DIY Lo-Fi FM Drum Machine with Arduino Nano on Breadboard - A Few Beats

video upload by Waiting For Zyo

"Another DIY instrument! This time I used a famous microcontroller: an Arduino Nano (compatible, tbh), a few buttons, and some code to made a really basic (lo-fi) FM drum machine with a built-in sequencer.

Here are some of its features:

• 4 instruments: kick, snare, hi-hat, and tom
• 4 main sound controls: tune, decay, FM amount, and FM ratio
• 4 secondary sound controls: balance, pitch envelope decay, pitch envelope range, and FM feedback
• A full 16-step sequencer with swing and basic parameter locks and on-grid rolls

At the moment, it only has a basic audio output, so I recorded everything into Ableton and added a bit of filtering and some reverb.

These are four beats I made from scratch using only these basic parameters and the internal sequencer.

Enjoy!"

How to use diode patch cable

video upload by Meska (Meska)

"Quick demo of how i use diode patch cable"

How to make : diode patch cable
video upload by Meska (Meska)

Thank you for watching. My name is Meska of the statik collective . I've been making mostly 'dark and expérimental' music for more than ten years now, i'v learn so much online, now it's time for me to share my knoledge, my exploration and this channel is a place to talk about the tools, sound design and techniques to make music with. You can stream my albums and EPs at https://statikwave.bandcamp.com/. If you'd like to support the channel​ consider buying music from bandcamp ;) Contact/booking: meskastatik@gmail.com"

Roland TR-505 with Pitch Mod

video upload by Ground Grown Circuits

Black Pill (BP Synth) build.

video upload by Craig Barnes

"A reasonable description of my Black Pill synth build into an M- Audio Axiom 25 chassis with a Teensy 4.0 based editor managing the sounds.

The github page. https://github.com/craigyjp/Black-Pil..."

"I created a hardware editor for the BP Synth to specifically fit it into the M-Audio Axiom 25 chassis.

The synth was created by Blaine at SyntheTech about 3 years ago. [2nd set of videos here]

To Do list

Replace screen 0 with one the same as the others.

Clean the main screen display

Add the Portamento switch with an LED instead of the LFO wave select.

Connect the transpose buttons to the Teensy so I can manage the transpose.

Make the footswitch input assignable to Arp Start/Stop, Glide on/off etc."

[$10] DIY eurorack modular synth MIDI to CV rev2 | 2CV 8Gate , Arduino nano based

video upload by HAGIWO

"My 92nd original eurorack modular synth DIY projects.
MIDI to CV rev2 , Arduino nano based 2CV 8Gate.

working documents (schematics)
https://note.com/solder_state/n/nba23..."

Serial Number One !!! Ready and Wonderful !!!

video upload by Arthur Joly

THE RECODRUM S

A new kind of audio FX - Sparkling Riser

video upload by SynTesla

"The Sparkling riser is a brand new kind of audio FX

This effect is achieved by stacking 12 lines of 'micro-delays' lasting a few milliseconds (6 lines per audio channel) The delayed sound is mixed back into the original sound, creating a comb filter.

Each delay line has a feedback loop, and the delay time is modulated by several LFOs. In addition to the LFOs, we have 12 VCAs (1 per delay line) whose levels are synchronized to the phases of each LFO.

But when the effect is on the "infinite rise" mode, as soon as we apply randomization to the LFO phases, something very strange happens:
'phantom notes' appear. We could compare this effect to concentric waves colliding to create a splash—a “spark” that, in our example, generates notes based on the frequencies and harmonic content of the sound. This 'spark' gives the effect its name: 'Sparkling Riser.'

This effect is directly inspired by a project we're working on with electronics genius Yves Usson."

nonlinearcircuits Dichotomy Paradox 1

video upload by cirtcele

"Updated version of Divine CMOS. Wonderful module for harmonically rich sounds or use as a complex CV patter and gate generator. Thought the LEDs were superbright purple but turned out to be a mild light blue."

via nonlinearcircuits

"This module has been thru a few cycles. The original idea for the design is from an article in Electronotes EN#98 by Lester Ludwig, spectacularly titled ‘A Square-wave Frequency-division Sub-octave Cross-product Module, it’s relationship with Lie algebra, and other related processes’ or more simply known as The Cross Product Module.

The frequencies of two VCO signals are separately divided by /2, /4, /8 & /16 ratios. The corresponding divisions are ANDed together and the results, along with all the raw divided frequencies are mixed together in various ways. You end up with a very harmonically thick, animated sound.

I did a full bloat CMOS (Ludwig’s design was TTL) version for a 4U panel back in 2008 or so, but changed the AND gates to XOR gates for a more ring-modulated effect. Then a minimal, slimmed down eurorack version, called Divine CMOS. This just used the XOR’d signal and outputted a signal determined by the pots.

After some requests for an expanded version, I re-visited the design.

CLICK FOR MORE »

7555VCO 1

video upload by cirtcele

"Wide ranging sawtooth VCO with the hardest hard sync around."



via nonlinearcircuits

"Not the most exciting name, I simply wanted a 4HP sawtooth VCO to sit next to the Spectrum Shaper.

It is based on the Utility VCO in Electronotes EN67, which was based on designs by R. Tenny (Electronic Design 11/10/75), J.L. Brice (Wireless World (6/76) and others.

It tracks very nicely, turn the CV pot to max for 1V/oct, ranges from approx 10Hz to over 100kHz and supplies 10Vp-p sawtooth and square waves.

The Sync is the hardest of hard syncs around. I left out the capacitor usually used to turn sync signals into a pulse, so if you feed a gate or slow CV signal into Sync the VCO simply stops, think of it is a bonus VCA. Of course, if you use an audio rate sync signal, it works as normal.

It is a pretty easy build. not many parts. Do not mix up the BCM847 and BCM857 dual transistors, see the build notes for where to install a 1k tempco."

PlantsSystem-KOSMOS-RGB #kosmosrgb #raspberrypi #pico #rgbkeypad

video upload by plantssystem

"‪@plantssystem-ufo‬
KOSMOS‑RGB is a new 4×4 RGB‑keypad interface designed for the KOSMOS2 generative sound engine.
It replaces the traditional screen‑based workflow with pure LED feedback and tactile control, turning KOSMOS2 into a compact, instrument‑like device that can be played entirely by feel.

Each key is color‑coded to represent a musical parameter — Density, Pitch, Speed, Volume — while the third row selects Japanese traditional scales (Hirajoshi, Miyakobushi, Insen, Pentatonic). The bottom row provides system functions such as Initialize, Mute, and Timbre Gacha (random Program Change with LED animation).

KOSMOS‑RGB is built for exhibitions, live generative performance, and long‑form autonomous playback, where clarity and immediacy matter more than menus or screens.
The interface runs on a Raspberry Pi Pico (RP2040), keeping the entire system lightweight, responsive, and DIY‑friendly."

Tri-Oscillator Desktop Synth from POTAR Design | make sci-fi soundscapes and audio textures

video upload by POTAR

"Three Nand Gate Oscillators and a built-in delay that adds interesting modulations to the already far-out sounds. Create interesting soundscapes, drones, and audio textures." -
https://potardesign.com

How to make a Morphing Filter with TRACE // DivKid & Vostok Instruments

video upload by DivKid

"Inspired by a comment asking if Trace could take static filter mode outputs (LP, BP, HP etc) and add a CV controllable mode/filter type morphing to those outputs ... here's a video that does just that!

With 4 community favourite filters (thanks to the QOTD in the DivKid Discord) and 4 examples going from smooth filter mode shifts, through rhythmic sequenced filter type changes, creating a unique tone shifting VCA response out of a Wasp filter and going complex and abstract with filter pings for the finest discerning filter ping connoisseurs out there."

Trace demo // • Waveform Scanning & Modulation Morphing //... [posted here]
Expand your VCOs with Trace // • Expand your VCOs with TRACE // 5 Technique... [below]

*TIMING INDEX // CHAPTERS*
00:00 Hello & previews
00:54 What are we doing here?
03:00 Beautiful filter type morphing with polymetric duophony
Joranalogue Filter 8
08:18 Exciting rhythmic filter mode sequencing
Make Noise QPAS
12:16 Expanding the idea into a unique sound morphing VCA
Doepfer Wasp
16:05 Slowed down “zoomed out” unique VCA response
Doepfer Wasp
17:53 Abstract & complex west coast filter pings + thick bass!
Instruo I-047
21.17 Mixed modulation of morphing
22.46 Adding FM tones

Waveform Scanning & Modulation Morphing // Trace by DivKid & Vostok Instruments

CLICK FOR MORE »

Synthesizers.com First DIY Kit is HERE!! The Q109 Envelope Generator Kit

via Synthesizers.com

"We're so excited to share with you the Q109 Envelope Generator DIY KIT!!

The Q109 Envelope Generator is one of the basic modules every synthesizer must have.

It generates a voltage envelope in response triggered by a gate signal from a keyboard, oscillator or other source.

The envelope voltage is used to control amplifiers, filters, oscillators and other modules.

The operator has complete manual control over Attack time, Decay time, Sustain level, and Release time.

A manual gate button can be used to trigger the Envelope Generator at any time, and an LED gives a visual indication of the output level."

🎛️ 🎹 Turning a Thrift Store Projector Case into a Daisy Pod Synth + Amp

video upload by Foggy Mountain Spaceship and TrimPath

"A synthesizer, an amplifier, and a Bluetooth speaker, all built into a vintage projector case from a thrift store. Sound generation runs on an Electrosmith Daisy Pod.

It's the companion piece to the Banjo-Synth (BS-1) I built in 2024. The BS-1 plays it, this box makes the sounds. It was challenging and a lot of fun to build, I hope you enjoy the video.

🧰 The Parts:
Electrosmith Daisy Pod
Vintage Argus Projector Box
CME H2MIDI Pro Interface
JBL Home Audio Speaker
Vangoa PS-01 Rechargeable 9V Power
ZK-502T Bluetooth Amplifier Board"

See this previous post for additional demos and details on the Banjo Synth.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Midimalism

video upload by Captain Credible

"This tiny, easy to build midicontroller got an upgrade and learned some new tricks!"

You might remember Midimalism from this previous post.

ESP32 D-50 Synthesizer - A Roland D50 CLONE with ESP32

video upload by László Róbert Kasza

"An ESP32-powered hardware synthesizer project based on the classic Roland D-50 architecture.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?..."

Polyphonic D50 sampler synthesizer with ESP32 in YAMAHA DX21 Hardwer :)
video upload by László Róbert Kasza

"Unfortunately, the motherboard of my dx21 synth is broken beyond repair. So she got new electronics. I have uploaded a code I wrote using Roland D50 sound samples.
So what everyone feared has come true. The Yamaha Roland DX-D50-21 :)

Abilities:
-4 d50samples
-TVA Envelope
Course, Fine, Keyfollow
-The sampling frequency is 48000Hz.
Signal on 16 bits or more
-The device is polyphonic up to 10 tones
2 LFO controlled 2 parametric EQ
-Upper Lower Choruse
-Reverb engine
-Roland D50sysex compatibility...
-hd44780 compatible LCD Display (Not implement more)
-https://data.dynareg.se/breadandbutte...
(If we are bored, we can listen to internet radio on it.)

https://github.com/kaszarobert1/ESP_D...
More FM firmware:
https://github.com/kaszarobert1/-ESP3...
Yamaha DX21 KeyMatrix Arduino Due Firmware:
https://github.com/kaszarobert1/yamah..."

EMS 256 Sequencer Repair Part 4

video upload by Really Nice Audio

All parts

"In this episode we edge closer to getting this legend back in full working order. Now I have my extender cards I can probe the circuits and start debugging the rest of the faults.
After checking around the recirculation circuits and shift registers I decided to remove the 'Time Extender Board'. Now it plays back recordings!
I have to do some more research on this board in the next episode.

Thank you
https://www.pcbway.com
for making the extender boards. They were perfect!

This EMS 256 is part of Pete Townshend synth collection at
https://www.uwl.ac.uk/study/study-fac..."

ESP32-S3 Polysynth - Absolutely rocking it!

video upload by Bad Dog Designs

"An update on the ESP32-S3 Polysynth build.
I've got the sound engine working really well, and it now has patch storage and retrieval, along with 2 wavetables - .wav files loaded off an SD card.

Next up is making it look pretty to match the sounds it can make!

In the video, all the sound is out of the back of the DAC, but as the synth is not multitimbral ( the ESP32 would melt ) I've multitracked a couple of tunes to demo the sort of sounds it can make.

Headphones on, and bonus points if you can identify the tracks!!"

Inside Tokyo’s Boutique Music Hardware: Light Reft

video upload by Light Reft [Sasha DZA]

"We run a tiny hardware company in Tokyo and made this short film about why we’re obsessed with noise. We’re thinking about filming a longer documentary about Japan’s small independent instrument makers.

With this video, we want to open a door into the world of Japan’s independent music hardware scene, a world that usually remains outside the attention of a wider audience.

We are Light Reft, a small company founded by a group of enthusiasts in Tokyo. Over the past few years, we have developed and released two instruments of our own - monolit and concrete. You can learn about us on our web-site www.lightreft.jp

But we are far from alone.

In Tokyo and across Japan, there are many small independent companies, workshops, and individual makers creating unusual musical instruments, effects, and electronic devices. Many of them remain virtually unknown outside a small circle of musicians, even though this is where some genuinely interesting things are happening.

This video is only the beginning.

If you would like to see a full-length film about Japan’s independent music hardware scene, meet the people who design and build instruments themselves, visit their workshops, and find out why they do what they do - let us know in the comments.

And please share this video. If we see that people are genuinely interested in this world, we’ll continue and try to show this scene from the inside.

Video & Editing - Evgeny Joy
Sound - Sasha DZA (Light Reft)"

Erica Synths and Moritz Klein DIY Compressor module.

video upload by Music with Synths and Modular

"An impression of the Erica Synths and Moritz Klein Compressor module. This is the most fantastic module in My Modular. The compressor works great and the Sidechaining input makes it a very valuable module.

The module is a great module to make with the explanation of Moritz. Very nice done.

As Reverb I use also a Spring Reverb from Doepfer.

All is synced from the Arturia Drumbrute to the 960 sequencer. The Sidechain comes from the Rim shot of the Drumbrute which triggers the Sidechain input of the Compressor.

For more information on my Synths see my site: https://synthsmod.rensstam.nl/"