Behringer Copying Elka Synthex Synthesizer From 1981
Behringer has announced plans to copy the Elka Synthex synthesizer, a vintage synth from 1981.
The Elka Synthex is an 8-voice polyphonic analog synth design. It features the type of knobby hands-on interface that went out of style, for a long time, with the introduction of the Yamaha DX7, two years later.
They shared the news in a post on Facebook:
“Recreating the Magic of the Elka Synthex
The Elka Synthex, a synthesizer from the early 1980s, is cherished for its rich, warm sound and unique character. Musicians like Jean-Michel Jarre and Duran Duran have used it to create iconic tracks, solidifying its place in music history. Designed by Mario Maggi and produced by the Italian company Elka, the Synthex has a storied past.
At Behringer, we’re working to revive the Elka Synthex with a dedicated team of top-notch R&D engineers in Italy, where the original was created. Using advanced Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), we’re able to replicate the original circuitry and signal paths, capturing the essence of its distinctive sound.
The Role of FPGA’s
FPGAs help us recreate the immensely complex inner workings of the Synthex, ensuring we maintain its unique tonal qualities while improving reliability and performance. The two large chips in the center of the main board are Xilinx FPGA’s.”
Behringer says that they’re still in the early stages of this project, and that it will ‘take a few years’, details on pricing and availability probably won’t be available for several years.
Are you interested in a Behringer Synthex? Share your thoughts in the comments!
