS Synthi E and at the same time is being filtered through it.
Throughout the recording the cello is also mixed with the Synthi E in real time.
No post/effects or editing , strictly one take.
Note that this is our first meeting. "



Sunset over the Mojave. by Georgios Karamanolakis
"Live improvisation at 17/4/11
Ems synthi E, DKE and delay
No post/effects or editing , one take."

Also check out:

http://www.heraclis.org/IRA001.html
http://soundcloud.com/heraclis
http://www.heraclis.org/

EMS SYNTHI AKS

via this Vemia aution
You can find videos of this unit here.
"One of the most historically interesting synths we've ever had in the auction: a very very early AKS, one of the three owned and used by Zorch, who recorded at Peter Zinovieff's Putney studio. Like Dr Zinovieff's own Synthi, this has no Spartanite case. It was manufactured in December 1972 - and bought in early 1973; and bearing in mind the age and provenance, it's quite likely it never HAD a case. It is being sold on behalf of Avi Nisim, of the psychedelic-trance duo Astral Projection. It has some excellent original mods. It is sold as is, with any faults as described or un-noticed, and although it is great as it is, it could be even better serviced by one of the EMS tech experts like Lucidsound, or Robin Wood himself. You will need to change the mains plug to the correct one for your country, and if necessary switch the voltage. PLEASE BE AWARE THAT IT IS LIKELY TO ATTRACT TAX AND/OR EXCISE DUTY WHEN IMPORTED TO YOUR COUNTRY. Here are some extracts from the very thorough description from the seller - which you can see in full, with good resolution pictures and video, at http://noisedesign.blogspot.com/2010/03/ems-synthi-aks-for-sale-daylight_20.html This is an early model, white front panel 'EMS Synthi AKS' with a prestopatch bay, produced in december 1972 (acording to it's serial number 4658ks and confirmed by robin wood from EMS) . currently the synth belongs to avi nisim, a member of the psychedelic-trance duo 'astral projection' based in israel. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astral_Projection_(group) astral projection works together since 1989 and considered to be one of the first psy-trance groups in the world. while checking the front pannel i found a little logo sticker ,which later was recognized with the group 'zorch' http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/zorch who were pioneers in the british synth music, as britain first 'all synths' group. zorch were the only band ever recorded in peter zinovieff's EMS studio in putney. this synthi confirms as one of the 3 synthi's that were used by the group during the early 70's. this specific one was howard scarr's personal synthi . cosmetics: considering the synth almost 40 years, and it's history, this synthi looks quite good. some scruffs and marks on the sides and on the front panel, some marks on some knobs caps, some of the matrix pins needs a replacement (still available at EMS) . but the overall condition is good, i would say at least 8 out of 10. electronics: DC power rails were checked and they both at -9v and +12v exactly as they should. power lines are clean and steady. no humming through the synth's outputs. some scratchy knobs ,and one broken (output off) switch lever. all the 3 circuits boards and connections looks clean and the parts looks original. the 3 circuit boards havn't been removed during the check. however, i would guess that it's time to service the synthi, replace/clean some of the knobs, replace some capacitors, fine tuning etc. quite a normal procedure for this equipment at this point. the synthi has some mod's which includes: center zero trapezoid, wave shapers, filter hi/ low, osc 3 frequency switch, and more. the synth functions has been tested (although it's quite impossible to test the endless possibilities and each of every matrix pin hole of that beast...) but i can say that all oscillators, noise source, VCA, filter, ring modulator, reverb, mic input's , outputs, envelope shaper, trapezoid, the meter, the internal speakers and the joystick are all working fine, and everything sounds great and beefy. the keyboard sequencer is faulty and partially works, it has some cracks and missing some parts on the upper case (see detailed pictures). with the right patch on the matrix, keyboard touch pads are responsive to touch and triggers sounds. the random pad is responsive as well and it triggers some random notes whan touched. but the sequencer doesn't work. all the mod's that i mentioned above are working and has effect on the sound. the keyboard control and keyboard inverter mod's needs a certain matrix patches (as seen on the stickers on the matrix) which i'm not familiar with, so i'm not quite sure how these mod's supposed to work. it is also impossible to test these mod's without a fully functional keyboard. during the last 20 years , this synthi was installed in a custom wooden rack ,in astral projection's studio, and it does'nt have the spartanite briefcase. update: the 'inverter pin' mod was tested as well, with the kind directions from Mr. Howard Scarr himself. this mod is fully functional and quite amazing. the pin acts like a normal pin , but it actually inverts the signal of where it's positioned (the frequency is controlled by the inverter blue knob), so for example you can output the normal output of osc.3 and at the same time output the filtered- inverted signal of the same osc.3. this opens a whole new world of sounds and possibilities... pure fun! please note: the synthi was throughly tested for more then 10 hours, and as far as i know (i own one Synthi Aks myself) it's in a good working order, and physical shape, however, this is quite an old piece of gear and it will be sold as is, no returns and no refunds. a great care will be taken when packing and handling/shipping the synthi, and it will be fully insured. i did my best to describe the synthi as accurate as possible, for more info, please contact: ofiroman@gmail.com some videos http://noisedesign.blogspot.com/2010/03/ems-synthi-aks-for-sale-some-videos.html"

EMS Synthi Pics and Videos

Note this unit is for sale. You can find more pics and details on noise design. Videos below.



EMS Synthi AKS - 3 osc. and noise source test
YouTube via ofiroman123

EMS Synthi AKS - filter and trapezoid action


EMS Synthi AKS - noise through filter


EMS Synthi AKS ring modulator and reverb test


Update:

EMS Synthi AKS - testing the mods...wmv

YouTube via ofiroman123

EMS Synthi AKS - trapezoid and shape mods.wmv


EMS Synthi AKS envelope generator and trapezoid

Original EMS Synthi A modular synthesizer

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

Some history from the listing:

"This is one of the last 40 EMS Synthi's ever to be produced. I've spent more than a decade on the waiting list for it.

New orders are no longer being accepted as the Spartanite briefcases essential to the Synthi design are no longer available.

In other words, according to the manufacturer, this unit is among the last handful of Synthi A's ever.

This instrument was meticulously hand-built and precision-calibrated earlier this year by Robin Wood of EMS himself.

It's in absolutely perfect operational and cosmetic condition. It's also the only truly new Synthi I've ever seen on eBay.

I placed my order for this Synthi with EMS in the UK in 2001. It was finally delivered in early 2012. A few years after placing my order I got impatient and had the chance to buy an older Synthi A, so at the moment I actually have two units. The two are almost identical but the older one has more sentimental value to me, having owned & played it for almost 10 years. After long deliberation I've decided to sell this new one.

In terms of design, compared to the 70's units, the only differences I've spotted are a squarish attack button instead of a round one (the new design is an improvement over the older one, which was much harder to push down), and the fact that the label on the briefcase now reads "EMS Cornwall" instead of "EMS London" (the company moved).

The operating voltage is still switchable between 110v and 220v via a switch inside the briefcase.

In terms of sound, comparing this to my 1970's Synthi I hear no differences in sound character or response: It has all the unique sonic character that Synthi's are legendary for, while at the same time being perfectly calibrated and sounding exactly as its designer intended.

I've had the chance to try out several Synthi's over the past 15 years, and this sounds exactly like the older units, but without the inevitable scratchiness of used instruments.

This is a "MkII" Synthi A, with a matte aluminium front panel, and output rows on the pin matrix.

It also has a Prestopatch connector, the only original feature that EMS decided not to fit as standard to this last run of Synthi's, but which I had added by special request. This makes it identical to the majority of the 70's instruments. The Prestopatch connector can be used with the 3rd party expansion modules from Digitana, for example.

For those of you interested in expanding the range of the instrument further, a number of modifications (voltage controlled waveshape, sync, inverter, oscillator range switches, etc.) can be added by EMS later on. I had this done to my other Synthi a few years ago.

The Synthi comes with all the original accessories: a full set of 18 patch pins (white, red and green), the power cord, and the 90-page "Synthi Educational Handbook" manual. Comes in original, incredibly sturdy, packaging as well..."

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How to program a EMS VCS3 AKS SYNTHI

video uploads by Andy Whitmore

"Demos of a wide range of sounds & special FX of the VCS3 - & how to program them - explained by Andy Whitmore & Paul Soulsby at Greystoke Studio.

The VCS 3 (or VCS3; an initialism for Voltage Controlled Studio, version) is a portable analog synthesiser with a flexible semi-modular voice architecture, by Electronic Music Studios (London) Limited (EMS) in 1969. This product was called various names by EMS. For example, the printed logo written to the front left of products are: "V.C.S. 3" or "The Putney (VCS 3)" on the earlier version, then "The Synthi (VCS 3) II" on the later version (Synthi VCS 3 II).

The VCS 3's basic design was reused by EMS in many other of their own products, most notably in the EMS Synthi 100 (1971), and the Synthi A (1971) and AKS (1972) (essentially a VCS 3 housed in a plastic briefcase). The AKS also has a sequencer built into the keyboard in the lid."

Playlist:
Instructional video How to program an EMS Synthi AKS : VCS3 recorded through a iPhone - Part 1
Instructional video How to program an EMS Synthi AKS : VCS3 recorded through a iPhone Part 2
Instructional video How to program an EMS Synthi AKS : VCS3 recorded through a iPhone Part 3
How to program a EMS VCS3 AKS Synthi – this incredible 1971 monster synth from Putney-Part 4
Demo of EMS AKS SYNTHI - VCS3 Demo of sounds & in depth programming – 1971-Part 5

Present & Past: David Gilmore & Roger Waters on The EMS Synthi AKS

David Gilmour - Dark Side of the Moon on the run Synthi A

Uploaded on Dec 16, 2009 jerometv·82 videos

"David Gilmour from Pink Floyd explaining how they did On The Run on a EMS Synthi A"

ROGER WATERS & the SYNTHI AKS

ROGER WATERS & SYNTHI'S AKS
Uploaded by electro

via AnalogSuicide.
"1972 - Le légendaire EMS Synthi A K(eyboard) S(equencer) en action dans les non moins légendaires studios EMI d’Abbey Road (Londres), dans les mains du vénérable Roger Waters.

Ce dernier semble conquis par ce bijou technologique à l’allure de jouet, présenté dans une petite valise en plastoc, avec son clavier à surface tactile bleu et noir, ses boutons rotatifs en bakélite, ses switches aux couleurs vives, et sa matrice d’interconnections façon « touché-coulé ». Malgré son apparence inoffensive il s’avère assez redoutable à programmer et surtout génère des sons à vous retourner les entrailles. De plaisir.

Dans ce court extrait tiré du somptueux Live at Pompeii (version Director’s Cut) Roger et David (Gilmour) évoquent les technologies, l’évolution de la musique et les possibilités offertes par l’électronique. Ils conviennent que pour faire vivre ces engins il est nécessaire d’avoir la soul, la vibe, l’univers cérébral adapté qui seuls peuvent dompter la machine. Et non l'inverse.

L’extrait se termine sur un rush du très électronique « On The Run » figurant sur l’album Dark Side Of The Moon.

Pour plus d’infos sur le Synthi A (hors de prix !) :
http://fr.audiofanzine.com/produits/avis/index,idproduit,44003,mao,ems_synthi_aks.html
http://www.vintagesynth.com/index2.html
http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_Music_Studio
http://www.emsrehberg.de/SYNTHI__s/synthi__s.html (instrument VST, pour les fauchés)"

In Googlish:
"1972 - The legendary EMS Synthi AK (eyboard) S (equencer) in action in the equally legendary EMI studios at Abbey Road (London), in the hands of the venerable Roger Waters.

The latter seems captivated by this technological jewel at the pace of games, presented in a small suitcase in plastoc, with its keyboard surface touch blue and black, rotary bakelite buttons, switches its vivid color and its matrix of interconnections a "hit-cast." Despite his seemingly harmless it is quite daunting to program and especially generates sounds to you return the entrails. From pleasure.

In this short excerpt taken from the sumptuous Live at Pompeii (Director's Cut) Roger and David (Gilmour), evoke technologies, the development of music and opportunities offered by electronics. They agree that to sustain these devices must have the soul, the vibe, the universe adapted brain which alone can tame the machine. And not vice versa.

The excerpt ends with a rush of the very electronic "On The Run 'appearing on the album Dark Side Of The Moon.

For more info on Synthi A (excluding price!):
http://fr.audiofanzine.com/produits/avis/index, idproduit, 44003, mao, ems_synthi_aks.html
http://www.vintagesynth.com/index2.html
http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_Music_Studio
http://www.emsrehberg.de/SYNTHI__s/synthi__s.html (VST instrument for mown)"

Previously posted here.

EMS Synthi Technical Overview, Demo Clips & More

Uploaded on Jan 29, 2012 krmelectronics·10 videos

"Technical overview of the EMS Synthi."

EMS Synthi Demo Clips

Uploaded on Jan 29, 2012 8reste·11 videos

"EMS Synthi demo clips from my technical overview video"

Interfacing 1 v/octave Equipment to the EMS Synthi

Published on May 16, 2012

"This video describes how to use a voltage divider circuit to interface the EMS Synthi to 1 v/octave equipment (like Moog, Roland, or other synthesizers). The EMS Synthi uses 0.32 v/octave, but almost all other synthesizer manufacturers use 1 v/octave."

New Run Original EMS Synthi A

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

"This is one of the last 40 EMS Synthi's ever to be produced. I've spent more than a decade on the waiting list for it. New orders are no longer being accepted as the Spartanite briefcases essential to the Synthi design are no longer available.
In other words, according to the manufacturer, this unit is among the last handful of Synthi's ever.

This instrument was meticulously hand-built and precision-calibrated earlier this year by Robin Wood of EMS himself. It's in absolutely perfect operational and cosmetic condition. It's also the only truly new Synthi I've ever seen on eBay.

I placed my order for this Synthi with EMS in the UK in 2001. It was finally delivered in early 2012. A few years after placing my order I got impatient and had the chance to buy an older Synthi A, so at the moment I actually have two units. The two are almost identical but the older one has more sentimental value to me, having owned & played it for almost 10 years. After long deliberation I've decided to sell this new one.

In terms of design, compared to the 70's units, the only differences I've spotted are a squarish attack button instead of a round one (the new design is an improvement over the older one, which was much harder to push down), and the fact that the label on the briefcase now reads "EMS Cornwall" instead of "EMS London" (the company moved). The operating voltage is still switchable between 110v and 220v via a switch inside the briefcase.

In terms of sound, comparing this to my 1970's Synthi I hear no differences in sound character or response; it has all the unique sonic character that Synthi's are legendary for, while at the same time being perfectly calibrated and sounding exactly as its designer intended. I've had the chance to try out several Synthi's over the past 15 years, and this sounds exactly like the older units, but without the inevitable scratchiness of used instruments.

This is a Synthi A, not an AKS. That means it comes without a keyboard in the lid of the briefcase; those were only available in the 70's.
It can of course be controlled by an external CV keyboard, or by MIDI with a suitable MIDI-to-CV converter. This is a "MkII" Synthi A, with a matte aluminium front panel, and output rows on the pin matrix.


The Synthi comes with all the original accessories: a full set of 18 patch pins (white, red and green), the power cord, and the 90-page "Synthi Educational Handbook" manual. Comes in original, incredibly sturdy, packaging as well."

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Guitar Through an EMS Synthi AKS

Title link takes you to an 18.8M mp3 of a guitar running through an EMS Synthi AKS, via deb7680 of Chroniques de la Mao.

In via the comments section of this post:
"Harghh, I remember when I inject my guitar into my Ems Synthi Aks just for youn this is recorded in live in 1981 (guitar in Ems with ring modulation and RSF and other synth...)"

The Synthi shot to the left is from this post on Chroniques de la Mao. I wonder if this is the same Synthi used in the mp3.

BTW, this is a great showcase of the Synthi. Thanks deb7680!

Update via deb7680 in the comments:
"Thanks Matrixsynth. For you question, the Ems Synthi Aks it's the same. Here, other picture many "machines" in 1981 : www.deb7680.com/photosblog/matos200.jpg

And another sample:
"A voice passed in my Ems Synthi Aks while JP plays a psychedelic melody. Recorded at the time of the same concert of HplanK as "Images Mouvantes" in 1981.
www.deb7680.com/mp3/UnJour.mp3"

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 Soviet Union's Only EMS Synthi 100 and Ukrainian Composer Vadim Khrapatchev

This one in via Alex Mylnikov.

Baran Records has a story about the one and only Soviet Union's EMS SYNTHI 100, and Ukrainian composer Vadim Khrapatchev. You can find two of his compositions featuring the EMS SYNTHI 100 at the bottom of this post.

For the full story, head over to Baran Records. The following is just the introduction.

"Nearly a decade ago some serious Russian synth music communities on the web rediscovered a couple of electronic themes from the music score to the soviet drama «Flights in dreams and reality», which appeared on the screens back in 1983. One of them, often named as "dance at the sculptor's party" after a corresponding movie scene, was of particular interest due to its rather simple but memorable space tune with a pulsating disco beat.

Since the soundtrack was too diverse, including different genres like jazz, orchestral pieces, electronic music and pop songs, there were doubts that it could be written entirely by a single person. This led to various theories, e.g. some listeners said that it could be an unknown performer covering certain unidentified themes by Edouard Artemiev or Vangelis, while others stated that one should just look into the movie's titles for the composer's name — Vadim Khrapatchev. Besides, there were thoughts that these compositions could be recorded using the legendary EMS Synthi 100 synthesizer, the one and only existing unit in Soviet Union at that time.

This last assumption was pretty close to the truth but any other information still remained unconfirmed and up to now all attempts of contacting the author for any clarification failed. However this summer we were lucky enough to get in touch with the composer in Kiev, Ukraine and we are incredibly happy to reveal some details about these two electronic gems as well as present them on this lovely 7" record."

Вадим Храпачёв — Танец (1982)

Published on Dec 28, 2016 Maxim Løy

"«Танец» (The Dance) — an epic Synthi 100 disco action by Ukraine's most notable film composer. Music for the soviet drama «Полёты во сне и наяву» (Flights In Dreams And Reality), directed by Roman Balayan. Both tracks were recorded and performed on the legendary EMS Synthi 100 synthesizer in Moscow on 15-16th of April, 1982. Written and composed by Vadim Khrapatchev. Guitar by Yuriy Bogdanov. More information on this release available at http://www.baranrecords.com"

Вадим Храпачёв — Финал (1982)

Published on Jan 9, 2017 Maxim Løy

"«Финал» (The Finale) — an opening and ending titles soundtrack for the soviet drama «Полёты во сне и наяву» (Flights In Dreams And Reality) directed by Roman Balayan and released in 1983. Both tracks were recorded and performed on the legendary EMS Synthi 100 synthesizer in Moscow on 15-16th of April, 1982. Written and composed by Vadim Khrapatchev. Features samples from the state symphonic orchestra of Ukraine conducted by Fedor Gluschenko. More information on this release available at http://www.baranrecords.com"

EMS Synthi AKS Synthesizer

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

via this auction

"This is an EXTREMELY RARE, vintage synthesizer. It was purchased through an estate of a former music store owner. It is said to be new and never used. Has some dust from long term storage and is missing the power cord. The unit is being sold as described with no warranties. Here is some info on its history and legacy in recording [via wikipedia].

'The EMS Synthi A, first available in May 1971, and then in March 1972 a version of it with a built-in keyboard and sequencer, the EMS Synthi AKS, a portable modular analog synthesiser made by EMS of England. Most notable for its patch pin matrix, its functions and internal design are similar to the VCS 3 synthesiser, also made by EMS. E.M.S. is still run by Robin Wood in Cornwall, and in addition to continuing to build and sell new units, will repair and refurbish E.M.S. equipment.

The Synthi AKS has been used extensively by Brian Eno in his art rock and ambient albums. He particularly made prominent use of its signal-chain editing capability in order to add colour to his own voice as well as Robert Fripp and Phil Manzanera's guitar work. His early band, Roxy Music, supposedly requested that he join them after watching him tinker with the Synthi AKS for only a few minutes.[citation needed]
Jean Michel Jarre featured Synthi AKS on Oxygène and Equinoxe and has one for Oxygene Live in your living room (2007).

Pink Floyd used the synthesiser to create the electronic riff of the track "On the Run" and to play the solo of "Any colour you like", both from the 1973 album The Dark Side of the Moon. (The band reported to use a EMS VCS3 synthesizer although it actually was a Synthi).
Czesław Niemen in 1975 used Synthi AKS in recording of his album Katharsis.

Klaus Schulze and Pete Namlook refer to Synthi AKS in the name of their collaboration album The Dark Side of the Moog VIII: Careful With the AKS, Peter.'"

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EMS SYNTHI A vintage synth + DK1 CRICKLEWOOD Keyboard SN 3416

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

via this auction

"Selling my original vintage EMS Synthi A with its beautiful original DK1 "The Cricklewood" keyboard, all in exceptional and fully working condition !

The Cricklewood keyboard is also fully original and complete except for the oscillator's frequency knob which has been replaced by a multi-turn pot for finer tuning and a switch at the back which allows to switch on or off the gate signal to the Synthi.

The Cricklewood ads a 4th oscillator to the 3 oscillators already present in the Synthi A making the system a 4 oscillator synth ! Plus it can emit dynamic control (velocity control) to any destination available in the matrix !!

Included in this auction are :
- the Synthi A itself with its 22 original patch pins and spartanite case (note the EMS blue tag on the case is gone)
- the DK1 "The Cricklewood" keyboard
- the power cable
- the cable linking DK1 to Synthi A
- the full EMS service manual of Synthi A/VCS3, DK1/2 keyboard & KS sequencer (although there is no KS in the unit I am selling)
- a soft black fabric case for the DK1.

Essentially the same instrument as the legendary EMS VCS3, and sometimes known as the ‘Portabella’, the Synthi A is a self-contained, analogue modular synthesizer system, literally built into its own (genuine) Spartanite attached briefcase. This is a very rare original working example of one of the most revered, versatile, fantastic, and ultra portable synthesizers ever made...

As far as I could see and hear, after several hours spent testing it as thoroughly as I possibly could, this amazing instrument seems to be in full working order indeed.
In spite of its age, all pots are noise-free and clean as a whistle, I have never come across any unwanted noise from them, and appear to function as you would expect them to.
Here’s a general rundown of the features of this particular Synthi A:
- 3 Oscillators - all with 2 waveforms and a very wide range
- Filter section - including self oscillating resonance and Stereo Output Filter
- 64 pin matrix routing system - providing infinitely variable configurations, mod possibilities, routings, you name it. It is essentially a 3 Oscillator (4 with the one from the DK1) modular analogue synthesizer packed into a relatively tiny space.
- Ring Modulator
- NOISE generator
- Looping Envelope Shaper - including Trapezoid
- Push Button Trigger
- Joystick - for cross modulation, bi-channel frequency control, panning, etc
- Stereo Audio Out - including individual panning controls for each channel
- Stereo Audio In
- Stereo Phones output
- Built in analogue reverb - really great, especially when it feeds back!
- Built in stereo speakers
- VU meter

And a few other relevant factors to note:
It’s an EMS SYNTHI A, and NOT an AKS - this means that there is NO 'KS' keyboard/sequencer included but there IS a DK1 which is far more pleasant to play.

All 22 original patch pins are included - there’s a couple of pins that sometimes don’t work quite as well as the majority of them, but apparently you can order more online if you want brand new ones

Prestopatch socket - as I don’t have a Prestopatch to try it out with, this is untested, so I don’t know if this works or not, but I really cannot see why it wouldn't seeing the working condition of the rest of the synth..."

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EMS Cornwall Synthi A 2013 Synthesizer Demos

EMS Cornwall Synthi A 2013 Synthesizer Demo 1 The VCOs

Published on Aug 5, 2014 Florent Faurie

EMS Synthi A 2013 Synthesizer Demo 2 The Filter

Published on Aug 8, 2014 Florent Faurie

"EMS Synthi A 2013 Synthesizer Demo 2 The Filter self oscillation"

EMS Synthi A 2013 Synthesizer Demo 3 The Filter with VCOs

Published on Aug 9, 2014 Florent Faurie

EMS Synthi A Demo Envelope Shaper as a Sound Source

Published on Aug 16, 2014 Florent Faurie

EMS Synthi A 2013 Synthesizer Demo 4 The Filter with Noise

Published on Aug 22, 2014 Florent Faurie

End synthi hi fli gets experienced

YouTube via jreeves47 | September 14, 2010

"Some more fun sounds with a little foot action. Waw treatment."
via THE SYNTHI

Ems synthi hi fli

jreeves47 | September 14, 2010

"A fun sound I found."

Ems synthi hi fli talks!

jreeves47 | September 14, 2010

"Sounds like it's talking. Meow treatment."

Update:

EMS synthi hi fli = octavia?

jreeves47 | September 16, 2010

"Sounds like it!"

EMS synthi hi fli fuzz swell

jreeves47 | September 16, 2010

"The fuzz with swell effect sounds like backwards guitar. Ratiug sdrawkcab ekil sdnous tceffe llews htiw zzuf eht."

EMS synthi hi fli footcontroller

jreeves47 | September 16, 2010

"Just noodling with some foot action."

Kent Loop Collection Volume 6 - EMS Synthi

"KENT LOOP COLLECTION VOLUME 6 – EMS SYNTHI

EMS Synthi was a portable synthesizer done in the early seventies by EMS, used by Pink Floyd, Todd Rundgren, Steve Hillage and other similar artist. This volume contains 50 synthi-like loops made with XILS Labs XILX 3 plug-in in the tradition of synthi-like sounds, sequencer patterns, odd bleeps, effects, as well as leads and bass lines.

Some of the loops use a compressor but most of them are clean so you could experiment with various compressor and other effect settings.

APPLELOOPS-LOGIC

These are green AppleLoops. If you don’t the plug-ins, just drag the loops into an audio track so the pure audio is used.

Drop the folder inside your loops directory and Logic will index these loops.

ABLETON LIVE

With Ableton Live, just drag them in from any location.

LOOP INDEX NAMES

synthi - synthi/XILS loops

bass - bass lines
pat - patterns, sequences and so on
lead - melodic loops
drum - drum loops
pad - pads and athmospheric loops
varispeed - varispeed

khx is my personal prefix.

LICENSING AGREEMENT

You are not allowed to make crappy music with these loops. Make hippie-electro music with these loops.

Have fun, Kent Sandvik (http://wwww.kentsandvik.com)
Release date: Nov 26, 2010
The set "Kent Loop Collection Volume 6 - EMS Synthi" by KentSandvik_Samples_Loops is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Be aware that the related tracks might have a different license."

Every Picnic needs a Synthi

Published on Apr 6, 2020 wutierson

"It was a special meeting, on September 2016, at Sonorámica Studio, somewhere in Mina Clavero/Traslasierra (Córdoba, Argentina), which included events along four days: courses on sound synthesis, production with electronic technology and live performances by Ernesto Romeo, Toni Gutiérrez and Sebastián Cirillo.
There were several classic and contemporary synthesizers, modular systems, sequencers and more, so on 10th September, at sunset and under the inspiring landscape of the mountains, the idea came out: since there were two EMS Synthi AKS units and one EMS VCS3 in the setup, the recreation of the magical scene was unavoidable. All of this happened, of course, off schedule. The composition was improvised at that moment with no previous rehearsal and taking as inspiration the magical essence of the environment, the wild and welcoming nature, the energy of the area, well-known for its frequent "sightings"… The EMS brought its organic sound and its futuristic and science fiction spirit and aesthetics to represent that moment perfectly. It was recorded live without any further additions. The sounds and melodies emerged from the top of the mountain, radiating their power to the valley, while the last sunbeams lightened the earth.
Unique and very special experience that was possible thanks to the love and passion of everyone who attended the meeting. This video and this theme remain as a memory of such a moment.

Ernesto Romeo : EMS Synthi AKS, Electro Harmonix Memory Man delay
Antonio Gutierrez: EMS Synthi A
Sebastián Cirillo: EMS VCS3

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EMS SYNTHI A Vintage Synthesizer w/ Manuals

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

via this auction

"Fully restored: in excellent working order and including 6 month warranty from Europe’s top EMS specialist.

Stunning sounding example: serviced and ready to ship. Tony says: “I’m always reluctant to let a Synthi go as they each have their own character and I’ve really connected to this one…”

EMS Synthi A for sale in excellent working order following a thorough overhaul and extensive testing (it’s a tough job, but Tony forced himself to do it 🙂 ).

Sonically and visually this is an early Mk1, but it has had some internal boards (that do not affect the tonality) replaced by early EMS Cornwall boards (see below for further info). Tony has tested this extensively and confirms it sounds just as he’d expect from an early Mk1: in fact he’s still not handed it back and is feverishly recording with it before someone buys it. Demos of Tony’s exploits with this Synthi are below.

New commission instruction: more info below from the technician who performed the servicing

This is a Mk1 Synthi with early EMS Cornwall replacement B and C boards. As the sound and character depends on board A and the matrix layout, this Synthi works and sounds as you’d expect from a Mk1.

Supplied with three EMS handbooks which contain essential and detailed information for the budding (or experienced) Synthi user: the VCS3 manual; The Synthi Book Of Sounds; The Synthi Educational Handbook.


CONDITION:

In very good overall condition, the face is clean showing some wear and discolouration as you’d expect from a vintage Synthi. It’s had an IEC socket installed in the past. The Spartanite case has had a hole blanked off near the handle and is missing its badge. The lid has the two mounting holes for a KS section (to make it an AKS) but as the joystick is the longer type and the power supply not upgraded for KS, it would appear that the lid is not original to this unit. Please see photos or get in touch if you require more information on condition."

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