Free Ems Synthi Aks Samples And Virtual Emulations A Comprehensive Guide

The EMS Synthi AKS represents a significant piece of music technology history, first manufactured in 1972 by EMS in Putney, southwest London. This portable synthesizer, essentially a version of the company's famous VCS3 with an added KS keyboard (a thirty-note touchplate), quickly gained popularity among innovative musicians including Brian Eno and Pink Floyd. For contemporary producers and electronic musicians interested in accessing the distinctive sounds of this legendary instrument without the expense of vintage hardware, numerous free samples and software emulations are available. This guide explores the various options for obtaining and using EMS Synthi AKS sounds at no cost.

The EMS Synthi AKS: Historical Context and Sonic Characteristics

The EMS Synthi AKS emerged during the early 1970s when synthesizers were transitioning from studio-bound modular systems to more portable formats. According to historical documentation, the Synthi A served as the portable version of EMS's renowned VCS3 synthesizer, with the KS keyboard subsequently added to create the Synthi AKS. Originally priced at £420, this instrument was quickly adopted by experimental musicians and progressive rock artists.

The sonic palette of the EMS Synthi AKS is characterized by unique qualities that have made it enduringly popular. Descriptions of its sounds include "horror klangs and snappy zaps, snarling ring-mod leads and basses, and fat, rubbery mellow textures." The instrument's semi-modular design allowed for unconventional signal routing and patching capabilities, resulting in distinctive electronic textures that continue to influence contemporary electronic music production.

Free Sample Packs Featuring EMS Synthi-Inspired Sounds

Several free sample packs are available that capture the essence of the EMS Synthi AKS, either through direct sampling or through emulations created with virtual instruments.

Kent Loop Collection Vol 6 – EMS Synthi

Produced by Kent Sandvik, this free sample pack offers fifty loops inspired by the EMS Synthi. Created using the virtual modular XILS 3 synthesizer by XILS-lab, the collection includes "synthi-like sounds, sequencer patterns, odd bleeps, effects, as well as leads and bass lines." Most loops are presented in a clean format, allowing users to apply their own compression and effects processing. The pack comes with a specific usage note: "You are not allowed to make crappy music with these loops. Make hippie-electro music with these loops." This collection provides producers with ready-made musical phrases that capture the experimental yet melodic potential of the Synthi sound.

VCS3: Uncooperative Sequences Freebie

Samplephonics offers a selection of free synthesizer samples taken from their "VCS3: Uncooperative Sequences" collection. This freebie provides WAV samples from the full library and is described as being "100% royalty free." The samples are available to all members of the Samplephonics community, though access has been redirected to Noiiz, where the free download can still be obtained. This collection focuses specifically on sequenced patterns and loops derived from the VCS3, which shares the same core architecture as the Synthi AKS.

1970s Synth Sample Collection

A collection of free samples from MusicRadar looks back at the 1970s era when synthesizers came of age. This pack includes emulations of classic '70s instruments, with specific attention to the EMS Synthi among others like the ARP 2600, Yamaha CS-80, Mellotron, and ARP Solina. The samples were processed through "luxurious outboard gear" after being generated by soft synths from Arturia's V Collection, giving them an authentic vintage character.

These samples are provided as 24-bit WAV files suitable for direct import into any digital audio workstation (DAW) or sampler. They are royalty-free, meaning users can incorporate them into their music productions without additional licensing fees, though redistribution of the samples themselves is not permitted. The collection is supplied in a zip file format that requires extraction before use.

Free VST Emulations of the EMS Synthi/VCS3

For producers seeking to create their own EMS Synthi-inspired sounds, several free software emulations are available that replicate the functionality and sonic characteristics of the original hardware.

Cynthia VST by NineCows

Cynthia is a free EMS VCS3 VST emulation developed for Windows (32-bit) hosts using Synthedit. The documentation specifically notes that users should not forget to read the manual, which is described as "clear and instructive." The VST comes with two DLL files and can function not only as a synthesizer but also as an effect processor for audio input. This dual capability makes it a versatile tool for sound design.

KX-Synth-X16 VST by KX77Free

Another Synthedit-based creation, the KX-Synth-X16 VST is noted for being "the best sounding VSTi in this list" and "the more powerful too." This emulation goes beyond the original VCS3 model by being polyphonic rather than monophonic. It replaces the original "springverb" with a delay effect, offering a slightly different take on the classic Synthi reverb sound.

Synthia 2 by EFM

This free VST emulation offers a different approach to recreating the EMS Synthi sound. While the documentation includes a warning that "it can blow your speakers" and notes that "I don't really like its sound," it is presented as an option for those who want to experiment with alternative interpretations of the Synthi character.

Other Free Emulations

Additional free emulations include SynthiAKS by Richard Brooks and VCS5, also by Richard Brooks. These are described as "incredibly old" and "antiquity" respectively, suggesting they may represent earlier attempts at software emulation of the EMS Synthi. While potentially less refined than more recent options, they still offer access to the fundamental sound design possibilities of the original instrument.

Practical Applications and Creative Possibilities

The EMS Synthi AKS has been used across diverse musical genres and applications. Historical recordings demonstrate its versatility in experimental electronic music, psychedelic rock, and avant-garde compositions. The provided examples showcase tracks created using various EMS Synthi models, including the Synthi A and Synthi AKS, often with minimal additional processing.

One notable recording example features the Synthi A being used with the KS sequencer and a simple Boss stompbox reverb and EMS filterbank. The documentation specifically states that "none of the sounds were overdubbed, so they show quite nicely how complex and musical a Synthi can get." This speaks to the instrument's capacity for rich, evolving textures even when used in relatively simple configurations.

For contemporary producers, the free samples and emulations offer multiple approaches to incorporating the EMS Synthi sound into their work. Sample packs provide ready-to-use musical phrases and textures, while the VST emulations offer deeper creative control through hands-on sound design. The combination of these resources enables producers at any level to access the distinctive sonic qualities that have made the EMS Synthi AKS an enduring tool for innovative electronic music production.

Accessing and Using Free EMS Synthi Resources

Obtaining free EMS Synthi samples and emulations follows straightforward processes, though specific requirements may vary between different resources.

For sample packs like the Kent Loop Collection and the 1970s Synth Sample Collection, users typically need to download a compressed file (usually in zip format) and extract the WAV files for use in their DAW or sampler. These samples are typically royalty-free for use in original music productions, though redistribution of the raw samples is generally prohibited.

Free VST emulations require installation as plug-ins within compatible DAW software. Most of the available emulations are Windows-compatible, with some being limited to 32-bit environments. Users should consult the specific documentation for each plugin regarding system requirements and installation procedures.

The VCS3: Uncooperative Sequences Freebie is currently available through Noiiz, requiring users to create an account to access the download. Once downloaded, the WAV samples can be imported into any music production software.

Conclusion

The EMS Synthi AKS remains an influential instrument in electronic music history, and its distinctive sounds continue to inspire contemporary producers. Through a combination of free sample packs and software emulations, musicians can access these iconic sounds without the expense of vintage hardware. The Kent Loop Collection, VCS3 Uncooperative Sequences, and 1970s Synth Sample Collection offer ready-to-use loops and textures, while free VST emulations like Cynthia and KX-Synth-X16 provide deeper creative control through hands-on synthesis. These resources, combined with knowledge of the instrument's historical context and sonic characteristics, enable producers to incorporate the unique voice of the EMS Synthi into their own musical works.

Sources

1. Kent Loop Collection Vol 6 – EMS Synthi by Kent Sandvik
2. MusicRadar Free 70s Synth Samples
3. Free EMS VCS3 Synthi AKS VST Emulations by Wavosaur
4. EMS Synthi AKS by Ableton
5. VCS3: Uncooperative Sequences Freebie by Samplephonics
6. EMS Synthi A Demos by Soundgas
7. EMS Synthi Recordings at Archive.org