Elka EK-22 (1986)

The Elka EK-22 is a 6-voice analog subtractive synthesizer released in 1986. It was one of the last instruments to come out of the Italian Elka factory before the company wound down its synthesizer line. People sometimes call it "the Italian Matrix 6" - and that's not far off. The whole instrument is built around six Curtis CEM3396 voice chips, the same family used in the Oberheim Matrix 6. The oscillators are digitally controlled (DCOs) rather than free-running. That was typical of flexible mid-80s synths, and it gives the EK-22 solid tuning stability along with programmability.

The EK-22 shipped with 64 preset patches and space for 32 user programs. It's a 2-part multi-timbral instrument with a split mode. The chorus effect works in stereo when both the Left and Right outputs are used, and the manual notes that in Split mode you need both outputs to get the full stereo chorus. There's also a vibrato lever and pitch bend wheel, plus a pedal input. The front panel has a performance section with split, poly, and mono selectors. MIDI is present but basic. The manual just mentions "MIDI On/off" and gives no detailed implementation specs.

The manual is rough. It reads like it was translated in a hurry, with typos like "connect the EK 22 only to a single amplifior (Mono) or mixer." The intent is clear enough, though. The EK-22 was designed, in the manufacturer's words, "to produce sounds of the highest quality and to guarantee a very high standard of reliability."

Sound On Sound (November 1986) reported that Elka price-tagged the EK22 at £899.95, which is "quite steep (in view of the competition) despite its expressive keyboard." A keyboardless expander version, the EM-22, was also available for £699.95. The EK-22's cousin, the EK-44, was a digital and expanded version of the same design.

Known specs:

- 6-voice polyphonic, 12 DCOs, analog subtractive

- 64 preset / 32 user patch memory

- 2-part multi-timbral with split mode

- Six Curtis CEM3396 voice chips

- MIDI On/off

- Left and Right outputs (stereo chorus via both)

- Chorus effect, vibrato lever, pitch bend wheel, pedal input

No weight, dimensions, production numbers, or detailed filter/envelope specs are documented. The EK-22 has a reputation as cheap and obscure, a late and somewhat overlooked entry from a company better remembered for the mighty Synthex. Parts and service information are thin. Syntaur carries some repair parts, and a custom replacement part exists for the EK-22/EM-22/EK-44/ER-44 family.

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