View source for EMS VCS 3

{{short description|Synthesizer model}}
{{More citations needed|reason=inline citations are lacking for several notable users of VCS3 throughout article.|date=August 2024}}
{{use dmy dates|cs1-dates=ly|date=June 2021}}
{{Use British English|date=November 2022}}

[[Image:EMS VCS 3.jpg|thumb|right|User's eye view of the "VCS&nbsp;3";<ref name="vcs3" group="#"/> top left, three main oscillators; bottom left, patch panel; bottom right, joystick. External keyboard not shown. <br/>''Note'': it has printed logo: "'''V.C.S.&nbsp;3'''".]]

The '''VCS 3''' (or '''VCS3'''; an [[initialism]] for ''Voltage Controlled Studio, version #3'') is a portable [[analog synthesizer]] with a flexible modular voice architecture introduced by [[Electronic Music Studios]] (EMS) in 1969.<ref name=vcs3 group="#">
{{cite web
 | title     = VCS3 (aka The Putney) – The Products
 | url       = http://www.ems-synthi.demon.co.uk/emsprods.html#vcs3
 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131031040324/http://www.ems-synthi.demon.co.uk/emsprods.html#vcs3
 | archive-date=2013-10-31
 | publisher = Electronic Music Studios (Cornwall)
}}</ref>

EMS released the product under various names. Logos printed at the console's front left (see photos) say "V.C.S.&nbsp;3" on the most widely sold version; "The Putney (VCS&nbsp;3)" on the earlier version; and "The Synthi (VCS&nbsp;3) II" on the later version "Synthi VCS&nbsp;3 II".<ref name=vcs3ii group="#">
{{cite web
 | title     = Synthi VCS3 II – The Products
 | url       = http://www.ems-synthi.demon.co.uk/emsprods.html#vcs3ii
 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131031040324/http://www.ems-synthi.demon.co.uk/emsprods.html#vcs3ii
 | archive-date=2013-10-31
 | publisher = Electronic Music Studios (Cornwall)
}}</ref>

==History==
{{multiple image |align=right |direction=horizontal
 |header = VCS 3 variations
 |caption1 = Synthi VCS&nbsp;3 with <!-- printed --> logo:<br/> "The Putney (VCS&nbsp;3)"
 |image1   = EMS_Putney_VCS_3.jpg       |width1=150
 |caption2 = Synthi VCS&nbsp;3 II with <!-- printed --> logo:<br/> "The Synthi (VCS&nbsp;3) II" 
 |image2   = EMS_at_MIM_Synthesizer.jpg |width2=156
}}
The VCS 3 was created in 1969 by [[Peter Zinovieff]]'s [[Electronic Music Studios|EMS]] company. The electronics were designed largely by [[David Cockerell]], and its distinctive appearance was the work of electronic composer [[Tristram Cary]]. It was one of the first ''portable'' commercially available synthesizers, in the sense that it was housed entirely in a small wooden case, unlike synths from American manufacturers such as [[Moog Music]], [[ARP Instruments|ARP]] and [[Buchla]], which had large cabinets and could take up entire rooms.

The VCS 3 cost just under £330 in 1969. Some people found it unsatisfactory as a melodic instrument due to its inherent tuning instability.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Reid |first=Gordon |date=November 2000 |title=All About EMS, Part 1 |journal=[[Sound on Sound]] |url=http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/nov00/articles/retrozone.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160303173436/http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/nov00/articles/retrozone.htm |archive-date=2016-03-03}}</ref> This arose from the instrument's reliance on the then current method of exponential conversion of voltage to oscillator frequency—an approach that other companies also implemented with fewer tuning issues. However, the VCS 3 was renowned as an extremely powerful generator of electronic effects and processor of external sounds for its cost.{{according to whom|date=May 2013}}

The first album recorded using only the VCS 3 was ''The Unusual Classical Synthesizer'' on Westminster Gold.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sites.google.com/site/krakatack/unusualstuff |title=unusualstuff - krakatack |website=Sites.google.com |access-date=2020-04-12}}</ref>

The VCS 3 was popular among [[progressive rock]] bands, and was used on recordings by [[Franco Battiato]], [[The Moody Blues]], [[The Alan Parsons Project]], [[Jean-Michel Jarre]], [[Todd Rundgren]], [[Hawkwind]], [[Curved Air]], [[Brian Eno]] (with [[Roxy Music]] and as a solo artist or collaborator), [[King Crimson]], [[The Who]], [[Gong (band)|Gong]], and [[Pink Floyd]], and many others. The VCS 3-generated bass sound at the beginning of Pink Floyd's "[[Welcome to the Machine]]" forms the foundation of the song, with its other parts heard in response. Two VCS 3s and a Sequencer 256 were featured in the 1978 film 'The Shout'.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pinelectronics.com/2007/07/31/ems-vcs-3-the-shout-1978/|title=EMS VCS 3 "The Shout" 1978 &#124; Pin Electronics}}</ref>

[[Image:EMS VCS3 Mk II routing matrix.jpg|thumb|220px|The routing matrix on the VCS 3]]

==Description==

The VCS 3 has three oscillators (the first two normal [[voltage-controlled oscillator]]s; the third a [[low-frequency oscillator]]), a [[noise generator]], two input amplifiers, a [[ring modulator]], 24&nbsp;dB/octave low-pass [[voltage-controlled filter]],{{citation needed|date=September 2011}} a trapezoid [[envelope generator]], a joystick controller, a voltage-controlled [[spring reverb]] unit, and two stereo output amplifiers. Unlike most [[modular synthesiser]] systems, which used cables to link components, the VCS 3 uses a distinctive patchboard matrix where pins are inserted to connect its components.

===Keyboards controller===
[[Image:EMS VCS 3 synthesizer (1969, SN 297) & DK-1 keyboard (1969), Musée de la Musique de Paris.jpg|thumb|'''DK1 keyboard controller''' (front) <br/>connected to VCS 3 (rear)]]

Although the VCS 3 is often used for generating [[sound effect]]s due to lack of a built-in [[musical keyboard|keyboard]], external keyboard controllers were available for melodic play. The ''DK1,'' produced in 1969, is an early velocity-sensitive monophonic keyboard for VCS 3 with an extra [[Voltage-controlled oscillator|VCO]] and [[Voltage-controlled amplifier|VCA]].<ref name="dk1" group="#">
{{cite web
 | title     = DK1 (aka The Cricklewood) – The Products
 | url       = http://www.ems-synthi.demon.co.uk/emsprods.html#dk1
 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131031040324/http://www.ems-synthi.demon.co.uk/emsprods.html#dk1
 | archive-date=2013-10-31
 | publisher = Electronic Music Studios (Cornwall)
}}</ref> In 1972 it was extended for [[Polyphony and monophony in instruments#Duophonic|duophonic]] play as ''DK2''.<ref name=dk2 group="#">
{{cite web
 | title     = DK2 – The Products
 | url       = http://www.ems-synthi.demon.co.uk/emsprods.html#dk2
 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131031040324/http://www.ems-synthi.demon.co.uk/emsprods.html#dk2
 | archive-date=2013-10-31
 | publisher = Electronic Music Studios (Cornwall)
}}</ref>  Also in 1972, the [[EMS Synthi AKS|Synthi AKS]] was released, as well as a digital [[music sequencer|sequencer]] with a [[touch-sensitive]] flat keyboard, the ''KS sequencer'',<ref name=ks group="#">
{{cite web
 | title     = KS – The Products
 | url       = http://www.ems-synthi.demon.co.uk/emsprods.html#ks
 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131031040324/http://www.ems-synthi.demon.co.uk/emsprods.html#ks
 | archive-date=2013-10-31
 | publisher = Electronic Music Studios (Cornwall)
}}</ref> and its mechanical keyboard version, ''DKS.''<ref name=dks group="#">
{{cite web
 | title     = DKS – The Products
 | url       = http://www.ems-synthi.demon.co.uk/emsprods.html#dks
 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131031040324/http://www.ems-synthi.demon.co.uk/emsprods.html#dks
 | archive-date=2013-10-31
 | publisher = Electronic Music Studios (Cornwall)
}}</ref>

===Related models===
The VCS 3's basic design was reused by EMS in many other of their own products,{{Citation needed|date=September 2011}} most notably the [[EMS Synthi 100]] (1971),<ref name=synthi100 group="#">{{cite web
 |title = Synthi 100 (formerly Digitana, aka the Delaware) – The Products
 |url = http://www.ems-synthi.demon.co.uk/emsprods.html#synthi100
 |publisher = Electronic Music Studios (Cornwall)
 |access-date = 2011-09-30 
 |archive-date = 2013-10-31 
 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131031040324/http://www.ems-synthi.demon.co.uk/emsprods.html#synthi100
 |url-status = dead
 }}</ref> the [[Synthi A]] (1971),<ref name=synthia group="#">
{{cite web
 | title     = Synthi A (formerly Portabella) – The Products
 | url       = http://www.ems-synthi.demon.co.uk/emsprods.html#synthia
 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131031040324/http://www.ems-synthi.demon.co.uk/emsprods.html#synthia
 | archive-date=2013-10-31
 | publisher = Electronic Music Studios (Cornwall)
}}</ref> and [[EMS Synthi AKS|AKS]] (1972, essentially a VCS 3 in a plastic briefcase). The AKS also has a [[music sequencer|sequencer]] built into the keyboard's lid.<ref name=synthiaks group="#">
{{cite web
 | title     = Synthi AKS – The Products
 | url       = http://www.ems-synthi.demon.co.uk/emsprods.html#synthiaks
 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131031040324/http://www.ems-synthi.demon.co.uk/emsprods.html#synthiaks
 | archive-date=2013-10-31
 | publisher = Electronic Music Studios (Cornwall)
}}</ref>

A former agent of EMS in the [[United States]], Ionic Industries in Morristown, New Jersey, released a portable-keyboard VCS 3 clone in 1973. The ''Ionic Performer'', whose circuitry is based on the VCS 3's, replaced the patchboard matrix with over 100 [[push-button]]s, and added a built-in keyboard and [[effects unit]]s.<ref name=ionic>
{{cite web
 | author    = Dennis Bathory-Kitsz
 | title     = Killer – My Ionic "Performer" Synth (from Ionic Industories, made by Alfred Mayer)
 | url       = http://www.maltedmedia.com/people/bathory/killer.html
}}</ref>

<div style="margin-left:1em;"><gallery>
File:EMS A.jpg|[[EMS Synthi A]] (1971), <br/>also called ''Portabella''<ref name=synthia group="#"/>
File:EMS Synthi AKS.jpg|[[EMS Synthi AKS]] (1972)<ref name=synthiaks group="#"/>
File:EMS Synthi 100.jpg|[[EMS Synthi 100]] (1971), <br/>formerly ''Digitana'', also called ''The Delaware''<ref name=synthi100 group="#"/>
</gallery></div>

====Synthi A====
[[Image:SynthiAKSStack.jpg|thumb|EMS SynthiA (top) as used on stage by a [[progressive rock]] band; underneath are an EMS DK keyboard controller, [[Solina String Ensemble]], [[Optigan]], and an M400 [[Mellotron]]]]
[[Image:EMS Synthi A.jpg|thumb|upright|EMS Synthi A]]
{{main|EMS Synthi A|EMS Synthi AKS}}

The '''EMS Synthi A''' has the same electronics as the VCS 3, but was rehoused in a Spartanite briefcase. Instead of routing signals using [[patch cable]]s, like [[Moog synthesizer|Moog]] products, it uses a [[patch matrix]] with resistive pins. The 2700 ohm resistors soldered inside each pin vary in tolerance, indicated by different colours: red pins have 1% tolerance, white have 5%, and green pins are attenuating pins with a resistance of 68,000 ohms.

The later Synthi AKS incorporated an early digital 256 event KS (Keyboard Sequencer) [[Music sequencer|sequencer]] in the lid, with input provided by a capacitance-sensitive [[Buchla]]-style keyboard.

Perhaps its most prominent use is in  the introduction to [[The Alan Parsons Project]]'s ''I Robot.'' (1977). VCS 3 synthesisers were also used alongside a traditional chamber music ensemble for the soundtrack to the BBC's ''[[Life on Earth (TV series)|Life On Earth]]'' nature documentary series, composed by [[Edward Williams (composer)|Edward Williams]].<ref>Power, Mike. '[https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2009/nov/02/david-attenborough-life-on-earth-soundtrack Release of Life On Earth soundtrack delivers music as pioneering as the show]', in ''The Guardian'', 2 November 2009</ref>

Along with [[Klaus Schulze]] and [[Tangerine Dream]], other frequent users of the instrument include [[Cabaret Voltaire (band)|Cabaret Voltaire]], [[Tim Blake]] & [[Miquette Giraudy]] of [[Gong (band)|Gong]], [[Richard Pinhas]] of [[Heldon]], [[Merzbow]], [[Thomas Lehn]], [[Cor Fuhler]] and [[Alva Noto]].

==Development==
The original VCS No.1 was a hand-built rack-mount unit with two oscillators, one filter and one envelope, designed by Cockerell before the formation of EMS. When a benefactor, [[Don Banks]], asked Zinovieff for a synthesiser, Zinovieff and Cockerell decided to work together on an instrument that was small and portable but powerful and flexible.

==Notable users==

* [[BBC Radiophonic Workshop]]<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rawlins |first1=Sarah |title=The Birth of the Radiophonic Workshop |url=https://blog.scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk/birth-of-radiophonic-workshop/ |website=National Science and Media Museum blog |publisher=[[National Science and Media Museum]] |access-date=12 August 2024 |date=31 March 2021}}</ref>
* [[Brian Eno]]<ref name="Eno">{{cite web |title=How Brian Eno Created "Discreet Music" {{!}} Reverb Machine |url=https://reverbmachine.com/blog/deconstructing-brian-enos-discreet-music/ |website=reverbmachine.com |access-date=9 October 2022 |date=3 September 2019}}</ref>
* [[Howie B]] on [[U2]]'s ''[[Pop (U2 album)|Pop]]''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/1997_articles/jul97/flood_u2.html|title=Flood & Howie B: Producing U2's Pop|work=Sound On Sound|date=July 1997|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150607055529/http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/1997_articles/jul97/flood_u2.html|archive-date=7 June 2015}}</ref>
* [[Jean-Michel Jarre]]<ref name="JMJ">{{cite web |title=Three Questions With Jean-Michel Jarre |url=https://www.synthhistory.com/post/three-questions-with-jean-michel-jarre |website=Synth History |access-date=12 August 2024 |language=en |date=20 October 2022 |quote=EMS VCS 3, my first synth ever, still working and present on each of my albums as a ritual.}}</ref>
* [[Merzbow]] on ''Door Open at 8 AM''<ref>{{cite AV media notes |title=Door Open at 8 AM |url=https://masamiakitamerzbow.bandcamp.com/album/door-open-at-8-am-remastered-bonus-tracks |website=Bandcamp |access-date=2 October 2024 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=EMS Synthesizers: Brits en eigenzinnig |url=https://www.interface.nl/nieuws/artikel/2-23490/ems-synthesizers |website=interface.nl |access-date=4 October 2024 |language=nl |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004220412/https://www.interface.nl/nieuws/artikel/2-23490/ems-synthesizers |archive-date=4 October 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Silent Modular Wars!! |url=https://merzbow.net/blog/ems-set-dommune/ |website=merzbow.net |access-date=4 October 2024 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004221518/https://merzbow.net/blog/ems-set-dommune/ |archive-date=4 October 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=A short conversation with the legendary noise artist, Merzbow |author=Miron Ghiu |date=26 February 2018 |website=blackrhinoradio.com |url=https://blackrhinoradio.com/interviews/a-short-conversation-with-the-legendary-noise-artist-merzbow |access-date=4 October 2024 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004221423/https://blackrhinoradio.com/interviews/a-short-conversation-with-the-legendary-noise-artist-merzbow |archive-date=4 October 2024}}</ref>
* [[Pete Townshend]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Three Questions With Pete Townshend |url=https://www.synthhistory.com/post/three-questions-with-pete-townshend |website=Synth History |access-date=12 August 2024 |language=en |date=27 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Marks |first1=Ben |title=Rise of the Synthesizer: How an Electronics Whiz Kid Gave the 1980s Its Signature Sound |url=https://www.collectorsweekly.com/articles/rise-of-the-synthesizer/ |publisher=[[Collectors Weekly]] |access-date=12 August 2024 |language=en |date=1 October 2015}}</ref>
* [[Pink Floyd]] on ''[[Obscured by Clouds]]'' (1972), ''[[The Dark Side of the Moon]]'' (1973), and ''[[Wish You Were Here (Pink Floyd album)|Wish You Were Here]]'' (1975)<ref name=PinkFloyd1973>{{cite AV media notes |title=The Dark Side Of The Moon |url={{Discogs master|10362|type=album|pure_url=yes}}|last=The|first=Pink Floyd|date=1973}}: {{smaller|1=“''DAVID GILMOUR Vocals, Guitars, VCS3 / NICK MASON Percussion, Tape Effects / RICHARD WRIGHT Keyboards, Vocals, VCS3 / ROGER WATERS Bass Guitar, Vocals, VCS3, Tape Effects''”}}.<!-- (''See'' [https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AZ7vN0cOmes/XHlEQz44h9I/AAAAAAAAlJY/B2doJGtno18TkDhBJZGj_7sqauEWcljSwCLcBGAs/s1600/Pink%2BFloyd_Dark%2BSide%2Bof%2Bthe%2BMoon_Styrous_7049.jpg image12] on {{cite web|date=2019-03-01|title=20,000 vinyl LPs 171: Pink Floyd ‎~ The Dark Side Of The Moon |url=https://styrous.blogspot.com/2019/03/20000-vinyl-lps-171-pink-floyd-dark.html|website=The Styrous® Viewfinder}}) --></ref>
* [[King Crimson]] on ''[[Lizard (album)|Lizard]]'' (1970) and [[Earthbound (King Crimson album)|''Earthbound'']] (1972)<ref>{{cite news |last1=Logan |first1=Nick |title=KING CRIMSON — biggest one man band in business |url=https://geirmykl.wordpress.com/2021/06/14/article-about-king-crimson-from-new-musical-express-june-6-1970/ |access-date=12 August 2024 |work=New Musical Express |date=6 June 1970}}</ref><ref>Sleeve notes for ''Earthbound''.</ref>
* [[Todd Rundgren]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Todd Rundgren |url=https://jazzrocksoul.com/artists/todd-rundgren/ |website=Jazz Rock Soul |date=30 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Zanca |first1=Nick |title=The Wizard Speaks: An Interview With Todd Rundgren |url=https://reverb.com/news/interview-todd-rundgren |publisher=[[Reverb.com]] |access-date=12 August 2024 |date=23 November 2022}}</ref>
* [[Tangerine Dream]]<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bzKUEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA131 | isbn=9781009041591 | title=The Cambridge Companion to Krautrock | date=27 October 2022 | publisher=Cambridge University Press }}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==Bibliography==
* {{cite web |last=Hinton |first=Graham |date=December 2002 |title=EMS: The Inside Story |publisher=Electronic Music Studios (Cornwall) |url=http://www.ems-synthi.demon.co.uk/emsstory.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130521015858/http://www.ems-synthi.demon.co.uk/emsstory.html |archive-date=2013-05-21 |url-status=dead |access-date=2011-09-30}}
* {{cite web
   | last      = Hinton | first=Graham 
   | date      = December 2002 
   | title     = A Guide to the EMS Product Range - 1969 to 1979 
   | url       = http://www.ems-synthi.demon.co.uk/emsprods.html 
   | publisher = Electronic Music Studios (Cornwall) 
   | url-status   = dead 
   | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131031040324/http://www.ems-synthi.demon.co.uk/emsprods.html 
   | archive-date=2013-10-31 
  }}
* {{cite journal
   | last      = Reid |first = Gordon
   | date      = November 2000
   | title     = All About EMS, Part 1
   | url       = http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/nov00/articles/retrozone.htm
   | journal   = [[Sound on Sound]]
   | url-status   = dead
   | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160303173436/http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/nov00/articles/retrozone.htm
   | archive-date=2016-03-03
  }}
* {{cite journal |ref={{sfnref|Reid Dec. 2000}}
   | last      = Reid |first = Gordon
   | date      = December 2000
   | title     = All About EMS, Part 2
   | url       = http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/dec00/articles/retrozone.asp
   | journal   = [[Sound on Sound]]
   | url-status   = dead
   | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110908053257/http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/dec00/articles/retrozone.asp
   | archive-date=2011-09-08
  }}

;Models
{{reflist|group="#"}}

==Further reading==
*{{cite magazine|title=Retro: VCS3|page=55|magazine=[[Future Music]]|issue=63|date=November 1997|publisher=Future Publishing|issn=0967-0378|oclc=1032779031}}

==External links==
===Official===
*http://emssynthesisers.co.uk/
* {{cite web|title=An advertisement for the company, "every nun needs a Synthi" |url=http://www.ems-synthi.demon.co.uk/snaps/everynun.jpg |publisher=Electronic Music Studios (London), Ltd |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120717010956/http://www.ems-synthi.demon.co.uk/snaps/everynun.jpg |archive-date=2012-07-17 }}
*{{cite web |title=EMS Home |url=http://www.emsrehberg.de/ |publisher=EMS Rehberg (Germany)}}

===Articles===
* {{cite web |title=EMS VCS3 in the 1970s, part 1 |url=https://musicaficionado.blog/2020/09/02/ems-vcs3-in-the-1970s-part-1/ |website=The Music Aficionado |access-date=13 August 2024 |date=2 September 2020}}
* {{cite web |title=EMS VCS3 in the 1970s, part 2 |url=https://musicaficionado.blog/2020/10/14/ems-vcs3-in-the-1970s-part-2/ |website=The Music Aficionado |access-date=13 August 2024 |date=14 October 2020}}

===Modification and resources===
* {{cite web |author=Graham Hinton |title=A Guide to EMS VCS3 & Synthi A/AKS Modifications & Servicing |url=http://www.hinton-instruments.co.uk/ems/emsmods.html |publisher=Hinton Instruments}}
* {{cite web |title=Information on the EMS synthi A, KS and VCS3 |url=http://www.burningimage.net/synthesisers/EMS/ }}

===Software emulation===
* {{cite web |title=XILS 3, 4 and Vocoder 5000 |url=https://www.xils-lab.com/products/synthesizers-c-60.html }} — A VST simulation of a VCS3/VCS4 with Synthi Sequencer, and Vocoder 5000 by XILS-lab
* {{cite web |title=Synthi Avs Plug-In |url=http://www.emsrehberg.de/SYNTHI__s/SYNTHI_Avs_plugin/synthi_avs_plugin.html |publisher=EMS Rehberg}} — A (commercial) VST simulation of a VCS3/Synthi A by EMS Rehberg
* {{cite web |title=Cynthia |url=https://freevstplugins.net/cynthia/ }} — A free VST based on the architecture of VCS3/Synthi A by Ninecows
<!-- Commented out (and replaced with line above) because link is currently a broken Wordpress site 10/02/2023.
* {{cite web |title=Cynthia |url=http://www.ninecows.dk/cynthia }} — A free VST based on the architecture of VCS3/Synthi A by Ninecows C
-->
* {{cite web |title=iVCS3 |url=http://www.alessandro-petrolati.it }} — Official EMS iOS emulator by apeSoft, with preface by Peter Zinovieff ({{smaller|1=[https://i1.wp.com/www.apesoft.it/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/zinovieff-preface.png screen shot]}})
<!-- should be capitalized, because "VCS 3" is acronym of "Voltage Controlled Studio with 3 oscillators") -->

===EMS Synthi A===
*{{cite web <!-- author = Graham Hinton -->
  | url       = http://www.ems-synthi.demon.co.uk/
  | title     = EMS' homepage (last updated August 1998)
  | location  = Cornwall | publisher = Electronic Music Studios
  | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131125155112/http://www.ems-synthi.demon.co.uk/
  | archive-date = 2013-11-25
 }}
*{{cite AV media
  | url       = http://www.ems-synthi.demon.co.uk/snaps/everynun.jpg
  | title     = <!-- An advertisement for the company, -->"Every Nun Needs a Synthi"
  | medium    = ad<!-- vertisement --> <!-- location  = London | publisher = Electronic Music Studios, Ltd. -->
  | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120717010956/http://www.ems-synthi.demon.co.uk/snaps/everynun.jpg
  | archive-date = 2012-07-17
 }}
*{{cite web <!-- author = Graham Hinton -->
  | date      = <!-- (last updated 2013-12-14) -->
  | title     = VCS3 & Synthi A Modifications
  | url       = http://www.hinton-instruments.co.uk/ems/emsmods.html
  | publisher = Hinton Instruments
 }} (last updated 2013-12-14)
*{{cite web <!-- author = Ludwig Rehberg -->
  | url       = http://www.emsrehberg.de/SYNTHI__s/SYNTHI_Avs_plugin/synthi_avs_plugin.html
  | title     = Synthi A-VS plugin
  | publisher = EMS Rehberg | location = Germany
 }} &mdash; A commercial [[Virtual Studio Technology|VST]] simulation of a Synthi A by German EMS
<!-- Commented out 10/02/23 as link goes to broken wordpress site. Alternative added below.
*[http://ninecows.dk/cynthia/ A freeware VST simulation of a Synthi A]
-->
*[https://freevstplugins.net/cynthia/ A freeware VST simulation of a Synthi A]
*[http://www.thesynthi.de/ The EMS SYNTHI BLOG]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ems VCS3}}
[[Category:EMS synthesizers]]
[[Category:Monophonic synthesizers]]
[[Category:Electronic musical instruments]]