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Description
The EMS Synthi 100 is a legendary piece of musical history, revered for its unique and powerful sound-shaping capabilities. Originally introduced in the 1970s, this modular synthesizer has been a staple in electronic music production and continues to be a sought-after instrument for both vintage enthusiasts and modern sound designers. The Synthi 100 is celebrated for its sprawling 12 oscillator architecture, offering immense flexibility and depth for creating intricate soundscapes. Whether you're delving into experimental music or crafting the next electronic hit, this synthesizer provides a rich palette of options.
This iconic instrument includes a distinctive patchboard matrix, allowing for extensive modulation possibilities without the need for traditional patch cables. The Synthi 100 also features a built-in sequencer, enabling complex, evolving patterns that can transform any composition. Its design fosters spontaneity and encourages exploration, making it a perfect tool for musicians who thrive on creativity and innovation.
The EMS Synthi 100 is not just a synthesizer; it's an experience that brings the warmth and character of analog synthesis to the forefront. Its robust build and timeless design continue to inspire musicians around the world, inviting you to discover new sonic territories.
Key Features:
- 12 oscillator architecture for complex sound creation
- Patchboard matrix for versatile modulation routing
- Built-in sequencer for intricate pattern generation
- Vintage analog sound with modern reliability
- Ideal for experimental and electronic music production
- Revered in the music community for its iconic status and unique sound capabilities
Videos
The University of Melbourne
Synthi 100
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about EMS Synthi 100.
Features and functionality
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The Synthi 100 is semi-modular, offering extensive oscillators and audio processing effects, making it suitable as a complete music creation workstation.
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The EMS Synthi 100 includes built-in Nixie tubes, specifically two displays with a total of ten tubes for frequency counter and sequencer readouts.
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The Synthi 100 MKII variant included diode ladder filters and a large memory dial, showcasing its evolution over initial models.
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Use cases and applications
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It excels in creating sound effects, with notable applications in Chemical Brothers' tracks, renowned for its massive filter sweeps and reverb.
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The Synthi 100 was used by notable artists like Aphex Twin and Jack Dangers, demonstrating its appeal to high-profile electronic musicians.
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Sarah Davachi utilized the Synthi 100 on her album "Vergers," indicating its ongoing relevance in contemporary electronic music production.
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User experience
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A former Cardiff University unit had the frequency counter removed, highlighting potential variations in Synthi 100s' configurations.
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Owners note the Synthi 100's rarity, with only around 31 units ever made, and emphasize the importance of verifying functionality and provenance due to its collectible status.
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Critic Reviews
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Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Artist usage
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Used on The Mountain Will Fall, as mentioned in this October 17, 2016 Music Radar interview.
"There's a couple of photos on the inside of the album of me with the EMS Synthi 100; I think there's only about four in existence. Jack Dangers from Meat Beat Manifesto bought it from the University of Adelaide - it's one of these modular synths that takes up a whole wall and you look like you need to wear a lab coat just to operate it. So I had several sessions at his place. Much in the same way as sampling and synths have a vocabulary and a feel, Ableton and doing things in the box has a precision, and when you merge all of those that's when good things happen."
EMS Synthi 100 is included in the list of synths at Daniel Miller's home studio.
"Yeah, it’s the equipment we use as well, like the EMS, the Synthi ATS and the Synthi 100 has a sound which I suppose gives a British sound because it was in the year that British synthesizer / modular manufacturers back then would just support bands to use their gear through the years."
“One of the cornerstones of the collection is this custom-made Synthi 100 by EMS, together with the big EMS Synthi Vocoder. Peter Beste”
In an article by bant mag, Irmin Schmidt is featured with the EMS Synthi 100, highlighting his use of this modular synthesizer.
Malcolm Clarke from the BBC Radiophonic Workshop is seen demoing the EMS Synthis 100 for a documentary called "The New Sound of Music"
Timestamp at 0:00 to 4:27.
"Elizabeth is one of a handful of composers who went from using reel-to-reel tape recorders in 1978 through to running an entire studio contained in a single computer set-up in 2008. From cutting up tape, making loops of sound and using the Synthi 100 and VCR3 to create the Blake’s 7 sounds,"
Album Usage
The EMS Synthi 100 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 EMS Synthi 100, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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