ELKA SYNTHEX - Rosen Sound Demo

There are a few ELKA SYNTHEX demos on KZbin, but none featuring the venerable Benny Bock, and we’re happy to change that!
The ELKA SYNTHEX, or the Italian Stallion as I call it, was Italy’s first and only major polyphonic programmable synthesizer from the early 1980’s. Created by Mario Maggi under the ELKA brand, the SYNTHEX combined various technologies that resulted in a truly unique poly synth that can’t quite be compared to.
The SYNTHEX is an eight voice bi/dual timbral synthesizer that uses two digital oscillators to generate its pallet of waveforms before hitting a CEM based multimode filter and inevitably its famous analog BBD chorus. The chorus offers 3 settings: subtle chorusing, Juno type chorus, and full monty ARP Solina style chorus.
Besides it’s awesome sound sculpting capabilities, the SYNTHEX also offers a sequencer, ROM presets alongside user patch storage, split/layer modes with solo functions, a joystick with capable routings, a stereo mode, and MIDI through it’s computer interface!
This SYNTHEX, along with countless other synthesizers of all types, is available for rent locally in the Los Angeles area through our rental business.
Note: The SYNTHEX features a unique stereo mode. Unlike other stereo synthesizers which pan voices logically or in a ping pong (LRLRLRLR) fashion, the SYNTHEX pans them in groups of 4… so LLLL RRRR Therefor, there may be moments that the audio is only in one stereo channel. This may be disorienting for some, and we recommend watching this video in mono if that’s the case.
Cameras by Henry Glover & Rob Rosen
Editing by Rob Rosen
Music by Benny Bock
With help from:
Stereo set of Roland RE-301 chorus echos (chorus disengaged, echo on subtlety)
Eli Epstein - Emotional support

[@culttelevision]

The BBC Radiophonic Workshop used this a lot in the early 80s synth scores for Doctor Who

[@neonether]

I've heard all the VSTs, nothing to write home about in my opinion. Even bought a black corporation xerxes and it sounded fantastic in and of itself. But nothing can raise the hair on your neck like the real thing...my god what a gem!!

[@NathanChisholm041]

Elka-x from Cherry Audio is amazing sounding!!

[@nutsosix7930]

Hey there. i like to use Valhalla supermassive, Plugin Aliance BlackBox HG2, and SSL 9000k Nebula 4. That'll get your vst plugin synthesized loudness.

[@NathanChisholm041]

@neolepic Wrong its spot on! I watched a side by side comparison using a oscilloscope and its dead on. Cherry Audio even owns one.

[@NathanChisholm041]

@neolepic I'd love to own one but its only a dream! lol

[@neonether]

@neolepic Well said, "basic character". Digital will be close, but ultimately limited, until quantum computing becomes a thing.

[@Robmusician]

Regardless of what Elka sounds like you have to admit that it is the guy who does great work here

[@Marcosblas]

Finally a demonstration of a synthesizer in the hands of a good keyboard player! Congratulations dude!

[@studiodw12]

I just bought a GEM S2 TURBO I love the sound of Italian synths It reminds me of several movie soundtracks from the 80s Still different from Japanese synths They could complement each other

[@StellarWorks2023]

Nothing like a quality instrument in the hands of a skilled player. Excellent stuff.

[@resynthesizer4565]

Requiem for a time gone by. The innovation and passion required to build and bring something like this to market.....

[@kevingort4926]

Behringer has begun the clone of this.

[@thejollyjoker187]

@@kevingort4926 Please, do not swear inside a church..

[@jawoody9745]

This is a beautiful synthesizer, made in an era that didn't last.

[@joshuaswannmusic6462]

It’s the synth of your dreams. The one we all pictured in our minds of what a synthesizer looks and sounds like.

[@Vegan_Kebab_In_My_Hand]

Cherry Audio released an emulation, super affordable. You probably know, but just in case...

[@WrvrUgoThrUR]

It's central casting for "synthesizer"

[@sdarcher3964]

I had one. Sold it for 5k back in 2010. Wish i had kept it. That thing is a beast.

[@safaristep3456]

Who is this genius playing the Elka ? This is the reason i love vintage synths ! Thats so rare to find good demos of pleople who know how to really play great melodies and chords ! I was loving hope when digging into youtube videos full of amazing synths with crappy players .. Want more now, with all the synths of the Cabin maybe ? :))

[@RosenSound]

Thanks for the kind words! The player in this video is our very own Benny Bock, who works in the Cabin running sessions. He's incredibly talented and we're thrilled to have him here.

[@richandglorious]

@@RosenSound he rules!

[@RayyMusik]

Mario Maggi is a very underrated genius. BTW, in 2015 he collaborated with a Finnish company for crowdfunding a (hardware!) Synthex 2. Sadly, the project failed.

[@pogsquatch]

I was hoping that Jarre, who used this synth for his famous "lazer harp," would step in and float them the $$ they needed to finish their project but alas .....

[@koosfockens1707]

@@pogsquatch yes that would have been nice. We'll just have to wait for Behringer, they seem to be on a roll re-releasing all sorts of vintage synths, maybe the this beauty will catch their eye too...

[@MichaelCoombes776]

@@koosfockens1707 Black Corporation does a Synthex clone but it ain't cheap

[@AlexBallMusic]

What a sound! Quite like the stereo thing even if the distribution is peculiar at times. Out of interest, could one do a digital mod to distribute LRLR etc?

[@RosenSound]

Hey Alex! Yes, peculiar at time’s indeed. I’m sure a mod could be made that routes the voices to a separate set of stereo outs that ping pongs. Hmmm there’s a million penny idea!

[@maxg.-musician02]

I loved Neil Carter's use of the Synthex, when he was in Gary Moore's band in the '80s. Those lucious, warm pads he created, as well as his use of chords with them, are probably the best things I've ever heard!

[@kevgamble]

Is there a song or album you would recommend as a good example to hear what you describe?

[@maxg.-musician02]

@@kevgamble Sure! Listen to Gary Moore Live in Stockholm - 1987, practically 'So Far Away' and 'The Loner' and also 'Johnny Boy' from the 1989 After The War tour!

[@kevgamble]

@@maxg.-musician02 Thanks much! I can't wait to check them out!

[@ToreHansen]

And next week Cherry Audio releases a VST jippi!

[@an1xpyramid639]

What do you think about it?

[@ToreHansen]

@@an1xpyramid639 great, since dont have the hardware Nothing to compare with

[@chintimin]

​@@an1xpyramid639have you seen the arturia one

[@darwiniandude]

This is wonderful. I love my 90's Italian 'rompler' workstations (GEM) adn they have some synthex sounds... but this is beautiful and just fantastic music made with it too!!

[@Vegan_Kebab_In_My_Hand]

Wow, Benny Bock, I'll have to remember that name after seeing this demo. Splendid!

[@LeoMrz]

This machine sounds amazingly beautiful. How does the high and low ranges in separate channels work?

[@Meteotrance]

Why people keep praised the analog lord, this synth and demo you play so well is the answer , all that glide and lush sound are almost impossible or hard to replicate on digital synth.

[@sassaraowalter5241]

I didn't know this keyboard, but I really liked it. beautiful sounds. Grat video . Congratulations.

[@Phantasma999]

Incredible sound

[@timdanyo898]

Cherry Audio just made a VST version. It looks and sounds quite dope.

[@gravyguns]

VST = a toy compared to the real thing. You're a child playing with toys while us grown ups are masters of professional gear. It's time for you to grow up!

[@glyndwr15]

Xils also made one, which I love and use all the time.

[@MPHORROCKS]

Fabulous demo and NOWa fabulous software version from Cherry Audio!!!

[@MarcasLancaster]

What a wonderful Instrument. I can see why Black Corporation went there. Thank you for this.

[@tobiasgreeeen]

There's always a reason black corp goes for the synths they do... I mean have you heard the Polykobol? Man... that polykobol.

[@wiseradical3386]

Damn if the Jupiter 8 is ''The King'' than this one's ''The Master of the Universe''. It actually sh*ts all over the JP8 💩

[@ironinquisitor3656]

The Elka's awesome chorus certainly helps.

[@r3furbish3dbrain12]

Finally someone said it 😂👍👍

[@RayyMusik]

Fantastic playing!

[@pinocarella_00]

il più bel polysynth italiano, il nostro orgoglio.

[@kgbinfo]

dang, I wish I could play like that! synth sounds pretty dang good too.

[@kevingort4926]

Finally....a synth player!!

[@infn8loopmusic]

This gave me chills instantly!

[@sawssman965]

What is it about these big boards from this time period? They be hitting so sweet!

[@erwan-coic-film-music-composer]

Super synth and artist !

[@jmcbeady8210]

Sounds wonderful!

[@dezwrightmusic]

isn’t it DCOs not digital oscillators?

[@gravyguns]

Yes, DCOs.

[@dilloinitaliano]

Actually is a mix of DCO and DO

[@joesweeney6262]

A fantastic demo. I particularly like the split keyboard demo at 12min. Over this weekend, I spent far too many hours playing with the Cherry Audio VST version and have been blown away with this lively beast. I have no reference for how authentic the CA sound is to the hardware, but given their previous soft synths, it probably good enough for mpst of us poor mortals. The patching is just magical. Thank for sharing. I love seeing old synths players well.

[@Nenko_Music]

@@joesweeney6262 You don't know his age tgough . ;D

[@neonether]

@@joesweeney6262 Very far off, but still a cool vst.

[@michaelpierce3264]

hi gentlemen could you please make a video going over the oscillator on the synthex and tell us how it works and is it really digital or analog or both

[@smacloopy4029]

Nice demo but they missed showing the great little 4 track sequencer. It can sequence two different Synthex sounds and also sends out midi.

[@jonnyhead]

Credits- Emotional support 😄 I think I need emotional support after watching this ♥️ and then seeing the price 🤑😭

[@faober3594]

stack the same patch on top of eachother and they naturally detune a bit. Now You have a 4 voice 4 Osc synth with all the parameters adjustable per layer. it’s fun, but I still prefer a Prophet 5 or a Jupiter 6.

[@TonySway]

Beautiful Rhodes type Vibes, love it!!

[@dannyghostt]

3:30 sounds familiar, is that from a song?

[@soundmechanicssd]

Sounds very nice!

[@TwinCitiesOxygen]

Nice chops

[@mariusmitrea5462]

AWESOME ITEM...FAT SOUNDS ✨✨✨🤗🤗🤗💖💖💖💖🎼🎵🎹🎶🎹🎶🎹😎😎😎😎😎😎😎👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@franckmuller.astruc8981]

Italy : Elka 'Synthex' France : RCF 'Kobol' USA : Séquential Circuits 'Prophet' Japan : Roland 'Jupiter 8' What's About UK ??? (Dépêche Mode - OMD country !)

[@patjlinnane]

Novation - UK

[@kgbinfo]

@@patjlinnaneand Oxford Oscar, and EDP Wasp, and EMS VCS3!

[@jodd5534]

You can really hear the emotional support from Eli Epstein shining through in the mix.

[@dezwrightmusic]

also patch at 10:30 is sooooooo nice

[@bcbudrecords]

Cheers !

[@georgegeez8708]

This synth sounds so gorgeous. Can't wait for Behringer's future version of this.

[@TwoThreadsAhead]

They couldn't even get the Polyphony right on their Model D, Don't get your hopes up too much lol

[@Goettel]

@@TwoThreadsAhead you probably mean the Poly D, and what's wrong with it?

[@gabepollack8382]

@@Goettel it's paraphonic, not true polyphonic.

[@kevingort4926]

​@@TwoThreadsAhead......yet as a minimoog owner......they nailed the sound with excellent upgrades. ......and it is paraphonic.

[@TwoThreadsAhead]

Is it possible to edit the panning of the voices ?

[@Goettel]

No.

[@tobiasgreeeen]

That first choppy patch with the portamento is actually godly. Goosebumps.

[@gilwe]

MASSIVE!

[@thehimer3903]

the sound characteristics are a bit similar to the Crumar Bit. Also it is not very complex in it´s architecture. but the Bit is even less.

[@PC0067]

Superbe !

[@rasterraster1728]

Kind of reminds me of my kawai's but it has knobs for each parameter.

[@infn8loopmusic]

@4:40 sounds like a real Celeste! That's crazy

[@amonster8mymother]

❤

[@giannagiavelli5098]

Is it expensive?

[@npcstewart1441]

I think a standard non-MIDI version is about 12K!

[@ematech]

Extra terrestral Synth the italian answer to Jupiter-8

[@hunterbryant835]

🔥🔥🔥

[@danielraju4458]

The guy demoing this synth hasn't grown out of the 80's, he stills wears a Casio digital watch from the era.

[@domenicodipippo1957]

I have one as well, they’re still being made. They’re cheap and reliable and since 80s nostalgia is still in full swing they look nice and unlike something like an Apple Watch it doesn’t need to charge and since they’re so cheap you don’t have to worry too much about the screen scratching.

[@danielraju4458]

@@domenicodipippo1957 I'm an 80`s guy too and wear a watch from that era. I noticed the coincidence of demoing a synth and wearing paraphernalia from that era. Is it intentional or purely coincidental, that'd be interesting to know!

[@DanielDapin]

Geiles maschin!

[@an1xpyramid639]

5:19 this part is better than orgasm

[@АлексейВискалов-и6х]

and here it is 2024 / listened to this analog synthesizer / and you understand that something is happening in the VST-digital world - crap and degradation / and where is the exit???? to the analog console + tape + analog synths - now impossible / a nightmare end of music in the world of Daw and VST

[@photocallmusic4221]

🔊🇫🇷✨