Synthx V
Multitimbral Analog Synthesizer
Synthx V captures the multitimbral magnificence and dual-layer architecture of the fabled Elka Synthex in unprecedented detail. Elevated with advanced drag-and-drop modulation, effects and expressive keyboard controls - discover the ultimate tool for rich, symphonic analog sounds.
Analog elegance
modern innovation
A best-in-class recreation, expanded like never before.
Synthx V incarnates the intuitive design and panoramic sound of the rarefied Italian icon, from its versatile and clean digitally-controlled oscillators to its famed multimode filter.
It goes above and beyond the original hardware with faithful enhancements and easy-to-program modulation that puts Synthx V’s sound design capabilities on par with the most powerful polysynths around today.
Best-in class recreation
Building on decades of DSP expertise and state-of-the-art emulation techniques, Synthx V recreates the Elka Synthex with unrivalled accuracy - mirroring its beautifully rich and wide sound and faithfully recreating its design.
The ultimate tool for symphonic analog sounds
With Synthx V’s oscillators, dual-layer architecture and Multi-Arp, you can orchestrate evolving and layered sounds with ease - the perfect instrument for panoramic analog punch and innovative modern sound design.
Elevated with advanced modulation & FX
With a powerful Multi-Arp, drag-and-drop modulation, 4-slot effects suite and expressive keyboard controls, you can take the sound of Synthx V into unforeseen realms of sonic possibility.
240 world class presets
Dive into a vast library of presets that cover both classic analog sounds inspired by the original factory bank and evocative modern sounds utilising Synthx V’s newfound expressivity.
Classic analog sounds
From Jean-Michel Jarre to Duran Duran, discover the synthpop prowess of this pioneering 80’s legend. Synthx V perfectly recreates the crystal-clear DCO-sound of the original hardware so you can recreate music history.
An Evening of 1981
Ale Mastroianni
Aegean Dreams
Heather Fenoughty
Classic analog sounds
From Jean-Michel Jarre to Duran Duran, discover the synthpop prowess of this pioneering 80’s legend. Synthx V perfectly recreates the crystal-clear DCO-sound of the original hardware so you can recreate music history.
An Evening of 1981
Ale Mastroianni
Aegean Dreams
Heather Fenoughty
Intuitive design
refined
The original hardware was known for its powerful yet simple controls, an easy-to-learn interface that Synthx V enhances in every way that makes sense.
We also took the opportunity to unlock some component-level features and add a few of our own that give you even more ways to create phenomenal, expressive sounds without the added complexity.
DCO perfection
Two digitally controlled oscillators provide the sonic spark for Synthx V, renowned for providing stability and precision while maintaining a lush, warm and characterful analog sound.
Multitimbral magnificence
When combined as layer A & B, Synthx V’s bi-timbral architecture offers an expansive sound design playground that is greater than the sum of its parts and perfect for complex, evolving sounds.
Panoramic voicing
With voice layering, independent panning, stereo voice spread, dual analog chorus and a new dedicated unison, explore Synthx V’s powerfully wide soundstage.
Multimode filter
Famous for being one of the first powersynths to include high-pass filtering, we recreated this legendary filter - as well as including a new low-pass mode that lay dormant in the original circuitry.
Choose an age
Introduce some circuit decay and detuning with the Vintage Knob, a continuous control that allows you to fine-tune the synth's calibration from crystal-clear to worn-and-torn.
Advanced sonic treatment
Dare to explore territory no Synthex has ever been with a one-of-a-kind Multi-Arp, 4 slot Effects rack, drag-and-drop modulation and expressive keyboard customisation like MPE and Polyphonic Aftertouch.
The advanced
panel
Push the panoramic analog charm of this Italian legend into entirely new sonic territory with Synthx V’s limitlessly creative advanced panel.
Turn on sophisticated fractal melodies at the touch of a button, modulate any parameter with inventive non-linearity, stack up to 4 effects or map custom aftertouch controls and create complex evolving patches with ease that redefine what this synth is capable of.
An innovative take on the hardware’s original 4-track sequencer, the Multi-Arp combines an intuitive geometric design with 4 stacked arpeggiation layers that let you create sophisticated fractal melodies and intricate polyrhythmic sounds in just a few clicks.
Create counterpoints and polymeters, transpose melodies and assign them to different layers, and listen to the incredibly hypnotic results that flow from your fingertips.
A closer
look
Zoom-in on the the intelligible yet powerful workflow of Synthx V, from familiar controls to retrofitted modern features.
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Preset
Library
Dive into a vast library of 240 presets that cover both faithful analog sounds inspired directly by the original factory bank and evocative modern sounds utilising Synthx V’s newfound expressivity.
PADS
Pulse Width_Pad
A classic and thick pulse width modulated semi-slow synth pad. Mod wheel adds vibrato.
Analogue Sea
A big, mellow pad, with a velocity-controlled attack for added control, and lot of expressivity with Aftertouch.
LEADS
Nova
Deep sound with a warm, vintage character. Mod wheel adds vibrato, filter and amp modulation.
Paths of_Time
Very expressive, classic, lead sound. Mod wheel adds vibrato, filter and amp modulation.
SEQUENCES
Midnight Bell Arp
Lily Jordy
A deep enchanting arp with noise and pitch transients for presence. Mod wheel adds synced stutter.
Dreamstate
A mix of a slow pad and gentle pluck arpeggio, with a little noise sweep coming in and out. It responds nicely to velocity and aftertouch.
BASSES
Bouncer Bass
A pretty big analog mono / unison synth bass that works well with fast playing or patterns. Brightness controls the filter.
Annihilation Bass
Inspired by the massive, ominous sound in Moderat's "The Mark," played at the end of the film "Annihilation." This heavily detuned Unison preset can be played as a lead or a sub. Mod wheel adds more distortion and some tape echo.
KEYS
Welcome Home
Analog-style keys with warm, slightly detuned oscillators creating a classic retro vibe. Mod wheel adds vibrato and amp modulation.
Mono Consoles
A overdriven patch, inspired by Rival Consoles. Use the aftertouch for vibrato, and mod wheel for a dotted eight pulse.
STRINGS
Careless Memories
Dreamy, atmospheric pad that creates an immersive sonic experience. Mod wheel adds vibrato and filter modulation.
Emithx
String ensemble patch using extensively BBD chorus. Mod wheel adds tremolo.
BRASS & WINDS
StabBrass
Classic SynthBrass patch, with wide stereo thanks to stereo-link. Mod wheel adds tremolo.
Imperfect Pad
This daunting cinematic pad is loaded with character due to its fully dispersed parameters. Mod wheel adds organic random fluctuations on the pitch, filter and amplitude.
SFX
Mobius
Complex restful layered arpeggio with arp speed modulated by the Sequencer. Hold a chord and enjoy. Time adds a nice warm tape delay.
Bows of_Reminiscence
Like a memory and the emotion that it brings back, this patch is a discrete and gentle bell is followed by a powerful synth in unison. Aftertouch adds more pitch shift in the delay, and mod wheel is a moving vibrato.
Dual-layer
architecture
The multi-timbral design of the original Synthex truly set it apart, particularly for creating deep and wide sounds.
When combined, the clean and precise sound of Synthx V’s DCOs become a totally new beast. Pair an arpeggiated melodic rhythm with a massive synth pad. Add some sawtooth energy and white noise to a glistening bell tone. Or push the stereo image to the limit with hard-panning.
To create a split keyboard or experiment with additional layering, you can make use of the powerful multi-instrument settings in Analog Lab.
Solo Mode
You control, play and hear the selected layer only.
Stereo Link Mode
You control and play the selected layer, however the voicing is cloned and hard-panned left/right for a wide stereo image.
Duo Mode
You control the selected layer, but you play and hear both layers.
Masterpiece
from a mastermind
from a mastermind Standing out among its peers in the early 80’s, the Elka Synthex has reached legendary status since its release. An underdog polysynth conceived remarkably by a single mind.
In the wake of the Sequential Prophet 5 and other era-defining polysynths, eclectic Italian engineer and inventor Mario Maggi set out to make his own mark on music history. With a grand vision for what a synthesizer could be alongside the rising availability of boutique synth-on-a-chip components - Mario turned 12 years of research, countless sleepless nights and a uniquely artisanal approach to synthesizer design into what we know today as: the Elka Synthex.
Ushered into existence with the help of Italian Organ manufacturer Elka-Orla, the Synthex arrived on the world stage in 1981. It was a radical departure for the company but one they were willing to take, able to offer exceptional 8-voice polyphony and integrated sequencing at a price well below other synths of its size.
The result? One of the greatest sounding polysynths of all time, renowned for its clear and powerful, straight-DCO sound and unbeatably wide panoramic image. The Synthex also included a host of innovative features that expanded on existing polysynth paradigms, such as savable user programs, full multimode filtering and a highly accessible and capable 4-track sequencer.
While Synthex’s acclaim, like the CS-80, is owed to the artists who proselytized its capabilities - its sound goes much further than definitive synthpop styles. From deep basses to complex arpeggios and outstanding string and effect sounds, the sound-world of Synthex was one defined by strength and versatility. A legendary synth architecture faithfully recreated in Synthx V - which now includes modern enhancements that extend its sonic reach into infinite realms of possibility.
Beloved by the greats
The Elka Synthex was close to the heart of a number of influential musicians and composers who explored its cross-genre applicability. Jean-Michel Jarre utilized it for the laser harp sound on his Rendez-Vous album, while Geoff Downes of Asia featured it on their Astra album. Stevie Wonder incorporated the Synthex in his song 'Skeletons', and Martin Gore of Depeche Mode used it extensively on his solo album MG, expressing a particular fondness for the instrument. Nick Rhodes of Duran Duran employed the Synthex on All You Need Is Now, particularly for the creation of soft bell tones. Keith Emerson of Emerson, Lake & Palmer also used the Synthex as a replacement of his Yamaha GX-1 in live contexts and the sounds of Synthex can also be heard across the film soundtracks and albums of Italian composers Fabio Frizzi and Ivan Iusco.
A journey of discovery
Mario Maggi’s passion for synthesisers and electronics began in the early 70’s with the development of guitar pedal prototypes. His ambitions grew after being exposed to an Arp 2500 in Milan, leading him to design his own monosynth. This later became the Synt-o-rama, a low-production release with a sonic likeness to the Minimoog. He moved onto new projects, including a modular guitar synth and the MCS70. The MCS70 was one of the first memory controlled synthesizers that could save all parameter patches via memory modules, and received notable interest from Jean-Michel Jarre. With the release of the Prophet-5, Mario set to work on a fully-fledged polyphonic synthesizer that would offer a unique take on polysynth capability. The complete and competitive design of Synthex displays Mario’s engineering ingeniousness and solo obsession, which stood up against groundbreaking synth manufacturers of the time. ”Maggi's name is inextricably linked to his masterpiece, the beautiful Synthex analog synthesizer. But the brilliant designer has had a past full of innovation, which places him alongside characters such as Moog, Buchla, Taro, Pearlman.” ~ Lorenzo (https://www.classic2vintage.com/en/dedicated-to-mario-maggi-first-part/)
Artist
Corner
Purps
Producer (Gucci Mane and Curren$y)
"The synthx is an amazing emulator for a monumental synth. It’s got a variety of different features that give the sound an edge and it’s the only synth I’ve ever seen that portamentos single oscillators so nicely!"
Kiko
Producer
"Its multimode filter is top-notch and its chorus is magnificent! The pads are brilliant and powerful. Adding chorus to the bass sounds like a 90s techno rave - I love it! The multi arp is unique and easy to program! A great synth, bravo Arturia! "
Paul Wiffen
Synthex expert
"I am so glad that Arturia have turned their focus on the Elka Synthex and are taking it to a new level. While Synth V reproduces faithfully the chorus modes found on the original Synthex, one of the great things about Arturia virtual synths is that they offer loads of additional quality effects, and also support velocity and aftertouch, which were absent from the original vintage keyboards, and now Synthx V even receives polyphonic-aftertouch and MPE messages!"
Neil Carter
Musician (Guitars&Keyboards for UFO, Gary Moore)
"Back in the 80's the Synthex became my main 'workhorse' live and is featured on many recordings by Gary Moore from that time. It had the flexibility I needed, particularly using pad sounds, which always worked brilliantly live. Looking at and working with the Synthx V has been like a trip down memory lane for me and I am so pleased that this is now available for the current era of musicians to explore and enjoy."
Dom Craik
Nothing But Thieves
"As a collector of vintage synths, I’m always seeking plugins that not only emulate classic tones with precision but also offer the versatility of modern software instruments. Synthx V truly excels at this. Arturia have masterfully captured the original character of this ’80s polysynth while incorporating some amazing additional features - particularly the advanced modulation section, which is incredibly useful. A big thumbs up from me!"
Geoff Downes
Keyboardist (Yes, Asia, Buggles)
"The first note I played on Arturia's latest Synthx V, suddenly sent me rushing back 40 years to when I purchased one of the 1st original Synthexes. Going through the new presets some 40 years later, I was mightily impressed. It is absolutely the real deal! All the power brass, soft strings, bell sounds and dynamic sweeps are there and happy to report the beast is alive and well. It's a big sound, no - a huge sound! A great virtual synth here. Bravo!"
Press
Clippings
Included in
V Collection 11 Pro
This instrument is part of V Collection Pro - a premium suite of software instruments designed for unparalleled sonic exploration.
From authentically modeled keyboards to hybrid synth engines and beautifully captured acoustic sounds, every instrument is enhanced for today’s production workflow - V Collection delivers the greatest keys of all time.
The features
you need
In-App Tutorials
Integrated in-app tutorials guide you through every aspect of the instrument, from individual parameters to tips from our sound designers, so you can focus on the creative stuff. It shouldn't be this easy, but it is!
TAE® Powered
The exclusive analog modeling technology that makes our emulations indistinguishable from the originals.
By accurately mimicking the characteristics of analog oscillators, filters, and soft clipping, we can provide astonishing component-accurate detail and authentic analog charm in equal measure.
Gallery
Main Features
Bi-timbral architecture
Solo or Duo (stacked) modes
Stereo Link for extra wide hard panned, twinned layers
4 modes of custom keyboard expressivity
Up to 16 voices of polyphony (8 per layer) and Mono mode
Two virtual analog DCOs
Selectable waveform (Saw, Triangle, Square & Pulse)
Pulse Width Cross Modulation & Ring Modulation
Oscillator 2 Hard Sync
Unison mode per layer
Multimode filter
Curtis CEM3320 emulation
24dB & latent 12dB Low Pass, 6 & 12dB Bandpass, and 12dB High pass modes
Noise generator (White & pink)
BBD-based Chorus with 3 modes
Per-layer LFO with extended routing, additional random waveform and Syncable rate, as well as Mono or Poly modes
New Master LFO with Modwheel side-chain
Innovative Multi-Arp
Create complex counterpoints and generative music with 4 stacked arp layers
Send arp patterns independently to each layer, or both.
Browse and save Multi-Arp settings
30 arp modes with up to 16 steps rhythms, with a continuous octave parameter, note repeat, multiple retrig options and more.
Powerful Effects rack
4 drag-and-drop FX slots
Modulable parameters
17 effects including Super Unison, MultiBand Compressor, Chorus JUN-6 and more.
Advanced drag-and-drop modulation
Drag-and-drop assign, hover-over adjustment
3 Modulations slots
Choose from ADSR envelope, Random and Step modulators or our infinitely shapeable Function generator
Accessible keyboard & macro controls
Freely assignable keyboard velocity, release velocity, keyboard tracking, aftertouch, MPE slide and modwheel sources
Dedicated window for customizing macro settings
Faithful GUI
Colour-coded parameter levels
A/B layer switch
Integrated advanced panel
Extensive library of 240 presets
MTS-ESP microtuning compatibility
MPE compatibility
NKS controller compatible