I almost skipped posting this as the only news here is there's a 4th production run of the Colossus. I guess it's interesting knowing how many are out there. What's also interesting is I always assumed the Colossus was either built in a limited initial run, or it was built per order only. This is a mammoth endeaver and each one costs 25,000 GBP which comes out to $35,000 US. It is $4500 less than this little Sennheiser VSM201 Vocoder!
Press release follows:
""Analogue Solutions announces forthcoming fourth run of Colossus supersized synth that trips back to the future of analogue
KINGSWINFORD, UK: following a showstopping showcase during its introduction at SynthFest UK 2019 in Sheffield, British boutique electronic instruments innovator Analogue Solutions is proud to announce a forthcoming fourth run of Colossus — its supersized synth that trips back to the future of analogue, albeit symbolising so much more than a powerful analogue ‘workstation’ with no fewer than 12 VCOs (Voltage-Controlled Oscillators) beating at its monumental musical heart, rather representing art, architecture, and superlative studio furniture at its hand-built best by taking its design cues from the colossal classic that is the EMS Synthi 100, although no Synthi circuit was cloned or copied in making the destined-to-be-classic Colossus fit for a new generation of high-flying owners — as of February 15…
Synthesizer Evolution: From Analogue to Digital (And Back) book review & book flip through. Synthesizer Evolution is a recently published book covering every major synth, drum machine and sampler from 1963-1995. Each instrument is hand drawn and includes vital statistics and quirky facts.
Synth Evolution is published by Velocity Press (https://velocitypress.uk) and written & illustrated by Oli Freke (https://www.synthevolution.net), a London-based musician, artist and author with a life-long passion for analogue synthesizers and electronic music.
Synthesizer Evolution: From Analogue to Digital (And Back) provides us with an in-depth look at synthesizer history over the decades and covers a variety of vintage synthesizers including analog synths, digital synths, modular synths, wavetable synths, FM synths, additive synths and more.
Join me for a narrated book flip through highlighting various synths and concluding with a brief book review at the end. Hope you enjoy and feel free to grab a copy of Synth Evolution if you like it.
"Peter Zinovieff shares his memories about developing EMS Synthi and checks out the SYNTRX.
We are grateful to great minds that changed the course of music history and inspired entire generations of musicians and instrument developers."
"Built in the 1970s from modules at Electronic Music Studios EMS Bournemouth factory, this analog modular PAIA modified by EMS Bournemouth 110 volt synth ended up in the hands of Joy Division's producer Martin Hannett who was also a musician mainly using synth and bass guitar.NOTE -The listing is for the synth only, the Hannett AMS delays and Marshall Time Modulators are available from me separately- message me for more info on those. this EMS Bournemouth PAIA analog modularHannett synth is a working piece of history"
"We present a the first of a two-part demo and tutorial on the Arturia Synthi V, a recreation of the infamous EMS Synthi A. We discuss the history of the original, present the basic functionality of the Synthi V, explore some of the factory presents, and look at how to create your own sounds with the main interface.
00:30 History of the EMS Synthi
01:12 Presenting the Arturia Synthi V
02:28 Factory preset demos
04:36 Creating your own sounds
10:58 More factory preset demos
In part 2 we will be covering more advanced editing, including Arturia's extended features.
"Nice unit with oiled afromosia case. Great history.
This was an EMSA unit. Electronic Music Studios of America, Amherst MA.
Dr. Everett Hafner's early EM studios.
Works well and is useful. Outputs 1V/OCT, interfaces well with Moog.
Pitch tracking is not up to tracking a guitar, but I found if you sequence something and play along with it (I use electric kalimba) you can get all sorts of dynamic effects from the envelope followers and filter tracking from the CV. Adds a cool layer of control. Missing one knob insert.
Leaving the offer button on, but not inclined to take less than I am asking."
"ask.audio blogs about the 2017 recovery of a rare, one-of-a-kind EMS Synthi KB1 synthesizer, a model that never made it into production. This one was made for the band YES in 1971. Digitana Electronics obtained the synth and was looking to document some music history.
'We are pleased to announce that Digitana Electronics has acquired an important piece of E.M.S. history…the E.M.S. Synthi KB1 keyboard. Only one prototype was ever made, for the band YES in 1971.
'The synth never went into production. It has remained essentially unused for 46 years though Steve Howe (YES guitarist) did use it on a track in the first of his ‘homebrew’ demo recordings, some of which featured on the bands albums. We plan to release more photos and audio demos of this keyboard in the future so that E.M.S. fans everywhere can finally hear and find out more about this beautiful and historic instrument.'”
"A synth studio tour of the Vintage Synthesizer Museum (https://vintagesynthmuseum.squarespac...) in Oakland, California with VSM founder and curator Lance Hill.
I had the opportunity to visit the Vintage Synth Museum in February 2020 after 2.5 years since my last visit. In this updated synth & music studio tour, Lance takes us through some recent synth and music gear additions to the studio, discusses the history of Vintage Synthesizer Museum, showcases various classic vintage synths, and more.
To book an appointment at the Vintage Synthesizer Museum, call (510) 859–3558 from 10am–11pm daily or email vintagesynthmuseum@gmail.com.
"David & Stephen Dewaele (aka Soulwax/2manydjs) have always been fascinated by collecting instruments and recording gear. Their passion hasn’t been born by completism: every new item inspires a world of possibilities. The one item that always eluded them was the EMS Synthi 100—a huge and rare analogue synthesizer, of which there were only 31 ever produced, that can create a near infinite array of sounds."
* David & Stephen Dewaele’s tribute to the EMS Synthi 100
* 48 page book exploring the background behind the album and the history of the Synthi 100.
* 1 x 180g black vinyl
* Vinyl and book housed in a fully art-worked inner sleeve, a perforated ‘patch bay’ outer sleeve and clear PVC bag.
* The book includes a foreword from David and Stephen Dewale, an introduction from 3030, the specific Synthi 100 unit that was used for the album; a history of its creation and an exploration of its sounds; and finally an interview with Ivan Schepers, the IPEM technician who has been 3030’s long-term custodian.
* Art Direction by Ill-Studio.
* Photography by Younes Klouche.
* Written, recorded, produced and mixed at DEEWEE by David & Stephen Dewaele.
Update: I shouldn't have to say this but for high priced items like this do your due diligence. Someone reported this seller attempted to sell a fake Buchla module on Muffs (you can find a thread on it here). That said, I have no way to verify it, and I have no idea it this is just coming from someone that has an issue with this seller, or wants to buy it and is attempting to distract other buyers, or other. As always, do your due diligence.
"Museum Curator / Collector Alert. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own one of the most significant analogue synthesizers in history.
We proudly present the vanishingly rare EMS VCS3 "'The Putney" with matching DK1 "Cricklewood" keyboard. The condition of these units is simply astounding. Both units are all-original. Our experts date these units to the early 1970s, most likely 1970/71. Our technicians have fully tested, restored to full functionality, calibrated, and tuned both units.
We will also provide the inter-connect cable between the Putney and Cricklewood (not pictured)."
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.
"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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
"The E&MM Spectrum is a British DIY synthesizer designed by Chris jordan and released with Electronics and Music Maker magazine in 1981.....
The magazine provided a painted metal faceplate, keyboard assembly, and printed circuits boards. The rest was sourced by the builder using a supply kit provided by the now defunct Maplin Electronic Ltd, UK (see also the Maplin/ETI 3600, 3800, 4600, and 5600S synthesizers).
The synthesizer uses the famed Curtis integrated circuits: VCOs (CEM 3340), VCF (CEM 3320), VCA (CEM 3330), and envelopes (CEM 3310). These chips were used by many companies at the time, including AKAI, ELKA, Ensoniq, Oberheim, Roland, and Sequential Circuits.
Perhaps the closest synthesizer to the Spectrum is the Sequential Circuits Pro~One, both of which use the same CEM chips for VCOs, filter, and envelope; and use a similar two-VCO architecture. However, whilst the Pro~One is known for an extensive modulation section, the Spectrum is very interesting in its own right.
The design makes the most of the CEM 3340 VCOs, with a total of five waveforms, including a SUB square wave. The LFO, with multiple waveforms including random and regular sample and hold (the latter of which produces more defined sequencer like voltages), can be routed in positive or negative polarity to the VCOs, filter, ringmod/noise, and output. The multimode LP, LBP and BP filter is a self oscillating one and can be modulated by the joystick, envelope generator, and the LFO. There are also two sync options, as well as FM, ring mod, and an envelope shaper. The stereo output can also be modulated for panning and stereo FX; and there are eight jacks for external connectivity including CV/Gate in and out, and pre filter in.
In conclusion, I would describe the Spectrum as a drunk and wonky Pro~One. Mine is temperamental, and sometimes has a mind of its own, but when tamed, the Spectrum becomes a very live and organic synthesizer. The tech who serviced it for me said it reminded him of an ARP 2600, and described it as a 'proper synth'. GreatSynthesizers.com describe it as "...a mixture of EMS Synthi, Sequential Pro-One and Roland SH-5" and "one of the most outstanding monophonic analog synthesizers in history".
This audio was recorded directly from the Spectrum in mono, using a TC Electronic Alter Ego delay pedal for some parts. All parts played from the keyboard, or using the LFO to gate the amplifier."
"Museum Curator / Collector Alert ! A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own one of the most significant analogue synthesizers in history !
We proudly present the vanishingly rare EMS VCS3 "'The Putney" with matching DK1 "Cricklewood" keyboard. The condition of these units is simply astounding. Both units are all-original. Our experts date this unit to the early 1970s, most likely 1970/71. Our technicians have fully tested, restored to full functionality, calibrated, and tuned both units."
"We have a superb issue for you this month. And that’s not only because we have an exclusive interview with Kraftwerk main man Ralf Hütter, although since Hütter rarely talks to the press that is clearly something a bit special.
Our cover feature details the history of EMS, the legendary UK synthesiser company founded by Peter Zinovieff, Tristram Cary and David Cockerell in 1969. What started out as a vehicle to fund Zinovieff’s studio became a decade-long adventure in synthesis with a very British sense of innovation about it. EMS machines like the VCS 3 and the Synthi AKS were responsible for some of the best known electronic music of the 1970s – from the Radiophonic Workshop to Brian Eno to Pink Floyd.
We also have a weighty report on the recent Bluedot Festival, featuring Kraftwerk, New Order, Jon Hopkins, John Grant and more. Our interview with Ralf Hütter took place backstage after the Kraftwerk set, with Hütter radiating urbane charm and wry humour as he chatted about music and science and sampling and cycling. “We are not a museum, so let’s play what we do,” he declares. “My art is music.”
Other interviews this issue include Haiku Salut, Eric Random, Jah Wobble & Bill Laswell, Paranoid London, Rolo McGinty from The Woodentops. Plus, of course, we have our packed front section, our ace regular columnists, and our usual exotic feast of new album reviews. Hit the link to order your copy straight away!
Limited Edition CD Album: ‘The Sounds of EMS’
This month’s audio accompaniment is ‘The Sounds Of EMS’, a fascinating 45-minute CD of music made either by the people responsible for EMS, or by the machines they built. You can almost smell the dust burning as the old circuits start warming up! The CD has two pieces by Peter Zinovieff and another from Tristram Cary, the latter with a spoken explanation of what he wanted to achieve with the piece. There are also tracks by David Vorhaus (who founded the cult electronic group White Noise with Delia Derbyshire), Mike Hankinson (another early adopter of the VCS 3), Benge from Wrangler and Jack Dangers from Meat Beat Manifesto.
01. PETER ZINOVIEFF – ‘A LOLLIPOP FOR PAPA’
02. TRISTRAM CARY – ‘ 3, 4, 5 – A STUDY IN LIMITED RESOURCES’
03. BENGE – ‘1969 EMS VCS3’
04. DAVID VORHAUS – ‘THING FOR TWO VCS3S’
05. JACK DANGERS @ TAPE LAB – ‘SYNTHI 100-PIECE 1’
06. MIKE HANKINSON – ‘JS BACH’S FUGUE AND TOCCATA IN D MINOR’
07. PETER ZINOVIEFF – ‘JANUARY TENSIONS’ (EXCERPT)
08. TRISTRAM CARY – ‘3, 4 , 5 – A STUDY IN LIMITED RESOURCES’ (TALK)"
Update: mini press release added below. Update2: User videos added below.
"24 timeless instruments lovingly recreated in #software, and modernized with contemporary features. This is the most comprehensive anthology of classic #synth and #keyboards ever made. This is decades of passionate research, modelling, and development. This is your chance to take your place in music history."
Playlist:
Arturia announces | V Collection 7
Arturia announces | Synthi V
Arturia announces | CZ V
Arturia announces | Mellotron V
Arturia announces | B3 V 2
Tutorials | Synthi V - Episode 1: Overview
Tutorials | CZ V - Episode 1 : Overview
Tutorials | Mellotron V - Episode 1: Overview
New Synths in V Collection 7
Synthi V
BRITISH SILVER MACHINE
Synthi V completely captures the spirit of the unique analog synth that burst out of ‘70s London to inspire the entire emerging electronic music world—and it has new superpowers to inspire your world today.
Synthi V brings you all the experimental excitement of EMS’ legendary 3-oscillator analog synths—now infused with thoroughly modern enhancements. Venture beyond unusual lead and bass sounds to create soundscapes and sci-fi effects ranging from beautiful to bizarre and everything in between.
The British-born EMS family of synths—featuring the sonically identical Synthi AKS and VCS3—were among the first to distill modular synthesizer functionality into a more portable form. Where most competitive designs like the Minimoog sacrificed flexibility to size and simplicity, EMS retained a modular heart through the genius of one of the first matrix patchbays to grace a synth. That additional versatility led to more experimentation outside of melodic norms and into the more electronic realms of psychedelia and sci-fi effects. Cue Pink Floyd’s “On the Run” from “The Dark Side of the Moon” LP.
Synthi V is the perfect evolution of the synth that turned a lot of heads. Now you can use it to turn some heads of your own.
Main Features
A component-level model of the EMS Synthi AKS
3 oscillators with waveform mix, noise generator, 18 dB/oct resonant filter, output section with spring reverb modelling
Modular architecture, allowing to route signals in unexpected ways
Ring Modulator, loopable Envelope Shaper, 2 axis Joystick and Sample and Hold modules for advanced modulations
Original keyboard sequencer module with sync to DAW tempo
2 matrix behavior modes: modern and vintage for cross-talk simulation
5 assignable voltage functions to create multi-point envelopes and LFOs synced to DAW tempo
Advanced joystick automation module for modulating parameters in a 2D space
Matrix pin amounts modulations possibilities (with 4 independent groups)
10 effects, Reverb Phaser, Flanger, Chorus, Overdrive, Delay, ...
Up to 4 voices of polyphony
Over 250 factory presets
CZ V
PHASE DISTORTION CULT CLASSIC
The budget synth that became a legend in its own right. The instrument that brought the digital synth revolution to the masses is now at your command.
A simpler kind of powerful digital synthesis
Released in 1984, the CZ-101 was Casio’s answer to the wildly popular Yamaha DX7. It was significantly less expensive and infinitely easier to program than its rival. Instead of frequency modulation, Casio’s phase distortion (PD) used various user-selected waveforms to modulate the timing of simple carrier waves at the cycle level in order to create more complex wave shapes. This simplified form of digital synthesis made it comparatively easy to perfect a wide variety of timbres spanning warm pads, natural percussion, buzzy digitalia, sci-fi effects and even analog synths. While PD could sound similar to FM, it also had a unique sonic signature all its own.
The CZ sound helped propel artists like Salt-N-Pepa, Was (Not Was), and Vince Clarke into the spotlight. Let’s add your name to the list.
Classic Casio Phase Distorsion
+ cutting-edge Arturia modeling
= infinite sonic possibilities for you
Imagine a virtual instrument that realistically models every nuance of the CZ-101—and with four times the polyphony and zillions more presets. What if it gave you an intuitive graphic interface that unlocked of all the hidden jewels in this unique digital synth? And what if it now had additional envelopes, filters, LFOs, effects, and extensive beat-sync-to-host parameters? Oh, and what if you could interconnect all that via a new super-flexible modulation matrix? We’ve faithfully reproduced the instrument that brought ‘80s pop to new heights.
Yeah... we did that!
Main Features
Two synthesis lines and independent noise source
All CZ-101/CZ-1000 original parameters
8 original waveform and custom waveform editor
Original CZ SysEx import
CZ, DADSR and Multi-Segments envelopes (syncable and loopable) to control pitch, DCW and amplitude
2 Modulation envelopes
4 assignable macros
Advanced modulation matrix
A Sample and Hold module, 2 LFOs with 6 waveforms, 3 sources combinators and an Arpeggiator
4 FXs slots that can be routed in serie or per synthesis line
A synthesis line state viewer for real-time feedback
Emulation of the original CZ DAC
32 voices of polyphony
Up to 8 voices of unison with unison detune
Over 400 factory presets
Update: and the mini press release:
"Arturia have announced the arrival of the latest edition of V Collection : their flagship anthology of reimagined historic synths and keyboards.
Containing 24 premier software instruments and thousands of preset sounds, V Collection 7 is the must-have reference for musicians, producers, sound designers, and keyboard fans.
Legendary keyboards reinvented
In V Collection 7, Arturia have used cutting-edge modelling techniques to create the most accurate software versions of dozens of time-honored instruments. Their exclusive True Analog Emulation® (TAE) and advanced physical modelling put these legendary instruments at your fingertips as software. Over 100 years of music history are now yours to explore, and use to shape the sound of the future.
Launch offer
To celebrate its release, and only for a limited time, V Collection will be available for an incredible price. Whether you are new to Arturia products, want to upgrade from a previous version of V Collection , or own any other Arturia products, you will have access to an exclusive deal that will put the very best synth and keyboard recreations ever made at your fingertips.
Intro offer from $399/399€, ends June 10th.
Street price $499/499€
NEW INSTRUMENTS
MELLOTRON V
LEGENDARY TAPE KEYBOARD
The original instrument redefined what keyboard players could do, unlocking the doors to orchestral and choral sounds at the touch of a key. Arturia’s reinvented versions not only features all original Mellotron tapes, but also lets you import and play your own samples with authentic tape emulation.
SYNTHI V
BRITISH SILVER MACHINE
The quirky British “silver machine” that put a new spin on modular synthesis, reborn in software with exciting new tricks up its sleeve. Advanced component modelling let Arturia model even its wild, unpredictable nature, with advanced modulation and powerful effects added to the mix.
CZ V
PHASE DISTORTION CULT CLASSIC
The budget synth that became a legend in its own right. The instrument that brought the digital synth revolution to the masses is now at your command. Easy to program phase distortion synthesis with custom editor, huge modulation potential and awesome effects.
EXCITING UPDATES
ANALOG LAB 4
INSPIRE, CREATE, COMBINE, AND PERFORM
A treasure trove of amazing synth and keyboard sounds with effects, easy to browse, fun to control, with a new built-in live mode. Your go-to choice for inspiration and performances.
B-3 V 2
THE MOST POPULAR ORGAN REBORN
Our recreation of Hammond’s legendary organ has received a total sound engine overhaul, making it the most authentic, vibrant electric organ virtual instrument ever.
SYNTHOPEDIA
CUTTING EDGE PRESETS
Over 800 brand new, modern sounds created for legacy V Collection instruments. The hottest synths and chart-topping keys are yours to explore.
Arturia have created a series of promotional videos and tutorials to whet your appetite, and get you familiar with the exciting new instruments. Each software instrument also features an in-app tutorial mode, too! Just another one of the fantastic new features in V Collection 7.
To discover more about Arturia V Collection 7 , the stories behind the vintage instrument recreations, and to start your free trial, visit the Arturia website."
Update2: First user videos:
Arturia V Collection 7 - Played by a LEGO Robot - Carl-Mikael's Cabinet of Curiosities
Arturia SYNTHI V Synthesizer (EMS Synthi AKS Emulation) First Look & Sound Demo - SYNTH ANATOMY
Arturia MELLOTRON V First Look & Sound Demo - SYNTH ANATOMY
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…
"EMS SYNTHI AKS Classic Vintage Analog Synth. Pulled from a working environment. This unit is missing its cables so we are unable to test. This was received from a local college. I do not know anything about its history. Unit has some scratches on the outside of the case. Has a few scratches and a little wear on the board. Selling AS-IS."
"You know what this is and there is no need for an introduction.
What makes this particular AKS special though is its condition and historical significance.
You will not find an AKS in better condition and for sale. All potentiometers and switches are smooth, absolutely no scratches on the panel, all paint remains on patch matrix, the Keyboard Sequencer is a thing of utter beauty and case latches open/close without issue. The Spartanite case itself is clear from deep scratches, the slight discoloration that is visible will clear off easily with some delicate cleaning product. This is almost museum quality. For something that is nearly 50years old it is absolutely divine.
Pictures are raw so you can see anything of interest, no fancy photoshoots or photoshop techniques to cover things up here.
What perhaps is of most significance is that I bought this very AKS from Tristram Cary’s step son soon after Tristram passed away in Adelaide, South Australia. Tristram founded EMS(London) in 1969 alongside Peter Zinovieff and David Cockerell. Mr Cary wrote music for, among many other things, the science fiction television series Doctor Who (including the first Dalek story) and was one of the first British composers to work in 'musique concrète' before moving his career and studio to Australia in in the 1970's.
Robin Wood from EMS(Cornwall) has informed me that this AKS, judging from records of the serial number was made in late 1976.
What you are buying here is not only a fantastic musical instrument that will keep you (happily) on your toes for many many years but also you'll be securing an extremely rare piece of electronic musical history.
Comes with a power cord with an Australian style plug, an adapter may be needed.
The Synthi has an onboard switch to connect to both 115v and 240v."
