The Top 100 Synths According to the A-Z of Analog Synths

via Ethan Callendar in the comments of this post. Thank you Ethan! Click the image to shoot Peter an email on the availability of the A-Z Books. I have them and they are very, very good - an absolute must have for synth enthusiasts.

"Here are the top 100 according to Peter Forrest's "A-Z of Analogue Synthesisers:

1. Moog Memorymoog (LAM)
2. Roland MKS-80 (w/MPG-80 + MKB-1000)
3. Sequential Circuits Prophet-5 (Rev 3)
4. Moog Memorymoog Plus
5. Sequential Circuits Prophet-10
6. Sequential Circuits Prophet-5 (Rev 2)
7. Oberheim Matrix-12
8. Sequential Circuits Prophet-T8
9. Moog Original Prototype
10. Oberheim Xpander

CLICK FOR MORE »

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

EMS VCS3 Putney Inspired DIY Synth by Kris Campestre

via Kris Campestre on The MATRIXSYNTH Lounge

"DIY Work in progress.
Specs:
4 vco's (VCS3)
1 Trapezoid (JH)
1 Trapezoid (synthi 100)
1 LPF (VCS3 + JH mods)
1 Sample & Hold (JH)
1 octave filterbank (synthi 100)
1 Wavefolder (JH)
1 Highpass filter (synthi 100)
1 Random voltage generator (synthi 100)
1 Slew limiter (synthi 100)
2 Ring modulators (VCS3)
1 Envelope follower (synthi 100)
1 Noise generator (synthi 100)
1 joystick
1 inputmodule ( vcs3)
1 outputmodule (vcs3)
1 matrix for audio
1 matrix for control voltages"

EMS Synthi 100 starting at 100GBP no reserve

via Peter Forest:
"The Synthi 100 that didn't get a bid in the last VEMIA now has to be sold without reserve, so if you'd like to be able to say you once bid on a Synthi 100, now's your chance. Since the bid will include full servicing we're relying on it getting a bit higher than the 100GBP start bid.

http://www.spheremusic.com/Bargaindtl.asp?Item=7459 - bidding ends a week today, Thursday 17 Dec, at or very soon after 20.00 UK time (GMT)." images here be sure to click on All Sizes followed by Original for the full glory.

Auction Description:
"START BID £100, no reserve; to be sold FULLY SERVICED by EMS experts Lucid Sound - ** the bid includes the servicing cost**. AUCTION ENDS 20.00 GMT OR SOON AFTER, THURSDAY DECEMBER 17. This wonderful Synthi 100, serial number 3007, was owned originally by Bruno Spoerri, and was the first ever to be sold to a private studio. He used it for many years. At some stage he decided he wanted some more variety within this massive system, and changed some (maybe 10%) of the modules' circuitry to more modern analogue designs. He also added some interesting and useful additional mods. Because of the modular nature of the beast (all the important boards are contained within card-frames for simple removal and work) it would be very possible to return these to their original design - all parts are still readily available. But our feeling is that it would be good to start with Bruno's mods intact, and only change back if they proved not to be useful or interesting. The winning bidder can decide what he or she prefers - if necessary after discussion with Lucid as the servicing proceeds. The bid will include complete servicing to Bruno's modded spec, whereas returning the machine to original factory spec might possibly involve some extra expense, payable to Lucid Sound. After Bruno Spoerri, it was owned by Felix Visser of Synton, who bought it as one of the centrepieces of a massive museum planned for the Netherlands. The museum never happened, and so he sold it 18 months ago. The new owner unfortunately has hit a crisis which involved having to move out of his current studio and home without having been able to use it once, and so the Synthi is up for sale again. It is in very good cosmetic condition. There is some cosmetic marking where damage to one of the massive pin matrices has been repaired - see the photo - and a small amount of corrosion on the right of the serial number panel. Apart from that, and the odd scuffs and marks consistent with its 35 years' life (including on the padded top), it is really lovely. The 'producer desk' in between the two matrices has been repaired and re-tolexed and looks great. All knobs are beautiful; all keys on the twin-manual keyboard are excellent. There are a lot of photos of this machine at http://www.flickr.com/photos/73278691@N00/ (or http://www.flickr.com/photos/matrixsynth/sets/72157622974821168/. The photos are poorly organised but do show most aspects of this gorgeous instrument. This is totally complete: it comes with the stand for the keyboards, the back panels, sliding front panels for the Synthi stand, a generous number of matrix pins (including some for the sequencer) - well into three figures, we think - and the original manuals, massive tomes like old bibles. This is the eighth out of less than 30 of these incredible machines, and one of very few (just 3 or 4?) to go to a private studio, so much less likely to be abused during its life by a succession of careless students or employees. Servicing will take a maximum of three months from the end of the auction - the hope is to do it more quickly, but three months is the worst case scenario.) The winning bidder will receive regular progress reports from Lucid. Payment: because of the considerable value we hope this will reach (exceptionally rare, beautiful, and fully serviced), there are special payment arrangements. 10% **non-returnable** deposit to be paid within 24 hours of the auction finish, by bank transfer, credit or debit card (or UK cheque by agreement) - and then the rest by bank transfer or UK cheque within 14 days of the auction finish. SHIPPING: we are willing to ship worldwide, with the buyer paying for crating and transport (and of course any import costs). We will also offer personal delivery in the UK mainland, northern France, Belgium, Holland, and possibly other countries, depending on distance."

EMS Synthi-100 at Radio Belgrade 2018 - the "Emperor of Synths"

Published on Feb 23, 2018

"Visiting the Electronic Studio Radio Belgrade and talking with Svetlana Maras about the renovated incredible EMS Synthi-100 plus their plans for the future.

Notice:
To describe the „7200 Patchpoints - Emperor of Modular Synths” can only be a humble attempt within 15 minutes (even out of 2hrs video content). But, besides some unprecise details due to this improvised conversation it should serve as a first insight for everyone who is seriously into Modular Synthesizers plus provide a short impression of what is much more exact in the scientific exploration apart from popular youtube. Notice also, that dedicated people worldwide are working on the EMS Synthi-100 conservation, restauration and keeping/bringing it back to vital life again for composers, researchers and artists. The knowledge and magic of this cultural icon won´t get lost for the upcoming generations of enthusiasts. Lets start in Belgrade, where Number 4 is back again!!"

EMS Rehberg

Title link takes you to the EMS Rehberg site. I knew about the UK EMS site, but not this site. According to Dennis Verschoor: "The German EMS was a european distribiteur and technican. Later on he was allowed to design/build ems stuff. Some people say the German ones are even build better. Good German quality (volkwagen, bmw, mercedess etc) : )"

According to their pricelist here, you can pick up a refurbished Synthi 100 for 55.000 Euros or roughly $66,184 US compared to this Synthi 100 with a minimum starting bid of $60,000 US.

Update: Notes from Malte:
"Some years ago where I had some cash I emailed Rehberg about the
possibility to purchase a Synthi A and he answerd rather quick that they
indeed are available. The website has never changed, like the EMS UK
one, but I guess its still valid. As a service you can borrow equipment
from EMS too, although not the 100 I guess :)

This picture shows the 100 that is now in small town Lueneburg

http://www.emsrehberg.de/SYNTHI__s/L_neburg1_web.jpg

Here is the history of another famous of the first importers of synths
in germany (but only in german), Synthesizer Studio Bonn Matten +
Wiechers, who are credited on nearly every Kraftwerk CD and responsible
for the Synthanorma sequencer and Banana synth, an Oberheim clone.

http://www.elektropolis.de/index.htm

BTW: this is Ludwig
http://www.elektropolis.de/images/rehberg.jpg"
Cheers,

Malte

1973 EMS SYNTHI 100 Synthesizer Sales Sheet

via this auction
"Glossy Sales Sheet for EMS SYNTHI 100, ca. 1973.

Electronic Music Studios in London claims to be the world's longest established synthesizer manufacturer.

This 8.5" by 11" page features a monochrome picture of the massive SYNTHI 100 synthesizer on the front, description and specifications on back.

Suitable for framing and display.

This vintage glossy sales sheet is in very good condition. Staple hole on upper right edge (as received from EMS by me in 1973), lower right corner slightly bent, fold on lower right corner. Light blue color. See photos.

Please see my other auctions for more original vintage sales sheets from EMS (Electronic Music Studios), ARP, Ionic Industries and EML (Electronic Music Laboratories)."

Massive Aphex Twin Interview with Tons of Synth Talk

You'll find the full interview at noyzelab

Some interesting bits regarding the EMS SYNTHI 100 pictured below and the three KORG PS3300's to the left which were originally owned by Dave Simmons.

On unusual ways of making sounds with the EMS SYNTHI 100: "2nd thing that comes to mind is putting a bank of ldr's and a few thermistors over the oscilloscope of the synth 100, its 20 ldr's and 3 or 4 thermistors, so you get a nice visual feedback thing going on, sounded insane, got to record it next time! pitch transition were so nice..also got to record synthi100 with all oscillators synced,..that IS a sound...all oscs on that thing have sync

but like that you are going from electricity to light waves then back to electricity and then finally to sound waves in air, top...oh and then electrochemical in yer hed and then.......______ s100 with ldr's+thermistors

ive got a cv in control on the lights of the synthi 100 so can also use those to operate the ldr's, also putting the bank of ldr's behind a fish tank with light on other side, fish modulation :)"


On the three KORG PS3003's "so going back to about 93/94 ish there were 3 for sale in loot newspaper london for £10k for bloody ages, like 6 months or something, nobody was buying them! I mean i remember thinking that was a shit load of cash then even. so i went too see them, I had about £2k to my name then to live on and i would've dropped the lot on one of those bad boys so thought id go and see if i could get one of them at least. Went around with my friend vic, it turned out it was owned by Dave simmons of simmons drum fame! and his wife! was so cool to find that out but was REALLY bad atmosphere because they were SO SO nice to us, very welcoming showed us the synths , played us their music even , they didn't know who the fuk i was, even if id told them they wouldn't have known who i was.. but it became pretty apparent to me they were very in need of the money prob coz his business had gone down tubes, bought 3 korg ps3300's in better times for god knows how much...they even made us dinner thinking I was going to buy all 3 , it became really horrible atmos..then i was like ill buy one of you ...silence...tumbleweed..., here I've got 2k in cash now! they were so sad and didn't sell it to me , so i went home also sad.. then ffwd about 6 years and better money times for me and I was buying up loads of cheap analog on ebay and i thought i wonder what happened to those 3 korgs, id heard a rumour cold cut had bought them, pulled some strings and realised matt black lived literally 5 mins away from me! so i thought ok, its destiny. went to see him, they were all fucked, but working AND midi'd, he'd midi'd them. Matt, really lovely guy, was very friendly and lushly agreed to sell me one, it was unusable, used it on fenix funk for the mental spectral sounds at the beginning with pitch bend applied to it oh and dissonant sounds at end.

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. "

Melbourne's EMS Synthi 100 Given Engineering Heritage Award

You might remember the EMS Synthi 100 restored in Melbourne, posted here last year. The restoration was featured on ABC News Australia. According to a new article on ABC News that just went up a few hours ago:

"Today, Engineers Australia will award the synthesiser an Engineering Heritage Marker at a ceremony at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music's Southbank campus, recognising both the instrument's importance in music history and Mr Craythorn's work in restoring it.

Past recipients of the Marker include Brisbane's Story Bridge, the Parkes radio telescope, and the Sydney Tower.

The Synthi 100 was released in 1971 by London company EMS and retailed for £6,500 — the equivalent of more than $100,000 today.

Only 30 were produced, many of which are now inoperative, in storage, or on display as museum pieces." You can find the full article on ABC News here.

Thanks goes to MATRIXSYNTH reader Luke, for sending this one in!

Analogue Solutions COLOSSUS CLASSIC - (Limited Edition w/ Black Wood Sides)

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

via SYNTH CITY Reverb

Note auction links are affiliate links. See the site's privacy policy for more info.

"This demo unit was featured at Knobcon 2022, now on display here in our showroom. Can be freighted anywhere in the country, please contact us for more info!

Analogue Solutions is excited to introduce Colossus, an exciting new mega-synth with a design ethos truly from the dawn of analogue synths. It is more than a powerful analogue ‘workstation’ - it is also art, architecture, exquisite studio furniture.

Design inspiration is of course from the 1970’s EMS Synthi 100, however, no circuit from the Synthi has been cloned or copied. We prefer to make our own designs. 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 it’s 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 centre piece to your studio.

*diagonal dimension is a little less for those with tight door ways - about 620mm effective width.

Also we have found putting Colossus on its end, you can pivot it through narrow doorways (more details in the manual).

All the voice and modulation circuits are of course 100% analogue. We purposely steered away from digital, it doesn’t have MIDI or USB (there are plenty of MIDI converter boxes out there should you need that facility). This wasn’t designed to be the solution to your modern digital studio but rather a serious analogue power house of sound. There are of course digital elements to the sequencer control - that is unavoidable - even classic analogue sequencers like the ARP sequencer using digital logic chips. In fact the Synthi 100 features a digital sequencer.

This synth is purely for those who want it just as it was in the 1970s - but new with parts still in production.

Colossus is large scale, featuring large knobs that control metal shaft potentiometers. VCOs have multi-turn verniers. The two enormous pin matrix panels dominate the horizontal panels - these are incredibly expensive Swiss made broadcast quality signal routers - 1 for CV and 1 for Audio.

There are two spring reverbs, touch keyboards, step sequencers, moving coil meters, joysticks and so much more. An immense expanse of jack sockets for additional patching within or without the system.

There are no gimmicks - this is pure synthesiser. A huge sound enclosed in a solid metal case wrapped in solid hardwood. No expense has been spared to bring this incredible machine to life.

Synthesisers like this only come around once in a decade, or possibly a generation."

Simo Lazarov 40 years BG Electronic Music with EMS SYNTHI 100 & SYNTHI

Simo Lazarov 40 years BG Electronic Music bTV arhiv2014

Published on Sep 2, 2014 Synthi Music

EMS SYNTHI 100 at :33.

Simo Lazarov 40 years BG Electronic Music bTV arhiv2012


EMS SYNTHI at 1:19.

You'll find previous posts featuring Simo Lazarov here.

EMS Synthi 100 on the Bay

That's one heck of a mod matrix.

Title link takes you to shots pulled from this auction.

Details:
Electronic Music Studios (EMS) Synthi 100 Analogue Synthesizer in pristine condition. The Synthi 100 is fitted with two patch panels with two 60x60 matrix boards, one for the signals and one for the voltages.
This is a list with the modules:

12 x Voltage Controlled Oscillator.
x Noise Generator.
3 x Ring Modulator.
4 x Voltage Controlled Low Pass Filter.
4 x Voltage Controlled High Pass Filter.
3 x Trapezoid Envelope Generator.
2 x Voltage Controlled Reverberation.
Octave Filter Bank
Slew limiter.
Envelope Follower.
Pitch to Voltage Converter.
8 x Input Amplifier.
9 x Stereo Output Amplifier.
2 x Joysticks.
2 x5 Octave Dynamic Keyboards.
3 256 Step Digital Sequencer.
Oscilloscope (not on the picture).
Frequency meter counter.

Starting Bid of 60k.

This one via Michael Tritter.

EMS Synthi Sequencer 256

Click here for shots pulled via this auction.

Details:
"You are bidding monstrous EMS Synthi Sequencer 256 (formerly known as Synthi Moog Sequencer), very rare separate version of the Synthi 100 sequencer . Very few of them were produced back in the very early 70's. Designed by David Cockerell. Features the following options:

-Layers with 2 Control Voltages plus Key Parameters
-Fourth Key only Layer
-Five Octave Velocity Sensistive Keyboard
-256 Event x 42 bit Memory
-Each event comprises 2 x 6-bit Control Voltages and 13-bit Start & Stop times
-Internal (0.1 - 200 Hz) or External Clock
-Plays Forwards and Backwards
-Editing

Classic piece of electronic music history, it was surely the most sophisticated sequencer of the early synth years. List price in 1974 was $6500 in the States or 2500 pounds in UK. Looking incredibly cool. Every picnic would need a Synthi like that. The world would be different. I would not sell it I have not to. Cosmetic condition is very good (some traces of being used in the studio during the years, see the pictures; never on the road), working condition should be very good either , however sold as is because of the age. It was originally part of the one of the few modern electronic music studios fully based on EMS equipment founded in 1973. Serial number 6023, what means it is probably 23-rd unit ever produced. I guess not many more than 50 units were produced in general. Power plug included. To be picked up from Hayes, London or I will ship everywhere, however it might be expensive as the unit is quite big and heavy (more than 40 lbs)."

More info:
http://www.ems-synthi.demon.co.uk/emsprods.html#seq256
http://members.tripod.com/werdav/vosyn100.htm
http://www.obsolete.com/120_years/machines/ems/index.html


Sent my way via Johan.

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 »

Vintage EMS Product Brochures & Sticker

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

via these auctions

EMS Synthi Sequencer 256
"Spec Sheet Section includes various sections including:

Layers
Mode Switch
Keyboard
Input Source
Clock Controls"

Original EMS SYNTHI E Synthesizer

"Spec sheet section includes various sections including:

Oscillators
Tremolo
Filters
Ring Mods
Mixer
Amplifier"

1970's Original EMS SYNTHI AKS

"Spec sheet section includes various sections including:

Oscillators
Filters
Ring Mods
Spring Reverbs
Keyboard
Matrix Patchboard"

EMS SYNTHI 100 Synthesizer via

"Spec Sheet Section includes various sections including:

Twlelve Oscillators
Dual Output Random Generator
Three Envelope Shapers
Four LPFs
Four HPFs
Octave Filters
Two Spring Reverbs
Digital Sequencer
Eight VCAs
Two Keyboards
Matrix Patchboards"

EMS PolySynthi Product Sales Sticker

CLICK FOR MORE »

An Interview with Bruno Spoerri on Astronauta Pinguim

Update: in case you read this post when it first went up, be sure to give it another look for a few updates.  It's a bit convoluted with quite a few tangents, but that's how it goes sometimes.

Read the full interview on Astronauta Pinguim here.

The following are some excerpts and tie-ins to other bits of synth history.

-----

Initially a saxophone player, Bruno Spoerri explored electronic music in the 1960s on.

"In 1964 he was invited to a job in an advertising agency and began to work with electronic music using a Ondes Martenot and, after, using lots of synthesizers and also experimenting with electrified/synthesized saxophones..." "As a saxophonist and jazz improviser I always looked for ways to play without a keyboard."

Pictured above is Bruno with his EMS Synthi 100 (videos previously posted here and here).

On the Synthi 100: "I bought the Synthi 100 in 1971. In 1987 I gave it to Felix Visser (Synton) in exchange for a Fairlight CMI; some years he had to sell it at an auction, and I don't know where it is now (I would recognize the instrument, as I did some small changes on it)."  It was listed on Vemia back in 2009 posted here and here. Click though for pics.

In 1974, he recorded the album 'Iischalte (Switched-on Switzerland)'.

Bruno Spoerri - Le Ranz Des Vaches


Uploaded on Jul 25, 2011 Aura Archange Maudit·57 videos

"Bruno Spoerri - Iischalte (Switched-on Switzerland)
1974

Imágenes de la película La lunga notte di Veronique (1966)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0183441/

Video made by Aura Archange Maudit"

-----

"On 'Voice Of Taurus' (1978), Bruno Spoerri experiments a lot with electrified wind instruments and also with jazz-rock and rock."

Bruno Spoerri - Hymn Of Taurus (Taurus Is Calling You!)

Uploaded on Nov 19, 2009 MrJJBonanza·29 videos
Re-Published on Sep 30, 2014 Bruno Spoerri - Topic

"First track of Bruno Spoerri's 'Voice Of Taurus'
1978 Gold Records, Switzerland
Cat# 11 061 (Vinyl, LP)

Bruno Spoerri on 'Hymn Of Taurus':
"The rhythm track was created with my very first primitive ring modulator (4 diodes and 2 transformers) that is why it is so dirty The voice went of course through the EMS vocoder, the choir was created through the VAKO Orchestron."

-----

Again, don't miss the full interview with Bruno Spoerri on Astronauta Pinguim here. There's some fascinating history there including Ginette Martenot and the Ondes Martenot, Oskar Sala with his Mixturtrautonium, and Joel Chadabe. Regarding his original gear, "most of my analog gear is sold (most of it to the remarkable Swiss Synthorama of Martin Hollinger), but I still have my first synthi, the EMS VCS-3 (from 1970), the ARP 2600 with sequencer and the Lyricon I and II. I use the lyricon quite often in performances, the other gear mostly for demonstrations to visitors."

I was fortunate enough to visit Synthorama back in 2008. You can find my pics and videos from the visit here. See the Synthorama label for other posts including a one of a kind modular, the Airböurne, created by the curator of the museum, Martin Hollinger.

For more posts featuring Bruno click here and scroll.  Check him out on the Synthophone and Gesture Based Synthesis here.

via Fabricio Carvalho aka Astronauta Pinguim on The MATRIXSYNTH Lounge

You can find links to additional interviews with synth history's early influentials by Astronauta Pinguim here.

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

Wie funktioniert ein Synthesizer? Bruno Spoerri & His EMS SYNTHI 100

Published on Jul 15, 2013 SRF Archiv·287 videos

EMS SYNTHI 100.

"Das Eurovisionssignet kennt jedermann. Dass es auch ganz anders klingen kann, zeigt der Musiker Bruno Spoerri und führt uns gleichzeitig in die Welt des Synthesizers ein. ("Perspektiven" vom 13.4.1972)"

Be sure to see these other posts on Bruno Spoerri. His EMS SYNTHI went up for sale on Peter Forest's VEMIA twice in 2009.

Spoerri to this day composes music - you can find him here http://www.computerjazz.ch/

This one in via Simon Balissat.

EMS Synthi Page

Interesting EMS Synthi page popped up on AH. Title link takes you there. Included are shots of an EMS VCS3 with silver knobs, Synthi 100 and info sheet (pictured below), Synthi demo record and sleeve, and an typed letter response to an order inquiry with a reference to Pink Floyd. Note the reference to the BBC in the sheet below. My guess is it's the Synthi 100 that made its way into the BBC's Radiophonic Workshop.