Synthi V

Name: Synthi V
Price: 149 USD
Author: Arturia

by Arturia · Synth · Semi-modular analog synth

Not rated yet

A component-level model of the EMS Synthi AKS, the portable British synth with a pin matrix, ring modulator and joystick.

It adds up to 4 voices, a tempo-synced version of the original keyboard sequencer, 5 assignable voltage functions and 10 effects.

Best for: Sound Design, Keys & Synths. Genres: Electronic & EDM, Ambient & Cinematic, Rock & Indie.

Keywords: analog, polyphonic, sequencer, tempo-synced, hardware emulation, classic, experimental, modular, 70s, circuit-modelled, component-modelled, drones, futuristic, modulation matrix, preset-driven, sound design, subtractive, textures, vintage.

What it does

Synthi V is Arturia's model of the EMS Synthi AKS, called an "Experimental London soundscape." It recreates the Synthi's modules and patching, then adds polyphony, modulation and effects the original never had.

Core modules: 3 oscillators with waveform mix, a noise generator and an 18 dB/oct resonant filter.
Classic extras: ring modulator, a loopable envelope shaper, the 2-axis joystick and sample and hold.
Sequencer: the original keyboard sequencer, now synced to DAW tempo.
Modulation: 5 assignable voltage functions for multi-point envelopes and LFOs, plus joystick automation for 2D modulation.
Voices and effects: up to 4 voices, 10 effects including reverb, phaser, chorus, overdrive and delay, and 250+ presets.

It is also part of V Collection.

Source: Arturia product page

When to use it

Synthi V is the pick when you want the Synthi's specific sound and matrix-patching approach, but with stable tuning, polyphony and tempo sync. It is less open than Softube Modular and u-he Bazille, modular environments for building patches from scratch, and less preset-driven than Sugar Bytes Aparillo.

Best for: experimental textures, sci-fi effects, drones, ring-modulated tones and sequenced patterns.
Genres: electronic, ambient and film sound, and psychedelic or experimental rock.
Look elsewhere if: you want quick, conventional polysynth patches; its matrix patching takes time to learn.
Standout: it tracks and stays in tune, unlike the notoriously unstable original.

What producers say

Reviewers praised its rich sound and its stability compared with the original hardware.

Sound On Sound (2019) Gordon Reid found it "eminently playable, in large part because it tracks correctly and stays in tune," and would turn to it for conventional recording every time.
MusicTech (2019) wrote that "The Synthi sounds unbelievably rich," helped by the included effects.
Gripe: CDM's Peter Kirn (2019) felt the many new features on Synthi V went beyond what he wanted.

Where to buy

AudioDeluxe: $149
Plugin Boutique: $149
Arturia: $169.19 (Listed at €149; converted at €1 = $1.1355 (ECB rate, 29 Sep 2026))

Tutorials and reviews

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