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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
The University of Melbourne

The University of Melbourne

Synthi 100

Video thumbnail for Synthi 100 by The University of Melbourne

Synthi 100

The University of Melbourne

The University of Melbourne

Video thumbnail for Synthi 100: Live in concert by Faculty of Fine Arts and Music

Synthi 100: Live in concert

Faculty of Fine Arts and Music

Faculty of Fine Arts and Music

Video thumbnail for EMS Synthi 100 - Movement 6 ε (Official Audio) by DEEWEE

EMS Synthi 100 - Movement 6 ε (Official Audio)

DEEWEE

DEEWEE

Video thumbnail for EMS Synthi-100 at Radio Belgrade 2018 - the "Emperor of Synths" by Chris Mick Studentsmusic

EMS Synthi-100 at Radio Belgrade 2018 - the "Emperor of Synths"

Chris Mick Studentsmusic

Chris Mick Studentsmusic

Video thumbnail for Phased Out (1975) EMS Synthi-100 film by Memetune Studio

Phased Out (1975) EMS Synthi-100 film

Memetune Studio

Memetune Studio

Video thumbnail for Kingdom of Bells - Egil Kalman plays the synthi 100 - Cloudless Daybreak by Egil Kalman

Kingdom of Bells - Egil Kalman plays the synthi 100 - Cloudless Daybreak

Egil Kalman

Egil Kalman

Video thumbnail for EMS Synthi 100 by r8448

EMS Synthi 100

r8448

r8448

Video thumbnail for EMS Synthi-100: extremely rare 70s  vintage modular  in action by Chris Mick Studentsmusic

EMS Synthi-100: extremely rare 70s vintage modular in action

Chris Mick Studentsmusic

Chris Mick Studentsmusic

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

  • The Synthi 100 is semi-modular, offering extensive oscillators and audio processing effects, making it suitable as a complete music creation workstation.

    Source
  • The EMS Synthi 100 includes built-in Nixie tubes, specifically two displays with a total of ten tubes for frequency counter and sequencer readouts.

    Source
  • The Synthi 100 MKII variant included diode ladder filters and a large memory dial, showcasing its evolution over initial models.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • It excels in creating sound effects, with notable applications in Chemical Brothers' tracks, renowned for its massive filter sweeps and reverb.

    Source
  • The Synthi 100 was used by notable artists like Aphex Twin and Jack Dangers, demonstrating its appeal to high-profile electronic musicians.

    Source
  • Sarah Davachi utilized the Synthi 100 on her album "Vergers," indicating its ongoing relevance in contemporary electronic music production.

    Source

User experience

  • A former Cardiff University unit had the frequency counter removed, highlighting potential variations in Synthi 100s' configurations.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

Critic Reviews

EMS Synthi 100 review on thevinylfactory.com

thevinylfactory.com

Soulwax and the hunt for the EMS Synthi 100

engadget.com

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Aphex Twin uses EMS Synthi 100

Aphex Twin

Music Producer

Universal Indicator

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Aphex Twin can be seen sitting at his EMS Synthi 100.

See how DJ Shadow uses EMS Synthi 100

DJ Shadow

Music Producer, DJ

Nite School Klik

...
Verified via MusicRadar

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."

See how Daniel Miller uses EMS Synthi 100

Daniel Miller

Keyboardist, Music Producer

...
Verified via Soundonsound

EMS Synthi 100 is included in the list of synths at Daniel Miller's home studio.

See how Meat Beat Manifesto uses EMS Synthi 100

Meat Beat Manifesto

Music Producer

The Orb vs. Meat Beat Manifesto

...
Verified via Igloo Magazine

"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."

See how Karlheinz Stockhausen uses EMS Synthi 100

Karlheinz Stockhausen

Composer

...
Verified via Redbullmusicacademy

“One of the cornerstones of the collection is this custom-made Synthi 100 by EMS, together with the big EMS Synthi Vocoder. Peter Beste”

See how Irmin Schmidt uses EMS Synthi 100

Irmin Schmidt

Keyboardist, Composer

Can

...
Verified via bant mag

In an article by bant mag, Irmin Schmidt is featured with the EMS Synthi 100, highlighting his use of this modular synthesizer.

See how Jack Dangers uses EMS Synthi 100

Jack Dangers

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

This video features Jack's behemoth synthesizer!

See how Bernard Parmegiani uses EMS Synthi 100

Bernard Parmegiani

Music Producer

Groupe de recherches musicales

...
Verified via Photo

Seen in various photos in his studio.

See how Eduard Artemyev uses EMS Synthi 100

Eduard Artemyev

Composer

...
Verified via Solaris-room

Listed on this site under 'Equipment'.

See how The BBC Radiophonic Workshop uses EMS Synthi 100

The BBC Radiophonic Workshop

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Elizabeth Parker uses EMS Synthi 100

Elizabeth Parker

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Elizabeth Parker - Composer

"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,"

See how Midori Hirano uses EMS Synthi 100

Midori Hirano

Singer, Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

"Midori Hirano talking to the "Heroines of Sound" festival about her residency at Radio Belgrade, where she was able to make music for the 2021 festival using the station's Electronic Music Studio, which features an EMS Synthi 100."

Album Usage

The EMS Synthi 100 has been featured on the following albums:

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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Lexicon PCM-70 Reverb Effects Processors
1
Steinberg Cubase
Steinberg Cubase Music Software
1
Novation Bass Station Rack
Novation Bass Station Rack Synthesizers & Sound Modules
1
Korg Wavestation
Korg Wavestation Synthesizers
1
Akai S1000
Akai S1000 Audio Samplers
1
Yamaha DX7-IIFD
Yamaha DX7-IIFD Synthesizers
1
dbx 160XT
dbx 160XT Effects Processors
1

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