THE SYNTHI

London's Science Museum has a small exhibition called
"Oramics to Electronica" and EMS in the form of Robin Wood, Peter Zinovieff and Alan Sutcliffe have supplied a few exhibits for one of the display cases. (click on pic to enlarge!)

• Prototype Synthi E from c. 1974,


• The early keyboard for the Synthi A c. 1971
(fewer than 30 units were built according to Robin Wood)


• A dual ring modulator unit that belonged to Tristram Cary
c. 1969


via Yevaud.

EMS Vocoder - Promotional Tape Recording from the 1970's (german language)
EMS Vocoder 5000/2000

Click on picture to view the video!

The front panel comes in matt aluminium.
No prestopatch socket anymore.
Different smaller joystick.
No PSU 110-240V switch anymore.

via Yevaud.

http://www.namm.org/library/oral-history/david-cockerell

David Cockerell designed one of the earliest synthesizers produced in the United Kingdom. The Synthi was introduced in the late 1960s by EMS Ltd. The unit, which came in a case with a KS keyboard, used patch cords to root reverb and ring modes. David also included two oscillators both with shape and level controllers as well as a frequency control. The design marked the beginning of many contributions to the industry over the years including his work on guitar effects pedals for Mike Matthews in the 1980s.

click on picture to view the video!

UPDATE FEB 2011 : Production unit case built

Case measures 273 x 167 x 35 mm made from satin black abs. Choice of knob colour schemes (eg blue cap verniers) will be available.

Two VCO's each built around the high spec Exar XR-2206 waveform generator IC. Each VCO features Sine and Triangle waves and 'wave-folding' (voltage controlled) that adds higher harmonics/distortion to each waveform for amazingly rich and varied timbres ..even unfiltered! Each VCO's frequency is controllable via CV from either the Keyboard (which is also available to the matrix via Input Ch1) or the Sequencer CV (also available via matrix row 16) of the KS or 'free running', selectable via a 3-way toggle switch. Frequency range of the VCO's is very wide, from LFO to high frequency audio.

orders/inquiries at DIGITANA ELECTRONICS

Click on picture to view the video!

"This video was created by using an EMS Videosizer which is fed with musical information in order to produce and treat color, shape, lightness and contrast of the visual information.Pete Namlook is a purist. He never wanted to release a video with grinning musicians fuzzing around with their instruments or 3D animation which has not the timeless quality. More Important is the direct connection to the music.Visuals not as an explanation of the sound but more an enhancement and intensification of the overall musical experience. Operator at the machine was Ludwig Rehberg except Video 1 (Pete Namlook)"

http://synthimods.blogspot.com/

Expand and preserve your beloved Synthi

"Many Synthi users dare not make mods because they're afraid to depreciate their valuable instrument.

Is understandable, but is a pity because the mods wonderfully expand the Synthi and open doors to fantastic new sonic worlds. Here's an idea I think is worth to be shared. I'm surprised no one else had it before.I did a few mods on my Synthis A MKI and AKS using push-pull pots instead of switches to avoid drilling holes in the panel. LEDs in the spare anti-rotation holes left by the original pots (push-pull ones are smaller) show that the mod is active when the knob is pulled. This makes the mods fully reversible and preserves the Synthi's original appearance."

Click on picture to watch the video!

Bob Ehle plays his 1960s composition, "Split Metamorphosis," on the Synthi AKS Synthesizer.

Bob Ehle plays his composition, "Hangar 84," in his electronic music studio at the University of Northern Colorado. The clarinet is processed through a ring modulator in the Synthi AKS synthesizer visible in the background. Additional sound processing is done with an Echotron. The resulting waves may be seen on the oscilloscope on the left. Hangar 84 is where the remains of the Roswell incident are stored. Click here to watch the video!

The Synthi Group returns for part three of their EMS analog music series. Unlike the first two releases, this edition was recorded with a specific theme in mind and with parameters of limitation. The artists appearing on volume three were asked to create ambient soundscapes using EMS equipment ONLY. No other musical gear was used in the creation of this compilation.

Sit back, plug in some headphones and be enveloped by the atmospheric aurality that these fine instruments offer under conduction of experienced adepts. The modulations crafted here are meant to accompany the listener on a voyage one could easily take during sleep, a walk communing with nature, or with a focused ritual. We’ll let you interpret whether your journey is more akin to a pleasant dream, or a dark nightmare; an enjoyable walk, or a terrified flight; a positive attainment of higher light, or the conjuring of the dead…alka 2010

Download Vol. 3: http://www.archive.org/details/ca412_tsg
Download Vol. 2: http://www.archive.org/details/ca345_tsg
Download Vol. 1: http://www.archive.org/details/ca297_tsg

A great chance to own a piece of history, and a wonderful example of a classic instrument. This is Dr Peter Zinovieff's own Synthi A, serial number 4016, which has been beautifully restored by Robin Wood at EMS in the last two months and is in perfect working order. Work done included replacing all three vernier knobs, servicing the joystick to make it a joy to use, and replacing eight pins with new ones - as well as getting it all up to Robin's exacting specs. Four badly-done mods were removed. The case was also provided by Robin. The earliest Synthis often didn't have cases, so Robin has spared one of his last few to make this instrument complete. It has a couple of repairs to the edge, visible if you look very closely at botom left and top right; and seems to have a small gap in the top left corner. But the metalwork and general condition is exceptional - see the photo. The main differences from the machine as designed are that the two main audio oscillators (VCO1 and VCO2) have had the stabilisation mod, and the input gain on channel one has been converted to a ten-turn pot - all very useful. Cosmetically it is very nice indeed, as evidenced by the photos. It will come with Dr. Zinovieff's full written provenance (he believes this is the actual Synthi used in the 'Every Picnic Needs a Synthi' advert), and his signature on the instrument wherever you choose. In the composite photo is a picture of Robin Wood and Dr Zinovieff after the servicing was completed in September.

http://www.spheremusic.com/Bargaindtl.asp?Item=8024

28th October 2010

Preparations to re-establish production of the original Synthi A and VCS3 Mk2 have been proceeding through the summer and we are now expecting the first completed units to be ready in January 2011. Currently we are building a large stock of assembled and tested circuit boards. This has taken quite a bit longer than expected, but you can rest assured that we are dedicated to ensuring a successful outcome, as well as the re-introduction of other EMS products to follow in due course. A new website will also be unveiled in 2010.

Once we start shipping the Synthis it should be posssible to give you an approximiate delivery date, and we will certainly contact you to advise you as the time draws near.

Best wishes - Robin Wood

via a synthi forum member.