Why does this randomness of blips and blops sound so appealling? I used to hate these kinds of sounds, but after listening to a lot of work of Alessandro Cortini and Richard Divine i started to fall in love with everything related to modular and these kinds of old synths! Great video!
This is the first synth I ever saw in the 4th grade Parker school . The student music teacher Mr. Andreoli brought it in . I wanted a synth all my life after that and finally got my dream Moog little phatty a few years ago. Thanks to him for showing me this at a young age. Hope his had many great years teaching.
You can see where where the Arturia Microfreak partly got its inspiration from. The touchstyle keyboard, the wild sequencing. The matrix patch bay. The weird sound effects...
I would like to add that there are very cool videos that show people actually twisting knobs as they play...JMJ Oxygene is a 56 minute tour of analog greatness and it has examples of how the synthi can be used, along with some other great modular stuff. There have been great artists of the past that have "played" their modulars...not just sequenced them...but really tweaked them. Tomita, Bermuda Triangle! But as time passed, men turned the experimental into the mundane...FOR SHAME! lol..
The prestopatch socket was available on the Mk2 Synthi's and VCS3's as an option for preset pin matrix recall, although mine was added custom. EMS only factory supplied 3 prestopatch (preset) cards, which were housed in a plastic case. The card in the video is DIY, exposed circuit board with hand-soldered 2K7 resistors and, as you pointed out, enables interactive body contact.
Very cool. I have a friend who used to own a Synthi 100. He said it was like having several Synthis stacked in one machine. I agree that this is a "one of a kind" synth...very cool burbling noises, glitchy and wonderful. One has to understand that if you want to make a "dub bass" sound, or play "Jump", you should look at something else. But, if you want to experiment...Semi modulars, or modulars...or "normalized" synths with many control capabilities are the way to go. Its like doing puzzles.FUN
Maybe cause an OB 6 is around 2 Grand and this is 12 Grand!! It is a cool synth though. Looks and Sounds like something that belongs in a mad scientists lab! 👍
InXLsisDeo Must be used. The new ones were about $12,000 the last time I checked. I guess they're trying to keep the number of new orders as low as possible.
Fun fact: Miles Davis featured this in his live performances from 1974-1975. His guitarist Pete Cosey would use it in between playing guitar and percussion. Sometimes he’d even run his guitar thru it. Hear it in action on the live Miles albums Agharta and Pangaea.
this particular A unit was built in 72, the KS built in 76 if I recall correctly. Both in immaculate condition. I had the AKS for a few years but had to reluctantly part with them recently...
Yes. Check out the live Miles Davis albums Agharta and Pangaea. His guitarist Pete Cosey used it to create wild soundscapes amidst the sound of the live band.
Hi. Great stuff. You have the hi level 1 going into the scope at the start. Can you tell me why you do this? I have an AKS and am interested in making some prestopatches. Any tips? Pins can be used with the cards aswell? Do you suggest only using 2k3 resistors? Thanks for your vids.
And another thing! When I get old, by the Grace of God, I will keep my mind right by working out new signal paths and creating my "special sounds" on my Huge Modular! See...there is a health issue tied to this whole business. Stave off dementia and senility with synthesis! Better than sitting around and doing crossword puzzles until you croak. I wonder if their are complex musical instruments in heaven? I will find out one day. Hell will just be an endless modulation of intense screaming.
It's a DIY Prestopatch. Basically the circuit board is cut down to fit in the 32 card edge connector, that I installed, which is internally wired to the x and y axes of the matrix. The 2K7 resistors (same one as most pins) are wired to different points on the circuit board to create a connection on the matrix without pins. The prestopatch card was an original EMS solution for recalling intricate pin layouts on the board, creating an early form of analog patch memory recall.
Great. Ive just tried these things and the Synthi has surprised me yet again, thankyou. I just used some strip board with my fingers resistance. Will try resistors. Had not heard or thought of the scope trick. Its opened up another world. I did notice yours has the scope on column A, where as mine is on column B, between outs 1and2. Thanks again, great vid.
The Level 1 into Scope trick is a way of getting a sort of audio feedback loop as the scope acts a throughput and can be patched via the matrix. It was fun making my own prestos although it took awhile to source the boards, and even then I had to cut them down with a blade. Pins and prestos can be used simultaneously, like two pins in one coordinate... EMS version of a banana jack, I suppose. I used 2K7 resistors, but others can be used: EMS green pins = 68K. Thank you for watching.
I have a synthi E and am negotiating for an AKS. Over the many years It has been around, the prices always hold up. If I own a top condition Synthi for 1 year or 5 years, or more, It will cost me little or nothing in the end, if I take care of it. Just figure out how to get one while you still can hear. And stop sniveling about randomness. This thing is BEAUTIFUL in all ways!
It's a DIY version of an EMS Prestopatch. A way of instantly recalling an arrangement of pins on the matrix. An analog form of a preset patch... the bonus is that it has interactive tactile potential.
+Parsec Logic Music The site was last updated in 1998, so I would doubt they really cost this price new, though. There is a german version of the site, and the price is on request only.
Robin Wood, owner of EMS Cornwall, said the same thing. Must've been very cared for through its lifetime. This unit currently lives in LA in a recording studio I believe.
@derekrevell thank you. Yeah, i was pretty shocked when i heard Peter's recent comments regarding this "pathetic little synth"... to pack all that endless sound and potential into a little case using surplus electronics is an unbelievable feat. but i guess when you take into the account of being the first person in the world to privately own a computer and having created the world's first sampler and giving some of the world's first electronic music live performances... well, we can't blame him!
Wasn't trying to make "music" in these videos. You can hear my "music" in the above reverbnation link in the info section if you could be bothered to click it.
Hi Alex. Legit question. I make melodic sounding music (links in my profile above), but ANY crap synth can do melodic and this was not my intention in this video. NOTHING sounds like the warped BBC Radiophonic sound FX the Synthi makes... no $5 circuit bent toy could ever produce the extreme variations of sound this machine emanates. I guess it's an acquired taste... like listening to Coil over Depeche Mode or something. This was just a quick improv highlighting the quirkiness of the Synthi AKS.
I didn't say it isn't. They asked if there's a "cool, modern equivalent", which could only be a Moog/euro style modular (unless you want to wait a decade for a new EMS).
If I had the opportunity to purchase again I would certainly seek out a VCS3 over an AKS. I think I could have fun with exercises in feedback control that the wooden case provides over the suitcase. Plus eliminating as much plastic as possible from one's life is always good.
Hey do you fancy swapping your synthi? i have a great synth and its quite rare- its a called a .... erm.....Stylophone!! i can even include some bourbon biscuits to sweeten the deal? let me know if your interested?!
are you familiar with classical electronic music from the 1940's, 50's, 60's, etc. It does not sound "musical." There are pretty melody demos out there using the Synthi if you really want... keep trying, I'm confident you can find them.
Why does this randomness of blips and blops sound so appealling? I used to hate these kinds of sounds, but after listening to a lot of work of Alessandro Cortini and Richard Divine i started to fall in love with everything related to modular and these kinds of old synths! Great video!
for me, it’s a kind of playfulness. being able to follow the motion of the sounds without judging them ‘good’ or ‘bad’
I agree, it's like listening to an abstract painting. Sound for the sake of Art is good.
For me, i like the sound because that’s the only sound synthesizer enthusiasts made so I got used used to it.
This is the first synth I ever saw in the 4th grade Parker school . The student music teacher Mr. Andreoli brought it in . I wanted a synth all my life after that and finally got my dream Moog little phatty a few years ago. Thanks to him for showing me this at a young age. Hope his had many great years teaching.
You can see where where the Arturia Microfreak partly got its inspiration from. The touchstyle keyboard, the wild sequencing. The matrix patch bay. The weird sound effects...
Man, I really appreciate you uploading this.
I would like to add that there are very cool videos that show people actually twisting knobs as they play...JMJ Oxygene is a 56 minute tour of analog greatness and it has examples of how the synthi can be used, along with some other great modular stuff. There have been great artists of the past that have "played" their modulars...not just sequenced them...but really tweaked them. Tomita, Bermuda Triangle!
But as time passed, men turned the experimental into the mundane...FOR SHAME! lol..
The prestopatch socket was available on the Mk2 Synthi's and VCS3's as an option for preset pin matrix recall, although mine was added custom. EMS only factory supplied 3 prestopatch (preset) cards, which were housed in a plastic case. The card in the video is DIY, exposed circuit board with hand-soldered 2K7 resistors and, as you pointed out, enables interactive body contact.
Ace! I have a Synthi A (no KS) - Do you have a link to the schematic for the perf board please?
Love it. Hard to beat. You perfectly perceived the spirit of AKS. Thanks!
Very cool.
I have a friend who used to own a Synthi 100. He said it was like having several Synthis stacked in one machine.
I agree that this is a "one of a kind" synth...very cool burbling noises, glitchy and wonderful. One has to understand that if you want to make a "dub bass" sound, or play "Jump", you should look at something else. But, if you want to experiment...Semi modulars, or modulars...or "normalized" synths with many control capabilities are the way to go. Its like doing puzzles.FUN
Lovely meaty sound! Perfect for a rainy day sound creation weekend.
Never heard of this synth before tonight. The idea of a portable modular is great. And this video really does the synth justice.
I really hope you defeated the daleks after all that.
+Paul B original Dalek voice was done on this machine actually!
i want one so bad
this synth sounds so unique to me... theres so much modulation and its sounds so raw. modern stuff doesn't sound quite like this... why?
Maybe cause an OB 6 is around 2 Grand and this is 12 Grand!! It is a cool synth though. Looks and Sounds like something that belongs in a mad scientists lab! 👍
Eargasm at 2.18! Great sounding/looking video.
$12,000.00
12 THOUSAND dollars.
12 Grand...
12 THOUSAND SMACKAROONIES.
+InsertName125 There is a VCS3 for sale on eBay right now. $19K
InXLsisDeo Must be used. The new ones were about $12,000 the last time I checked. I guess they're trying to keep the number of new orders as low as possible.
For just a sound effects machine?
@@nrg16108 listen to zeppelin in the light and youll underatand
Behringer is making a clone
Love the Workshop. thank you. The first time I turned the machine on, it was instant Pertwee/Baker episodes.
Thank you for this little explanation, it makes a lot more sense now!
I also read about David Cockerell and the VCS3 in the mean time.
That was some serious screeching synthesis. Very very interesting synthesizers, the Synthis are... I'd like to try one for myself!
Fun fact: Miles Davis featured this in his live performances from 1974-1975. His guitarist Pete Cosey would use it in between playing guitar and percussion. Sometimes he’d even run his guitar thru it. Hear it in action on the live Miles albums Agharta and Pangaea.
this particular A unit was built in 72, the KS built in 76 if I recall correctly. Both in immaculate condition. I had the AKS for a few years but had to reluctantly part with them recently...
looks like a shock therapy type device for the hospital of the insane.
This...or Nine Inch Nails
what's the card thing? is that a mod or do certain models have that?
But... can you make music with it?
Yes. Check out the live Miles Davis albums Agharta and Pangaea. His guitarist Pete Cosey used it to create wild soundscapes amidst the sound of the live band.
Sounds like the soundtrack of a very weird early 70's sci-fi movie ;) Cool!
My kind of sound demo. I love synthesizers because they do this as well as make pretty sounds :)
Hi. Great stuff. You have the hi level 1 going into the scope at the start. Can you tell me why you do this? I have an AKS and am interested in making some prestopatches. Any tips? Pins can be used with the cards aswell? Do you suggest only using 2k3 resistors? Thanks for your vids.
this is so aweseome
And another thing!
When I get old, by the Grace of God, I will keep my mind right by working out new signal paths and creating my "special sounds" on my Huge Modular!
See...there is a health issue tied to this whole business.
Stave off dementia and senility with synthesis!
Better than sitting around and doing crossword puzzles until you croak.
I wonder if their are complex musical instruments in heaven? I will find out one day.
Hell will just be an endless modulation of intense screaming.
I like your philosophy...
It's a DIY Prestopatch. Basically the circuit board is cut down to fit in the 32 card edge connector, that I installed, which is internally wired to the x and y axes of the matrix. The 2K7 resistors (same one as most pins) are wired to different points on the circuit board to create a connection on the matrix without pins. The prestopatch card was an original EMS solution for recalling intricate pin layouts on the board, creating an early form of analog patch memory recall.
The best video of the synthi aks demonstration in you tube.
You have a synthi very cleen and beautiful.
TERRIBLE
Excellent videos ! I don't get enough ;)
Great. Ive just tried these things and the Synthi has surprised me yet again, thankyou. I just used some strip board with my fingers resistance. Will try resistors. Had not heard or thought of the scope trick. Its opened up another world. I did notice yours has the scope on column A, where as mine is on column B, between outs 1and2. Thanks again, great vid.
Sublime sounds my friend. Great video.
massive sound, this is an awesome synth
I love the editing!
The Level 1 into Scope trick is a way of getting a sort of audio feedback loop as the scope acts a throughput and can be patched via the matrix. It was fun making my own prestos although it took awhile to source the boards, and even then I had to cut them down with a blade. Pins and prestos can be used simultaneously, like two pins in one coordinate... EMS version of a banana jack, I suppose. I used 2K7 resistors, but others can be used: EMS green pins = 68K. Thank you for watching.
I play a synthi through a Marshall time modulator in my videos
Glad I could assist in your experimentations.
Thanks from Japan. Sounds great, looks pretty new! Simple question. Is that Synti you purchased from EMS as a new product?
I have a synthi E and am negotiating for an AKS. Over the many years It has been around, the prices always hold up. If I own a top condition Synthi for 1 year or 5 years, or more, It will cost me little or nothing in the end, if I take care of it. Just figure out how to get one while you still can hear. And stop sniveling about randomness. This thing is BEAUTIFUL in all ways!
What modifications are there on this AKS? Looks like there are a few extra sockets and switches.
It's a DIY version of an EMS Prestopatch. A way of instantly recalling an arrangement of pins on the matrix. An analog form of a preset patch... the bonus is that it has interactive tactile potential.
LOL @ 7:31. I'd just hit the attack button all day.
i would do terrible, unforgivable things to own one
+hip360hop The originals can cost up to $ 24 k but I've seen on the EMS site thet they are still made and the price is about 1800 £.
+Parsec Logic Music The site was last updated in 1998, so I would doubt they really cost this price new, though. There is a german version of the site, and the price is on request only.
OK
Now thats what I call music? Er well maybe not but its still awesome!
Robin Wood, owner of EMS Cornwall, said the same thing. Must've been very cared for through its lifetime. This unit currently lives in LA in a recording studio I believe.
great demo for an awesome synth! half of the sounds make me think, 'i hope that sound doesn't make the synth break!'
About a 12 year waiting list :)
Still the best synth made by man. No other ones can sound like this. Period.
The most bad-ass synth ever.
Really nicely done improvisation. No a Dr. WEho cliche in the bunch either.
@RogerODonnellTV thanks Roger! no music intended... just pure circuitry and squelch!
I'm getting a new synth a.. what mods do you have here?
No musick?? I was waiting for some gong covers..!
Beautiful instrument.
Thats what i love about this just press anything and somethings will happen
are you sure it's working ?
How long have u had than synthi ? it looks unmarked
You can do complicated pitch modulation! Above all, its epoch-making portability.
So unique!
Sick!!! Mad as bat shit!!! Blew my head off!!!
Really? I have never seen such a super mint condition of Synthi AKS. Thanks for your response.
Where did you buy that?
The point where improvisations becomes random shit. Not that I don't enjoy random shit, but random shit it is.
+Frankathan Blumenburg that's all it was meant to be... soundcloud.com/alka for tunes
cud you imagine this guy living above you
good, another full set of a 2013 Synthi vids...: EMS Cornwall Synthi A 2013 Synthesizer Demo 1 The VCOs
He s looking goood !!!
Be glad you didn't see me with the back open messing about with the solder gun.
@derekrevell thank you. Yeah, i was pretty shocked when i heard Peter's recent comments regarding this "pathetic little synth"... to pack all that endless sound and potential into a little case using surplus electronics is an unbelievable feat. but i guess when you take into the account of being the first person in the world to privately own a computer and having created the world's first sampler and giving some of the world's first electronic music live performances... well, we can't blame him!
Wasn't trying to make "music" in these videos. You can hear my "music" in the above reverbnation link in the info section if you could be bothered to click it.
aint that the synth pink floyd used on dark side of the moon album???
Hi Alex. Legit question. I make melodic sounding music (links in my profile above), but ANY crap synth can do melodic and this was not my intention in this video. NOTHING sounds like the warped BBC Radiophonic sound FX the Synthi makes... no $5 circuit bent toy could ever produce the extreme variations of sound this machine emanates. I guess it's an acquired taste... like listening to Coil over Depeche Mode or something. This was just a quick improv highlighting the quirkiness of the Synthi AKS.
I didn't say it isn't. They asked if there's a "cool, modern equivalent", which could only be a Moog/euro style modular (unless you want to wait a decade for a new EMS).
Thank you. No, this Synthi A was built in 1972, the KS in 1978.
Bravo 😊
@Desmaad sure! but this is my logic: i have loads of other equipment that can do melodic. NOTHING can plumb the depths of aural madness like a Synthi.
Improvisations ?
+Sel Bel patch demos.
That's an interesting Prestopatch you've made, people just don't know how good this little synthesiser is, not even Peter Zinovieff.
Best synth ever to me! Klaus schulze, Tim Blake, Steve hillage etc are my favorites!
fantastic ;-)
This demo terrifies my cats.
At 2:38 it sounds like the intro of "Mexican Radio" by Wall Of Voodoo.
... and I never waited years, bought this second hand years ago... new ones do not have the prestopatch and KS. I have since sold it.
6 people prefer playing with themsleves rather than amazing vintage synths
Pure avante-garde
If I had the opportunity to purchase again I would certainly seek out a VCS3 over an AKS. I think I could have fun with exercises in feedback control that the wooden case provides over the suitcase. Plus eliminating as much plastic as possible from one's life is always good.
You've DIY presto patch!
EMS still produces them. Long lead time though.
unique
I never liked the aks very much, but I sure miss my vcs3
You can get a modular synth that can do all this and a lot more.
@MrHugo280 cheers good sir!
Hey do you fancy swapping your synthi? i have a great synth and its quite rare- its a called a .... erm.....Stylophone!! i can even include some bourbon biscuits to sweeten the deal? let me know if your interested?!
minute 4:00, Yazoo-Situation (new recording)?... :)
This is a modular synth...
I read the title as demonizing the EMS Synthi, and I was right
I hear angels singing.
@Desmaad Pink Floyd Dark side of the Moon......thats exactly this Synthisizer :-)
yes
are you familiar with classical electronic music from the 1940's, 50's, 60's, etc. It does not sound "musical." There are pretty melody demos out there using the Synthi if you really want... keep trying, I'm confident you can find them.
Amazing sound!!! I want some mushrooms😉
Roger Waters called...he wants his rings back.
tremendo equipo ...pero a este tipo le quedo grande ...no tiene idea