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Synth-In-A-Case v2.1

By ZooTooK .
Synth-In-A-Case v2.1 by ZooTooK .  
This is an imitatation of the Synthi AKS synthesizer.
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.


SIAC 2 ---------------------
The GUI is updated and lots of snaps from Sowari. Also the output channel is modified to support 4 channels in parallell (L+R & rL + rR). This includes a change of the Output channel modulation behavior.

Please log in before downloading the file.

Comments

  1. Kevin Hopper (2004-10-25 09:32:18):
    Unbelievable! An astonishing technical feat with great graphics.
  2. Kevin Hopper (2004-10-25 09:42:05):
    Also, the reverb is incredibly realistic! Great for experimental musicians- Thomas Lehn would be proud!
  3. Cliff Douse (2004-10-25 10:49:46):
    Analogue heaven! :-)
  4. Herwig Krass (2004-10-25 13:57:12):
    very impressive, great graphics, very interesting patches from sowari - tested on MAC OS X G4 733 (distortion at 44100, but good at 22050)
  5. Don Dailey (2004-10-25 16:58:42):
    This is quite an accomplishment! There are some sounds here I've not heard from any other Reaktor synth. Great job all around. Keep up the good work.
  6. Don Dailey (2004-10-25 17:01:58):
    One small problem I notice. Can't fit the whole sequencer on the screnn, even with scroll bar all the way down. Any way to fix this?
  7. Claude Jordan (2004-10-25 17:19:21):
    Great interface, the best analog synt for experimentation at end in virtual, great work

    claude Jordan
  8. paul vogel (2004-10-25 17:27:31):
    Beautiful. The best synth in a long time.
  9. Red Wierenga (2004-10-25 17:34:18):
    THE FULL RESPECT!
  10. Red Wierenga (2004-10-25 17:38:23):
    One small request: how about a button that triggers a crazy spring reverb bouncing around, emulating the effect of hitting the side of the case? Brilliant!
  11. GG.G SakabeaT (2004-10-25 19:08:43):
    grandiose !!!
  12. Bagnoud Hervé (2004-10-25 19:21:30):
    Very nice thanks...By the way have a look a this freeware (For OS X)

    http://couprie.pierre.free.fr/

  13. ZooTooK . (2004-10-25 19:35:44):
    Yes, Bagnoud, I'v seen it - I don't have a Mac :-( It looks accurate. There are several free PC VSTi and one commercial. The free ones are not close enought to the original to suite my taste, although very nice.
  14. Andres Jankowski (2004-10-25 19:42:49):
    Sooooo Great!!!!!
    thank you very much!!!!!
  15. carlos vasquez (2004-10-25 19:58:56):
    YOU SUNK MY BATTLE SHIP!!!!!!! too much fun. man i miss this thing!
  16. Zip Boterbloem (2004-10-25 21:57:23):
    If it weren't for the vertical scrolling problem on my 1024*768 screen it would be a 10...
  17. David Tamura (2004-10-26 06:37:27):
    A Blast from the past...brilliant!
  18. Phil Durrant (2004-10-26 09:46:01):
    about the vertical scrolling problem. are you guys on a Mac? here is what you do. minimise all the instruments by clicking the - sign by the view. now optomise the window (i think that it is the view settings in the toolbar) now you should have a very small window? next put the instruments back so you can view the synth and sequencer and make the window big enough to see all of this. now you should be able to scroll up and down to see the whole synth and keyboard. yes?
  19. Phil Durrant (2004-10-26 09:54:59):
    anyway, i (of course) love this. the looping envelope/trapezoid alone makes this a must download. also the fact that you can shape the width of the sine oscillator as well as the other oscillators is brilliant. as a result you can create frequency modulation patches like no other synth in this library. the AKS Synthi was one of the most individual synths ever made and this recreates that (quirks and all) brilliantly.
  20. Kathie Talbot (2004-10-26 10:19:49):
    the visual alone is so elegant and VERY industrial...beautiful!
  21. Franz Raith (2004-10-26 12:27:02):
    THIS IS A GENIUS WORK,THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!
  22. Rob Blake (2004-10-26 13:37:07):
    I've been working on a VCS3 for ages now... can't believe someone beat me to it... grrr... good work :)
  23. ZooTooK . (2004-10-26 16:52:55):
    Rob, I'v had the SIAC in the pipe for 10-11 months, so I think I gave you a fair chance ;-)
  24. Dominika Banas (2004-10-26 22:17:58):
    Another Reaktor Classic. Electronic Instruments Vol. 3?
  25. sean johnson (2004-10-27 00:43:06):
    Absolutely fantastic. Truly a Reaktor classic. Thank you for your work of genius ZooTook.
  26. Benjamin Suthers (2004-10-27 02:45:38):
    lovely. absolutely lovely. it would be nice to be able to modulate oscillator pitch from keyboard follow though.
  27. ZooTooK . (2004-10-27 09:34:58):
    Benjamin, you can control the oscillators from the keyboard (most of my snapshots are set up that way). The keyboard is connected via the input channels.
  28. c bit (2004-10-27 12:16:08):
    this is excellent.. i could play with this for hours!, i think ill be using it alot.. please make a v2 at some point :)
  29. Zip Boterbloem (2004-10-27 18:54:44):
    Phil Durrant (2004-10-26 09:46:01):
    about the vertical scrolling problem. are you guys on a Mac? here is what you do. minimise all the instruments by clicking the - sign by the view. now optomise the window (i think that it is the view settings in the toolbar) now you should have a very small window? next put the instruments back so you can view the synth and sequencer and make the window big enough to see all of this. now you should be able to scroll up and down to see the whole synth and keyboard. yes?

    - Yes. Thanks for the tip, Phil!
  30. GG.G SakabeaT (2004-10-27 22:40:43):
    or rearrange it into an A/B view and just forget about scrolling....
  31. Logan Susnick (2004-10-28 15:06:25):
    This is just incredibly wonderful!
  32. Kay Wächter (2004-10-28 16:49:39):
    very well done. You put indeed lot´s of work into this great sounding engine.
  33. ned Bouhalassa (2004-10-29 15:30:54):
    What can I say that hasn't been said before? Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
  34. Greg Sterling (2004-10-29 15:48:43):
    Love this! I just wish there were more patches :P
  35. James Clark (2004-10-30 03:40:45):
    Very nice, a lot of work. A unique sound, maybe because of the trapezoid generator (btw trapezoid is mis-spelled in the mod matrix :)
  36. Phil Durrant (2004-10-30 12:04:40):
    "I just wish there were more patches" ?? :-) there are at least 60 patches, divided between banks 1 and 2.
  37. Manfred Schimchen (2004-10-30 14:56:56):
    Fantastic Synth !! I never payed one , but now I know why the experimental guys were so keen on that "little Monster"
    I think Mid-Period Merzbow is the EMS and a lot of "Stomp Boxes"
  38. ZooTooK . (2004-10-31 00:25:36):
    Cheers James, I will fix that at some point...
  39. Omar Sharan (2004-10-31 17:12:32):
    off the hook
  40. Declan Purcell (2004-11-05 06:36:49):

    I just love this,
    very Dr Who ;-). IMHO it's much better than the commercial one.
    already looking forward to whatever you come up with next.
  41. Phil Durrant (2004-11-05 10:08:57):
    "IMHO it's much better than the commercial one" :-) and a bit cheaper,
    i think they cost about £1800 that is about €2,580.
  42. john mcCaig (2004-11-07 17:31:18):
    On the hook too!
  43. ZooTooK . (2004-11-07 23:11:29):
    Phil, I think Declan is refering to the Synthi Avs VSTi version by EMS Rehberg for €350. You can find it at www.emsrehberg.de I have tested it very breifely but not really compared it to the SIAC. I'm sure Synthi Avs is a very nice synth sounding close to the real thing. Mr Rehberg has extensive experience of the real Synthi.
  44. Didier Debril (2004-11-21 02:43:17):
    I had for ten years, from 1981 till 1991, the synthi AKS, and I liked this machine. And then I changed for other synthés as SY 99 of Yamaha and who opens fascinating sound horizons. But I always regretted the EMS. Where from my enjoyment by discovering the competition of the EMS.
    Since I downloaded it, I worked hours even nights there to work sound textures. Bravo thus. We can work on the frequencies, except the tonal system. It's really great. For somebody who had never touched this machine, bravo. Things being what they are, I have just downloaded Synthi Avs VSTi of EMS Rehberg about which speaks Purcell Declan. At the level of the sound, it is effectively closer to the original. But very honestly, your machine is magnificent and allows to realize of very interessantes sound textures. Bravo still.
    An advice for Phil Durrant, that he downloads the demo version of EMS and that he notes patchs, there is 123. The noise every 20 seconds returns the unusable plugin. It is a tutorial excellent. Because to take advantage completely of the EMS, it is necessary to plant index cards in the matrix.
    It is a machine of experiment. Still Bravo.
    Didier Debril
  45. ZooTooK . (2004-11-25 00:50:21):
    Thanks for the kind words, Didier! I think Phil can't try the Synthi Avs as it's PC only and he's on Mac. Not sure what you mean by "not working on the tonal system". It is possible to modulate the wave shape, which is not possible on the original. By the way, in what way is the Synthi Avs sounding more true to the original? I'm always open for improvements!
  46. michael hollitscher (2004-11-26 03:34:48):
    This is hours of family fun. Never touched the real thing, but this is a real happy accident machine. The snaps are great, and really lay out a good path for how to explore this .ens.
  47. GG.G SakabeaT (2004-11-28 02:21:10):
    just want to say thanx again,ZooTooK!!!i just spend few hours with this synth,tonight (again),and i'm sure of one thing,now:my neighbours definetely hates me now!!!
  48. Didier Debril (2004-12-04 02:14:39):
    Yes effectively, Phil cannot try him it because he works on Mac.
    What I wanted to say concerning the tonal system, it is that I like I can work on the frequencies and not on note which are congealed, freezed. And it is what I like with your synthi it is as on the original we can modulate the frequencies, obtain atonal music. For the sound, the synthi AVENUES gets closer much more to the original, it is a question of color, grain, granular sound.
    It is difficult to explain (I have to have still sound examples, I can send it to you) but your there gets closer a lot. And especially, he allows to make magnificent sound textures.
    Musical best regards
    Ps : sorry for my bad english.
    Didier Debril
  49. mike hodges (2004-12-06 04:23:31):
    This synth is great. Great job. It might be my favorite Reaktor synth.
  50. Gary McCormick (2004-12-11 19:35:10):
    thanks! great sounds and potential for worlds of exploration!
  51. Doss Shropshire (2004-12-11 23:31:35):
    pretty fun, but a bit cpu heavy imo. fun for old style synth work certainly.
  52. Brian Robinson (2005-01-08 13:48:20):
    Woooooooow, thanks!!!
  53. clive walpole (2005-02-02 00:09:28):
    Clive Walpole. fabulous emulation of a classic.
  54. Fabien FOUET (2005-02-10 17:52:03):
    the bear claw want to say arrrrrg (great)
  55. Jean-pierre Brie (2005-02-15 04:27:45):
    WOW!
  56. wolfgang spiegelburg (2005-02-23 14:52:12):
    that's the one i had and i've sold it years ago...now it's on my laptop-thanks!!
  57. David Polich (2005-02-25 19:14:28):
    I can't get the GUI to appear. The list of snapshots appears and some of them sound and some don't. In the middle of the ensemble window I see a small box labeled "picture". In the lower right hand corner I see a small box labeled "help text". I've e-mailed ZooTooK about it but it occurred to me someone else might have encountered this situation with some other ensembles and might know a fix. I'm using V-stack, Windows XP, Reaktor 4 (Komplete 2).
  58. David Polich (2005-02-28 19:22:22):
    Never mind, I figured it out. In VSTi mode, I can open the ensemble and then click on "menu" and then click on "ALL Panels to Front" and the GUI then appears. I'm not sure why this happens with a few ensembles and not all of them, but at any rate, I got it working. What a fantastic ensemble! It sounds like the Synthi A I remember. I rate it 11 out of 10, just great.
  59. Clifton Cameron (2005-03-10 07:58:24):
    I must say that this is my favorite Reaktor Ensemble. My love for this Analog beauty has been in existence since I was 12 years old. Here I am with the opportunity to witness the functionality to enhance the objects that often appear in my mind. Thank You for an amazing piece of work.

    Amazing, once again. Thank You
  60. Dragan Jovanovic (2005-03-11 12:16:33):
    Nothing more to say ! Thank YU for thiz thang !
    D.J.
  61. Peter Flemmig (2005-03-12 00:19:20):
    A very good idea to create a genius Synth. Thank You! PFL
  62. Miroslav HERMAN (2005-03-13 19:34:22):
    Superbe maccina! If it would be possible to design the authentics graduated scale knobs and big buttons of original Synthi-A, it would be ab-so-lu-te-ly-per-fect!!!!!!!
  63. daniel miller (2005-03-27 15:40:43):
    this is great! what ive been waiting for . blows all other synthi plugs out of the water. as a user of the original analog version this comes quite close sonically but its the interface in particular that is good. one mod i had on my old synthi which was very useful was a voltage inverter. the inverter was a pin conected to a wire-sorry im not very tech. it worked like this for example: say trapeziod was controlling output 1 volume , if inverter pin was plugged into output2 volume on trapezaoid row the signal was inverted on out2 creating great panninng effects. this system could be used in any cv row so the posibilities were amazing.

    thanks again!
  64. ZooTooK . (2005-03-30 09:41:28):
    Daniel, signal inversion is actually a feature of the original synthi as described by Ian Boddy in an article. The microphone input inverts the signal. The outputs can be selected as input source from the drop down menus. Maybe not as accessable as your mod. but it's there.... I think one of my snapshots use this...
  65. adam jay southerland (2005-05-26 09:59:07):
    this thing is amazing. a joy to use. i can spend hours patching and never drop the smile from my face.

    well done!
  66. david brymer (2005-05-30 13:33:49):
    Super noise maker
  67. Jason Wolford (2005-07-02 04:48:00):
    I can't believe how much fun this is!!
    It runs like a champ and looks great on my Dual 2.5 Ghz G5 running OS 10.4.1

    I launched it at work for my co-workers and watched all the jaws hit the floor in awe.

    I would love to see some new snapshots posted. Maybe a PDF tutorial on building a patch from scratch, for those of us who don't know our way around the patchbay.

    A PDF of the help documentation would be nice as well.

    This a beautiful Ensemble. Excellent work.
  68. GG.G SakabeaT (2005-07-03 21:48:38):
    a student made one in MAX!!!too bad it's Mac only,(pfff!!!;-})but for peeps who want a pdf there is one in the zip file...it maybe could help peeps who need a manuals...
    i wish i could try this one too
    http://www.arts.monash.edu.au/music/mcilwain/
  69. ZooTooK . (2005-07-04 09:37:26):
    Jason/Sakabeat, recommended reading for those who want to learn to patching the Synthi is to download the Educational Handbook from http://www.oldschool-sound.com/index.php?rub=3

    Also make sure to read the intro text withing the Ensemble.
    The MAX synth doesn't seem to be an accurate Synthi imitation so the pdf might confuse you a bit if you are using it to understand the SIAC.
  70. Jason Wolford (2005-07-05 00:14:31):
    Thanks ZooTooK.
    I'm printing the Old School manual now. I keep meaning to copy and paste the text from the ensemble, I don't like most on screen documentation. Though it was very cool of you to build it into the ensemble for reference. I still prefer the pirnted manual or a searchable/zoomable PDF.

    Mine eyes, they not so good.

    I gotta tell you though, I downloaded this ensemble within a few days of getting Reakror V5, and I'm having more fun with this than ANY of the new ensembles, good as they may be.

    Thank you again!!
  71. oscar finch (2005-08-24 00:24:03):
    Superb - need I say more .
  72. Andreas Wetterberg (2005-08-30 22:55:48):
    Brilliant. I've been craving this synth for ages... Now, could you do a Buchla 200? heheh.
  73. Andreas Wetterberg (2005-08-30 22:56:18):
    Brilliant. I've been craving this synth for ages... Now, could you do a Buchla 200? heheh.
  74. Hugo Portillo (2005-09-10 14:42:25):
    WOW! I don't have enough words to praise this ensemble. I tried all the freeware and commercial PC emulations of the Synthi but from now on there is only one for me: Synth-In-A Case. Who needs more? :-)
    Brilliant, my friend ZooTook! This is destined to become a classic.
  75. bernie bean (2005-10-08 14:25:04):
    Well, I guess it time to sell my Synthi AKS! There is NO reason to keep it. The Synth-In-A-Case v1.5 it beyond all belief! For once in my life I am speachless. I have used other Synthi soft synths and they STINK OUT LOUD, not this one, it is SO SWEET. So I compared it to an actually hardware Synthi, Synth-In-A-Case v1.5 sounds more like a Synthi than the Synthi, and it's FREE! Life is good, THANKS
  76. ZooTooK . (2005-10-10 17:24:55):
    Nice to hear that the SIAC is appreciated! Bernie could you get in contact with me?! Please use the private post function in the Reaktor forum. I'm listed as ZooTooK there as well.
  77. David Jameson (2005-11-27 15:00:11):
    I owned one of these a long time ago - still sorry I sold it (who knew) - so it's GREAT to be able to play with one again.

    Great implementation. Now if only you could color the knobs so they look like the original :-)
  78. Matthias Hofherr (2005-12-06 23:37:18):
    Fantastic Work, im Speachless. Please give us more !!!!!!!!!
  79. Matthias Hofherr (2005-12-06 23:37:36):
    Fantastic Work, im Speachless. Please give us more !!!!!!!!!
  80. Nigel Hooton (2005-12-13 22:37:39):
    This is just truly amazing ! It looks & sounds incredible. It will take me some time to work this one out.
  81. Johann Meier (2006-02-14 16:37:19):
    I finally decided to dust this off and I have to say, it's very difficult to learn at first, but once i got it, i was astonished by the natural grit and variety i could produce with it. Really a remarkable synth.
  82. Olivier Chauvin (2006-03-31 11:06:27):
    Gorgeous ! I imagine that the old VCS3 sounds like that. Thanks
  83. Michael Murphy (2006-04-14 00:59:41):
    I love the sound of this thing. It's living and breathing. Thanks for all your time on this.
  84. alex nimmo (2006-04-22 17:21:03):
    An Amazing Instrument
  85. Robert Valentine (2006-05-21 01:34:34):
    I have a Synthi A in my studio and have used it since 1972. If you need help in any way, photographs, samples, etc. I would be glad to assist. Thanks for your work on this project.
  86. ZooTooK . (2006-06-16 00:31:36):
    Robert, could you send me a PM from the forum?! I like to get in touch with you!
  87. Jamie Maloney (2006-06-29 16:47:53):
    So Vintage, so usefull! Hats Off! 10 starz
  88. Christian Bader (2006-06-29 19:03:38):
    Top Ten
  89. Mark Bonnington (2006-07-01 00:46:18):
    There's some crazy sounds in this thing. In a good way.
  90. ian stratford (2006-07-11 13:12:45):
    Not the easiest synth to use for 'conventional' sounds, but who needs another one of those synths anyway ! By far the best synth i have used for pure, raw electronic sounds. It rips and pulses through the speakers like no other...
  91. Fintan Doran (2006-10-13 12:12:37):
    this is what owning Reaktor is all about - 30 years ago I drooled at one of these in a shopwindow - now I can play on at last !
  92. Robin Parmar (2006-10-16 15:03:08):
    This is brilliant. Used it for the simplest thing -- wind sound needed for a theatre performance -- and it was perfect. Really does sound authentically old school. Though I only ever owned a Moog, not one of these oddities.
  93. David Waldman (2006-11-15 07:26:53):
    As a former AKS owner, I feel reunited with my departed, minus the fredaches. YAY!
  94. Matthew Osborne (2006-11-17 22:20:17):
    This is my new favorite Reaktor Patch! It sounds amazing in combined with bannaan electrique.
  95. Chris Pratt (2006-11-29 16:18:55):
    Awesome ensemble, I was lucky enough to get to play around with a real one at my old college, thanks for building this... definitely my favourite ensemble to date!
  96. Fred NORGUET (2006-12-05 18:57:49):
    GREAT-GREAT-GREAT! Thanks
  97. Nick Percival (2007-01-04 21:48:45):
    I always wanted one of these synths since the early days...this thing is superb...thanks for sharing your work.
  98. Peter Clark (2007-04-03 22:31:56):
    Almost a dream come true! (One day I'll figure out how the gating works. Only failing so far is I can't figure out how to assign separate midi controls to X-Y
  99. Simon Mills (2007-04-27 12:21:06):
    Absolutey amazing. I am lucky enough to own a real one and it's very very VERY close - how on earth you've done it is beyond me.. thankyou!
  100. ian finegan (2007-05-22 12:12:12):
    fabulous synth .just what i have been waitng for
  101. ian finegan (2007-05-22 12:12:46):
    fabulous synth .just what i have been waitng for
  102. David Jameson (2007-06-03 17:28:00):
    What great fun ---- I had an AKS Synthi 30 years ago (sold it a long time ago, what a mistake) so SIAC is bringing back great memories.

    GREAT JOB
  103. David Jameson (2007-06-03 17:28:10):
    What great fun ---- I had an AKS Synthi 30 years ago (sold it a long time ago, what a mistake) so SIAC is bringing back great memories.

    GREAT JOB
  104. Nicholas Raftis (2007-07-05 22:33:44):
    this is better then the vst that EMS is selling
  105. Stephen Irizarry (2007-07-12 02:27:34):
    You are a sick dude! Thanks for this ensemble!
  106. Edward Hartley (2007-07-30 22:17:42):
    Many thanks I read about the synth this was based on years ago. Getting my hands on this emulation was a joy
  107. Dariusz Krzywanski (2007-09-05 12:53:51):
    Great emulation ! Nice looking ! Now I have "hardware" which was used by Pink Floyd in "Dark Side Of The Moon" :-)
  108. Jim Hurley (2007-09-14 02:02:59):
    Wonderful!!!
  109. Christopher Soulos (2007-10-16 10:20:25):
    Genius. I can't believe how good this is! And without an actual unit! Just finished reading a book on early synths especially the Moog and I own real minimoog in perfect condition and always wanted to know what was poss in the days before. Can I use it on a project?
  110. ZooTooK . (2007-10-18 09:00:51):
    Christopher: Course you can use it in a project. Only thing you should not do is to re-distribute the ensemble file in any other forum than the user lib here at NI.
  111. Stephen Gallagher (2007-10-31 04:42:42):
    F**kin AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  112. Patrick Aurelio (2007-11-24 02:07:27):
    My current favorite synth altogether! This is exactly what my studio has been missing.

    I've never used any of EMS's synths, but from what I've heard, read (including the full VCS3 manual) and seen, it captures the intent perfectly, and with useful extra features.
  113. russell witter (2007-11-28 15:51:44):
    Wow! A real work of love. Great graphics, great sound and will save you 300 quid by not getting the official EMS Rehberg version. Download now!
  114. Clifton Cameron (2007-12-19 18:59:37):
    Again . . . ZooTook . . . this is truly something spectacular.

    Thank You once again.

    Clifton Develle Cameron
  115. Fujiomi Kamiya (2008-01-07 17:40:05):
    good! synth.
  116. Kim Joris Boström (2008-02-01 13:00:36):
    Great synth, but I can't get it to work with Cubase (both SL3 and Studio 4). I can play it as VST Instrument in Cubase with the MIDI keyboard, but whenever I record or play some MIDI already recorded, it produces strange random pitches and glitches. Anyone confirm this?
  117. Kim Joris Boström (2008-02-01 14:28:35):
    Fixed! It was the sequencer who started to play together with Cubase. Unfortunately, I could not find how to globally switch it off, so I removed the sequencer from the ensemble. Now I purely enjoy... thanks for this synth!!!
  118. Brother Rafen (2008-03-12 21:20:32):
    *Sigh* I am almost afraid to download this thing because i always sucked at programming Modulars... I'm used to Oberheims, Moogs, Rolands, Yamahas, Sequential Circuits, ELKA, but never something of this stature. Before i DL can someone please tell me JUST HOW hard this thing is to use? TY
  119. ZooTooK . (2008-03-14 13:25:30):
    Brother - this is a modular synth good as any, but uses a pin matrix and not cables. There are no pre-set signal or control connections. But if you are used to classic synths like Moog etc, and browes through the snaps, I'm sure you can start tweak some new sounds out of it. Make sure to check out both snap banks.
  120. Robin Barklis (2008-05-18 09:59:54):
    a labor of love? at any rate: amazing.
  121. Matthew Mitchell (2008-06-19 22:52:12):
    lordy, this is fanastic. Thank you.
  122. erick medina (2008-07-11 16:58:15):
    It' about time!
  123. Jason Filipchuk (2008-08-17 04:18:38):
    too many in this list.
    if you ever read this, well done.
    have worked with the actual machine, again.....wow. top notch.
  124. ZooTooK . (2008-09-11 09:35:39):
    Thanks Jason!
  125. marc billon (2008-10-05 17:38:23):
    félicitations!
  126. roland kuit (2008-11-28 20:39:18):
    zootook,

    this is a reaktor milestone!:)
    i remade an ems with the clavia g2 synth. but reaktor(you) beats it.
    i have a question. i teach electronic music and i would love to use your synth in a case in my coarse. do i have your permission?
    much regards,
    roland kuit(roland.kuit@12move.nl)
  127. Madden (2008-11-30 21:56:16):
    I never vote on here, but i have to give you credit for the greatest thing I've ever seen. This sounds so terrific and is exactly what I've been looking for.
  128. ZooTooK . (2008-12-01 11:28:08):
    Roland
    Shure you can use SIAC in your coarse.
    Thanks for the kind words, Roland & Madden
  129. Roland duschek (2008-12-08 16:59:54):
    Ive been lucky enough to have a play on a real one before,youve done a good job,two thumbs up :)
  130. Sean Woodward (2008-12-09 13:29:45):
    Ever since seeing Coil with a real one I've searched for something like this ! Fantastic job! I've used it on my CC licensed album EVOKATION OV HADIT - myspace.com/gothicknowledge
  131. Christopher Soulos (2009-01-23 06:56:28):
    Hi Z,

    I've been using your synth for over a year and love it.

    Just checked in to say hi and I just showed it to the guitarist from Betamax Bandits. He said his band can do a whole song with just one sound from this thing.

    Now, if someone can do a Buchla Box I'll be very happy... (hoping...!)

    So, what do we have @ NI Reaktor? Solina Strings, Minimoog, modular synths, AKS... what else does a pro muso need?

    I have nothing but respect and admiration for NI and all the geniuses involved with it, paid and unpaid.

    Keep up the good work.
  132. Phil Brownlee (2009-01-26 23:18:42):
    Closer to the real thing than I'd have thought possible in Reaktor. Thanks very much!

    Now, if only I had a MIDI controller with enough knobs...
  133. rick kelly (2009-02-01 07:06:22):
    Does it sync? Is there a manual?

    Thanks
    RK
  134. ZooTooK . (2009-02-02 09:59:43):
    Rick, there's some instructions in the ensemble. Follow the link to oldschool-sound.com above for a proper manual for the synthi. Regarding sync you can sync the sequencer to midi.
  135. Wolfgang Bittmann (2009-03-12 16:53:59):
    Many thanks for this one, I owned an original Synthi A in the 70s until I traded it in für a MS20 , shame on me. You made my day!
  136. Carlos Roberto Chavez Aramburu (2009-03-16 05:04:49):
    thaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaanks!!
  137. Aleksandr Smirnov (2009-04-02 16:31:07):
    Wow, this is really huge and essential top tool for producing experimental and unusual sounds. I really like GUI work as well - smart and easy to use. I haven't tried to make anything yet, but looking forward to study it more precisely. I'm looking forward to make some of own banks. Thanks for making this! 10.
  138. ZooTooK . (2009-04-03 11:20:52):
    Aleks, the ease of use of the GUI is the genius design of Dr. Peter Zinovieff and David Cockerell!
  139. Trevor Gavilan (2009-04-12 09:02:07):
    By Far, this is the Best Synth Emulation within the Reaktor system EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Anny plans on emulating another Beast from the past???????

    anyway, Thank you so!!! much for giving this design to the community!

    Sincerely,
    Trevor Gavilan

    -

    check my music at www.myspace.com/semisource
  140. < Elektronix > (2009-08-27 17:56:40):
    Awesome Synth! thankyou very much :)
  141. patrick scott (2009-10-14 11:06:45):
    I very rarely comment on ensembles, but this is the best one i've used so far. The GUI is fantastic, the sounds incredible, and it's reignited my search for a real synthi. This has been used all over an upcoming recording i'm working on and i feel i'll be using it for a long time to come, great job.
  142. Bill Ambrose (2009-11-21 13:49:07):
    massively impressive
  143. Jesse Juup (2009-11-28 21:08:45):
    Awesome! I have been drooling to buy/build a Synthi for years and now I finally got reaktor and this. Very nice, thank you!
  144. Richard Bull (2009-12-02 01:36:58):
    I love this so much - gorgeous work, and a lot of fun!
  145. Andrew Huang (2009-12-02 06:11:24):
    I'm not familiar with Synthi AKS but this thing looks great! Awesome Buchla style sounds.
  146. Gennaro Giugliano (2009-12-31 22:53:31):
    wonderful synth,thanks for your sharing
  147. Kenneth Balys (2010-03-26 07:04:25):
    This is so much fun! Fantastic work!
  148. Adam Ritchie (2010-05-17 09:58:10):
    Simply awesome!
  149. tony saunders (2010-05-21 08:23:15):
    best reaktor synth! Have already modded to add extra vco out's & extend the matrix. The real gem is the trapezoid.
    It's also inpired me to buy a real synthi clone (Analogue systems) as I can't afford the silly £6k price on ebay.
  150. Billy Rawls (2010-06-19 22:38:25):
    Wonderful!
  151. patrick dangles (2010-09-23 19:47:16):
    Super look, super sound, i'm remember 70'years, thanks
  152. Lothar Graetz (2010-10-11 16:16:51):
    Xils 3 is quite good but for me SIAC is the better - if not the best - EMS clone out there. it sounds absolutely anarchic... vicious... simply wonderful. great great work ZooTook !!!
  153. jan pazz (2010-10-20 12:15:21):
    Excellent excellent excellent !! I had an original AKS in a few years ago and I can say it's a great great clone....
  154. jan pazz (2010-10-20 12:16:04):
    Excellent excellent excellent !! I had an original AKS in a few years ago and I can say it's a great great clone....
  155. paul kendall (2011-01-31 18:57:55):
    back to '73, lovely
  156. francois K (2011-03-07 09:19:10):
    Just amazed at how nice this is... anyone can go on tweaking for hours with this.
    Thank you so much!
  157. Robert Stevenson (2011-04-22 23:56:31):
    well I don't know how this is going to work out for me (moving fooled again from my nord modular to NI rig) but zork me this synth you have done looks and sounds superb - thank you very much
  158. Paul Copeland (2011-09-05 04:14:10):
    Goodness.

    I am amazed and it takes a lot to amaze me :)

    I owned one of these way back around 1975 or so. I also had the pleasure or using a Synthi100 at the Melbourne Concervatorium.

    Hey Zootook, you next project could be to create a synthi 100 :)

    You are to be congratulated for such a lot of work.

    I am using the Reaktor Demo for Windows and I am not sure if I can actually play SIAC. Perhaps someone could clarify for me.

    Best wishes to you Zootook, you are a genius. Seriously.

    Paul.

  159. Paul Copeland (2011-09-05 15:21:53):
    Hi Zootook.

    Back again.

    I got the syn running from the Reaktor demo. Unreal.

    Just this synth alone almost convinces me to purchase Reaktor 5 :)

    Best wishes and seeya.

    Paul.
  160. Francois Demarle (2011-09-12 18:48:46):
    Well ! I once had this beast, though I have not yet fully tested yours, and this Synthi-A is quite impressive !
    Congratulations !!! ;-)
  161. CC lines of the acid (2011-09-15 15:02:17):
    I have no words. zoolook - you're a genius. I do not understand how it works :-)
  162. James McNalley (2011-11-21 00:47:19):
    Works very nicely on Reaktor 5.6. CPU use is below 10% on my Thunderbolt Macbook Pro.

    Excellent ensemble. Not only is the synthesis and graphic design very well executed, the patches are great too.
  163. CC lines of the acid (2011-11-27 10:11:39):
    Zootook, I apologize that called you in a previous report zoolook, I like this track J. M. Jarre))))) you probably could make something out of Buchla?
  164. ZooTooK . (2011-11-27 21:11:24):
    I've worked on a Buchla imitation some years age but the problem is patch cable. It's just a too complex to make although Herw has proved it's possible. I'll complete it when NI provide pre-made patch cables. But I don't think it will ever happen.
  165. CC lines of the acid (2011-11-28 21:12:54):
    Yes it would be nice if it did NI.
  166. CC lines of the acid (2011-11-28 21:19:07):
    Yes it would be nice if it did NI.
  167. Trevor Gavilan (2011-12-15 00:35:22):
    oh come on, use switches or lists for the Buchla!!!!!!!!!
  168. ZooTooK . (2011-12-19 21:47:54):
    Dropdowns on a Buchla? Heresy! ;-)
  169. Ryan Marsh (2012-10-20 00:21:41):
    You put a lot of love into this ens. Now I can get that Dr. Who sound! Thanks
  170. Lesly Remy (2013-04-23 17:32:10):
    Are you guys aware of the Kontakt version available from Sonic Couture? Much less CPU usage and the sounds is intense but would need to do a proper comparison to be sure.
  171. ZooTooK . (2013-04-25 22:22:56):
    The Sonic Couture Synthi AKS is a sample based instrument. I'm sure it sounds much more authentic at a much lower CPU hit but it gives you much less tweakability - and to me the turning those knobs and enter those pins is what the AKS is about. I've not tested the Sonic Couture Synthi AKS but I've got some other of their products and they're great!
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Modification Date:
2006-06-24
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Author:
ZooTooK .
Category:
Synthesizers