EMS Synthi AKS and EMS VCS3 (The Putney) | Legendary Synthesizer

Published on Dec 8, 2015 Ralph Baumgartl VLog

"Ralph Baumgartl and Bernd-Michael Land show the legendary EMS Synthi AKS and the fabulous EMS VCS3 "The Putney". These analog synthesizers were widely used by electronic music pioneers such as Jean Michel Jarre, Brian Eno, Pink Floyd, Klaus Schulze and Tangerine Dream. Enjoy a video about some synthesizers that are genuine pillars of Pop Music history.
This Vlog is bilingual, in English and German language!"

Update:

EMS Logik Synthesizer, EMS Synthi E & Strymon BigSky

Published on Apr 19, 2016 Ralph Baumgartl VLog

"This is the EMS Special Part 2. Ralph Baumgartl is visiting the Synthesizer studio of Bernd Michael Land who is showing his EMS Logik Synthesizer and EMS Synthi E. And then the EMS Synthi E is connected to the Strymon BigSky to play it with some awesome reverb."

EMS Synthis

Thought it might be fun to put up a post on the four most popular EMS Synthis. And yes you can still get a Synthi from EMS, a Synthi A or a Synthi VCS3 to be exact. Title link takes you to the history of all EMS synths. Well worth checking out if you haven't in a while, or even if you have. You can back track to the home page from there if you want to buy one. : ) This stuff never gets old for me.

Synthi A (Portabella)- click here for a larger picture


VCS3 (Putney) - click for larger picture.


Synthi AKS - click for a larger picture



And the big daddy, the Synthi 100 - click for a larger picture

Beer Bottle on an EMS Synthi 100

Synthesis - EMS Synthi 100 - Köhn

Published on Mar 20, 2014 Dach ligt·7 videos

Kunstenfestival Tumult ism Icarus Records & IPEM
19/03/2014
Gravensteen
Gent

Update: video the set above in via phant in the comments. Original post follows:

The following is in via D' Naab 136. I have no way of verifying any of this, however, I have no reason to disbelieve it, unless these pics were somehow photoshopped. If anyone else was there, feel free to comment.

via D' Naab 136:

"Yesterday I witnessed some of the saddest stuff I've ever seen in my life. For an art exhibition going on in my hometown, they moved the EMS Synthi 100 belonging to IPEM at Ghent university to Gravensteen (a mideval castle) and let some 'artists' 'perform' live on it. I've known about this Synthi 100 for many years and even tried to buy it at some point from the university, because at that time it was in very poor condition and basically rotting away in a backroom somewhere. So, I was quite delighted to hear that it was somewhat restored and operational again. Also the idea of actually using it again and putting it on stage was just brilliant.

As you know, the sonic potential of the Synthi 100 is of galactic proportions: 9 VCO's, 8 VCF's, 3 LFO's, noise generators, ring modulators, spring reverbs, frequency to voltage converters, ... you name it, it has more than one of it. All of it interconnectable with two 64 by 64 matrix patch panels. One for signals and one for control voltages.

If there is one synthesizer in the world that allows for utterly mad complex modulations, earth shaking unison violence, insane self sequencing patches,... it's this one.

Of course I wanted to see these performances.

But, what I saw and heard was just sad... really sad. At first the Synthi 100 was not used at all, just standing there (talked to one of the organizers and he kept insisting I was hearing the Synthi 100 until he realized he could not bull*%#$ me and then told the machine needed some rest and was going to be used later. Read: more bull*%#$). When it was actually used, none of it went beyond some random (See the included pics of allmost empty patch panels) bleeps and bloops. Level: 3 year old on a Korg monotron. With a grand finale of some dude ranting a poem about the machine not being user friendly (I consider it as one of the most brilliantly laid out synths ever).

Much to my disgust, all 'acts' had one thing in common: They all put their beer on top of the EMS Synthi 100. Of which only 33 were ever made, just a handfull is still operational and which is now worth over 50000 EUR.

I see this like handling a Stradivarius after taking apart the engine of your car without washing your hands."

EMS Synthi 100 Oscillographics [Radio Belgrade Electronic Studio]

EMS Synthi 100 Oscillographics [Radio Belgrade Electronic Studio] from macumbista on Vimeo.

"This is a series of audiovisual X/Y oscilloscope patches for the EMS Synthi 100 at the Radio Belgrade Electronic Music Studio, and visualized on the Tektronix 5000 series modular rack oscilloscope. They were programmed to run autonomously without any human control. Most of them use two or three oscillators tuned to a close harmonic, and small changes in the frequencies (including temperature drift!) will make large changes in the image/sound. A couple use the Synthi 100's low pass filters as well. All are based on Ron Pellegrino's laser designs from "The Electronic Arts of Sound and Light" (1983)."


Oscillographics EMS Synthi 100 filter test [Radio Belgrade Electronic Studio] from macumbista on Vimeo.

"This is an audiovisual X/Y oscilloscope patch designed for the EMS Synthi 100 at the Radio Belgrade Electronic Music Studio and visualized on the Tektronix 5000 series modular rack oscilloscope. OSC 1 serves a visual purpose mainly and can be adjusted freely. OSC 2 provides the fundamental of the image/sound. OSC 10 sweeps FIL 2 through the harmonics and adds or subtracts nodes from the visual figure. Based on Ron Pellegrino's "Laser design 6", The Electronic Arts of Sound and Light (1983). NOTE: for X/Y display, replace "Time Base/Ampl" module on oscilloscope with "Y2" module.



* OSC 1 -> OUT 1

* OSC 2 -> FIL 2

* OSC 10 -> FIL 2 (control)

* FIL 2 -> OUT 1 (control)

* FIL 2 -> OUT 2

* FIL 2 -> OUT 2 (control)

* OUT 1 -> SCOPE Y1

* OUT 2 -> SCOPE X

* OSC 1 settings: 5:10:10:7.4

* OSC 2 settings: 5:5:7:2.5

* OSC 10 settings: 0:10:5:3.5:0

* FIL 2 settings: 5.5:5:10

* OUT1 settings: LVL:7, FIL: 5 (ON)

* OUT 2 settings: LVL: 7, FIL: 5 (ON)

* OUT 4 settings: LVL: 10, FIL: 0 (OFF)

* LEFT MATRIX (left:top) 69:56, 70:58, 85:36, 88:15, 105:37, 105:39

* RIGHT MATRIX (left:top) 77:18, 72:42, 72:43"

EMS Synthi AKS Videos

EMS Synthi AKS inverter mod and ring modulator.wmv

YouTue via ofiroman123 — April 13, 2010 — "the ring modulator inverted and then feed again into ring mod with osc.2 to the filter.
the joystick controls osc.2 frequency.
this synthi will be on auction on "vemia" http://www.spheremusic.com/
from 24/4 till 1/5 2010
more info here:
http://noisedesign.blogspot.com/2010/..."

EMS Synthi AKS inverter mod 1.wmv

"the ring modulator inverted and then feed again into ring mod with osc.2 and osc.1 to the filter. the joystick controls osc.2 frequency."

EMS Synthi AKS inverter mod 2.wmv

"the ring modulator inverted and then feed again into ring mod with osc.2 and osc.1 to the filter. the joystick controls osc.2 frequency."

EMS Synthi AKS inverter mod 3.wmv

"the ring modulator inverted and then feed again into ring mod with osc.2 and osc.1 and envelope signal to the filter. the joystick controls osc.2 frequency."

EMS 2011 Cornwall Synthi A

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

via this auction

Via the listing: "2011 Built EMS Synthi A with rare presto patch. This Synthi was from the last lot built at the end of 2011 by EMS.

Includes:

EMS SYNTH A 2011 CORNWALL

USA Power (switchable)!

ORIGINAL MANUAL - STILL IN THE PLASTIC BAG!

ORIGINAL BOX

EMS "SURVIVAL KIT" - I will include extra PINS from my personal stash - of each color in case your pins are lost! Extra volume POT - EMS Synthi's are still built with many "new old stock" components - one very common failure is the volume pot gets a little scratchy over time - no problem! I will include a spair!

Looks and sounds wonderful! Your chance to own a modern 2011 synthi built by Robin Wood and his team. From a non-smoking home hobbyist studio - never gigged.

A minor cosmetic issue is the crack in the plastic spartanite case as shown in the photo. This case was among the last ones at EMS at the time and my choice was no synthi or a synthi with a minor case defect - I chose the synthi!"

CLICK FOR MORE »

SYNTHI-JS - Free Online EMS SYNTHI

This is pretty cool.

You can play with it here. Try loading some of the different patches. I noticed I had to turn up the volume a bit to hear the first two patches. Be careful of course. I'm not sure if any of the patches get considerably louder.

You can find the source code on github here.

Details captured for the archives:

"SYNTHI-JS is an emulator of the legendary EMS Synthi A modular synthesizer, built in JavaScript on top of the Flocking library.

Features

Devices
3 oscillators
noise generator
low-pass filter
ring modulator
analog-style reverberator
self-triggering envelope generator
16x16 control patchboard
Bidirectional joystick controller
Scope module displaying "voltage" over time
100 patch memory banks with import/export functionality and (new in v1.1!) 5 built-in presets
(new in v1.2!) File upload functionality for input sources via S3
(new in v1.2!) Customizable knob behavior
(new in v1.3!) Emulation of the EMS DK2 keyboard
Getting Started

First, open up SYNTHI-JS and take a look around.

SYNTHI-JS can look daunting at first, but creating patches with it is actually quite straightforward. The patchboard functions as a routing mechanism: device outputs on the left side of the patchboard get routed to device inputs on the top side of the patchboard.

Let's make our first patch! Click on the button at B1 at the patchboard to connect the sine-wave output of Oscillator 1 to Output Channel 1. You should hear a 440 Hz sine wave coming out of your left speaker – congratulations!

CLICK FOR MORE »

EMS Synthi 100 Restored in Australia

This one in via readers Ross & Luke. An EMS Synthi 100 is being restored at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music by Mr. Leslie Craythorn. According the article on ABC News Australia:

"My count is we're down to maybe three Synthi 100s which are actually working and in original condition, of which this is one"

I'm curious how close that count is. I took a quick look in the archives and there was one in Kohn. The Digitana was featured here (according to the video only about 30 total Synthi 100s were made). There was one fully functional for sale in 2009 and 2006 (the same one?). One was spotted in this Aphex Twin post. Meat Beat Manifest had one featured here. Note the one in the background of this post, and of course the one being lifted by a crane in this post. Click here for all posts featuring the EMS Synthi 100.



You'll find pics, video and the full story on ABC News Australia here.

"On request of the university, Mr Craythorn has spent some of his last months on the job meticulously restoring a rare Electronic Music Studios (EMS) Synthi 100 modular synthesiser.

With its rows of coloured knobs and primitive displays the large grey cabinet looks like something from an old science fiction TV show and, in a way, it is.

Mr Craythorn said the instrument is identical to the one used by the BBC Radiophonic Workshop in the 1970s to create sound effects and incidental music for Doctor Who.

He first encountered the Synthi in 1975 when he was employed as a technician in the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music's electronic music laboratory.

'When I walked in and saw the size and the immensity of the machine... it's overwhelming,' he said."

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.'”

EMS still kicking - Home of EMS Synthi

Someone asked about the EMS site and whether it was legit on AH. It is and I beleive you can still get a brand new Synthi out of them built to original spec or other if you like. But... It is pricey and I've heard there is a long wait. Before I die.... I will have a real Synthi. : )

EMS claims to be the world's longest synthesizer mangacturer. From the history page (make sure to check out the history and products page while there for some amazing historical pics):

"Electronic Music Studios (London) Ltd. was formed in 1969 by Dr. Peter Zinovieff to market innovative ideas arising from his private studio and interest in musical applications of computers. Over the next ten years many seminal products were released and many talented designers worked for the company. EMS had its own peculiar brand of British eccentricity which could be both endearing and annoying, but should be viewed in the context of true pioneering. It is easy to copy and follow others, but not to think up new ideas in the first place and EMS had no shortage of originality. The EMS influence was significant and can be traced into many contemporary products. "

"After EMS(London) folded in 1979 the assets were bought by Datanomics, a company that made rocking hospital beds [sic.]. From 1980 to 1984 a small number of VCS3s, Synthi AKSs and Vocoders were made and a new synthesizer was developed, the DataSynthi. This was essentially a VCS3 type monophonic keyboard using Curtis ICs with a programmable patch matrix and it was never produced. They also redesigned all the circuitry of the Synthi 100 and then sold just one to a studio in Spain.

After the honeymoon, Datanomics realised that they were not destined to become commercial synthesizer manufacturers and EMS was sold again. The next owner was composer Edward Williams, a long term EMS user and enthusiast, with the soundtracks of the famous "Life on Earth" documentary series to his credit. The Soundbeam and several upgrades to the Vocoders were made during this period.

In April 1995 Robin Wood aquired the full rights of EMS after working for all incarnations continuously since 1970. Synthi As, VCS3s and Vocoders are still being produced to the original or modified specifications. Current details and news appears in the EMS Main Page. "

EMS Synthi A (1971)

images via this auction
"EMS Synthi A. Fully working Synthi A. Mains outlet has been changed for a common 3-prong AC power cable. The case is a composite of 2 front lids. It was supplied by Robin Wood (current owner of EMS). 2 screws are missing in the back and the latches are loose. Now the good thing is, this synthi works perfectly, no cross talk in the matrix, full set of pins and you get the sweet sounding filter of the first edition of the VCS-3. The synthi A is identical to the VCS-3 MK1. It also has separate rows for all osc's in the matrix. Robin Wood has said that he prefers the older synthis (and MK1 VCS-3) over MKII'S and synthi AKS. You can get a cable from Kenton that will make it work with standard CV-Gate (1 volt/octave) gear. It works perfectly! Otherwise this the deepest FX and treatment machine there is. Included is the ORIGINAL manual, a full set of pins and, if you buy it now, I'll include the tutorial called "Playing the Synthi" and the EMS Synthi patch book! This is the synth that is all over Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" and most of Brian Eno's great albums from the 70's. Great reverb, ring modulator, filter and an amazing matrix that lets you explore the signal in a modular way, without the patch cords"

EMS SYNTHI 100 for Auction

via this auction

BIN of 45,000.00 GBP or roughly 63,964.41 USD according to XE.com
Details:
"For sale the legendary EMS SYNTHI 100 modular in great condition and fully functional - one of the biggest and rarest synths ever built, 33 units ever built - including many original accessories and non-working parts of the ultra-rare COMPUTER SYNTHI !

The Synthi 100 was entirely serviced, finished in January.
The unit is an early one. That is, the filters are diode based (like the VCS3) and not OTA based, therefore they are by far the best sounding of the 2 "revisions".
Probably the richest, creamiest HP I have ever heard.
Says who ? says me and James Walker (http://www.synthrepairservices.com/), one of the best specialists worldwide in this matter.

With the main unit come many original accessories :
- original double keyboard
- original wooden keyboard cover
- original cable from keyboard to unit
- 2 wooden covers to protect each matrix from dust
- original manual for the Synthi 100 : "Handbook for Synthi 100"
- Female and male plugs for optional CV/gate or MIDI remote control
- Large quantity of pins :
91 blue
69 white
48 orange
6 reds
1 pin with cable to connect to coloured connectors to control pulsewidth of waveforms.
4 cables with pins at both ends which allow connecting between matrixes.
- special modification adding the possibility of controlling the oscillators' waveforms pulsewidth, not possible on stock Synthi 100s.
- A big pile of empty Synthi 100 patch sheets
- Ignition key
- original expansion card for analog cards repairs
- not original expansion card for digital cards repairs
(with these 2 last cards you can repair your unit forever, without them it would be a folly to buy this synth as the day it fails you cannot repair it anymore)

Also included with all this will come non-working parts of the ultra-rare COMPUTER SYNTHI.
Note that there has been only 3 ever built, 1 of them being the prototype, so this is more than rare, this is almost unique.
They are 3 parts of the Computer Synthi plus very extensive schematics for the Computer Synthi in a "HandBook for Synthi - Computer Synthi" big black book (in case you know someone very good at music electronics who wants to rebuild it). Here you will find more infos about this :
http://members.tripod.com/werdav/comsynth.htm
They seem to be the 2 upper panels :
* 1. Two, digital tape decks mounted at the top left of the front panel.
* 2. An alpha-numeric display, user push buttons, and a digital oscillator mounted at the top right of the front panel.
Plus the other rack under the alpha-numeric display+push buttons which is maybe the 3rd part described :
* 3. Analogue to digital converters and digital to analogue converters both with software, range and offset controls - mounted at the bottom right of the front panel."

Update on EMS SYNTHI Production

via the sdiy list:

"15th February 2010

Dear xxx,

Thank you for your enquiry. After many long delays we are now expecting to re-
start production of the Synthi A and VCS3 at the end of this month.
We only have enough of the original Synthi A cases for 40 units, and when these
are all used-up we intend to redesign this product. Inevitably it will change
into something a bit different, but we have every intention of continuing with a
similar portable instrument.

In contrast the wooden cabinets for the VCS3 can still be made and we currently
have 30 ready for use in production. So we are hoping to continue to make this
available in its original form for several more years.

Please note that although we are not currently offering any keyboards for sale
(KS or DK2), we are hoping to make the mechanical keyboard DK2 available again
shortly after we have restarted Synthi production. We will also be trying to re-
introduce a variant of the KS touch-keyboard sequencer in due course. As yet no
price is available for either.

Many would-be customers have been waiting for several years for production to
restart, and we have been operating a waiting list system. The waiting list for
the Synthi A is already over-subscribed by double the number of available cases.
But people are still joining in the hope that enough of the long-term waiters
will have dropped out when we re-establish contact with them. Deposits for
Synthi As are now only accepted on the understanding that there is an
increasingly slim chance that one of the last original Synthi As will be
available to purchase. The separate waiting list for VCS3s remains open.
At the moment we are quoting a notional lead-time of 18 months for Synthi As and
VCS3s, although once we start delivering completed units we should be able to be
a bit more specific. Prices are 3000.00 GBP for the Synthi A and 3200.00 for the
VCS3 (excluding VAT - if you live in the EEC).

If you want to join the waiting list we just need a deposit in the form of a
personal cheque (NOT a bank draft), made out to EMS and mailed to the above
address, for the equivalent of 150.00 GB pounds (USD or euros accepted). We will
NOT attempt to bank or cash deposit cheques and at any time you can request its
return, for example if you managed to find a used Synthi on ebay or elsewhere.
To keep track of progress you are always welcome to email for an update.

The Synthis we are making are to the original Mk2 design using the original
components. Various modifications may be also added - a list is available on
request.
Let me know if you need any further information.

Best wishes - Robin Wood"
ems-synthi.demon.co.uk

SYNTHI CONTROL CONSOLE

More info via http://www.synthi.co.uk/:
"SYNTHI CONTROL CONSOLE

A new prototype of a console to control 2 EMS Synthi’s (either 2 Synthi AKS, 2 VCS3 mk2 or a mixture)

Features:-
· 36x48 Matrix patching capability using standard EMS patch pins.

· Connects to Synthi prestosockets via special umbilical cables.

· External CV and Gate inputs to Synthi 1 and 2 via 6.35mm Jack sockets.

· Connects to Synthi Jones sockets on Synthi 1 and 2 for switching control between either external CV/Gat or DK1/DK2/KS control via toggle switches. Connection via custom cables.

· 4 Inverter Input/Output channels on Matrix

· Synthi 1+2 Envelope Shapers triggered by +ve/-ve signals from Matrix.

· 8 Output channels (6.35mm Jack sockets) via the Matrix.

I have enough original 1970’s Sealectro Matrix panels to make at most 7 units. They may be offered for sale on a build to order basis.

Approximate cost around £1500 + shipping (user supplied pins)."

via the EMS SYNTHI blog

EMS Synthi is surprising every day

EMS Synthi is surprising every day from richard scott on Vimeo.

"Brand new Cornwall EMS Synthi"

EMS Synthi A seems slightly pissed off from richard scott on Vimeo.

Cornwall changes its mind about the Euro(rack) from richard scott on Vimeo.

Cornwall EMS Synthi A having a chat with my Eurorack suitcase

EMS Synthi AKS w/ Digitana Synthi Matrix Interface

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

via this auction

"Rare EMS Synthi AKS: A Unique Piece of Synth History

These synths are almost impossible to come by and hold a significant piece of electronic music history within their quirky exterior.

This one's been taken care of, and despite a small crack on the shell (which you can check out in the photos), it's seriously in fine fettle - always ready to add that certain something to your music that only a Synthi can.

And it's not just the Synthi itself - this rarity also comes with a Digitana Synthi Matrix Interface. An impressive device that cranks up the gear's flexibility, letting you delve further into soundscapes unique to the Synthi universe.

Forget mass-produced, vanilla synths. The EMS Synthi AKS is anything but ordinary. So, if you're in the market for a unique, hard-to-come-by piece of synth history, then this could be the one for you. Drop a line if you're interested - I'm sure this won't hang about for long!"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Arturia Announces V Collection 7 w/ EMS SYNTHI & Casio CZ-101 Based Synth Engines

Published on Apr 25, 2019 Arturia

Update: mini press release added below.
Update2: User videos added below.

"24 timeless instruments lovingly recreated in #software, and modernized with contemporary features. This is the most comprehensive anthology of classic #synth and #keyboards ever made. This is decades of passionate research, modelling, and development. This is your chance to take your place in music history."

Playlist:
Arturia announces | V Collection 7
Arturia announces | Synthi V
Arturia announces | CZ V
Arturia announces | Mellotron V
Arturia announces | B3 V 2
Tutorials | Synthi V - Episode 1: Overview
Tutorials | CZ V - Episode 1 : Overview
Tutorials | Mellotron V - Episode 1: Overview

New Synths in V Collection 7

Synthi V
BRITISH SILVER MACHINE

Synthi V completely captures the spirit of the unique analog synth that burst out of ‘70s London to inspire the entire emerging electronic music world—and it has new superpowers to inspire your world today.

Synthi V brings you all the experimental excitement of EMS’ legendary 3-oscillator analog synths—now infused with thoroughly modern enhancements. Venture beyond unusual lead and bass sounds to create soundscapes and sci-fi effects ranging from beautiful to bizarre and everything in between.

The British-born EMS family of synths—featuring the sonically identical Synthi AKS and VCS3—were among the first to distill modular synthesizer functionality into a more portable form. Where most competitive designs like the Minimoog sacrificed flexibility to size and simplicity, EMS retained a modular heart through the genius of one of the first matrix patchbays to grace a synth. That additional versatility led to more experimentation outside of melodic norms and into the more electronic realms of psychedelia and sci-fi effects. Cue Pink Floyd’s “On the Run” from “The Dark Side of the Moon” LP.

Synthi V is the perfect evolution of the synth that turned a lot of heads. Now you can use it to turn some heads of your own.

Main Features
A component-level model of the EMS Synthi AKS
3 oscillators with waveform mix, noise generator, 18 dB/oct resonant filter, output section with spring reverb modelling
Modular architecture, allowing to route signals in unexpected ways
Ring Modulator, loopable Envelope Shaper, 2 axis Joystick and Sample and Hold modules for advanced modulations
Original keyboard sequencer module with sync to DAW tempo
2 matrix behavior modes: modern and vintage for cross-talk simulation
5 assignable voltage functions to create multi-point envelopes and LFOs synced to DAW tempo
Advanced joystick automation module for modulating parameters in a 2D space
Matrix pin amounts modulations possibilities (with 4 independent groups)
10 effects, Reverb Phaser, Flanger, Chorus, Overdrive, Delay, ...
Up to 4 voices of polyphony
Over 250 factory presets

CZ V
PHASE DISTORTION CULT CLASSIC
The budget synth that became a legend in its own right. The instrument that brought the digital synth revolution to the masses is now at your command.

A simpler kind of powerful digital synthesis

Released in 1984, the CZ-101 was Casio’s answer to the wildly popular Yamaha DX7. It was significantly less expensive and infinitely easier to program than its rival. Instead of frequency modulation, Casio’s phase distortion (PD) used various user-selected waveforms to modulate the timing of simple carrier waves at the cycle level in order to create more complex wave shapes. This simplified form of digital synthesis made it comparatively easy to perfect a wide variety of timbres spanning warm pads, natural percussion, buzzy digitalia, sci-fi effects and even analog synths. While PD could sound similar to FM, it also had a unique sonic signature all its own.

The CZ sound helped propel artists like Salt-N-Pepa, Was (Not Was), and Vince Clarke into the spotlight. Let’s add your name to the list.

Classic Casio Phase Distorsion
+ cutting-edge Arturia modeling
= infinite sonic possibilities for you

Imagine a virtual instrument that realistically models every nuance of the CZ-101—and with four times the polyphony and zillions more presets. What if it gave you an intuitive graphic interface that unlocked of all the hidden jewels in this unique digital synth? And what if it now had additional envelopes, filters, LFOs, effects, and extensive beat-sync-to-host parameters? Oh, and what if you could interconnect all that via a new super-flexible modulation matrix? We’ve faithfully reproduced the instrument that brought ‘80s pop to new heights.

Yeah... we did that!

Main Features
Two synthesis lines and independent noise source
All CZ-101/CZ-1000 original parameters
8 original waveform and custom waveform editor
Original CZ SysEx import
CZ, DADSR and Multi-Segments envelopes (syncable and loopable) to control pitch, DCW and amplitude
2 Modulation envelopes
4 assignable macros
Advanced modulation matrix
A Sample and Hold module, 2 LFOs with 6 waveforms, 3 sources combinators and an Arpeggiator
4 FXs slots that can be routed in serie or per synthesis line
A synthesis line state viewer for real-time feedback
Emulation of the original CZ DAC
32 voices of polyphony
Up to 8 voices of unison with unison detune
Over 400 factory presets

Update: and the mini press release:

"Arturia have announced the arrival of the latest edition of V Collection : their flagship anthology of reimagined historic synths and keyboards.

Containing 24 premier software instruments and thousands of preset sounds, V Collection 7 is the must-have reference for musicians, producers, sound designers, and keyboard fans.

Legendary keyboards reinvented
In V Collection 7, Arturia have used cutting-edge modelling techniques to create the most accurate software versions of dozens of time-honored instruments. Their exclusive True Analog Emulation® (TAE) and advanced physical modelling put these legendary instruments at your fingertips as software. Over 100 years of music history are now yours to explore, and use to shape the sound of the future.

Launch offer
To celebrate its release, and only for a limited time, V Collection will be available for an incredible price. Whether you are new to Arturia products, want to upgrade from a previous version of V Collection , or own any other Arturia products, you will have access to an exclusive deal that will put the very best synth and keyboard recreations ever made at your fingertips.

Intro offer from $399/399€, ends June 10th.
Street price $499/499€

NEW INSTRUMENTS

MELLOTRON V
LEGENDARY TAPE KEYBOARD
The original instrument redefined what keyboard players could do, unlocking the doors to orchestral and choral sounds at the touch of a key. Arturia’s reinvented versions not only features all original Mellotron tapes, but also lets you import and play your own samples with authentic tape emulation.

SYNTHI V
BRITISH SILVER MACHINE
The quirky British “silver machine” that put a new spin on modular synthesis, reborn in software with exciting new tricks up its sleeve. Advanced component modelling let Arturia model even its wild, unpredictable nature, with advanced modulation and powerful effects added to the mix.

CZ V
PHASE DISTORTION CULT CLASSIC
The budget synth that became a legend in its own right. The instrument that brought the digital synth revolution to the masses is now at your command. Easy to program phase distortion synthesis with custom editor, huge modulation potential and awesome effects.

EXCITING UPDATES
ANALOG LAB 4
INSPIRE, CREATE, COMBINE, AND PERFORM
A treasure trove of amazing synth and keyboard sounds with effects, easy to browse, fun to control, with a new built-in live mode. Your go-to choice for inspiration and performances.

B-3 V 2
THE MOST POPULAR ORGAN REBORN
Our recreation of Hammond’s legendary organ has received a total sound engine overhaul, making it the most authentic, vibrant electric organ virtual instrument ever.

SYNTHOPEDIA
CUTTING EDGE PRESETS
Over 800 brand new, modern sounds created for legacy V Collection instruments. The hottest synths and chart-topping keys are yours to explore.

Arturia have created a series of promotional videos and tutorials to whet your appetite, and get you familiar with the exciting new instruments. Each software instrument also features an in-app tutorial mode, too! Just another one of the fantastic new features in V Collection 7.

To discover more about Arturia V Collection 7 , the stories behind the vintage instrument recreations, and to start your free trial, visit the Arturia website."

Update2: First user videos:



Arturia V Collection 7 - Played by a LEGO Robot - Carl-Mikael's Cabinet of Curiosities
Arturia SYNTHI V Synthesizer (EMS Synthi AKS Emulation) First Look & Sound Demo - SYNTH ANATOMY
Arturia MELLOTRON V First Look & Sound Demo - SYNTH ANATOMY

EMS Synthi For Sale

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated. Roi and an EMS Synthi A

Uploaded by mcabaret2007 on Nov 21, 2008

"Roi from Mechanical Cabaret, improvising on an EMS Synthi A synthesizer during a recording session for the new Mechanical Cabaret album called 'Damaged Goods'."

via this auction
"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 attache briefcase! This is a very rare original working example of one of the most revered, fantastic, and ultra portable synthesizers ever made.

Firstly, there’s a little bit of background information on this which might possibly help me in my quest to sell it: this particular Synthi A was originally a end of tour gift to Mike Hall, Erasure’s keyboard roadie, in 1992 – he is still the current owner, and I am now selling this on his behalf, sold as seen.

I’m sure that most people looking at this listing know all too well what a wondrous thing it is that I’m selling here, and perhaps are aware of how incredibly rare it is to find a genuine, working example of a Synthi A these days. There's absolutely tons of info around on this machine, which is easy enough to come across on the web via a well placed Google search or two, so there’s no point in me lazily copying/pasting or just replicating any of that... Here’s a video of me playing around with the actual Synthi A I’m selling here..." [above]

New EMS Synthi Faceplate

Image of the new EMS Synthi faceplate sent my way via ross. Click image for full size shot.

Via AH:

"I had talked to Robin Wood regarding production of the new Synthis. Apparently they will have 99% exact parts as the originals, the only being that the original reverb tank on the originals VCS3 and Synthi A has lapsed, and there is a comparable replacement. All the rest of the parts and circuits should be built to exact specifications as the original units produced from 1972 onwards. Although I had originally considered trading my Synton Fenix due to EMS lust, I think I am better off attempting to acquire one of Robin's new handmade units. I won't be able to easily replace the functionality of the feature set of my Synton Fenix, and it is far more rare of an instrument. My only apprehension is that Robin has stated that he would build units for the last 6 years, and it has been quite some time since they were produced. I think he is honest, and he has been absolutely helpful in my recent E-mail inquiries into his Synthis, however I am weary of waiting for many years in anticipation for a Synthi A, with the possibility that they may never be produced. Apparently he only has 40 Synthi briefcases left, so Synthi As will no longer be produced after this next batch. Furthermore, the company that produces the matrixboards for the Synthis is stopping production, so there is a new renewed urgency to finish production on these units, as well as to backstock this particular part for future repairs. Anyone on the list have a recent custom made Synthi from 1990-2001? It would be interesting to hear if these units differ from the originals, and how well they conformed to original specifications."

Update via Ross:
"Synthi differences

heard from Robin that there are more differences

1. no more Prestopatch ( see faceplate photo)
2. Pastel coloured knobs
3. no more sequencer
4. Joystick is not the same.

I wanted to buy an old silver face plate for my Synthi AKS as the china
graph is coming off, and was informed that the silver faceplate is no
longer being made.

I am desperate for anyone who has copied exactly the original
prestopatch Synthi AKS faceplate in any format pdf, etc or what ever
format as I want to get a new faceplate made up."

EMS Synthi A w. Cricklewood Keyboard

Update: the same images were used in this auction. Make of it what you wish. Be sure to see the comments of this post.

images via this CL listing.
"- the EMS Synthi A as shown, with original Spartanite case

- a Cricklewood keyboard with connecting cable. The keyboard is missing the metal tops from several of the knobs and the red plastic is worn on one pin switch (see picture). The Cricklewood (aka the DK1) is a velocity sensitive "dynamic" monophonic keyboard for use with the Synthi A.

- 2 outboard random voltage generators made by EMS, with wooden cases (some small scratches in the cases). The generators are not secured in the wooden cases.

- 1 pitch to voltage converter made by EMS (with wooden case). The Ch II mode pot on the pitch to voltage converter is somewhat stiff and may need lubrication. The converter is not secured in the wooden case.

- a user manual for the similar EMS Putney VCS3 Synth, which is the same as the Synthi A but in a different case. The VCS3 manual was the manual I got when I originally bought this Synthi.

- various electronic schematics

- the book "Playing The Synthi", a tutorial guide by EMS on how to use the Synthi. The binding is not very good on the book and the pages are loose.

- a handful of completed patch cards (5) and approximately 60 blank patch cards

- the patch pins as shown

- 3 control cables for connecting the outboard gear

- all original power cords"
$6900