I always think of Todd Rundgren when I think of the VCS3 (The Putney). He had the first one in New York; David Gilmour visited him to check it out and subsequently bought one.
Despite these still being made ( like 4 a year by the looks of it ) they are rare , i did see one sell for under £8000 recently , worth it ? well if you have £8000 then maybe , they do way more than many videos show , very very large pallet of sound , its actually an amazing sound source for abstract loops , drums , pure raster noton stuff , microsound , incredible really.
It's like the theremin that didn't get the memo that it was supposed to be a theremin so it grew a bunch of buttons, dials and a lever-stick thingy and became this.
Amazing sounds. Even if this machine is over 30 years old, it sounds so futuristic. By the way, the segment from 0:00 to 4:16 could fit well as an intro for a old school rave party!
Wow, that's cool, to have been there! Yes, I realise I'm lucky to have one. I paid what I thought at the time was a lot of money for it about ten years ago. I also have an AKS. My first experience of these was in my Dad's college, they had a huge sound room with an AKS in it, plugged into massive tannoys.
best synth ever... somebody needs to remake these in a rack model with midi and recall. I'm waiting. I think it really needs to be reissued, it's time.
@TomZentra: That's only one side of the coin. Synthesizers like the VCS3 also were created to explore new ways of musical expression, not just mimic other instruments or make music in the classical sense. There's a reason why they are still popular, and it's not just nostalgia... :)
Yes you can, if you have a keyboard that will interface with the instrument. EMS made such a keyboard back in the day, but it seems like most people made do without it. Or you could play melodies by sweeping the frequency controls on the oscillators back and forth, kinda like playing a slide whistle. And of course, there's the Synthi AKS, which is basically the same instrument, in a very James Bond style briefcase, with a built in touch keyboard and sequencer.
amazing machine.the sounds it can create are just unbelievable. a good friend of mine has the same synth. i like to go there to see what he creates on this synth. it's never the same. would like to own one these
Cool. I know this was all over "Dark Side of the Moon", but I wonder if that's it's also what I heard in the "NBC Mystery Movie" theme and maybe on the "Gallery" version of "I Believe in Music". Seems that theramin-like sounds were big back then.
@DJGahann That's fine, but one can do much more for less money with modern hardware and software. Remember this… the goal of the VCS3 and other devices was to make music, not weird sounds. But in the days of the VCS3 and other primitive hardware designers were just learning what components were necessary to create and modulate waveforms appropriately.
With companies remaking the old classic synths like the Minimoog, ARP Odyssey and the Korg MS20, it would be great to see someone recreate the VCS3 but updated with a touch-button LED patchbay so it was programmable, and a delay instead of the spring reverb, it would sell like hot cakes!
That filter, combined with the multi turn knobs and patch matrix is all I really need! Everything else is icing on the most glorious cake that’s ever been invented..
@sirwatchalot I read somewhere that the VCS3 was marketed as the Putney for the US market; it might have just been the American distributor's choice to rename it here.
@rimefrostkitten I guess. Simeon from Silver Apples controls his synths by turning nobs for pitch and pressing buttons to play the sound with his knees, feet and elbows.
@Alembic25 The vintage ones are very expensive. However, production of new ones resumed some years ago. I don't know if they are still being manufactured. Try searching the web. You really have to want one of these synths to buy one. They are extremely primitive. The novelty wears off very quickly.
Good Afternoon! A NUMBER OF THE GREATEST ROCK ALBUMS EVER RECORDED WOULD NOT BE AS GOOD AS THEY ARE TODAY IF WEREN'T FOR THE VCS3. THERE ARE SO MANY EXAMPLES I CAN'T LIST THEM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
can these sounds be recorded digitally for computer software editing? anyone? I want to make a digital film using a synth like a XILS 3 for all the sound effects and music.
@TomZentra are you kidding.... novelty.... yeah treat it like a novelty and get bored with it..... or follow it down the bottomless pit of inner space ...or let it take you on a journey to outer space... it is all up to you
There is a guy named Glen Stegner who makes a couple of standalone analog softsynths and makes them available free for download. I made a video of a creation of mine made with his MiniMogue VA softsynth. There is also a link on where you can download your own free in the description. The title of my video is Analog Synthesizer by TheCuse13
There is a guy who makes free software standalone analog synthesizers that come with a functional keyboard. I made a video of some of the stuff I have done on it and a link to where you can get it.
The beginning sounds like some concerts of Tangerine Dream in 1974 (for example part two of their concert in Reims (ua-cam.com/video/2sK0MIuz104/v-deo.html ) or their concert in Sheffield (ua-cam.com/video/eeKtPRItmq8/v-deo.html )).
This is amazing. The VCS3 has held out for so long and it still well known and well respected, just as it was in the early 70's. very cool! :)
These timbres are thoroughly naughty! Thank you for sharing.
I always think of Todd Rundgren when I think of the VCS3 (The Putney). He had the first one in New York; David Gilmour visited him to check it out and subsequently bought one.
I think of klaus schulze, tim Blake and Manuel Gottsching, who used it to most fantastic effect that is always refreshing to the mind.
"Welcome......to the Machine!!!"""
You're into and appreciate lots of great things like the VCS3.
OMG i have seen some videos with Medeski Martin and Wood from your UA-cam channel!
When you were a kid you couldn't dream the toys would get better and better as you got older!
Despite these still being made ( like 4 a year by the looks of it ) they are rare , i did see one sell for under £8000 recently , worth it ? well if you have £8000 then maybe , they do way more than many videos show , very very large pallet of sound , its actually an amazing sound source for abstract loops , drums , pure raster noton stuff , microsound , incredible really.
pink floyd - welcome to the machine
+Patriot1389 on the run :) françois de roubaix used one too, t'was rare then
It's like the theremin that didn't get the memo that it was supposed to be a theremin so it grew a bunch of buttons, dials and a lever-stick thingy and became this.
Ans it's way more beautiful this way!
Probably the best Vcs3 reference video on UA-cam! Thanks for posting.
I love your setup, the mix of the wavetable digital synths with the analog modular. Very cool.
it even makes dog barking sounds!
4:11
Wow. That’s an awesome looking instrument. The pegboard effects bank and joystick controller make this thing stand out from others.
Amazing sounds. Even if this machine is over 30 years old, it sounds so futuristic. By the way, the segment from 0:00 to 4:16 could fit well as an intro for a old school rave party!
A bonkers machine, thanks for posting!
Ben in Melksham
Wow, that's cool, to have been there! Yes, I realise I'm lucky to have one. I paid what I thought at the time was a lot of money for it about ten years ago. I also have an AKS. My first experience of these was in my Dad's college, they had a huge sound room with an AKS in it, plugged into massive tannoys.
oh, so beautiful sounds!!!
A great synth! I had the wonderful experience of playing one and recording something with it!
best synth ever... somebody needs to remake these in a rack model with midi and recall. I'm waiting. I think it really needs to be reissued, it's time.
Well... not really best if you want to play an actual MELODY or something...
Craziest synth ever!
Machine to torture the sound. Great demo. Thanks for posting
Beautiful machine, I hope you have good locks on your doors!
It speaks to me. ...Lost pirates in space. Blue caverns with fog..
Love it ❤
this would make a good soundtrack to a NAVY movie, as it sounds like two ships communicating to each other via pings & such. good job.
mine is one of the first 10 made dated 1968 on back of it. this synth was also behind lots of motown songs. during that time
The real shift in music. The previous wasn't that mystic, and the rockers from the 70s did it well!
Amazing!!!!
I just bought a new VCS3..... In the App Store £10.... Closest I'll ever get
Thought I'd let you know there are rumours of a behringers clone....
@@nimachatrizeh5766 The Behringer clone may be called the VCX3. I want one.
@@astrophonix should be out within the year
@@devintariel3769 The Behringer VCS3 will be out in October 2021! I'm getting one!
@@rozzgrey801 YESSSS
@TomZentra: That's only one side of the coin. Synthesizers like the VCS3 also were created to explore new ways of musical expression, not just mimic other instruments or make music in the classical sense. There's a reason why they are still popular, and it's not just nostalgia... :)
0:01 This sounds like the ending of I Want You (She's So Heavy) by The Beatles
Holy shit 6:34-7:30 sounds amazing!
I want one. Fucking awesome. Reminds me of a Drone Commander, which I am going to buy as soon as possible. Those things are cool too.
Yes you can, if you have a keyboard that will interface with the instrument. EMS made such a keyboard back in the day, but it seems like most people made do without it. Or you could play melodies by sweeping the frequency controls on the oscillators back and forth, kinda like playing a slide whistle. And of course, there's the Synthi AKS, which is basically the same instrument, in a very James Bond style briefcase, with a built in touch keyboard and sequencer.
Weapon of choice by Hawkwind back in the day !
when I win the Lottery, this is up there!!
Your lottery ticket might be a winner 🏆 behringer will release one of these for a nice price 👍 an expensive lottery ticket but hey
still love it!!
that dog barking at 4.10 made me chuckle. Wondering if it confused that sound as a cat cry lol
:D
lol, and I thought this was outside my window.
love this
I love EMS!!!!!
amazing machine.the sounds it can create are just unbelievable. a good friend of mine has the same synth. i like to go there to see what he creates on this synth. it's never the same. would like to own one these
Cool. I know this was all over "Dark Side of the Moon", but I wonder if that's it's also what I heard in the "NBC Mystery Movie" theme and maybe on the "Gallery" version of "I Believe in Music". Seems that theramin-like sounds were big back then.
@DJGahann That's fine, but one can do much more for less money with modern hardware and software. Remember this… the goal of the VCS3 and other devices was to make music, not weird sounds. But in the days of the VCS3 and other primitive hardware designers were just learning what components were necessary to create and modulate waveforms appropriately.
nice vid, beautiful synth :)
...c'e' sempre qualcuno che si sta preparando..."notare" la scena finale suono / VU meter ...fantastica...
The legend
This is the Machine Tangerine Dream starts at first
Great, thanks.
reflections supremes. lots of stevie wonder songs. as a matter of fact theres a vcs3 at the museum. i would say close to a hundred motown songs
Welcome to the machine!!
No other synth (even very complex and modular ones...) can sound like a VCS3 (or AKS).
True, the electric sound you can obtain with this synths is unbeatable.
Thank god for that.
ahhhhhh 0:32 onward is the wind from the instrumental side of the album "Heroes" by David Bowie!!! Him and Eno used a VCS3 on that album extensively.
WAAH-ooh!
fantastic... you can make the ' Jarre - oxygene 2 spacial sounds '?
+Riva Lima Certainly can
Well Pete did use other synths like the ARP 2500.... But for WGFA he used a Lowrey organ, in which he fed into the EMS VCS3.
With companies remaking the old classic synths like the Minimoog, ARP Odyssey and the Korg MS20, it would be great to see someone recreate the VCS3 but updated with a touch-button LED patchbay so it was programmable, and a delay instead of the spring reverb, it would sell like hot cakes!
I would want that spring reverb! I can buy a used delay pedal on ebay for cheap. Spring reverb on this seems distinctive.
@@michaelbauers8800 also a spring reverb is more expensive than a delay
That filter, combined with the multi turn knobs and patch matrix is all I really need! Everything else is icing on the most glorious cake that’s ever been invented..
Even though I am not a big fan of synthesizers, I'll admit that these models are the cooler ones not relying on keyboards.
@sirwatchalot I read somewhere that the VCS3 was marketed as the Putney for the US market; it might have just been the American distributor's choice to rename it here.
Thos machine is a priceless producti of mankind. Why these were never Re-Vamped like Moog I will never know.
fucking awesome.. i could only wish to have one.. would love to get some of those tones on my upcoming album
The EMS VCS 3 is a sexy thing!!!!!! I want one...
it seems like basically a tone generator without a keyboard.
@rimefrostkitten I guess. Simeon from Silver Apples controls his synths by turning nobs for pitch and pressing buttons to play the sound with his knees, feet and elbows.
Superb noise generator at an unreal price, say no more....
@Alembic25 The vintage ones are very expensive. However, production of new ones resumed some years ago. I don't know if they are still being manufactured. Try searching the web. You really have to want one of these synths to buy one. They are extremely primitive. The novelty wears off very quickly.
Me too!
I like the fact that you don't have to scroll through umpteen LCD screen settings to get cool sounds and effects-
What songs did Mike use this SYNTH?
Good Afternoon!
A NUMBER OF THE GREATEST ROCK ALBUMS EVER RECORDED WOULD NOT BE AS GOOD AS THEY ARE TODAY IF WEREN'T FOR THE VCS3. THERE ARE SO MANY EXAMPLES I CAN'T LIST THEM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
When I was 14 I used to tweak my synths just like him and being late for school :D
You've made this sound heavenly, have you recorded anything on this yet?
Thanks, if you're interested, there's a really nice hi def version on vimeo, also you can download it. cj.
È il macchinario comprato da Franco Battiato quando incominciò a fare musica sperimentale elettronica attorno al 1970.
can these sounds be recorded digitally for computer software editing? anyone? I want to make a digital film using a synth like a XILS 3 for all the sound effects and music.
@TomZentra are you kidding.... novelty.... yeah treat it like a novelty and get bored with it..... or follow it down the bottomless pit of inner space ...or let it take you on a journey to outer space... it is all up to you
I'm agree
@mcw55cb4 Good heavens! Looks like I'm going to have to get 6 numbers tonight before I get one of them then!
how much does one of these cost?
Wow, the joystick was amazing for the 2112 intro. That was with an ARP though, right?
Used by the BBC Radiophonic Workshop.
all i think about when i see one of these things is brian eno
When I met Todd Rundgren,he called his a Putney..is this English slang for the VCS3?
The VCS3 was designed by David Cockrell, Tristram Cary and Peter Zinovieff in Peter's EMS studio based in Putney, London.
The Suitcase (3:32) FUTURE SOUND OF LONDON
There is a guy named Glen Stegner who makes a couple of standalone analog softsynths and makes them available free for download. I made a video of a creation of mine made with his MiniMogue VA softsynth. There is also a link on where you can download your own free in the description. The title of my video is Analog Synthesizer by TheCuse13
4:49 the sound is great
4:12 is that a springer reverb?
Ok! YOU build me a Synthi 100, & on that day.. Satan will be skating to work!
Can't even FIND one of these for sale online right now.
there is clones
there is a software version, also the last time I looked, you could still buy a new one.
There is a guy who makes free software standalone analog synthesizers that come with a functional keyboard. I made a video of some of the stuff I have done on it and a link to where you can get it.
The beginning sounds like some concerts of Tangerine Dream in 1974 (for example part two of their concert in Reims (ua-cam.com/video/2sK0MIuz104/v-deo.html
) or their concert in Sheffield (ua-cam.com/video/eeKtPRItmq8/v-deo.html )).
Heh heh, that's rich coming from an animator...:-)
that needle is gonna break
Yes Guv, EMS were based in Putney for a while....
@rimefrostkitten What's wrong with keyboards? Its just a piano.
Damn...
electronic Grazing (Part 1) EMS PIANO FUTURE SOUND OF LONDON
nasty with the joystick
Won't Get Fooled Again!
sounds from tomorrow.... machines from yesterday
Its alive!
And Pete didn't used one of those in the music, he used another synth :P