Rain City Modular | Buchla & Friends 2025

video upload by Under the Big Tree

"We talk to Joe Grisso of Rain City Modular about their Sequencer Construction Set, a flexible, modular Eurorack voltage and trigger sequencer."

https://raincitymodular.com/

Dina Pearlman - ARP Foundation | NAMM 2025

video upload by Under the Big Tree

"Dina Pearlman, daughter of legendary synth designer Alan R. Pearlman, discusses the foundation created to honor his legacy, and further electronic music education and art.

https://alanrpearlmanfoundation.org/

Under the Big Tree is Nicolas Peck's YouTube channel, focused on esoteric electronic music, modular and vintage synthesizers, sound design equipment and techniques, and the composition, production and performance of music.

http://www.underthebigtree.com"

Buchla & Friends

video upload by Ebotronix

Buchla 200t TipTop Audio,
2x 292t, 4x 258t, 2x 281t ,2x 207t, 259t!
Verbos Harmonic Oscillator,
ADDAC Foot control,
Boss EV 30,
Mutable Instruments Shades,
Tunefish Modular ,µYarns, (2x),
Intuitive Instruments Exquis,
Isla Instruments Kordbot,
4 ms QPLFO, (unipolar for Buchla 207t), QCD,
Strymon Big Sky Mx, controlled by, 16n ATO Faderbank,
Dorian Scale,
27.01.2024
video # 2464

Oberheim SEM SUB-oscillator Mod

video upload by Eric Beam

Also see this post.

"I saw this SEM SUB-oscillator floating around the internets and had to give it a go. 5 stars would go again. Available here from ‪@Lackan110f‬ https://reverb.com/shop/peters-gear-g..."

via this listing

Note the Marion Systems logo on the board. As readers of the site likely know, Marion Systems was Tom Oberheim's follow-up company after Oberheim.

"SUB-oscillator module for the New Oberheim SEM Pro (2009). Installation is very simple, you just have to solder one wire to the +15V point and then attach three connectors.

The +15V point can be located in various places depending on if it is a Marion or Oberheim, and also what model it is. So a multimeter is recommended to verify +15V.

This will give you a -1 octave SUB-oscillator using the EXT-IN knob #1, or a -2 octave SUB-oscillator using the EXT-IN knob #2.

You can also mount it so that you keep EXT-IN on #1 and have SUB -1 OCT on #2 (SUB -2 OCT is then omitted). Se illustration.

Does NOT work in an older vintage SEM (1974-1979) due to different connectors. (the video shows a vintage SEM, but this product is for the New TOM SEM Pro 2009)"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Deep Techno - Jan 26, 2025

video upload by SynthMania

"Deep Techno evening jam."

Buchla and Friends walk thru w/ CatSynth

video upload by CatSynth TV

"We'll be during a quick walk-thru of all the exciting synth action at Buchla and Friends in Los Angeles. Please join us, and let us know if there are any booths you would like us to go back to and feature."

Merch: https://shop.catsynth.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/catsynth
Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/catsynth

MPC 3.4 AKAI & N I cover A Forest.

video upload by Audiorial

"Hey!
Akai & N.I. have joined forces. Let's use N.I. Rare Vibrations & Analogue Dream to cover A Forest of The Cure into the MPC."

♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
Tuto sampling complet : https://payhip.com/b/PO0fq Guide de prise en main MPC : https://payhip.com/Audiorial

UAP-inspired music and video performance // Minidexed synth // Space travel // Aerial sightings

video upload by Saul Stokes - Frequensea

"Using various combinations of synthesizers, analog circuits, and specific melodies, Stokes conjures a visit with some beautiful Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena. UAPs are observations of events in the sky that cannot be identified as aircraft or known technology.

During this performance, Stokes discusses the realities of deep space travel as well as a short performance and talk about the fantastic Minidexed synthesizer."

Waldorf Iridium Synthesizer Fun

video upload by James Dyson

"Waldorf Iridium Synthesizer Fun"

Trip Around The Sun //// Cascadia, Pulsar, OB-6, Polybrute, Sealegs

video upload by Jon Gee

"Planetary Alignment birthday set. 🪐🌎☄️🔭♒️🏺

Camera B and encouragement: ‪@chris_economou‬"

New Studio Electronics CODE Luxe Model Spotted at Buchla & Friends Event

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Studio Electronics (@studioelectronics)

This one is in via Soviet Space Child, who mentioned "It's a CODE synth with the addition of feedback and wave folder circuits."

Note it's currently not mentioned on the Studio Electronics site.

New Mellotron M4000D Micro Desktop Spotted at NAMM?

This one was spotted and sent in via John L Rice.

Look to the left of the M4000D Micro. You'll see another unit that looks like one minus the keyboard to the right.

Note that it's currently absent from the Mellotron site.

Sequential Pro 3 SE / DEMO AUDIO (sound only)

video upload by Compás Uno

⏰ Marcas de tiempo ⏰
» 0:00 Intro
» 0:07 U1 P7 Premeditated plucks
» 0:43 U1 P9 Pro mono bass
» 1:23 U1 P13 Silver boxes
» 1:52 U1 P17 Saskatune Bass
» 2:27 U1 P21 highly passed
» 2:56 U1 P25 1voicedrumhitplay
» 3:52 U1 P26 Shapes United
» 4:25 U1 P29 PWM Pad
» 5:03 U1 P31 Digital Reflection
» 5:44 U1 P37 wave wheels

Dave Smith´s Poly Evolver | No talking, just playing some custom patches

video upload by xu.sounddesign - dirk rohde

Electronica session w/ Moog One, Prophet-10, Music Easel | Quietude 2025-01-26 by atnr

video upload by atnr

"A piece created using the ‪@MoogSynthesizers‬ Moog One, ‪@SequentialLLC‬ Prophet-10, and ‪@buchlausa‬ Music Easel.

On the Moog One, I play the bass with my left hand, while the Prophet-10 handles the chords. Over the gentle harmonies, the Music Easel’s sequencer phrases and the sound of a djembe overlap. The Music Easel is synced with the DAW, intertwining phrases from a 5-step sequencer and the 218e arpeggiator.

The djembe is played with both hands and sticks, and I use a RODE NT-1 for recording.

In the DAW, I add chorus and synth sounds using Omnisphere and ‪@NativeInstruments‬ Kontakt."

What 3 decades of tech progress in synthesizers feel like - EX5 to Montage M8X

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"Here's a relatively long but ultimately incomplete and subjective look at what 26 years of technical progress looks like on two "flagship" synthesizer workstations. (Everything I say here is subjective, but you already knew that) A lot of sound examples included!

00:00 hi
00:32 why even spend that amount of money?
02:08 polyphonic aftertouch!
03:21 build quality
03:34 heavyweight synthesizer champions
04:00 connectivity, MIDI and hardware expansions
07:04 user interfaces
10:13 synth engines, polyphony and multitimbrality: EX5
13:52 ... Montage M
18:06 (step) sequencers and 4 track arpeggiators
19:24 my conclusion, and a word on manuals of $4500 high end synths
20:27 do you have something to add? / bye

HÄLP ZIS CHANNEL
https://www.patreon.com/floyd_steinberg
https://floydsteinberg.gumroad.com/
https://floydsteinberg.bandcamp.com/"

GFORCE Novation Bass Station Presets

video upload by SoftSynthPortal

A few presets and the UI.

MPC 3 update demo: Nova interface arranger e plugins Native Instruments

video upload by Marcus Padrini

"Pequena amostra dos novos sons dos plugins Native Instruments para os MPCs da Akai e da nova interface arranger.

Toda a linha de MPCs da Akai, a partir do MPC One, recebeu a atualização de software MPC 3, trazendo nova interface e recursos. Na minha opinião, a atualização deixa melhor o que já era ótimo! Principalmente, por conta da nova compatibilidade com plugins da Native Instruments e da nova interface Arranger, que permite trabalhar com áudio e midi de forma linear, da maneira como fazemos nos DAWs."

Googlish: "A small sample of the new sounds from Native Instruments plugins for Akai MPCs and the new arranger interface.

Akai's entire MPC line, starting with the MPC One, has received the MPC 3 software update, bringing a new interface and features. In my opinion, the update makes what was already great even better! Mainly because of the new compatibility with Native Instruments plugins and the new Arranger interface, which allows you to work with audio and MIDI in a linear way, the way we do in DAWs."

ASTROGENIC HALLUCINAUTING - late night noiz for late night fiends

video upload by thenoiztemple

"ASTROGENIC HALLUCINAUTING - late night noiz for late night fiends - for more noiz: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/as... website: http://manipulate.net This is a series of live noiz and video noiz performances. A continuation of improvisational noiz sessions during the persistence of The Human Plague and now war. #isolation #electronicmusic #synthesizer #blackambient #drone #noiz #noisemusic #percussion #spike #ukraine #war #standwithukraine"

Sunday Jam #65 : improvisation over 5/4 latin feel

video upload by MIDI IN

"Short and sweet this week. Just having fun with a 70s-style synth sound over a latin-style groove."

JAMUARY 2025 #26 - FREAKS IV

video upload by FL3SHB4CK

"Happy new modular year!

Bean-Jelly driving this patch, Battering Ram doing kick and bass, Noiswasp, freaking noises and tones, and Beads, granular stuff and reverb.

Battering ram
Noiswasp
Bean jelly
Beads
AHH, diff-rect, Noise, Quadratt, Line out

4U 50hp recorded live into Syntakt reverb and delay"

#Jamuary 26th 2025 - "Blatant bullshit"

video upload by Captain Credible

"It's been a while since I threw something together using the #op1 tape, kinda fun, kinda frustrating. Who needs sync when your fingers are this tight? (me... I need sync) #jamuary2025 #jam #dawless #polyendtracker #p6"

Cordovox/Moog CDX-0652 "White Elephant"

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

via this listing

Additional SYNTH CITY Listings

"This synth is working great and has been serviced by our in house technicians. It comes with it's original legs but it is missing the hardware to secure the base. There's some general wear and tear around the entire synth, but for its age it's in quite good nick. The top is a little patchy, but there are no cracks or breaks anywhere on the unit.

Produced by the Thomas Organ Company in the mid to late 70s for Moog, it was basically their Cordovox Organ with a Moog Satellite synthesizer built in to it. Nicknamed 'The White Elephant' for its massive size and round shell"

CLICK FOR MORE »

SLM Spectrum Electric Piano (Made in Italy) Cello, Violin, Harp, Piano

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

via this listing

Additional SYNTH CITY Listings

"Very cool electric piano from the 1970s SLM Spectrum (Made in Italy) featuring a nice mix of Cello, Violin, Piano and Harpsichord. The lowest and highest note on the keyboard are not working on the Violin and Cello mode. Most of the slider caps on the mix controls are broken, you can however slide them easily with a press of the finger. Includes original stand as pictured."

You can find some pics of the inside posted here.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Korg DSS-1 61-Key Digital Sampling Synthesizer w/ Library

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

via this listing

Additional SYNTH CITY Listings

"Fantastic sounding 80's digital synthesizer / sampler with 8 note polyphony, and analog filter! DSS1's oscillators take their source from sampling, additive synthesis, or even hand-drawn waveforms. Great working condition, includes 2-prong AC power cable and large floppy disc library."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Akai X7000 Sampling Keyboard SN 20735-00236

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

via this listing

Additional SYNTH CITY Listings

"Coming to market around the same time as the Emu Emax and the Ensoniq Mirage, the X7000 is a 12 bit keyboard sampler that met a more approachable price point for 1986. This sampler has been tested, samples fine and all functions check out. Unfortunately, we are unable to test the disk drive for loading and saving samples."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Oberheim TVS-1 Two-Voice vintage synthesizer

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

via this listing

26th of #Jamuary - Number Station Jam - Liven Lofi-6 Nord Lead

video upload by ChrisLody

"If you'd like to support the channel you can grab a 'Pay What You Want' album from my Bandcamp or an instrument, kit or badge from my Etsy.
https://chrislody.bandcamp.com
https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SymetriC...

Another sombre one from me for #Jamuary2025 , current mood I guess.

So a little bit of background. I grew up in a village in the middle of nowhere in Lincolnshire UK during the 80s. Out of boredom sometimes I would sometimes tune through the dial on my little radio and see what I could hear from around the world. I would occasionally pick up really strange transmissions including morse code and what I now know to be 'Number Stations'. They were supposedly used to transmit information to operatives behind enemy lines and would often be sent on the shortwave band as it was capable of transmitting over very long distances due to being able to bounce off the atmosphere around the curvature of the earth. The long distance nature of short wave transmission leads to all sorts of strange distortion. These have been used since the first world war but were most common during the cold war."

YAMAHA CS80 vs XILS-LAB THE EIGHTY | Showdown Revisited, Now Perfected

video upload by Andy Whitmore

Follow-up to this post.

"In this video, I revisit the legendary Yamaha CS80 hardware synth versus the Xils-Lab The Eighty VST emulation for the ultimate sound comparison. After correcting a critical setting on the CS80 (thanks to your feedback!), this revamped video delivers an accurate showdown, highlighting resonance, filter settings, and aftertouch quirks.

🔥 What’s New in This Showdown?
✔️ Corrected settings for the most precise comparison.
✔️ Dry sound demos followed by FX processing.
✔️ Key insights: reversed bank selection, confusing filter controls, and aftertouch behavior.

🎧 Perfect for synth enthusiasts, sound designers, and fans of hardware vs. VST comparisons."

Instruō tràigh Design

video uploads by Instruō

"This is a long form series which documents the full design process of a Eurorack module.
The tràigh was the second module I designed as Instruō back in 2016.
I revisited the module, added some features and produced a limited batch to serve as a fundraiser in aid a surgery and radiation therapy treatments for my dog Winston.
He's a very larger greyhound who has been at my side for most of the time I have been running Instruō."

Hell Modular 5U Synthesizer/Synth-Bass Session

video upload by Cornel Hecht

"Synth-Bass Session with 2 VCOs, fast Envelopes, Lowpass-Filter and VCA #hellmodular #modularsynth #analogsynth #5usynth"

Behringer BX1 | NAMM25

video upload by Bonedo Synthesizers

See the Behringer label below for more.

Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave | NAMM 2025

video upload by Under the Big Tree

"We talk once again to Bob Coover, enthusiastic audio engineer extraordinaire, about the latest features and updates to the Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave synthesizer. In addition to PPG-style wavetable synthesis and superb analog emulation, 3rd Wave now features Prophet VS-style synthesis, as well as sampling. An excellent synth just keeps on getting better.

https://www.groovesynthesis.com/

Under the Big Tree is Nicolas Peck's YouTube channel, focused on esoteric electronic music, modular and vintage synthesizers, sound design equipment and techniques, and the composition, production and performance of music."

Synthesizers.com | NAMM 2025

video upload by Under the Big Tree

"We discuss the mighty 5U modular paradigm with Mike Graham of Synthesizers.com. This company has been around for 25 years, providing affordable, expandable, beautiful modules and systems inspired by the synthesizer that started it all: The Moog Modular.

synthesizers.com

Under the Big Tree is Nicolas Peck's YouTube channel, focused on esoteric electronic music, modular and vintage synthesizers, sound design equipment and techniques, and the composition, production and performance of music.

http://www.underthebigtree.com"

NAMM 2025: Musonics Vanilla Synth TVS

video upload by sonicstate

"We caught up with Mr. Suit-and-Tie-Guy from Musonics*, who revisited the hand-built *synthesizer they showcased last year. Due to positive feedback, they transitioned from hand-built components to surface-mount technology, making production more manageable. This synthesizer, now mature, features one of the most stable oscillators available, although admittedly, Musonics enjoys a bit of wobble traditionally.

Significant updates include a wire-free design, normalled on the inside, but allowing for patching if you wish, and offering connections for power, voltage, gate, balanced XLR, quarter-inch unbalanced, and MIDI interfaces. Innovations were packed into the synthesizer platform, evolving it into a development platform for Musonics' new standalone arpeggiator and sequencer, the *Continuo*. This sequencer is inspired by the classic Roland arpeggiators seen in models like the SH-101 and Jupiter-8, offering multiple time control options, pitch sorting, and octave staggering."

NAMM 2025: Native Instruments Akai Partnership

video upload by sonicstate

"At this year's NAMM, Native Instruments made waves with their collaboration with Akai*, creating a seamless way for you to access NI sounds on MPC devices. We caught up with *Simon from Native Instruments who detailed this initiative. This partnership debuted with the release of five Play Series instruments and five expansions compatible with MPC, making NI's renowned sounds more accessible. Simon further explained that the integration process is straightforward--you purchase Native Instruments content online and activate it with a serial number on the MPC.

Additionally, Simon introduced the Tools and Leap SDKs for *Kontakt 8*, allowing developers to build compositional assistance tools in the same way you would build instruments. The conversation also delved into the broader adoption of NKS integration, expanding to devices from Akai, M-Audio, Nektar, Novation, and Korg. By mapping MIDI CC parameters, existing hardware can now utilize the vast NKS ecosystem, with further integrations planned, paving the way for deeper collaboration in the future."

NAMM 2025: Roli Airwave + Piano

video upload by sonicstate

"At NAMM 2025 we met up with Heen from Roli who introduced us to Roli Airwave and Roli Piano, the bigger brighter version of the Lumikeys, with full sized keys, velocity, release velocity, vibrato, glide and polyphonic aftertouch which provides an enormous amount of expressivity to the player.

Roli Airwave is the new hand-tracking MIDI controller which is able to register 6 dimensions of control effectively making it able to recognize gestures like grasp and tilt allowing for huge possibilities of expressive playing."

NAMM 2025: Korg Multi/Poly Sounds Only

video upload by sonicstate

"Jim Heywood from Earmonkey Music gives us a healthy dose of the Korg Multi/Poly."

NAMM 2025: Cosmodio Pet Yeti + Gravity Well

video upload by sonicstate

"At Cosmodio Instruments' first NAMM show, we caught up with Barton*, who showcased their innovative range of pedals. Cosmodio, a newcomer to the pedal scene, introduced the *Pet Yeti*, their unique dirt platform. This pedal features an all-original drive circuit, offering charismatic, high-gain sounds with miles of gain, an analog bit crusher, and diverse clipping configurations. Notably, the *Pet Yeti includes a parallel clean path, making it suitable for guitars, bass, and drum machines. Its flexible input gain and tone shaping make it ready for overdrive and wild, dirty sounds.

Barton also introduced the *Gravity Well*, a dual analog pedal featuring a wave folder and tremolo. It offers a unique modulation effect called refractor, which dynamically folds and unfolds your signal. The pedal is ideal for creating new frequencies and even science fiction-like sounds.

Both products are part of Cosmodio's expanding lineup, with availability directly from their growing dealer network.

More Info:
[Cosmodio Instruments](http://www.cosmodioinstruments.com)"

NAMM 2025: Donner L1 Synthesizer w/ Removable Keyboard Controller

video upload by sonicstate

You might remember the Donner L1 from this post. New NAMM video above followed by pics and additional details below. Note the keyboard is actually separate from the control section; you can have either the full keyboard or desktop.

"At the latest NAMM show, we caught up with Gabriel from *Donner*, who introduced us to the *L1 Synthesizer*, a new unit that merges homage to classic designs with modern flair. While it shares a visual nod to the legendary SH-101, Donner was keen on establishing its unique identity. The L1 includes additional sound sources, most notably a warm triangle wave. The sub-oscillator offers three variations: a pulse wave an octave down, one two octaves down, and a variable pulse wave.

A standout feature was the external input capability, allowing you to process a guitar, other synths, or even vocals through the synth's filters and envelopes. An intriguing LFO design pushes into the audio rate, enabling FM modulation. The L1's onboard sequencer supports 64 steps per slot and allows you to store sequence presets--a handy addition for live settings. The L1 should be available Autumn 2025."

via Donner

Inspired by the legendary mono analog synth from the golden era. Faithful recreation in sound wise and packed with modern features to make it fit in nowadays music production and performance scenes.

Donner Unveils ESSENTIAL L1 Monophonic Analog Synthesizer, Perfectly Blending Classic and Modern

The L1 and KB-32M seamlessly connect through the innovative Snap2Connect magnetic system, streamlining the creative process, enhancing workflow efficiency, and unlocking greater versatility for music production and performance.

1. Classic Heritage, Legendary Sound Quality

Built on the iconic 3340 VCO and 3109 VCF chips, faithfully recreating the warm tonal richness of vintage analog synthesizers.
Produces deep, resonant bass and bright, expressive leads, catering to genres from pop to experimental music.

Features a self-oscillating filter, allowing seamless transitions between soft, subtle tones and sharp, aggressive sounds for expanded creative possibilities.

2. Modular Design for Infinite Creativity
Modular components can operate independently or integrate seamlessly for limitless sound exploration.
Supports multiple waveforms (sawtooth, pulse, triangle, noise) and sub-octave outputs (-1/-2 frequencies) for dynamic tonal variations.
Includes dual envelope generators (ENV1/ENV2), a 64-step sequencer, and five-mode arpeggiator, enabling intricate sequences, real-time improvisation, and complex arrangements with up to 128 patterns and 32 full songs.

3. Comprehensive Connectivity for Modern Production
Features CV/GATE outputs, USB MIDI, and traditional MIDI IN/OUT ports for seamless integration with modular synthesizers, computers, and MIDI devices.
Equipped with an S2C (Snap2Connect) magnetic keyboard system for quick assembly and compatibility with other Donner ESSENTIAL series synthesizers.
External audio input allows unique sound processing through the filter module, while Donner Control software enables in-depth parameter editing for studio and live use.

4. Minimalist Design, Portable and Intuitive
Compact design (450mm width, under 1kg), perfect for home studios, live performances, or travel.
Intuitive control panel with organized knobs, sliders, and buttons ensures seamless and efficient creative workflows.

DONNER KB-32M

Features:
Synth-Action Keyboard – 32-key spring-loaded keyboard provides a better tactile feel and faster rebound speed. Four Velocity Curves with Adjustable Sensitivity – Three levels of sensitivity customization to match your playing style.

Intuitive One-Touch Settings (OLED Display) – (Almost) all settings can be easily adjusted via the SHIFT key combination and OLED graphical display. Simple, quick, and user-friendly.

Exclusive Magnetic Connector for ESSENTIAL Synth Series – Snap2Connect (S2C) interface for seamless integration.

MIDI Keyboard Functionality – Connect to your computer or smartphone to use as a MIDI controller.

Software Bundle – Includes Cubase and Melodics to support your creative journey.

CLICK FOR MORE »

NAMM 2025: Dog Paw Music MPE Controller

video upload by sonicstate

"At NAMM 2025, we spoke to Bill from Dogpaw Music about their new and intriguing *controller*. Bill explained that the device merges the features of traditional grid controllers, like Ableton Push or Launchpad, with the dynamics of a weighted keyboard, providing improved tactile feedback for playing. The product supports both MIDI and MPE outputs, suitable for connecting to software like Ableton or direct speaker connections via its onboard engine. Essentially, the controller features a Raspberry Pi, enabling it to potentially host plugins in the future. The device is designed to respond to dynamics, tracking pressure and lateral motion for a more interactive experience.

Bill also noted the inclusion of customizable settings, like adjustable interval layouts or scale modes, which could make it more accessible for different levels of musical knowledge. A Kickstarter campaign is set to launch in March, with introductory pricing around a thousand dollars.

More Info:

https://get.dogpawmusic.com/namm"