When the Spec Becomes Code: Building a Norns Instrument with AI

video upload by Lesjamusic

"Building PolyNexus: A Complete Norns Instrument, using Claude AI

I used to struggle with "vibe coding" - throwing prompts at AI and hoping for working software. Then I discovered the article "When the Spec Becomes the Code," and everything changed.

Spec-driven development (SDD) transformed my workflow. Instead of generating code through endless prompts, I focus on creating clear specifications first. The spec becomes the blueprint, and Claude AI helps compile it into working code.

PolyNexus is the result of this approach - a complete generative polyphonic instrument for Monome Norns that evolved far beyond my initial vision. What started as a chord sequencer grew ambitious: I built PolyVoice, a custom 6-voice synthesizer engine in SuperCollider, based on three Plaits oscillator models with wavefolding, sample rate reduction, and comprehensive modulation.

The best part? Spec-driven development gave me the confidence to tackle SuperCollider synthesis, something I wouldn't have attempted with traditional "vibe coding."

🎹 PolyNexus Features:

PolyVoice Synthesis Engine: • Custom 6-voice polyphonic SuperCollider engine • Three Plaits-inspired oscillator models (morph, waveshaping, wavetable) • Wavefolding for harmonic complexity • Sample rate reduction for lo-fi textures • Independent LFOs and envelope control per voice

Generative Sequencer: • 16-chord harmonic palette (monome Grid row 1) • Probabilistic note retriggering engine • Random chord sequencer for compositional surprises • Bass and sub-bass sequencer for rhythmic foundation • Real-time playable notes (Grid row 5)

Analog-Style Effects Chain: • Tape character: flutter, wow, saturation, tape noise • Tape-style delay with feedback and rate control • Multi-mode filtering for tone shaping

🔗 Resources: • Jean Bovet: "When the Spec Becomes the Code" - / when-the-spec-becomes-the-code • PolyNexus (coming soon to lines community) • monome Norns - https://monome.org • Mutable Instruments Plaits • SuperCollider synthesis language

⏱️ Timeline:
0:00 - Introduction: The Struggle with Vibe Coding
01:51 - Discovery: Spec-Driven Development
04:33 - What is PolyNexus?
12:37 - Live Performance

Want to try spec-driven development? Start by describing what you want to build in clear, detailed language. Iterate on the specification until it's crystal clear. Then let AI help compile it into code. You'll be amazed at what becomes possible."

FOUR SEAS // A Multi-Voice Mega Wavetable Oscillator Powerhouse from Ferry Island Modular

video upload by DivKid

"Here we have Ferry Island Modular's first release 'Four Seas', which is designed, engineered and manufactured in Finland. It's a real power house of a sound source, suiting to quickly grabbing some waves to patch with or for deep sound design tweaking. Everything is knob/button per function with no menus, making complex behaviours, modulations and sounds simple to access. There's LOTS of examples in this video, see the timing index below for all that's covered ... yet I'm sure there's lots left to uncover with all the options this presents."

**TIMING INDEX // CHAPTERS**

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how to use the Polyend SYNTH

video upload by TOSKABYSS

"Today we are taking a look at a different way to approach the Polyend Synth. Embracing limitations and using it as a source of inspiration."

0:00 - Intro
0:37 - Overview
0:53 - The grid
1:48 - Synth Engines
2:35 - Important Sub Menus
3:09 - The design
3:36 - Accessing all the synth parameters
4:35 - A different way to approach the synth
4:55 - A typical approach
6:07 - First way I use Polyend Synth
8:14 - Second way I use Polyend Synth
9:44 - My only complaint
10:13 - Final thoughts
11:04 - Final track

BE A BETTER MODULATOR // Understanding Eurorack Modulation with the Thonk TRIPLE MOD

video upload by DivKid

"In this video we’ll break down how common types of modulation for sound synthesis work, how to make the most of them creatively and musically. We’ll do so while demoing the new Triple Mod DIY module from Thonk. Whether it’s creating multi-phonic layered patches needed multiple envelopes, understanding how a Turing Machine works and performing with it, understanding and making Sample & Hold melodic, creating chain reactions with EOC ‘end of cycle’ triggers … there’s lots in this video applicable to LOTS of other modules."

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Exploring the Moog Messenger – Massive Analog Tone, Creative Sequencing & Hands-On Sound Design

video upload by Noisegate

"We went deep on the Moog Messenger, the latest affordable monophonic analog synth from Moog Music. Lachy takes it for a spin—exploring the huge sounds, flexible CV/midi options, lush filters, and the sequencer/arpeggiator that takes inspiration from the Moog Muse. Whether you're making basslines, modular jams or experimental sequences, this thing delivers.

🌀 Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
00:28 - First Impressions
01:02 - Build & Keybed
01:48 - Connectivity & CV
03:01 - Layout Walkthrough
04:41 - Oscillators & Sub
05:43 - Filter & Feedback
06:55 - Filter Modes
08:00 - Envelope Section
09:02 - Arpeggiator Setup
10:38 - Hands-on Arp Jam
12:35 - Arp Settings Deep Dive
16:06 - Swing, Expression & MIDI
17:06 - Sequencer Overview
18:10 - Step Recording & Parameter Lanes
21:10 - Note Pool & Probability
25:37 - Final Thoughts"

Harvey Sutherland x Moog Messenger – Analog Sound, Motion Sequencing & Modular Control in Action

video upload by Noisegate

00:17: Harvey Sutherland at the Aviary Studio
01:31: Harvey Sutherland at the SynthTemple

"In this artist spotlight, @HarveySutherland puts the new Moog Messenger to work, first in his studio, then inside the iconic SynthTemple.

From classic filter sweeps to real-time modulation, motion sequencing, and CV/gate control over iconic modular gear, the Messenger proves itself as an intuitive, expressive synth built for modern musicians.

🎛️ Features explored:
• New take on Moog's classic ladder filter & analog tone
• Creative sequencer with parameter locks
• CV/gate out to modular system
• Compact, portable design with full-size keys and after-touch

Shot across two sessions, this video captures the musicality, immediacy, and performance potential of the Messenger."

Serum 2 Supersaw Trance – 44 Authentic Leads & Analog Wavetables

video upload by NatLife Sounds

"🔗 Get Supersaw Trance here: https://natlifesounds.com/product/sup...

🎹 Supersaw Trance – Authentic Preset Bank for Serum 2
Bring back the iconic sound of Trance with 44 powerful Supersaw presets, crafted for everything from nostalgic 90s vibes to modern festival anthems.'

This bank includes:
44 authentic Supersaw presets for Trance & Progressive
17 custom wavetables recorded from legendary synths (Moog Sub 37, Pro One, Minimoog, Virus TI, Roland SH-101, Arturia Brute) 3 exclusive Virus TI samples for extra analog depth

Each sound was designed with real hardware character to give your tracks a warm, powerful and authentic Trance feeling. Perfect for Uplifting, Progressive, Melodic Techno, EDM and Hard Trance.

If you love classic Trance energy but want a fresh, modern edge – this bank is for you!

#Trance #Supersaw #Serum2 #Presets #NatLifeSounds"

Roland MKS-80 Patch Bank by Espen Kraft | Download Now!

video upload by Espen Kraft

00:00 Intro
03:14 How to install
05:03 Audio Demo

"The Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter is a mix of the Jupiter-6 and and Jupiter-8. Fat, lush and powerful analog sweet/rawness. Used on a numerous 80s hits.
This patch bank is brand new with 64 new tones/patches. In a sysex-format.

Price is $25USD for this bank and it is worth every penny if you have the MKS-80.
You can get the patches directly from me through email. You can find my email address in the "about" on my channel.
You can also find the patches here:
https://thepatchbay.io/product/roland...

Full installation notes are included in the download.
The patches were made on a MKS-80 Rev.5. If you have a Rev.4 you might have to EQ the sounds a little as that's really the difference between them. One sounds a little more beefy than the other.

In this bank you'll find 64 new TONES and 64 PATCHES. The Patches point to its respective Tones. Example: Patch 35 is in WHOLE mode and points to Tone 35."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Suonobuono POLYVERA - 7 ways this synth plays dirty // Review & Tutorial

video upload by loopop

"Get access to dozens of analog and digital synth multisamples, as well as my exclusive In-Complete Book of Electronic Music Ideas, Tips and Tricks, on my Patreon: ► / loopop"

TIMELINE:
0:00 Intro
2:00 Overview
5:45 Workflow
7:55 Build
8:15 I/O
9:15 Osc dirt styles
10:45 Sub osc
11:45 Osc 2 samples
13:25 Loop points
15:15 Sample styles
15:35 Sample shape
16:25 FM w/samples
19:15 Ring mod
19:45 Sync & noise
20:05 Filter
22:30 Clipping
23:45 Overdrive
25:30 Filter env
26:25 Effects
29:10 Reverbs
30:40 Modulation
33:00 LFOs
34:20 Arp
34:50 Sequencer
36:00 Voicing
37:10 Pros & cons
40:00 Preset sounds!

Performance Techniques - PT204 - Novation Peak Arpeggios, Sub 37 & Granular

video upload by A Work In Progress

"A Work In Progress⁠ ⁠
---⁠ ⁠
Performance Techniques PT204

Novation Peak Arpeggios, Sub 37 & Granular ⁠
---⁠
Programming notes & gear list available on the AWIP Blog

https://aworkinprogress.uk/blog ⁠
---⁠ ⁠
Performers:⁠
AWIP OF - Oscar Farrell"

Kawai / Teisco SX240 with Tauntek OS & New Memory Battery

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

via this Reverb listing

Full Tuantek info & specs below.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Sequential Introduces the Take 5 Desktop Module

video upload by Sequential

"Take Your Music to the Next Level

The Sequential Take 5 desktop module brings the legendary Prophet-5 sound to your mix, featuring the analog oscillators and filter that transformed electronic music. Compact and powerful, it fits seamlessly into any studio and is easy to transport for live performances. Modern effects and a powerful modulation matrix deliver sounds to transport you.

Soundtrack exclusively by Take 5. Yes, even the drums! Composed by Peter Dyer.

For more information on Take 5 visit Sequential at: https://sequential.com/hybrid-analog/..."

Sequential Take 5 Module Demo (no talking) - Presets for Ambient, Melodic Techno and Electronica

video upload by Limbic Bits

0:00 Pads
13:09 Bass
16:25 Leads and Arpeggios
20:57 Misc, SFX and Percussion

Sequential Take 5 Module Demo (no talking)

video upload by Bonedo Synthesizers

Hurray... Take 5 and TEO 5 Desktop Units

video upload by Starsky Carr

TEO 5 announced here

"The Take 5 and Teo-5 from Sequential and Oberheim make fantastic desktop units. They feel like they were made for this form factor - no compromises, simply great sounding synths in a high quality enclosure. The keyboard versions may have felt lacking in keys (even though they have a great keybed) - just a bit too short for some. I found it was quite handy having one that could fit on my rack! But with these the only decision you have to make is which one is best for you.

Luckily I'm here to confuse you further (they both sound great)! The decision will be whether you prefer the Oberheim or Sequential style of VCO programming, the filters, and the X-Mod/FM. And these just so happen to be the bits I look at in this :)"

0:00 Whoo Hoo!!
2:36 The Hardware
4:37 Quick Overview - What Are They?
6:58 Oscillators
10:20 Sync
12:31 Filters
21:08 X-Mod/FM



Press release follows:

Take Your Music to the Next Level with the Sequential Take 5 Desktop Module

San Francisco, CA – [July 1, 2025] – Sequential, a leading innovator in synthesizer technology, today announced the release of the Take 5 Desktop Module, bringing their legendary analog sound to a more compact and accessible form-factor.

Building on the success of the Take 5 keyboard, the desktop module offers the same powerful analog oscillators and filters that capture the iconic warmth and depth of the Prophet-5, enhanced with modern modulation and digital effects. The module delivers this sought-after sound in a space-saving design, perfect for studio setups and live performances where portability and efficiency are paramount.

"Ever since we launched the Take 5 keyboard, we’ve gotten repeated requests for a desktop module version, " says CEO David Gibbons. "And more recently, it seems that modules have really shot up in popularity. So, we're very excited to offer the Take 5 sound in a format that everyone seems to want."

The Take 5 Desktop Module provides the same hands-on, knob-based experience as its keyboard counterpart, allowing for intuitive sound design and real-time parameter adjustments. Users can delve deep into sound creation with controls that are simple and direct, making it fast and easy to polish your sound.

This synth fits perfectly in smaller studio or bedroom setups, and is easy to transport for live gigs, positioning The Take 5 desktop module to bring its signature Sequential sound to a wider audience than ever before. It's an instrument designed to make life easier and streamline the journey to making music and having fun.

The Take 5 desktop module is available now, with a US MAP price of $1,399.

CLICK FOR MORE »

kNoB technology ηCarinae 2 Eurorack VCO Full Review and Demonstration

video upload by kNoB Technology

"kNoB technology presents an updated and improved Eurorack VCO module ηCarinae 2
Our second ray of light during a dark time

The ηCarinae 2 is a fully analog tzfm oscillator (tri-based).
The concept behind the creation of ηCarinae was to develop a generator with multi-level wave shaping and transformation, allowing not only smooth selection of the base waveform but also modification of the waveform itself in order to expand the available timbres.
7-level waveforming= simple form + form shaping + sub osc + "sine+" + FM + selfpatching + Ring mod
5 basic waves (Tri, Sine, Saw, Double saw, Square PWM) and white noise with vactrol LP filter
Wave folding for sine and triangle waves
SAW and Double SAW, both with Smooth saw ramp shaper (Rise to Fall)
Two SUB OSC f/2 + f/4 with CV level control in main mix
Hard and Soft sync
2x LFO modes
SINE+ mode for mixing simple waveforms with a folding sine wave
Pure analog design in every part of the module
LIN, EXP, TZFM, TZPM, RING modulation possibilities

Time sections:
00:00​ Hello
00:09​ Bla Bla
01:08​ Small demo
03:22 Review of controls
05:40 Review of connectors
07:41 Review of touchpads
08:01​ WAVE and PWM|S + waveshaping
09:49​ WAVE and PWM|S and Sine+ mod
10:50​ WAVE and PWM|S + modulations
11:49 SUB OSCs
12:43​ Synchronization
13:37 FM modulations
14:27 TZFM modulation
16:09 TZPM modulation
18:01 Exponential FM modulation
19:01 7th lvl of waveshaping RING MOD
20:54 RING MOD + TZFM
21:57 VCO to LFO: How to drop the frequency lower than the octave selector allows?
22:32 Demonstrations: Simple to Complex timbres
27:20 Organ-like patch (5oct)
31:44 Drone and Noise"

Moog Subsequent 37 Analog Synth SN 09835 w/ Original Box

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

via this Reverb listing

Additional SYNTH CITY Listings

"One owner, great working and cosmetic condition. Includes original box, dust cover, power cable and manual as pictured. The rubberized pitch and mod wheels are slightly sticky to the touch, a known manufacturer defect.

The Subsequent 37 is a (2-note) paraphonic analog synthesizer that builds upon the award-winning design of the ultra-powerful Sub 37 Tribute Edition. Its control panel is home to 40 knobs and 74 switches, placing a vast array of analog sound-design tools and onboard sequencing options immediately at your command. The Subsequent 37 improves upon its source through the implementation of a number of user-requested sonic and functional enhancements. Each enhancement maintains the magic and character of its predecessor while also providing access to new dimensions of sound and improved playability."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Novation Summit | Sub-37 - Synsation

video upload by eM

"Here we have a few split patches sharing together, the infamous simple and sublime and the FX pulse, midi controlling the Sub-37 above. I wanted to play again since it's been a while, I was happy to find this blend. Playing the usual rudiments. Enjoy :-)"

Introducing Moog Messenger | Synth Performance by Lisa Bella Donna

video upload by Moog Music

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BlaknBlu Oscar Tria Stereo VCO Review

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"The triple featured Oscar Tria offers regular waveforms, swarming oscillations and polyphonic chord modes within a Eurorack, CV-controlled context. The stereo format offers some lovely detuning and there's some superb morphing between the waveforms. It's built on a digital platform but has a very analogue sound and workflow. Let's get into it."

Index:
Sound demo - 0:00
Intro - 4:57
Overview - 9:34
Green Mode - VCO - 12:29
Yellow Mode - Swarm - 24:32
Orange Mode - Chord - 33:45
FM - 42:16
Noodling - 46:27
Running it in Mono - 51:37
Conclusions - 56:42

"Oscar Tria packs a lot of VCO into 10HP. There are three main modes described below.

Green Mode:
A ‘traditional’ stereo oscillator. In Green Mode you get the usual three waveforms – saw, triangle and square (with variable pulse width, of course) but you can continuously vary the waveform between the three. For instance, by turning the waveform knob to be just to the saw side of triangle, you get a sound very much like the Minimoog’s ‘shark tooth’.
Green mode also gives you a square wave sub oscillator – one octave below the main oscillators – and a sub sub, two octaves below.
Oscar Tria is stereo, of course, so you can detune one oscillator for a rich stereo image – or sum the two outputs to mono and you have two oscillators with two subs, for a BIG sound.
Green mode also features through zero FM, and hard sync.

Yellow Mode:
Super-saw! And super-square! And super-triangle! With a sub (of course). Yellow mode allows you to control the number of oscillators making up the super-whatever, from one (not really super) to 24! Again, being stereo you get up to 12 oscillators in one channel and 12 in the other. Add the sub for a HUGE sound.

Orange Mode:
This is a chord engine, with 20 selectable chords. There are controls to select which chord you want and how many notes are played (over two octaves). CV control allows you to set pitch and chord independently, so you can set up a polyphonic sequence, for instance. Again, the output is stereo with detune control of one output."

SoundToys SpaceBlender Meets Best Analog Synth Moog Sub 37

video upload by Anton Anru

"🖲 Great news from Soundtoys – they’ve released a new plugin that creates stunning, spacey reverbs. It features an excellent interface and sound. With a simple twist, the reverb tail can be flipped into reverse, which sounds especially interesting on short decays synced to the tempo of your track.

🎛 The first thing I wanted to run through this effect was the Moog Subsequent 37 – the king of analog sound. This way, I could blend top-tier analog with digital magic. The result is epic.

📦 The Moog Sub37 presets and patterns used in this demo, along with over 200 preset banks for both hardware and software synths, are available here:
https://antonanru.sellfy.store/"

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Roland Juno-6 versus Roland JX-3P | Comparison

video upload by MIDERA

"Comparing the Juno-6 to the JX-3P. Some of this felt a little unfair because I was using the Juno 6 with sub and both oscillators active, so the 3P sounded a little anemic at times. I also noticed at times the JX-3P appeared quieter. I tried to rectify this, but know that going in it may feel slightly biased. I made this video TWO YEARS AGO and actually forgot until today that I had made it, sitting 'unlisted' in YouTube.

00:00 Pulse wave comparison
00:32 PWM
02:18 All waves on (not great with JX-3P and PWM)
02:56 LFO speed for PWM (Juno way faster)
03:37 Sawtooth wave comparison
04:28 Saw + Pulse waves
04:50 Sub osc (JX3P lower octave)
06:30 Filter cutoff 0% res
07:00 Filter cutoff 50% res
07:15 Filter cutoff 100% res
08:00 Envelope snappiness
09:00 Sequencer / Arp envelope snappiness and speed
10:50 Envelope release time comparison
12:22 Comparison of Chorus
13:00 Sync (JX3P only)
16:30 Random patch creations"

https://www.midera-artist.com/

https://midera.bandcamp.com/

Moog Sub-37 | Novation Summit - "If Stars Could Wish" (a solo improv)

video upload by eM

"When you don't have the words to express things, music somehow speaks for itself. It's a gift to your soul, when the world is spinning in ways you can't control, music does have a way in putting tings at ease. It's a good thing to find it necessary at times to bring yourself to an instrument, and allow yourself to play. Enjoy. :-)"

Digitone 2 Mega Tutorial - for beginners

video upload by True Cuckoo

Chapters:
00:00:00 Intro
00:02:06 Hardware introduction
00:02:34 Music Examples
00:04:58 Overview Main keyboard input
00:04:45 Overview Track pages
00:06:15 Overview Blue label functions
00:06:26 Overview The knobs
00:06:42 Overview Play/ Stop/ Rec
00:07:05 Overview Select Pattern, Banks
00:08:13 Overview Song mode mention
00:08:17 Overview Arp, Transpose, Note edit
00:09:33 Overview Load, Settings, Voice control, Tempo
00:09:45 All good?
00:10:20 Selecting an empty pattern
00:10:34 The REC button
00:10:52 Keep sounds organised
00:11:25 Select a synth machine
00:12:25 Track pages, and sub pages
00:12:49 The FM Drum Machine Overview
00:13:25 Make a kick drum by exploring FM Drum
00:17:33 Make a snare drum with FM Drum and FX
00:21:05 Turn on metronome and live record
00:21:54 Live Rec quantise, to correct timing
00:22:44 Clear pattern + Undo
00:23:37 Count in/ Preroll
00:24:47 Live rec unquantised
00:25:32 Correct micro timing manually
00:26:20 Quantising afterwards
00:26:56 Load a preset
00:28:13 No means exit
00:28:19 Customise presets
00:28:34 Make pattern longer
00:29:15 Setting the tempo
00:29:32 Using quantised mishaps as opportunities
00:30:00 Let's make a bass by exploring Wavetone
00:32:11 Set the volume of a track
00:32:32 Continue exploring Wavetone
00:33:19 Explore FX
00:33:40 Explore Filter
00:34:39 Refining the bass
00:34:48 Clearing one track only
00:35:32 Modulating a hihat decay
00:37:56 Copying and Pasting sequence pages
00:38:36 Refining the timing of the modulation
00:39:15 Composing a hihat, useful page tricks
00:41:15 Parameter Locking
00:42:08 Copy Paste Parameter Locked Trigs
00:42:31 Explore Swarmer and make a chord
00:43:50 Comb filter machine
00:46:34 Refining the chord sound
00:47:13 Explore the FM tone and make a melody sound
00:54:04 Modulate a fade-in vibrato
00:54:47 Record a melody
00:55:12 Edit the Delay fx
00:55:58 Modulate the Delay send
00:57:07 Save project
00:57:25 Manage projects
00:58:54 Control All
01:02:35 The Perform mode
01:05:26 The Master compressor