Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $18,000
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$500
$1501+
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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
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Is the Elka Synthex synthesizer polyphonic or monophonic?
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The Elka Synthex is a polyphonic synthesizer with 8 voices, allowing you to play multiple notes simultaneously for rich, complex sounds.
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What kind of sound engine does the Elka Synthex have?
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The Elka Synthex features an analog sound engine, renowned for its warm and lush sound, making it a favorite for vintage synth enthusiasts.
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How many keys does the Elka Synthex have, and what is the action type?
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The Elka Synthex has 61 full-size keys with a synth action, providing a responsive and smooth playing experience suitable for various playing styles.
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Does the Elka Synthex support MIDI connectivity?
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Yes, the Elka Synthex supports MIDI connectivity with MIDI Input, Output, and Through, allowing integration with other MIDI-compatible gear.
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What are the standout features of the Elka Synthex?
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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.
Videos
JMPSynth
Elka Synthex Demo Track
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Elka Professional Synthex.
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 5 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
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."
Album credit: Jarre used the Elka Synthex on tracks such has "second rendez-vous".
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.
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).
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…""
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."
"Fun machine! The step sequencer that is built in is a blast."
-RJD2, Thump.Vice Interview
In this video, it is mentioned John Carpenter has used the Elka Synthex when composing his famous horror movie scores
"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..."
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.
Community setups
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