15 Years making CUSTOM MIDI CONTROLLERS, in 15 minutes

video upload by Yaeltex

"Even if we turned 10 years some months ago, we've been actually making custom controllers for 15 years already. Join Mat in this workshop timeline, where he shares some story of our creations, from the first DIY projects to our first commercial controllers, up to the V2 system released in 2020.

V3 is coming :)"

IdioTech - Greenwaves Ondes Inspired - Brooklyn SPEXPO 26

video upload by sonicstate

"We spoke to Joe from Idiotech Devices about Greenwaves Synthesizer, an Ondes Martenot-inspired instrument influenced partly by Johnny Greenwood's use of the original French electronic instrument.

The instrument is a standalone digital synthesizer and also works as a MIDI and CV controller. It generates sound internally, controls standard 5-pin MIDI devices, and sends CV for Eurorack-compatible equipment. Its synthesis engine includes sine, square-style, triangle-style and folded sine waveforms, with wave shaping, pulse-width control, low-pass filtering and additive-style blending between wave sources.

Joe demonstrated the two-handed playing approach. Pitch is controlled from the fingerboard, with unquantised movement for slides and microtones, while volume comes from a touch-sensitive key. The key responds to gradual pressure for swells and taps for staccato articulation. The display updates as the faders move and pauses while notes are being played.

A spring reverb algorithm models the resonance speaker concept from the original Ondes Martenot system, with wet/dry control. The synth is available for pre-order at $1,700, with hand-built units expected to ship in early 2027.

More Info:
https://koi-tambourine-t5nk.squarespa... |--------|"

Formlessness: Live Looping on Handbuilt MIDI Instruments (LEDs + Pure Data)

video upload by

"This is a video recording of an improvisation without form, and maybe even without rhythm. Created with self-made instruments. More info on this project can be found at the following links:

https://smomid.com/
https://www.instagram.com/smomid/?hl=en
https://smomid.bandcamp.com/"

Soothing Ambient Synth Meditation | Isochronic Tones for Deep Calm

video upload by Smomid

"Soothing ambient synth meditation, performed live on glowing handmade synthesizers. Gentle isochronic tones, slow pulsing filters and soft bells to help you relax, unwind and find deep calm.

Use this music for meditation, relaxation, stress relief, yoga, studying, focus, or winding down before sleep. Isochronic tones work through regular speakers, so you don’t need headphones (though they sound lovely with them).

Everything you hear is played live, with no loops or pre-recorded tracks. The rhythmic filter movements are synced to the tones, and the LEDs respond as the music evolves. I synthesized the bell tones as well. All the audio was created using Pure Data open source programming software.

🎛️ About the instruments
All the instruments used in this video were designed and handmade by me. The blue boxes I call Pyramidi and the guitar shaped instrument I call a Smomid. There is some info available about these instruments at my website: Smomid.com"

SynthAccess - Tactile and Talking Synths - Brooklyn SPEXPO 26

video upload by sonicstate

"We spoke to the SynthAccess team from NYU Tandon School of Engineering about SynthAccess*, a set of accessibility tools for electronic instruments. *Jason Dasent first ran us through MIDI-to-speech operation on a Novation Summit and an Oberheim TEO-5 synth setup, then Luke DuBois described how the system works.

SynthAccess listens to a synth’s MIDI output and uses JSON mapping files to translate controls, patch names and parameter values into spoken feedback. The mappings cover controls such as filter cutoff, LFO rate, effects levels, envelopes, patch changes and waveform selection. The files are open source, and the team has a GitHub API for creating new instrument definitions (link below).

Then Jason Wallach showed us some of the physical updates being introduced, such as Braille and tactile overlays for synth panels, plus some really cool modular jack identifiers, which use shape, colour and raised or flat surfaces to mark signal type and input/output status. Another haptic prototype uses small vibration motors to represent LFO movement by touch.

The team said support is available for manufacturers, studios and hobbyists working on accessible setups.

More Info: https://engineering.nyu.edu/

https://idmnyu.github.io/synthaccess/"

Sound Is Colour – Finally a Synth for Musicians, not Engineers (Abyss II)

video upload by DAWESOME MUSIC

[Alternative ways of interfacing with a synth engines]

"'Klangfarbe' is not a metaphor, it is how our brains perceive sound. But if sound is colour, then why are most synths built like lab equipment?

Abyss II is built on a simple yet radical premise: a synth designed around how we actually experience sound. It keeps you in the flow rather than forcing you into abstract formulas. Just play with colours, as you would mess with paint.

TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Sound is Colour
0:12 How Brains Perceive Sound
0:28 Synths = Lab Equipment?
0:45 Abyss II First Impression
1:05 Patch in 60 Seconds
2:05 E-Pianos & Variations
3:01 Handpan Sample to Preset
3:40 Pad in 30 Seconds
4:12 Sequencer Demo
4:30 Palettes from Samples
4:55 Full Track (25 Instances)

All sounds in the video are created using Abyss.
The track 'Stare in2 the Abyss' was made by Rich.

Abyss II will be released August 20th, 2026
https://www.dawesomemusic.com/"

Janko Isomorphic keyboards Interview Superbooth 2026

video upload by Take the Fear out the Gear

"Hi everybody this time we bring you the Janko Isomorphic keyboards Interview Superbooth 2026"

Creating Custom Chords on Plinky 12 (Chords)

video upload by Nathan Plante Synths

"This is a follow up to my full walkthrough video of the Plinky 12 Chords panel by mmalex and Making Sound Machines. In this video I walk you through the process of creating custom chords and custom harmonic progressions. You don't need to know anything about music theory to come up with interesting chords!"

Wanna support my work? Join me on Ko-fi!
https://ko-fi.com/nathanplantesynths

https://www.plinky12.com/

00:00 Intro
00:43 Changing the Chord Voicing
03:57 Custom Chord Progressions
06:22 The Related Play Surface
11:05 Custom Chords from Scratch
12:51 Changing the Root
15:14 Changing the Key
18:37 Saving Your Chord Bank
18:57 Creating Chords with MIDI
20:44 Outro

Introducing GreenWaves™ by IdioTech™

video upload by Joe Edelmann

"Preorders are available at https://www.idiotechdevices.com.

IdioTech™ and GreenWaves™ are trademarks of Idio Tech LLC.
Design and concept © 2025 Idio Tech LLC. All rights reserved.

Inspired by the legendary Ondes Martenot, this instrument uses a continuous pitch control and pressure sensitive volume control to create sweeping glissandos and vocal-like expression. It also can act as a MIDI or CV controller for your favorite synths, and has wave-shaping, harmonizer and preset capabilities."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Inertia Synthesizer

video upload by Zack Berwick

"So after seeing Author and Punisher live earlier this year, I felt inspired to build my own drone machine.

These controllers consists of a 2lbs aluminum rod attached to a optical rotary encoder, while sitting atop thrust ball bearings. This encoder is then wired to an Ardunio Uno R3 measuring the RPM value along with it's rotational direction. I then used that data to control a synth patch I made in Max Msp 9 using the abl.drift and abl.roar objects along with two DMX controlled light panels using the Beam max package.

__________________________________________________________________________ You can find more at:
zackberwick.com
https://causticclouds.bandcamp.com/"

Matti from NYU and Talking Synths

video upload by The MIDI Association

"MIDItoSpeech is a set of software and tools to 'speak' the affordances on the synthesizers using a computer. Our model relies on MIDI transmission of parameters as affordances are touched on the synth. This is being designed as both a Max patch / Max4Live device as well as a website using the Web MIDI API. In both cases, there is a community-driven repository of JSON files (the ‘devices’ folder) for models of synthesizers that describe their NRPN / CC values with labels, enumerators, etc.

Manufacturers can develop these JSON files as part of their production pipeline, and community members / enthusiasts can develop them for legacy synthesizers, open source initiatives, etc. As a second-order benefit, these files can be used for translanguaging as well as access (i.e. you could have distinct JSON files for a synthesizer in English, Mandarin, Spanish, etc.).

This work is led by Luke DuBois Technology, Culture and Society Department Co-Chair; Director of Research, Integrated Design and Media; Professor and member of The MIDI Association's Music Accessibility special interest group"

Stefanie Koseff from the Tandon School at NYU explains making synthesizers more accessible.

video upload by The MIDI Association

"This work is led by Luke DuBois Technology, Culture and Society Department Co-Chair; Director of Research, Integrated Design and Media; Professor and member of The MIDI Association's Music Accessibility special interest group"

Also featuring Dina Pearlman of the Alan R Pearlman Foundation.

DROPKEYS TMP For ASM Diosynth

video upload by TJontheRoad

"Introducing DROPKEYS TMP for the ASM Diosynth. EVI trumpet keyset for trumpet fingerings. DROPKEYS are a drop in replacement key set for the Diosynth. 15 minutes is all you need for a quick simple installation..

Learn more here: https://lyingawakecreations.com/dropkeys"

"Trumpet Fingerings To The Next Level"

Using an EWI in a home studio: Some examples (Greaten AP500pro)

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"So you've got an EWI ( https://greaten-music.myshopify.com/c... ) or considering one. How can you use it to create music at home or in a band, or even in sound design? This video tries to provide some answers.

00:00 what's in this video?
00:29 a typical recording setup
01:15 Audio vs. MIDI
01:37 capturing audio with a multitrack recorder or audio interface
03:20 what is audio latency?
04:01 USB OTG recording
05:30 best practices
06:08 capturing MIDI
06:43 MIDI controller assignment
07:36 using different plugins
08:07 control a hardware synthesizer - creating a breath pressure sensitive sound
10:28 BLE MIDI (bluetooth)
11:03 conclusion"

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

Superbooth 2026: Twelve Things That Actually Caught His Eye

video upload by SynthDad

"Superbooth 2026 just wrapped up and here are the things that caught my eye over the week. As always there was way more to see than I could cover, so this is just my personal highlights from what I got to spend time with.

Let me know in the comments what stood out for you this year, and if there's anything you want me to do a deeper dive on in a future video.

Timeline:
00:00 Introduction
00:20 Elektron Outbox
01:26 Boredbrain Xcelon SL mixer
02:01 Ohmforce Bohm new kick model [& new Ohmni]
03:09 Quray gesture controller
03:38 Mimu glove controller
03:56 Making Sound Machines Plinky Chords
05:00 Bastl Kalimba
05:48 Enjoy Electronics Memento
06:58 Shakmat Queens Court
07:46 Neuzeit DROP new volume rings
08:08 WMD Cosmic Debris
09:03 Xaoc new modules
09:33 Thanks again!
09:51 Live performances"

afk-audio - drumbeam | SUPERBOOTH 26

video upload by Bonedo Synthesizers

drumbeam midi controller. You can find one additional post from last year's SUPERBOOTH here.

Greaten AP500Pro tutorial: playing half tone steps, choosing sounds, playing growls and more!

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"Here's part 2 of the Greaten AP500pro tutorial. This time, we learn how to choose an instrument, how to play half tone steps and growls, how to pitch bend, how to adjust sensitivity, what the bite sensor does, and more."

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

You can find additional parts/posts here.

You've Never Seen A Modular Synth Like This

video upload by Dots

"What if the sky could make music?

In this video, I check out a modular synth setup that might be one of the most unusual I’ve ever seen — a system driven by live air traffic.

Planes overhead aren’t just passing by… they’re shaping the sound.

Let me know what you think — and what else should be turned into music?

Big thanks to Rich for talking through his system!"

Flight based modular controller.

Ashoken Farewell again, this time using the new Haxocorder

video upload by MIDI IN

"I've been keeping a vlog on my 'second channel' about building my dream wind instrument, the Haxocorder, based on the open-source Haxophone. I now have a usable Haxocorder although it still needs some refinements,
Here's a link to pt 3 in the series:"

Building a Haxophone pt 3 - the first Haxocorder in the world!

video upload by shieladixon

All parts:

1. Building a Haxophone : Part one - the whys and wherefores, buying parts
2. Building a Haxophone : Part two - a working Haxophone!
3. Building a Haxophone pt 3 - the first Haxocorder in the world!
4. Building a Haxocorder : part 3 (or possibly 4)

"The haxophone open-source hardware project
https://github.com/cardonabits/haxo-hw"

An eyebrow-raising MIDI controller for $35

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"Mediapipe + OpenCV caused a big stir some 4 years ago, but I never got around trying it myself. Until today, and of course I'm sharing my results with you. This Open Source software can detect gestures, poses and facial expressions and transform them to so called landmarks that can easily be used for all kinds of shenanigans (in this example: controlling your synths).

00:00 introduction: what's this?
00:38 demo 01: playing chords + bass + controlling filters
01:32 hardware needed
02:12 installation
02:56 what are OpenCV and Mediapipe?
03:55 this example explained: reading landmarks, converting to MIDI
06:35 demo 02: controlling an arpeggiator
07:37 demo 03: controlling filter cutoff frequency and pitch bend with my eyebrows
09:21 demo 04: playing pads on Akai MPC Live 3 with backing track
10:10 conclusion / do the YouTube thing!"

Where to get the stuff: [affiliate links]
Mini camera: Amazon DE | Amazon US
RasPi Zero 2: Amazon DE | Amazon US
SD card: Amazon DE | Amazon US

Installation instructions

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade
pip install mediapipe opencv-python --break-system-packages
git clone https://github.com/mrfloydst/eyebrowr...

then python3 ./hand.py or python3 ./eyebrow.py

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

Fooling around with the Haxophone for the first time

video upload by MIDI IN

"This is a little music that I recorded as part of my vlog about building the Haxophone, a series that's on my second channel:"

Building a Haxophone : Part two - a working Haxophone!

video upload by shieladixon

"In part one of this vlog I had ordered and received the pcbs, 3d printed parts and most of the components. In this part I finish the first one and try it out."

Part 1 of this series:

CLICK FOR MORE »

Aurelia, by Terraphones

video upload by Terraphones

"Aurelia is a wind instrument that bridges acoustic expression and electronic sound. It responds to both breath and touch, translating natural, human gestures into rich melodies. Aurelia’s key layout is unique to all other wind instruments, giving you the ability to play in every major and minor key with equal ease. Aurelia was created to feel as inviting to the novice as it is deeply expressive to the professional.

Aurelia’s keys use Cherry MX Silent Red keyswitches, giving you the accuracy and speed that can be found on the most well-tuned wind instruments. Housed in a handmade, solid walnut enclosure, Aurelia has a striking visual aesthetic that also feels extremely comfortable in the hands.

Aurelia has a unique sonic engine that uses warm, analog-modeled oscillators, creating a gradient of sound qualities that work well with both acoustic and electronic musical environments.

While playing solo melodies is at Aurelia’s core, it also has a Counterpoint Mode that will harmonize with you as you play. Just choose a key, and Aurelia will figure out the rest.

Aurelia is designed for portability. It can run on four rechargeable AA batteries, and has a built-in speaker. With USB MIDI out and a 1/4" stereo audio out, Aurelia excels in studio and live performance settings as well. Aurelia can be powered via USB-C with any device that supplies 4-17 volts.

~~~
Aurelia is made by Thomas Adam Billings, the sole creator of Terraphones. Every part of Aurelia is ethically sourced, assembled by hand, with solid walnut sourced and milled in the United States of America. By purchasing Aurelia, you are directly funding the ongoing research and development of a new wave of natural, electroacoustic musical instruments.

– $650 –

0 units available for pre-order. Expected lead time : 6-10 weeks
Shipping to North America, South America, the UK, the EU, and Australia."

https://terraphones.com/Aurelia.html