Behringer shows off final design of EMS VCS3 clone

Electronic audio company and synthesiser manufacturers Behringer have teased the “final version” of a miniature clone of the legendary EMS VCS3 synthesiser, called the AKS Mini.

Expected to ship in the summer for around $99 (£81), the synthesiser will clone the oscillators and filters of the original, which was first released in 1969 and often considered as the first portable synthesiser – as well as adding a touchscreen keyboard, a 16-step sequencer, built-in reverb, LFO and an arpeggiator.

In a Facebook statement the company wrote: “Some time ago we showed you a design draft of our AKS Mini, a scaled down version of the VCS3 but with the exact same oscillators, filters etc. and of course the magic VCS sound.

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“Our final version has 3 VCO’s, a built-in arpeggiator and also a 16-step motion sequencer,” it continued.

“Retail price is targeted at US$ 99. Shipping is scheduled for coming summer. We hope you’re as much excited as we are.”

In May 2022 the company tweeted an early version of the machine. The post read: “Some time ago we showed you a draft of our AKS Mini…

“We received such great feedback that we decided to build a prototype,” it continued.

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The AKS Mini, scaled down from the original EMS VCS3 does not include the original’s distinct ‘suitcase’ design or its 16x16 pin modulation matrix, although the company have said in the past that it is working on a full-scale clone.

It is part of Behringer’s Soul series of synthesisers, where the company looks to clone classic synths and sell miniature versions at low prices. On top of the VCS3, other models that have been teased include the Yamaha Cs-80 and the Roland Jupiter-8.

As of today, none have yet hit the market to purchase, with the company blaming global chip shortages for delays in production.

Isaac Muk is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow him on Twitter