The Synthi is really a special synthesizer - there is nothing like it! The original design is from late 60's and released as VCS3 or also known as the Putney. The models Synthi A and Synthi AKS came a few years later 72'-73'. They are a bit different in appearance from the VCS3 as they are fitted into a attaché briefcase. The AKS includes a sequencer and a touch keyboard (KS=Keyboard & Sequencer) !

Keep in mind that I have made this imitation without ever using the real thing. I used documents and articles found on Internet and also with great help from Sowari (who have used the real thing) giving important input, suggestions and beta testing.

The Synthi is of a modular design and will make no sound without connecting the modules together in a sensible way. Therefore the SIAC not for the beginner or faint of heart! Also there are some "odd" design - remember the Synthi was designed before the success of the Minimoog, which defined how synths where supposed to work! There is no standard ADSR envelope shaper and the VCA is integrated with the envelope. This tends to be very confusing for most people! Also the output mixer is somewhat difficult to understand without a diagram. Also the matrix makes no difference in audio and control signals, which is sometimes confusion but also opens many ways to those weird modulations.

Given all that, it's still a great synth that takes a lifetime to explore (so they say) and excel at special effects (the envelope is the most limiting factor to make standard synth sounds). Not saying it's not possible to do standard synth sounds but it's not what it does best.

I did the Reaktor design from scratch including the graphics, except for the handle that I cut from a photo, the reverb is a tweaked reverb by Len Sasso (Wizoo) and the sequencer is based on a sequencer by Clist (stripped down).
I tried to be as close as possible to the original design, but adding some common customizations such as the oscillator sync, shape control for both waves of oscillator 1 and bi-polar envelope. I also included delays for effects. I find delays too important to do without so I added two of those in the output unit (also nice to have delays inside the signal & modulation matrix, which is not so common).


Remember that the sequencer is based on event table and is separate from the snapshots, so when you edit a sequence it is changed for all snapshots that use that particular sequence #, and there is no undo!




Read more about the Synthi here:

http://www.ems-synthi.demon.co.uk/
http://www.vintagesynth.org/misc/synthi.shtml
http://www.oldschool-sound.com/index.php?rub=3 (handbook)
http://www.sonicstate.com/synth_reviews/emssynthi.cfm


Ensemble made on PC, Windows XP, tested on Mac OS9.

Warning - it is quite a CPU hog and requires a large screen (1200x1024).

Two snapshots banks are included, one by Sowari and one by myself. Some snaps start making noise without any maual interaction other are supposed to be controlled by the joystick, sequencer and/or Attack button!

I use a game joystick sending bend & modulation wheel MIDI. Great fun and soo much better than using the mouse!

You are obviously free to download and use this ensemble but you are not free to distribute it in any form (e.g. CD or web publishing etc) without my written permission.