“AI Is Theft”, Unless It Benefits You

video upload by Scott's Synth Stuff

Note, some of his points are how many feel about Behringer making "clones", especially of gear currently in production.

"Musicians attack anyone who uses AI in music, then cheer when someone vibe-codes new firmware for their synth. Is that a double standard?

In one weekend in October, three different aftermarket firmwares hit the $60 M-Vave FM1. One made it a virtual analog synth, one a four-track groovebox, and one a Roland-style drum machine. Most of them were built by non-programmers using AI tools like Claude Code. Then M-Vave released an official open-source SDK, and Akai and Behringer are moving the same way.

In this video I look at where the creative community draws its line on AI, and why that line seems to move depending on who gets hurt:

Why AI-coded firmware gets cheers while AI music gets attacked
AI code is trained on decades of human developers’ work, just as AI music is trained on artists
AI clones of the Adobe suite, and illegal Hydrasynth emulators that run stolen ROMs
The real risks: a bricked MPC2000, DSP timing bugs, possible malware and abandoned projects
Why manufacturers are now handing firmware development to their users
My own AI use, including my thumbnails, and where I draw the line

This video isn’t against AI and it isn’t for it. It’s about being consistent. Where is your line, and does it still hold when the thing on offer is free?"

Luma-1 Gets an Upgrade! Meet the New Luma.tools

video upload by DeftAudio

"Meet the new Luma-1 editor - fully reworked https://Luma.tools which now brings new editing features, firmware update, Google Drive integration, and the MOST importantly the NEW PATTERN EDITOR. Enjoy! Free for all Luma-1 customers and everybody else."

Synth Show - Ep241 - Can you "Vibe Code" a VST?

video upload by GEOSynths

Makes me think of a new generation Synth Edit based soft synths. For those of you concerned about them, and M-VAVE, taking over site, don't. I'll be filtering out noise as usual. Note supporting member posts are always welcome as a thank you for supporting the site, so you will see demos coming in that route. That said, posts like this one are mainly for informative purposes only, and to give you a perspective on the topic.

Video description:

"Can you 'Vibe Code' a VST? Of course you can :)

Like many of us in this space, I’ve been looking into what “AI” can and can’t do and more specifically how it can help me with Audio/Video and App Creation. Google Flow recently added the ability to 'Vibe Code' your own VST Plugins and I’ve made a half decent FX Plugin…Nothing that will change the Music World, damn, there’s enough of that going on, but it’s quite a cool little Project."

And another project I came across based on the UI of the Moog Messenger but with a different engine.

Vibe Coding VST3 Synth Based off Moog Messenger Preset Editor Layout

video upload by Elyon Tron

"Free https://github.com/Gevarya/neuro-prot...

Sound test. UI inspired by the Moog Messenger preset editor. Working Windows VST3 and standalone synthesizer with its own sound engine. I used the Moog Messengers preset editor layout and functionality as a foundation for this synth. This does not edit presets on the Moog Messenger and it's not a skin for the preset editor. This is it's own synth.

Developed native synth with JUCE and C++ with GPT Codex. Tested both the standalone app and VST3 inside FL Studio.

The synth currently features two original synthesis algorithms:

⚙️ Mandible = interacting phase-modulated oscillators and asymmetric wavefolding for biting, metallic basses and aggressive textures.

⚙️ Gullet = harmonically rich synthesis shaped by moving resonances and distortion for throaty, vowel-like growls and smoother bass tones.

Added oscillator shaping and sync, multiple filter modes, envelopes, two LFOs, modulation routing, internal feedback, glide, duophonic playing, MIDI-synced pitch and mod wheels, an arpeggiator, a basic step sequencer, and preset saving. The factory bank now includes 17 presets, with ten dedicated bass patches. This is an independent project, unaffiliated with Moog, and isn’t intended to emulate the Messenger’s sound.

More synthesis algorithms are planned for later, including ideas for fractured waveforms, interacting detuned sources, and feedback driven textures. For now, this demonstration explores what Mandible and Gullet can already do as of now.

Built through experimentation, listening, testing, and one working feature at a time. Work in progress."

How Claude programmed a CS80...in real time. Probably a world premiere.

video upload by Jose's Vintage Keys

"I have the Mark Cox midi upgrade (and so much more) - and in this first demo I will demonstrate how Claude can program the machine - based on my promps...yes really!"

The 1010music Blackbox OG Just Got SP-1200 Mode, Chords and Sidechain (Unofficial Firmware Mod)

video upload by Justin Joe

"Twelve new features on the original 1010music Blackbox, added with an unofficial firmware mod: solo, chords, Elektron-style note conditions, SP-1200 / SP-12 / S950 lo-fi modes, a 24 dB filter, a sidechain ducker, slice start/end on the knobs, and a granular delay. It's free, the code is open, and it runs on top of stock firmware 3.1.9.

🔧 GET THE MOD (free) + get an email when new builds drop:
https://justinjoe.com/blackbox-mod

No compiling needed: download 3.1.9 from 1010music, run it through the browser patcher, copy it to your card.

⚠️ Unofficial. Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or supported by 1010music. Original Blackbox only (not Blackbox 2). At your own risk. The mod does not include 1010music's firmware; you bring your own copy."

Akai S900 and S950 with custom Operating Systems

video upload by Mike Feedback

"I developed a custom operating system for the Akai S900 and Akai S950 samplers which turns them into real-time signal processors. You can run audio through them and have them add that 12-bit grit without having to worry about sample time.

If you have an s900 or s950, download it for free:

https://s900fx.com
https://s950fx.com

#akai #beatmaking #boombap #hiphop #akaimpc #hiphopbeats #12bit #lofi #sample #s900 #s950 #mpc #s900fx #s950fx"

This one is in via Ivan Trajkovic aka deejayiwan.

S900FX and S950FX Anti-Alias mod

video upload by Mike Feedback

"I corrected a sample rate bug and added the ability to turn off the anti-alias filter in the latest version of S900FX and S950FX.

S900FX and S950FX are custom operating systems for the Akai S900 and Akai S950 that turn the hardware into signal processors that allow you to apply their 12-bit grit to the audio signal in real-time. Pass the audio through them and record into your modern sampler.

Get them for free." [links above]

Update: new demo from Mikus Pilatus:

New Akai S950FX OS - monitoring thought converters and filter

video upload by Mikus Pilatus

"What a legend ! 2x new Akai S900 / S950 OS out and they are both dope."

Build Your Own Audio Plugins, No Code Required, With Amorph AI Driven Plugin Platform

Build Your Own Audio Plugins, No Code (Amorph v1 Beta) video upload by Artists in DSP

"Amorph is a free audio plugin. You build, play, and share your own tools inside the DAW — the sound, the knobs, and the code sit on your computer.

This is the full how-to. Install. The window. Three ways to build. Remote. Lock. Share.

A patch can be an instrument, an effect, or a MIDI processor.

Download Amorph v1 Beta:
https://artistsindsp.gumroad.com/l/am...

Getting started:
https://artistsindsp.com/get-started-..."

Modular Town : a synth hidden in a town (Amorph)

video upload by Bungle Society

"Modular Town — a synthesizer town, drawn by hand.

Modular Town is a single Amorph instrument: a hand-drawn village you scroll through, where every knob, step-sequencer and jack is mounted on a building facade wired by hand, just like real hardware. 🏭 Filter (Cutoff/Resonance) on the factoryVCO1 / VCO2 on the vending machinesDetune and Attack/Decay/Release tucked into the houses🥁 A 16-step drum machine (Drums Volume, Accent, Drive) running through its own sequencer🍜 Ramen Bass Shop, a mono bass synth with its own 16-step piano roll, playable live or sequenced. A day/night cycle you flip from a shop sign. Delay (Time/Feedback/Mix) on a canal-side wall. A full patch panel route LFO, ENV and random modulation across the whole village with real cables✨ Reverb, aged-paper texture and film grain for a sketchbook feel"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Grip! A legendary compressor redesigned by Izhar Ashdot and Claude AI

video upload by Izhar Ashdot Sound & Vision

"Grip! My take on the LevelLoc compressor. I designed it and let Claude Code handle the coding and debugging."

Additional details from Izhar:

"Here’s a new compressor I built with the amazing help of Claude Code.
It’s a modern and fine tuned homage to the legendary Levelloc.
It sounds like an analog beast but is actually hosted on a Pi Pico 2 microcontroller. "

DrumComputer Claude Extension [AI Comes to Software Synthesis]

video upload by Sugar Bytes

"Make beats by just describing them. DrumComputer as a Claude desktop extension — Claude picks the right presets and composes the groove, DrumComputer delivers WAV, MIDI and sounds for your DAW." https://sugar-bytes.de/drumcomputer#c...

Also see Syntplant's PhenoType directly below for descriptive synth design. See the AI label for AI related posts. Note the AI Synthesis label is reserved for the manufacturer.

PhenoType - Generate Synplant Patches from Text

video upload by Sonic Charge

Surprisingly no mention of AI.

"PhenoType is a free script for Synplant 2 that lets you generate synth patches from text descriptions.

Type the description of a sound, texture, or instrument, click EXE, and PhenoType will attempt to create a matching patch locally on your machine. Click EXE again for another interpretation, use the result as a starting point for further editing and evolution, or click RND and see where things go.

PhenoType runs entirely locally inside Synplant 2. No cloud processing and no internet connection required.

Free download:

https://soniccharge.com/phenotype

Requires Synplant 2:

https://soniccharge.com/synplant

(All sounds in this video, including the mouse clicks and keyboard sounds, were created using Synplant 2.)"

A.I. Experiments: The Infinite Drum Machine

video upload by Google for Developers

"Check out https://g.co/aiexperiments to learn more.

Sounds are complex and vary widely. This experiment uses machine learning to organize thousands of everyday sounds. The computer wasn’t given any descriptions or tags – only the audio. Using a technique called t-SNE, the computer placed similar sounds closer together. You can use the map to explore neighborhoods of similar sounds and even make beats using the drum sequencer. http://g.co/aiexperiments

Built by Kyle McDonald, Manny Tan, Yotam Mann, and friends at Google Creative Lab. Thanks to the London Philharmonia for contributing some sounds to this project. t-SNE animation featured in video by Gene Kogan.

More resources:
https://github.com/lvdmaaten/bhtsne
http://www.philharmonia.co.uk/explore...
http://ml4a.github.io"

This one is in via Ivan Trajkovic aka deejayiwan.

A couple of screenshots for the archives:

Roland Future Design Lab and Neutone Introduce Project LYDIA

Press release follows:

A Technology Preview Exploring AI, DIY Culture, and the Future of Music Creation

Los Angeles, November 11, 2025 — Roland Future Design Lab, the advanced technologies research group of Roland Corporation, announces Project LYDIA, an audio processing platform preview created in collaboration with Neutone, developers of next-generation AI tools for musicians and artists. Project LYDIA merges Neutone’s trainable AI software with Roland’s hardware expertise, using a Raspberry Pi 5 single-board computer to deliver a compact, stage-ready prototype that reimagines DIY innovation for a new generation.

Bridging AI and DIY Creativity
Roland’s legacy in DIY music creation began in 1981 with AMDEK (Analog Music Digital Electronic Kits), a line of build-it-yourself kits that encouraged musicians to experiment with technology. Today, Roland Future Design Lab revisits that spirit, asking how modern creators can explore sound through emerging AI tools.

AI for Sound Discovery and Exploration
Powered by Neutone’s Morpho technology, Project LYDIA, named after DIY and AI, uses “neural sampling” to learn the tonal qualities of any sound and apply it to another in real time, with the sonic results ranging from highly musical to exotic and surprising. The current Project LYDIA mockup houses a Raspberry Pi 5 computer running Neutone’s special version of Morpho alongside Roland’s latest ideas for a simple, tactile control panel. Audio I/O is currently managed via a USB-connected Roland Rubix interface, with future iterations aiming to fully integrate I/O for a completely self-contained device.


AI Innovation at Roland
Project LYDIA builds on Roland’s growing exploration of AI as a creative partner for musicians. In 2024, Roland and Universal Music Group (UMG) jointly introduced the Principles for Music Creation with AI, a framework outlining shared commitments to ethical and artist-centered innovation.
“Roland has taken a leadership role globally in practicing responsible development with AI for music creation,” said Paul McCabe, Senior Vice President of Research and Innovation at Roland. “Part of being responsible is getting input from creators on what they find useful, helpful, or inspiring, and what ideas may not be welcome in their workflows. Releasing Project LYDIA as a technology preview allows us to demonstrate possibilities, seek community input, optimize, and improve.”

Shaping the Future Together
Project LYDIA debuted at the Audio Developer Conference taking place November 10 through November 12 in Bristol, UK, inviting feedback from the creative community to guide future research in AI-driven music tools. Musicians and makers can share their thoughts and ideas via a short survey here.

To learn more about the inspiration and technology behind Project LYDIA, visit Roland’s feature story on Roland Future Design Lab.

CLICK FOR MORE »

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."

What Happens When A.I. Plays the Digitone 2? w/ Synthgenie.com

video upload by SLUMPFISH OFFICIAL

https://www.synthgenie.com

0:00 Intro
0:54 Acid Bass
1:56 Kick
2:50 Hi Hats
3:31 Snare
4:28 Kick 2
5:16 Acid Bass 2 (Performance)
6:05 Synth Genie Info
6:29 Final Thoughts/Outro

"Can A.I. design a track for you? I'm here to test that theory out with Synth Genie, an A.I. website that will create patches based on your prompts. Is this a viable tool for music makers? Or a sign of the world ending? Let's find out."

CLICK FOR MORE »

[$27] DIY PCM MIDI Sound module | SAM2696 & XIAO MIDI Synthesizer based

video upload by HAGIWO

"PCM MIDI sound module based on the Seeed Studio XIAO MIDI Synthesizer. It plays using external MIDI signals, and the four built-in buttons can also be used to change parameters. working documents (schematics & source code) https://note.com/solder_state/n/n1f2e... XIAO MIDI Synthesizer https://www.seeedstudio.com/XIAO-MIDI..."

You can find an overview video of the Seeed Studio XIAO here.

Eurorack Explorer - Vibecoding a Free Eurorack Randomizer

video upload by Metamyther

"Check out Eurorack Explorer: https://eurorackexplorer.netlify.app/

Explore your modular rack with Eurorack Explorer, a free web app I built using AI-powered vibecoding and the Bolt platform. In this video, I walk you through how to import your ModularGrid rack and generate random module combinations to spark new creative ideas. Whether you're designing a live performance case or just want to break out of habitual patching routines, this tool is made for Eurorack enthusiasts looking for unexpected new pathways in their setup.

#eurorack, #modularsynth, #modularsynthesizer, #electronicmusic, #synthesizers, #eurorackmodular, #modulargrid, #modularsynthesis, #vibecoding, #aicoding

00:00 - Intro
01:34 - Exporting from Modular Grid
02:04 - Using Eurorack Explorer
02:44 - Eurorack Explorer's Randomize Function"

DIY eurorack modular synth | MOD2 Break beats : RP2350 based drum module

video upload by HAGIWO

"This module is an open source general-purpose Drum module based on Seeed XIAO RP2350.
Thanks to AI-friendly hardware design, it's easy to create software variations using generative AI.
With general-purpose components and a simple circuit, this module is affordable and DIY-friendly.

Break beats:
PCM break-beat playback module. Slice points are pre-programmed into the MCU and can be selected via CV."

https://note.com/solder_state/n/n33132a160afb

A $20 MIDI synthesizer based on the SAM2695 chip (#seeed #XIAO-MIDI-Synthesizer)

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"Here's the #seeed 'XIAO MIDI' #synthesizer, a $20 box based on the #SAM2695 synth-on-a-chip and the XIAO ESP32-C3 MCU. You can get it here: https://www.seeedstudio.com/XIAO-MIDI... Table of contents:

00:00 quick sound impression
00:12 hi
00:38 hardware overview
00:57 default firmware
01:50 creating a firmware that actually supports MIDI (shoutout to @SimpleDIYElectroMusicProjects )
03:12 build a 5 pin MIDI in plug
05:23 some sounds: piano
06:20 saw wave pad
06:34 "crystal ep"
07:13 analog pad
07:27 'glass pad'
08:05 synth brass
08:23 drum kit
08:33 on NRPNs and SYSEX using @intechstudio 's GRID controllers
09:13 NRPN explained (Filter cutoff frequency control)
10:54 SYSEX explained (Reverb time control)
11:38 calculating the checksum
12:20 live tweaking demo
13:01 same, but using multiple tracks
14:25 conclusion; some feedback to SEEED

Also check out https://github.com/kinoshita-lab/MIDI... which uses the same chip but already has a MIDI capable firmware. https://www.tindie.com/products/kinos...

HÄLP ZIS CHANNEL

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


Features 1: Zero-Barrier Creation, Perfect for Music Beginners

With three preset modes and plug-and-play functionality, you can dive straight into music creation—no complex setup required. Built-in speaker and four tactile buttons deliver an intuitive, self-contained experience that eliminates external dependencies. Start making music from the very first note, no prior expertise needed.

Features 2: All-in-One MIDI + Metronome – Smarter, Smoother Workflow

XIAO MIDI synthesizer comes with a pre-set Metronome Mode, where you can press the buttons to change your BPM and toggle the drum track to effortlessly sync rhythms and control your entire beats with one single device. No need for extra devices or apps.

Features 3: Pro-Grade Performance for Advanced Players

Open-source hardware/software architecture supports deep customization and advanced sound design. With 64-note polyphony and 128-note capacity, unlock limitless sonic possibilities—craft your own signature sound engine, whether you're a beginner or an audio hacker.

Features 4: Ultra-Portable & Fully Hackable

Pocket-sized design (71mm × 49mm × 28.5mm) lets you capture inspiration anytime, anywhere. The 3D printed enclosure is fully open-source for you to remix and customize—not just an instrument, but your personal music canvas.

CLICK FOR MORE »

DIY eurorack modular synth | MOD2 VCO : RP2350 based drum module

video upload by HAGIWO

"This module is an open source general-purpose Drum module based on Seeed XIAO RP2350.
Thanks to AI-friendly hardware design, it's easy to create software variations using generative AI. With general-purpose components and a simple circuit, this module is affordable and DIY-friendly.

VCO:
V/oct tracking , 6 waveforms.

MOD2 is not a module designed for use as a VCO.
It has a limited number of CV inputs and cannot modulate the timbre.
It is a technical test program intended to verify functionality as a simple oscillator.

working documents
https://note.com/solder_state/n/nce8f...
https://note.com/solder_state/n/n2214...

PCB gerber data & PCB assy production data Download
https://www.patreon.com/posts/mod2-rp..."

DIY eurorack modular synth | MOD2 Sample Player : RP2350 based drum module

video upload by HAGIWO

"This module is an open source general-purpose Drum module based on Seeed XIAO RP2350.
Thanks to AI-friendly hardware design, it's easy to create software variations using generative AI.
With general-purpose components and a simple circuit, this module is affordable and DIY-friendly.

Sample player:
WAV sample player.
It is possible to save audio files up to a total of 20 seconds / 18 files.

working documents
https://note.com/solder_state/n/nce8f...
https://note.com/solder_state/n/na31f...

Code with WAV samples included
https://www.patreon.com/posts/code-fo...

PCB gerber data & PCB assy production data Download
https://www.patreon.com/posts/mod2-rp..."