Elka Synthex

Elka Synthex Image
VSE Rating
User Rating

The Synthex is a very lush sounding classic analog 8 voice synthesizer. Later versions implemented basic MIDI functions. It has 30 knobs, 6 sliders, 80 switches and a joystick. Powerful sounds with 2 oscillators per note, separate envelope generators, chorus and even a sequencer! The use of stable DCO's (digitally controlled analog oscillators) and oscillator cross modulation of Pulse Width and a multimode filter made it unique in its time.

There is a cool joystick that replaces traditional pitch/mod wheels and allows for greater variable real-time control over the two LFOs, oscillator and filter modulation. The 6 sliders beside the joystick assign what (LFO, osc and filter) goes to the joystick. Voices can also be layered or split across the keyboard. Other great features include the onboard digital Ring-Modulator, Chorus effect and Dual or Layer modes available. And also a four-track sequencer rounds out this synths host of features. Two of it's tracks can output MIDI data.


This is just an extremely good analog and unique synth excellent for pads, drones and glistening lead sounds. They're a bit of a pain to service and find parts for. However many famous artists such as Tangerine Dream and Nick Rhodes (Duran Duran) have used one, and Jean Michel Jarre swears by it. One last Synthex was made just for Stevie Wonder after their production run eventually ended.

Lookup Prices for Synthex on eBay

Demos & Media

Elka Synthex Demo Track
by
JMPSynth
Synthex Demo Sounds
by
JMPSynth
ManualDownload the original owner's manual from SoundProgramming.net.

Specifications

Polyphony - 8 Voices
Oscillators - 16
Sequencer - 4-Track
Filter - Curtis Chips: 24dB LowPass, 12dB HiPass, 12dB & 6dB BandPass
VCA - ADSR
Keyboard - 61 keys
Memory - 40 preset/40 user
Control - MIDI
Date Produced - 1981 - 1984

Resources

Images from Perfect Circuit Audio.

Thanks Edwin Balzan and Mattias Rickardsson for the info.