Fast Facts
| ID | 358 |
| Type | Synthesizer |
| Manufacturer | Electronic Music Studios (London) |
| Model | VCS3 prototype, "The Putney" |
| Origin | London England |
| Year | Year 1969 |
| Use | Display |
| Current Status | Exhibit |
EMS VCS3 Prototype
The VCS3 (an acronym for Voltage Controlled Studio attempt #3) is a portable analog synthesiser with a flexible patchable voice architecture, designed in 1969 by the English company EMS (Electronic Music Studios). “The Putney” as it was nicknamed was more or less the first portable commercially available synthesiser-portable in the sense that the VCS3 was housed entirely in a small, wooden case, unlike previous machines from American manufacturers such as Moog and Buchla which were housed in large cabinets and could take up entire rooms.
Cantos' unit is a one-of-a-kind prototype of the production model of the VCS3.
Pop Culture Reference
Well-known users of the VCS3 include:
- Todd Rundgren
- Brian Eno
- The Who
- Pink Floyd
- King Crimson
- Chemical Brothers
- Tangerine Dream
