Moog Muse John Carpenter Dark Ambient Pluck Analog Synthesizer Rik Marston

video upload by Rik Marston Official

"Synthesizer Demo by Rik Marston
*Watch in HD!* *NO Talking!* *Turn it up!*
My Etsy store: AhnyxianSoundDesign
https://www.etsy.com/shop/AhnyxianSou..."

How John Carpenter Created Fear with 5 Notes | The Halloween Theme Synth Story

video upload by Nostalgic Explorer

"What happens when fear is built from just five notes? 🎃

In this episode, I explore the haunting genius of John Carpenter’s Halloween Theme — a soundtrack that changed horror forever. With low budget for an orchestra, Carpenter composed the theme inspired by a rhythm his father taught him as a kid. Using synthesizers and pure instinct, he scored one of the most recognizable horror songs of the 80s.

I’ll also recreate the track in my studio using the Roland Juno-60 and E-mu Proteus 1, running through an Akai MG614 mixer and Ampex MX-10 preamp, capturing that analog tension that defined the original.

💬 If you know more about the original synths used, drop your theories in the comments!

Halloween Theme Recreated by: Nostalgic Explorer
🎧 Exclusive STEMS (with FX and raw tracks) available on Patreon: / nostalgicexplorer"

Roger Linn: The King of Drum Machines

video upload by Jack Pearson

"This is the story of Roger Linn, a guitarist from Los Angeles whose innovative sample based drum machines changed the sound of music forever.

Special thanks to Roger himself for featuring my video in the September Linnstrument newsletter (https://myemail.constantcontact.com/L...) and on his website (https://www.rogerlinndesign.com).

I first learned about Roger a few years ago while making a film called “The History of Sampling in Music” [below]. While I didn’t know anything about Roger at the time, I was astounded to learn that he had created both the LinnDrum and the MPC, which shaped the punchy robotic drums of 80s pop music and the grungy experimental grooves of 90s hip-hop respectively. I did a quick bit of research about him for my video, but didn’t really dig much deeper than that… However, a few months ago I decided to rewatch my old project, which reignited my interest in Roger’s story and gave me the idea for this video.

Like my previous project, I’d initially planned to write a script and do a voice-over, but after discovering the assortment of recorded interviews that Roger has already appeared in, I realised that I could just chop them up and have Roger tell his own story. I thought 'hey that sounds pretty cool, how hard could it be?'

Well, let’s just say I’m probably never going to do something like this again. I did enjoy making this and I am proud of it, but if I had just done a voice-over not only would it have been easier to make, but I also could’ve included a lot information without it feeling incredibly clunky. The initial cut was about 26 minutes, but I cut out loads of stuff for the sake of pacing and trying to stick to narrative beats. Roger is a fascinating guy with a lot of great anecdotes though, so if you enjoyed this video then I highly recommend you seek out some of the podcasts/interviews he’s done over the years.

I planned on making all the music for this film myself, but decided it would be better to use music that relates to Roger in some way (for example, he co-wrote 'Promises' by Eric Clapton and 'Quittin’ Time' by Mary Chapin Carpenter, and first used the LM-1 Drum Computer on the Leon Russell album 'Life & Love' which featured the track 'One More Love Song'.) I salvaged one of these demo tracks for the credits, but you can listen it and a few more scrapped tracks here:

Jack Pearson · RL:TKODM (Credits Music + Demos)

Since you’ve read this far, here’s a few bonus Roger facts that got cut out of the video:

The LM-1 was featured on the best selling album of all time - 'Thriller' by Micheal Jackson, as well as other early 80s hits like 'Maneater' by Hall & Oates, 'Valerie' by Steve Winwood, and for some reason - the original 1983 Thomas the Tank Engine theme song.

Roger hired his friend, a professional session drummer called Art Wood, to record most of the sounds on the LM-1. They set up the kit in Roger’s closet, recording each of the drums one at a time… then called it a day. Given the popularity of the songs featuring these recordings - Art Wood is technically one of most prominently featured drummers of all time.

And here's two bonus facts about this video:

The title 'The King of Drum Machines' is a quote from the father of MIDI - Dave Smith, when he spoke about Roger and the Tempest drum machine (which they built together) on a Sweetwater panel in 2015. [below]

This video was released on Roger’s 70th birthday.

I hope you enjoy it!" The History of Sampling in Music (2022)

video upload by Jack Pearson

The Inventors of Synth (Roger Linn, Dave Smith & Tom Oberheim) - Sweetwater Gearfest 2015

video upload by Sweetwater

"Join Mitch Gallagher as he moderates 'The Inventors of Synth' panel discussion at Gearfest '15. Featuring industry icons Dave Smith, Tom Oberheim, and Roger Linn discussing their thoughts on the past, present, and future of analog synthesizers and controllers.

Legendary synth designer and Grammy-winner Dave Smith was the founder of Sequential Circuits in the mid-'70s. His Prophet-5, the world's first fully programmable polyphonic synth, was the first musical instrument with an embedded microprocessor. Dave is also known as the driving force behind the development of the MIDI specification. He has continued to innovate, and recently unveiled his latest synth creation, the Sequential Prophet-6.

A pioneer of the synth and MIDI world, Tom Oberheim co-designed the Synthesizer Expansion Module (SEM), a device that allowed musicians to simultaneously combine live playing and sequenced playback - a concept that pre-dated the MIDI revolution. In 1981, he, along with Roland's Ikutaro Kakehashi and Sequential's Dave Smith, developed the MIDI spec, which changed the course of modern music. Tom recently re-released his famed Two Voice synth.

Technical Grammy award-winner Roger Linn invented the LM-1 Drum Computer (the first sample-based drum machine) in 1979. He later designed the Akai MPC60, which combined a sampling drum machine with a real-time MIDI sequencer. His guitar effects unit, AdrenaLinn, has been used on hit recordings by John Mayer and Red Hot Chili Peppers. In 2014 he released the LinnStrument, an expressive MIDI performance controller."

Assault on Precinct 13 cover - ‪@SynthAddict‬ & ‪@pfmdude‬ collab

video upload by SynthAddict

"Proof of concept collab with Paul Farvour (‪@pfmdude‬ ) of a great old John Carpenter track from Assault on Precinct 13 (1976).

Here I took an old Roland JD-Xi cover demo (uploaded here a few years ago) and sent it to Paul to jam over with his awesome live drum chops."

Prophet 5 Horror Sound Design - Making Stingers and Dark John Carpenter sounds

video upload by Sonic Neutronic

"Looking for those Escape From New York, Christine, Halloween textures, drones, stingers and FX.

Just a recording of a live sound design session - making John Carpenter/Alan Howarth style Prophet 5 FX, Stingers and textures on the Prophet 5 Rev 4 Synthesizer.

The Prophet 5 is the warmest place to hide."

Old School Sequencing

video upload by Asteroid Killer

"Another Tutorial Tuesday!

How did they sequence synthesizers 40 years ago? I'll show you how I played the song Christine in the John Carpenter Tribute I did some weeks ago.

Bass - ARP Oddyssey
Spooky arpeggio - Roland SH101
Melody - Roland Jupiter 4
Percussive sound - Korg MS20
Drums - Roland TR707
Reverb - OTO BAM and Strymon Nightsky
Delay - Neon Egg Planetarium, TC Electronic 2290

Original song was recorded and released by John Carpenter and Alan Howarth 1989.
The song was also released by The Splash Band in 1984."

'Creepy Soundtrack 15' - Yamaha CS-15 + Arturia Keystep 2 Voice,1 Synth Jam

video upload by DreamsOfWires

"The Yamaha CS-15 has two complete synth voices, so here I'm using the Hz/Volts mode of the ‪@ArturiaOfficial‬ Keystep to control one voice, and the synth keyboard to control the other. This time I'm channeling my affection for 70s/80s horror movie soundtracks (again), particulary John Carpenter, although I've missed Halloween by a few days.
Using the two voices independently reduces the sonic possibilities of the synth, and they share a single audio output, but it can be quite fun to see what can be squeezed out of a single vintage synth of the 1970's.
As a single monophonic synth the CS-15 is very unique and surprisingly flexible, as it has two of almost everything (2x VCO, multi-mode VCF, ADSR, VCA), but only one LFO, and the otherwise independent voices (both of which have their own CV & Gate inputs) are both routed to the same audio outputs (high & low), which is a bit of a bummer.
Anyway, I don't suppose it was intended to replace two single oscillator monosynths, and this is from the late 70's, so it's a pretty killer design when viewed in context. I can imagine it being super-useful in a minimal, early synthpop band on a budget."

Find my music at: https://tomorrowthecure.bandcamp.com

Halloween Theme ~ Vintage Synthesizer Recreation ~ RetroSound

video upload by RetroSound

"(c)2007-24 by RetroSound
supported by UVI: http://bit.ly/retrosound-uvi

❤️ Support #RetroSound​ channel: https://retrosound.creator-spring.com

One of my favorite movie tracks from the late 70s.
Halloween Theme by John Carpenter from the album Halloween (1978)

Featured here the Emulator II sampling synthesizer

This cover song series contains my own recreations of my favourite songs from the last 50 years. The original music from which I take inspiration belong to their respective owners. I recreate tracks only for personal passion and to pay homage to these tracks.
My intention is not to create covers that sound exactly like the original (if you want to hear identical sounds, please listen the original). It's more of an inspiration with my sounds from the old synthesizers from the past and of course the great appreciation for the original performers and producers."

Christine - John Carpenter cover by Asteroid Killer

video upload by Asteroid Killer

"This video is a tribute to the legendary film director and music producer John Carpenter

Chrisine is a horror movie based on a novel by Stephen King about a car.

Bass - ARP Oddyssey
Spooky arpeggio - Roland SH101
Melody - Roland Jupiter 4
Percussive sound - Korg MS20
Drums - Roland TR707
Reverb - OTO BAM and Strymon Nightsky
Delay - Neon Egg Planetarium, TC Electronic 2290

Original song was recorded and released by John Carpenter and Alan Howarth 1989.
The song was also released by The Splash Band in 1984."

ARP Quadra

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this Vemia listing

Click the auction link on top when you get there for additional listings.

"Rare ARP Quadra in near mint condition.Serviced and working perfectly. Runs on 240V power. Arp Quadras were famously used by Tony Banks Genesis and John Carpenter. Im based in Bristol and arrange delivery to UK and Internationally. Heres some info from about this classic synth on Vintage Synth explorer... The Quadra is pretty much a hybrid version of ARP's Omni II and Solus synths. It's a four-section synthesizer consisting of a Bass synth, Poly synth, Lead synth, and String synth. It is quite good at emulating each of these sounds and can function in any of its four modes at a time with the ability of layering the different sections! Sounds you create in any of the four sections are instantly recalled from memory by the push of a button! There are 16 program patches for storing your sounds. Other major features are the incredible phase shifter, tons of balanced audio outputs for each section, dual portamento controls and a superior arpeggiator...that's pretty good for 1978! On the downside, it has a fragile mylar front panel, very limited programability and a weird feature that autotunes the keys to play weird intervals. The Bass synth section is monophonic and can be programmed to occupy the lower two octaves of the Quadra's 5-octave 61-note keyboard. The bass sounds pretty good and has 16' and 8' presets each for Electric and String Bass sections. The string section is based on the Omni II String synth. It sounds excellent and implements a phase-shift effect that is sort-of like a chorusing effect that thickens its already great string sound. In Polyphonic synth mode there are more effects available such as sample-n-hold and the phase-shifter. String and Poly Synth sections have 8' and 4' Polyphonic Waveform Generators each along with a preset called Hollow Waveform. In Lead synth mode the Quadra becomes a two voice screamer with aftertouch sensitivity in the upper octaves of the keyboard! It's duophonic (like the Odyssey). Get a bass sequence going, switch over to another section and play along! The Quadra is a synthesizer well suited to live performance use and has been used by 808 State, ELO, Genesis, The Human League, Pink Floyd, New Order, Nick Rhodes (Duran Duran), Joe Zawinul, and film-maker John Carpenter."

Sequential Prophet 5 Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer Signed by John Carpenter?

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this listing, also on Reverb

"The triumphant return of Sequential Circuit's Prophet 10, signed by the Horror Master himself, Mr. John Carpenter.

[The Story] I purchased this synthsizer direct from Sequential in 2020, shorly after it's initial release and have owned it ever since. Being a massive John Carpenter fan, and noting he created a lot of his famous score work on the original Prophet 5, I sought out to have him personally sign this keyboard. This autograph was aquired on August 12th, 2022 at the Monroeville Convention Center's Steel City Con via a brief VIP meet and greet with Mr. Carpenter. It was autographed along with one other item I brought along, a model of the Christine movie car.

[The Details] I am the original owner of this synthesizer and it has never left my climate controlled studio. I would rate this unit in mint condition. No visible blemishes, scuffs, dents or scratches. Functions as expected. Please see photos.

Unit comes with power supply, framed comemorative poster, and full sized soft road case. No original manual or box included.

Unfortunately, I am unable to provide any sort of certificate of authenticity verifying the signature on this item."

CLICK FOR MORE »

EMS Synthi AKS & Extras

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this listing

"Rare transition example that has been used but very well looked after - supplied serviced and ready for use. Recent extensive servicing and modifications by Europe's premier EMS tech to create what we consider to be the ultimate Synthi AKS. All features are fully working and expertly calibrated. Includes many extras and upgrades (see description for full details). This is the AKS to buy if you want the maximum possible sonic options...

EMS Synthi AKS for sale in perfect working order - highly modified to be the ultimate AKS with an even greater range of sonic possiblities over a standard Synthi.

It comes complete with the following accessories:

CLICK FOR MORE »

ARP 1601 Sequencer

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this listing

"The legendary ARP-1601 Sequencer. One of the very first analog sequencers ever made. Used by Paul McCartney on ‘Temporary Secretary’ and John Carpenter on countless film scores.

This particular example is in very good shape. All sliders cleaned by the top synth tech in Toronto a few years back. One fader cap replaced. Custom Black Walnut Sides. Some minor scratches on the bottom front of the panel. A beautiful example of an iconic piece of synth history. A perfect pairing for your ARP 2600 or modular setup.

16 Step Sequencer
16 x 1 or 8 x 2
3 seperate gate buses
2 Quantized outs
2 Unquantized outs
4 mix outs"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Prophet VS Synth: Sound Selection Showcase

video upload by Andy Whitmore

"Analog Synthesizers Rewind: Top 10 Classics!
S1:Ep1 - The first in a series of 11 videos!

Sequential Circuits Prophet VS – All the Best Sounds

Here's a very cool keyboard from Sequential. Notice the joystick for controlling your sound modeling. The Prophet VS uses Vector Synthesis as its revolutionary new means of sound creation. It uses a total of four oscillators per voice with 127 waveforms (32 user) and dynamic waveform crossfading via the joystick. This was Sequential's first digital synth, and it was also their final synth unfortunately. But after Sequential was gone, Vector Synthesis technology went into the popular Korg Wavestation and Yamaha's SY-22 and TG-33.

The Prophet VS is still a very sought after instrument because it has an incredible range of sounds! Its only problem is that there's practically nobody left that can fix it if something went wrong. It is used by Brian Eno, Trent Reznor, Apollo 440, Depeche Mode, Vince Clarke, Kraftwerk, Vangelis, Erasure and filmmaker/composer John Carpenter."

Mega Killer - Carpenter Brut “Turbo Killer” cover with Sonicware Liven MEGA SYNTHESIS

video upload by Robert Saint John

"“Mega Killer” - a cover of @carpenterbrut’s #synthwave classic with the @SONICWARE Liven MEGA Synthesis #synthesizer / #groovebox."

Fragmented (DiN83) by Parallel Worlds Listening Party February 9th @ 8:00 PM GMT

You might recall Parallel Worlds latest release Fragmented (DiN83) posted here. For those interested, a listening party for his latest release will be held on February 9th on Bandcamp.

Details follow:

February 9th @ 8:00 PM GMT - chat starts @ 7:30PM

A gentle reminder of this listening party on Friday. Join Greek synthesist Bakis Sirros and DiN label boss Ian Boddy to listen and chat about the new Parallel Worlds album "Fragmented" (DiN83).

This fourth solo sonic journey from Sirros on the DiN imprint sees him focusing in on his modular synthesiser systems. It has certainly be noted before, but is worth reiterating, that there is a certain John Carpenter like soundtrack quality to the music of Parallel Worlds. Seemingly simplistic they shroud a wealth of detail and beauty that is revealed over repeated listening.

dinrecords.bandcamp.com/album/fragmented-din83

Looking forward to seeing some of you there.

Fragmented by Parallel Worlds (DiN83) Demo Mix

ianboddy · Fragmented by Parallel Worlds (DiN83) Demo Mix

A new release by Parallel Worlds is coming February 16th. Details follow.

Parallel Worlds Fragmented DiN83 Release date 16th February 2024 Limited to 200 copies Digipak CD Bar Code CD 5028423240839

Greek synthesist Bakis Sirros who records under the name of Parallel Worlds has become a familiar name to followers of the DiN label. His debut release was “Obsessive Surrealism” (DiN26) back in 2007 and since then he has released two further solo albums, “Shade” (DiN32) and “Plector” (DiN76), as well as several collaborative albums with different artists including DiN label boss Ian Boddy & Node guru Dave Bessell.

This fourth sonic journey from Sirros on the DiN imprint sees him focusing in on his modular synthesiser systems, especially the Eurorack format with some able support from Buchla. These massive constructed patches live and breath like a crepuscular organism waking from its slumber. Indeed “Fragmented” is bookended by two wonderfully deep, textural tracks appropriately titled “Dawning” and “Sunset”. With the exception of the organ-like drone soundscape of “Time Flow” the remaining seven tracks encapsulate everything we have come to expect from this unique artist, namely dark, menacing bass lines overlaid with glitchy percussive patterns and beguiling, floating melody lines. It has certainly be noted before, but is worth reiterating, that there is a certain John Carpenter like soundtrack quality to the music of Sirros. Seemingly simplistic they shroud a wealth of detail and beauty that is revealed over repeated listening.


Lovers of Electronica, Dark Techno, Downtempo & IDM will find much to admire in “Fragmented” and this new album once again showcases the unique talent of this highly individual musician.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Escape from Manhattan | Sequential Take 5, Moog Grandmother + Mother-32

video upload by hvegel

"another live performance, that harkens a bit to some John Carpenter film from the early 80s, can't quite remember the name."

HWJ Extra - ’Noisevember' 28 2023 ImpOSCar 2 jam

video upload by SynthAddict

"'one synth/all parts' jam with noisy 'drums'
Hirajoshi scale (pentatonic minor)

GForce ImpOSCar2 app and custom hardware controller, TheoryBoard, RC-505 looper

I made a live layered collage of sounds from the amazing ImpOSCar 2 - as it was live, timing got a little wonky. :-) has a little John Carpenter vibe…

I recently bought the last 'new old stock' Touch Digital Controller for ImpOSCar 2 on the planet. :-) It's glorious."

See the Touch Digital Controllers label below for more.

All Hallow's Eve

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"Having some fun with John Carpenter's classic Halloween theme.
Happy Halloween!"