EML • ElectroComp Model 500
The EML 500 was a response to the popular trend towards compact performance synthesizers set by the Minimoog and ARP Odyssey. The EML 500 is a monophonic analog synthesizer with dual VCOs like the Odyssey for a nice thick sound. However it is no match for the Minimoog's 3 oscillators. Nice and evenly distributed sliders and switches are laid out across the top of the keyboard for easy access to all editable parameters in a true and obviously analog programmable synthesizer. The knobs and patch cords of modulars like its bigger brother, the EML 101 as well as the classic ARP 2600 and Moog 3C systems were coming to an end with the rise of these easier to use performance synthesizers.
Typical analog parameters can be found and controlled straight from the knobs and sliders above the 44-note keyboard. The dual VCOs offer square, sawtooth and noise waveforms. There is a simple VCA envelope section with controls for attack, sustain and decay (ADS). The VCF section is very nice with switchable low-pass, band-pass and hi-pass filtering, resonance but no external audio input capability. The LFO can generate some great modulation possibilities with 6-waveform shapes to choose from. Other features include sample-and-hold, a ring modulator, octave up/down switching, a sustain pedal input and CV/Gate external control. Also, the unique thing about this synth is that by use of the scale slider, it can play microtonally as well as in equal temperament across the keyboard.
As far as truly analog vintage monophonic synthesizers go, the EML 500 is an elegant yet inexpensive alternative to similar machines that will not let you down when it comes to sounds, flexibility and programmability. It's been used by DEVO--It's the 'Whip-it' sound!
Is great synth with special own experimental sound.
And of course is very very rare, I thing only 300 was made.
Not only is the sound unique, the functionality is unique as well, it has a scaling feature where you can change the tuning scale between notes. It has a multimode filter that is very unique sounding (I believe it is something like 1 and 2 poles depending on mode, but not 100%). It has both Ring modulation and amplitude modulation. It also has envelope repeat for drones. Both the LFO and sample/hold or track/hold is unique sounding as well and can modulate oscillators, filter, VCA. Overall it’s just different than other vintage analog synths I’ve used. If you are looking for something different, try EML.
Comparing this to a Minimoog or Odyssey is a disservice to both this synth and a potential buyer that might think this is anything like the aforementioned synths. It might borrow a little bit from a cosmetic perspective (looks a bit like an odyssey/octave cat/etc., has ADS EG) but internally this was designed around op-amps, not transistors. This gives EMLs much different sound than pretty much anything else out there. Both the Arp and the Moog sound more similar to each other than either does to the EML. These were designed by industrial engineers that brought a very different perspective on synth design. The EML has its own sound that can be described as archaic, “science lab” sounding. In fact you may be required to wear a white smock while operating this machinery. In all serious the sound reminds me of 60’s science fiction movies where they would use experimental sound oscillators and tape to create sound.
In reading this review it looks very much like the reviewer never touched this synth. One huge error is the statement “no external audio input capability”. It does have audio input to the filter > ring/amp mod > VCA. It also has a controllable preamp stage built in (that’s what the knob at the top of the synth, next to the input jack is for). The audio input can sound really nice too, it can be overdriven by feeding the signal back into its-self. It has a mixer section that can switch between external input or noise. So you can mix in the amount of external input with the 2 oscillators which each have their own mixer as well.