LYRA-8, Swarmatron, JEN SX-1000, Strega, and Grendel Drone Commander Emulators by Diego Capoccitti

video uploads by Diego Capoccitti

Use the player controls to skip through videos once started.

Playlist:

1. OktaDie, plugins and iOS app inspired by LYRA-8 ....Coming soon! #synth #sounddesign

"Eight touch-sensitive voices, a cross-modulation matrix, a dual modulated delay and an overdrive — no keyboard, no scale, no quantization anywhere.
It drifts on its own and never makes the same sound twice.

The plugin will be available on Mac, Windows and iPad.
VST3 / AU / AAX / AUv3, instrument and FX.

Coming Soon on! https://www.diegocapoccitti.it"

2. SwarmaDie 2 — Swarmatron (Unofficial) Emulator Plugin | Overview & Demo (VST3 / AU / AAX)

SwarmaDie 2 is an unofficial emulator of the legendary Swarmatron analog synthesizer, available as a VST3, AU, and AAX plugin for Mac and Windows. The Swarmatron is iconic for its hypnotic, swarming sound — multiple oscillators slightly detuned against each other, creating that signature ethereal drone. Made famous by artists like Jonny Greenwood, it's a rare and expensive hardware piece. SwarmaDie 2 brings that unique character straight into your DAW at an affordable price. MUSIC: "Hollow Light — Piano & Swarmatron (SwarmaDie 2 Demo)" (Diego Capoccitti - 2026)

3. SwarmaDie 2 iOS — Raw Screen & Audio Capture on iPad (Swarm Synth Jam)

4. JenDie — The JEN SX-1000 Reborn on iPad | Analog Synth Plugin Test

JenDie is an analog synthesizer inspired by the legendary JEN SX-1000 — the iconic Italian mono synth of the late '70s — faithfully recreated with its warm, gritty and unmistakable vintage character.

In this video you can see JenDie running on iPad, tested in standalone (also AUv3 plugin available!), showing how easy it is to bring that classic analog tone into a modern mobile setup. Plug in, play, and enjoy pure vintage synth vibes — anywhere.

🎛️ ABOUT THE PLUGIN
JenDie captures the soul of the JEN SX-1000: rich oscillators, a characterful filter and that raw, organic analog warmth that made the original a cult classic. Perfect for basslines, leads, retro sequences and anyone chasing that authentic vintage synth sound.

5. AlchemDie — Make Noise Strega (Unofficial) Emulator | Overview & Demo (VST3 / AU / AAX)

AlchemDie is an unofficial emulator of the "alchemical" Make Noise Strega, available as a VST3, AU, and AAX plugin for Mac and Windows.

Inspired by the mysterious and esoteric hardware designed by Make Noise in collaboration with Alessandro Cortini, AlchemDie is more than a synthesizer: it’s a laboratory for sonic experimentation. It transforms a simple digital oscillator into an unpredictable, evolving sound machine by routing its output through a feedback delay experiment that blurs the line between synthesis, processing, and noise.

From haunting drones to screeching feedback and organic textures, AlchemDie brings that unique "strega" soul straight into your DAW at an affordable price.

MUSIC: "Nigredo (AlchemDie Demo)" (Diego Capoccitti - 2026)

⚙️ KEY FEATURES:

Tonic Oscillator: Includes a sub-harmonic generator and continuous waveform morphing.
Vactrol-style Activation: VCA with asymmetric slew response for organic, acoustic-like behavior.
Time/Filter Loop: BBD-style delay emulation with dynamic lowpass and feedback.
Agitation Function: Generator with continuous trapezoid modulation to stir the sound.
Gesture Pads: Six momentary pads for multi-parameter macro control and performance.
External Substance: Input for processing external audio through the alchemical engine.
Character Section: Analog-style tape companding and stereo width controls.

6. DroneDie — Grendel Drone Commander Classic (Unofficial) Emulator | Overview & Demo (VST3 / AU / AAX)

DroneDie is an unofficial emulator of the legendary Grendel Drone Commander Classic, available as a VST3, AU, and AAX plugin for Mac and Windows.

The Grendel Drone Commander Classic is a cult hardware drone synthesizer, beloved in experimental, industrial, and noise music for its raw, abrasive, hypnotic character — a machine that turns simple oscillators into visceral sonic textures. Rare, quirky, and deeply expressive, it occupies a unique niche that no conventional synth can fill.

DroneDie brings that savage analog soul straight into your DAW at an affordable price.

MUSIC: "Axiom (DroneDie Demo)" (Diego Capoccitti - 2026)


⚙️ KEY FEATURES:

Inspired by the original hardware's raw oscillator behavior and gritty drone character
Simple, intuitive interface optimized for modern DAWs

7. DroneDie for iOS: Unedited RAW Live Demo & Jam in iPad (AUv3)

You can find them at https://www.diegocapoccitti.it

Dewanatron Swarmatron Synthesizer

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

via this Reverb listing

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Dewanatron Swarmatron Synthesizer

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

via this Reverb listing

"Fully working, very nice and clean used condition from a non smoking mixing studio. Used on one film project only. It usually takes a time to build this and it took me nearly 3month to received it from the Dewanatron.

It has UK power plug but this was built to operate on any voltage between 100v - 240v."

CLICK FOR MORE »

The Modulo Prototype

video upload by leon dewan

"This is a rough prototype of the D1 Synthesis Modulo, a new analog synthesizer optimized for sonic exploration."

Leon Dewan is the man behind Dewanatron.

Dewanatron Swarmatron #46 ⚡️ VERY RARE ⚡️

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

via this auction

Note auction links are affiliate links. See the site's privacy policy for more info.

"Extremely rare Swarmatron number 46 (out of 83 ever made) you might not ever see one again.

In perfect working order, ribbons recently re-tensioned & bulb replaced.

It's as magical and interesting as you'd hope it would be"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Free Synth Rentals in The Faroe Islands?

video upload by kovboyfilm

Synth vacation destination. If you ever make it to the Faroe Islands, this might be worth checking out.

Note the EMS REHBERG Logik synth and the modded keyed Dewanatron Melody Gin.

This one is in via Pruttipal who had the following to say:

"We have made a FREE synth collection at the faro islands, that everybody from all over the world can come and use..

this is hove it works.:

https://aesthetic.computer/prutti~12"

If anyone does this, let us know how it goes! Better yet, make a video.

Dewanatron machines and the Swarmatron

video upload by Robotussin Vintage Synths

"Here's the Swarmatron and its creators Brian and Leon Dewan, talking to Detroit Public TV about 10 years ago.

I posted about the Swarmatron about a year ago. It's an analogue synth that creates a tone using eight oscillators all playing slightly different frequencies. The pitch is controlled with a ribbon at the front. The difference between the 8 oscillators is controlled with a span control, from tightly aligned to woozily detuned. It's designed to produce a sort of cacophony, almost like multiple voices singing at once.

It's best known for its use by Atticus Ross and Trent Reznor on their soundtrack to "The Social Network", which won an Oscar and changed a lot of minds about the sort of movies that could use electronic scores.

Leon and Brian Dewan are cousins and together they run Dewanatron, which makes a family of instruments like the Swarmatron, the Novitiate – a one-off they made for the Bob Moog Foundation. Their instruments are unique, expensive, beautiful and very unusual. In the video you see another of their machines, which has two keyboards that face each other so two people play it at the same time.

I also found some great footage of the Novitiate they made for the Bob Moog Foundation on the YouTube channel AutomaticGainsay, which is a great resource for synth reviews and videos. I've posted more videos of the Swarmatron, the Novitiate and other Dewanatron instruments on my YouTube and on the subscriber section of this channel.

The Dewans, whose family is originally from Syria, spoke to a Detroit Public TV show about Arab Americans."

See the Dewanatron label below for more.

DEWANATRON SWARMATRON - Handmade Miniature 1/6 scale

video upload by Ronaldo Lopes Teixeira ROLT

Dewanatron Swarmatron

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
video by Dean Terry

via this auction

Rare Dewanatron Swarmatron FM Modulation Analog Ribbon Synthesizer

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

via this auction

"For your consideration is a very rare Swarmatron 8 Oscillator FM Modulation Analog Ribbon Synthesizer. It is in excellent physical, and 100% operational condition. Please refer to the specs and description below. Payment via paypal to include $ 85.00 shipping in the Continental U.S. within 48 hours of auction end. Overseas or International shipping is set at $ 250.00

This is a synth like no other, eschewing conventional controls, nomenclature and even an ordinary on/off switch. Is it destined to become a cult classic?

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Swarmatron #61 by Dewanatron, unique and very rare synth (with FM mod)

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

via this auction

A synth with a key to start it. How cool is that?

"Brand new, unused Swarmatron #61, for sale.

Includes the FM feature."

If you are not familiar with the Dewanatron Swarmatron, see the Dewanatron label at the bottom of this post for more. The video in the listing from Amanda of Catsynth, at NAMM 2013, was previously captured here.

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Negativland: Circuit Parade

Published on Aug 9, 2018 Joseph McGinty

Directed by Amy Hobby
Edited by Isaac Royffe
Starring:
Biet Simkin
Joe McGinty
Leon Dewan
Features vintage Super 8 footage of the Traymore Hotel demolition
Composed by Joe McGinty
Performed by Circuit Parade
Circuit Parade:
Joe McGinty, vocals, keyboards
Mike McGinnis, woodwinds
Julia Kent, cello
Leon Dewan, Swarmatron, Melody Gin
Produced by Joe McGinty
Engineered by Bryce Goggin
Album available for download: https://circuitparade.bandcamp.com/

One more:

Circuit Parade: "Million Dollar Mermaid" Coney Island Tribute

Published on Aug 9, 2018 Joseph McGinty

"Million Dollar Mermaid" by Circuit Parade
Directed by Edward McGinty
Composed by Joe McGinty
Featuring:
Circuit Parade:
Joe McGinty, vocals, keyboards
Mike McGinnis, woodwinds
Julia Kent, cello (recording)
Leah Coloff, cello (video)
Leon Dewan, Swarmatron, Melody Gin
Available for download at: https://circuitparade.bandcamp.com/

Pitch Black and Phallen - Filling The Void

Published on Aug 19, 2016 Pitch Black & Phallen

Some nice synth spotting in this one including a rare Dewanatron Swarmatron, DSI OB-6, Analogue Solutions Telemark-k, and more.

"A collaborative Process between two artist's Pitch Black and Phallen. Here you will find full performances and steady releases both alike from the Duo. This is also the launch to the first collaborative process "Filling the Void". Keeping an out for whats next from the two by subscribing and following on Instagram for weekly updates. IG- @Pitch.black and @Phallen

DP - Anna Franquesa Solano
Editor - Travis Bleen"

The Magnetic Fields - '81 How to Play the Synthesizer (Official Video)

Published on Feb 17, 2017 Magnetic Fields

How cool is that? The Roland TB-303 also gets a mention in the video for "83 Foxx and I" below, which has been getting some local airplay.

"The Magnetic Fields' ''81 How to Play the Synthesizer' from 50 Song Memoir, due March 10, 2017. Get the song now when you pre-order the set:

5CD/5LP: http://smarturl.it/50SongMemoir.Ns
iTunes: http://smarturl.it/50SongMemoir.iT

Created by: John Erickson, Alex Basco Koch & José Zayas
Production Company: Ghost Corporeal

Originally created for the Magnetic Fields 50 Song Memoir concert tour directed by José Zayas."

The Magnetic Fields - '83 Foxx and I (Official Video)

Published on Jan 31, 2017 Magnetic Fields

Swarmatron Sequence Madness..

Uploaded on Sep 25, 2011 tanqueraytom

"Using a Roland 101 to control my swarmatron via CV/Gate i made a sequence and went wild on it for a minute.."

See the Dewanatron label below for more.

Moogfest 2016 Announces Modular Marketplace Synth Event with Neuronics (ex Dewanatron) Debut

This is a bit of a double post. The press release from Moogfest follows further below. A number of known manufacturers are listed, however there is a new one you might not be familiar with, Neuronics. This will be their debut. I am curious what they will show as one half of Neuronics is Leon Dewan of Dewanatron, makers of the Swarmatron and other eccentric synthesizer creations. P.S. Great Make Noise T-shirt on the left! They are my favorite synth T, aside from mine of course. :)

"See, Hear, and Experience the Future of Music at the Moogfest 2016 Modular Marketplace

Free interactive bazaar gives everyone a chance to discover and test-drive next generation electronic musical instruments

Durham, North Carolina (April 27, 2016) - The Modular Marketplace at Moogfest 2016 reimagines the traditional trade show by creating a fun, interactive, educational space where electronic instrument designers connect directly with musicians, technology innovators, and the general public.

Over 25 companies selected for their cult status or game-changing ambition will demonstrate their instruments and offer a glimpse into the future of electronic music. Many of the entrepreneurs and designers behind these products will be in attendance, and almost all items are available for purchase.

Moogfest programming partner Kickstarter has ever curated a selection of three instruments, supported through its crowdfunding platform, to exhibit at the Modular Marketplace: the Artiphon INSTRUMENT 1, Sensory Perception by Sunhouse and Kilpatrick Audio.

The Modular Marketplace is one of the many highlights of Moogfest 2016, which celebrates the legacy of Bob Moog, the visionary engineer who pioneered the analog synthesizer and other technology tools used by artists like Stevie Wonder, David Bowie, and Kraftwerk. The four-day festival from May 19-22 will feature over 250 innovators in music, art, and technology -- from Gary Numan, GZA, Grimes and Laurie Anderson to virtual reality pioneer Jaron Lanier and transhumanist visionary Dr. Martine Rothblatt. For the first time, Moogfest takes place in Durham, North Carolina, a fast-growing capital of technology, culture and entrepreneurship.

'The Modular Marketplace is free and open to the public, giving everyone from school kids to technology influencers an opportunity to participate,' said Moogfest Festival Director, Marisa Brickman. 'A new generation of engineers and circuit designers are building on Bob Moog's legacy by creating new tools that are shaping the future of music and sound.'

The Modular Marketplace features product launches, daily demonstrations, sound experiments, exclusive discounts, and other special events. It takes place at the American Tobacco Campus at 318 Blackwell Street from 10am - 6pm from May 19 - 22.

Some highlights of the Modular Marketplace include:

Artiphon INSTRUMENT 1: Developed at The New Museum's NEW INC incubator and funded through a Kickstarter campaign that raised $1.3 million, the Artiphon INSTRUMENT 1 will make its public debut at Moogfest 2016. The groundbreaking instrument allows users of any skill or style to strum a guitar, tap a piano, bow a violin, or loop a drum beat -- all on a single interface. By connecting to iOS devices, Macs and PCs, this portable and durable musical tool can make any sound imaginable.

Audulus: Audulus is a virtual modular synthesizer environment for iOS, Mac, and Windows platforms. Throughout the festival, Audulus will be giving away copies of the deep and beautifully designed software to curious sonic voyagers. Simply come by the booth and get signed up.

Bastl Instruments: Based in the Czech Republic, Bastl Instruments in a community-driven company focused on producing handmade electronic musical instruments. Bastl Instruments will be displaying an eclectic robotic percussion set controlled by their Eurorack format synthesizer modules. Additionally Bastl Instruments will be offering 10% off discounts on their tabletop granular synthesizer - The Micro Granny.
Bleep Labs: Bleep Labs will launch the Thingamagoop 3 at Moogfest 2016, a light controlled synthesizer, effect and noise friend. Simple controls give musicians access to rich and diverse sounds, from simple square and triangle waves to FM laser battles.

Neuronics: Neuronics is an exciting new adventure in synthesis helmed by Leon Dewan and producer Josh Humphrey. Dewan is best known for the unique and visually striking analog synthesizers available with his company Dewanatron, whose flagship device, the Swarmatron creates the effect of a swarming hive of bees. Neuronics makes its debut at the Modular Marketplace.

Electric Objects: Electric Objects is the creator of E01, an Internet-connected screen designed specifically for art, capable of playing more than 10,000 works of digital art including video, animations, GIFs, high definition images, or web-based work. Electric Objects will be featuring works by performing artists and speakers at Moogfest 2016.

Kilpatrick Audio: Using both new and vintage circuits and cutting edge software, Kilpatrick Audio creates unique and interesting musical equipment designed to sound great, be fun to use, and to inspire musical ideas in the exploration of new sounds.

Luisa Perera & The Counterpointer: The Modular Marketplace will feature an auto-composing musical installation by coder and instrument designer Luisa Pereira. The counterpoint method Bach will be expressed through her instrument the Counterpointer and 3 Moog Mother-32 modular synths. This alludes to the work of the composer who made the Moog Modular famous, Wendy Carlos.

Make Noise: Based in Asheville, North Carolina, the home of Moog Music, Make Noise designs and builds Eurorack format modular synthesizers that incorporate "West Coast" design philosophies associated with synth pioneers Don Buchla and Serge Tscherpnin. Make Noise is presenting a demonstration of their new 0-Coast device during daytime programming.

To view the full list of Modular Marketplace exhibitors visit:
http://www.moogfest.com/program/talent/modular-marketplace"

Charles Hazlewood plays Thunderbirds, Jarvis Cocker and and Barry Gray's Ondes Martenot

Published on Feb 23, 2016 sonicstate

"The Ondes Martenot and the Swarmatron shared a stage with the Charles Hazlewood All Star Collective, playing the music of 'Supermarionation' composer Barry Gray in St. George's as part of the BBC 6 Music Festival in Bristol, with special guest vocalist Jarvis Cocker, Adrian Utley, Francois Evans and members of the Paraorchestra.
www.charleshazlewood.com
www.barrygray.co.uk
www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk
www.paraorchestra.com
www.dewanatron.com/instruments.php?page=­swarmatron"

Update: also titled 60’s Electronica: Charles Hazlewood - Thunderbirds Are GO! Bristol St. Georges, Feb 2016

Swarmatron 2015

Published on Nov 27, 2015 tim

"Swarmatron being played by Paul Nagle of the band Headshock

www.headshock.co.uk"

"Temples Of Fire" from the Far Cry 4: Lakshmana Edition OST

Available on itunes

via MATRIXSYNTH Member Ramachandra Borcar:

"This track is taken off Ubisoft's 'Far Cry 4: Lakshmana Edition' videogame OST. Although Cliff Martinez did the score for a great deal of the game, I composed the music for both the Shangri-La & Arena Missions. The Shangri-La portions of the game combine live percussion & wind instruments with an array of synths, fx and drum machines, whereas the Arena Missions are exclusively performed live.

Synths used on the soundtrack: EMS VCS3, Roland SH-101 & Juno 106, Korg MS20, Moog Micromoog, Skychord Sleepdrone 5, Folktek modified OM-84 Omnichord, Dwarfcraft Rot Yr Brain and a Dewanatron Swarmatron.

Drum machines used on the soundtrack: Roland TR-808, Jomox M Brane 11, Companion 4 In The Floor

FX used: tons of new & vintage fx racks and pedals.

Live musicians:
Ramachandra Borcar: synthesizers, bowed cymbals, percussion, electronics
Patrick Graham: Japanese, Chinese and Korean percussion, hand cymbals
Shawn Mativetsky: tablas, dhol, percussion
Liu Fang: pipa
Claude Maheu: shenai, nagaswaram, Indian straight flute and bansuri, Chinese oboe
Angelo Munoz: Tibetan & brass horns
Catherine Potter: bansuri flute solos

Available on itunes

I'm a film composer based in Montreal and more recently, Los Angeles. You can check out more of my work on Soundcloud.
www.ramborcar.com"

Leon on Dewatron Part Deux

Published on May 2, 2015 Sealion

"Another very brief clip as Leon moved over to his invention at teh Big City Music Booth NAMM 2015."

Part 1 here.