Dive into the World of EMS VCS3: Unraveling the Power of Modulation & Filters

video upload by Andy Whitmore

"Revolutionize Your Sound: Exploring EMS VCS3's Modulation & Filter Capabilities

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

The audio is DIRECT, 100% DRY, & IN STEREO - You are hearing the raw audio as it comes directly from the synthesizer. NO post processing (Effects, EQ, or Dynamics) whatsoever.

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

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

VCS3 - as used by
BBC Radiophonic Workshop
Brian Eno
Chemical Brothers
Hawkwind
David Bowie
Flood
Ice-T
Jean-Michel Jarre
John Paul Jones - Led Zeppelin
King Crimson
Kraftwerk
Pete Townshend - The Who
Rick Wright, David Gilmour & Roger Waters - Pink Floyd
Tangerine Dream

Watch me bring that sound back to life!🎹🕺

🧢 More about Andy on https://www.andywhitmore.com/"

The Mind-Blowing EMS VCS3 Sequence in Pink Floyd's On The Run

video upload by Andy Whitmore

"Unlocking the Magic: Synthi AKS Sequence in Pink Floyd's On The Run

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

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

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

VCS3 - as used by
BBC Radiophonic Workshop
Brian Eno
Chemical Brothers
Hawkwind
David Bowie
Flood
Ice-T
Jean-Michel Jarre
John Paul Jones - Led Zeppelin
King Crimson
Kraftwerk
Pete Townshend - The Who
Rick Wright, David Gilmour & Roger Waters - Pink Floyd
Tangerine Dream

Watch me bring that sound back to life!🎹🕺"

Korg 1976 Korg PE-2000 K-5 Poly Ensemble S SN 770190

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

via this auction

Pics of the inside below.

"Everything is fully functional, as this Korg Poly-ensemble S, has just been serviced and gone through with everything in good working order.

This PE2000 is a secret weapon of some of your favorite musicians such as Thom Yorke of Radiohead, Beach House, Jean-Michel Jarre, Tangerine Dream, Legowelt, Hawkwind, and more.

Comes with the Original lid in worn condition (not pictured) which doubles as a travel/gig case for the synth."

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EMS VCS3 The Putney SN 1024

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

via this auction

"This is a rare chance to secure an original VCS3 in excellent condition. This is one of the most iconic and revered synths of all and is truly versatile: from Radiophonic Workshop (and Hawkwind) type bloops and bleeps, through Eno and Roxy Music and beyond. Tony uses his VCS-3 as much as an effects processor as synthesizer and has said it’s his favourite studio piece.

We are often asked whether mods adversely affects the value of a VCS3. Some collector types may view it as sacrilege, but most who buy a VCS-3 to use often value mods highly – many of our customers ask for more, rather than less, modifications. So, in short, in our view the answer is mods often add value/appeal rather than detract. These wonderful synths should be used rather than placed in glass cases."

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1976 Korg PE-2000 K-5 Poly Ensemble S Vintage Analog Synthesizer

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

via this auction

"If you’re looking for a fully functional Korg Poly-ensemble S, this is it!
This Korg Poly ensemble S has been lovingly restored electronically/functionally and sounds great with plenty of character in it’s appearance.
This particular PE2000 once belonged to a member of the band Dr. Hook.
This PE2000 is a secret weapon of some of your favorite musicians such as Thom Yorke of Radiohead, Jean-Michel Jarre, Tangerine Dream, Legowelt, Hawkwind and more.

This one comes with the Original lid in worn condition (not pictured) which doubles as a travel/gig case for the synth.

This synth has been serviced and restored In functionality.
Service notes include (04/20/22):
- Rebuilding PSU ✅
- Replacing faulty divider chips ✅
- Cleaning and flushing potentiometers ✅
- Cleaning key contacts ✅
- Cleaning all I/O jacks ✅
- Testing synth for a burn-in period of several hours to ensure flawless performance ✅"

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EMS VCS3a Putney & DK2 Cricklewood *Serviced & Modified* SN 2620 & 3320

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

via this auction

Looks like they fixed the joystick since this listing.

"Freshly serviced and discretely modified by an EMS specialist, in full working order with warranty.

Stunning example serviced and ready to ship.

EMS The Putney VCS3a Mk1 and The Cricklewood DK1 keyboard (modified to DK2 spec) for sale in excellent condition.

Broker sale on behalf of the owner: it has been extensively overhauled and discretely (and reversibly) modified by our favourite EMS specialist and is ready for action.

This is a rare chance to secure an original VCS3a in excellent condition. This is one of the most iconic and revered synths of all and is truly versatile: from Radiophonic Workshop (and Hawkwind) type bloops and bleeps, through Eno and Roxy Music and beyond. Paired with the DK-2, this is also a superbly expressive keyboard synthesizer. Tony uses his VCS-3 as much as an effects processor as synthesizer.

This has been freshly serviced and is in full working order with warranty. The face plate of the VCS3 was quite worn so it has had a factory refinish performed by EMS Cornwall and looks superb.

The DK-1 keyboard has been upgraded to factory DK-2 duophonic spec.

Modifications on EMS VCS3 #2620:

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

video upload by synth4ever

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

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

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

----

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

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

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

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

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

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

----------

TIMECODES

00:00 - Intro & Overview

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

19:02 - Conclusion & Final Thoughts"

Tape Leaders: A Compendium Of Early British Electronic Music Composers Gets an Update

You might remember Tape Leaders A Compendium Of Early British Electronic Music Composers posted back in 2017. It is now available with some updates.

via Velocity Press where you can find it:

Tape Leaders: A Compendium Of Early British Electronic Music Composers is a richly illustrated A-Z compendium featuring over 100 composers active with tape and electronics in the analogue era. Containing information never previously uncovered, it shines a fresh light on many sound experimenters unacknowledged in the history of British electronic music.

With an individual entry for each composer, it covers everyone from famous names like William Burroughs, Brian Eno and Joe Meek to the ultra-obscure such as Roy Cooper, Donald Henshilwood and Edgar Vetter. There are sections for EMS and the BBC Radiophonic Workshop and amateurs, groups and ensembles that experimented with electronics, including The Beatles, Hawkwind and White Noise.

First published by Sound On Sound Magazine in 2016, this is the first time it’s been available outside their shop and this new edition has been extensively revised and updated. The hardback book is 22.7cm x 17.7cm landscape, and the 224 pages are printed and bound on heavyweight 130gsm paper. With a specially compiled 15 track CD of mainly unreleased early British tape and synthesizer works (exclusively available to the Velocity Press shop and free with all pre-orders), this is an essential book for anyone interested in electronic music history during the 1950s and 60s.

Ian Helliwell: "Years before investigating the work of FC Judd for the documentary Practical Electronica, it was evident there was so much early British electronic music that had never been properly researched. The idea of a book examining this formative period began to crystallize during work on the film, as interesting facts were being uncovered that fed into a much broader-based history than has ever been available. A compendium to cover not just the acknowledged figures, but also those that never get a mention, was the objective so that famous names sit alongside the unknowns, and the reader gets a sense of the vast amount of electronic music activity that was going on, which has since been ignored or forgotten about.

“The graphic design was another important consideration and has been something of a labour of love to evoke the era of tape recorders, tone generators and analogue synthesizers. Many of the photos and images have come directly from the featured composers or their families, and form an eye-catching array of illustrations to support and enhance the text."

Hawkwind Guitar Pedal Synthesizer

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
Hawkwind - Silver Machine - 1972.mpg video by yeyuwill

via this auction

"hawkwind Guitar pedal synthesizer WHITE NOISE synthesizer foot controlled...plugs into a seperat amp..your guitar does not run through this..this unit produces a shhhhhhhh whooshing sound as you raise and lower your foot...listen to hawkwind silver machine 1972 live on youtube..thats the effect this peddle produces. Transistors white noise synth..runs on a 9v battery. Works with other effects pedals also..sound great ran through a phaser....Condition is "New". Shipped with USPS Priority Mail. Guitar pedal synthesizer is extremely rare"

You can find addional posts featuring Hawkwind here.

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Jupiter 6 acid trip

video by zack dagoba

"Keith had warned me about the presets on the Jupiter 6 he lent me whilst fixing my one. This was pimped by legendary UK space-rock band Hawkwind. These presets were programmed by bassist/keyboardist Alan Davey, presumably after dropping a few tabs. They show off what a totally amazing and weird synth the JP6 actually is"

Check out an EMS VCS4 at VCS4 Day Event on March 19

Looks like two EMS VCS3s in a custom keyboard controller case. There was a smaller VCS4 and XILS made a software emulation that looked just like this one. You can find both in the archives here.

Details on the event via Eventbrite:

"VCS4 day is a one day event (10–5pm) that pays tribute to the unique early music synthesiser, the EMS VCS4, which has recently been acquired for the Department of Music at Goldsmiths from the musician Simon Desorgher, with the support of the Goldsmiths Alumni and Friends Fund.

VCS4 day is a free event, but due to a limited capacity you must register through Eventbrite to attend.

The VCS4 was produced by the world-renowned Electronic Music Studios Ltd (EMS) company in London in the late 1960s, run by pioneering composer Dr Peter Zinovieff. It was one of a number of early EMS synthesisers used by pioneers of electronic music in Britain, and was created initially for the composer Harrison Birtwhistle for use in his piece Chronometer (1971–72). The instrument, which is the only one in existence in the world, combines two VCS3 synthesisers to create a custom and highly versatile performance instrument. VCS3 synthesisers have been used by such luminaries as Delia Derbyshire, the BBC Radiophonic Workshop, Aphex Twin, Brian Eno, Hawkwind, Pink Floyd and Robert Fripp. For many years the VCS4 had been thought lost, until the advent of the Hugh Davies Collection arriving at Goldsmiths in 2019, when Desorgher approached the music department with a proposal for the VCS4 to be maintained and made available to students and researchers at Goldsmiths Electronic Music studios.

Shortly after Goldsmiths Electronic Music Studios opened in 1968 (one of the first electronic music studios at a university in the UK), the studio obtained two other EMS VCS3 synthesisers. It is fitting therefore that the VCS4 is now housed in Goldsmiths Electronic Music Studios, affording opportunities for it to be used by undergraduate and postgraduate students in both their compositions and performances.

VCS4 day represents an opportunity to gain detailed insight into this extraordinary instrument, through a series of talks from its inventors, protagonists and leading experts on the history of analog synthesisers and their cultural impact. A programme of performances on the VCS4 will take place throughout the day."

XILS-lab Updates XILS 4 Matrix Modular Soft Synth to v1.5

The press release:

XILS-lab updates ultimate matrix modular soft synth with welcomed fanciful features added to XILS 4 v1.5

“My favourite analogue synth is probably the VCS3, so when I heard that a company was releasing a software version I was quite cautious; today, XILS 4 is one of my favourite plug-ins! Working with it gives me the same excitement as the original hardware, plus there are lots of extra features, since it is basically two VCS3s with an interconnected sequencer. The sound is great, and it is one of the best soft synths on the market for experimenting with new ways of creating sounds!”

- Jean-Michel Jarre (award-winning composer, performer, and record producer), April 2015


GRENOBLE, FRANCE: audio software company XILS-lab is proud to announce availability of XILS 4 v1.5 — a major update to its self-styled ultimate matrix modular soft synth, effectively emulating a conceptual ‘blend’ of the legendary VCS4, a ‘dual VCS3’ analogue matrix modular synthesizer prototyped by British trailblazing entity EMS (Electronic Music Studios) back in 1969 but never commercially released, with pioneering British synthesist Tim Blake’s so-called ‘Crystal Machine’ (comprising two EMS Synthi AKS analogue matrix modular synthesizers with hard sync between their oscillators, one connected to the keyboard and the other connected to the sequencer) — with welcomed additional fanciful features including a powerful preset manager in a single window and new effects with semi-modular routing, as of November 30…

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Tape Leaders A Compendium Of Early British Electronic Music Composers

via Tape Leaders

"A Compendium Of Early British Electronic Music Composers.Published 16th June, 2016.

In the form of a richly illustrated compendium, Tape Leaders is an indispensable reference guide for anyone interested in electronic sound and its origins in Great Britain. For the first time a book sets out information on practically everyone active with experimental electronics and tape recording across the country, revealing the hidden history of early British electronic music.

With an individual entry for each composer, starting with Daevid Allen and going through to Peter Zinovieff, it covers everyone from the famous names of William Burroughs, Brian Eno and Joe Meek, to the ultra-obscure Roy Cooper, Donald Henshilwood and Edgar Vetter. There are sections for EMS and the BBC Radiophonic Workshop, as well as amateurs, groups and ensembles that seriously experimented with electronics, including the Beatles, Hawkwind and White Noise.

Author Ian Helliwell draws on his experience and knowledge of electronic music, and after six years and dozens of interviews, has
amassed information never before brought to light in this fascinating subject. With a specially compiled 15-track CD of mainly unreleased early British tape and synthesizer works, this is an essential volume for anyone with an interest in the history of electronic music during the 1950s and 60s.
There is also an ebook version with electronic music extracts, to highlight the work of 25 of the featured composers.
​
220 page Book + 15 track CD - available via Sound On Sound
£29.00 + p&p.
soundonsound.com/shop"

EMS VCS3 Mk1 - The Putney

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

via this auction

"EMS VCS3 “The Putney” - 1970 - Ser#30X

EMS VCS3 “The Putney”, an early Mk1 example build around 1970 and imported into the USA by Ionic Industries. This particular instrument has undergone a complete restoration by a top EMS restoration technician with over 18 years experience with EMS equipment and other high end analog synthesizers.

work includes:

- Complete cleaning inside and out
- New flawless hardwood cabinet made to exact specifications as the original
- New trimpots for cards A and C (VCO / Power Supply Cards)
- New electrolytic capacitors throughout
- New frequency verniers
- New power cable
- New pins (complete set)
- New wood back and bottom covers purchased from EMS
- Front panels returned to EMS in cornwall for re-screening (at great expense!)
- Full power supply refurbish
- Full calibration, burn in and test

Buy with confidence, I’ve restored over 20 EMS Synthis/Punteys including 2 Synthi100s and know them very well.

Some famous Putney users: Hawkwind, Brian Eno/Roxy Music, John Carpenter, Pink Floyd, Tangerine Dream, Todd Rundgren"

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Vintage KORG Polyphonic Ensemble PE 2000 Synthesizer Keyboard

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

via this auction

A little history on the synth via the seller: "I have owned this since 2009 when I bought it from a collector in Kingston upon Thames. I used it for several years in a band until we all went our separate ways due to geographical reasons (also, we weren't very good). It has been sitting in my spare room unused for the last few years so I have decided to sell it on to someone who will make use of the amazing sound it has to offer.

Even though it has a few scratches and marks here and there, it is fully working. All keys, effects and knobs are work perfectly and are fully functional. It has a lovely warm tone to the preset sounds (these can be seen in one of the photographs), as well as a phase shifter, attack and sustain, and tone effects. I bought this without the lid, I imagine it would be hard to source one, but not impossible - I haven't looked as I didn't have a need for it.

This Korg was introduced in 1976 and used by the genius that is, Jean-Michell Jarre, as well as Tangerine Dream and Hawkwind. Also, I used it in a band - not worth mentioning."

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Electronic Music Studios (EMS) VCS 3, The "Putney" SN 2601

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

via this auction

"Yes, this is /that/ VCS-3, the instrument used by Delia Derbyshire, Pink Floyd (e.g., "On the Run"), Jean Michel Jarre, Todd Rundgren, Hawkwind, Roxy Music, King Crimson, and The Who--just to name a few.

If you're interested in bidding on an instrument this pricey, then it is because you know what it truly is: /priceless/.

This particular VCS-3 (see pictures) has the following cosmetic problems: some of the knobs are missing their brass covers and one of the matrix pegs is missing. The fool who owned it before me added some kind of portamento button to the keyboard, so I'm just writing the keyboard off (i.e., not really factoring it into the price). The keyboard /does/ work, however, and I'll include my homemade Jones connector in with the lot...

The VCS itself works fine, v/oct control of each VCO, envelope trigger, etc., using the connectors in the back. I've only been able to explore this instrument a little: sufficed to say, every parameter sounded to be working (the reverb is especially interesting, very "Radiophonic workshop" sounding).

The thing is too special for words, but I just can't afford to sit on it now, supposing their may be someone out there willing to pay top dollar for a rare piece of musical history...

wikipedia.org/wiki/EMS_VCS_3"

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XILS-lab breathes virtual life into prototyped EMS VCS4 analogue matrix modular monster

"'XILS 4: a life-changing tool... absolutely 100 percent indispensable modular heaven!'

- Anthony J. Resta (record producer and multi-instrumentalist)

GRENOBLE, FRANCE: music software company XILS-lab is proud to announce availability of XILS 4 — an authentic software emulation of the legendary VCS4, a ‘dual VCS3’ analogue matrix modular synthesizer prototyped by EMS back in 1969, but never commercially released — as of May 19...

EMS (Electronic Music Studios), a British company founded by the pioneering Peter Zinovieff, made musical history in 1969 with its introduction of the VCS3, the first portable synthesizer commercially available anywhere in the world. Its innovative modular matrix-based patchboard dispensed with the telephone exchange-like cabling of other (much larger) modular systems in favour of making connections with (removable) coloured pins, so it could be comfortably housed in a small wooden (solid afrormosia) cabinet.

Needless to say, the (hi)story of the EMS VCS3 is well documented, with XILS-lab later playing its part in resurrecting its still-sought-after sound with its cost-conscious and award-winning XILS 3 software emulation for Mac (OS X 10.4 and above) and PC (Windows 7, Vista, and XP) proving popular with both first-time buyers beginning a wonderfully in-depth journey into the wonderful world of modular synthesis and also seasoned synth explorers, including renowned sound designer Richard Devine and original VCS3 aficionado Tim Blake (Hawkwind), and even Peter Zinovieff himself, who commented kindly: “A great step forward!”

Not so well documented, though, is the stuff of legend: the 1969-vintage VCS4 was EMS designer David Cockerell’s so-called ‘Live Performance Module’, comprising two VCS3s sat side by side, together with a five-octave keyboard, a mixer, and a signal-processing unit, all housed in a single wooden cabinet. Only one prototype was ever produced, its ear-opening sounds lost in the sands of time... until now, that is!

By being based on two intricate and interacting VCS3 (‘Synthi’) cores — following in the fanciful footsteps of its one-off analogue ancestor to a tee, XILS-lab’s XILS 4 favourably emulates EMS’ VCS4. Indeed, those two cores can be set to work side by side or operate in serial (with one feeding the other). Each and every module on one side can be used to modulate or feed anything on the other side with stunning sound possibilities plus weird and wonderful effects readily available in abundance as a direct result. That said, XILS 4 shows its true 21st Century colours by also allowing amount settings to be individually applied to each patch ‘pin’. Providing patchboard power par excellence to an already special soft synth shows that there is clearly so much more to XILS 4 than solely emulating vintage hardware — rare as the vintage hardware in question clearly is. Little wonder, then, that XILS 4 is billed by its creator as being the Ultimate Analog Matrix Modular Synthesizer!

XILS-lab has sought to take things severals steps further still by coupling those cores with the SEQUENCER 256 module, inspired by EMS’ trailblazing Synthi Sequencer 256 namesake. Needless to say, this three-layer sequencer with analogue-to-digital and digital-to-analogue converters to enable digital processing of control voltages to drive multiple analogue synthesizers or multiple parameters with storage of up to 256 ‘events’ was well ahead of its time when released in 1971. Here in the virtual world, XILS-lab has well and truly transported it to the present day with three independent layers, slew rates, and recording modes, together with added abilities like sequencer layers acting as modulation sources in a dedicated SEQ MATRIX — matchless, even by today’s most sophisticated DAW standards!

So is that all? No, not at all! Adding a second ‘pin matrix’, two additional envelopes, an LFO, comprehensive SAMPLE AND HOLD module, and VOLTAGE PROCESSOR, plus several new input modules — including GATE, ENVELOPE FOLLOWER, and PITCH TRACKER — means that there are hundreds of additional connections available to the discerning synthesist set on exploring XILS 4 to the full as a superlative soft synth or as a powerful effects processor plug-in in its own right. The fact that there are over 1,140 possible connections per patch makes for a literal lifetime of programming possibilities that will surely far outlast the host computer concerned, though those in need of a helping hand have easy access to almost 700 professionally-programmed presets from world-renowned sound designers, including the complete XILS 3 factory library and over 350 presets specifically designed for XILS 4. A selection of tutorial-style patches are also available to help users seeking to take their first tentative steps towards scaling the heady heights of this mountainous modular monster of a soft synth!

Simply put, with a whole host of modules and associated far-reaching functionality — for starters, 12 aliasing-free oscillators, grouped in six pairs with wave-shaping and hard sync — yesteryear’s impossibilities have become today’s possibilities with XILS 4... a great step forward, indeed! A giant leap for modular synthesis software, some might say.


XILS 4 is available to purchase as an eLicenser or iLok copy-protected virtual instrument and effects plug-in for an introductory discounted price of €149.00 EUR (rising to €179.00 EUR on June 17, 2014) from the XILS-lab web store here: http://www.xils-lab.com/pages/STORE.html (Note that this time-limited offer also includes the XILISTICS sound bank with 160-plus presets worth €25.00 EUR, plus a free USB-eLicenser copy-protection dongle!)

XILS 3 owners can upgrade to XILS 4 for an introductory price of €29.00 EUR (rising to €49.00 EUR on June 17, 2014). XILS 4 can be directly downloaded as a 32- and 64-bit-compatible virtual instrument and effects plug-in for Mac (AAX, AU, RTAS, VST) and Windows (AAX, RTAS, VST) from here: http://www.xils-lab.com/pages/XILS4_Download.html

Check out several informative XILS 4 tutorial videos here: http://www.xils-lab.com/pages/XILS4_Videos.html"

iVCS3 Official EMS VCS3 Emulator for iPad Now Available

iTunes: iVCS3 - apeSoft

"Official EMS VCS3 emulator

The VCS3 was created in 1969 by Peter Zinovieff's EMS company. The electronics were largely designed by David Cockerell and the machine's distinctive visual appearance was the work of electronic composer Tristram Cary. The VCS3 was more or less the first portable commercially available synthesizer—portable in the sense that the VCS 3 was housed entirely in a small, wooden case.

The VCS3 was quite popular among progressive rock bands and was used on recordings by The Alan Parsons Project, Jean Michel Jarre, Hawkwind, Brian Eno (with Roxy Music), King Crimson, The Who, Gong, and Pink Floyd, among many others. Well-known examples of its use are on The Who track "Won't Get Fooled Again" (as an external sound processor, in this case with Pete Townshend running the signal of a Lowrey Organ through the VCS3's filter and low frequency oscillators) on Who's Next. Pink Floyd's "On the Run" (from The Dark Side of the Moon) made use of its oscillators, filter and noise generator, as well as the sequencer. Their song Welcome to the Machine also used the VCS3. The bassy throb at the beginning of the recording formed the foundation of the song, with the other parts being recorded in response. The VCS3 was also a staple at the BBC’s Radiophonic Workshop, and was a regular (and most frightening) sound generator for the Dr Who TV series. Many fo the monsters and atmoshere;s created for the show came directly from the VCS3.

Description

The VCS3 has three oscillators (in reality, the first 2 oscillators are normal oscillators and the 3rd an LFO or Low Frequency Oscillator), a noise generator, two input amplifiers, a ring modulator, a 18dB/octave (pre-1974) or 24dB/octave (after 1974) voltage controlled low pass filter (VCF), a trapezoid envelope generator, joy-stick controller, voltage controlled spring reverb unit and 2 stereo output amplifiers. Unlike most modular synthesizer systems which use cables to link components together, the VCS3 uses a distinctive patch board matrix into which pins are inserted in order to connect its components together.
Keyboards controller

DK1 keyboard controller

Although the VCS3 is often used for generating sound effects due to lack of built-in keyboard, there were external keyboard controllers for melodic play. The DK1 in 1969 was an early velocity sensitive monophonic keyboard for VCS3 with an extra VCO and VCA. Later it was extended for duophonic play, as DK2, in 1972. Also in 1972, Synthi AKS was released, and its digital sequencer with a touch-sensitive flat keyboard, KS sequencer, and its mechanical keyboard version, DKS, were also released."

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An Interview Tim Blake by Astronauta Pinguim

Timothy Blake of Gong and Hawkwind.  Check out his double EMS Synthi system and Moog System 55.  On his relationship with EMS:

"My EMS relations were mostly with Robin Woob (now the owner) and the technical people, Graham Wood, Graham Hinton, with whom most of the unique modifications to my set-up were designed.

I've met Zinovieff, of course, but not Cockerell or Cary. Peter seemed to look down on those who played the EMS synths, regarding them as toys he sold to finance his huge computer music studio. I have never heard a note of his music!!

I believe I once impressed Peter at an EMS lunch, by enjoying his Cheese with very hottest oh his home-made chutneys!! Strange stuff, Electronic musicians!"

Read the full interview on Astronauta Pinguim here.

via Fabricio Carvalho of Astronauta Pinguim on The MATRIXSYNTH Lounge

EMS Powertran Transcendent 2000 Analog Vintage Synth

via this auction

"Ok here is a bit of an oddity its a boxed Transcendent 2000 synth which was designed by EMS and sold mainly in kit form in the late 70s. This unit comes in original box with filtersweep pedal. This synth was used by many UK acts including Joy Division - there is actually a picture of Bernard Sumner and Martin Hannett using one in the studio - in the 70s. This one is in excellent cosmetic condition although it has lost many of the silver caps on the knobs and two knobs are missing (easy to buy new ones from Maplin of course!!!). Performance wise its a bit quirky - the original owner had it stored since the 80s, I bought it for a studio session now completed - all knobs work and effect the sound and all keys trigger although the filter section is a bit iffy as it cuts out at times, it needs a proper service to get the best from it. That said it can produce some truly evil sub frequencies and ridiculous Hawkwind-like pink noise sweeps. You can get some great lead sounds on it too. Inside everything is clean and it has been neatly put together. There are schematics online and loads of mod options for those adept with a soldering iron."