Free Nils K1V Synthesiser , Good For Dark Sounds

video upload by steve webb

"Great for crunchy 8bit type pads strings , bells and other dark sounds https://plugins4free.com/plugin/3148/"

RetroSound Studio Tour: Vintage Digital Synthesizers

video upload by RetroSound

"RetroSound Studio Tour:
Legendary Vintage Digital & Hybrid Synthesizers of the 80s and early 90s

In this episode of RetroSound Studio, I explore classic digital synthesizers that revolutionized electronic music production during the 80s and early 90s. From FM synthesis and wavetable synthesis to vector synthesis, PD synthesis, vitual analog and Roland’s LA synthesis, these instruments introduced a new generation of sound design and defined the sonic identity of an era.

The Yamaha DX7 became one of the best-selling synthesizers of all time, defining FM electric pianos and metallic digital textures. The PPG Wave pioneered wavetable synthesis, laying the foundation for modern digital sound engines. The Sequential Prophet VS introduced vector synthesis, allowing dynamic blending between digital waveforms. The Roland D-50 shaped late-80s pop and film scoring with its LA synthesis architecture, while the Roland JD-800 brought hands-on control back to digital synthesis in the 1990s.

These digital synthesizers shaped genres such as synth-pop, new wave, ambient, house, techno, trance, and film music. Today, they remain highly sought after by producers, collectors, and sound designers researching vintage digital synthesizers, 80s keyboard sounds, virtual analog, classic FM synthesis, and wavetable history."

The Digital & Hybrid Synths:
0:07 Sequential Prophet VS
4:39 PPG wave 2.2
10:36 Yamaha DX7 II FD
14:56 Yamaha DX11
16:39 Casio CZ-101
19:29 Casio VZ-1
21:21 Roland JD-800
26:40 Roland D-50 / D-550
28:00 Korg Wavestation EX / SR
31:24 Korg DW-8000 / EX-8000
32:42 Roland M-VS1
35:57 Kawai K5000R
38:57 Waldorf Microwave
39:44 Waldorf Microwave II XT
41:15 Clavia Nord Modular
41:59 Yamaha AN1x
44:36 Roland JV-1080
45:33 Ensoniq SQ-80
46:23 Quasimidi Raven Max
47:42 Korg Z1

Full Studio Tour playlist:

Kawai MP9500 Maxed: All Presets- 80 Minute Synth Madness

video upload by On the Edge Music

"Kawaii MP9500: Every Preset Tested – 80 Minutes of Pure Synth Madness! Full, uncut run-through: I maxed every voice, every layer, every glitch. Intro on why this keyboard rules, then straight into pianos, EPs, organs, strings, pads, bass, and multis. No script—just me geeking out.

Rough jumps:
0:00 Intro & backstory
3:00 Pianos
11:30 EPs/clavs
22:30 Organs
27:00 Strings/brass
33:00 Vocals/pads
37:00 Bass
41:00 Multis (chaos mode)"

Kawai K1R Digital Synthesizer Module

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

via this listing

Additional Perfect Circuit listings

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Kawai K4 Synthesizer w/ ROM & RAM Data Cards

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

via this eBay listing

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Kawai K5M Digital Multi-Dimensional Synthesizer Module

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

via this listing

Additional Perfect Circuit listings

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Kawai K4R Filter Modulation Test

video upload by DSP Kills

"Using a few of my K4R patches to test K4R's filter modulation and clicky envelopes."

Kawai XD-5 Electronic Drum Synthesizer Rack Module with DC-16 RAM Card

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

via this eBay listing

"Excellent condition, plastic protection shield still stuck onto the screen. Tested and functions normally. Will come with ram card and power supply."

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the 90s synth behind one of Industrial’s best album

video upload by Tonepusher

"🔊Sounds, Presets & Templates🔊
Presets►https://www.tonepusher.com/
Patreon(synth presets,templates,store discounts)► / tonepusher

the 90s digital synth you don't know they used

Today we’re diving into the Kawai K4. This 90s digital synth played a quiet but important role in shaping the sound of early industrial music, heard in the work of bands like Front Line Assembly, Wumpscut, Intermix, Delerium, X-Fusion and Solitary Experiments . I’m putting the K4 to the test to see if it still delivers that unmistakable 90s industrial character. Decades later, it remains a cult favorite for music producers and sound designers chasing dark, mechanical atmospheres.

Chapters:
0:00 - intro
0:13 - Origins: From K1 to K4
2:54 - The K4 Sound
6:27 - The K4 in Industrial Music
9:19 - Front Line Assembly's Provision cover by Vulture Culture"

Kawai K3 PolySynth

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

via this eBay listing

"The K3 is a six-voice wavetable synthesizer with 32 waveforms, some of which are unique waves and others are samples of acoustic instruments like piano and percussion. Each voice consists of two digital oscillators run through an analog filter (based on SSM2044 filter chips), and an analog VCA. The sound of the K3 is reminiscent of the PPG Wave 2, 2.2 or 2.3, and it can produce deep, lush analog/digital sounds. The K3 is ergonomically like other mid-80s synthesizers, with membrane buttons and an encoder for editing parameters. This cost effective classic synth is a perfect addition to any player who craves something different!"

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1980s Kawai R-100 Drum Machine w/ R-50e & R-50III Eprom Mod

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

via this Reverb listing

Additional SYNTH CITY Listings

"1980's Kawai R100 drum machine, loaded with some of the best sounds Kawai offered from this era. Perfect for nailing that 80's industrial sound (ie; Wax Trax!, Ministry, KMFDM, etc).

Sound mod is a single switch on the front of the machine (switch between R-50e & R-50III sounds). Works like a charm, what a beast of a machine!"

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Kawai SX240

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

via this eBay listing, also on Reverb

"Kawai SX-240. Huge sound powered by dual DCO’s through analog filtering, split and dual voice mode to either blend or split the sounds down the middle. Three MN3009 bucket brigade chorus chips in the ensemble section (Juno’s only have two!). A sequencer! And MIDI! Just an incredible machine.

Power section recapped, scary battery that loves to destroy the inside of these things removed and replaced with a clip and 2032. Factory patches reloaded. Cleaned inside and out. One small chip on the bottom of the right wood panel. Stock OS."

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Retro Video Game Music on the Kawai K1 VST by Nils #synthesizer #kawaik1

video upload by Reuben Jones

"Music made entirely on the Kawai K1m VST by Nils.

Download it here for free:
https://www.nilsschneider.de/wp/nils-...

I like the sound of the K1. It's got some cool samples and nice choirs, strings, bells, flutes and experimental sounds. It's a bit flat and lifeless, and not very dynamic. Maybe a poor man's Roland JD-800, but with a joystick which increases its cool factor.

On the display you can see all the patches used in each track.

00:00 Brass Troops
00:54 Digital Jungle
01:30 Last Seen: Asia
02:45 Home At Last
04:00 Aguirre's Flute (from the film 'Aguirre, Wrath of God').

Air raid siren sample.

Images of hardware taken from Google images.

Diagrams taken from the K1 manual :
https://kawaius.com/wp-content/upload..."

Stranger Things inspired synth epicness

video upload by Espen Kraft

"A little chord sequence and sounds inspired by the (combined) Stranger Things soundtrack.
There are many layers of synths packed into this one minute:

Sequential Prophet VS Strings
Arturia Prophet VS Filtered Strings
Arturia CS-80 arpeggio
Roland Juno-106 Bells
Roland JX-8P Pad
Kawai K3m Bass"

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

Kawai K3m w/ Original Box

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

via this Reverb listing

"For sale is a collector-grade Kawai K3m in excellent condition, the iconic 1986 hybrid rack synthesizer known for its unmistakable blend of digital additive waves and warm analog filters and this one is among the nicest examples you’re likely to come across.

This unit has been exceptionally well cared for. The front panel, buttons, and display are all clean, responsive, and in excellent shape. The chassis shows only very light surface scratches consistent with normal aging and nothing that affects performance or presentation. No rust, no dents, no rack rash. Everything functions exactly as it should. This K3m includes the original box, which is extremely uncommon and makes it especially appealing to any collector who values originality and provenance.

If you’ve been waiting for a near-mint, investment-worthy K3m that has the look, feel, and reliability of a top-tier example, this one checks every box.

The K3m has gained significant interest in recent years thanks to its unique voice architecture: additive digital waveforms running through warm analog filters. It occupies a sonic space very few synthesizers, and certainly no plugin, can convincingly emulate. It’s pure mid-’80s character, from shimmering pads to darkwave textures to cutting synth-pop leads.

Collector Highlights:
• 1986 original in exceptional condition
• Very minimal wear
• Fully functional with no operational issues
• Includes the original box
• Original buttons, screen, and panel components
• Hybrid architecture: 32 digital additive waves → analog low-pass filter
• A historically significant Kawai design with growing collector interest
• Perfect for studios, synth enthusiasts, and vintage rack collectors"

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Kawai K3m synthesizer | 80s string sound design

video upload by Espen Kraft

"The Kawai K3 is a hybrid synth from the 80s with digitally stored waveforms and a beefy analog filter (SSM2044) with resonance.
I use the module version K3m controlled by a Yamaha KX88 and Behringer BCR2000 in this video."

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

via this Reverb listing

"The K4 from Kawai can be thought of as a warm and fuzzy digital synthesizer. A sample-based digital synth, its sounds are those typically weird industrial type sounds that can still be useful in lo-fi, big-beat and trip hop music styles. The sounds are 16-bit preset PCM samples of acoustic instruments. However, unlike its predecessor the K1, the K4 adds a welcomed digital filter section. This truly makes the K4 more flexible, fun and useful for today's filter tweaking music effects!

The XD5 is an awesome drum synth module that has 256 waveforms, four of which can be combined to create a drum sound. It also has great resonant lowpass filters and envelopes for shaping the sounds and is excellent for techno, electro and industrial drums. For effects, a delay type effect is possible as well as a ring-modulator. It also has stereo outputs plus 6 individual outs for the studio pros. Mouse On Mars might use it.

The MM16 is a multi-purpose MIDI data processor with 17 front panel faders. Each of the sliders can be assigned for continuous controller information over any one of 16 MIDI channels, a "velocity mode" that uses the 16 sliders to become a "graphic EQ" for velocity data, and a system exclusive mode for transmitting system exclusive information to control individual synthesizer functions. Setups are included for Kawai K1, K4, K5, Yamaha DX7, and Roland D50. The MM16 can merge two MIDI signals, and can perform MIDI channelizing. You can also use it as a control surface for DAWS"

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Kawai K5000S SN 592701

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

via this Reverb listing

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MIDERA | Ever Present | Kawai SX-240 and Fender Rhodes Piano Improvisation

video upload by MIDERA

"Fractal Audio FM3 for reverb and delay

#sx240 #fractalaudiofm3 #rhodespiano"