Erica Syntrx vs Synthi AKS (Part One)

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Part One of the shootout between the Erica Synths Syntrx and an original Synthi AKS.
Simple patches are compared highlighting a single Oscillator, FM, RingMod, Filter, Reverb & Noise.
This video simply compares Sound and Timbre, not the functionality, extras or differences in the Matrix implementation.
(Part Two will look at a Putney VCS3 and some more complex patches).
See Part 2 here: • Erica Syntrx vs EMS VC...
Thanks to Djjondent for co-hosting the comparison. Check out his excellent blog here: djjondent.blogspot.com

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17 окт 2020

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Комментарии : 60

@DJANTONIVS 3 года назад

Thank you for making this video. Been very curious because I have always wanted a EMS Synthi but I couldn't afford one so I got me a Syntrx. I have been able to copy many sounds made on the Synthi especially sounds made in the old Dr. Who program. But it is reallly good to see they are similar. 🙂

@Allinaire 3 года назад

Thanks for the comment. I've had a lot of people ask about the differences in sound. This goes some way to show it. Of course you can also argue that each vintage Synthi would sound different by now as parts age. I do think the Syntrx holds up very well though, and as you say it does all the Dr Who sounds perfectly! I figured out the exact Dalek voice patch recently too - had a lot of fun with that.

@Clintouminou17 2 месяца назад

4:22 Welcome my son, Welcome to the machine !

@nuipb 3 года назад

Nice one, thanks. hopefully next time you will also be able to compare filters, filter reaction to envelope (slow, fast, amplitude), resonance and FMd resonance, etc...

@Allinaire 3 года назад

Thanks for the comment. Next video we will compare the Syntax to the EMS Putney but hopefully we will also have time to do more comparisons and complex patches with both the Putney and AKS. It would take hours to do a full comparison but we have been working with these instruments for a while now and in my view they are remarkably similar but never the same. It is the subtle differences in timbre that make all the difference and I'm sure a lot of people would say that the Syntrx can't replace a Synthi - but I don't believe Erica intended it to. There are still options out there for those that want an original Synthi.

@ZackYouTube 2 года назад

Awesome video!

@Allinaire 2 года назад

Thanks!

@lukewarm5356 2 года назад

The ring mod into the reverb was definitely giving me Out Of The Unknown vibes, so sadly shall have to part with a large wad of cash and acquire one.

@frankpalomacity 2 года назад

The old one sounds definitely better, warmer, richer and rounder no doubt 👍 the reverb is crazy good too… but the price it’s so high that the new one start to get interesting

@williamdewolfe1813 3 года назад

The syntrx reverb is fantastic!

@Allinaire 3 года назад

It Is! Having that extra Feedback control is a real bonus over the Synthi - can get out of control pretty quickly though.

@williamdewolfe1813 3 года назад

@@Allinaire yes! The syntrx seems very worthy of consideration, especially since I've been enamored (but never acquainted) with the EMS Synthi for nearly 15yrs...as cool as it seems all round, the reverb kinda sold me on a closer look-see. Thanks, great vid!

@philipsanderson3611 3 года назад

Interesting that at various points in the comments you make the point of how important the Synthi/VCS3 architecture and the matrix is to the sound. This at first seems counter intuitive surely it is all about the special qualities of the oscillators, the filter and so on? I have built and used a couple of soft versions of the VCS3 and back in the day used the real thing for about 5 years. From this I would agree that Iit is the matrix patchbay that encourages one to make more experimental and hence synthi type sounds. Very easily you can set up patches that would need a forest of cables on a modular and it encourages a kind of lateral rather than linear approach. That isn't to say that the individual components aren't important but maybe not quite as important as many people think. The Syntrx seems to have missed a a few tricks -like separate outputs for each oscillator and the ability to control the wave shape by VC but the digital patch matrix is a big step forward. £2,500 is still quite a lot of cash however even if it seem reasonable in comparison with the 12-15,000 for an original. There are a couple of people making clones using the phutney boards but these are around £4-5,000 so the question is whether Behringer will ever make an affordable one. They have teased various pictures including what looked like the tooling for a matrix which was old school pin style. They have the Curtis chips which a few very late model VCS3's used and I imagine could make one fairly easily if they wanted to.

@Allinaire 3 года назад

I agree! Definitely for me the patching style via the matrix is the key feature of this Synth and Erica Synths have cleverly taken this to the next level with digital control in the Syntrx (although I reckon some users will regret the loss of unpredictability in the unbuffered original!). It certainly helps that the oscillators, ring mod and reverb sound really really good too, and while the filter is a tiny bit mild for my taste I do love the two extra output filters which more than make up for it. In terms of matrix possibilities I do also wish we had VC control over the wave shaping. I note that the Pin Electronics clone version does have that, plus the individual waveforms out, but it can do that because of its larger 20x20 pin matrix. As for Behringer... well we can only wait and see - no doubt it will be cheaper if it ever comes and that will open up the Synthi architecture to a much larger market which of itself is a good thing, but I have to say I'm no fan of theirs - their aggressive and intimidating market tactics leave me cold.

@FredMurray 3 года назад

Allinaire, thanks for putting this video. Always great to see/here Synthi videos! Can someone help me please ? Which cables I need to trigger the Synthi from a Keystep ? I suppose it's a 1/8 Mono TS Male Plug to a 1/4 TS mono Male plug. I need two of theses cables, one for the Gate and one for the Pitch ? Am I ok ? And which input should I use on the pinboard ? Thanks.

@Allinaire 3 года назад

Cheers, thx. Yes, I used 1/8 to 1/4 mono cables. One for Pitch cv, one for gate pulse. the way the cv comes into the Synthi depends on the model or the mod. The synthrx just has cv and gate jacks on the back which are hard wired to the Oscilators so it is easy. The Synthi mod sometimes send s the cv via the joystick ports on the matrix, or via the direct in ports.

@jacopoantonini4503 3 года назад

Hi! The 1/8 mono Ts male plus to a 1/4 mono male plug is the 6.3 mm jack male mono to 3.5 mm jack male mono?? Or another tipe of cable?

@Allinaire 3 года назад

@@jacopoantonini4503 yes, you need two of those mono cables, one for the pitch cv the other for the gate.

@1VperOctave 3 года назад

Thank you for making this comparison. I would pick the synthi in a heartbeat if offered either, but I could never afford one. Is this synthi modified, as I thought they used something like 0.33v per octave, not the 1v in much more widespread use, yet you sequenced it from the Arturia kbd?

@Allinaire 3 года назад

You are correct. This Synthi has a 1v/o mod input. There are also eurorack interface 'modules' available which can do a similar thing.

@1VperOctave 3 года назад

@@Allinaire Thank you for the confirmation. My sanity is restored! (Well, maybe, just a little) :)

@tomahawk6033 3 года назад

The Syntrx has a very good sound of its own... The AKS sounds more 70th... actually the Vostok although it has nothing in common to the AKS except the matrix can sound very 70th too... anyway all are very good modular synthesizers with a nice concept of replacing cables with pins.

@Allinaire 3 года назад

I'd love to get a Vostok to try out! they use patch cords and the matrix from memory.

@meneerjansen00 Год назад

The AKS could "operate" one oscillator with the sequencer so it would play a repeating melody. And then you could play the other osc yourself with the keyboard. Can the Syntrex do that too? With on two Midi channels?

@ncapone87 10 месяцев назад

You could do it on CV but not MIDI as far as I know

@untml 3 года назад

Erica saying the electronics are completely different design. So i guess it's just shows how similar subtractive analog synthesizer can be if you don't take them to the extreme.

@Allinaire 3 года назад

They are electronically different for sure, but because the Architecture is the same the Syntrx lends itself to the same creative patching techniques of the Synthi. The patching style of the Synthi leads to very different outcomes in my view, compared to traditional fixed architecture synths or even modular synths. Of course you can patch the Synthi traditionally as most of this video demonstrates with simple patches and then it does often sound like some type of analog synth or another - but of course it has specific differences in the filter type, ring mod, vca's and reverb circuits etc. No analog synth sounds exactly the same because the circuits are always different - eg a Moog and an Arp can sound completely different even with the same patch dialled in.

@stonedapesociety5628 3 года назад

Why are they sooo expensive?!? Damn..

@Marwatt 2 года назад

but this comparison is made using the speakers of the 2 machines and shooting with the microphone of the camera ?? if so it doesn't seem like a fair comparison ... too many variables

@Allinaire 2 года назад

Not quite - both units were running through the same amp and external speakers - so from that point of view it is as fair as it can get with such a non scientific test. Admittedly recording was only via camera mic but it's not bad - and again, both are recorded the same. This video was meant as an indicative comparison, there were few, if any, other like comparisons at the time it was made so it has been useful to many - as it was to me.

@mresquidgeward5965 Год назад

Jesus....at about 4 mins in!! Not sure I've heard a synth come over quite so fat on RU-vid.. especially through phone speakers

@nesslakefolk6345 3 года назад

To my ears, nothing in a Syntrx sounds like a VCS3 / Synthi.

@Allinaire 3 года назад

Thats why I've done the two videos so you can make your own mind up. Erica Synths never suggested that the Syntrx would sound the same as a Synthi. Personally I think it gets into the same sonic territory due to the patching style of the Matrix and the similarity of controls.

@nesslakefolk6345 3 года назад

A lot has been put in the visual marketing of the product but not much left in the sonic field; an VCS3 sounds organic, raw, unpredictable, alive and Syntrx simply it does not. They never intended it to sound like the original but the similarities between both are so obvious that comparisons will be unavoidable. Though I love the new matrix concept, that is a win. Thanks for the videos, by the way.

@Allinaire 3 года назад

I'm going to have to disagree with you on that point. They may not sound the same but in my view the Syntrx does sound organic and alive - maybe in a more modern way but it is definitely there. It is a very analog synth - like the Synthi, it is not a 'vintage analog synth' - maybe you are referring more to that 'vintage tone'. As well as the different circuit that may have as much to do with ageing components and the manual matrix irregularities etc. In that respect I note that the Synthi and VCS3 have an unbuffered Matrix and pins with variable tolerance resisters in them - this will certainly have an effect on the unpredictability of patches which won't be the case with a Syntrx with its buffered matrix and exact 3 level resistance settings. Having said that you are welcome to disagree. There will be people on both sides of that debate - just like there is with any Synth which resembles a classic vintage model.

@leogelderland4533 3 года назад

@@Allinaire the syntrx does not resemble a classic vintage model, other than in its interface and looks. the sound is not just ems-unworthy, but pretty poor altogether. i know, i know - different people different opinions, but still, if your opinion is that the syntrx is somewhere near being in the same league as the EMS's, the synth-police should come and confiscate your EMS gear to be distributed among the poor.

@Allinaire 3 года назад

Ha, you got a laugh for that comment! Unfortunately the Synthi you see is not mine anyway, so set your mind at rest. If you read all my comments you will know that I partly agree with you regarding non vintage and interface, but I maintain that in my opinion the Syntrx,in its own right, sounds excellent, all be it not the same as a Synthi (which again they never claimed it would). Get a real Synthi if that is what you are after - or maybe those B'ringer dudes will surprise everyone with an exact sounding clone - I highly doubt it though, lets see...

@derekrevell 3 года назад

The biggest difference is the PRICE

@I0Ik 3 года назад

you don't even know what components and electronic design are inside the Syntrx.. please.

@derekrevell 3 года назад

@@I0Ik In fact I do

@I0Ik 3 года назад

@@derekrevell Erica Synths itself state that Syntrx was developed with university of Riga and nothing was copied from the original EMS schematics. The difference in the sound is evident even from YT videos. Let me guess: also Beringher’s VCS clone you endorsed sounds the same as an original VCS3 right ? Also in that case the “only” difference is in the price ? To be noted a project is the sum of all details that make it.. to state the only difference is the price doesn’t give justice neither to original or newer designs. It simply is a false and superficial statement.

@mylesdeportado2004 5 месяцев назад

What a bunch of snobbery going on this thread.

@Allinaire 5 месяцев назад

There is a bit! I reckon the Syntrx is an excellent re-imagining of the Synthi - they never claimed it was a clone and it has its own strengths and weaknesses, just like every other bit of kit.

@jacquesadda9370 11 месяцев назад

Only a SYNTHI IS good 😂🎉

@WARDISWARD 3 года назад

15k on machines yet recording with a handheld pfff

@Allinaire 3 года назад

yeah, sorry bout that. I'm not a vocalist or a social media influencer so I don't have a mic and I'm not set up for pro reviews (which is why I haven't done any others on my channel). So it was either this or nothing - I think it has been useful to others so i'll leave it up. All my other live and studio piece videos are recorded properly, check them out.

@leogelderland4533 3 года назад

yes, the syntrx is 'a lot of fun to play'. but to me the oscillators sound mediocre, at best, and the filter just plain bad. a synth with a lovely (copied) interface, but with a poor, dull sound. what a shame. this could have been so good.if only they had put in oscillators and a filter like doepfer's or better still analog systems' - it would have already been an enormous improvement. particularly at €3000. since everybody seems to think a synthi should fetch €12000-16000 these days ;-)

@Allinaire 3 года назад

Probably not for you then Leo. I personally do like the Oscillators a lot - but agree that the filter could maybe do with a bit more bite and resonance - but then again the Synthi filter is quite similar - its not meant to be a Moog, SEM or MS-20 style. The overall sound of the Syntrx is great for my tastes and uses but everybody will have their own opinion and that is totally cool. Gotta remember it is not a clone and so was never going to sound the same. Maybe the teased clone that B'ringer has announced will be spot in - who knows? At least that one will be cheap(er) I guess.

@bluehole6019 Год назад

I hope you chose a different video before you formed this opinion. You’re not hearing an accurate representation of these oscillators (from either unit) without hearing a DI output. This video is a good demonstration of functionality, but beyond that even the slight movements he makes from synth-to-synth are enough to wildly affect what we’re hearing from those speakers, not to mention we’re hearing complex waveforms run through a monitor and then being recorded with a camera/phone microphone. I don’t care if you’re as familiar with Synthi as they come; you’re not making an accurate determination from the sound quality of this video.

@leogelderland4533 Год назад

@@bluehole6019 i played it myself

@snorrevonflake 10 месяцев назад

Neither is worth a fraction of the price from what i hear here. Could do those sounds with anything.

@birdhouse.B2430 Год назад

Sounds like a toy compared to the real deal

@Allinaire Год назад

Fair enough. I guess we will have to agree to disagree on that point. It doesn't sound the same for sure, but it is excellent in its way.

@birdhouse.B2430 Год назад

@@Allinaire there’s room for both to exist for sure.

@DMT353 3 года назад

Thanks for taking the time to do this video but they both sounded awful.

@Allinaire 3 года назад

Ha - yes well, the Synthi is definitely not for everyone. It does excel at noise and weird sounds but it can also be very melodic (check out Cortini's 'Avanti' album from 2017). My video was never meant to be a nice sounding musical exploration - it is simply a comparison of the sound, tone & timbre of the two instruments for the many people who would love an original Synthi, but can't get hold of one (or don't wish to pay the $20K plus price tag these days) and the new Syntrx from Erica Synths at a much more affordable price.

@DMT353 3 года назад

I totally get it. Regardless it’s good to hear them both doing the same kind of thing for the comparison. Hope to hear more.