Syrinx Synthesizer

flickr by aredien

"One of only 300 in the world."

full size

I believe I have only seen the Blue, Red and Black Syrinx before. This one appears silver/metallic. Anyone know how many colors there were?

Update: Click here for more images sent in via the owner Uro.

Update: some info on the colors via an anonymous reader [be sure to see some corrections in the next update below this one]: "The Syrinx was produced in many colors on demand for various folks. Synton was not doing well when he Syrinx was released. It hit the market several years after monophonic analogs had become quite common in used kit shops, everyone had their favorites and were buying big digital. Many things were done to try and get the Syrinx sold... custom colors being a relatively easy solution. Other efforts included things like Electro Harmonix pedal integration (I've personally played a Syrinx which had a control interface for an EH Instant Replay pedal!).

I've seen personally black/dark gray, red, metallic like this one, blue, white, yellow and even purple! The most common I run into seem to be black/dark gray [someone on AH also reported orange and green - MUST... SEE... GREEN... ONE...].

I will try and ask Felix what the skinny is, if he can remember, I am in touch with him on occasion.

Feel free to reinterpret this information for the blog as you see fit."

If anyone out there has any images of the more rare colored Syrinx's leave a comment or contact me. I'd love to see them. Note I did check out the first couple of pages on Google image search and didn't find any.

BTW, click here for all posts mentioning the Syrinx.

Update via another anonymous reader that worked with Synton:
"The reason for the colours was that we did an introduction at a fair in Holland (Firato) and that's why we made a red, white and blue and orange version (the dutch colours). From the orange and the white version are made (what i remember) only few. The white version is like the doepfer frontpanel (not real white).

What i remember there are no purple, yellow or other colours of the syrinx produced by Synton.

The story " The Syrinx was produced in many colors on demand for various folks" is not correct. We did this because we like to do this and we also got a good response at the fair in Holland and Frankfurt."

Update 2/2/10 via Peter Kersten: "The official info I got from Marc Paping (one of the guys behind Synton) was that they made the frontpanel in batches of 4. According to him there are only 4 or 8 Titanium versions.
He was the one mentioned that titanium could possibly be a flaw and was not intended.

Back in the 90's I was very active with vintage gear and bought alot of Syrinxes (I was a shopowner, specialized in vintage gear). Most of them were black.
The first one I ever saw was pink! So I know for sure at least one is pink. There are red, white and blue ones. Also orange and someone said there was a green one.
Also some alu versions (clear paint) are mentioned. The coloured versions were batches of 20 I was told.

I kept a blue and a titanium one in my collection.
Here are pics of them http://www.home.zonnet.nl/synthiman/Syrinx.html
Don't take the site too serious ;-)

As for the titanversion for sale at Vemia: I know that the guy is trying to sell for a long time now. First seen on a Dutch auctionsite. Price asked 6500 Euro.
It appeared on Ebay several times too. This is the same person all the time.
The highest price I saw, was for a blue one sold at 4500 Euro on ebay a few years ago.

By the way: Happy 2010 everyone :-)"

GSE GYRINX VCF FIRST LOOK [Audio Demo #1] (Synton Syrinx)

gstormelectro

"I am proud to announce my upcoming GYRINX VCF module.
A eurorack topology of the mythical Synton Syrinx formant filter using AS3350 Alfa re-issue chips.
3 Filters, 4 audio inputs, 3 CV inputs.
And 4 audio path configurations. "

G-STORM ELECTRO Reverb shop

"GYRINX VCF is a filter tribute to the mythical Synton Syrinx.

A BIT OF HISTORY
The Synton Syrinx was an analog monosynth offered without MIDI from 1983. Built in Holland, Syrinx was the brainchild of Felix Visser who sought consultation with Bob Moog. And consequentially distributed by Moog’s Big Briar Inc. The crown jewel of the Syrinx was the unique formant filter section. Comprised of two resonant bandpass (PEAK) and one resonant lowpass contours, all under modulation control, the filter could form 3 formant frequencies characteristic of synthetic human voice sounds. “Wowwww” and “Yeahwa”!

A TRIBUTE TO THE SYRINX
Most of us will likely never see the fabled Syrinx in person. GYRINX VCF is not a clone - rather a painstakingly realized design informed by the known original topology of incomplete schematics, datasheets, and designs from other synths of the era using the CEM3350. Along with the 4 different input/filter signal path routings, the GYRINX VCF is the closest mere mortals will get to the esoteric Syrinx filter experience.

FEATURES
GYRINX VCF has THREE audio filters arranged in a specific configuration: two 2-pole resonant PEAK (bandpass) filters and one 4-pole resonant LOWPASS. 2 CV inputs and a keyboard tracking CV ensures generous range of beautiful and strange formant frequencies you’ll not get with any other filter. The four audio inputs can be configured as a mixed sum, or as a split pair. Also, as with the original, the filter routing options include series and parallel paths. The entire audio signal path is all analog, however filter routing is digitally controlled by the momentary switch.

FEATURES
TWO Alfa AS3350 re-issue filter chips based on the CEM3350 design.
FOUR audio signal input jacks w/ individual attenuators.
Two selectable audio input Types: 1-4 Summed Audio, or 1-2 / 3-4 split audio pair
Two Resonant Peak Filters, does not self-oscillate
One Resonant Lowpass Filter, does not self-oscillate
Two selectable filter configuration Types: SERIES Peak -> Lowpass, PARALLEL Peak || Lowpass
Digitally controlled routing of the all-analog audio path.
Two Control Voltage input jacks for Frequency CUTOFF w/ signal attenuators, routed to both filter types. These offer inverted and non-inverted control.
One Control Voltage (KB) input jack for Frequency TRACKING w/ signal attenuators, routed to both filter types. This one is non-inverted only, and can be used with other mod signals, LFOs, envelopes, gate, or anything else!"

Synton Syrinx

Click here for shots via this auction.
Details:

"Synton Syrinx BLUE edition - it is the most expanded Syrinx ever made - look at the picture for the inputs, the black edition and even the expander version doesn´t have that.

My Syrinx has been serviced one week ago and is in very good condition for it´s age!

The Syrinx uses seven Curtis chips for its VCO's, VCF's and envelopes. It has two analog VCO's, a sub-oscillator and three flexible VCF filters. You can switch between the three filters for either a 24 dB lowpass, or two bandpass filters, and they can be patched in four different ways (series/parallel). Additionally the Syrinx has two LFO's, FM, PWM, osc-sync, 2 ADSR envelopes, ring modulation, portamento and a cool touch-pad that can control various parameters from pitch-bending to the LFO rate. The Syrinx's Mixer section lets you adjust levels for each VCO and the sub-osc as well as the Noise Generator and Ring Modulator."

via Benjamin.

More Info on The Many Colors of the Synton Syrinx

If you recall from this post, only a handful of Syrinx's are titanium purple. Peter Kersten wrote in with some info on the different colors of the Syrinx on the AH list. Posted here with permission: "The official info I got from Marc Paping (one of the guys behind Synton) was that they made the frontpanel in batches of 4. According to him there are only 4 or 8 Titanium versions. He was the one mentioned that titanium could possibly be a flaw and was not intended.

Back in the 90's I was very active with vintage gear and bought alot of Syrinxes (I was a shopowner, specialized in vintage gear). Most of them were black. The first one I ever saw was pink! So I know for sure at least one is pink. There are red, white and blue ones. Also orange and someone said there was a green one. Also some alu versions (clear paint) are mentioned. The coloured versions were batches of 20 I was told.

I kept a blue and a titanium one in my collection. Here are pics of them
Don't take the site too serious ;-)

As for the titanversion for sale at Vemia: I know that the guy is trying to sell for a long time now. First seen on a Dutch auctionsite. Price asked 6500 Euro. It appeared on Ebay several times too. This is the same person all the time. The highest price I saw, was for a blue one sold at 4500 Euro on ebay a few years ago.

By the way: Happy 2010 everyone :-)"

Be sure to see Peter's website for more including other synths.

Click here for all posts featuring the Syrinx. You will find videos and images including more colors.
From this previous post on the colors:
"The reason for the colours was that we did an introduction at a fair in Holland (Firato) and that's why we made a red, white and blue and orange version (the dutch colours). From the orange and the white version are made (what i remember) only few. The white version is like the doepfer frontpanel (not real white).

What i remember there are no purple, yellow or other colours of the syrinx produced by Synton.

The story 'The Syrinx was produced in many colors on demand for various folks" is not correct. We did this because we like to do this and we also got a good response at the fair in Holland and Frankfurt.'"

Red Synton Syrinx Serial Number 1

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

via this auction

"For sale is a vintage Synton Syrinx tabletop version. One of the final Syrinx ever made, Serial number 1 out of 6 total in existence. Incredibly rare! Built into case with midi installed, makes it especially useful to use in modern studio. This is an amazing monophonic analog synth with legendary Syrinx sound. It's fully functional & in excellent cosmetic shape. Operates at 220v but I can include a transform to use in 110v countries if needed. Check out the pictures below. If you've been looking for one of these, here is your once in lifetime chance you can't pass up!"

The Purple SN 1 went up back in June here.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Syrinx / Intersystems - Electronic Voyager EXTENDED INTERVIEW #2

Syrinx / Intersystems - Electronic Voyager EXTENDED INTERVIEW #2 from Electronic Voyager on Vimeo.

"Electronic Voyager: Retracing Bob Moog’s Sonic Journey…

Support us on Kickstarter April 25 to May 25, 2016

http://tinyurl.com/ElectronicVoyagerKickstarter

Michelle Moog-Koussa is on a journey to retrace her father’s footsteps, meeting some of the people who played a role in Bob Moog's story. As a member of the Toronto-based multi-media group Intersystems, John Mills-Cockell was one of the first musicians to use a Moog synthesizer in a live performance, in 1968. Intersystems were also the first to bring a Moog modular synthesizer system into Canada. Their Moog would also appear on recordings by his later band Syrinx, before meeting an untimely end....

For more information on John Mills-Cockell's use of the Moog modular in Intersystems and Syrinx, please check out this great article post on the Bob Moog Foundation's website:

http://moogfoundation.org/early-live-moog-modular-artists-john-mills-cockell/"

Uber Studio

via sequencer.de where you will find more.

Check out the red Synton Syrinx minus keys, Blue Syrinx, and the Buchla wall!!!

Three 200es, a System 100 and the uber rare Buchla 700 on top of a Rhodes Chroma.

I spot an Oberheim OB-Mx in the rack as well.

What is the synth in the stand behind the red Synton Syrinx, under the Yamaha VL1? It's not a Waldorf Q.


Update: vid Brandon:It's an Alesis Andromeda A6. Gleeman Pentaphonic clear to the right of the Syrinx's

Memorymoog behind the VL1.

MOOGFEST REVEALS MUSIC LINEUP AND PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Details are in. Via MOOGFEST:

"Over 150 participating artists including Flying Lotus, Animal Collective, Gotye, Suzanne Ciani, Derrick May, 808 State, Jessy Lanza, Simian Mobile Disco, Moor Mother, Syrinx, Visible Cloaks, Princess Nokia, and Function added to growing list of Moogfest 2017 participants

Gotye Presenting a Tribute to Jean-Jacques Perrey, The Center for Deep Listening Honoring Pauline Oliveros, and Peanut Butter Wolf Honoring Bernie Worrell and Other Musicians We’ve Lost

Over forty performing artists also leading workshops and sessions in four-day conference program

The independent, annual, four-day festival will take place in
Durham, North Carolina from May 18-21, 2017. This year marks its 11th iteration honoring the spirit of inventor Bob Moog.

$249 for 3-Day General Admission and $499 for 3-Day VIP

All prices exclusive of applicable fees.

Durham, NC (March 7, 2017): Today, Moogfest reveals its lineup of musical performers, led by Flying Lotus, Animal Collective, Gotye, Suzanne Ciani, Derrick May, 808 State, Simian Mobile Disco, Syrinx, Jessy Lanza, and Function. Building on the experimental format of previous years, Moogfest continues to integrate Future Sound (performances) and Future Thought (conference) programming, with many of these artists also leading sessions during the daytime conference program.

Moogfest’s trademark mix of intimate venues and masterful collaborations creates an unforgettable experience festival-goers will not find anywhere else. Experimental electronic and avant-garde dance music is complemented by thematic programming like Black Quantum Futurism, Protest, and Techno-Shamanism that span day-into-night. This year returns with adventurous formats such as live film scores, an overnight live music sleep concert, prelude to sleep listening parties, long-form durational performances, and presentations by leading Instrument Designers.

Moogfest has also invited artists including Gotye and Peanut Butter Wolf to help honor some of the innovative musicians we lost in 2016, including Jean-Jacques Perrey, Pauline Oliveros, Bernie Worrell and Keith Emerson. This 2017 lineup reinforces Moogfest’s commitment to bold experimentation, with some of the most important musicians and thinkers of our day helping to blur the lines between audience and artist, conversation and collaboration, technology and creativity.

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Synton Syrinx

images via this auction

"The Synton Syrinx is one of the few analog synths to come out of the Netherlands. It's a monophonic lead synth in the same category as the Minimoog, Arp Odyssey, and Roland SH-7. But the Syrinx is pretty rare, only a few hundred were produced from 1983 through 1984.

Description
Pre-MIDI monophonic analog synthesizer with two oscillators, hard- and soft sync, pulse-width modulation, sub-oscillator, ring modulation, noise source, two LFOs, two ADSR envelopes, formant filter, two parallel bandpass filters with separate resonance controls, 44-note keyboard, and unusual pitchbender. A few keyboardless Syrinxes were manufactured during the 1990s.

Produced
May 1982 to 1984.

Approximate Number Manufactured
325 to 350.

Manufacturer
Synton, Breukelen, Holland (no longer doing business).

Insider Information
Synton founder Felix Visser was inspired to design synthesizers after purchasing an EMS Synthi-A that stopped functioning three days after he’d brought it home from London. In the process of repairing it, he analyzed the Synthi-A’s circuitry and thought he could do better. He started Synton in 1973 to materialize his concept of a voltage-controlled synth. . . . Visser was a jazz drummer who began experimenting with electronic music during the late ’60s. He owns an extensive collection of vintage electronic gear and is in the process of opening a museum called the Elektryseum in Holland.

Original Retail Price
$1,095.

Current Value
$4,000 to $6,000."

AnalogFX Syrinx Eurorack (Synton Syrinx Remake) Demo Model

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

via this auction

"If you know the Synton Syrinx now further introduction is needed.

This is a new Euro Rack version with modular connections.

Including:
- USB MIDI interface.
- MIDI input.
- CV input and output.
- Gate input and output.
- 2 LFO’s.
- Bend pad.
- Glide.
- 2 VCO’s
- Sub oscillator.
- Ring modulator.
- Noise generator.
- Formant filter.
- 2 Peak filters
- 1 Lowpass filter.
- 2 ADSR’s.

Specifications:
Width; 84hp
Supply; +/-12V
Current; +/-150mA max.

Remark: Shipped without case and power supply. This is only the Euro Rack module."

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Felix Visser with Synton Syrinx 0001

via this auction

Here's a bit of synth history. If you aren't interested in the auction, do note that is the first Synton Syrinx ever and that is Felix Visser, the creator of the Syrinx.
"This [picture] is number 02/10 of a strictly limited edition, and will be signed and numbered by Felix Visser, former boss of the famous synth and vocoder company, Synton. The synth itself, serial number 0001, Felix Visser's personal machine, will be sold at VEMIA in the next few weeks, and number 01/10 will be given to the winning bidder."

(Vermona '14) Debussy: Syrinx

Published on Oct 17, 2018 Kris Lennox

"Debussy's 'Syrinx', here performed on synth. Original is, of course, solo flute - but it translates very, very well to synth - especially the Vermona, given its expressive qualities.

I'm working on a project at present for a client, hence a different instrument from the norm (i.e. the Vermona is out anyway).

The Vermona is something of a rare beast. Even rarer is hearing a full performance on the '14. It should probably be kept that way i.e. very elusive ;)

I chose Debussy to illustrate the Vermona for a few reasons, namely:

1) It is a great piece for showing off the highly expressive capabilities of the Vermona

2) I'm working on dance music at present, and Debussy makes a refreshing change :)

The tone I've went for here is very unusual/odd - this is to complement the nature of the music. Vermona's tone is stunning. Possibly the finest tone of any modern analog mono. The MB has far greater sound design capabilities - but for a pure tone, there aren't many synths to touch this.

Coloured score on the wall is Syrinx. I often colour to define sections. Great way of quickly showing/identifying structure.

Performance duration of this recording is longer than most recordings. Synths, unlike flute players, don't have the all-very human worry of running out of breath :) as such, phrases can be given full space/length. I personally think the piece sounds great on a synth such as this.

PS here's a link to the score - http://imslp.eu/files/imglnks/euimg/2...

Best
Kris"

Syrinx - Tillicum (Theme from "Here Come The Seventies")

YouTube via mojofilter02.

"Issued in Canada April 1971 on True North TN4-104.
[Note 1971 would be before the ARP Odyssey but not the 2600 and of course 2500]
Syrinx was an electronic music ensemble led by John Mills-Cockell (Arp and Moog synthesizers and keyboards), with Doug Pringle (saxophone, guiro, bongos, bells) and Alan Wells (congas, percussion). Mills-Cockell studied at the University of Toronto's Faculty of Music, and taught electronic music at the Royal Conservatory of Music. The three met during the time of Toronto's awakening avant-garde music scene in the late '60s. They were signed by Bernie Finkelstein, and had the second album on the True North label in 1970. Their music rather defies description, so I'm not even going to try. Suffice it to say that Syrinx were electronic music pioneers in the same league with Bernie Krause and Paul Beaver, and had perfected synthesis methodologies before Kraftwerk had rendered a single bleep.

The group was approached by Hobel-Leiterman Productions to create a theme for their new television series, "Here Come The Seventies," which aired on the CTV network. "Tillicum" was the result. The single was released in April 1971, charted in RPM at #77 with a bullet on May 8th, and reached #38 on June 5th. The track was included on their second album, "Long Lost Relatives" on True North TNX-5."

1973 Synton Syrinx 716 and a Horse

"The Almost Perfect Machine…
Syrinx 716, 1973 Photo © Toon Fey"

This one was spotted and sent in via M Me. You can find the full post that accompanies this pic on Syntovo here.

Note this is the first post to feature the Syrinx 716.  Reminded me of slimmed down PPG 1002.

See the Synth Horse label for more synths and horses.

Black SYNTON SYRINX SN 5001

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

via this auction

"A VERY Rare Synton Syrinx in great condition. Pro serviced , very clean condition. Protected from dust when not in use. The service include a full check. Underneath the 3 most used potmeters have been installed with an extra steady button so they do not get loose (common on the syrinx). The power supply is 220V with new switch and light.Perfectly working order."

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Blue Model AnalogFX SER-2020 Synthesizer, Inspired by the Synton Syrinx

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

This one was spotted and sent in via M Me. You can find a black model posted back in 2020 here.

via marktplaatz:

"The SER-2020 is a monophonic semi-modular analog synthesizer with an formant filter section, designed to use as standalone synthesizer or in combination with Eurorack modules. Inspired by the Synton Syrinx added the flexibility of an MS-20. Its filter design features a combination of a 24dB/octave VC Low Pass Filter, and two independent Resonant VC Peak Filters for formant sound shaping. The sound is ranging from solid bass sounds to articulated formant sound effects. The touch ‘n bend Control together with the MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) capabilities makes the SER-2020 a dynamic controllable instrument. Flexible routing makes the SER-2020 a suitable synth for sound effects.

Key Specifications:
2 VCO’s (CEM3340 based)
1 Sub-Oscillator
Ring Modulator
Noise Generator
Audio Mixer
Multi-Mode Sync & Sync D-Tune
3 VCF’s (CEM3350 based)
2 ADSR’s
2 LFO’s with Reset & Shaper Modes
Auto-Glide
Multiple Triggering
Touch ‘N Bend Pad
Bend Assign
Sample and Hold
Semi Modular Setup – CV inputs and outputs
Signal and Headphone output.
MIDI interface
USB MIDI interface
MPE compatible"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Syrinx [Documentary]

Published on Apr 27, 2017 RVNG Intl.

"Directed by Zoe Kirk-Gushowaty.

Learn more at RVNG: http://smarturl.it/rervng08-rvng"

Featuring the ARP 2500 & vintage Moog modular systems.

"After Intersystems dissolution, Mills-Cockell journeyed to Canada’s west coast to work on an album of original synth-based compositions using his multi-suitcase Moog as the primary instrument. Pringle was enlisted to color outside the music’s already adventurous lines, his sinuous, signal-processed saxophone adding another electrifying voice to Syrinx’s signature sound. A sound that hybridized chamber music dynamics with wild, yet tuneful electronic melodicism. With Alan Wells’ understated percussion rolled into the fold, what started as a solo venture for Mills-Cockell became a new kind of collective..."

AnalogFX SER-2020 (inspired by the Synton Syrinx) sequenced with Fenix IV

video upload by Zaphyd

"two Fenix IV sequencers controlling the bandpass filters and low pass filter on the SER-2020. Also using the touch & bend pad (like on the Syrinx) for sweeping the oscillator frequency"

Synton Syrinx Update

I updated this post with more images of the grey/metallic Synton Syrinx sent in via the owner, Uro. He also has never seen one this color before. Comments disabled here to keep them all in the prior post.

AnalogFX Ser 2020 Semi- Modular analog synthesizer with Formant filter (Synton Syrinx *1 ,MS-20 )

video upload by Dziam Bass

"First touch with AnalogFX Ser 2020 Semi- Modular analog synthesizer with Formant filter with add sequence.. some fun from hand with filter ,resonance and add sub .

The SER-2020 is a monophonic semi-modular analog synthesizer with an formant filter section, designed to use as standalone synthesizer or in combination with Eurorack modules. Inspired by the Synton Syrinx *(1) added the flexibility of an MS-20. Its filter design features a combination of a 24dB/octave VC Low Pass Filter, and two independent Resonant VC Peak Filters for precise and dynamic sound shaping. The sound is ranging from solid bass sounds to articulated formant effects. Other features on the SER-2020 are the Touch ‘N Bend Control together with the MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) capabilities makes the SER-2020 a special instrument which response to its player. The flexible routing makes the SER-2020 a versatile machine for sound effects.

More info here : https://www.analogfx.com"