How to get started making music on the vcs3 putney, an instrument by ems electronic music studios used by the likes of brian eno, pink. Electronic music studios ems vcs3 vintage synth explorer. Because of their rough texture, actinic keratoses are often easier to feel than see. Cookies help us improve performance, enhance user experience and deliver our services. The synthi aks is an extremely powerful synthesizer in standard spec, but these mods can really take the synth to a different level altogether. Here is the very special sound of the synthi a with its unique 256 modulation matrix. Ak is characterized by dry, scaly, roughtextured patches on the skin that can range in color and vary in size. Synthi a virtual synthesizer its not the same, its just the best of two worlds. It was a little fun rubbing in the fact that i got to see roger waters perform the wall in seattle a few years back. Discolored skin patches also commonly develop in a certain part of the body due to a difference in melanin levels. Instead of routing signals using patch cables, like moog products, it uses a patch matrix with resistive pins. Both sides include informative narration explaining the ems range of synthesizers and features samples, effects and short compositions by electronic music pioneers. The synthi a was also commonly known as the portabella.
The ems synthi a has the same electronics as the vcs 3, but was rehoused in a spartanite briefcase. The ems synthi a, first available in may 1971, and then in march 1972 a version of it with a builtin keyboard and sequencer, the ems synthi aks, is a portable modular analog synthesiser made by ems of england. These patches are usually about the size of a small pencil eraser. Its a chronic skin condition that causes dry scaly patches to appear on your skin. The ems vcs3 and its synthi derivatives were remarkable synthesizers, almost impossible to play as melodic instruments, but widely regarded as peerless soundeffect generators the 1gb library was sampled from soniccoutures own synthi aks, and listening to the raw 24bit, 44. The later synthi aks incorporated an early digital 256 event ks keyboard sequencer sequencer in the lid, with input provided by a capacitancesensitive buchlastyle keyboard. Supplementing the base instruments, six further folders of presets are provided, each brimming with example patches, some of which are very good indeed.
If you have it on your hands, you might develop scaling on your fingers. Perhaps im biased, since the synthi aks is my alltime favourite synthesizer, but i couldnt resist starting with the three synthi based instruments. The vcs3 was the first synth i wanted to buy, and i still want one, but i want to know if the synthi aaks are as good. The rash may be accompanied by lowgrade headache, fever, nausea and fatigue and sometimes by itching.
If you have many aks or aks that you can feel but not see, your dermatologist may recommend athome treatment. Please be aware that the synthi a is still manufactured by robin wood at ems in cornwall, and by sending a cheque to robin for. Released in 1972, the synthi aks was the successor to the synthi a, with the additional k standing for keyboard and the s standing for sequencer. If you want to see your synth supported here or if you have some other great ideas, please. Tribute pulsar dry tribute pulsar pong tribute pulsar snap tribute pulsar wet tribute ridley wind. Jul 17, 2018 what makes this particular aks special though is its condition and historical significance. Not a keyboard synth like what moog was doing at the time, this was a generative music machine with a matrix patch panel. A few years back i got to see roger waters perform dark side of the moon in seattles key arena and i remember staring at the ems vcs3 synthesizer on stage and wishing i could get my hands on one. The synthi was the synth of my dreams for many years, but i think i was more in love with its looks rather than what it could actually do. Therefore, people who are diagnosed with ak usually will develop more spots over time. In this video david gilmour talks about sequencing the synthi a aks. First manufactured in 1972 by ems in putney, southwest london, the synthi a was basically a portable version of emss famous vcs3 synthesizer, and the ks keyboard an unplayable thirtynote touchplate was added to make the synthi aks. But as far as im aware, this team hasnt designed a synth before, so i.
The vcs3 was one of their first synths and it is still a great, unique, funky little unit. Synthi aks live pack the ems synthi aks is a legendary instrument with an illustrious history. The synthi a and synthi aks models are virtually the same electronic instrument as the ems vcs3, except that the synthi models are housed in a thin plastic briefcase for easy portability. They acquired this important piece of electronica history and plan to release photos and audio demos of the keyboard in use so that fans may enjoy this rare synth. First manufactured in 1972 by ems in putney, southwest london, the synthi a was basically a portable version of emss famous vcs3 synthesizer, and the ks keyboard an unplayable thirtynote. Ems is still run by robin wood in cornwall, and in. The vcs3 takes up a special place in the history of synthesizers educational tool come avantgarde studio in a box, highly idiosyncratic and melodically unstable, a melding of technological ingenuity with costeffective army surplus electronics it was never designed for conventional music yet its application and legacy have endured. This is the same synthesizer engine as the ems vcs3 and synthi aks. Jul 04, 2017 digitana electronics specializes in developing custom interface modules for, wait for it, classic synthesizers made by ems namely the synthi a, aks and vcs3.
Ems synthi aks by electronic music studios of england. The standard connecting cable is removed between the ks and synthi and the units own cables. Ems synthi aaks post by cgren72 sun apr 25, 2010 10. One of electronic music historys rarest synths has been. You can still buy new ones from the factory, used ones are highly sought after, people usually complain about high prices on the used market and building one yourself will not save you any money. Nov 14, 2006 soniccouture has released synthi aks for kontakt 2, a 1gb library with 146 advanced kontakt 2 instruments with original synthi spring reverb convolution processing the e. 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. When i heard the recent news that much of keith emersons collection of old keyboard instruments was to be sold at auction, it got me thinking about the phenomenon of celebrity owned instruments. Actinic keratoses start out as thick, scaly, crusty skin patches. First patch ems vcs3 red bull music academy youtube. Jay started synths when over 7 years ago to help friends and musicians keep their gear running. Instant fm with human skin control voltage cloned h34vy d1st0rt10n. The akss line output was processed thru a strymon timeline, using various delays with modulations applied on its feedback.
If youve been religiously using moisturizer on rough, scaly patches on your skin for more than a month or so without improvement, it might not be dry skin at all. Minor skin problems that could signal serious conditions. As mentioned, condition called seborrheic dermatitis can cause a patch on the forehead thats flaky and that seems dry. Perhaps its most prominent uses are in pink floyd s on the run from their 1973 album the dark side of the moon, and the introduction to the alan parsons project s.
This ones one of the more desirable older white faced units and the front panels are beautiful. Synthmob digital sound marketplace and sound design community. They may be red, light or dark tan, white, pink, fleshtoned or a combination of colors and are sometimes raised. The vcs3 nicknamed the putney is an analog monosynth housed in a distinctive angled wooden case, a truly classic synth. Aks more commonly look like age spots in people who have skin of color. A waters edge practitioner should examine all growths and patches of skin that feel dry, scaly, and roughtextured. Gif 204k synthi a with original k and sequencer32 the first 30 synthi aks featured a black and silver touch pad, spinandtouch random note selector. Electronic music studios ems synthi a vintage synth explorer. A dry, scaly lip that never heals it may look like this man has a badly chapped lower lip, but the white, dry, and cracked skin is actually a precancerous growth.
Instead of patch wires, they use a patchbay grid wherein the synth components are laid out and signal routing is accomplished by placing small pins into the appropriate slots. It works by removing the surface layer of the skin. In our opinion, those two things put it head and shoulders above the 1969 ems vcs3 and the fact that this instrument now sells for anything up to. Vcs3 and the synthi a and ax, the dk keyboard and the. Ems synthi aks portable analog synthesizer poster prints.
Also in 1972, the synthi aks was released, as well as a digital sequencer with a touchsensitive flat keyboard, the ks sequencer, and its. The vcs3 was the brainchild of electronic music composer tristram cary and was designed by david cockerell. Tristram carys step sons ems synthi aks 1976 mint condition sn 45423. Synth1 is a software synthesizer for computer music use. The ems synthi aks is an analog synthesizer in a briefcase, released in the early 70s, and was used extensively by brian eno, jean michel jarre and by pink floyd on their 1973 album the dark side of the moon. Named ripple, it is cheaper and more durable than animal skin. It uses pins rather than patchcords to route signals and voltages. Digitana electronics specializes in developing custom interface modules for, wait for it, classic synthesizers made by ems namely the synthi a, aks and vcs3. Aks can be prevented with regular use of sunscreen and photoprotection, and can be treated with cryotherapy liquid nitrogen spray, creams and light treatments, says dr.
Its not typical for the sun to affect only small patches of the skin. Synth presets of all shapes and sizes, from the deepest, darkest bass for ni massive and the most ethereal, uplifting synth leads for xfer serum, to soaring pads, arps, chords, textures, sfx and beyond this is what the modeaudio collection of custom, royaltyfree synth patches makes instantly available to you. Brian eno, pink floyd the synthi has a unique patching system that. This ems synthi aks comes with a full compliment of matrix pins. Jh synthi clone ive built a clone of the ems synthi a. After intermission, its a full on rendition of the wall, with an ems synthi aks and everything. Synths when toronto synth repair, vintage synthesizer repair. Only one prototype of the ems synthi kb1 was made, for prog rock band yes. Soniccouture has released synthi aks for kontakt 2, a 1gb library with 146 advanced kontakt 2 instruments with original synthi spring reverb convolution processing the e. Melanin is the substance that provides color to the skin and protects it from the. Jan 10, 2011 the synthi aks ks expander is an expansion addon for the synthi aks keyboard sequencer ks that is under development the synthi aks ks expander interfaces with the synthi aks via the malefemale 8pin jones connectors on the main synthi unit and ks, and the special ems pin cable.
Arcade blasters buchla orbiting crazy cat creature sidewinder cy ops carrier diego lco mid drop diego lco quick drop elfman prep piano reverse flange fluctuation fm plonked fredwrecks nightmare fredwrecks rise reverse fredwrecks rise galaxy stormz goldsmiths ghost echoes hells doorbell jarre synthi aks bubble grains. The mounting is prone to fail, and therefore any used units should be examined carefully to see if this common problem exists before buying. There might be itching or burning in the affected area. The synthi a was released in 1971, two years after the launch of the vcs3 the aks came out in 1972. This section of the manual covers general operation of synthi js see the next section for information and specifications of each individual synth component oscillators, filters, etc. Instead of 24 bit recording i improvised and patched some sounds amped via the internal speakers to give you a little impression of its standalone sound often used in seminars in the 70s. He spent his youth climbing antenna towers, programming on his commodore 64, diving into computer science classes, and getting his ham radio license all leading to his fascination with audio and electronics. 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 openclose. This page contains patches and sound banks for synth1 by ichiro toda. Functionally it is modelled on the clavia nord lead 2 red synth. Synthi js can look daunting at first, but creating patches with it is actually quite straightforward. This ems synthi aks did come from the owner with a partial set of worn matrix pins, which we have used to picture it with, but the pins are in need of replacing to ensure a reliable contact within the matrix panel, so we always recommend you also purchase a brand new full set of matrix pins, which we get supplied from ems directly. After year quest, shamisen maker sheds animal skin in.
It should be noted that the case mounting of the aks can be very precarious. By using our services, you agree to our use of cookies. May 02, 2017 the akss line output was processed thru a strymon timeline, using various delays with modulations applied on its feedback. Most notable for its patch pin matrix, its functions and internal design are similar to the vcs 3 synthesiser, also made by ems. Oct 15, 2014 the vcs3 takes up a special place in the history of synthesizers educational tool come avantgarde studio in a box, highly idiosyncratic and melodically unstable, a melding of technological ingenuity with costeffective army surplus electronics it was never designed for conventional music yet its application and legacy have endured. So yes, perhaps the grumps are out in force today, but actually i also think they have a good point. You will not find an aks in better condition and for sale. Arturia has today released the vcollection 7 vc7 with three new virtual instruments. The aks model pictured below adds a 256step onboard monophonic digital sequencer and a 30note touchplate keyboard activated by the 50.
A guide to ems vcs3 and synthi aaks modifications and servicing by graham hinton. The synthi aks ks expander is an expansion addon for the synthi aks keyboard sequencer ks that is under development the synthi aks ks expander interfaces with the synthi aks via the malefemale 8pin jones connectors on the main synthi unit and ks, and the special ems pin cable. Made in england by sound for industry release promoting electronic music studios range of synthi synthesizers. A dry, scaly lip that never heals or heals and returns. The who famously used a vcs3 on wont get fooled again from whos next, where. Melanoma, a type of skin cancer that can be lethal, may look just like a sk. Designed by legendary ems electronics genius david cockerell of synthi aksvcs3synthi100 fame in 19723, probably primarily as a guitar effects unit though it certainly has uses as an analogue effects for synth sounds and used by the likes of david gilmour pink floyd, steve hackett ex genesis and others. Mar 08, 2017 instead of 24 bit recording i improvised and patched some sounds amped via the internal speakers to give you a little impression of its standalone sound often used in seminars in the 70s. The ems synthi a putney synthesiser is a modular synthesizer made by electronic music studios london ltd. Electronic music studios ems synthi a vintage synth.
Synthi aks a synthi a with additional ks keyboard is a legendary instrument that has been used by many experimental musicians i. The ems synthi aks is an analog synthesizer in a briefcase, released in the early 70s, and was used extensively by brian eno, jean michel jarre and by pink floyd on their 1973 album the dark side of the moon headus was given the task of 3d scanning one of these legendary instruments by a local musician so they could have the 3d data on hand for a number of possible projects. Like the vcs3, the synthi a and aks feature three oscillators and a unique patch system. The ems synthi aks is a legendary instrument with an illustrious history. Gif 204k synthi a with original k and sequencer32 the first 30 synthi aks featured a black and silver touch pad, spinandtouch random note selector and an unplayable resistive touch sensitive keyboard.
It can operate on either eu 220v or us 110v switchable, and it is sold with our normal 3 month warranty. And if you want a real mindblowing synth for not a lot more than a synthi, get a buchla. The vcs 3 is a portable analog synthesiser with a flexible semimodular voice architecture. Synthijs, a javascript emulation of the ems synthi a. Patches 816 patches soundsources 407 soundsources 2.
Meticulously rebuilt, cleaned and tested by skilled vintage synth tech and dealer and working perfectly. The 2700 ohm resistors soldered inside each pin vary in tolerance, indicated by different colours. Designed by legendary ems electronics genius david cockerell of synthi aks vcs3synthi100 fame in 19723, probably primarily as a guitar effects unit though it certainly has uses as an analogue effects for synth sounds and used by the likes of david gilmour pink floyd, steve hackett ex genesis and others. The waveform is the raw clay out of which we mold our sound. Synthijs can look daunting at first, but creating patches with it is actually quite straightforward. Manufactured by electronic music studios in 1971, this portable modular synthesizer was extremely flexible. Aks often appear as small dry, scaly or crusty patches of skin. These are a few photos of the 3rd ems aks i have owned, good synth bye far. Pictured is another unit with the small woodcased dk2 voltagecontrol keyboard. Ks interconnect cable, and of course the power cable. Pityriasis rosea is a common human skin disease which presents as numerous patches of pink or red oval rash. Synthi aks for sale in uk 17 secondhand synthi aks.
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