XILS-Lab EMS Inspired Vocoder 5000 Arrives

"XILS-lab launches last word in vocoding with powerful plug-in inspired by EMS flagship

GRENOBLE, FRANCE: music software company XILS-lab is proud to announce availability of XILS Vocoder 5000 — inspired by its expensive EMS Vocoder 5000 hardware (partial) namesake (still held high in analogue awe) as an awe-inspiring, affordable vocoder plug-in for Mac (32- and 64-bit, AU, AAX, RTAS, VST 2.4, and VST 3 for Mac OS X 10.6 or higher) and PC (32- and 64-bit, AAX, RTAS, and VST for Windows XP, Vista, 7, and 8) — as of December 23...

By (typical dictionary) definition, a vocoder is an analysis and synthesis system used to reproduce human speech. Speaking historically, Homer Dudley, a research physicist at Bell Laboratories in New Jersey, USA, developed the Voice Operated reCOrDER (VOCODER) way back in 1939 as a research device to test compression schemes for the secure transmission of voice signals over copper telephone lines. Later, Werner Meyer-Eppler, the Director of Phonetics at Bonn University in Germany, recognised the relevance of these machine marvels to electronic music following a visit by Dudley in 1948, subsequently using the vocoder as a basis for future writings which would inspire, in turn, the German Elektronische Musik movement. Musically speaking, the vocoder is indebted to German synth pop pioneers Kraftwerk more than most for bringing its distinctive robotic-sounding voice into commercial consciousness — so much so that Wikipedia even has a photograph of one of their early-Seventies custom-built vocoders alongside its own online definition of the word.

Whatever way one views it, actually it was Peter Zinovieff’s London-based company EMS (Electronic Music Studios) — best known for making musical history in 1969 with its introduction of the VCS3, the first portable synthesiser commercially available anywhere in the world — who released the world’s first commercially-available vocoder, the EMS Studio Vocoder, in 1976. Soon renamed the EMS Vocoder 5000, this vocoder par excellence ended up in the talented hands of a privileged few, both musical or otherwise, including Kraftwerk, predictably; Stevie Wonder; US Seventies-vintage sci-fi TV series classic Battlestar Galactica (‘Cylon’ centurion voices); and the BBC Radiophonic Workshop. With its 22-band analysis and synthesis sections, the EMS Vocoder 5000 is probably the most highly-specified such unit ever produced. The fact that it can still be bought new today is testament to its still-stunning design, though there is only one (not so small) problem: purchasers should be prepared to part with a handsome five-figure sum for the privilege and then wait quite some considerable time to take delivery of this weighty (20kg) vocoding heavyweight. However, XILS-lab has an answer to that problem: now those fantastic features and more can be accessed instantly in the comfort of your computer at a fraction of that cost, thanks to the XILS Vocoder 5000 plug-in!

Put simply, XILS-labs’ software-based vocoder virtually emulates the fanciful filtering techniques and incredibly complex circuitry of its analogue predecessor to achieve the same organic sound, precision, and clarity. Just like the EMS Vocoder 5000 before it, XILS Vocoder 5000 can be made to ‘speak’ clearly in English and German — just like Kraftwerk... or in any other language for that matter! Respectively resurrecting the still-sought-after sounds of the EMS VCS3 synthesiser and Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus keyboard in popular plug-in form as XILS 3 and XILS V+ certainly stood XILS-lab in good stead when it came to meaningfully modelling the EMS Vocoder 5000’s impressive feature set of no fewer than 22 bandpass filters and envelope followers; oscillators (modelled from the EMS VCS3); noise generator; frequency shifter; and spectrum analyser — including its distinctive 22x22 pin matrix patchboard, allowing any band of the modulator signal to be connected to any band of the carrier signal. So while analogue vocoders like the esteemed EMS Vocoder 5000 typically analyse an incoming signal by splitting it into a number of tuned frequency bands with modulator and carrier signals being sent through a series of tuned bandpass filters — in the case of Kraftwerk’s beloved robotic voices, for example, the modulator is a microphone and the carrier is a noise or sawtooth waveform — with XILS Vocoder 5000 it’s just the same.

Haying that, XILS-lab being XILS-lab, that’s not all. Additional features that make XILS Vocoder 5000 a truly 21st Century product par excellence in its own right include additional filter types; more SLEW RATE modulations; two LFOs — the original Vocoder 5000 had only one; in-depth FM AMNT (Frequency Modulation amount) and PWM AMNT (Pulse Width Modulation amount) controls; additional oscillator waveforms; improved SPEECH (sibilance) input detector; GATE input; and also a keyboard for playing melodies or chords. Unlike the restrictive nature of the original Vocoder 5000’s ‘real world’ pin matrix patchboard, XILS Vocoder 5000 users can quickly populate its onscreen matrix by freely drawing lines... and it helpfully has its own presets! Picture-perfect, some might say!

So there it is. As well as feeding the human voice — truly the most variable sound source of all — into XILS Vocoder 5000 to alter its pitch, tone, vibrato, and other characteristics to synthesise a choir from a single voice or create musical melodies from ordinary speech, why not use XILS Vocoder 5000 to process drums, percussive elements, guitars, or any kind of synthesiser to breathe new ‘analogue’ life into them or reshape them totally? Try creating vocoded synth patterns from drum loops... loopy! Almost anything is musically possible with XILS Vocoder 5000, so why not give it a try today? Here at XILS-lab we’re sure you’ll love its authenticity, adaptability, and affordability.


XILS Vocoder 5000 is available to purchase and download directly from XILS-lab as an eLicenser or iLok copy-protected virtual instrument and effects plug-in for an introductory discounted price of €99.00 EUR (including VAT within the EU) until January 17, 2015 — thereafter rising to €149.00 EUR (including VAT within the EU) — from here: https://www.xils-lab.com/products/XILS-Vocoder-5000.html

For more in-depth info, please visit the dedicated XILS Vocoder 5000 webpage here: https://www.xils-lab.com/pages/XILS%205000.html

Several short audio demos showcasing XILS Vocoder 5000 can be heard here: http://www.xils-lab.com/pages/XILS5000_Audio.html

Various XILS Vocoder 5000 tutorial videos showing several key features and functions can be seen here:
https://www.xils-lab.com/audiosample/XILS5000/video/XILS5000_TutorialProcessFreqShift.mp4
https://www.xils-lab.com/audiosample/XILS5000/video/XILS5000_TutorialMatrixPatchSlewRate.mp4
https://www.xils-lab.com/audiosample/XILS5000/video/XILS5000_TutorialCarrierControl.mp4
https://www.xils-lab.com/audiosample/XILS5000/video/XILS5000_SideChainCubase.mp4"

VINTAGE EMS VOCODER 2000

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

via this auction

"Up for auction is an awesome, professionally maintained original EMS 2000 Vocoder System. Original Owner. Looks sharp and in perfect working order, there is some scratches from being in the rack (see pictures). Designed by Tim Orr and Robin at EMS, made personally for one of my U.S. studios well over 2 decades ago. It has a standard U.S. AC cord, a conversion that will cost a pretty penny on imported Euro units, and the import/customs/etc. cost over $1000 U.S. dollars even decades ago. They aren't made anymore and the EMS Vocoder 2000 is the best vocoder period. An awesome effect to have in your arsenal right now.

Vocoders were originally used to encode a voice to be transmitted over distance, having military tech functions... the compression and encoding of your signal and the synthesis. Essentially, a voice is compressed and encoded, then a new voice is synthesized. You can combine your signals with a keyboard/instrument or use the independent excitation mode to use the EMS Vocoder 2000 as a stand alone processor. With 16 analyzing and 16 synthesizing filters the EMS Vocoder 2000 has clarity and distinction in the processing that you WILL NOT find in plug ins or other Vocoders. Nice fat lows and mid range mix great with guitars and other synths. The EMS Vocoder 2000 is renowned for it's use in the show Battlestar Galactica as well as by Pink Floyd. Distinctive analog processing used by sonically renowned artists.

The coolest thing about this EMS Vocoder is you can design your own effects that are hard for others to duplicate. Bored of out of the box production and effects, the EMS Vocoder 2000 is the solution.

It cost almost $7000 decades ago to get this very special EMS Vocoder 2000 in my studio. It has been professionally maintained and otherwise safely racked in a professional studio since the 80's and is as mint as you will find.
If the price is too high, then you don't get what an EMS Vocoder can do.

Included in the auction are (1) EMS Vocoder 2000, Original EMS Manual, and AC cord."

CLICK FOR MORE »

EMS Vocoder 5000

Paul Sop sent in the following on the EMS Vocoder 5000. It is interesting how much it does sound like the cylons in Battlestar Galactica. Thanks Paul!


Shot via EMSRehberg, who still makes Synthis and some other EMS products including the EMS Vocoder 5000 which will only set you back 23,000 Euro.













"I'm all about Vocoders lately. Check it out

EMS Vocoder 5000- AND -
EMS Rehberg 5000 Page (great pic here)

Pretty cool. A few factoids:

http://www.bigbluewave.co.uk/ems_vocoder_5000.htm- It is probably the highest specified vocoder ever. 22 bands.
- Includes things like Frequency Shifters, Oscillators, etc.. It's a whole synth!
- It weighs about 20kg!

Cyclons Forum
- It may have been used on the cylons.
- From this page:

Here are some audio samples of both the EMS Vocoder 5000 and the Cylons, see if you think they sound a like and are. Some sites such as one from Ben Liebrand "claim" it's the Sennheiser but after hearing this audio from EMS I have to go with that one.

First the Cylons:

cylon.wav
cylon2.wav
cylon3.wav
cylon4.wav
cylon7.wav
cylon9.wav

EMS Vocoder 5000:

EMS5000plab1.mp3
EMS5000p2.mp3
EMS5000p3.mp3

Apparently it cost 5000 pounds in 1976. If you want one today, it would cost you 23,000 euro from:

Pricelist

I guess it wasn't in the new Battle Star Galactica's budget!"

Update via Derek Wildstar in the comments:
"Some say the Cylons used the EMS Vocoder 5000 and others say it was the Sennheiser VSM-201!! The only thing I knew for sure is that a ring-modulator was also used (I don't know if that was part of the vocoder or not) and that it was based on the voice of Colossus according to Mr. Glen A. Larson himself. Matrixsynth if you, Paul, or anyone knows for sure please post the answer here. I personally believe they used the EMS Vocoder 5000. Thanks."

A Quick EMS Vocoder Demo via the Melbourne Electronic Sound Studio in Melbourne Victoria, AU

The awesome awesome EMS Vocoder 2000. Use it now at MESS! #messltd #ems #vocoder pic.twitter.com/8gpBVCLMG7

— Mess Ltd. (@mess_ltd) April 29, 2016

Make sure to click the little speaker icon on the bottom right of the player for audio if you don't hear it.

via @mess_ltd

"The awesome awesome EMS Vocoder 2000. Use it now at MESS! #messltd #ems #vocoder"

Vocoder Madness

via robovoice on this electromusic.com thread. EMS Vocoders:

Newcleus - Computer Age (Push The Button)

YouTube via josieldeassis
"Productions, formed in 1977 in Brooklyn, New York, which included teenagers Ben "Cozmo D" Cenac and his cousins Monique and Pete Angevin. The group's popularity grew as it played block parties in Brooklyn. By 1979, the primary group's members were Cozmo D, Yvette "Lady E" Cook (who would later marry Cozmo D), Monique Angevin, and Bob "Chilly B" Crafton (who would later marry Monique)."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Voice of the Cylon - Battlestar Galactica, The ARP 2500, and the EMS Vocoder 1000

Published on Nov 20, 2019 supajc

Amazing series sent my way via John L Rice. Playlist and descriptions for each video in the playlist above, directly below. Enjoy. ;)

See here for previous posts featuring Battlestar Galactica.

Playlist:

1. Voice of the Cylon Pt. 1 The Synthesizer [ARP 2500]

Battlestar Galactica fans & synthesizer community, rejoice! For the first time in history the mysterious sound of the Cylon voice is revealed. I tracked down probably the last person alive who knows the entire formula, very private individual still works in visual arts. To him it was just a job he did 40 years ago, to me it's one of the most mesmerizing sounds in musical/sci-fi fx history. 6 parts to this series as of 11-2019.

2. Voice Of The Cylon Pt. 2 the Voice Recording

My contact told me "they brought us the voices" on Nagra III and IV tape machines. Vocoder recorded back to Nagra for film sync. Voice actor Micheal Santiago was hired to do the voice, but didn't, telling youtube user intromix later that "they ended up getting someone cheaper" to do it. One actor did all the voices, for consistency, reading the script in a lifeless, monotone voice as to not shift the frequency spectrum in the vocoder.

3. Voice Of The Cylon Pt. 3 The Vocoder [EMS Vocoder, specifically the Vocoder 1000]

Finally it is known exactly which vocoder was used for the Cylon voice. Universal Studios had rented the EMS and Sennheiser, and when sound designer Peter Berkos was asked about it circa 2008 he mis-remembered due to having the Sennheiser manual still. Youtube user intromix has owned both and tested oscillators, it could not have been the Sennheiser but now we know for sure anyway.

4. Voice of the Cylon Pt. 4 the Phaser & Distortion [Countryman Associates Type 968A Phase Shifter]

The rare, quirky effect box that was used as an impromptu distortion device. My contact told me that they floated the idea of using a guitar amp and/or pedals, but did not even try it once they found this. ** Also, he told me NO Marshall Time modulator was used as it hadn't even been released yet.

5. Voice of the Cylon Pt. 5 Recording Gear

Two main pieces of studio recording gear that were present at Universal Studios in 1978 that had a big impact on the sonic character of the Cylon voice recording. Big thanks to Ken from Electrodyne for all his advice, as well as https://vintageking.com/ and http://petesplaceaudio.com

6. Voice Of the Cylon Pt. 6 Audio Demos & Credits

Resurrecting the sound of the Cylon Centurion from the original Battlestar Galactica 1978 using the original equipment. Once the vocoder was recorded, it was further altered/degraded by multiple tape transfers in the video editing process, post-production techniques (EQ and reverb, to "place" the character in a big room, spaceship, etc) My contact said there were just pieces of tape on the gear to place knobs/switches back where they were; and that the synthesizer frequently sounded very different from day to day or after a power outage. In the series there are wildly differing Cylon tones, tiny movements in gain or EQ settings (especially the ringy ARP 2500 filters) radically alter the vocoder due to the ultra-harmonic richness of the tone. So many preamps and transformers involved, it was hard for THEM to make the Cylon voice consistent. Supposedly sound designer Peter Berkos wrote notes on the process, Universal Studios couldn't locate any info at all, it likely all burned down in the great fire of 2008 as well as the golden ARP 2500 oscillator used all throughout Galactica 1980.
Preamp was running a bit hot in this demo, didn't catch until after, so this tone sounds extra crunchy in this example. I sampled my tones with lowpass filter a bit too low, hope to get another chance with the real thing some day.

7. Gold Cylon Voice Vulpa [extra video]

Recreating the lower voice of the Gold Cylon commander. There are so many steps and factors to re-creating the Cylon voice even the original crew could not make it consistent on a day-to-day basis. Out of hundreds of test files this year I'm only really happy with about 5 of them but will keep working to recreate it perfectly.

EMS Vocoder 1000 SN 12090

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated. via this auction
"Product: Vocoder 1000
Manufacturer: EMS
Release date: 1978
Country: England

This very rare EMS Vocoder 1000, from the same company that brought you the Synthi AKS and VCS3. This amazing sounding analog vocoder, perhaps the most intelligible ones out there. It has a very nice tone, and most importantly, you can hear what you're saying without having to keep changing the settings. Jean Michel Jarre, Pink Floyd plus many others in 1970-80's used them extensively, and this model was used as the sound of the robots on Battlestar Galactica and in early Dr Who episodes. The 1000 has a very similar design to the 2000; except for a few changes (they moved some of the sockets to the front panel etc). This unit is in good condition and as far as I can tell, still fully functional. I've used it for recording at home and it works great, mixed with the keyboard and mic, to give you the authentic sound of the 1970’s Vocoder.

There are not many Google entries for this Vocoder, but one of the original team that produced them was still repairing and manufacturing them in Cornwall, England up until recently. sales@ems-synthi.demon.co.uk. I have a PDF service manual that I can send on but no operating manual, but there is a Youtube clip of a Vocoder 2000 instruction demonstration available. I will send on the link if required.

I will courier this item worldwide (please ask for quotes), but I would recommend postal insurance as this will be a costly item to replace,( if you could find one). I will deliver this item up to 50 miles@45p per mile (one way) cash on arrival."

CLICK FOR MORE »

EMS Vocoder 5000

"Here is a series of MP3 files taken from an original EMS Vocoder Demo tape dated 14 oct 1976. Given this date and some of the sounds produced in the demo (including pitch shifting) I would think this is the EMS Vocoder 5000 in action since the EMS Vocoder 2000 was not produced until 1977."

Click here for the demos and more.

EMS Vocoder 3000

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

via this auction

"For sale is an insanely rare EMS Vocoder System 3000. A once in a lifetime chance to own one of these? We think so. In our 10+ years of synthesizer hunting, this is the first ever 3000 we have encountered. The 2000 is quite rare, but the 3000 even more so. We've owned almost every major vocoder made (Roland VP330, SVC-350, Korg VC10, EMS 1000/2000, Sennheiser VSM201 (3 total!), Moog Vocoder etc) and to our ears the EMS is the best for dialing in intelligible vocals with synthesized tones. It just sounds excellent, easy to use and all around fantastic vocoder. The EMS 3000 adds level controls for 16 bands which makes it incredibly useful for dialing in more specific tones.

This unit is fully functional, recently serviced and in excellent shape. Don't pass this one up!"

CLICK FOR MORE »

EMS VOCODER 2000

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

"This auction is for an original EMS Vocoder 2000. Very rare unit! Very creative and musical tool. The previous owner told me he got it from the Electric Light Orchestra (Mr.Blue Sky) but I don't have proof of this. They are known to have used this model. Many other top artists used the Vocoder 2000. It has a very complete feature set with some nice tricks. It just had a new meter backlight bulb... Everyhting is ok."

Update via VoiceEncoder in the comments: "The EMS Vocoder 2000 is the vocoder used for the voices of the Cylon Centurions in both the original 'Battlestar Galactica' and 'Galactica 1980' TV-series!!"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Vocoder Videos via intromix

Vocoder What Is It? EMS 2000 Demo w/ Oberheim OB-8

YouTube via intromix. via Nusonica.
"Here is how an analog vocoder works. I am not going to use technical "jibberish" so I will speak normal vocabulary. This is the legendary EMS Vocoder 2000 (from 1977) which soundwise compares against Sennheiser, Moog(Bode), Synton, Roland, Korg. I will give a basic demonstration on how to use a vocoder and how a vocoder functions to give it that "robotic" sound. I used an Oberheim OB-8 Keyboard to trigger the pitch on the vocoder"

Sennheiser VSM-201 Vocoder Audio Samples

"Here are some audio samples dedicated to the usage of the legendary Sennheiser VSM-201 Vocoder. Being that there is hardly any info on the web in reference to this unit, I took the initiative to be probably the first person to post audio samples of this vintage dinosaur....ENJOY!!!"

Cylon Costume With Vocoder Sample

"Here is a sample of what my Cylon costume sounds like with the vocoder and red eye warble sound."

Sennheiser VSM 201 Vocoder

YouTube via DJDonotask.

Update: new post here. Saving this one for history.

via robovoice on the forum "Vocals by "Nobody beats the Drum'" through my VSM 201, carrier is a Roland Jupiter 6 This Sennheiser VSM 201 Vocoder (serial number 04) was owned and used by Kraftwerk on their albums Man Machine and Computerworld. I purchased it from Kraftwerk's Kling Klang studio about 8 years ago. DJ DNA aka DJ Donotask" Update via Voice in the comments: "On 'The Man-Machine' album, both "The Man-Machine" and "Spacelab" are a Sennheiser Vocoder VSM201. But "The Robots" is an EMS Vocoder, possibly a 5000. On 'Computerworld' "Computerworld" is an EMS Vocoder (I believe it to be the 3000), "It's More Fun To Compute" is a Sennheiser Vocoder VSM201, while "Pocket Calculator" has no vocoder at all in it."

EMS Vocoder System 2000

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

via this auction

via the seller: "The Mighty EMS Vocoder System 2000, with 16 bands in excellent condition and 100% fully functional. It looks beautiful. This is the series II, black version with rack ears, handles, dual LED meters and in USA voltage. I am the original owner and it has less than 50 hours on it. I kept it turned off and disconnected from wall power when not in use.
I have owned most of the top vocoders with exception of the EMS 5000 and the EMS line of vocoders sound better than all of the rest in terms of raw character. The EMS 2000 has an electric punch to it that others don't have and it's sibalance is excellent too. To me it sounds better than the Moog/Bode vocoders and definitely better than the Sennheiser VSM-201.
The Sennheiser is smooth but lacks that electric punch. Electronically in terms of filters and envelopes, the EMS 2000 is close to identical to the EMS 3000 and EMS 5000. Only difference is that the 3000 has the same 16 bands/filters/envs but with attentuators and the 5000 has 22 bands and patch panel. The S/N ratio is better on the 2000 than the 3000 perhaps due to not having the attentuator circuits installed. Sure digital vocoders can do cool things, but when you hear an EMS 2000 analog vocoder with a monster Moog or Oberheim synthesizer along with vocals, some analog reverb and tube preamp...piped into a very powerful sound system, well, lets just say.....you will definitely never forget it."

CLICK FOR MORE »

EMS Vocoder 1000 Audio-Sample

YouTube via VoiceEncoder

"EMS Vocoder 1000 audio-sample.
Courtesy 'intromix'."

CLICK FOR MORE »

JH Living Vocoder

via JH:

"Just to let you all know ... I'm getting into "vocoder mood" again. :)

I thought about it a lot in the last few days. I think I will put the whole circuit onto one huge board, filling a 19" rackmount enclosure, like EMS did with the 2000 and 3000. The board will have a much higher component density than EMS, though, so you can expect something more complex than the EMS. Not more channels - but other goodies. :)

I think I'll be able to offer that PCB for EUR 150.00 + shipping if I get enough orders.

Oh yes, and I have a name for it too:

It will be the "Living Vocoder". :)

I try to include what I consider the best of Sennheiser, EMS, ETI and Roland. It probably owes the most to EMS, but it will in no way be a clone.

I have made some demos with a preliminary version I've built on veroboard many years ago. This is *not* from the upcoming "Living Vocoder", though:

http://www.jhaible.de/jh_freeze_ohh_1.mp3
http://www.jhaible.de/jh_freeze_ahh_1.mp3
http://www.jhaible.de/jh_throat_1.mp3
http://www.jhaible.de/jh_talking_synth.mp3

There will be Freeze, symmetric and assymmetric slew control (a la EMS), a multifilter function with filtered silence bridging (a la Sennheiser), a compander for high dynamic range (a la Roland Vocoder Plus), and the filters will most probably be calibrated bands al a ETI (which I like better than the uncalibrated EMS filters).
I also plan to make an interface for external patch storage and CV control. just the interface, not the storage.)"

Contact jhaible at debitel.net if interested. Let him know you saw it on MATRIXSYNTH.

EMS 16 Channel Matrix Vocoder w/ Filter Bank Patch Matrix?

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

via this auction

"EMS unit with many features like double oscillator, pitch shifter, levels on every bands...etc... great sounds"

Update: Looks more like a Synton Syntovox 221 as seen in previous posts including demos, but note the different layout. I don't beleive I've seen this particular model before. If anyone knows what this is feel free to leave a comment.

Update 2 via the comments:

"I am assured by EMS that this is NOT an EMS build. After I complained to reverb the seller changed the description and calls it a "custom projekt". It is built around an EMS 2000, so good luck if it ever needs a service or repair. The seller still has it branded as EMS even though it is a codged together unit and NOT EMS. You can't put a Ferrari engine in a ford and sell it as a Ferrari, can you?"

And via the listing:

"this a rare opportunity to obtain a classic EMS sounds

and add many features like double oscillator, pitch shifter, levels on every bands... more a classic pin matrix.... this is a custom projekt based around an original EMS 2000 vocoder pcb board"

Note the custom faceplate. The original EMS 2000 is completely different. You can find some pics in additional posts mentioning the EMS 2000 Vocoder here.

EMS Vocoder 1000

Title link takes you to shots pulled via this auction.

According to the auction this is serial number 1. Some Details: "The Vocoder 1000 is a 16 band model and has great intelligibility, along with a lot of cool features like adjustable and VC slew rate/shape with freeze input, pause stuffing from either input with adjustable release time, built-in oscillator, etc. In short, this is a serious big-league vocoder... not quite a Sennheiser, big Synton or EMS 5000, but definitely far beyond the Roland/Korg/MAM league.

Before listing, I did a few Google searches on this model and there's not a lot of information other than Jarre using one in 1978. The owner's manual is dated at 1984 and has a picture of an older 1000 with a disclaimer that "the photo of the Vocoder 1000 on the following page differs slightly from the unit which you have, although the two units are electronically identical." It goes on to describe the differences (added features, better HF response, jacks in different places) and then goes on to say "FOR VOCODER 2000, PLEASE READ VOCODER 1000" and then the rest of the manual refers to it as the Vocoder 2000. So my theory is that the 1000 was originally released in 1978, there was a second revision (of which this is serial #1) was released in 1984 after Robin Wood took over, and the Vocoder 1000 and 2000 are the same with minor panel differences (and added stuff on the 1000 Rev 2). Please note that I'm just guessing here, but all the info I can find seems to back that up. I can find nowhere that authoritatively discusses the differences between the 1000 and 2000 (except for a post by myself on a mailing list archive, so hardly authoritative) and the manual refers to them interchangably."

If you know more, feel free to comment.

EMS VOCODER 2000 ANALOG VOCODER

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

via this auction

"Rare EMS vocoder system 2000, apparently this 16 band vocoder is very similar to the bigger 3000 and 5000 soundwise, I can say it does sound stellar, definitely the nicest vocoder I have ever heard, very unique and intelligible sound, Completely different than the Rolands."

CLICK FOR MORE »

EMS Vocoder Ad Scans

flickr by Pablo Gregor
(click for more)

EMS Vocoder 3000
EMS Vocoder 2000

James Bond and the EMS Vocoder-System 3000

YouTube via VoiceEncoder
"James Bond and the EMS Vocoder-System 3000."

Update:

Picture of an EMS Vocoder-System 3000 as Used in 'Never Say Never Again'