EMS VCS3 Explorations by Todd Barton aka bartonmusic

Seven explorations of the VCS3 by Todd Barton aka bartonmusic on SoundCloud.

Playlist (three were previously posted, two with video):

1. Vcs3 spiral stretch [video]
2. VCS-3 transmission
3. Vcs3 filter sweep [video]
4. VCS3-EML-200
5. Krell Music-1
6. Krell music-2
7. Old Krell Folk Tune [previous post sans video]

This one in via Soviet Space Child.

EMS VCS3 Putney

Title link takes you to shots pulled via this auction.

Oddly, it looks right at home.

Some interesting details:
"The EMS expert I have been dealing with has only seen pictures of this unit. This is what he wrote:

'Your VCS3 is interesting because it is a very early model. Although it does say VCS3a on the back panel, this is not a commonly recognized 'species' of VCS3 and the unit would fall under the heading of VCS3 Mk1. More importantly the circuitry and components are the same as the Mk1 VCS3 (and Synthi A Mk1 - the suitcase model) I noticed the pencil marking '210' on the images you emailed and suspect that this is the correct serial number.'"

EMS VCS3 PUTNEY RARE DELUXE VERSION & DK-2 KEYBOARD

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

VCS3 via this auction

DK-2 via this auction

"A true rare and unique collectors item. On top of the fact that this is a rare VCS3 Putney, it is a custom made deluxe Version of the VCS3 series.

Serial 154

It is A Unique deluxe model, designed for the famous american Composer "Steve Karmen".
Price offers are welcome.

In great condition, recently Pro serviced and full working order. Special great looking wooden finish and custom white styling. (EMS DK1 keyboard Deluxe Version available upon request.)

You Will Receive:

EMS VCS3 Deluxe
EMS Warranty Card
EMS Patch charts
Custom Dust Cover
Power Cable
Manual
Ocsidance Invoice"

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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"

KX77FREE - Free VSTs

via http://twitter.com/rekkerd
http://kx77free.free.fr/

The following is an excerpt from the site. Note these are not done with synthedit and note the description for KX-SYNTH-X16-V2 pictured. The site is a good resource on synthesis in general. Be sure to see the other instruments listed there.

"My work is maybe a little different than usual virtual synthesizers, but it is done for the attention of musicians who like to program their own sounds. Even if I explain clearly the KXMOD parameters use, you must have a minimum of knowledge of subtractive synthesis to appreciate them. The sounds provided with my plugins are examples but the presets of the Kxomni and the KX-MODULAD are really nice...

I started to work on KX77FREE plugins in October 2002. Comparing the sound obtained with Synthedit and with my SixTrack, I decided to do my own virtual instruments."

Pictured above and to the left: KX-SYNTH-X16-V2
Vintage modular polyphonic synthesizer.

A virtual analog based on the VCS3 structure.

Common features with the VCS3
Three variable shape oscillators,tweaked to simulate the color and bandwidth of Vcs3's oscillators.
16*16 pin matrix with feedback connections.
LP filter, 18 db per octave with self oscillating.
Noise generator with EQ.
Ring modulation.
Two external inputs.
XY joystick.

Added features

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Custom Designed VCS3(mkII)+DK1/2 CV Interface

via SYNTHI A CLONE where you will find more info.

"new custom made VCS3 mkII module that I plan to make available in small quantities.

Custom designed with hand made afrormosia hardwood case as in the original VCS3 and original synthi knobs/sockets/styling and custom engraved panels. Different knob colour options will be available.

The Synthi VCS3-DK2 CV interface unit combines my 4 channel sequencer/CV cable with the ability to keep the DK12 keyboard connected to the VCS3. It also works equally well with a DK1 keyboard.

It allows individual switching of the 4 channels (Input ch1, Input ch2, matrix row 16 (joystick vertical control) and gate) between either external CV1-CV3, gate (via 6.35mm jacks) or DK1/2 function.

Another nice feature is it also allows the on board Oscillator in the DK1/2 to be routed in and out to external effects/filters etc before re-entering the matrix via input channel 1. This means that you can apply external effects (echo, reverb, filtering etc) of this Osc independently of the main synthi Osc1-3."

via the EMS SYNTHI blog

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Digitana SX-1 SYNTHI Style Synth Videos & Quad Midi-CV Interface for Synthi A(KS) / VCS3

Digitana Quad Midi-CV Interface for Synthi A(KS) / VCS3

Published on Aug 10, 2016

First the Quad Midi-CV Interface for Synthi A(KS) / VCS3. Below you'll find six SX-1 videos. Click here for previous posts on the Digitana SX-1. The SX-1 is meant to be an expander for the original EMS Synthi. It uses designs from Digitana, not EMS.

"4 channel Midi-CV module custom designed for E.M.S. Synthi A(KS) or VCS3 Synthesisers. In this small demo, using my VCS3, Osc1, Osc2 and Osc3 pitch (with invert option on) and Filter cutoff are being controlled via separate midi to cv channels."

Synthi Expander Demo1

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Miniature VCS3 DIY synthesizer

video upload by Solx45

"Some years ago I made a mini (about half size) version of the EMS VCS3.
It's a great fun synth and it works. It has:

3 Oscillators, temp compensated with same outputs as the VCS3 and 1V/oct
Filter clone of VCS3 and 1V/oct
Ring Modulator
Noise generator
Simple envelope shaper with VCA
Output VCA
Digital delay
Joystick
10 x 10 patch matrix
Most electronics built onto 2 proto stripboards"

VCS3 filter sweep

VCS3 filter sweep from todd barton on Vimeo.

A simple filter sweep of a two VCS3 oscillator sequence (a Korg sq-10 providing the pitched cv). go here for a similar track and much better audio: http://soundcloud.com/user7621213/vcs3-filter-sweep

EMS Synthi A - Mark I

Shots via this auction.

Details:
"This is a Mk I EMS Synthi A from 1971, the first version of the EMS popular briefcase model. About a year later came the Mk II, also known as Synthi AKS. Mk I is rarer due to its short production run. According to Robin Wood at EMS about 300 were made. Electronically it's identical to the first version of the VCS3 which was produced between 1968 and 1972. Mk II intruduced a number of modifications:
* The PSU was redesigned, Mk I PSU is too weak to power a KS (the blue/black touch keyboard of the AKS) DK1 and DK2 can be used though.
* The output amplification, reverb driver and ring modulator circuits was redesigned.
* The patch matrix was reconfigured, Mk I has two individual outputs per oscillator Mk II has only for each of osc 1 and osc 2 only osc 3 has two outputs. In my opinion the Mk I configuration is much more useful.
* Some switches were added for AKS compatability.
* Prestopatch socket was added. With some work it can be added to a Mk I as well.
I think all Mk I Synthis and VCS3 came with the beautiful "Morning Mist" coloured front panel. Later on, most of them had uncoloured metal finish.

I have owned this synth for three years. When I bought it from a guy in Berlin I was told that this particular unit was originally owned by Manuel Goettsching of Ash Ra Temple and used by him as well as by Klaus Schulze, but i have not been able to confirm this so i can't be sure.

Together with Magnus Danielsson I have restored it internally. All electrolytic capacitors and all but two potentiometers have been replaced. Some failing transistors has been replaced with "new old stock" transistors of the same kind that was used by EMS during the 70's. Many trim potentiometers has been replaced for greater precision. The PSU has been re-organized. One of the transistors there produces a lot of heat. This one has been moved from the circuit board and mounted to a larger metal area inside. Many Mk I Synthis and VCS3 has been ruined due to this transistor being mounted on the board, it has the potential of burning off the traces of the circuit board. The synth is fully working and electronically in great shape. Though, due to its age I cannot give any guarantees and it is sold as is. But I would not expect it to fail anytime soon.

One thing is missing, there is only one speaker inside. However these can be bought from Robin Wood at EMS.

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The Cloney Project EMS VCS3 TTSH (ARP 2600) and the Buchla Easel

therudyrude

"Keysteps are used as arpegiator for the VCS3 and TTSH .

Easel in Eventide H9

2600 in Strymon Big Sky

Cloney VCS3 in Ventris Dual Verb

I had to attenuate the voltage coming from the Keystep going to the VCS3 so that it can kind of track well tempered."

Digitana Electronics EMS Expansion Modules

You might recall the EMS Synthi HiFli Clone from Digitana Electronics back in 2010. Since then, they have made a number of EMS modules and accessories. To the left is the KS Expander, below is their SYNTHI Control Console followed by the Dual VCS3 - DK2 CV Interface, VCS3 mk2 External CV and Gate Interface, Synthi VCS3 Poly Midi-CV Interface, and the Synthi VCS3 Quad Midi-CV Interface. You'll find more on their site.

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Soundfreak Buchla Format EMS Modules

See the Superbooth 22 video here, and announcement post here. These are licensed from EMS. The prices have gone up slightly since.

"The Triple Oscillator consists of three independent oscillators. They are identical in controls but different in range and waveforms.

From top to bottom, the three oscillators are labelled 1, 2, and 3, and horizontal lines visually separate them on the panel layout.

The original VCS3 oscillators had a frequency range that extended well below the audible range. This allowed the musician to use them both as sound or modulation sources, mainly thanks to the VCS3 matrix, which allowed a flexible and immediate signal routing.

In the 4U format, where sound and modulation are strictly separate, we provided the oscillator with both Tini-Jax and banana sockets.

€2120"

The Dual Filter/Oscillator consists of two independent, identical filtering circuits modelled over the Filter/Oscillator section of the VCS 3, with some extra features.

We preserved the original, distinctive Response parameter that allowed you to use the device as a resonant low-pass filter or a self-oscillating bandpass filter. In the latter configuration, the filter produced a pure sine wave that could be used as an audio source.

In addition to that, we designed an FM circuit that allows you to control the filter’s cutoff frequency with both CV and audio signals. A dedicated switch modifies the filter reaction to audio-rate frequency modulation.

The DB switch allows you to change the filter slope from 24 to 18 dB/oct, thus expanding the capabilities beyond the original VCS3 design.

€1620

This module merges two separate sections of the VCS3: the Envelope Shaper (upper part of the front panel) and Noise Generator (lower part of the front panel).

The Envelope Shaper combines a VCA and a loopable envelope generator that can work as an LFO. The envelope both controls the VCA level and is available as control voltage.

It can accept up to four distinct sounds thanks to four semi-normalled audio inputs.

The Noise Generator outputs a noise signal with controls over its amplitude and colour. The colour knob defines its timbre by cutting the low or the high frequencies from the default white noise. We chose to expand its design by making this last parameter voltage-controllable.

€1480

EMS TKS : Sequencer Keyboard for SYNTHI AKS & VCS3 for sale

YouTube via cores303 — June 04, 2010 — "Extremly rare EMS TKS Sequencer Keyboard, 256 notes, similar to KS of the Synthi AKS suitcase. This is a very rare version for VCS3 mk2 or Synthi A with a very nice teak-type Danish looking wood cabinet. If you own a VCS3 MK1 old release, you can purchase an inexpensive power supply and modify a VCS3 jack to power the TKS"

BBC Dr. Who Electronic Music Studios EMS VCS3 synthesizer Putney

via this auction

"A vintage EMS VCS3 synthesizer. WITH HISTORY this was John Bakers own VCS3 (BBC Radiophonic workshop see link) and used in the early 1970,s on the rework of the Dr who them music, and lots of his other work. Cosmetically It looks in good condition, but has been unused since the late 1970,s and been in dry storage since I acquired it from johns estate. So sold as is untested for service ect."

Doctor Who's EMS VCS3 "Putney"

Note this is the same synth as the EMS SYNTHI but in table top form rather than suitcase.

Eurorack, Buchla , DFAM,System 8, Matriarch, Subharmonicon, VCS3,Pulsar23

video upload by therudyrude

"Keystep Pro controls the Pulsar23 and the Cwejman VM1 ,I use the Moog Matriarch,DFAM,Subharmonicon, the Roland System 8,The Buchla with 4 Oscillators and the VCS3"

Eurorack, Buchla , DFAM,System 8, Matriarch, Subharmonicon, VCS3,Pulsar23 Part Deux
video upload by therudyrude

"Keystep Pro controls the Pulsar23 and the Cwejman VM1 ,I use the Moog Matriarch,DFAM,Subharmonicon, the Roland System 8,The Buchla with 4 Oscillators and the VCS3 part 2"

VCS3 Putney Sonata #5 by Stomachlining

YouTube Uploaded by stomachlining on Aug 6, 2011

"This is a VCS3 solo, processed by a resonator. The resonating overtones are entered by a midi keyboard. The VCS3 oscillators slide past the chosen overtones producing a violin sound. The Putney's oscillators are controlling each other as osc.3 sends osc.1&2 sliding up & down in opposite directions (thanks to splitting osc3's CV out to the oscilliscope & back in again) ... all live... all VCS3"

EMS VCS3 Mk I SN 193

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

via this auction

"This is a rare and historic synthesizer. It was one of the earliest Putneys made in 1969, Serial #193. It is in excellent condition, hardly a scratch anywhere. All three boards were recently serviced and calibrated by Robin Wood at EMS in England. Electrolytic capacitors have been replaced, envelope maximum decay time tweaked up to 45 sec., Osc3 increased slow frequency range. Apart from that, everything is original, no modifications have been made. The matrix pins are all white - this is how the early Mark I Putneys came. Even the AC plug is still original. The pin matrix surface itself looks like new.

It sounds absolutely wonderful. I have tested all functions / matrix combos to the best of my ability and everything works, including the envelope light.

Includes original Ionic Industries VCS3 manual ("...The synthesizer for the seventies...") which contains many patch diagrams. It looks to be mostly the same as the "official" EMS VCS3 manual.

Rear and bottom panel are missing but they are just pieces of hardboard, easy to replace. Also as you can see from the pictures, many of the silver knob caps are missing but are also easy to replace."

Inside an EMS VCS3

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VCS3 putney sonata #3 by Stomachlining

YouTube Uploaded by stomachlining on Sep 22, 2011

"This is a VCS3 solo, processed through a resonator. The resonating overtones are entered via a midi keyboard (the keyboard is not contributing any audio, its only duty is to send midi info to the resonator). The VCS3 oscillators slide past the chosen overtones producing a violin sound. The Putney's oscillators are controlling each other's frequencies, as osc.3 sends osc.1&2 sliding up & down (osc.3 CV is not inverted as it was on #5) & everything is ruled by the joystick.. all live... all VCS3"

New EMS VCS3/Synthi/Switchtrix Electronics VCSX-100

video upload by SWITCHTRIX ELECTRONICS

"Introducing our latest model.VCSX-100.

This Synth features the VCS3 OSC1-3,Filter,Envelope,Ring Modulator,Input channels,Meter and Joystick with the addition of the Synthi 100 Dual Random Voltage Generator,Multimode Filter,,Envelope Shaper and Octave Filter Bank.Housed in a VCS3 cabinet all module input and outputs brough out to 3.5mm jack sockets to interface with modulars or other VCS3/Synthi's

For more info contact
mail@switchtrix.co.uk

www.switchtrix.co.uk"