EML ElectroComp 500

5.0 (1)

1 Review

Find out who is using EML ElectroComp 500

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Page last updated Mar 27, 2026

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Description

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Discover a world of sonic innovation with the EML ElectroComp 500, a synthesizer that seamlessly bridges vintage warmth with modern versatility. Perfect for musicians and producers who crave the authentic analog experience, the ElectroComp 500 is a true standout in the world of synthesizers. Its distinctive modular architecture allows you to craft intricate soundscapes, making it an ideal choice for both studio sessions and live performances.

At the heart of the ElectroComp 500 is its ability to deliver rich, textured sounds with ease. With a user-friendly interface, this synthesizer invites you to experiment and explore your creativity without getting bogged down in complexity. Whether you're dialing in lush pads, gritty basslines, or cutting-edge leads, the ElectroComp 500 provides a playground of possibilities for sound design enthusiasts.

Built with high-quality components, this synth is designed to withstand the rigors of regular use while maintaining its sonic integrity. Its flexible patching system allows for extensive customization, ensuring that you can adapt its capabilities to fit your unique musical style. The ElectroComp 500 is not just an instrument; it's a tool for crafting signature sounds that resonate.

Key Features:

Modular architecture for customizable sound design
User-friendly interface with easy-to-navigate controls
Rich, analog sound quality
Flexible patching system for extensive sonic exploration
High-quality build for durability and reliability in performance settings

Videos

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DigitaleAnalogue

EML 500 (Electrocomp Model 500) Analog Synth

DigitaleAnalogue

EML Electrocomp 500 Demo

SynthDan1

EML ElectroComp Model 500

MuStudio

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about EML ElectroComp 500.

Build quality

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Owners have noted that the original plastic sliders on the EML ElectroComp 500 are prone to wobbling and are less durable, preferring modern replacements for stability.
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Setup and maintenance

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Replacing sliders involves creating DIY adapter PCBs due to obsolete pin configurations, with suggestions to measure carefully before ordering custom boards.
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Mods and upgrades

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Many users recommend using modern Bourns sliders, with 7mm height, as replacements for old 10mm sliders, possibly requiring a 2-3mm adapter board for proper fit.
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3D-printed adapters can physically stabilize new sliders; wiring channels can be incorporated independently to facilitate connections.
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User experience

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Owners have successfully used adhesive methods to secure sliders while soldering wires directly, offering a simple, effective solution for slider replacement.
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5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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jimmarchi1

40985

over 6 years ago

unique enough for Devo

It looks like an Odyssey with a familiar, though less powerful signal flow. But under the hood this thing was made by total nonmusicians from a pure engineering perspective using the then-new IC opamps of the day for EVERYTHING and this gives it a unique sound. Its hard to describe but its hon the inharmonic side of the spectrum with a metallic, bell like quality even when setup to make traditional moog/arp type patches. One of these is in the collection of my best friend at our studio space. I think it would benefit from servicing. One we get around to it I have no doubt I will use the heck out of it because no other subtractive sounds like it. Its completely itself. Built like a tank, I'm sure with regular maintenance you will never have an issue with this synth. Quality 70s USA craftsmanship. You see EML gear working all the time because it was made to survive a war.

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist Keyboardist

Genres:

Electronic Orchestra Alternative rock

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Mark Mothersbaugh

Singer, Guitarist

Devo

Verified via YouTube

At 10:09, shown in the basement of Mutato Muzika. Mark has said that he really doesn't like this synthesizer, and couldn't really get much out of it other than the whip crack sound on "Whip It" and the "engine sound" on "Freedom of Choice" (although it toured with Devo during the 1979 and 1980 tours)

Eddie Rayner

Singer, Keyboardist

Crowded House

Verified via Audioculture

"The end of the 1970s saw a huge rise in the development of synthesisers, and in making traditional instruments like pianos and organs more transportable and able to be amplified well. In the early days Split Enz always used to need an acoustic piano at every gig, which was a pain for us (amplification without feedback was always an issue) and promoters alike, but with the advent of Yamaha’s CP-70, that all changed. Synthesisers had also become polyphonic and memory space to store your own sounds was also a new development. The 'space capsule', as the guys called it, was seven or eight different keyboards, including a CP-80 Yamaha (full 88-note piano), a CS-80 and Prophet 5 (both early polysynths), a CP-30 electric piano, a Mellotron for 'real' string and choir sounds, a string synth, and a monophonic synth such as an EML 500 or Cat Octave … Oh, and I bought the first Korg Vocoder to arrive in New Zealand, which was fun! As you can imagine, transporting the sheer weight and volume of all this gear became prohibitive, so we replicated the setup in the US. Unsure what happened to all that gear when the band broke up!"