ELECTROCOMP SEQUENCER EML400 / EML401 FOR SALE 
 Rare Vintage Analog Sequencer / Synthesizer

 

 

GENERAL INFO: 

This EML-400 / EML-401 is our favorite analog sequencer.  Not only is it an analog sequencer with tons of extremely useful features - it's also a flexible 2 oscillator analog synthesizer based on the popular EML-500!  Consider this the synth workstation of the 70s!   :) Use this as a stand alone synth-sequencer or use it with other CV gate synths like ARP Moog Sequential Circuits and others.  The quantized out may not play proper quantized pitches on your synth from another manufacturer since EML was "nonstandard" but the voltages should still be very useful in any modular synth studio. The beauty of an analog sequencer is that its got knobs you can adjust for the different pitches of your sequence. Each of these knobs puts out a different voltage, which is then routed to your oscillator/s to determine pitch.  Similarly, on some analogue sequencer like this one, you can take these voltages and patch them into certain jacks on other synths which allow for voltage control.  Common inputs allowing control are filter pedal and volume pedal ins, though most analog modular synths have lots of inputs like these for controlling a number of parameters.  Use it to make complex modular analog synth sequences, arpeggios, rhythmic loops, etc. This Electro-comp sequencer is way better than the ARP sequencer.  It has a whopping SIX rows of 16 faders, each of which can be used to control parameters on the internal synth or any compatible external synthesizer.  

If you look at the photos, you will notice that the left side (or sequencer control section) has two columns of 3 rows of 16 faders. These two columns can provide two different sequences (up to 16 steps each) running in parallel with one another or running in series as one a massive 32 step sequence.  Each side can be set to a different number of steps and can run simultaneously.  The top row of faders can be used to control the clock tempo or length of the envelope settings.  The middle row can output a quantized voltage so there is no need to stand there all day to fine tune each step to play exactly the pitch you want -  the quantizer takes care of that and only plays the notes, not the in betweens!  The bottom row has a feature called gated pulse.  Whenever a fader in this row is above 20% of its range, a gated pulse is sent out the jack below.  This can be used to fire off envelope generators, etc.  Pretty cool, huh?  All 3 rows mentioned can alternatively each put out a non-quantized voltage used for controlling any voltage controlled parameter, internal or external to this system.

Compare this to the Arp sequencer which has only 16 faders total.  Makes the ARP look kind of wimpy, doesnt it?! The EML400 / EML401 clock can be driven by an external trigger such as those provided by the Roland TR-808 and TR-909 drum machines or similar..  This will allow you to synchronize the sequencer with a number of other devices, including some equipped with MIDI.  We havent tried audio signals though the right short triggered sample might do the trick.   

The synthesizer section has 2 oscillators, a cool multimode filter (lowpass, bandpass and highpass), an envelope generator and a very effective ring modulator / amplitude modulator.  You can patch an external signal into the filter along with the oscillators (and mute the osc's too if you wish), and can modulate the filter cutoff and pitch with external voltages.  

Last but definitely not least, the quantizer voltage is applied to a vertical row of red and green LEDs on the left side of the right 1/2 of this unit.  As the sequence advances its step while it plays a pattern, the lights jump to the pitch being played.  This allows you to visualize your melodies.  Kind of like the Triadex Muse does, but this is way more controllable than a Muse (if you want a Muse though, let us know as we may be able to help).  In our opinion, there is no piece of sexier vintage synth gear than this.  Turn the lights out in your studio and you'll probably agree! 


CONDITION:

 Our items are as described, which means no typical surprise post-sale repair bills or serious flaws typical of most vintage gear deals! 

This EML-400 is in very nice shape for a used item of its type and age.  This is a very complicated machine, with 96 faders in the sequencer section alone.  It was tested for many hours and appears to be working exactly as it should.  Due to the huge number of faders, we didn't go through everything in the extremely critical fashion we almost always do, but we did give it a very through testing / exercise.  Some of the faders are a little crackly after years of use, but this is minor and is typical for this model.    The V ext jack under vco2 has no effect for good reason - it was never wired up at the factory.  

This unit's in very nice physical condition for an item of its type and age.  There are a couple shiny spots on the front panel, one where a sticker was removed and the others where there used to be writing in pencil - these probably can't be seen in the photos.  There are a few other very minor imperfections not worth mentioning in detail.

This sale includes the multipin connector cable that joins the synth and sequencer control sections. Without this you won't be able to use the sequencer so don't lose it!  This is a rare opportunity to buy one of these, so don't miss it!

Don’t let our overly critical descriptions discourage you, check out the detailed photos above!

TERMS OF SALE
PRICE
CONTACT US email minime123@onebox.com

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