GSE GYRINX VCF FIRST LOOK [Audio Demo #1] (Synton Syrinx)

gstormelectro

"I am proud to announce my upcoming GYRINX VCF module.
A eurorack topology of the mythical Synton Syrinx formant filter using AS3350 Alfa re-issue chips.
3 Filters, 4 audio inputs, 3 CV inputs.
And 4 audio path configurations. "

G-STORM ELECTRO Reverb shop

"GYRINX VCF is a filter tribute to the mythical Synton Syrinx.

A BIT OF HISTORY
The Synton Syrinx was an analog monosynth offered without MIDI from 1983. Built in Holland, Syrinx was the brainchild of Felix Visser who sought consultation with Bob Moog. And consequentially distributed by Moog’s Big Briar Inc. The crown jewel of the Syrinx was the unique formant filter section. Comprised of two resonant bandpass (PEAK) and one resonant lowpass contours, all under modulation control, the filter could form 3 formant frequencies characteristic of synthetic human voice sounds. “Wowwww” and “Yeahwa”!

A TRIBUTE TO THE SYRINX
Most of us will likely never see the fabled Syrinx in person. GYRINX VCF is not a clone - rather a painstakingly realized design informed by the known original topology of incomplete schematics, datasheets, and designs from other synths of the era using the CEM3350. Along with the 4 different input/filter signal path routings, the GYRINX VCF is the closest mere mortals will get to the esoteric Syrinx filter experience.

FEATURES
GYRINX VCF has THREE audio filters arranged in a specific configuration: two 2-pole resonant PEAK (bandpass) filters and one 4-pole resonant LOWPASS. 2 CV inputs and a keyboard tracking CV ensures generous range of beautiful and strange formant frequencies you’ll not get with any other filter. The four audio inputs can be configured as a mixed sum, or as a split pair. Also, as with the original, the filter routing options include series and parallel paths. The entire audio signal path is all analog, however filter routing is digitally controlled by the momentary switch.

FEATURES
TWO Alfa AS3350 re-issue filter chips based on the CEM3350 design.
FOUR audio signal input jacks w/ individual attenuators.
Two selectable audio input Types: 1-4 Summed Audio, or 1-2 / 3-4 split audio pair
Two Resonant Peak Filters, does not self-oscillate
One Resonant Lowpass Filter, does not self-oscillate
Two selectable filter configuration Types: SERIES Peak -> Lowpass, PARALLEL Peak || Lowpass
Digitally controlled routing of the all-analog audio path.
Two Control Voltage input jacks for Frequency CUTOFF w/ signal attenuators, routed to both filter types. These offer inverted and non-inverted control.
One Control Voltage (KB) input jack for Frequency TRACKING w/ signal attenuators, routed to both filter types. This one is non-inverted only, and can be used with other mod signals, LFOs, envelopes, gate, or anything else!"

Syrinx Synthesizer

flickr by aredien

"One of only 300 in the world."

full size

I believe I have only seen the Blue, Red and Black Syrinx before. This one appears silver/metallic. Anyone know how many colors there were?

Update: Click here for more images sent in via the owner Uro.

Update: some info on the colors via an anonymous reader [be sure to see some corrections in the next update below this one]: "The Syrinx was produced in many colors on demand for various folks. Synton was not doing well when he Syrinx was released. It hit the market several years after monophonic analogs had become quite common in used kit shops, everyone had their favorites and were buying big digital. Many things were done to try and get the Syrinx sold... custom colors being a relatively easy solution. Other efforts included things like Electro Harmonix pedal integration (I've personally played a Syrinx which had a control interface for an EH Instant Replay pedal!).

I've seen personally black/dark gray, red, metallic like this one, blue, white, yellow and even purple! The most common I run into seem to be black/dark gray [someone on AH also reported orange and green - MUST... SEE... GREEN... ONE...].

I will try and ask Felix what the skinny is, if he can remember, I am in touch with him on occasion.

Feel free to reinterpret this information for the blog as you see fit."

If anyone out there has any images of the more rare colored Syrinx's leave a comment or contact me. I'd love to see them. Note I did check out the first couple of pages on Google image search and didn't find any.

BTW, click here for all posts mentioning the Syrinx.

Update via another anonymous reader that worked with Synton:
"The reason for the colours was that we did an introduction at a fair in Holland (Firato) and that's why we made a red, white and blue and orange version (the dutch colours). From the orange and the white version are made (what i remember) only few. The white version is like the doepfer frontpanel (not real white).

What i remember there are no purple, yellow or other colours of the syrinx produced by Synton.

The story " The Syrinx was produced in many colors on demand for various folks" is not correct. We did this because we like to do this and we also got a good response at the fair in Holland and Frankfurt."

Update 2/2/10 via Peter Kersten: "The official info I got from Marc Paping (one of the guys behind Synton) was that they made the frontpanel in batches of 4. According to him there are only 4 or 8 Titanium versions.
He was the one mentioned that titanium could possibly be a flaw and was not intended.

Back in the 90's I was very active with vintage gear and bought alot of Syrinxes (I was a shopowner, specialized in vintage gear). Most of them were black.
The first one I ever saw was pink! So I know for sure at least one is pink. There are red, white and blue ones. Also orange and someone said there was a green one.
Also some alu versions (clear paint) are mentioned. The coloured versions were batches of 20 I was told.

I kept a blue and a titanium one in my collection.
Here are pics of them http://www.home.zonnet.nl/synthiman/Syrinx.html
Don't take the site too serious ;-)

As for the titanversion for sale at Vemia: I know that the guy is trying to sell for a long time now. First seen on a Dutch auctionsite. Price asked 6500 Euro.
It appeared on Ebay several times too. This is the same person all the time.
The highest price I saw, was for a blue one sold at 4500 Euro on ebay a few years ago.

By the way: Happy 2010 everyone :-)"

Synton Syrinx

Click here for shots via this auction.
Details:

"Synton Syrinx BLUE edition - it is the most expanded Syrinx ever made - look at the picture for the inputs, the black edition and even the expander version doesn´t have that.

My Syrinx has been serviced one week ago and is in very good condition for it´s age!

The Syrinx uses seven Curtis chips for its VCO's, VCF's and envelopes. It has two analog VCO's, a sub-oscillator and three flexible VCF filters. You can switch between the three filters for either a 24 dB lowpass, or two bandpass filters, and they can be patched in four different ways (series/parallel). Additionally the Syrinx has two LFO's, FM, PWM, osc-sync, 2 ADSR envelopes, ring modulation, portamento and a cool touch-pad that can control various parameters from pitch-bending to the LFO rate. The Syrinx's Mixer section lets you adjust levels for each VCO and the sub-osc as well as the Noise Generator and Ring Modulator."

via Benjamin.

More Info on The Many Colors of the Synton Syrinx

If you recall from this post, only a handful of Syrinx's are titanium purple. Peter Kersten wrote in with some info on the different colors of the Syrinx on the AH list. Posted here with permission: "The official info I got from Marc Paping (one of the guys behind Synton) was that they made the frontpanel in batches of 4. According to him there are only 4 or 8 Titanium versions. He was the one mentioned that titanium could possibly be a flaw and was not intended.

Back in the 90's I was very active with vintage gear and bought alot of Syrinxes (I was a shopowner, specialized in vintage gear). Most of them were black. The first one I ever saw was pink! So I know for sure at least one is pink. There are red, white and blue ones. Also orange and someone said there was a green one. Also some alu versions (clear paint) are mentioned. The coloured versions were batches of 20 I was told.

I kept a blue and a titanium one in my collection. Here are pics of them
Don't take the site too serious ;-)

As for the titanversion for sale at Vemia: I know that the guy is trying to sell for a long time now. First seen on a Dutch auctionsite. Price asked 6500 Euro. It appeared on Ebay several times too. This is the same person all the time. The highest price I saw, was for a blue one sold at 4500 Euro on ebay a few years ago.

By the way: Happy 2010 everyone :-)"

Be sure to see Peter's website for more including other synths.

Click here for all posts featuring the Syrinx. You will find videos and images including more colors.
From this previous post on the colors:
"The reason for the colours was that we did an introduction at a fair in Holland (Firato) and that's why we made a red, white and blue and orange version (the dutch colours). From the orange and the white version are made (what i remember) only few. The white version is like the doepfer frontpanel (not real white).

What i remember there are no purple, yellow or other colours of the syrinx produced by Synton.

The story 'The Syrinx was produced in many colors on demand for various folks" is not correct. We did this because we like to do this and we also got a good response at the fair in Holland and Frankfurt.'"

Synton Syrinx

images via this auction

"The Synton Syrinx is one of the few analog synths to come out of the Netherlands. It's a monophonic lead synth in the same category as the Minimoog, Arp Odyssey, and Roland SH-7. But the Syrinx is pretty rare, only a few hundred were produced from 1983 through 1984.

Description
Pre-MIDI monophonic analog synthesizer with two oscillators, hard- and soft sync, pulse-width modulation, sub-oscillator, ring modulation, noise source, two LFOs, two ADSR envelopes, formant filter, two parallel bandpass filters with separate resonance controls, 44-note keyboard, and unusual pitchbender. A few keyboardless Syrinxes were manufactured during the 1990s.

Produced
May 1982 to 1984.

Approximate Number Manufactured
325 to 350.

Manufacturer
Synton, Breukelen, Holland (no longer doing business).

Insider Information
Synton founder Felix Visser was inspired to design synthesizers after purchasing an EMS Synthi-A that stopped functioning three days after he’d brought it home from London. In the process of repairing it, he analyzed the Synthi-A’s circuitry and thought he could do better. He started Synton in 1973 to materialize his concept of a voltage-controlled synth. . . . Visser was a jazz drummer who began experimenting with electronic music during the late ’60s. He owns an extensive collection of vintage electronic gear and is in the process of opening a museum called the Elektryseum in Holland.

Original Retail Price
$1,095.

Current Value
$4,000 to $6,000."

Red Synton Syrinx Serial Number 1

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

via this auction

"For sale is a vintage Synton Syrinx tabletop version. One of the final Syrinx ever made, Serial number 1 out of 6 total in existence. Incredibly rare! Built into case with midi installed, makes it especially useful to use in modern studio. This is an amazing monophonic analog synth with legendary Syrinx sound. It's fully functional & in excellent cosmetic shape. Operates at 220v but I can include a transform to use in 110v countries if needed. Check out the pictures below. If you've been looking for one of these, here is your once in lifetime chance you can't pass up!"

The Purple SN 1 went up back in June here.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Uber Studio

via sequencer.de where you will find more.

Check out the red Synton Syrinx minus keys, Blue Syrinx, and the Buchla wall!!!

Three 200es, a System 100 and the uber rare Buchla 700 on top of a Rhodes Chroma.

I spot an Oberheim OB-Mx in the rack as well.

What is the synth in the stand behind the red Synton Syrinx, under the Yamaha VL1? It's not a Waldorf Q.


Update: vid Brandon:It's an Alesis Andromeda A6. Gleeman Pentaphonic clear to the right of the Syrinx's

Memorymoog behind the VL1.

Felix Visser with Synton Syrinx 0001

via this auction

Here's a bit of synth history. If you aren't interested in the auction, do note that is the first Synton Syrinx ever and that is Felix Visser, the creator of the Syrinx.
"This [picture] is number 02/10 of a strictly limited edition, and will be signed and numbered by Felix Visser, former boss of the famous synth and vocoder company, Synton. The synth itself, serial number 0001, Felix Visser's personal machine, will be sold at VEMIA in the next few weeks, and number 01/10 will be given to the winning bidder."

Synton Syntovox 222

images via this auction

"Synton Syntovox 222. As VC-10 VP330 Moog EMS SVC350 A+
110v or 220v configuration.
On auction this rare and vintage analog vocoder by Synton from the Netherlands. In production during the golden age of analog synthesizers Synton has gained cult like status by making superb gear like the Synton Syrinx, vocoders, modular systems and the later produced Fenix. This is the Synton Syntovox 222 handbuild in The Netherlands, serial number 107.
Synton can be compared to EMS, Sennheiser, Roland SVC350/VP330 and other high end studio vocoder manufacturers. A very rare instrument indeed that produces some of the smoothest and silkiest vocoder sounds possible...WOW Synton was Wendy Carlos's favourite vocoder brand, Aphex Twin is known to love Synton etc etc... These machines can be found in boutique studios around the world. Machine is in excellent condition, looks great, all knobs in place only one white knob-inlay is missing. Great addition to high class analog studio. BUYER GETS TO CHOOSE 110V OR 220V."

You can find some more images not included in the auction here. While there be sure to check out the header menu where you will find some other rarities including nice shots of the MOOG MinitMoog.

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AnalogFX Syrinx Eurorack (Synton Syrinx Remake) Demo Model

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

via this auction

"If you know the Synton Syrinx now further introduction is needed.

This is a new Euro Rack version with modular connections.

Including:
- USB MIDI interface.
- MIDI input.
- CV input and output.
- Gate input and output.
- 2 LFO’s.
- Bend pad.
- Glide.
- 2 VCO’s
- Sub oscillator.
- Ring modulator.
- Noise generator.
- Formant filter.
- 2 Peak filters
- 1 Lowpass filter.
- 2 ADSR’s.

Specifications:
Width; 84hp
Supply; +/-12V
Current; +/-150mA max.

Remark: Shipped without case and power supply. This is only the Euro Rack module."

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Black SYNTON SYRINX SN 5001

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

via this auction

"A VERY Rare Synton Syrinx in great condition. Pro serviced , very clean condition. Protected from dust when not in use. The service include a full check. Underneath the 3 most used potmeters have been installed with an extra steady button so they do not get loose (common on the syrinx). The power supply is 220V with new switch and light.Perfectly working order."

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Synton Syrinx SN 1 Rare Purple Vintage Synthesizer For Sale SN 0001

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
Published on Jun 27, 2014 VintageSynth2013·8 videos

via this auction

"For sale is this amazing Synton Syrinx keyboard, the first one ever made Serial Number 1 in purple metallic color. I don't believe any other Synton's exist in this color, they are usually black or sometimes blue. This is a very rare keyboard with an interesting range of sounds. Unique for it's filter section & modulation pads among other things. It's in near mint shape & fully functional. Only things worth mentioning are a couple scratchy pots that tend to clean up with use, and the keyboard keys themselves make a bit of noise when played (doesn't effect operation of the synth at all, but maybe with replacing membranes they could be quiet again...normal issues for a 30 year old synth.) Otherwise everything is working as it should. Operates at 115v, was originally owned by the makers of Synton until sold a few years back. Don't pass up a chance to own a collector's piece of synthesizer history!"

Note this one went up on VEMIA back in 2009 here.

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Synton SYRINX

Title link takes you to shots via this auction. Click on the image for the full size shot.
• Synton Syrinx (SE) (Serial # 5)
• Special Synton CV/Gate Cable
This is the special edition without the keyboard that Synton released in 1994-1995. This mid-nineties reissue is a very rare rack-mount version with MIDI and external audio in. These units were mounted inside rack cases to assure maximum protection and to make transportation easier. Only 6 of this units have ever been produced.

Blue Model AnalogFX SER-2020 Synthesizer, Inspired by the Synton Syrinx

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

This one was spotted and sent in via M Me. You can find a black model posted back in 2020 here.

via marktplaatz:

"The SER-2020 is a monophonic semi-modular analog synthesizer with an formant filter section, designed to use as standalone synthesizer or in combination with Eurorack modules. Inspired by the Synton Syrinx added the flexibility of an MS-20. Its filter design features a combination of a 24dB/octave VC Low Pass Filter, and two independent Resonant VC Peak Filters for formant sound shaping. The sound is ranging from solid bass sounds to articulated formant sound effects. The touch ‘n bend Control together with the MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) capabilities makes the SER-2020 a dynamic controllable instrument. Flexible routing makes the SER-2020 a suitable synth for sound effects.

Key Specifications:
2 VCO’s (CEM3340 based)
1 Sub-Oscillator
Ring Modulator
Noise Generator
Audio Mixer
Multi-Mode Sync & Sync D-Tune
3 VCF’s (CEM3350 based)
2 ADSR’s
2 LFO’s with Reset & Shaper Modes
Auto-Glide
Multiple Triggering
Touch ‘N Bend Pad
Bend Assign
Sample and Hold
Semi Modular Setup – CV inputs and outputs
Signal and Headphone output.
MIDI interface
USB MIDI interface
MPE compatible"

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Synton Syrinx Update

I updated this post with more images of the grey/metallic Synton Syrinx sent in via the owner, Uro. He also has never seen one this color before. Comments disabled here to keep them all in the prior post.

AnalogFX Ser 2020 Semi- Modular analog synthesizer with Formant filter (Synton Syrinx *1 ,MS-20 )

video upload by Dziam Bass

"First touch with AnalogFX Ser 2020 Semi- Modular analog synthesizer with Formant filter with add sequence.. some fun from hand with filter ,resonance and add sub .

The SER-2020 is a monophonic semi-modular analog synthesizer with an formant filter section, designed to use as standalone synthesizer or in combination with Eurorack modules. Inspired by the Synton Syrinx *(1) added the flexibility of an MS-20. Its filter design features a combination of a 24dB/octave VC Low Pass Filter, and two independent Resonant VC Peak Filters for precise and dynamic sound shaping. The sound is ranging from solid bass sounds to articulated formant effects. Other features on the SER-2020 are the Touch ‘N Bend Control together with the MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) capabilities makes the SER-2020 a special instrument which response to its player. The flexible routing makes the SER-2020 a versatile machine for sound effects.

More info here : https://www.analogfx.com"

EXTREMELY RARE MINT SYNTON SYRINX W/ MIDI IN TITANIUM

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

"YOU ARE LOOKING AT AN EXTREMELY RARE SYNTON SYRINX WITH MIDI IN TITANIUM. THERE ARE ONLY FOUR OF THESE MADE IN THE WORLD AND ONLY 1 THAT HAS MIDI OUT. THIS UNIT WORKS 100%"

Update: three more pics added.

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Synton Syrinx Fraud?

Via Florian on AH:

"Hi

Just a warning: do not bid on ebay Item 190123605048 (Synton Syrinx)
Pictures are taken from vintagesynth.com and from just ended auction
290127272589 (this was a real auction from a known collector here in
Munich). Alert is sent to ebay.

Please no further discussion here in the list.

Florian"

I see 13 bids on it, hopefully it isn't one of you. I didn't post it previously but you never know. And for the record, I do not want to be in the habit of posting warnings. If you know who to contact on these, feel free to do so. I don't.

GSE GYRINX VCF Filter Overview [Demo #2] (Synton Syrinx)

gstormelectro

G-Storm Electro on Reverb

http://gstormelectronica.blogspot.com

"My GYRINX VCF eurorack module is a topology of the mythical Synton Syrinx formant filter using AS3350 Alfa re-issue chips.

In this video I describe the features, demonstrate various kinds of audio input, and describe how to make a few patches.

Timestamps
0:00 Cold Open Sounds
0:33 Introduction
1:08 Front Panel Tour
2:48 Basic Filter Sounds
9:02 YII-YII and WOW-WOW Patch
10:35 Input: Using Samples
11:55 Input: DNA Symbiotic Waves - Rave Bass Patch
12:57 Female Solo Voice Patch

Signals/Modulation/FX:
Oscillators: GSE 101-VCO, Pittsburgh DNA Symbiotic Waves,
Sample Playback: Erica Sample Drum
VCA: GSE 2xVCA
Envelope: 2xADSR
LFO: Batumi
Control: Arturia Keystep Pro
Sub-mixer: GSE Infusor-X
Mixer: Mackie 802-VLZ3
Also: GSE Tonus VCF + 4027 VCO
Minor use of Eventide Timefactor Delay.
Recorded direct to Tascam DR-05
No mastering, eq, nor additional post-effects added."

Synton Syrinx

flickr By allert
(click for more)

The Synton Syrinx synthesizer at www.sonartraffic.nl