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Description
Step into the world of vintage synth magic with the EMS VCS 3, a classic synthesizer that has played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of electronic music since its inception in 1969. Known for its unique pin matrix patching system, the VCS 3 allows for an unprecedented level of creativity and sound exploration, making it a favorite among pioneering artists and sound designers alike. Its compact and portable design belies a powerful, versatile instrument capable of producing a vast array of sounds, from haunting drones to intricate, multi-layered textures.
The VCS 3 is revered for its all-analog architecture, providing a warm and rich tonal quality that digital emulations strive to replicate. At the heart of the VCS 3 is its trio of oscillators, each capable of generating multiple waveforms, allowing users to craft anything from simple leads to complex, evolving sounds. The innovative joystick controller offers a tactile and expressive method of manipulating sound parameters in real-time, giving performers a hands-on approach to live sound modulation.
Perfect for both studio and stage, the EMS VCS 3 invites you to delve into the depths of analog synthesis, offering an authentic experience that has captivated musicians for decades.
Key Features:
- Classic analog synthesizer with a unique pin matrix patching system
- Three oscillators with multiple waveform capabilities
- Joystick controller for real-time sound modulation
- Compact and portable design
- Renowned for its warm, rich tonal quality
Videos
Analog Synths
EMS VCS3
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about EMS VCS 3.
Features and functionality
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The EMS VCS3's pin matrix allows for creative patching, resulting in unique, often non-reproducible sounds, contributing to its organic, unpredictable nature.
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The VCS3 includes a joystick for control, adding a human element to sound manipulation, especially during complex or abstract performances.
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The Synthi AKS version of the VCS3 includes a sequencer, enabling programmed melodies, unlike the original VCS3.
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The VCS3 utilizes color-coded pins for the matrix, allowing for variable signal attenuation, which is crucial for nuanced sound design.
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Comparisons
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The VCS3 is described as aggressive and raw compared to more 'polite' sounding synths like Roland, with a distinctive presence in the mid frequencies.
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Build quality
Use cases and applications
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Known for producing sounds on iconic tracks like "Rubycon" and "On the Run," the VCS3 excels in creating organic textures and experimental sounds.
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The VCS3 was designed to create sound components for layering in music production, not as a standalone instrument for complete melodies.
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Users find that understanding modular synthesis enhances the experience with the VCS3, as routing beyond standard paths requires deliberate planning.
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Other
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The VCS3's filter is noted for behaving uniquely, transitioning to a 5-pole filter when resonance is increased, contributing to its distinctive sound.
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User experience
Value and pricing
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VCS3 units can cost nearly £1000, reflecting their rarity and vintage appeal, especially in academic and festival settings.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 9 Ratings
1963
VCS3
A rem,arkable and still very unique synth. Love it to bits.
Artist usage
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An EMS VCS 3 was used on Chris Carter's* The Space Between*, according to the liner notes.
In the "NEW ATLANTIS STUDIO" feature on the Sonic Boom website, Sonic Boom is shown using the EMS VCS 3 synthesizer.
Peter Kember's use of the EMS VCS 3 synthesizer is confirmed in an article by Adam Douglas on Reverb.com, titled "The Synths and Electronic Gear of Space Rock." Kember shared with Red Bull Music Academy in 2013, "The VCS3 seemed to me to be a very elegant study in limited resources. I always liked very slow modulations, very slow changes, and most people didn't build that into their equipment. A lot of equipment never lets you get dangerous. I like stuff with the safety locks all taken off."
"I like the NS10 studio monitors and the big JBL 4425s, which are kind of shot now. We've got loads of analogue synths MIDI'd and piles of records to sample from. We've got a VCS3 and a Synthi A, which are the same thing really but a different shape. We're going to have them converted. The Roland 303 is MIDI'd up but the box is bigger than the synth itself, which is hilarious."
Thighpaulsandra used the EMS VCS 3 synthesizer on the track "Slammer," as noted on Wikipedia's page for the album "Double Vulgar."
Christopher Franke includes the EMS VCS 3 synthesizer in his equipment list on his official website, highlighting its role in his music production arsenal.
Albums which use EMS Synthi VCS3 : • Oxygene > Oxygene Part 1
• Equinoxe
• Magnetic fields
• The concerts in China
• Oxygene 7-13 > Oxygene 12
Pete Bardens can be seen using the EMS VCS 3 synthesizer during Camel's recording sessions, as shown in a user-uploaded photo.
"I love the Yamaha TX7, the Casio CZ-101, the ARP 2600, Ensoniq Mirage, Roland MKS-50, and the EMS VCS3. I like to have them around mainly for inspiration. In my experience, turning away and just focusing on a different object in front of you can yield good results."
My studio is predominantly analogue but I’m not an analogue or nothing person, I think the hybrid is good. Analogue is amazing but there are certain things that digital can do that are incredible so the marriage of the two is perfect. And I’ve become obsessed over the years with synths. With Techno Animal I used to use an EMS Synthi-A which was this kind of really rare synth that was housed in a suitcase. That and a VCS3 were used on the old Dr Who incidental music. It made sounds that were pure sci-fi. It's that analogue sound which has a link to history. It gives you a tone that you can’t get in any other way. So there’s no disparity there.
"Rick Wright then builds on this with a Hammond organ as well as the synth sounds of an EMS VCS3, ARP Solina and Minimoog before Dave Gilmour plays an extended G-minor blues solo on his Fender Strat."
Album Usage
The EMS VCS 3 has been featured on the following albums:
Together/Alone
The Blow Monkeys (2024)
The End (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Marius de Vries (2024)
Black Dog
Gazelle Twin (2023)
Starry Eyes (MIKE DEAN Remix)
The Weeknd & The Real Mike Dean (2022)
Practical Electronics With
Thighpaulsandra (2019)
Chemistry Lessons Volume 1
Chris Carter (2018)
Monsters Exist (Deluxe)
Orbital (2018)
The Golden Communion
Thighpaulsandra (2015)
Scar Tissue (Original Soundtrack)
Mark Ayres (2014)
Second Album
Curved Air (2005)
Air Conditioning
Curved Air (2005)
Air Liquide
Air Liquide (1994)
Low (2017 Remaster)
David Bowie (1977)
"Heroes" (2017 Remaster)
David Bowie (1977)
Physical Graffiti (Remaster)
Led Zeppelin (1975)
Music From Macbeth (2019 Remastered & Expanded Edition)
Third Ear Band (1972)
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 VCS 3, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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