Showing posts with label 5U. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 5U. Show all posts
Saturday, November 22, 2025
11/22/25 Ace Tone FR-1 + muSonics Wave Folder + .com Q118 Q125 + Oakley ADSR/VCA + (…)
video upload by Cfpp0
"11/22/25 Ace Tone FR-1 + muSonics Wave Folder + Synthesizers.com Q118 Q125 + LWSS Oakley Modular ADSR/VCA + DeltaLab Effectron II + Alesis MIDIVERB II
Bossa Nova and Slow Rock. Ace Tone FR-1 Rhythm Ace drum machine audio output to the Synthesizers.com Q118. The Q118 amplifier output to the muSonics Wave Folder. The Q118 gate output to the LWSS Oakley Modular ADSR/VCA gate input. The Q118 envelope output to the control input on the muSonics Wave Folder. The Oakley VCA output to the Mackie Onyx 1640 mixer, with Alesis MIDIVERB II gated reverb. The Wave folder output multiplied on the muSonics Mutliples, then sent to the DeltaLab Effectron II delay, overloading the preamp, and then to the Mackie with the same gated stereo reverb on the MIDIVERB."
Friday, November 21, 2025
Lyle Four Voice Vanilla Synthesizer by muSonics

You might recall muSonics Lyle featured in previous video posts here on MATRIXSYNTH.
The following are some addtional details and pics of the system in via muSonics.
Lyle is a four voice Vanilla Synthesizer with a polyphonic envelope generator system, four voice mixer, MIDI allocation, and utility modules. It is the first polyphonic modular synthesizer with master control of time and timbre since the Oberheim Four Voice, whose circuits it is based on.
Anyone can throw four voices in a box and call it a polyphonic synthesiser, so what makes Lyle so special?
The Polyphonic Envelopes network has its own set of 8 envelope generators, bringing the system total to 16. Its EGs are normaled to the filters, oscillators, and output amplifiers of the system. The Vanilla Envelopes are still available and can be patched to interrupt the Polyphonic Envelopes.
The Polyphonic Envelopes control module is the only one of 7 in the network which is on the front panel. It gives you attack, decay, and sustain control for the VCF and VCA EGs, amount controls to route the VCF EG to the VCF and VCO modulation inputs, and an offset control for the VCF EG to the VCF modulation input (think global filter cutoff.)
There have been a few stabs at aggregate polyphony since Tom Oberheim built Lyle Mays and Pete Namlook their favourite synthesizer, but no one has done this.
Another nice feature of this instrument is the Vanilla Stereo Mixer, which not only gives you level and pan for each voice but also an additioinal gain stage to overdrive if you wish, bringing the total number of manageable gain stages (and potential distortions) to four per voice.
The instrument can be operated without any patch cables on the front panel. MIDI control and audio output happens on the back of the instrument. Patch points are for timbre authoring beyond the default patch, similar to an ARP 2600.
The module complement includes:
- 4 Control Distributor
- 4 Vanilla Modulation
- 4 Vanilla Oscillators
- 4 Vanilla Filter
- 8 Vanilla Envelope
- 4 Vanilla Mixer
- Vanilla Stereo Mixer
- Polyphonic Envelopes (8 additional envelopes)
- Japanese Modulation
- Transistor Logic
- Active Multiples
- Active Attenuators
- 4 MIDI Interfaces plus polyphonic MIDI allocator
Lyle also includes a road case, which is required because there is no other way to ship it assembled.
Lead time of 6 months or so. I need to finish the backlogue of current orders first.
The deposit is 50%. When your instrument is ready an invoice for the balance and shipping will be generated.
A page of demonstration audio and video is at https://musonics.com/lyle_videos.htm
If you're interested in purchasing Lyle please visit https://musonics.com/ and it can be found at the top of the page.
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Synthesizers.com is Back with Dan Snazelle of Snazzy FX
via Synthesizers.com
WE'RE BACK!
We are thrilled to announce that Synthesizers.com is returning to full operation — under new management and with a renewed commitment to excellence in all things 5U/MU!
Thank you for your patience as we finished our big transition: relocating the company from Texas to our new home in the Boston area, rebuilding production lines, organizing inventory, and preparing to craft the same world-class instruments you’ve always known us for.
We’re reaffirming our dedication to founder Roger Arrick’s vision while entering a new era for Synthesizers.com. Our path forward is guided by three core commitments:
Commitment One
We will continue to hand-build the highest-quality modular synthesizer instruments here in the USA — crafted with care, precision, and in the spirit of the modular community that has supported us for decades, designed and built for musicians, artists, engineers, performers and hobbyists around the world.
Commitment Two
We will honor the legacy of our existing modules while exploring the boundaries of what’s next. A few legacy modules will retire, and in their place we will design and introduce an exciting new generation of analog and digital modules to expand the Synthesizers.com catalog.
Commitment Three
We will remain dedicated champions for the entire 5U/MU community. That means expanding options for 5U/MU cases, power systems, and accessories — and actively supporting the broader ecosystem of 5U makers, builders, and designers who continue to grow this format.
In the coming weeks, you’ll see updated inventories, new product announcements, and a stronger customer-service focus. Under the leadership of Dan Snazelle of SnazzyFX fame, our team is here for you — by phone, email, social channels, or on the ModWiggler Synthesizers.com forum.
Here are a few words from Dan about the Synthesizers.com journey.
"As someone who has spent the last 30 years involved with synthesizers I am extremely excited to be stepping into the role of leading Synthesizers.com. We have put together a great team so we can continue the tradition of making synthesizers by hand, while also working to bring new modules to our customers. I can't wait to meet people who own our systems and I am also going to be putting a lot of thought into bringing new musicians to large format synthesis" Thank you for welcoming us back. We can’t wait to show you what’s coming.
Friday, November 14, 2025
JLR's Modular Synthesizers - System Breakdown #15
video upload by John L Rice
"This is my fifteenth video breakdown/rundown, this time for my largest system, the mighty 5U "wall"! 🥳 This is likely the last installment of this series.
Index:
0:00 Beginning
2:23 Preface
4:30 Introduction
5:28 Section 1
Thursday, November 13, 2025
SYNTH-WERK to Release SW MOON 505 Multimode Filter
via SYNTH-WERK:
"The moon has risen...
Our first Moon Modular module after the sudden and unexpected death of our friend Gert Jalass.
The SW MOON 505 Multimode Filter is available and can be ordered from us now.
It is the first product in the Moon Modular filter series. More will follow…
Price: 430 Euro plus TAX"
Check out the only demo of the original Moon Modular branded 505 featured on the site here.
PDF spec sheets below.
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Mon nouveau studio - YUSYNTH
video upload by yusynthman
"Voilà les travaux de mon nouveau studio sont terminés. Maintenant commence le travail d'installation du matériel. Les premiers modulaires sont sortis de le papier bulle après 15 mois de sommeil..."
"The renovations to my new studio are finally finished. Now begins the work of installing the equipment. The first modular speakers have emerged from their bubble wrap after 15 months of hibernation..."
Monday, November 10, 2025
First Stage Fright
video upload by davidryle
"Rossum Electro-Music works its' way into the 5U system. The results are pretty nice.
Using a Trident Oscillator with quantized pitch CV from a Mob Of Emus into three envelopes from Synthetic Sound Labs Octal VCA Expander, then on to the Rossum Panharmonium Mutating Spectral Resynthesizer.
A tap off the Trident is sent to the Rossum Linnaeus filter for a percussive FM part which starts the work. The timing is from the Moon Modular 563 Trigger Sequencer.
The rhythm section is the Synthetic Sound Labs / Hagiwo Geo Gruvn euclidean sequencer for all the parts.
The bass part is the SSL Woven Spirits (MI Plaits) in wavetable mode.
The dual Q960 sequencers are transposing the 1V/Oct input to the Panharmonium and sending various control voltages to the bass and another pad swell sounds from the 5U system.
All recordings are in real time to Cubase 12 and video is edited in Final Cut Pro."
Thursday, November 06, 2025
Moon Modular System
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.
"In memory of Gert Jalass (RIP) - Mastermind of Moon Modular, the from him so called 'Tiny Hans Zimmer' System: with 6-Voices, integrated CV- & Gate Routing (normalized Patch-Loops). Module-List or detailed pictures on request possible! Original Modules Packaging and Paperwork also included. [VEMIA note: this came as a real shock to me, as I hadn't found out that Gert had died. He really was a very nice man as well as an excellent designer and modular maker. Very sad news. I know many people who have his systems and they will live on being played for many years in his honour and memory.]"
via this Vemia listing
Click the auction link on top when you get there for additional listings.
"In memory of Gert Jalass (RIP) - Mastermind of Moon Modular, the from him so called 'Tiny Hans Zimmer' System: with 6-Voices, integrated CV- & Gate Routing (normalized Patch-Loops). Module-List or detailed pictures on request possible! Original Modules Packaging and Paperwork also included. [VEMIA note: this came as a real shock to me, as I hadn't found out that Gert had died. He really was a very nice man as well as an excellent designer and modular maker. Very sad news. I know many people who have his systems and they will live on being played for many years in his honour and memory.]"
Moog Modular: eleven original cables
via this Vemia listing
Click the auction link on top when you get there for additional listings.
Little bit of synth history.
"7 grey, 4 red shorter ORIGINAL vintage Moog Modular cables ¼ inch, from a Moog System 55. I don't have the synth anymore, can't test them but they used to work until 5 months ago."
Sunday, November 02, 2025
After October - Panharmonium/Metropolix
video upload by davidryle
"The Intellijel Metropolix sequencer making a dual pattern to a pair of Q206 VCO's. The filters were the Dove D502 Multi-Mode VCF and the Corsynth C110 2044 VCF. They go into the Lower West Side Studios (Yusynth) Panning Mixer then into the Rossum Electro-Music Panharmonium Mutating Spectral Resynthesizer.
The Panharmonium splits the signal to two destinations. The main voice is sent to the TipTop Audio Z-DSP with the Halls of Valhalla plate reverb. The FX voice is sent to the Make Noise Soundhack Erbe Verb reverb.
The Bass part is the Q960 sequential Controller into a pair of Q106 VCO's and The Oakley Sound Systems Diode Super Ladder filter. The on to the Synthetic Sound Labs Digital Delay and Tube VCA.
The fluttering noise effect is the Dove Audio WTF Oscillator in noise mode to the Moon Modular 517S in High Pass on to the Modcan 73B Dual Delay and the Echo Fix tape echo/reverb."
LABELS/MORE:
5U,
Corsynth,
Dove Audio,
eurorack,
intellijel,
Lower West Side Studio,
Make Noise,
Modcan,
Moon Modular,
Oakley,
Rossum Electro-Music,
SSL,
synthesizers.com,
TipTop Audio,
Valhalla,
yusynth
Celestial Surge
video upload by rimela
00:00 Neon Pulse
01:52 Midnight Reverie
03:59 Celestial Surge
06:29 Phantom Circuitry
Thursday, October 30, 2025
R.A. Moog Modular IIIC, 1968
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.
This appears to be the one previously featured here with additinal pics.
via this Vemia listing
Click the auction link on top when you get there for additional listings.
This appears to be the one previously featured here with additinal pics.
Sunday, October 26, 2025
SynTesla VCO Hz-OSC560 from Hans Zimmer's Giorgio III
video upload by SynTesla
"Here is a short demo of the Hz-OSC560 oscillator, the same one found in Hans Zimmer's gigantic synthesiser ‘Giorgio III’. Here I am making a quick hard sync patch of two oscillators.
Please forgive the poor musical performance."
See: Hans Zimmer Next Level Giorgio III Monumental 5U Modular System
Thursday, October 23, 2025
New CLUB OF THE KNOBS Modules For a Colourful Winter Time
This one was sent my way via John L Rice, via CLUB OF THE KNOBS.
"For a colourful winter time:
CP19 FOUR VOICE MIDI ADAPTER
C921P VOLTAGE CONTROLLED DUAL OSCILLATOR
p.s.
Also NEW in 2025 [not pictured, but mentioned in Dec 2024]
NEW! 2025
NEW! CP18 CHROMATIC TUNER
NEW! C929 VOX HUMANA (in addition to C1610 RESONATORS/FIXED MODIFIERS)"
http://www.cluboftheknobs.com
LMNC Covers MGMT KIDS and SEVEN NATION ARMY on Modular Synth!
video upload by LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER
"A bit more footage from My Show In Southampton last week at 1865!
Download the Live WAV of this and see more of the show and others here :- / 141891906
Patreon is a massive enable to making videos, the larger DIY projects would be a lot more strung out without it! so i cant thank my supporters enough.
It Also keeps the lights on at @THISMUSEUMISNOTOBSOLETE where you can come and play this synth!"
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Vintage 1969 Moog IIIc Vintage Modular Synth
Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
via this Reverb listing
"Stunning 1969 Moog IIIc modular synth: two cabinets, two keyboards for sale in original condition on behalf of the owner.
In very good original/ex-factory condition with no modifications. The owner says "I'm the 2nd owner since it left NYC in the early 70's - all modules signed and dated - might need a service on the Filter Coupler but she is very tidy for 50 years old."
While it is in good working order for a 50+ year old synth, we would advise that a sympathetic service be carried out for future reliability."
A few of the visibal SNs:
Model 904C SN 533-11-69
Model 901 B SN 634-070
Model 901 B 596-12-69
Listed at $135,646.61 + $2,796.84 Shipping
via this Reverb listing
"Stunning 1969 Moog IIIc modular synth: two cabinets, two keyboards for sale in original condition on behalf of the owner.
In very good original/ex-factory condition with no modifications. The owner says "I'm the 2nd owner since it left NYC in the early 70's - all modules signed and dated - might need a service on the Filter Coupler but she is very tidy for 50 years old."
While it is in good working order for a 50+ year old synth, we would advise that a sympathetic service be carried out for future reliability."
A few of the visibal SNs:
Model 904C SN 533-11-69
Model 901 B SN 634-070
Model 901 B 596-12-69
Listed at $135,646.61 + $2,796.84 Shipping
Sunday, October 19, 2025
Rest In Peace Jon Andersen
video upload by Jon Andersen
Friday morning classical guitar and strings
video upload by Jon Andersen
This one is in via John L Rice who had the following to say:
"'Just me' on ModWiggler spotted this Facebook post of Jon Andersen’s family seeking help and information on selling his Synthesizers.com modular. They posted a link to a video of his from 5 years ago of a performance he did with his modular and a couple keyboards. He only had one other video where he plays guitar and a keyboard."
Both videos are featured above.
Click through the Facebook link if you'd like to help or just leave your condolensces.
Thursday, October 16, 2025
Hans Zimmer Next Level Giorgio III Monumental 5U Modular System
Hans Zimmer 2025 - Batman Dark Knight - Opening - Cologne / Köln - Next Level Live
video upload by C3|Nik
Pics and details below. First the video description:
"Some thoughts regarding the "Hans Zimmer - The Next Level" concert:
Amazing! Amazing! AMAZING!
I went to all shows of Hans Zimmer, some I've seen even multiple times. The sound quality of "Next Level" blew them all out of the water. It was louder, it was more intense, really top notch sound engineering. That part at 5:50 in the video was extremely intense, I have never experienced that kind of bass before. I sat close to the front, there was a line of subwoofers right in front of me, I would not be surprised if that part causes some anxiety for people, that's how intense it was.
Some pieces were re-arranged which was an interesting touch, it added a nice new dimension to it.
I can recommend it. It is expensive but a one-of-a-kind experience in my opinion."
Update: SynTesla video below added.
GIORGIO III, Hans Zimmer's monumental synthesiser manufactured by SynTesla
video upload by SynTesla
"SynTesla is the manufacturer of the gigantic GIORGIO III modular synthesiser commissioned by Hans Zimmer for his world tour 'Hans Zimmer Live The Next Level'. Discover the unboxing and assembly of this fabulous instrument."


This one is in via John L Rice.
via pidjyman on Mod Wiggler:
"The Giorgio III is a monumental 5U Modular synthesiser created by SynTesla (Pierre-Jean Tardiveau, aka pidjyman on MW) for composer Hans Zimmer for his world tour.
This synthesizer is undoubtedly the largest modular synth in the world, consisting of 12 cabinets measuring 5 x 5U + 1 x 3U in height. Only 10 cabinets are installed on stage, with two others serving as back-up behind the scenes.
This monster represents 10 months of hard work in total. 23 types of modules were designed and produced in large numbers. To give you an example, the synth is composed of 3 separate units of 4 voices each, for a total of 12 voices, with 2 VCOs, 2 DCOS, 2 filters, 6 DADSRs, 6 VCAs, 1 resonator, 4 LFOs, buffered multis, logic, attenuators, attenuverter, mixers, wavefolders, gate delays, summing mixers, etc. etc...
The modules were manufactured in France by Syntesla and designed by Yusynth and SynTesla. They were assembled in Los Angeles at Hans Zimmer's studios and then shipped to Germany for final assembly on the tour stage.
When the synth arrived in Oberhausen, Hans Zimmer had never seen it before (he was rehearsing in London while it was being assembled in LA), and I can promise you that his smile in the photo is not fake (neither is mine).
The electrical part of the cabinets was also designed and built by SynTesla. It includes an oversized power supply with a capacity of 10 amps, an active filter that provides perfectly stable and clean voltage, and a power distribution board in SynTesla and DotCom format, as well as an integrated voltmeter and ammeter. The whole system has several levels of safety.
This made it possible to connect each cabinet to a solid-state relay socket controlled by DMX from the lighting console. The robustness of the device allows the whole or part of the system to be switched on and off in sequence, depending on the pieces being played on stage."
video upload by C3|Nik
Pics and details below. First the video description:
"Some thoughts regarding the "Hans Zimmer - The Next Level" concert:
Amazing! Amazing! AMAZING!
I went to all shows of Hans Zimmer, some I've seen even multiple times. The sound quality of "Next Level" blew them all out of the water. It was louder, it was more intense, really top notch sound engineering. That part at 5:50 in the video was extremely intense, I have never experienced that kind of bass before. I sat close to the front, there was a line of subwoofers right in front of me, I would not be surprised if that part causes some anxiety for people, that's how intense it was.
Some pieces were re-arranged which was an interesting touch, it added a nice new dimension to it.
I can recommend it. It is expensive but a one-of-a-kind experience in my opinion."
Update: SynTesla video below added.
GIORGIO III, Hans Zimmer's monumental synthesiser manufactured by SynTesla
video upload by SynTesla
"SynTesla is the manufacturer of the gigantic GIORGIO III modular synthesiser commissioned by Hans Zimmer for his world tour 'Hans Zimmer Live The Next Level'. Discover the unboxing and assembly of this fabulous instrument."


This one is in via John L Rice.
via pidjyman on Mod Wiggler:
"The Giorgio III is a monumental 5U Modular synthesiser created by SynTesla (Pierre-Jean Tardiveau, aka pidjyman on MW) for composer Hans Zimmer for his world tour.
This synthesizer is undoubtedly the largest modular synth in the world, consisting of 12 cabinets measuring 5 x 5U + 1 x 3U in height. Only 10 cabinets are installed on stage, with two others serving as back-up behind the scenes.
This monster represents 10 months of hard work in total. 23 types of modules were designed and produced in large numbers. To give you an example, the synth is composed of 3 separate units of 4 voices each, for a total of 12 voices, with 2 VCOs, 2 DCOS, 2 filters, 6 DADSRs, 6 VCAs, 1 resonator, 4 LFOs, buffered multis, logic, attenuators, attenuverter, mixers, wavefolders, gate delays, summing mixers, etc. etc...
The modules were manufactured in France by Syntesla and designed by Yusynth and SynTesla. They were assembled in Los Angeles at Hans Zimmer's studios and then shipped to Germany for final assembly on the tour stage.
When the synth arrived in Oberhausen, Hans Zimmer had never seen it before (he was rehearsing in London while it was being assembled in LA), and I can promise you that his smile in the photo is not fake (neither is mine).
The electrical part of the cabinets was also designed and built by SynTesla. It includes an oversized power supply with a capacity of 10 amps, an active filter that provides perfectly stable and clean voltage, and a power distribution board in SynTesla and DotCom format, as well as an integrated voltmeter and ammeter. The whole system has several levels of safety.
This made it possible to connect each cabinet to a solid-state relay socket controlled by DMX from the lighting console. The robustness of the device allows the whole or part of the system to be switched on and off in sequence, depending on the pieces being played on stage."
Wednesday, October 01, 2025
Sunday, September 28, 2025
Remembering Gert Jalass of MOON MODULAR
John L Rice wrote in to let us know today is the late Gert Jalass' birthday. I met Gert a few times at NAMM, and John would often man the Moon Modular Booth. Gert was a great, kind soul. I miss his smile; I miss his presence.
John mentioned the Moon Modular website has had a few updates since his passing. The About and History pages are worth a look.
You will find the following there:
LUNAR MAGIC | Gert Jalass’ Work of Life
as well as
THE HISTORY OF MOON MODULAR 2002 - 2025.
NEXT PAGE
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MATRIXSYNTH - EVERYTHING SYNTH
© Matrixsynth - All posts are presented here for informative, historical and educative purposes as applicable within fair use.
MATRIXSYNTH is supported by affiliate links that use cookies to track clickthroughs and sales. See the privacy policy for details.
MATRIXSYNTH - EVERYTHING SYNTH



































