Digitana SX-1 SYNTHI Style Synth Videos & Quad Midi-CV Interface for Synthi A(KS) / VCS3

Digitana Quad Midi-CV Interface for Synthi A(KS) / VCS3

Published on Aug 10, 2016

First the Quad Midi-CV Interface for Synthi A(KS) / VCS3. Below you'll find six SX-1 videos. Click here for previous posts on the Digitana SX-1. The SX-1 is meant to be an expander for the original EMS Synthi. It uses designs from Digitana, not EMS.

"4 channel Midi-CV module custom designed for E.M.S. Synthi A(KS) or VCS3 Synthesisers. In this small demo, using my VCS3, Osc1, Osc2 and Osc3 pitch (with invert option on) and Filter cutoff are being controlled via separate midi to cv channels."

Synthi Expander Demo1

CLICK FOR MORE »

SX-1 Stand Alone EMS SYNTHI AKS KS Expander From Digitana

Update: a disclaimer via the Digitana website worth noting:

"IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER

All products on this website use Digitana Electronic's original designs, with the exception of the EMS Synthi Hi-FLi re-release, which is built under license from EMS. No use is made of EMS circuits or other intellectual property belonging to EMS. Digitana Electronics is not affiliated to EMS, which is run by Robin Wood.

If you want the real Synthi sound, you still have to go with Analogue Systems which are the only ones making modules under license."

Original post:

via synth.co.uk

"This product is still in development and the final list of features on production units may change.

The SX-1 is a 'stand alone expander' based around the Synthi AKS KS Expander (described elsewhere on this website). It is the result of ongoing collaborations between Digitana Electronics and the legendary UK band The Future Sound of London. It shares all the features of the Synthi AKS KS Expander but requires no Synthi to use it (though one can of course be used with it) and in addition has a host of new features described below.

SX-1 FEATURES

DUAL ANALOGUE VCO
Each VCO features sine/triangle and square waves and 'wave-folding' (voltage controlled) that adds higher harmonics/distortion to each waveform for amazingly rich and varied timbres, even unfiltered! Each VCO is frequency controllable via CV1 or CV2 which can either be external or MIDI generated from the built in MIDI-CV converter or 'free running'. The frequency range of the VCOs is very wide, from LFO to high frequency audio. Two modulating waveforms are available (speed controlled by the Sample & Hold clock or LFO) via toggle switches to modulate the wave-folding of VCO1 and VCO2. These same waveforms are also available to modulate CV1 and CV2. All VCO1 and VCO2 waveforms are individually available either 'pre' or 'post' the filter/envelope/delay/distortion sections via 3.5 mm jacks.

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Digitana Micro Acid Drone

via this auction
"Digitana Micro Acid Drone - Brand New Hand Made Limited Edition Synth

A great fun little box, handmade using high quality parts the Micro Acid Drone is a small battery powered tone generator that specialises in acid type sounds, drones and pseudo filter sweeps (there is no filter in the synth but it gives a very similar effect). It is played by pressing on the footswitch and tweaking the controls, the first of which controls the pitch, the second controls tone. By sweeping the controls and pressing the pedal in a rhythmic fashion it is possible to add some nice acid type sounds to your music.

NOTE: this is not a TB-303 clone, but its own kind of lo-fi acidic tones complements a 303 very well.

It is great for sampling or playing along live over music, and works very well for adding sweeps and transition type sounds in breaks, intros etc. Ideal for DJ's, experimental musicians, performance artists, and producers.

Very easy to play and a LOT of fun for anyone who likes experimenting with sound, with a bit of practice you can even coax basslines and melodies from it, but it is best suited for sound fx and embellishments.

Although it is similar in appearance to the Digitana Micro Punk console it is a completely different machine and makes different sounds, in fact they complement each other very nicely and many of my customers have purchased both.

Very limited numbers (maybe 2) available before Christmas on eBay, would make a nice present for the synth enthusiast.

Comes complete with battery, footswitch and instructions.

Built in a high quality ABS case with an aluminium top and a poly coated panel.

For about the same price as an FX pedal, but handmade in the UK and bespoke, so if you are looking for something different that not everyone else will have then it could be what you are looking for.

For more info see www.digitana.co.uk"

EMS AKS & 3 digitana MIDI/CV/ Breakoutbox Interfaces

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

Pic of the inside below.

"EMS AKS serial 482 (1999) with KS serial 45265. All in brandnew condition.
got it new 2012 from Mr. Rehberg, EMS-Germany
All Elektrolytic Capacitors have been renewed in 2020.
Everything works as new. The Synth also has got the PWM Modification directly installed by EMS.
AKS Keyboard and Synthi look brandnew. Original invoice available. You wont find any better offer.
Included are:
EMS AKS serial. 482, KS serial 45265
Digitana AKS MIDI Interface
Digitana AKS CV Interface
Digitana AKS Breakout Box
extra PWM Cables, extra pins
new Flightcase for the EMS AKS Synth
foldable Stand for the Synth
Power Cable & KS cable"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Video Tracks from The Synthi Group Vol. II

the synthi vol. II - digitana - Vayu Somnium.mov

YouTube Uploaded by thesynthi on Jan 6, 2012

"Download: http://www.archive.org/details/ca345_tsg

Artist: Digitana
Title: Vayu Somnium
Time: 5:15
Device: All sounds made entirely with a single VCS3 controlled by a
TKS , and an EMS RVG.Some delay effects used on some tracks and slight
overall reverb added to the master for ambience.
Genre: psychedelic/experimental
Contact: http://www.synthi.co.uk
Location: UK"

CLICK FOR MORE »

DIGITANA Electronics EMS Synthi HiFLi Re-Release Update

Plans for the HiFli re-release was announced in January. The following is an update via Steven Thomas of DIGITANA Electronics England:

"Hi all..just to advertise that I have made an agreement with Robin Wood at EMS to built 15 re-release Synthi HIFLi's under license. The agreement is that I build 15 to sell directly. After that I may build more and also build for EMS to sell rebadged as an EMS product, depending on how sales go.

So far I have 9 people down on my build list.

For pricing, estimated build times and how to get on the waiting list see :-

http://www.synthi.co.uk/hifli.html

where further information and several sound demos may be found.

No deposit is required. Each person on the build list will be offered the chance to purchase or not when their unit is ready.

So far 2 units have been completed.

I plan to update the webpage with serial numbers as each unit is built so people can keep track.

cheers

steve thomas
(digitana)"

NOT NAMM: EMS Synthi HiFLi Clone by DIGITANA Electronics

via http://www.synthi.co.uk

Overview of features (be sure to check out the link above for full details)

"HiFLi Main Features

The HiFLI consist of several sections. Those on the left half are Top Boost, Octave Shift (containing Sub-Octave and Ring Modulation features) and Sustain Fuzz. Then a Bypass Mixer (mixing wet/dry signals) divides the left and right parts and the right half consists of probably the most important part as regards sound shaping, a wonderful multi-feature Phase Filter.

I also added 2 features that appeared on the original HiFLI mk2 units: a bypass front panel slide switch to bypass the left hand side effects completely and send the audio signal directly into the Phase Filter (very useful!) and an additional ‘Growl’ switch that drops down the fundamental note extracted from the audio in by 2 octaves (The Sub-Octave drops it by 1 octave) thus allowing further new sounds (particularly gritty/growly basses) to be created."

DIGITANA not to be confused with this Digitana?

via The SYNTHI

Digitana

"All Digitana products are handmade in the UK, using high quality components, all items are produced in very limited quantities. The design philosophy is to make the products easy to use with clear and carefully chosen musically useful controls, making them ideal for live use or in the studio.

The range of products is always changing so bookmark this page and check back regularly to avoid missing out."


You might remember Digitana from these posts.

Future Sound of London DIGITANA SX-1 Flyer & "Ignition of the Sun" EMS SYNTHI A Release

You might recall FSOL is working with Digitana on the HALia, and the FSOL - DIGITANA SX-1. Here are a couple of flyers including some synth art via the FSOLdigital website.  The image below is the cover for "Ignition of the Sun", a release featuring the original EMS SYNTHI A.  Details on that release follow.

"Available on Compact Disc, MP3 (320kbps) and FLAC

Coming from the home of Future Sound of London and credited to their ‘producer’ Yage, Ignition of the sun is a deep and evolving journey through liquid spewing analogue sequences, warm saturated swampy sine waves. It calls back to a time from the early 70s with bands such as Tangerine Dream and Klaus Schulze.

All sounds were created and sequenced entirely on the EMS Synthi AKS, multitracked and mixed to 15ips 1/4 Revox tape. The EMS Synthi AKS was first introduced in 1971, one of the earliest Synthesisers available and as used by Radiophonic Workshop, Pink Floyd, Brian Eno.

TRACKLISTING:

01 – Ignition of the Sun
02 – Garden of Syn
03 – Pathway to I
04 – Rutt Etra
05 – Subterranean Hattusa
06 – Oblique Towers
07 – Disparity in Oscillations Ab
08 – Bridge Between Tal
09 – Rivers of Occasion
10 – Opalis Amar Xam
11 – Moons in Dissidence
12 – Liquid Light Voids
13 – Return Beyond the Inner Voice"

The One of a Kind EMS Synthi KB1

EMS Synthi KB1 by Digitana from portabellabz on Vimeo.

"Wish a nice background music from the Synthi KB1 will come ;)
Thanks for sharing, Steve !
synthi.co.uk/"

This image was spotted and sent my way via @deejayiwan. I've seen it before so I did a quick search on the site, but only found this previous post. A little digging on the web and I found the video above and a post on none other than x0xb0x creator, Adafruit's blog. According to that post:

"ask.audio blogs about the 2017 recovery of a rare, one-of-a-kind EMS Synthi KB1 synthesizer, a model that never made it into production. This one was made for the band YES in 1971. Digitana Electronics obtained the synth and was looking to document some music history.

'We are pleased to announce that Digitana Electronics has acquired an important piece of E.M.S. history…the E.M.S. Synthi KB1 keyboard. Only one prototype was ever made, for the band YES in 1971.

'The synth never went into production. It has remained essentially unused for 46 years though Steve Howe (YES guitarist) did use it on a track in the first of his ‘homebrew’ demo recordings, some of which featured on the bands albums. We plan to release more photos and audio demos of this keyboard in the future so that E.M.S. fans everywhere can finally hear and find out more about this beautiful and historic instrument.'”

Digitana Atari Punk Console circuit bent synth

YouTube via DigitanaUK
"Brief video demo of the Digitana Micro Punk Console, based on the APC/Forrest Mims Stepped Tone generator, with added trigger button.

Limited quantities available to buy, visit www.digitana.co.uk"

HALia by Digitana Electronics In Collaboration with FSOL

via Digitana Electronics

"This product is still in development and the final list of features on production units may change.

Another new project being developed in collaboration with The Future Sound of London. This is an all digital 'pocket' synth using multiple powerful ARM-based microcontrollers. Sonic possibilities are endless. Everything from huge pulsating multi-oscillator drones, FM-synthesis to Buchla-esque noodlings (and everything in between) are all possible. Imagination is the only limit!

Details and audio samples to follow."

Digitana is also working on the SX-1 Stand Alone EMS SYNTHI AKS KS Expander posted here.

Love FSOL.

Digitana Microstep - 8 step analog sequencer and Multiples

via the Digitana Gallery

Remember to click on the Digitana label below for more.

Xo-7972 using the KS Expander from Digitana

Published on May 12, 2016 STAKKERHUMANOID

"using the DIGITANA SYNTHI AKS - KS EXPANDER
a truly awesome addition to the EMS synthi family

in this video the KS Expander is running free of cv - 2 VCO's each have two separate outputs ( square and sine ) thats 4 outs in total - each going through outboard fx ( delay distortion etc )

big props to the Digitana Team"

New DIGITANA E.M.S Synthi 100 Dual High Pass Filter Rack

video upload by Steven Thomas

"Testing the new Dual High Pass Filter rack FX built under license from E.M.S (Cornwall) by Digitana Electronics and Portabellabz. This filter was originally found in the E.M.S Synthi 100 synthesizer. The unit has the exact same form factor as classic E.M.S rack effects modules from the 1970s.

https://www.synthi.co.uk/synthi-100-m..."

"This is a new 19” rack module built under license from EMS (Cornwall) by Digitana Electronics (UK/Italy) and PORTABELLABZ (Belgium). It is a 100% faithful reproduction of the Dual High Pass Filter (DHPF) section found on early versions of the legendary EMS Synthi 100 synthesiser. An original spare ‘Mk1’ DHPF PCB from a Synthi 100 was kindly loaned by Robin at EMS and then faithfully reconstructed using the same trace artwork/layouts, via modern PCB design software. The PCBs are very high quality with ENS gold plated card edge contacts and traces. The same components as found in the original circuit are used throughout.

The DHPF rack case was deliberately chosen to be the same design as those found in the classic EMS rack instruments from the 1970s such as the Random Voltage Generator, Pitch to Voltage Converter, Octave Filter Bank etc. These were created in CAD from original engineering drawings kindly made available by Robin at EMS. The 1U high chassis is formed from 3mm silver anodised front/rear panels which are connected by solid aluminium side blocks and then 2mm anodised aluminium top/bottom covers. This allows the rack to be safely mounted in standard 19” rack enclosures. The panel graphics use anodic digital printing technology which is far more resistant to wear than silk screened graphics. Original control knobs/coloured inserts/jack sockets made by Cliff Plastics are also used to meticulously maintain authentic EMS design.

An optional beautiful wood rack sleeve is available with the exact same design as found in vintage units. These are made from Afrormosia hardwood (now on the protected species list) just like the original. The wood is ethically sourced from existing historical stock.

Inside the DHPF, the only change compared to 1970s rack modules has been to use a modern (and safer) switch mode PSU. This also has the advantage of allowing a wider range of operating mains voltages (from 98v–220v AC).

The Synthi 100 was designed by David Cockerell and the high pass filter design itself is rather unusual compared to other high high pass filters found in synthesisers. It has CV control of frequency cutoff but also has a response control which can control feedback of the output, creating a resonant peak that at extremes pushes the filter into self-oscillation. The use of diode ‘strings’ in the CV control section of frequency is quite unusual and is reminiscent of the same principle he used in his (later) Synthi Hi-Fli design, although there the filters sections are used to phase shift the input signal.

The high pass filter is capable of easily removing the fundamental in any audio passed through and then the first harmonic as the cutoff frequency is increased. By increasing also the response, the higher frequencies are boosted in a mix and eventually the filter will self-oscillate.

The two filters in the module are identical and a central three-way toggle switch has positions series, off and parallel."

Digitana Micro Punk Robot synth module

YouTube via DigitanaUK
"The micro punk robot is stepped tone generator synth, designed for use with modular and other cv/gate equipment. Hand made in the UK in small batches and limited quantities to very high standards, this versatile little box is ideal for those that like experimental sounds, classic PWM type bass, retro arcade sound fx, glitchy static clicks, interesting synthestic percussion sounds, and much more.

I only cover a small selection of the possible sounds and use no external eq or fx units, of course when used with a modular system filtering, waveshaping, etc can lead to unexplored sonic territory, also the MPR can itself be used as a modulation source.

It has 2 CV inputs, 2 frequency controls, 2x 2 way range switches, a reset input which can be used as a gate or strange type of audio input, a power input which itself can be used with a CV signal for power starve and base pitch changing modulations, finally an audio output which can also be used as a kind of cv output.

NOTE The CV inputs are not anything like 1v per octave and are non linear, a rise in voltage causes the pitch to drop.

It comes with a 9v PP3 type battery connector and can also be used with a user supplied 9-12v power supply with a 3.5mm positive tip connector.

Priced at £65GBP plus shipping at cost to anywhere in the world.

We have many loyal customers in many countries, visit our website to join the mailing list for news, offers, availability and to buy Digitana products. All products are offered on a first come first served basis."

FSOL:DIGITANA SX-1 - sound demonstration

Published on Apr 7, 2017 STAKKERHUMANOID

FSOL:DIGITANA SX-1will be on display at superbooth17 20-22 april 2017 - BERLIN ..
This video shows the sound capability of the SX-1

Follow-up to this post.

Digitana Micro Punk Robot and Micro Step preview

YouTube via DigitanaUK
"Testing out the Micro Step sequencer with the MPR, the Micro Step is a small 8 step analogue sequencer. The Micro Step is being triggered by a Machinedrum, aside from the bass drum all the sounds are coming from the Micro Punk Robot. The MPR is being fed a CV from the Micro Step and a sine wave.

The first batch of Micro Punk Robots are sold out, to order one from the next batch sign up to the mailing list at the website on the video, the Micro Step will be available from October.

All Digitana products are completely hand made, and limited edition, see website for further info.

Pricing is £65GBP for Micro Punk Robot plus shipping at cost, Micro Step price is not confirmed as yet but should be under £175. We ship worldwide.

Lots more new products coming soon!

Thanks for watching!"

Digitana Micro Acid Drone

via Digitana: "Like the Micro Punk Console it is a small handheld synth with a simple yet musical interface, again quantities will be limited to around 30 worldwide. The Micro Acid Drone is played by pressing the pedal and tweaking the pitch and tone controls, the sounds that it makes vary from resonant sounding acidic bleeps to drones and pseudo filter sweeps, a video demo will be coming to my youtube channel soon http://uk.youtube.com/user/DigitanaUK
The price will be £65UKP plus shipping but as a subscriber to the mailing list I am offering you a 10% discount to the first 10 pre orders, so if you think you may be interested let me know.
The first batch of 10 will be ready to ship before Christmas, more details will be posted on the website over the next few days.

Thats all for now
Best wishes
Zoe"

Digitana Micro Acid Drone as a mod source into moog LP

YouTube via DigitanaUK
"Like the Micro Punk Console, the Micro Acid Drone can also be used as a modulation source for synths with CV inputs. As you will hear in this clip the results are quite different (a bit more subtle) the pedal is being pressed on and off to demonstrate the contrast between normal and modulated, many interesting results can occur.

For further info visit the digitana website.

Thanks for watching

Zoe"