EML SynKey vintage ad
The SynKey is a pretty classic polyphonic synthesizer with some pretty amazing technology for 1976. It’s got a huge sound because it has 13 oscillators! The oscillator are set up like this: one oscillator for the primary tone and 12 more for higher semi-tones, each of which you can turn on or off with dedicated buttons.
There is a knob to change the general wave shape: from pulse as well as triangle to square – in a stepless way, which all adds up to one fat sounding synth. The EMS SynKey also has ‘Second touch’, which is sort of like aftertouch, and gives you filter sweeps, vibrato and pitch bends by pressing harder on the key.
One of the most remarkable things about this synth is its truly unique method of programming – you store sounds on punch cards. The idea here is that you don’t have to futz around on stage trying to find your sounds. Each card stores one patch along with all it’s associated parameters.
New SynKeys included 25 blank cards and 25 pre-punched cards.
SynKey: A true performance instrument. Synthesizers in performance used to be limited to one, maybe two arrangements. On stage, in a noisy auditorium it was difficult to get the instrument just right. SynKey changes all that. Insert the program card you want, and change from one arrangement to another instantly.
The ad above (click for a much large version) of the Kaman Corporation EML SynKey was taken from page 9 of Contemporary Keyboard magazine from their May/June 1976 issue.
Here’s a video of the EML SynKey in action:
Finding a SynKey is a tough affair these days as they are relatively rare, but you might have some luck checking with our auction finder.
