Hans Zimmer’s RadioPhonic Synthesizer, ‘The Ultimate Analogue Modular System’, Now Available
At Superbooth 2024, AJH Synth is introducing Hans Zimmer’s RadioPhonic Synth – an all-in-one Eurorack synthesizer that they describe as “the ultimate analogue modular system.”
Manufactured by AJH Synth, the RadioPhonic System was commissioned by Zimmer to take “pride of place” in the composer’s forthcoming recreation of the BBC’s legendary studio, which played host to some of the most pioneering figures in early electronic music.
The RadioPhonic System was inspired by both the EMS VCS 3 and Synthi 100, two synths that were used extensively at the Workshop; Zimmer told AJH that the VCS 3 was the first synth he ever owned.
The synth hosts 48 AJH modules in a handcrafted walnut and cherry case, including seven MiniMod VCOs, two MiniMod Transistor Ladder Filters, a Gemini 2412 Dual VCF filter, and Discrete Cascaded VCA, a two-stage amplifier that uses early Minimoog circuitry.
The possibilities for modulation are extensive, with two Tap Tempo LFO modules and two of AJH’s Dual LFO with VCA modules, along with the Multi Burst envelope generator and Dual RVG, a recreation of the original EMS Random Voltage Generator.
You’ll also find a number of effects modules, including Ring SM, an “award-winning” ring modulator, a 12-stage phaser and a mixer/VCA module that’s capable of adding smooth drive and distortion.
What they say about it:
“The RadioPhonic System was specially commissioned to take pride of place in the new Radiophonic workshop which Hans will be recreating soon, back at its original site in the Maida Vale Studio, London. We are calling this amazing system ‘The RadioPhonic’, in honor of this accolade.
From its inception in 1958, the BBC Radiophonic Workshop has played a huge part in the history of electronic music. In the early days audio tape would be cut and spliced into sound effects and theme music which was used in BBC television and radio programs.
In the 1960’s, synthesizers were added to the arsenal of instruments, and the EMS VCS 3 and Synthi 100 were two of the earliest synthesizers used there. The VCS 3 holds a very special place in Hans Zimmer’s heart, as it was the very first synthesizer that he ever owned and the beautiful American Walnut and Cherry wood case of the RadioPhonic deliberately channels the VCS3 “Putney” case design. However, the range of modules included takes the sonic possibilities way beyond that of the larger EMS Synthi 100 ‘Delaware’ system, which also saw so much use at the Radiophonic Workshop.
Hans has very graciously allowed us to produce a limited number of exact recreations of the RadioPhonic synth, and each will be individually numbered.”
The Hans Zimmer RadioPhonic Synth is launching at Superbooth and is priced at GBP 12,500.00 plus VAT.
