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| Make |
EML |
| Model |
Electrocomp 101 |
| Description |
RARE ELECTROCOMP EML 101 ANALOG SYNTHESIZER Very rare and hard to find vintage analog synthesizer, particularly in this condition.
Beautiful silver face panel and wood case. Serial number is #445.
This a classic performance / patchable semi-modular synthesizer, a contemporary of the Moog
Minimoog and the ARP 2600. The EML 101 synthesizer was the centerpiece late 1970's EML
'Super System', which was comprised of the EML 101 Synthesizer, the EML 200 Expander, the
EML 300/301 Manual Controller, the EML 400/416 Sequencer and the EML PolyBox.
Standard 1/4-inch input and output jacks for all functions provide great flexibility and versatility to
interface this unit with nearly all 1 volt/octave synthesis equipment. The hardwired connections allow
you to use it as a performance synthesizer as well. Allen-Bradley controls are used throughout for
high reliability.
The EML 101 has 4 oscillators, and duophonic (2 notes at once) keyboard capability. Two of the
oscillators can also be used as low-frequency oscillators for modulation purposes (LFO's). Three of the oscillators offer a 'sweepable' wave shape, with the 4th oscillator having various switchable waveforms.
A mixing section provides level controls for the oscillators, the noise generator and an external input.
The filter is a multi-mode voltage-controlled filter (low-pass, band-pass, high-pass), which was quite
unusual for the time in this level of instrument. A Sweep mode allows continuous changing between filter configurations. In addition, there are 2 multi-stage envelope generators, a sample & hold module, a variable modulator (usable for ring modulation, amplitude modulation and as an envelope follower) and a microphone / instrument preamplifier for bringing in external signals for processing.
The keyboard is 44 keys, duophonic as mentioned above, and the output control voltage can be scaled to
play microtonal tunings. In addition to the 1/4-inch patch points for all module inputs and outputs, there are also two sets of multiple jacks to facilitate more complicated patches.
The EML 101 is designed to fold into a single unit for moving - the top electronics section is designed to
latch to the bottom keyboard section, forming a nice wooden case. This particular unit is missing the latches and handle, but they are easily replaced if that is desired.
GENERAL FEATURES:
KEYBOARD - The EML 101 uses a 44-note, 2-voice duophonic keyboard. Any 2 keys may be played at once, with up to a 4-note chord produced. The keyboard has variable tuning and may be transposed up to 4 octaves. The keyboard interval may be adjusted to microtonal scales. Variable portamento permits gliding between tones.
KEYBOARD CONTROLLER - The keyboard controller is used to set the interval and the amount of portamento.
The interval is adjustable from 12 to 72 keys per octave. Portamento is adjustable from 0 to 1 second per octave.
Portamento may also be controlled from a foot pedal.
FOUR VOLTAGE CONTROLLED OSCILLATORS - The EML 101 contains 4 voltage-controlled oscillators which offer 6 waveforms: triangle / square / sawtooth / inverted sawtooth / sloped square. 3 of the oscillators have continuously adjustable waveforms.
The oscillator frequency is controlled by the keyboard and selected inputs of the oscillator control.
All 4 oscillators operate in the audio range; 2 cover the audio / subaudio range. The output frequency range
is from 0.03 to 20,000 Hz. The sampler (S&H) contains a 5th oscillator. It's output frequency range is from 0.2 to 40 Hz.
The EML 101 has the most stable synthesizer oscillators. Their stability is due to a proprietary circuit
that maintains the oscillators at a constant temperature. Short term variations in pitch are typically less than +/-0.1%.
OSCILLATOR CONTROL - The oscillator control determines the type and amount of variation in pitch.
The variations may be of the following varieties:
Envelope selection produces slow or rapid sweeps up and down in pitch with each key depression.
The type of sweep is dependent on the settings of the envelope's attack, decay and sustain controls.
Oscillator selection produces repeating changes in pitch. The type of change is determined by the
oscillator waveform selected. The speed of change is determined by the frequency of the selected oscillator.
The wide range of the oscillators permits anything from slow vibratos to audio speed frequency modulation (FM).
NOISE GENERATOR - The noise generator is a sound source used for producing wind, thunder and percussive effects.
FILTER INPUT MIXER - The filter input mixer contains volume controls for 3 oscillators and the noise generator.
The volume controls are used for selecting and proportioning sound sources to the filter. An input is available for adding external or other internal signals (such as the 4th oscillator). This mixer may also be used as a waveform inverter.
FILTER - The EML 101's filter presents a major breakthrough in synthesizer design (for the time, particular on a
synthesizer priced under $3000). The 101's filter is continuously variable from low-pass to band-pass to high-pass.
Most synthesizers of the time only had a low-pass filter. This difference provides the EML 101 with an enormous edge in the control of timbre.
FILTER CONTROL - The filter control determines the amount and type of variations in timbre. Its function is
analogous to the oscillator control. The variations are of the following varieties:
Envelope selection produces slow or rapid sweeps up or down in timbre.
Oscillator selection produces repeating changes in timbre.
Sampler (S&H) selection produces sequential or random changes in timbre.
The filter control provides for continuously variable tracking. Timbre can become duller, brighter or remain constant with increasing pitch. The filter can be controlled from the lowest or highest key depressed. This permits the control of pitch with one key and timbre with a second key. The filter control has provisions for patching in external signals
for controlling timbre. These effects may be combined to produce more complex variations.
VARIABLE MODULATOR - The EML 101's modulator is the only modulator that can be adjusted to any percentage of amplitude modulation or to ring modulation. The modulator is normally controlled by oscillator 4. The wide range of oscillator 4 permits extremely slow tremolos, banjo-like strumming or eerie ring modulation. An external input
permits the replacing of oscillator 4 with external control / audio signals.
TWO ENVELOPE GENERATORS - The envelope generators produce waveforms used to shape pitch, timbre and loudness. Their shape can be precisely set with the attack, decay and sustain controls. An external trigger is available.
AMPLITUDE SHAPER (VCA) - The amplitude shaper is a voltage-controlled amplifier. In combination with the
envelope generators it is used to shape the loudness of each tone. Either envelope may be selected.
SAMPLE AND HOLD - The sample and hold generates a waveform to produce random or ordered sequences of tones, spontaneous changes in timbre, or to control the entire synthesizer in place of the keyboard. An oscillator is provided in the sampler for determining the sampling speed. Its range is from 0.2 to 40 Hz.
Provision for external speed control of the sampler is also provided.
OUTPUT MIXER - The output mixer permits the proportioning of the amplitude shaper and other internal and external signals. It may also be used as a waveform inverter.
MICROPHONE AMPLIFIER - The microphone amplifier permits the introduction of external sound sources
through the use of microphones or electric pickups. The output of the microphone amplifier may be patched into any of the synthesizer's many inputs. Interesting effects can be achieved by processing voice, guitar and organ through the filter and modulator. Signals of sufficient amplitude may be patched directly to inputs without going through the microphone amplifier.
PATCH PANEL - The patch panel provides 1/4-inch inputs and outputs for practically every function in the
synthesizer. It enables you to:
Introduce external sound sources at numerous inputs.
Reorganize the synthesizer to express your creativity.
Inexpensively and conveniently expand your synthesizer.
Monitor the synthesizer at any point with headphones.
Output impedances are 470 ohms and are well matched for all professional equipment. All outputs are short-circuit proof. For convenience, standard 1/4-inch phone jacks and plugs are used throughout.
Patching is generally not required for live performance, since the most used sounds can be achieved by
using the 4 mixers of the EML 101.
CASE - The EML 101's package consists of a rugged wooden core covered with wood-grained formica.
It weighs 29 pounds and folds to form its own carrying case. A storage trough is provided behind the
keyboard.
This EML 101 analog synthesizer is in very good condition, and is fully functional, except for the power
on lamp, which is burned out (may be able to replace this before it ships). The case latches and handle
are not installed on this synthesizer; note chip in wood covering at the right side under the keyboard.
This auction includes the EML 101 synthesizer, and a photocopy of the original brochure, operation
manual, calibration procedures and schematics.
|
|
| Age |
27 year |
| Weight |
14 kg |
| Condition |
Very good |
| Location |
Usa |
| Vat |
Not from a VAT-registered business. But VAT / duty may be due if importing from outside your trade bloc. |
| Quantity |
1 item is available from the owner |
| Options |
User manual : Yes |
| |
Service manual : Yes |
| |
First owner : No |
| |
Original boxes : No |
| Plug type |
Usa standard plug |
| Voltage type |
Internal 110 to 220-240V switchable |
| Status |
Item is still available |
| Sale type |
The item is for sale |
| Category |
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| Serial number |
0445 |
| Sphere reference |
# 3180 |
| Statistics |
Created on : 04/11/2003 |
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Changed on : 15/11/2003 |
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Published on : (Not published) |
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Displayed : 1363 time(s) by members and guests |
| Safety |
All electrical items sold in VEMIA are deemed to be trade sales. No warranty of electrical safety is given or implied. Many items are vintage and would not pass current electrical safety standards. It is the responsibility of the buyer to ensure that items are safe to use in their future environment - if necessary by using the services of a professional. |
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Prices and conditions  |
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The following section gives you the prices as well as shipment and payment conditions associated with the item. Payment is always requested in gear owner local currency. Converted price is shown for information and converted with Sphere standard currency rate.
Shipment and Payment links gives you access to an extended description of our rating :
| Price |
1560 USD |
| Converted price (1) |
1174.3 GBP |
| Shipment |
International or local shipment to pay |
| Packing costs |
n/a |
| Payment |
Full pre payment needed |
| Warranty |
n/a |
| Counter offer |
The bargain allows counter offers |
| (1) Currency conversion |
Note that conversion rates were last adjusted on 10th October 2025 at 14:22 CET. They are there to give you a rough guide to the bid price in your currency. Please check for a more up-to-date conversion at https://www.x-rates.com/calculator.html. The bid price will be the actual price in pounds (GBP) at the moment the auction closes. This will be roughly converted to your currency for your information.
For technical reasons, we are unable to update the conversion from GBP to Euro during the auction, although it may change at any time. If you are in the euro zone please check the current rate at https://www.x-rates.com/calculator.html
Payments must always be in GBP. For more info please see the FAQ about exchange rates.https://spheremusic.com/Winfaq.asp?Question=91. |
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