PlantsSystem-RainTree Poly-Seq

video upload by plantssystem

"We present to you a sequence performance created using Poly-Sequencer connected to a Prophet-5.
This sound, layered with complex polyrhythms and the warm texture of analog, was recorded in one take. The Poly-Sequencer intuitive and unique step construction, combined with the rich tone of the Prophet-5, creates a tension and groove that can only be experienced live.
#raintree #polyseq #prophet5 #plantssystem #takemitsu"

SynthCone Glitch Storm MK II & Pelngator M

video uploads by SynthCone

Playlist:

1. Glitch Storm MK II
2. Glitch Storm краткий обзор и пример звучания.
3. Glitch Storm PsyTranse Jam
4. Glitch Storm MK II обзор
5. GlitchStorm + PicoCore Jam
6. Sampo + Glitch Storm MKII

"⚠Ещё одна новинка⚠

Этим летом на фестивале Гудрон в г.Пермь, я увидел один забавный синтезатор. Он сразу запал мне в душу своей вариативностью и звучанием. Естественно я захотел его повторить :)

Glitch Storm MK II - Цифровой синтезатор в стиле чип тюн. Может создавать от различных мелодических паттернов, которые можно изменять, до дрона.
Имеет выход для синхронизации, хорошо дружит с PicoCore.

Цена: 8000₽
Для заказа пишите в ТГ: @SynthCone_master"

Google translated:

"⚠Another new product⚠

This summer, at the Gudron festival in Perm, I saw a funny synthesizer. It immediately caught my eye with its versatility and sound. Naturally, I wanted to replicate it :)

Glitch Storm MK II - A chip-tune-style digital synthesizer. It can create everything from a variety of customizable melodic patterns to drone sounds.
It has a sync output and works well with PicoCore.

Price: 8,000₽
To order, message me on Telegram: @SynthCone_master"

Pelngator M

video upload by SynthCone

Moog Leads Perfect Circuit Cyber Week Charge 🏃💨

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

via Perfect Circuit

"Cyber Week Sale:

Up to 40% Off Once-a-Year Picks No rest for the patching crowd: we're back with a new wave of fresh deals and discounts designed to complete the circuit in your holiday shopping.

Moog: Up to $200 Off

Desktop + Keyboard Synths The polyphonic wonder of the Muse, the monophonic power of the Messenger, the semi-modular possibilities of the Mother series.

Get yours now

Warm Audio: $99 for Select Pedals Add a dollop of classic-meets-boutique quality to your board with company favorites like the Foxy Tone Box and Mutation Phasor Il.

Shop Now

Pittsburgh Modular: Up to $900 Off +

Free CreSaudio Boom Chick Two semi-modular titans, the Taiga and Voltage Lab 2, are going for a sweet discount plus a free Cresaudio Boom Chick Drum Machine with every purchase.

Shop Now

Perfect Circuit Used + Vintage:

Up to 50% Off We have a warehouse full of goodies from '80s studio staples to gently-used 2025 favorites, and for a limited time, you can get the best deal of theyear on great used prices.

Shop Now"

Discreet Signals Sculpture (Spectral Effect)

video upload by DATABROTH

"Read my full review here: https://www.databroth.com/blog/discre...

check out my wavetables and presets at https://gumroad.com/databroth
join my Patreon / databroth

Affiliate links:
Plugin Boutique: http://pluginboutique.com/?a_aid=61c3...

if you're already planning on purchasing any software and want help support me, purchasing any software via the above link helps me out with a %15 commission

00:00 Glockenspiel
01:49 Piano
03:20 Pad
05:41 Drums"

LD Zero VCF17 Multi Mode Filter

video upload by gotharman

"A new dual analog multi mode filter are now available for Little deFormer Zero.
In this video, I show off a bit of what it can do.
It has two filters, and each of these can be in any of eight different modes: 24db LPF, 18db LPF, 12db LPF, 6db LPF, Allpass, 6 db BPF, 12db BPF and 18db LPF.
It is also possible to set the resonance to be 'sharp' or 'flat' for each of the filters.
I hope that you will enjoy the video :)
www.gotharman.dk"

Dieter Doepfer explains the 3D Joystick

video upload by Doepfer Musikelektronik GmbH

"Dieter Doepfer explains the 3D Joystick"

The A-174-4 made its first appearance on the site back in 2020. The following are some pics and details via https://doepfer.de/a1744.htm.



"Module A-174-4 generates several control voltages and a gate signal controlled by a spring-loaded X/Y cross potentiometer (so-called joy stick). The control voltages for X and Y are controlled by the X and Y position of the joystick in the usual way. The third control voltage Z is controlled by the rotation of the spring-loaded joystick knob. The gate signal is generated by a button at the center/top of the joystick knob. As an additional feature four control voltages are generated that are assigned to the quadrants of the Cartesian coordinate system. These quadrant voltages are derived from the X and Y voltages by means of a special algorithm.

For each joystick function the non-inverted signal (X, Y, Z) as well as the inverted signal (-X, -Y, -Z) is available. The generic joystick control voltages are bipolar and range from typ. -5V (lowest position) via 0V (center position) to typ. +5V (highest position). By means of the Offset controls OX, OY and OZ a variable voltage of up to 5V can be added to the generic voltages. That way it's possible that the X, Y and Z outputs become pure positive (0...+10V instead of -5V...+5V). That's necessary if e.g. VCAs have to be controlled, because VCAs require a pure positive control voltage. The offset voltages can be adjusted by means of three small potentiometers. When the control in question is fully CCW no offset is added and the "pure" control voltages X, -X, Y, -Y, Z and -Z without offset are generated. As soon as the offset control in question is moved clockwise up to +5V are added to the voltage in question. The offset voltages are also added to the inverting outputs. With max. offset the range of an inverted output becomes also pure positive (+10V...0V instead of +5V...-5V). These six voltages are output at the sockets "X+OX", "-X+OX", "Y+OY", "-Y+OY", "Z+OZ" and "-Z+OZ". Each of these outputs is equipped with a dual color LED (red/yellow) that displays the present voltage and allows to distinguish between positive (red) and negative (yellow) voltages.

CLICK FOR MORE »

ST Modular - HONEYEATER V3 (CEM3340 VCO)

video upload by ST Modular (Stefan)

"The sound examples are not intended to be musical, but merely to present the functions audio-visually.

For more information, please visit st-modular.de.

(The video mentions that the CEM3340 chips were used in the Roland Jupiter 6 and ARP Odyssey — this is not true and has been corrected in a later edit of the video.)

00:00 Intro
00:20 Features
01:52 Playing with Honeyeater #1
05:10 PWM and Dry Waveforms
06:12 Playing with Honeyeater #2
07:55 Frequency Modulation
11:19 CV PWM
11:55 Sub-Oscillators
13:02 Honeyeater & Dirty Dan"

GND CIG playtime

video upload by Todd Barton

"More playtime/exploration with the Gaston Nonlinear Dynamics (GND) Compact Impulse Generator (CIG) and the two GND effects modules. Enjoy!

More here: https://ryangastonmusic.com/
My Patreon: / synthtodd"

8 VCV RACK WORKFLOW TIPS in just under 7 minutes

video upload by Omri Cohen

"Here is the Introduction to VCV 2 course - https://omricohen.gumroad.com/l/aawan...

Introduction - 00:00
Tuning VCOs - 00:19
Tuning other modules - 01:38
Tuning sequencers - 02:21
Mathematical expressions - 03:08
Moving cables - 04:11
Context menu - 04:39
Copy settings - 05:13
Stackable inputs - 05:55"

Additional resources: https://www.patreon.com/omricohen

The ARP Foundation Cyber Monday Sale

"Digital Goodies and a limited-time discounted ARP Discography!

One day only!

Beat and Spell Sample Pack by the outrageously amazing Alex Ball

A sample pack made using the techniques of Daniel Miller and Depeche Mode on their 1981 Speak and Spell album. ARP 2600 on kicks and zaps, Korg KR-55 on snare and some Simmons SDS-3 for good measure. Some sounds have up to 20 round robins to capture the natural variation of analogue equipment. A Kontakt patch is also included with the wav files.

Download available immediately upon purchase.

Get it!

ARPDISCOGRAPHY - %50 OFF

For one day, you can get the entire ARP Bandcamp Discography for $41.99 - that's 50% off the everyday price.

Visit our Bandcamp Store

CHERRYAUDIO 2600 SOFTWARE - $20

CA2600 - Cherry Audio’s powerful, faithful software recreation of the ARP 2600, featuring useful updates such as integrated effects and advanced patching features. ONLY 10 LEFT IN STOCK!

CA2600 Features:
Every aspect precisely modeled in exacting detail
Over 300 presets
Monophonic and duophonic voice modes
Vintage-correct multi-mode filter with 12db and 24db slope
Integrated, fully CV-controllable distortion, reverb, and delay with sync
Sidechain audio input for external signal processing
Flexible CV Routing
Advanced, next-generation patch panel cabling system from Voltage Modular
Multiple voice assign modes
Advanced patch cabling with unlimited mults per jack, “quick patch” for rapid multiple destination routing, and click and drag movement of multiple connections
Additional LFO with six waveforms and tempo sync
Virtual instrument and effect plug-in versions included
Voltage Processors section with additional VCA and 1/2-step quantizer
Advanced one-click UI magnification
Selectable blue, gray, or black/orange color schemes
Full MIDI control
Full DAW automation for all controls
CA2600 is available in AU, VST, VST3, AAX, and standalone formats.

Get It!"

Cyber Week deals just landed on Reverb: Get $675 off a Yamaha Montage-M8X + gear up to 80% off

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

via https://reverb.com/sale/holiday

"With the Cyber Week on Reverb Sales Event, musicians can save up to 80% off select gear, shopping the over 300,000 deals available on the marketplace—including $675 off a Yamaha Montage-M8X.

Dates: Today (Monday, December 1) through Friday (December 5)... although you should be on the lookout for a twist at the end, as well as some exclusive "get 'em while they're hot" deals launching on the 4th.

% Discount: Up to 80% off select gear. Yes, eighty percent.

Amount of Discounted Gear: Over 300,000 pieces of gear available for sale—and counting.

Staff Picks:
A Nord Stage 4 88 for $5,035 (265 off)
A Yamaha MONTAGE-M8X 2nd Gen 88-key Flagship Synthesizer for $3,824 ($675 off)
An EQD The Wave Transformer Transfiguration Oscillator Eurorack Module for just $177 ($22 off)
An Arturia MICROFREAK for just $297 ($52 off)
The Reverb Drum Machines complete collection sample pack for just $40 (20% off)
Link: https://reverb.com/sale/holiday"

Sound Master SR-88 Programmable Drum Machine w/ Original Box

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

via this Reverb listing

Slight pic of the inside below.

"Super cool OG programmable drum machine! Classic 80's vibe. Works! The box has duct tape on the corners to hold it together (before my time) and the battery pack is broken but the white electrical tape does the job. Can also run off a 6v adapter.

Overall in great condition, one of the screws on the backplate is stripped but it's included in the box."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Reon Driftbox R - Analog Synth SN AJ-301A w/ Original Box

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

via this Reverb listing

"Unleash your inner sonic architect with the Roland Reon Driftbox R, a compact yet mighty tabletop synthesizer that packs a punch. Originally designed to showcase the SBX-1 Sync Box, this synthesizer has evolved into a standout piece of DJ gear on its own. The Driftbox R is built around two versatile VCOs and boasts a remarkable filter, allowing you to craft everything from lush soundscapes to gritty bass lines. Its true strength lies in its semi-modular design, featuring CV/gate I/O that invites you to expand and explore.

Whether you're weaving intricate melodies or laying down earth-shaking bass, this synthesizer adapts to your creative needs. Use it solo with the onboard momentary button for instant envelope triggering, or pair it with a CV-equipped keyboard or sequencer for even more musical possibilities. Its compact form factor makes it a perfect fit for any setup, whether you're performing on stage or experimenting in your home studio. Limited in availability, the Driftbox R offers a unique chance to own a piece of analog innovation.

Key Features:

Updated version of the original Reon DriftBox
Two VCOs with a great-sounding filter and envelope generator
CV/gate I/O for semi-modular flexibility
Use standalone with onboard momentary button or integrate with other hardware
Compact desktop design for versatile use in different environments"

CLICK FOR MORE »

POLYEND TRACKER DESKTOP SAMPLER SYNTH & SEQUENCER

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

via this listing

Additional Signal Sounds listings

margin-right: 1em;

ERICA SYNTHS DB-01 DESKTOP ANALOGUE BASS SYNTH

via this listing

Additional Signal Sounds listings

ARP AVATAR Synthesizer odyssey RESTORED only CV gate control

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

via this eBay listing

Additional Tone Tweakers Listings

"Meticulously refurbished over approximately 22+ hours to be as good as it could possibly be, with a new set of modern faders that are way better than the originals and their copies, this unit is a real pleasure to play and is fully functional, with one exception - we disabled the guitar interface. This unit can still be controlled via CV and gate.

Why did we disable to guitar interface? This unit, like most, did not come to us with the guitar pickup and cable, so we weren't able to test it with a guitar. That said, the guitar interfaces are usually broken and beyond repair at this point. The manufacturer sealed the interface circuitry in epoxy, so if (and when) a component inside that black epoxied box goes bad, as they almost always do, they're impossible to open and repair by practical means. Also, even when the guitar interface is working, you'll need the pickup and cable, which have often disappeared over the decades. So, if you're looking for a unit that will work with your guitar, this one won't, and it's likely many others won't either, based on what we've seen - please search our listings to see if we have another in stock that does. This one contains the same synth engine as the ARP Odyssey Mk3 (with a couple very minor differences in the modulations) and can be controlled via a midi-to-cv converter or compatible vintage keyboard or sequencer. Be careful if you're considering buying one of these elsewhere - most sellers don't test them properly and don't know enough or care enough to identify and report problems, especially with the guitar section. Any avatar or odyssey that still has its original faders will almost definitely need them replaced, so consider that too. And then there are the ones that use the low quality copies of what were already low quality original faders. We already did this work, and it's expensive. Cost was around $300 for the new faders, plus additional parts, plus 22 hours of skilled labor, plus additional labor to route the sample and hold mixer output to modulate VCO2 and the filter for oscillator and filter FM as you'd have on an Odyssey (which is being performed as I type this so I don't know the total time yet)."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Moog Memorymoog Plus Pro-REFURBISHED Analog Synthesizer SN 2628

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

via this eBay listing

Additional Tone Tweakers Listings

"This unit's been meticulously overhauled with future-proofing measures, sparing no expense, unlike the typically half-assed jobs done by most other techs/sellers (if they even bother to service theirs). The refurbishing process required 37 hours of skilled vintage synth tech labor, plus parts costs. This work is very time consuming and costly and is reflected in our price."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Roland Juno-106 61-Key Programmable Polyphonic Synthesizer w/ New Voice Chips

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

via this Reverb listing

"The Juno-106 synthesizer was Roland’s successor to the Juno-60 and was first released in 1984. It was one of Roland’s first synthesizers to include MIDI and the patch memory was expanded to 128 patches over the 56 available on the Juno-60.

The synth is polyphonic with 6 voices and 1 digital controlled oscillator per voice. It has a chorus effect to fatten up the sound and by pressing both the Poly 1 and 2 switches at the same time, the synth can be played in monophonic unison mode with all 6 voices playing on every key pressed. It has a non-resonant high pass filter and a resonant low-pass filter.

It’s easy to program and remains a popular synth to this day.

This unit was fully serviced in Oct 2021 at Bell Tone Synth Works and at that time, all 6 voice chips were replaced with Analogue Renaissance voice chips. In addition, they performed the following services:

Replace 3 electrolytic smoothing capacitors in power supply, reflow solder on power transistors/regulators, adjust power supply rail voltages
Re-solder output board jacks, cleaned output level switch and tuning pot.
Clean volume pot, portamento pot and pitch bend pot.
Replace old soldered-in patch memory battery with new battery in battery holder for easy replacement in the future; reload sounds.
Calibrate all parameters to Roland specs.
Replace 2-prong Japanese power cable connector with standard 3-prong IEC C14
Replace all panel button tact switches, clean all sliders, replace crumbly slider dust gaskets with new ones.
Replaced (2) MN3009 BBD IC's in Chorus circuit with new Xvive MN3009s to reduce noisy wooshing
Repaired and re-centered bender pot by resoldering the wiring and re-aligning to get the bender working correctly."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Stranger Things - "Kids Two" Moog Matriarch Cover

video upload by Toco

"Cover of one of my favorite songs from Stranger Things on the Moog Matriarch!

https://tuomikoskimusic.carrd.co/"

KORG ARP 2600 FS DEMO

video upload by EthanRayMusic

"Here's 8 minutes of me messing around on Korg's full size reissue of the ARP 2600. This is by no means a comprehensive showcase of its sonic potential, which is vast, but just a small taste of how great it sounds.

No reverb or effects, just the pure, dry signal of the 2600 going into my interface."

Korg PS3300 Choir Patch

video upload by EthanRayMusic

KORG TRIDENT MK1 Analog Synth Demo

video upload by EthanRayMusic

"Here's a brief sample of me playing the Korg Trident MK1 analog polyphonic synth. This is an incredibly lush and beautiful instrument with some of the finest sounding synth strings around.

The synth section alone sounds wonderfully gritty and bright in a way that really cuts through. The filter tone is also really great, with a very starry, twinkly quality.

The built in flanger is quite unique and sounds awesome."

Ult Sound Vs Roland #vintagesynth #rolandsystem100 #ultsoundds4

video upload by Alex Ball

"Trying out the snap and click of the Ult Sound DS-4 Custom with the rubbery warmth of the System 100. Pretty great pairing I'd say."

Progress on the Roland Super JX 10 Vecoven V4 editor build.

video upload by Craig Barnes

"I've finally managed to lay everything out on the bench and install the voice boards and midi board into the CME UF-70 chassis."

MetaModule Tutorials: Producer Pack 70s Comp & 70s EQ

video upload by 4ms Company

"You can view the patch notes and download the files to try out on your MetaModule: https://forum.4ms.info/t/producer-pac..."

EP04 : SEQ MODE 🟦 HERMOD+ TUTORIALS

video upload by Squarp instruments

"In this episode, we’re exploring the SEQ mode of Hermod+. We'll look at how to set up Sequence mode, break down what a pattern contains, and show you how to manage and load different projects while keeping everything perfectly synchronized.

All the shortcuts used in this video are listed here :
🏃‍♀️ https://squarp.net/hermodplus/manual/...

CHAPTERS
0:00 INTRO
01:58 Part 1 : OVERVIEW
03:19 Part 2 : PATTERN CONTENT
04:38 Part 3 : SYNC VALUES
05:44 Part 4 : RUN MODES
06:52 Part 5 : SEQUENCE CHAINS
08:04 Part 6 : SAVE/LOAD

COMPLETE MANUAL
🇬🇧​ https://squarp.net/hermodplus/manual/"

Elektron Machinedrum FM Field Kit | 150 BPM

video upload by Akihiko Matsumoto

"Machinedrum Sample Pack
https://akihikomatsumoto.sellfy.store...
The Elektron Machinedrum, first introduced in the early 2000s, was not simply a drum machine. It was a digital architecture built to generate percussion with surgical precision and metallic sharpness. Its synthesis models produced results that went beyond drum programming, moving into the territory of sound design. Even today, no software plugin has managed to fully replicate its distinctive texture.
This collection captures that uniqueness. Every sample was recorded directly from the Machinedrum itself. No external processing, no layering. What you hear is the circuitry of early Elektron design, distilled into one-shots that highlight the instrument’s raw identity."

11/30/25 Metasonix D-2000 + MFB SEQ-1 + Roland SPH-323 + Peavey 1300 + Alesis MIDIVERB II

video upload by Cfpp0

"11/30/25 Metasonix D-2000 + MFB SEQ-1 + Roland SPH-323 + Peavey 1300 + Alesis MIDIVERB II

ALM Pamela’s New Workout clocks the MFB SEQ-1, which is triggering the Metasonix D-2000. The D-2000 mix output runs through the Roland SPH-323 phase shifter into the Peavey 1300 delay, in a double mode with heavy feedback. That signal runs to the Mackie Onyx 1640 mixer, where a reversed reverb from the Alesis MIDIVERB II is applied."

A little kickdrum trick... 😎

video upload by Modor Music

"A cool little trick for kickdrum grooves using a beta-kickdrum without pitch envelope!"

"What Would Bob Do?" Eurorack Modular Synthesizer, 2025 Grand Prize for Bob Moog Foundation Raffle

video upload by moogfoundation

"Get your raffle tickets to win this amazing synthesizer! bit.ly/BMFEurorack2025

Synthesizer educator Chris Meyer (Learning Modular) introduces the Grand Prize Eurorack modular synthesizer being raffled off by the Bob Moog Foundation. It carries a value exceeding $24,000 and includes 50 modules, 11 controllers, and components from 52 companies across 17 countries."



"The Bob Moog Foundation is pleased to announce our winter fundraising raffle of a beautiful, custom-built Eurorack modular synthesizer system. It is housed in a handcrafted 15U (126 hp) walnut cabinet and carries a value exceeding $24,000. The system includes 50 Eurorack modules, 11 controllers, and components from 52 companies across 17 countries.

Tickets for the raffle are $25 each, 5 for $100, 12 for $200, and 35 for $500

The raffle ends on Friday, December 19th, and is open internationally. The winners will be announced on Tuesday, December 23rd.

Synthesizer pioneer and educator Chris Meyer curated the synthesizer's assembly, while the cabinet was designed and created by Christopher Perryman of Gold Splinter Woodworking Studio.

Bob Moog had a career-long interest in alternative controllers. In the spirit of "What Would Bob Do," this incredible system includes not only a host of analog and digital oscillators, filters, sequencers, and effects, but an expansive collection of alternate controllers as well. This diverse assortment of peripherals includes a heart sensing monitor, two theremins, a touch controller, percussion hardware, and a ribbon controller, all connectable to an expressive Roli Seaboard controller.

In addition to a grand prize, this winter's raffle also offers an Expressive-E Osmose synthesizer ($1799 value) for second prize, along with a Noisy 2 software synthesizer ($150 value) for third prize.

Proceeds from the raffle benefit our important work in science education, archive preservation, and the operation of the Moogseum in downtown Asheville, NC."

CLICK FOR MORE »

PolyPulse: synths/drones/soundscapes showcase (sounds only)

video upload by Lambda Synthetics and Jaap van Hamond

"Sounds only showcase of the PolyPulses' presets and sound engines with a focus on synth riffs, drones and soundscapes.

This video was shot together with Dauwpunt ( / dauwpunt ) who designed most of the factory content provided with the PolyPulse.

0:00 Granular (DWP-pad-breathtaker)
1:26 Subtractive (DWP-pluck-lil-laser)
2:12 FM (DWP-pad-evolver)
3:56 Resonator (DWP-true-string)
4:40 Subtractive (DWP-drone-compreesed)
6:15 Additive (DWP-pluck-woozy)
7:21 Resonator (WS-heavenly-strings)
8:39 Granular (DWP-scape-tundra)"

See the Lambda Synthetics label below for addtiional demos.

SP-303 - MPC style performance mode // monolit

video upload by Sasha DZA

"Your SP-303 is about to do something it was never built for
With Monolit v2.0 beta it finally gets a real MPC style performance flow live mutes, pattern control, and that moment when the old sampler suddenly feels dangerously modern."

“Cuckoo O’Clock” Buchla Morphagene CV/MIDI setup & INA GRM Tools Atelier

video upload by Stephano Gavilanes

"Third exploration of the Fake Noise - Morphagene using a hybrid CV/MIDI Buchla setup with the Magnetic Freak - Gaussian, Keen Association 220, and manipulating five of my very own samples with MIDI and Atelier 👌🏽

Hope you enjoy it! 🤙🏼

Music composed and recorded by Stephano Gavilanes.© Copyright 2025. All rights reserved."

Anabrid Analog Thing on the right.

Semi Modular Jam Stylophone CPM DS-2 and DF-8, Korg NTS 1, featuring Bella 11/30/2025

video upload by I Love Cats and Synths

"I patched the two Dubreq Stylophone CPM modules together to create a binaural stereo synth patch which I then played from a Keystep. Effects are from the DF-8 (delay) and Korg NTS-1 (flanger and reverb).

Bella joins in and wants scritches and to play while I'm trying to play.

00:00 Start
01:57 Bella 'helps' out"