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Description

Step into the world of vintage synthesis with the EML ElectroComp 101, a classic synthesizer celebrated for its unique sound and modular flexibility. This semi-modular analog synth, originally crafted in the 1970s, has made a remarkable comeback, appealing to both nostalgic musicians and modern sound designers. Known for its distinctive patchable design, the ElectroComp 101 allows users to explore an expansive sonic landscape with a variety of modulation options.

Featuring an array of oscillators, filters, and amplifiers, the ElectroComp 101 offers a wide tonal palette, from rich, warm basses to shimmering, ethereal leads. The synth's robust construction and intuitive interface make it an excellent choice for live performance, studio recording, or any creative setting where sound exploration is key. The versatile signal routing capabilities empower musicians to experiment with unconventional sound paths, enabling the creation of truly unique audio experiences.

Whether you’re diving into the past to capture classic sounds or pushing boundaries to discover new ones, the EML ElectroComp 101 stands as an inspiring tool for artistic expression.

Key Features:

  • Semi-modular design with extensive patching options
  • Dual oscillators for a rich, layered sound
  • Multi-mode filter for versatile tonal shaping
  • Built-in amplifiers and envelope generators
  • Compatible with other modular and semi-modular synths
  • Ideal for both live performance and studio use

Product specs

Brand Electronic Music Laboratories
Model Electrocomp EML-101
Finish Silver
Year 1970s
Made In United States
Categories Analog Synths, Desktop Synths
Analog / Digital Analog
Polyphony 2 Voices

FAQs

Is the EML ElectroComp 101 a polyphonic or monophonic synthesizer?

The EML ElectroComp 101 is a duophonic synthesizer, meaning it can play two notes simultaneously, allowing for simple chord or interval playing.

What type of synthesis does the EML ElectroComp 101 use?

The EML ElectroComp 101 utilizes analog synthesis, which is known for its warm, rich sound characteristic of vintage synths from the 1970s.

What are the standout features of the EML ElectroComp 101's sound engine?

The EML ElectroComp 101 features robust modulation options and a flexible signal path, making it capable of producing a wide range of sounds from classic leads to experimental textures.

How portable is the EML ElectroComp 101 for live performances?

The EML ElectroComp 101 is a desktop synthesizer, which makes it relatively portable compared to larger keyboard synths, though it may require careful handling due to its vintage nature.

Does the EML ElectroComp 101 require any special maintenance due to its vintage status?

As a vintage analog synthesizer, regular maintenance like cleaning contacts and checking for component wear is recommended to keep it in optimal working condition.

Telekom Electronic Beats TV

Telekom Electronic Beats TV

ELECTROCOMP EML 101 PRESENTED BY THOMAS P. HECKMANN

Video thumbnail for ELECTROCOMP EML 101 PRESENTED BY THOMAS P. HECKMANN by Telekom Electronic Beats TV

ELECTROCOMP EML 101 PRESENTED BY THOMAS P. HECKMANN

Telekom Electronic Beats TV

Telekom Electronic Beats TV

Video thumbnail for EML ElectroComp 101 Synthesizer Demo by zibbybone

EML ElectroComp 101 Synthesizer Demo

zibbybone

zibbybone

Video thumbnail for EML 101 Demo by Perfect Circuit

EML 101 Demo

Perfect Circuit

Perfect Circuit

Video thumbnail for ElectroComp EML 101 - Sounds & patches - Analog synth demo by synth4ever

ElectroComp EML 101 - Sounds & patches - Analog synth demo

synth4ever

synth4ever

Video thumbnail for ElectroComp Synthesizer EML 101 model 101 Electronic Music Labs Inc. by Vykaar Tones

ElectroComp Synthesizer EML 101 model 101 Electronic Music Labs Inc.

Vykaar Tones

Vykaar Tones

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about EML ElectroComp 101.

Features and functionality

  • The EML ElectroComp 101 was an early ARP competitor, known for its unique analog sounds and American-made quality.

    Source
  • Allows alteration of key intervals, a unique feature that some find impractical without a standard interval detent.

    Source
  • The EML ElectroComp 101 has an unusual scaling of 1.4 V/octave with a 4.6 V DC offset, which can be challenging for standard sequencer compatibility.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Historically marketed to educational institutions, making it more common in universities than studios.

    Source
  • Used by Allen Ravenstine of Pere Ubu, featured on songs like "Tired of Sex" by Weezer.

    Source

Build quality

  • The metal chassis contributes to its durability, though other materials like plastic parts may be less robust.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners suggest replacing it with multiple Moog Grandmothers for a better synthesis base point if selling for educational purposes.

    Source

User experience

  • Discovering and using the ElectroComp 101 in unexpected places, like university storage, adds to its mystique and rare find appeal.

    Source
  • Recording audio through a cell phone mic can significantly diminish sound quality, highlighting the importance of proper audio capture methods for showcasing mods.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Tuning stability issues are noted, with difficulty achieving consistent tuning across the keyboard's range.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • A mod that converts a standard 1 V/octave CV input to the EML’s scale enhances playability with normal sequencers or keyboards.

    Source

Critic Reviews

EML ElectroComp 101 | Vintage Synth Explorer

vintagesynth.com

The EML ElectroComp 101 is a vintage gem for synth enthusiasts, boasting a flexible 4-oscillator setup and a stable, reliable design thanks to its op-amp construction. Its duophonic capability and versatile patchability make it a standout for creative sound design, reminiscent of classic models like the ARP 2600 but with unique features like a multi-mode filter. While its educational market origins might suggest a lack of mainstream appeal, its adoption by artists like Skinny Puppy and Weezer proves otherwise. Its robust casing adds portability, but its rarity might limit availability and potentially inflate prices. Overall, it's a versatile and dependable choice for vintage synth collectors and musicians seeking a classic sound with modern reliability.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Rivers Cuomo uses EML ElectroComp 101

Rivers Cuomo

Singer, Guitarist

Weezer

...
Verified via Weezerpedia

"In late 1994, Rivers purchased a vintage Electrocomp 101 monophonic synthesizer from a pawn shop in rural Connecticut. He paid a fraction of what these things are currently valued at by collectors. It saw use on several "Black Hole" demos, and finally appeared on Pinkerton's "Tired Of Sex" , "Getchoo", and B-side "I Just Threw Out The Love of My Dreams". He still has it today."

See how Richard Devine uses EML ElectroComp 101

Richard Devine

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via reverb.com

" Another synth I got shortly after that was the EML-101 Electrocomp."

See how cEvin Key uses EML ElectroComp 101

cEvin Key

Drummer, Keyboardist

Skinny Puppy

...
Verified via Side-line

"Basically everything we’ve used we practically still have here. So it’s a list too long to go into. There is a wall alone that is the orginal setup of Skinny Puppy, based around a pair of Roland TR-808’s, Roland TR-909 with trigs going to many differnat devices including Sequential Circuits Pro One, Roland System 100m, ElectroComp Eml 101, Korg SQ-10, Korg MS-20, Korg MS-10, ARP 2500 and ARP 2600."

See how Neon Indian uses EML ElectroComp 101

Neon Indian

Music Producer

Neon Indian

...
Verified via Photo

can be seen in this instagram photo

See how Mark Mothersbaugh uses EML ElectroComp 101

Mark Mothersbaugh

Singer, Guitarist

Devo

...
Verified via Photo

Pictured is Mark playing around with his EML 101 (connected to an EML PolyBox), sometime around 1978. I'm not sure if this made it onto any Devo recordings.

See how Peter Wolf uses EML ElectroComp 101

Peter Wolf

Singer, Keyboardist

The Mothers of Invention

...
Verified

Peter Wolf is confirmed to have used the EML ElectroComp 101 synthesizer in his work with Frank Zappa, as detailed in the article titled "Little Band We Used To Play In" from the June 1980 issue of Keyboard magazine.

See how Air Liquide uses EML ElectroComp 101

Air Liquide

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Info fom the 1993 Album Cover . air liquide - air liquide . (1993 blue 006) cd

Arp 2600 EML Electro comp 101/EML 400 EMS VCS 3/ Vocoder 3000/ Hifli E-mu Emulator 1/ Modular/ SP 1200 Korg MSM/ PS 3100/ PS 3300 Moog 55/ adv. Memory Moog/ Prodigy Oberheim SEM/ SEM 4 Voice/ DMX/ Matrix12 OSCar Rhodes Chroma RMI Keyboard Computer II Roland System 700/ System 100M/ SH101/ JD800/ TR909/ TR808/ TR727/ TR606/TB303 (3x)/ SH09/ SH5/ MKS7/ MKS30/ MKS50/ MKS80/ S750/ SVC350/ SPV350/ JX3P/ Jupiter 8 RSF Kobol Exp.II SCi Prophet10/ P600/ Pro One/ DrumTraks Steiner Parker Modular/ Synthecon Synthanorma Octavfilter Synergy II+ Synton Syrinx Yamaha CS 30L/ CS 15/ CS 80

See how Tommy Mars uses EML ElectroComp 101

Tommy Mars

Keyboardist

Western Vacation

...
Verified via Zappasgear

Interview with Tommy Mars TM: Well it’s just amazing, when I did my audition and Frank said “You brought some gear with you?” I brought my Rhodes, and I brought my Electrocomp, and my Taurus bass pedals, and he said “what’s this?” and I undid it and I played something, and of course my signature sound was a French horn kind of brass sound that it did, it was my kind of signature, and his jaw dropped . I don’t think he’d had ever heard a synth kind of do that kind of sound in that kind of expression that it was able to have.

And I said “this E-mu you that you have?”, and he was just like so proud of his E-mu, this is so funny man!), and the only sound that he had on it , which is the easiest sound in the world to make, was a little pipe organ sound, an eight foot and a four foot, no envelope, no nothing, I said “you mean with all this that’s all you got?”(laughs), and he says “Yeah?” and I said “Well I don’t think you noticed that the Electrocomp is very similar, I could set this sound up exactly for you on the E-mu, and then you’d have five voices, you’d have complete polyphony”. And in those days that was like, you know, going to the emerald city, like follow the yellow brick road!”

See how Arthur Barrow uses EML ElectroComp 101

Arthur Barrow

Guitarist, Bassist

...
Verified

In an interview titled "All Bass Players Are Failed Ukulele Players: The Arthur Barrow Interview" from October 1992, Arthur Barrow mentions using an "Electricomp" for his work on The Doors' An American Prayer, specifically on the track "The Movie". This was clarified by Zappa writer Charles Ulrich as referring to the EML ElectroComp 101.

Album Usage

The EML ElectroComp 101 has been featured on the following albums:

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use EML ElectroComp 101, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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