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Description

Step into the world of iconic sound with the EMS Synthi A, a synthesizer revered for its compact design and inventive patch matrix. Originally crafted in the 1970s, this synthesizer offers a unique blend of vintage charm and cutting-edge sonic possibilities. Its portable nature makes it ideal for musicians on the move or those with limited studio space, without compromising on its rich, analog sound.

The Synthi A is noted for its distinctive programming interface, which utilizes a pin matrix patching method instead of traditional cables. This allows for a vast range of sound-shaping possibilities, making it a favorite among experimental musicians and sound designers. Its three oscillators, noise generator, filter, and envelope shaper provide a wealth of creative resources for crafting anything from lush pads to aggressive leads.

For those who appreciate tactile control, the Synthi A features a joystick for real-time modulation, offering an intuitive and expressive way to manipulate sound. Whether you're delving into the realms of ambient soundscapes or creating punchy bass lines, the EMS Synthi A stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of analog synthesis.

Key Features:

  • Unique pin matrix patching system for extensive sound design
  • Three oscillators for a wide range of tones
  • Noise generator, filter, and envelope shaper included
  • Built-in joystick for hands-on modulation
  • Compact and portable, perfect for mobile musicians
  • Renowned for its rich, analog sound quality

Product specs

Brand EMS
Model Synthi A
Finish White
Year 1970s
Categories Analog Synths, Desktop Synths
Analog / Digital Analog
Polyphony 1 Voice

FAQs

What is the patching system used in the EMS Synthi A?

The EMS Synthi A utilizes a patch matrix with resistive pins instead of traditional patch cables, allowing for a compact design and unique sound routing possibilities.

Is the EMS Synthi A suitable for live performances?

The EMS Synthi A, housed in a portable Spartanite briefcase, is designed for both studio use and live performances, offering flexibility and ease of transport for musicians.

How many oscillators does the EMS Synthi A have?

The EMS Synthi A features three voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs), which are central to its sound generation capabilities.

Can the EMS Synthi A be used for polyphonic synthesis?

The EMS Synthi A is a monophonic synthesizer, meaning it can produce one note at a time, which is typical for many classic analog synths.

What types of sounds is the EMS Synthi A known for?

The EMS Synthi A is renowned for its rich, analog textures and experimental soundscapes, making it a favorite among electronic music producers and sound designers.

Synthasy2000

Synthasy2000

Klaus Schulze talks about, and demonstrates, his first synth an EMS Synthi A

Video thumbnail for Klaus Schulze talks about, and demonstrates, his first synth an EMS Synthi A by Synthasy2000

Klaus Schulze talks about, and demonstrates, his first synth an EMS Synthi A

Synthasy2000

Synthasy2000

Video thumbnail for Exploration Of The EMS Synthi A by PanicGirlVids

Exploration Of The EMS Synthi A

PanicGirlVids

PanicGirlVids

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about EMS Synthi A.

Features and functionality

  • The Synthi A's patch matrix shares points between keyboard pitch control and external audio inputs, allowing simultaneous control over oscillators.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Spring reverb is included, but its functionality can be compromised on older units needing servicing.

    Source
  • Building a Synthi A clone requires significant skill in electronics, especially in wiring the pin matrix.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Different colored pegs in the patch bay have varying resistances; modern red, white, and yellow pins are 2k7 1%, while green pins are 68k.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The Synthi uses unique CV standards: 0.32 V/Oct for Oscs 1 and 2, and 0.20 V/Oct for Osc 3, complicating external sequencing.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners note that toms work best for triggering oscillators due to their pitched content, especially effective for techno and gabber-style percussion.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Cloney Project suggests replacing the original 16x16 pin matrix with a more accessible 20x20 version.

    Source

Other

  • The Fairchild uA726 is a hard-to-find component that may need substitution in DIY builds.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Electronic Music Studios (EMS) Synthi A | Vintage Synth Explorer

vintagesynth.com

The EMS Synthi A, hailed for its portability and iconic sci-fi sound generation, remains a remarkable piece of electronic music history. With its unique patchbay grid system and stable oscillators after warm-up, it offers a distinctive analog experience. However, potential buyers should be cautious of the AKS model's precarious case mounting—a common issue to inspect in used units. Overall, the Synthi A stands out as a sophisticated yet compact synth, celebrated for its rich sonic capabilities.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 7 Ratings

5 star
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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Daniel Pemberton uses EMS Synthi A

Daniel Pemberton

Keyboardist, Music Producer

...
Verified via Facebook

in this post, FSOL talks about how the sound of the PROWLER was created, which was by using the FSOL:DIGITANA SX-1 modulated with an EMS synthi-a via a Digitana matrix triggered by a Koma RH301

See how Kurt Uenala uses EMS Synthi A

Kurt Uenala

Bassist, Keyboardist

...
Verified via YouTube

THE EMS IS IN THE CENTER OF THIS SET....

See how Praga Khan uses EMS Synthi A

Praga Khan

Music Producer

Lords of Acid

...
Verified via YouTube

In a video from Praga Khan's private camcorder collection, captured on July 22, 1990, at Oliver's studio in Tienen, Belgium, Praga Khan is seen using the EMS Synthi A at the 0:33 mark. This footage, titled "Studio experiments with Analog beasts," was released by Praga Khan on YouTube, showcasing the artist's work with vintage analog synthesizers.

See how Rick van der Linden uses EMS Synthi A

Rick van der Linden

Keyboardist, Composer

Ekseption

...
Verified via Photo

An EMS Synthi A can be seen on top of an Hohner clavinet L

See how Richard James Burgess uses EMS Synthi A

Richard James Burgess

Drummer, Composer

Landscape

...
Verified via The Electricity Club

"I had used very early electronic percussion on the Easy Street recordings in the mid-70s: the Impakt Percussion device and I used my Synthi A to mock up percussive sounds."

See how Pierre Henry uses EMS Synthi A

Pierre Henry

Music Producer

Groupe de recherches musicales

...
Verified via Photo

An EMS Synthi A can be seen behind Pierre Henry in his home studio

See how Government Alpha uses EMS Synthi A

Government Alpha

Music Producer

...
Verified via Instagram

In an Instagram post by s_o_u_inomoto, dated June 8, 2018, Government Alpha is shown using an EMS Synthi A.

See how Astro (Hiroshi Hasegawa) uses EMS Synthi A

Astro (Hiroshi Hasegawa)

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via Bp

Hiroshi used an EMS Synthi in a lot of his works and live perfomances. It's also present on the cover art of the 2007 Astro album (Astral Orange Sunshine).

See how Tim Dorney uses EMS Synthi A

Tim Dorney

Keyboardist

Republica

...
Verified via Facebook

Synthi pictured in Tim's studio.

See how André Bratten uses EMS Synthi A

André Bratten

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

In a photo taken by Thibaut Javoy on November 17, 2017, André Bratten is seen using an EMS Synthi A during a techno session at the Venice Biennale.

See how Maarten Vos uses EMS Synthi A

Maarten Vos

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

In this Instagram post, Maarten Vos is seen playing a Synthi. He captions the post:

Where a synthi and nature play together at the Fuji mountain ⛰️.

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 A, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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2

Community setups

Show yours
andrewlagowski

andrewlagowski

Gear IQ 210

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