Made a synth for $75* ! (*excluding tariffs/postage...)

video upload by Guinan

"I made an open-source Raspberry Pi based DX-emulation synth for around $75 and hooked it up to my Novation Circuit Tracks.

MiniDEXED is the open source DX emulation project,
https://github.com/probonopd/MiniDexe...

I used the following open source hardware Raspberry Pi HAT which delivers a DAC and DIN MIDI in and out, https://github.com/tebl/BulkyMIDI-32

Build is also here, https://www.pcbway.com/project/sharep...

I ordered mine pre-built from Ebay - but that's just a reflection on my soldering skill!

To run the software it also needs a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 (buy one with a 'GPIO header' as then it's just plug and play once you have loaded the software from the above link). Make sure it's a 'Zero 2' as the older model is much slower.

Much more detail and slicker presentation here....
• MINIDEXED - honey, I shrunk my DX7 collection [posted here]

All of the above work was inspired by the very excellent and similar MT32-pi project by Dale Winham which emulates the Roland MT-32 synth and others. I've got a 2nd Pi Zero 2 and some parts in the wings for a further video...."

Afrorack live at SUPERBOOTH25

video upload by Superbooth Berlin

"Afrarock (Brian Bamanya) performs live at the SB25.

AFRORACK
https://www.instagram.com/afrorack/?h..."

Also see Afrorack's SUPERBOOTH25 walkthrough video.

Roland Jupiter 8 from 2x JP-08's

video upload by Craig Barnes

"This is the latest iteration of my Jupiter 8 style synth from two JP-08 boutique synths.

If anyone is interested then here is the code repository with schematics.

https://github.com/craigyjp/Jupiter-8..."

Reminds me of the various custom controlers from Synth-Project.

Jeannie Polyphonic DIY Synthesizer - TouchOsc Midi Controller

video upload by Rolf Degen

"Jeannie Polyphonic DIY Synthesizer - TouchOsc Midi Controller

DIY blog: https://www.sequencer.de/synthesizer/..."

Bringing a vintage Italian polysynth Siel LX61 back to life and looking at the insides

video upload by Ted murena

This appears to be the first post to feature the Siel LX61.

New Filter Design Experiment!

video upload by gotharman

"ONLY AUDIO IN LEFT CHANNEL!
When I discontinued Urano for the first time, I was stupid and selling my own Urano. Last weekend I managed to finish a new Urano for myself :)
After playing with it for a week, I realized how much I love its dual filter with drive, and I decided to try to engineer this design a bit further.

This test design has lot of character and LPF, BPF and allpass modes.
I hope that you will enjoy :)"

www.gotharman.dk

Prism Circuits TKB | Interview

video upload by Under the Big Tree

"Prism Circuits has released their take on the classic touch keyboard/sequencer, the TKB. Available in pre-built or DIY versions, the TKB is a 16x4 capacitive touch plate keyboard and sequencer. This unit brings expressivity and control to Serge, Buchla, and even Eurorack systems.

www.prismcircuits.net

Under the Big Tree is Nicolas Peck's YouTube channel, focused on esoteric electronic music, modular and vintage synthesizers, sound design equipment and techniques, and the composition, production and performance of music.

http://www.underthebigtree.com"

Oberheim DX MIDI Upgrade

video upload by jakeschrock

"Installing the Electrongate DX MIDI kit upgrade"

Figuring out the circuitry of old DIY drum synth

video upload by organfairy

"I play it manually at 3:23 and run it with a step sequencer at 4:17.

This is another un-documented one from the vaults - one that I, for some inexplicable reason, have not made any written information about.
So in this video I go through it and find out how it is made.

The music is 'No Hollywood movie', originally recorded by Lesley Hamilton, that was a hit in Germany in 1978. Same year it was recorded in Danish by Gitte Hænning as 'Hollywood drømme' and in German as 'Von Hollywwod Träumen'. I play it on my Yamaha HE-8 organ with Korg Rhythm 55 drum machine - but I probably didn't do a very good job since YT couldn't recognise it..."

Jamuary 18th 2026 - Prototype Pretense

video upload by Captain Credible

"This sequencer has been in the prototype stage for as long as I can remember. Does it need more features? Definately yes. Is it intuitive for new users? No. Will I ever finish it? ehm...
#motherbrain #rolandP6 #rolandS1 #tonic"

Jamuary 17th 2026 - Collateral Clankers

video upload by Captain Credible

"Today I held a workshop at the Oslo library and these kids built me some glorious remote controlled clankerbots. Then they jammed with me with wonderfully clanky style. Absolute legends!
#microbitorchestra #motherbrain #diy #clankers #jamuary2026"

Ecodynamics: generative music from ecological processes (2 patches)

video upload by Electrum Modular

"Introducing 'Ecodynamics' – a Lua script for Disting NT, coded with Claude. This project grew out of my interest in minimalist processes, “controlled probability,” and “biomodelling” (using modular synthesis to mimic natural processes).

0:00 Introduction
0:10 Patch I: entropic
3:28 Patch II: ecologic

Ecodynamics (Lua script, for use on Disting NT):
https://github.com/expertsleepersltd/..."

ELEKTRON Model Samples - ENCODER REPAIR!

video upload by ST Modular (Stefan)

"My Elektron Model:Samples encoder started to move slowly and skip values.😵‍💫

So I reached out to Elektron, and they were incredibly supportive and sent me two replacement encoders 🙌

After the repair, everything works perfectly again! It honestly feels like a brand-new machine! ✨

#Elektron #ModelSamples #SynthRepair #GearFix #ElectronicMusic #DIYRepair"

EMS Synthi 100 Repair Part 2 Belt and Braces Approach to bring back to life a beautiful linear PSU

video upload by Really Nice Audio

Part 1 here

"Join me in this second video to repair a classic EMS Synthi 100.

This synth is part of the Pete Townshend collection at the University of West London
https://www.uwl.ac.uk/study/study-fac..."

Completed software and hardware for the Jupiter 8 Controller by Craig Barnes

video upload by Craig Barnes

"This is the final version of the Jupiter 8 from two JP-08 builds, I finished each section off and finally completed the DAC outputs to control the mixer volume and balance."

Drone Scope by Tim Kaiser

video upload by Tim Kaiser

Vintage PAiA 4700 Series Modular Analog Synthesizer with Keyboard

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

via this eBay listing

"Vintage PAiA 4700 Series Modular Analog Synthesizer with Keyboard – Needs Repair

Offered here is a PAiA 4700 Series Modular Synthesizer, produced between the early 1970s and early 1980s. This system is being sold as-is and will require service to be fully operational.

Functional Status

VCO 1: Powered and producing signal. Can be patched through the filter and mixer and triggered via the keyboard.

VCO 2 & VCO 3: Not producing output. Both modules are not connected to power or ground.

Sequencer (4780): Does not power on or respond. The power and ground wires are present on the bus but not connected to the sequencer module.

Filter (4730): Produces sound when triggered through the mixer.

Keyboard / Pitch Tracking: Synth triggers properly, but pitch does not track consistently across notes within the same octave and will require calibration or service.

Internal Condition

Power and ground wiring for the sequencer, VCO 2, and VCO 3 are disconnected internally.

Loose wire ends have been insulated.

Reason for the disconnections is unknown.

Included Modules

4720 VCO (x3 total)

4730 VCF

4740 Envelope Generator (x2)

4710 Balanced Modulator (x2)

4711 4/2 Mixer

4712 Reverb

4770 Watt Block (x3)

Control Oscillator

4761 Wing

4780 Sequencer

Notes

No patch cables included

Vintage condition with cosmetic wear consistent with age

Not fully functional and sold as-is for restoration, repair, or knowledgeable users

The PAiA 4700 is a historically interesting DIY-era modular synthesizer with a distinctive analog character. This example will appeal most to technicians, restorers, or modular enthusiasts comfortable with vintage electronics."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Talk ‘N Learn Alphabet – Unleashing Demons & Chipmunks

video upload by Manitou Productions

"Today's feature is the Talk N' Learn Alphabet by Scientific Toys: made sometime in the early 90's (I think). We test a unit that has wonky pitch, and explore how to make it even wonkier (and eventually fix it); then we'll look at a modified example. The alphabet never sounded so scary!"

Chapters:
0:00 Did I do that?
0:07 Titles
0:15 Intro
1:04 Let’s turn it on!
2:04 The alphabet through a tiny speaker
3:28 Some melodies
4:46 Let’s open it up!
6:10 Hen scratches
6:37 Not happy
7:49 Bad battery experiments
10:15 Try button
10:53 Demonstrating pitch modifications
13:53 Dodgy switch
14:49 Chipmunks
15:35 The modified version
16:22 Demonstrating the body contacts
17:34 The pitch knob
19:24 The release switch
22:06 A look at the innards
23:10 Outro
23:35 Ivy’s Corner

ELEKTOR FORMANT ANALOG MODULAR SYNTHESIZER

video upload by FunkTechnikDirk

Tau Hydrae Filter v2 and Azure Dragon Spring v2

video upload by Amongst Projects

"This is a quick video which gives a demo of the updated sections of the Tau Hydrae and Azure Dragon projects. Some more details over at https://amongstprojects.blogspot.com/..."

The Expanse Level 4 - The APC - Atari Punk Console

video upload by Amongst Projects

"The APC or Atari Punk Module is the left most module in the Expanse Level 4."

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