ARPf returns to the West Coast!

via The Alan R Pearlman Foundation

ARPf returns to the West Coast!

Yep - we're headed back to California for NAMM - and more! Here's the scoop:

Events

Thursday January 22:
Registration opens for our NAMM giveaway!
Friday January 23:
Anthony Marinelli at our booth

Blue Meanie All Day: See the rarest ARP there is! Nicknamed the "Blue Marvin" after ARP's CFO, Marvin Cohen, due to its bright blue metal case and unique features - while the actual name was "Blue Marvin," the nickname "Blue Meanie" stuck! Only about 25 were made in 1971, making them highly sought after.

ARP 2600: Drew Schlesinger demonstrates patches using the 2600 software included in the Korg Collection VST
Saturday January 24
Artists at our booth - TBA

Giveaways at 4:00pm:

Poster signed by Martin Gore
Soul of the Machine CDs

And one lucky person will win the full Korg Collection 6:

Magical sounds, authentically re-created by KORG.
The ultimate synthesizer suite for the ages.

The KORG Collection is a suite of software synthesizers that methodically and accurately recreates the authentic sound and behavior of legendary KORG synthesizers for the present day and beyond. The KORG Collection project began with analogue synths such as the MS-20, Polysix and Mono/Poly, and has steadily evolved to include digital synths such as the world’s most popular synth, the legendary microKORG, the workstation classics M1 and TRITON, and physical modeling synthesis from the renowned Prophecy. The KORG Collection even includes the ARP ODYSSEY and ARP 2600, both revived for the 21st century by KORG.

In 2025, KORG added three legendary instruments to the KORG Collection – each an icon of its era, celebrated for their distinctive presence and heard over decades in countless classic tracks. The TRINITY, PS-3300 and SGX-2.

As if NAMM weren't enough all on its own - there's Buchla & Friends on Sunday, January 24.

Buchla & Friends is January’s biggest two-day collection of hands-on synths on the West Coast! If you love creative sound, you need to be here. With a pre-party on Thursday, afterparty on Saturday, and two days of exploring all the greatest gear, Buchla & Friends is an essential start to the new year.

They're gathering over 90 synth makers in one awesome Downtown Los Angeles location so you can learn, listen, and live the latest in electronic music sound production. This hands-on, headphones-only gathering gives you a chance to hear the best sounds science has ever created. From additive to subtractive, analog to digital, keyboards to breath, audio to visual, modular to full-size polyphonic, eurorack to Serge to Buchla, you’ll meet synth makers and synth enthusiasts alike.

Register on eventbrite: https://bnf26.eventbrite.com

NAMMSALE!

We're celebrating NAMM with a sale - up to 15% off everything in the shop!

14-pin ARP Synthesizer Ribbon Cables

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

via this eBay listing

Synth art?

"Lot of 6 used 14 pin ribbon cables from ARP synthesizers. 5x 6" cables and 1x 24" cable. Some pins are bent, but not broken and they should be able to be bent back with some tweezers."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Recreating String Ensemble sound with Poly Synth

video upload by George B.

"Today I used my OBX8 to recreate the ARP string Ensemble sound. By breaking down how the String Ensemble worked internally, I used what I learned to simulate the ensemble effect. Also I have a three channel ensemble board from an 80's organ that I built into an effects box. So I could compare my settings. Hope you like it!

0:00 Chapter 1 Intro
1:29 Modulation
3:12 Settings
5:12 Double Mode
6:20 Demo - Check this out...playing the string sound over a sequence."

Distortion Spectrum for VCS3, Arp 2600, Moog Voyager, Mellotron and Percussion

video upload by R. Reger

"Most of the instruments on this track were run through a Fairfield Circuitry 20% More Slew Limiting Distortion pedal, which facilitates an enormous range of distortion options, from the familiar to the very unfamiliar."

Antonus Step Brother DIY - Test Drive w/ A2600, SR-909 and Fractal VP4

video upload by Tumeni Knobs

"It took a couple of months, spending a few hours on weekends, but I got it done! And it's very cool. This demo is pretty rough, but highlights a bunch of the key features of the Step Brother and the "performability" it offers.

See my full build log here: https://www.modwiggler.com/forum/view...

In this setup, the Steda SR-909 is sending midi clock to the Step Brother and the VP4 to keep them in sync. Step Brother is configured to run 2x8 step sequences on channels A and B. Channel A quantized CV output is sent to the 2600 mult and then routed to the CV inputs of oscillators 1 and 2. Channel B quantized CV output is sent to the CV input of oscillator 3.

Step Brother Gate Bus 1 is routed to the 2600 main gate input and triggering the 2600's ADSR envelope. SB Gate Bus 2 is triggering the envelope on the Step Brother and audio out of Osc 3 on the 2600 is routed to one of the VCAs on the Step Brother which is controlled by the Step Brother's envelope. That is then routed back to the 2600's mixer.

Audio out of the 2600 is routed to the VP4, and then routed to the ALA Bartender along with the audio of the SR-909. Output from the Bartender is sent to the iRig Pro and recorded on iPhone with the video.

Cheers!"

Matt Barber - 80's in 80 seconds

video upload by Matt Barber - Sounds from The Sandbox

"Just thought I would try a little something fun...the title says it all. 0 to 80's in 80 seconds. Enjoy. Certified AI free and no traces of softsynths!

Drums - Oberheim DX Stretch, Korg DDD-1 - just a snare on 2 and 4 with mostly just the reverb return from a Roland SDE-330 non-lin setting, Roland TR8S - some perc and a ghost snare from the 707 kit.

Oberheim OB-8

Korg DW-8000

Bass - Roland D-50 patch also triggering a Roland JX8P and Korg Polysix to fatten and double it

Ensoniq ESQ - A nice PPG Wave patch from a sound cartridge I have for it.

Sequential Rev 2 also triggering a bell patch on the Yamaha TG33

Yamaha DX7iiD - nice dual patch one a rhodes type and the other a tine from the many banks on the Hypersynth card to finish it off and play out on."

Matt Barber - 80's in 80 seconds - Episode 2

video upload by Matt Barber - Sounds from The Sandbox

"80's in 80 Seconds Episode 2 has landed! The first one was a bit fun so let's keep the theme going. This one starts off with a nice "groove" and builds with some synths spanning the decade. If you listen past the 80 seconds the Arp Odyssey briefly shows off its duo-phonic capabilities with a few 2 note chords that almost have a vocoder like effect with the phaser on it just after the 2 minute mark.
The following instruments were used and recorded as a 2 track with no editing or overdubs with each part being played into a pair of Arturia Keystep Pro sequencers. As always, AI free and made with real ingredients. Thanks for watching!

Oberheim DX Stretch - main drums
Korg DDD-1 - perc
Roland TR8-S - additional high hats, rim shot, crash
Berhinger - Model D - Bass
Roland Jupiter 4 - Arp
Korg PolySix - Synth Brass Pad 1
Roland Jupiter 6 - Synth layer 2
Yamaha DX7II - Bell 1
Roland D-50 - Bell 2
Arp Solina - Strings
Arp Odyssey Mkii 2810 - Lead"

Matt Barber - 80's in 80 seconds - Episode 3

video upload by Matt Barber - Sounds from The Sandbox

"80's in 80 seconds episode 3 is here to start of the New Year! I thought something "new" should be in 'order' after the busy holiday period. Several familiar sounds in this one that can most likely been dialed in on many synths of the era but this one builds with the hardware listed below. All natural...Certified AI and VST free. Thanks for listening!

Drums -
Korg DDD-1 to start with the first hi-hat
Oberhiem DX Stretch - Main kick, beat kick, snare, additional hi-hat, clap, and rim shot
Roland TR-8S - a little kick for attack, snare ghost notes, and high hat movement

Pad 1 - Oberheim OB-8

BASS - Berhinger Pro 1 and Poly D played with the arpeggio on on the Keystep Pro

Pad 2 - Roland D50 layered with Roland JX-8P and Korg DW8000

Bell - DX 7 ....of course it is!

ARP Chords - Roland Jupiter 4."

Stranger Things 'Kids' Synth Cover using Prophet-6 and T-16 (based on ARP 2600)

video upload by Nitecaller.

"#StrangerThings has given me so much life and inspiration over the last decade, but maybe more importantly it gave us one of greatest soundtracks ever, composed by Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein.

I’ve been learning the parts and playing this theme for years now and it never gets old. Feels good to finally put together a proper cover of it. Using only two synths; the Prophet-6 (which the composers use heavily) and the T-16; my custom-built synth also inspired by the gear of the composers (ARP 2600). [see the Nitecaller label for more]

Prophet-6: Lead parts and SFX
T-16: Bass and outro arpeggio

Hellfire Lives.

#strangerthings #strangerthings5 #synthesizer #cover #prophet6 #arp2600"

The Sound of Berlin ~ Masquerade ~ Vintage Synthesizer Recreation

video upload by RetroSound

"(c)2007-26 by RetroSound
supported by UVI: http://bit.ly/retrosound-uvi

One of my favorite tracks from the early 80s.
Masquerade by Berlin from the album Pleasure Victim (1982)
Produced by Daniel R. Van Patten


Featured the Sequential Pro-One and the ARP Quadra Synthesizer
The guitar parts I made with the E-MU and EHX Big Muff, Memory man Deluxe pedals

Shop: https://retrosound.creator-spring.com/
Bandcamp: https://retrosound.bandcamp.com/"

And the original:

Berlin - Masquerade

video upload by snidelywhiplash

"Promotional video for Berlin's 'Masquerade,' off the amazing 1982 album 'Pleasure Victim.'"

The Alan R Pearlman Foundation's Year in Review

video upload by Alan R. Pearlman Foundation

"From a Compilation to a Concert Celebration, our year celebrating our namesake's Centenary has been amazing! Share our journey!

Music by Lisa Bella Donna & Shawn Johnson

Purchase Soul of the Machine at https://alanrpearlmanfoundation.bandc...

2025 Sponsors:
Korg, Cherry Audio, Moog Music, Manny Fernandez, Tom Rhea, Rosen Sound

2025 Partners:
Bell Tone Synth Works, CMS, CatSynth TV, EMEAP/MMT, Eric Crawley/Dan Gilbert, Interage MediaWorks, Knobcon, Korg, Anthony Marinelli Music, Antonus, Mashina Bristronica, NAMM Museum of Making Music, Vito Nandi, New England Synth Fest, Projekt Records, Steve Roach, Round & Wound, the SynthCave, SynthCube, Synthtopia, Synthetic Dreamscapes, The Record Co. (TRC), Sharon Wasko Designs

Thank you to all of our donors, volunteers, interns, friends and partners including (but not limited to) Alex Ball, Antonus, David Baron, Lisa Bella Donna, Chris Cardone, Jon Carin, Alison Cassidy, Nick Carlisle, Phil & Linda Cirocco, Mike Cushing, Tom Cusimano, Eric Crawley, Stephen DeJesus, Rich Formidoni, John Foxx, Dan Gilbert, Patrick Gleason, Herbie Hancock, Martin Gore, Rupert Greenall, Ryan Hawkins, Mary Lock, Mark Marshall, Machina Bristronica, David Mash, Steve McQuarry, Bill T. Miller, LaMar Mitchell, Chris Meyer, NE Synth Festival, Nicola Joss, Ruperto Ifil, Brian Kehew, Anthony Marinelli, Tom Piggot,TRC (The Record Co). EMEAPP/MMT, Mary Lock, David Mash, Matrix Synth, Michelle Moog-Koussa, Tony Norton, Jim Michmerhuizen, Mike Metlay, C. Carl Peters, Rob Puricelli, ProSynth Network, Drew Raison, Steve Roach, Sam Rosenthal, Drew Schlesinger, Don Slepian, Steve Smith, SynthTopia, the NAMM Museum, the MiDI Association, Real World Studios, Gerson Rosenbloom, Collin Russell, James Thirlwell, Pete Townshend, the Townshend Studio, and Andrew Ward"

Beyond the Noise: Synth and Eurorack Performance

video upload by MKustomAudio

"The initial idea of this track started with just ambient noise created by running the Mutable Instruments 'Plaits' through the Schlappi Engineering 'Interstellar Radio'. This noise was further processed and randomized by running the signal through various filters and effects.

After deciding to add in melodic and percussive content, the Moog 'Mother 32' and Novation 'Bass Station II' (AFX overlay used) were then added with sequencing provided by the Squarp Instruments 'Hermod+'. To process the Bass Station II further, it was sent through the eurorack setup using a couple Noise Engineering modules and the Befaco 'Oneiroi'.

The Novation 'Peak', Sequential 'OB-6 Desktop', and Korg 'Minilogue XD' and 'Arp 2600M' were added next to provide bass, melodic and ambient drone content. Last added was some additional drums/samples provided by the Elektron 'Digitakt II'."

12/28/25 ARP 1623 + ElectroComp EML 200 + Peavey DDL-3 + CXM 1978

video upload by Cfpp0

"I think this is the first time I sequenced the EML 200 with the ARP 1623. The sequencer is 1 volt per octave and the synthesizer is 1.2 volts per octave, but it still works. Here the gate bus 1 on the ARP is triggering the envelope on the EML, which controls the VCA both VCOs are running through. That signal then runs through the EML spring reverb into the Peavey DDL-3 delay to the Mackie Onyx 1640 mixer, where the dry is panned left and the wet is panned center. Both have stereo reverb blended on the CXM 1978."

Korg ARP Odyssey Slim Key Quick Demo

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
video upload by Roland Perez

via this eBay listing, also on Reverb

CLICK FOR MORE »

The Sound Of Icehouse - Vintage Synthesizer Recreation

video upload by RetroSound

"(c)2007-25 by RetroSound
supported by UVI: http://bit.ly/retrosound-uvi

One of my favorite tracks from the early 80s.
Icehouse by Icehouse (Flowers) 1980
Produced by Iva Davies and Keith Welsh

Featured the ARP Quadra and the Moog Minimoog Synthesizer

RetroSound synthesizer demo videos since january 2007.
Everything is free. If you like my work, you can also support me with the purchase of my merchandise stuff or my music.
Shop: https://retrosound.creator-spring.com/
Bandcamp: https://retrosound.bandcamp.com/"

And the original:

Flowers - Icehouse

video upload by icehousebandtv

"Music video by Flowers performing Icehouse. © 1980 Diva Records"

Icehouse was originally named Flowers.

Jean Michel Jarre in his Home Studio 1987

video upload by Bleu Lezard

This one is in via in via Ivan Trajkovic aka dejayiwan.

"Visit of Jean Michel Jarre's studio at his home in Croissy in 1987 as part of the 1pm newspaper presented by William Leymergie on French Television Antenne2, for the release of the album: 'Houston Lyon in concert'. Fairlight and ARP2600 demo.
Mixing: Denis Vanzetto.

I kept this document on a VHS tape in the attic for 20 years. I'm happy to have kept it for so long and, thanks to Youtube, to share it with you!

I would be delighted to share my music with you:
👉 Web: https://bleulezard.com
👉 Digital platforms: https://linktr.ee/bleulezard
👉 Instagram: / _bleulezard"

Soul of the Machine | Inside the ARP Centennial Compilation

video upload by CatSynth TV

"We explore the new compilation _Soul of the Machine_, released by the Alan R. Pearlman Foundation as part of this year's centennial celebrations of the birth of Alan R. Pearlman. There are two CDs with twelve tracks each, plus a digital-only "bonus disc" with another 12 tracks, featuring a diverse roster of artists. All tracks feature ARP synthesizers, including the rare 2500, the ubiquitous 2600 and Odyssey, the Pro Soloist, OMNI, and more. We highlight a few of the tracks and artists from each disc and share some thoughts on the compilation as a whole.

To find out more about the compilation, as well as the Alan R. Pearlman Foundation, please visit their official website:
https://alanrpearlmanfoundation.org/s...

You can also find the compilation on Bandcamp:
https://projektrecords.bandcamp.com/a...

_________
Please consider supporting this channel to help us bring you more synthesizer tutorials and other content.
Merch: https://shop.catsynth.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/catsynth
Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/catsynth

0:00 Introduction
0:29 Overview of the compilation
1:09 Disc 1 highlights
2:00 Disc 2 highlights
3:05 Bonus 'digital only' disc
3:47 Conclusion"

Mos-lab & Scrotum Lab "The 2500 adventure"

video upload by batchas

"I skipped the part about making my matrix and the all process which took weeks and weeks behind the choice of pins instead of switches, but I might come back to it and do a video next year. Time will tell. Meanwhile here I'm looking back at the nice and positive moments I had with this 2500 clone, from receiving the modules up to the latest patch I did this year."

Benge electronic album Orgoustic Plus 30

video upload by Memetune Studio

"There is a new Benge album out today!



It's 30 years since I released my first album. This is a a kind of follow up

In 1995, I decided to set up a small home studio and record an album, using a combination of acoustic and electronic instruments. The result was my debut solo record Electro-Orgoustic Music, which was also the first release on my label Expanding Records

It was the beginning of a lifelong journey, a sonic adventure in which I explored my musical passions, combining old and new equipment, trying to discover my own unique voice with these fascinating instruments. I have followed my instincts and expanded my toolbox, but kept true to my original vision: to surround myself with inspirational tools and live amongst them, using them daily in my work and play

Here, I present to you an album made 30 years on from that debut recording, using a similar cast of instrumental characters, in fact many of the same ones which appeared on the first album

This album was made on the following equipment (asterisk denotes an appearance on the 1995 album):

Moog Modular 3C*
Arp 2500
Buchla 200
EMS VCS3*
Serge Modular
AKAI S950* / S5000 and AX73
Minimoog*
Yamaha CS40M
Korg Lambda
Baby Grand Piano*
Double Bass*
Clarinet*
Drums, Cymbals, Percussions*
Lexicon 224X and PrimeTime-95
AMS RMX16, Quantec QRS
Neve 88D Mixing Console"

Batchas "Polynomial" just for fun

video upload by batchas

"Music as therapy.
As usual can't beat the amazing original by Aphex Twin and it's not the goal anyway, cause I'm doing these session as therapy. No-brainer and fun.
One unique take und tschüss...
Instruments: Mos-lab 2500 (Scrotum Lab matrix), Oberheim Matrix 1000, Roland Juno 60, Waldorf Q, Waldorf Pulse +. Efx: Audiothingies Doctor A, Valhalla Supermassive.
The images are excerpts from a movie by Georges Méliès called 'Un Homme de têtes' released in 1898."

Toto’s Steve Porcaro Shows How He Created the Synth Sounds on Africa, Human Nature, Rosanna, ...

video upload by Anthony Marinelli Music

"In this monumental video, I’m sitting down in Steve Porcaro’s studio for a rare, up-close demonstartions at how one of the true synth legends created some of the most iconic sounds in music history.

What makes this so special is that Steve takes us step by step through the exact synthesizer techniques he used on massive hit records — including Michael Jackson’s 'Human Nature,' Toto’s 'Africa' and 'Rosanna,' as well as classic tracks for Hall & Oates, Don Henley, Donna Summer, and more. He also recreates these sounds on the same model vintage synthesizers he used on the original recordings.

As we dig in, Steve shares his personal approach to synthesis, how he builds multi-dimensional sounds, thinks about atmosphere and texture, and shapes parts so they serve the song emotionally, not just sonically. He also reveals how he writes out synthesizer parts on score paper, treating synths like orchestral instruments and arranging them with real intention.

This isn’t a preset rundown or surface-level demo. It’s a candid, in-studio conversation about process, musical thinking, with hands-on demonstrations from someone who helped define the sound of an era. If you’ve ever wondered how these legendary synth parts were truly made, now you can get it straight from the source, this is a moment you don’t want to miss!"

TMP-3-06 Vintage Synth TV Series from Benge

video upload by Memetune Studio

00:00 Opening Titles
00:17 Introduction
01:27 Switched On 80s
12:54 Little Black Boxes
17:29 Commercial Break
19:58 Patching Today
29:19 Synthesiser Club
31:59 Video Lab
36:07 Outro

"////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Sixth and final episode of the third series of the TV program from Benge, made at his Memetune Electronic Music Studio

The series explores his passion for vintage synthesiser instruments and studio gear and how he uses them in his productions and collaborations

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

It is divided into the following sections:

SWITCHED ON 80s - This third series takes an in-depth look into six classic 80s synthesisers, selected because of their interesting and unique attributes

LITTLE BLACK BOXES - A further look at some classic rack mount studio gear of the 80s and 90s

COMMERCIAL BREAK - Some shameless Memetune shilling

PATCHING TODAY - A deep-dive into vintage modular systems and how to set up a patch on them, starting from scratch, this time using Cybersynthesis techniques to bring an element of surprise to the patches

SYNTHESISER CLUB - A short musical demonstration of a synthesiser classic or three, concentrating on 'families' of synths

VIDEO LAB - A look at old video equipment and how to create experimental visuals, concentrating on a specific device in each episode

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

In THIS episode:

SWITCHED ON 80s - A look at Roland's first fully digital keyboard the D50 Linear Synthesiser from 1987

LITTLE BLACK BOXES - A look at the unique Kawai K5m additive synth

COMMERCIAL BREAK - Some adverts for Memetune-related goodies, including a new Benge album and the range of Memetune merchandise

PATCHING TODAY - Today is a bit special - Benge sets up a mega-patch using a Modcan A Series, an Emu 2000 modular, a Serge Paperface and an ARP 2500

SYNTHESISER CLUB - In todays episode, Benge makes some elevator muzak on Ensoniq synths: an ESQ1, an SD1, an ASR-X and a Fizmo

VIDEO LAB - In this episode we take a brief glance at the editing platform, DaVinci Resolve from Blackmagic Design

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

LINKS:

Memetune Studio Instagram: @memetunestudio

Benge & Memetune Merch on Bandcamp: https://zackdagoba.bandcamp.com

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

The MemeTune Programme Credits:
Everything in this video was created by B D Edwards (Benge)
All music, design, writing, filming and production completed at Memetune Studios, UK, 2025"

Additional Vintage Synth TV Series episodes from Benge