EMS Synthi 100 (1970s)

A large analog/digital hybrid modular synthesizer built in limited numbers, famously used at the BBC Radiophonic Workshop.

Overview

The EMS Synthi 100 is a modular analog synthesizer developed by Electronic Music Studios (London) Ltd in the 1970s. Known as a "large analogue/digital hybrid synthesizer," it was designed for complex sound creation and was used by pioneering institutions including the BBC Radiophonic Workshop, Radio Belgrade, and the University of Wales. The BBC unit was nicknamed "Delaware" after the road where the workshop was located. Fewer than forty units were built, with some sources specifying thirty-one produced, making it one of the rarest professional synthesizers of its era. It played a key role in creating sound effects and incidental music for programs like *Doctor Who* and was used by composers such as Karlheinz Stockhausen and Wolfgang Dauner.

Specifications

Manufacturer	Electronic Music Studios (London) Ltd
Product type	Modular analog synthesizer + step sequencer
Price	£6,500 in 1971
Number built	Fewer than forty units
Dimensions	Approximately 2 meters long, 1 meter wide
Manual frequency range	Greater than 1 Hz to 10 kHz
Triangle symmetry	±5

Design

The Synthi 100 features a pin matrix patching system with matrices located on the main desk, the right-hand one dedicated to control voltages. It includes digital-to-analogue converters (DAC) and is described as an analog/digital hybrid. A spring reverb is mentioned in association with derivative models, and the system supports data routing for components like Shaper 3 and Filter 7.

Context

Originally commissioned as a custom order for Radio Belgrade, the Synthi 100 was among the most ambitious synthesizer systems of its time. It was delivered to the BBC Radiophonic Workshop in 1970 and quickly became central to experimental sound production. Its use in creating iconic electronic music and sound effects cemented its status as a cult instrument, described as a "wonderful noise machine" and "great for millionaires" due to its size, cost, and rarity.

Market

One unit was listed for sale as "Used – Excellent" at $500,000, reflecting its extreme collectibility. Another forum discussion from 2015 noted a price around $106,480 as high, indicating significant appreciation. Its scarcity—fewer than forty built—and historical significance drive strong interest among collectors and institutions.

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