EMS Synthi A

Back in 1971, this suitcase-sized wonder earned the nickname "Portabella" for packing the raw power of a full modular synth into a Spartanite attache case, making experimental electronic sounds portable for the first time.

At its heart are three voltage-controlled oscillators—oscillator one delivering sine and ramp waves, the second offering square, pulse, and triangle, and the third ideal for LFO duties—with a noise generator, ring modulator, and dual input amps for line or mic signals. Sound gets sculpted via a single 18dB/octave lowpass filter, trapezoid envelope generator with built-in VCA, and spring reverb, all routed through the signature 16x16 pin matrix patchbay that swaps cables for simple pin insertions. A joystick spits out X/Y control voltages for expressive sweeps, while the built-in scope visualizes signals and stereo outs plus headphone jack deliver up to 10V peak-to-peak. It's monophonic analog subtractive synthesis in a compact desktop format, complete with DC outputs and a facilities socket for external gear.

Over decades, players cherish its gritty, unpredictable character and matrix creativity, though some note pitch instability from aging components and fragile case hinges as common quirks on vintage units.