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Maker

EMS

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9:56
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30 min
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On audio.briefs3
9:12

EMS Synthi 100

EMS

The EMS Synthi 100 is a large analogue/digital hybrid synthesizer commissioned by Radio Belgrade, designed by David Cockerell and documented in 1971. It developed from a concept of three VCS3 systems but contains analogue modules equivalent to six VCS3s. It features 12 voltage-controlled oscillators and eight voltage-controlled filters. Two monophonic keyboards produce four control voltages and two triggers. Its digital sequencer has three duophonic layers and 256 duophonic note events. Two 60×60 matrices connect modules via patch pins. Keyboard spread adjusts for equal temperament or microtonal tunings up to 61 divisions per semitone.

10:43

EMS Synthi AKS

EMS · 1972

The EMS Synthi AKS is a portable modular analog synthesiser introduced in March 1972. It features a built-in keyboard and sequencer, a patch pin matrix, and shares design DNA with the VCS 3. Its sequencer creates eight-note repeating patterns. Users have described it as a 'noise machine'. One full album—Music from the SYNTHI—was made using only this instrument.

9:53

EMS VCS 3

EMS · 1969

The EMS VCS 3 is a portable analogue synthesizer introduced in 1969 by Electronic Music Studios. Designed largely by David Cockerell and styled by Tristram Cary, it uses a pin-based patchboard matrix instead of cables. It lacks a built-in keyboard, making it better suited for sound effects generation and external signal processing than melodic playing. Its tuning instability stems from exponential voltage-to-frequency conversion. It was one of the first portable commercially available synthesizers, housed entirely in a small wooden case.