A track made using the legendary EMS VCS3 (the “Putney”) as the sole source of sounds. Some sounds were played live, others sampled into the Digitakt and sequenced. The superb CV functions of Analog Keys were also called into play to sequence one VCS3 part. The VCS3 was routed into the Analog Keys’ inputs where some delay was added. It started out as a Berlin School track but got… sidetracked.
12 Likes
Very well done! Great track, video! VCS3 is pure magic.
1 Like
Thanks! I love that synth. I use it on almost every recording. This was a sort of celebratory track, as my son and I had just replaced the malfunctioning spring reverb tank with an NOS tank I bought off of Ebay. I’d been meaning to pair it up with the Digitakt for some time, but wanted that 'verb operational before doing so.
1 Like
That’s cool, I really would like to see/hear the VCS3 more often. But as far as I know, those are pretty rare, especially in this time. Behringer is going to create a new VCS3, but it’s not sure now. It was part of the great „leak“. I hope they do it.
Track was really well done. Looks like the digitakt works perfect together with the VCS3. The A4 CV outs are very handy, especially in combination with the sequencer. Wish it had even more CV outs 
1 Like
Thanks again. Yeah, the Digitakt is so instantly gratifying to use with these old synths. Its sampling functions are fast enough to get lots of sounds into it without losing the momentum of inspiration, plus it sounds really good.
The VCS3 (along with its suit-cased twin, the Synthi A) is notoriously difficult to interface with most CV-capable gear. Not only does it use a non-standard voltage scale, it also is extremely particular about the sorts of triggers and gates it wants to see (and, in fact, it doesn’t accept either without a modification. There was no gate/trig input on the stock unit). If you send it the wrong voltage or type of trigger, it can fry a specially selected transistor that controls the envelope circuit. The Analog Four/Keys is one of the very few synths that can be safely used with it, thanks to the flexibility of the CV outputs.
3 Likes
Simply great!!
1 Like
Thanks!
1 Like
Need one more son?
3 Likes
Your track sounds great, and wow am I envious. I always wanted to play a VCS3 yet I’ve never known anyone that owns one.
1 Like
Thanks! You’re welcome to play mine! VCS3s (and Synthi As) are always interesting and often surprising. That’s the reason I love the thing - after nearly four decades of playing with synths, I can generally predict what I’m going to get from a given instrument. Not so the VCS3 - it still has the ability to surprise me (for better or worse).
1 Like
I own one, got a real deal 418€ 
Ok, not the hardware version, but iPad and iVCS3.
2 Likes
Incredible! Thanks for sharing.
1 Like
Thanks!
Great track,
I wasn’t being smart ass or anything, I know how much they cost and you’re lucky to own one.
Alessandro Petrolati is a genius. ApeSoft apps are just great.
The one I “own” looks like this:
1 Like
Yeah, the apesoft clone is really good. I was one of the beta-testers ages ago. Given what they cost now, it’s astonishing to think that the original VCS3 was sold for 330 UKP in 1969. However, adjusted for inflation, it would be 5200 UKP today, so not too different from what Robin Wood now charges for a new one. Mine is most assuredly not a new one, however, but some 40+ years old.
1 Like