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Average Price: $18,000

High-end/Boutique

$500

$1501+

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Standard

High-end

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Description

The Elka Professional Synthex synthesizer is a celebrated piece of musical equipment known for its rich, analog soundscapes and distinct architectural design. Crafted in the 1980s, this 8-voice polyphonic synthesizer quickly became a favorite among musicians for its lush sounds and versatile modulation capabilities. Designed for both live performances and studio recordings, the Synthex features a dual oscillator per voice and a robust multimode filter, allowing for a wide range of sonic possibilities.

This powerful synth stands out with its unique joystick controller, providing intuitive real-time modulation control. Musicians can effortlessly blend pitch bends, filter sweeps, and modulation effects, adding an expressive dimension to their performances. Its comprehensive sound design options, including a noise generator and a ring modulator, make the Synthex a versatile tool for creating everything from classic analog tones to experimental textures.

With its intuitive interface, the Elka Professional Synthex invites both seasoned synth enthusiasts and newcomers to explore its vast tonal landscape. Its legacy is preserved through its reliability and timeless sound, making it a cherished addition to any musician's setup.

Key Features:

  • 8-voice polyphonic synthesizer
  • Dual oscillators per voice
  • Joystick controller for real-time modulation
  • Multimode filter with resonant capabilities
  • Built-in chorus effect
  • Ring modulator and noise generator
  • Comprehensive modulation options
  • MIDI compatibility for modern setups

Product specs

Brand Elka
Model Synthex
Finish Black
Year 1980s
Categories Analog Synths, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital Analog
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Synth Action
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Number of Keys 61 Keys
Polyphony 8 Voices

FAQs

Is the Elka Synthex synthesizer polyphonic or monophonic?

The Elka Synthex is a polyphonic synthesizer with 8 voices, allowing you to play multiple notes simultaneously for rich, complex sounds.

What kind of sound engine does the Elka Synthex have?

The Elka Synthex features an analog sound engine, renowned for its warm and lush sound, making it a favorite for vintage synth enthusiasts.

How many keys does the Elka Synthex have, and what is the action type?

The Elka Synthex has 61 full-size keys with a synth action, providing a responsive and smooth playing experience suitable for various playing styles.

Does the Elka Synthex support MIDI connectivity?

Yes, the Elka Synthex supports MIDI connectivity with MIDI Input, Output, and Through, allowing integration with other MIDI-compatible gear.

What are the standout features of the Elka Synthex?

The Elka Synthex is renowned for its unique multimode filter, lush analog sound, and the rare capability of creating complex, evolving textures with its polyphonic capabilities.

JMPSynth

JMPSynth

Elka Synthex Demo Track

Video thumbnail for Elka Synthex Demo Track by JMPSynth

Elka Synthex Demo Track

JMPSynth

JMPSynth

Video thumbnail for ELKA SYNTHEX by MrFirechild

ELKA SYNTHEX

MrFirechild

MrFirechild

Video thumbnail for Elka Synthex by Pulsophonic

Elka Synthex

Pulsophonic

Pulsophonic

Video thumbnail for ELKA SYNTHEX - Rosen Sound Demo by Rosen Sound

ELKA SYNTHEX - Rosen Sound Demo

Rosen Sound

Rosen Sound

Video thumbnail for The Story of the Elka Synthex by Johnny Morgan Synth Dreams

The Story of the Elka Synthex

Johnny Morgan Synth Dreams

Johnny Morgan Synth Dreams

Video thumbnail for ELKA SYNTHEX - Sounds, Patches & Ambient Soundscapes | Synthesizer Demo by synth4ever

ELKA SYNTHEX - Sounds, Patches & Ambient Soundscapes | Synthesizer Demo

synth4ever

synth4ever

Video thumbnail for Paul Wiffen & The Elka Synthex by Mark Keen

Paul Wiffen & The Elka Synthex

Mark Keen

Mark Keen

Video thumbnail for ELKA SYNTHEX - 42 minutes pure analog sound - no talking by The Synth King

ELKA SYNTHEX - 42 minutes pure analog sound - no talking

The Synth King

The Synth King

Video thumbnail for History and Sounds: Elka Synthex (deutsch) by AMAZONA Music Mag

History and Sounds: Elka Synthex (deutsch)

AMAZONA Music Mag

AMAZONA Music Mag

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Elka Professional Synthex.

Features and functionality

  • The Elka Synthex's MIDI interface is an optional accessory, not included in the $3,000 base price.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Synthex is considered on par with the Jupiter-8 and Memorymoog in terms of polyphonic synthesis capabilities.

    Source
  • The Elka Synthex is seen as a heavyweight poly, similar to expensive models like the Schmidt Synthesizer and Modulus 008, but more affordable.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • At $3,000, the reissue is much cheaper than an original, which can sell for $10,000.

    Source

User experience

  • The Synthex was initially unpopular, gaining fame later, possibly due to its association with the home organ market.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Elka Synthex [Retrozone]

soundonsound.com

The Elka Synthex is a synth powerhouse, celebrated for its stable digital oscillators and rich sound palette that rivals even its American contemporaries. The inclusion of a robust chorus unit and versatile filters elevate its sonic capabilities, offering lush strings and powerful leads. However, its limited MIDI implementation and Elka's lackluster marketing hindered its commercial success. Despite these setbacks, the Synthex's reputation has only grown, cementing its status as a cult classic in the synth community. If you can overlook its quirks, it’s a hidden gem worth exploring for its distinct sound.

positive

ELKA Synthex - analog Classic and vintage Workstation - GreatSynthesizers

greatsynthesizers.com

The Elka Synthex is a revered polyphonic synthesizer, celebrated for its unique blend of analog warmth and digital clarity, placing it among the top analog synths of all time. With its powerful 8-voice capabilities, stable oscillators, and distinctive sound, it's a standout in the vintage synth market. However, its loud fan and basic MIDI implementation are minor drawbacks. Despite these, the Synthex's robust hardware and exceptional sound quality ensure it remains a coveted piece for enthusiasts, albeit at a premium price. Ultimately, its singular character makes it an irreplaceable musical tool.

positive
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Based on 2 Reviews and 5 Ratings

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anamangot

Analog Monster Synth

8 voices and 16 DCOs packed with power controlled by a Curtis filter and state of the art modulation and routing. Elka Synthex is a real instrument for the real musicians.

Roles:
Genres:

Artist usage

Add artist
See how The Chemical Brothers uses Elka Professional Synthex

The Chemical Brothers

Music Producer

The Chemical Brothers

...
Verified via Kreativsound

The Chemical Brothers, specifically Tom Rowlands, utilize the Elka Synthex to craft their distinct sound, as highlighted in the Kreativ Sound article, "Chemical Brothers – Tom Rowlands – In Studio."

See how Jean Michel Jarre uses Elka Professional Synthex

Jean Michel Jarre

Keyboardist, Music Producer

The Dustbins

...
Verified via Discogs

Album credit: Jarre used the Elka Synthex on tracks such has "second rendez-vous".

See how The Real Mike Dean uses Elka Professional Synthex

The Real Mike Dean

Music Producer, Audio Engineer

Def Squad

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "Mike Dean Building a Track Is Analog Synth Mayhem | The Process" by Reverb on YouTube, The Real Mike Dean demonstrates the Elka Professional Synthex by playing a few chords.

See how Stevie Wonder uses Elka Professional Synthex

Stevie Wonder

Singer, Drummer

U.S.A. for Africa

...
Verified via Archive

According to this December 1999 Sound on Sound interview with Paul Wiffen, Wonder owns the last produced Synthex (made from spare parts) and used it on "Skeletons".

Unfortunately, by the time my guerilla marketing started to pay off - getting the Synthex on TV with players like Peter Oxendale in Bonnie Tyler's 'Total Eclipse of the Heart', Mark Stanway of Magnum and Phil Lynott in Grand Slam - Elka had lost faith in the instrument and were selling it off directly for £500 through the music technology magazine Electronics and Music Maker. Some people got a magnificent bargain, considering the original retail price was over three grand. As payment for programming work on some hideous FM-based unit that Elka came out with (my mind has deliberately blanked out the model number), I got Elka-Orla to give me two of the last Synthexes and to ship one of them to Los Angeles, where I was moving. Called in to try to make sense of Stevie Wonder's new Sequential Studio 440 drum machine (into which my Prophet 2000 samples would thankfully load), I was soon up to my old tricks, asking if I could bring in other synths. Next thing we were MIDIing the OSCar and Synthex together for the killer bass sound on his 1987 single 'Skeletons' and I was in there. After the album's release, I toured the world with Stevie as MIDI programmer, ensconced under the stage with the Synclavier guy. Unfortunately, because of their limited MIDI implementation, neither the Synthex nor the OSCar went on the road (except recorded into the Synclavier), but Elka-Orla cobbled together one last Synthex for Stevie from several ones that had been cannibalised for parts (because I refused to sell him mine).

See how Vitalic uses Elka Professional Synthex

Vitalic

Music Producer

...
Verified via MusicRadar

According to this interview, Vitalic made his fist album with only 3 pieces of equipment: "When I made the EP I only had an Elka Synthex, a Mirage sampler - even though I don't really consider that an instrument - and an RSF Kobol…""

See how Ulrich Schnauss uses Elka Professional Synthex

Ulrich Schnauss

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Tangerine Dream

...
Verified via YouTube

The first synthesizer shown in Ulrich's "Studio Tour" video by MusicTech is a Elka Synthex. This can be seen at :07s with Ulrich saying "it’s a polyphonic synthesizer from the 80s - it has a quite a particular sound."

See how Nick Rhodes uses Elka Professional Synthex

Nick Rhodes

Keyboardist

Duran Duran

...
Verified via Photo

Nick pictured using Synthex during recording.

See how RJD2 uses Elka Professional Synthex

RJD2

Music Producer, DJ

Soul Position

...
Verified via Photo

"Fun machine! The step sequencer that is built in is a blast."

-RJD2, Thump.Vice Interview

See how John Carpenter uses Elka Professional Synthex

John Carpenter

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Texas Toad Lickers

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, it is mentioned John Carpenter has used the Elka Synthex when composing his famous horror movie scores

See how Geoff Downes uses Elka Professional Synthex

Geoff Downes

Keyboardist

Yes

...
Verified via Muzines

"I've had nearly all of my analogue synthesizers modified for MIDI including the Minimoog and the Elka Synthex; though modifying a synthesizer that was built ten years ago isn't exactly easy..."

See how Tore Ylwizaker uses Elka Professional Synthex

Tore Ylwizaker

Keyboardist

Ulver

...
Verified via Photo

Tore Ylwizaker was seen using the Elka Synthex during a performance at the Norwegian National Opera House, as evidenced by a user-uploaded photo on Wordpress.

See how Dustin O'Halloran uses Elka Professional Synthex

Dustin O'Halloran

Composer

A Winged Victory for the Sullen

...
Verified via Photo

Seen here in use by the artist in his studio.

Album Usage

The Elka Professional Synthex has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Elka Professional Synthex, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Moog Memorymoog
Moog Memorymoog Synthesizers
6
Yamaha CS-80
Yamaha CS-80 Synthesizers
4
Roland Jupiter-8
Roland Jupiter-8 Synthesizers
4
EMS VCS 3
EMS VCS 3 Synthesizers
3
Oberheim OB-8
Oberheim OB-8 Synthesizers
3
Oberheim OB-X
Oberheim OB-X Synthesizers
3
Yamaha DX7
Yamaha DX7 Synthesizers
3
Fairlight CMI
Fairlight CMI Synthesizers
3

Community setups

Show yours
M

mandatorygnome

Gear IQ 210

resonancestudios

resonancestudios

Gear IQ 214

Y

yeager101

Gear IQ 248

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