The Korg Lambda - Strings from Heaven

video upload by Controlled Voltage Sound Labs

"A look at the Korg Lambda String Ensemble from 1979. Video features 2 original songs accompanied by the Linndrum, and a demonstration of all factory presets.

All sounds processed through Eventide Space Reverb

Join us on Patreon! - / cvsoundlabs
INSTAGRAM - @CVSoundLabs


00:00 Intro Song
01:09 Brief Overview
01:39 Factory Presets
04:54 Outro Song"

Niagara - Soleil d'Hiver, cover by Valmont & Angèle Borscha

video upload by Valmont

"A quick aside from the ongoing LP works : through one of those quirks of my tech sidejob, I ended up with a LinnDrum and an Emulator II in my bedroom at the same time :) My project singer Angèle and I couldn't resist putting them through a fun functional test. So here goes our first cover of a French band we really like. The song is called 'Soleil d'Hiver' by NIAGARA. Simply faithful to the original, because why not? x) And while we're at it, happy birthday to Daniel Chenevez, who co-wrote this song with Muriel Moreno :)))

Also involved in this live tracking: URSA Major Stargate 323, Dynacord PDD14, A/DA MB-1, Alesis XT:C, Dynacord VRS23, Publison Infernal Machine 90, Roland SIP-301, MXR Dual Limiter, Klark Teknik DN780, Yamaha R1000, A/DA MP-1 and BiAmp Model 42.

Angèle's instagram : / angele.brc

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
My name is Valmont, I'm 24 from Paris! I compose/produce music, take sound on movie sets and repair instruments :)
After a double bachelor in musicology and mechanics in Sorbonne, I ended up doing the Ecole Nationale Supérieure Louis-Lumière.
I wrote my thesis on Publison and Early Digital, which ultimately tied together my long-standing fascination in vintage machines, servicing and technical demystification with my personal attraction to these instruments.
I tend to hope for a unified low-level approach to music production guided by DIY values. This Youtube channel is a form of its realization!
Join the gang : / valmont_naudin
Listen to my stuff : https://iconism.io/frame/valmont"

Akai MPC60 - A Sampling Masterpiece

video upload by Alex Ball and Tubedigga

"A look at the classic Akai MPC60, its origins and legacy."

0:00 History of the MPC60
3:46 Intended use of the MPC60
8:18 Demo: The MPC Song
8:55 What people actually did with the MPC60
10:27 Sampling
12:15 Demo: Passable Hip-Hop
13:13 Groove, Feel and Swing
14:49 After the MPC60
15:29 Discussion with TUBEDIGGA
22:04 Patron Outro Jam

Huge thanks to TUBEDIGGA and my Patrons
/ @tubedigga
/ alexballmusic

Linndrum vs Oberheim DX vs Sequential Drumtraks. Which classic 1980s drum machine comes out on top?

video upload by Brian Coyne Guitar

"In this video, I put three legendary vintage drum machines head-to-head:
🥁 LinnDrum (1983)
🥁 Oberheim DX
🥁 Sequential Drumtraks

I'll compare their sounds in the room, explore their tuning capabilities, discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each machine, and share my thoughts on which one is the easiest—and most inspiring—to use.

Then we'll take all three into the studio and hear them recorded directly into the DAW in stereo with no processing, playing classic 1980s-style beats inspired by artists such as Michael Jackson, Madonna, Phil Collins, Dead or Alive, and more.

You'll hear:
• Raw stereo recordings of all three machines
• Individual drum sounds and tuning demonstrations
• Workflow and programming comparisons
• Pros and cons of each machine
• Which machine sounds the most hi-fi
• Which machine delivers the most authentic 1980s vibe

These machines helped define the sound of an entire decade. But nearly 40 years later, which one still holds up best?

Watch the shootout and let me know your favorite in the comments!"

He Sent His LinnDrum to Bruce Forat... Here's What Happened

video upload by Brian Coyne Guitar

"I bought this 1983 LinnDrum on eBay, and after only a couple of weeks it started acting up. That's when I reached out to legendary LinnDrum expert Bruce Forat of Forat Electronics.

In this video, I document the entire experience—from Bruce's own recommendations on how to safely package and ship a vintage LinnDrum, to the repairs and maintenance he performed, to the way he carefully packed and shipped it back to me.

If you own a LinnDrum, Drumtraks, Oberheim DX, or any other vintage drum machine, you'll definitely want to hear Bruce's advice on shipping these rare machines safely. One careless shipment can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage.

Along the way, I'll show:
• How Bruce recommends packing a LinnDrum for shipment
• The repairs and maintenance Bruce performed
• How the LinnDrum looked when it returned
• Why Bruce Forat remains one of the most respected names in the LinnDrum world

A huge thank you to Bruce Forat for keeping these classic machines alive for future generations of musicians."

Publison Infernal Machine + LinnDrum / Jam 2

video upload by Valmont

"Here's the second (more conventional) part of the previous jam, featuring a fully restored Linndrum for a client along with a Publison Infernal Machine reissue, hand-built by my friend Valentin :)
You can watch the first jam here: • Publison Infernal Machine + LinnDrum / Jam 1 [posted here]

In addition to copy/pasting the same description, I’ll also add a few details about the process!
The Infernal Machine itself is in the racks. In this video you only see the remote, with a few occasional close-ups when I tweak it. The LinnDrum is raw ; I’m just using the left main output straight into the console (a BiAmp Model 42). From there I send the signal into DSP A (mono), pan it slightly to the left, then route that channel via a second aux into DSP B (stereo).
DSPs are mixed back into the console. A hint of U-He SATIN, Pro-Q, and Pro-L on the master… and there you go :)

LINNDRUM - This one came with a fun issue: the snare would trigger the side stick, and the toms would trigger the congas. Apart from various CMOS quirks of that kind, I rebuilt all sliders/faders (volume + pan), the trigger buttons and replaced the pots with custom clones made by my friend Manfred from VintageSynth&Co. I also swapped the audio caps for polypropylene ones and rebuilt the power supply. During the process, the CPU card failed so I had to debug the sequencer - turned out to be a bad address latch and a dead bus gate (no idea what caused that). All in all, a serious overhaul!

INFERNAL MACHINE - A very special device. The IM90 was originally designed by French engineer Philippe Petitdemange between 1983 and 1984, with development continuing until the final DSP update in 1989. Publison devices are infamous for their opacity: components were often stripped of references, making repairs impossible. No schematics were ever published or even formally documented, which made the Infernal Machine both exceptionally rare and subject to extreme prices (I’ve seen one listed around 20k€!!!)
Following Philippe’s assassination in 2019, much of the design knowledge risked being lost. Jonathan Prager was designated as the official Publison legacy/maintenance technician and undertook the task of redrawing schematics based on the original archives he bought to preserve these machines. Meanwhile, Valentin, a French expatriate living in Japan, independently carried out his own reverse-engineering and successfully built a true 1:1 clone. His version (named the Celestial Machine) fits the strictest definition of a clone: an exact replica running the original code, featuring a beautifully recreated remote controller and using NOS components throughout ; except for a new OLED display (co-designed with Bob Grieb of TaunTek).
This special Publison-badged unit was sent to me for testing and demonstration to original Publison co-founder D. Dean - more info soon maybe :)

By the way! If you’re curious, I wrote my master’s thesis on Publison, it was published in French (deal with it lmao) : https://www.ens-louis-lumiere.fr/wp-c..."

Publison Infernal Machine + LinnDrum / Jam 1

video upload by Valmont

"Have you ever wondered if a Linndrum could sound... Not like a Linndrum?! Here's a first jam featuring a fully restored one for a client, along with a Publison Infernal Machine reissue, hand-built by my friend Valentin, aka “Vintage Standards” :)

LINNDRUM - This one came with a fun issue: the snare would trigger the side stick, and the toms would trigger the congas. Apart from various CMOS quirks of that kind, I rebuilt all sliders/faders (volume + pan), the trigger buttons and replaced the pots with custom clones made by my friend Manfred from VintageSynth&Co. I also swapped the audio caps for polypropylene ones and rebuilt the power supply. During the process, the CPU card failed so I had to debug the sequencer - turned out to be a bad address latch and a dead bus gate (no idea what caused that). All in all, a serious overhaul!

INFERNAL MACHINE - A very special device. The IM90 was originally designed by French engineer Philippe Petitdemange between 1983 and 1984, with development continuing until the final DSP update in 1989. Publison devices are infamous for their opacity: components were often stripped of references, making repairs impossible. No schematics were ever published or even formally documented, which made the Infernal Machine both exceptionally rare and subject to extreme prices (I’ve seen one listed around 20k€!!!)
Following Philippe’s assassination in 2019, much of the design knowledge risked being lost. Jonathan Prager was designated as the official Publison legacy/maintenance technician and undertook the task of redrawing schematics based on the original archives he bought to preserve these machines. Meanwhile, Valentin, a French expatriate living in Japan, independently carried out his own reverse-engineering and successfully built a true 1:1 clone. His version (named the Celestial Machine) fits the strictest definition of a clone: an exact replica running the original code, featuring a beautifully recreated remote controller and using NOS components throughout ; except for a new OLED display (co-designed with Bob Grieb of TaunTek).
This special Publison-badged unit was sent to me for testing and demonstration to original Publison co-founder D. Dean - more info soon maybe :)

By the way! If you’re curious, I wrote my master’s thesis on Publison, it was published in French (deal with it lmao) : https://www.ens-louis-lumiere.fr/wp-c..."

Linn Electronics LinnDrum LM-2 Drum Machine SN 2161

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

via this Reverb listing

Additional SYNTH CITY Listings

Pics of the inside below.

"1980s Linn Electronics LM-2 Drum Machine, fully serviced/restored in-house. Ready for studio action and sounds incredible. Serial No: 2161

-Refurbished 5VDC supply and installed new memory battery
-Replaced filter caps and supply caps
-Cleaned all buttons faders and pots
-Replaced (1) RIDE rom IC
-Calibrated 5v supply and voice settings"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Linn LM-1 Hardware Upgrades in 2026

video upload by DeftAudio

"Let's talk about the original LM-1 hardware, spare parts and hardware upgrades.
And install Memory Retrofit together:
https://deftaudio.com/store/tproduct/..."

Featuring Linn LM-1 SN 339

Non-Volatile Memory retrofit for Linn LM-1

"LM-1 Memory Retrofit is a complete assembled solution to replace the original RAM and battery backup. It goes straight into Z80 CPU socket. Compatible with all LM-1 revisions, but depending on the board, Z80 may be installed in the IC socket or soldered down. The package includes a spare machine pin (round pin) socket which only needs to be soldered down if LM-1 doesn't have it or has a poor quality socket.

Factory RAM chips may stay on the board. They won't be used. It's typically safer to remove them as they came installed in sockets. This reduces overall power consumption.

Features:
Replaces original RAM with Non-Volatile FRAM
Backup batteries are no longer needed!
Implements Econo Reset circuitry, no Linn mods required for memory protect on Rev1
Has onboard crystal 3.579Mhz to generate the system clock
Has a reset button to reboot LM-1
Comes with Z80 CPU installed"

Luma-mu: bringing the legendary Linn LM-1 to Eurorack

video upload by CatSynth TV

"We are proud to preset Luma-mu, a new Eurorack drum module from our friends at Deftaudio that brings the technology and sound of the legendary Linn LM-1 drum computer to the word of modular synthesis. It implements a single voice of their Luma-1 drum machine (a full recreation of the LM-1) with additional CV controls for the samples, playback modes, pitch, dynamics, and more. It comes with an EEPROM of the original LM-1 sounds that can be easily swapped out for other sounds on EEPROM or a special USB EEPROM emulator (which will be covered in another video).

To find out more, please visit https://deftaudio.com/lumamu

00:00 Introduction
00:18 Background on Luma-1 and Luma-mu
01:05 Overview of Luma-mu module
02:03 Using the onboard sample, trigger, and pitch controls
03:10 Controlling the module via CV input
04:08 Playing the module via a sequencer
08:34 Using an alternate EEPROM
12:08 A teasure for the USB PicoRom adapter
12:24 Conclusion

We use the Morphor Sequencer, Expert Sleepers Disting, and Arturia MiniBrute to play the module in this demo."

"A song for the sad ones" by gattobus (Frap Tools Magnolia)

video upload by gattobus

"The song can be downloaded here:



This song was born a few months ago while I was programming some patches for Magnolia. I'm not having a great time right now, but luckily, as sometimes happens, music has come to help me. This song carries hope and all my wishes for peace and serenity.

All synth sounds are from Frap Tools Magnolia.
Drums: Roland TR-8S with LinnDrum LM-1 samples
Mixed and mastered on Ableton Live 12."

RetroSound Studio Tour: The Drum Machines

video upload by RetroSound

"Welcome to the heartbeat of RetroSound Studio
Explore legendary vintage drum machines like the Roland TR-808, LinnDrum, Simmons SDS-8 and more in this classic drum machine studio tour.

From analog rhythm boxes to early digital drum machines that shaped electronic music history.
Now step inside the studio and explore a legendary collection of classic drum machines that shaped electronic music, hip-hop, synth-pop, house, and early techno.

In this studio tour, we showcase iconic rhythm machines including the Roland TR-808, TR-707, TR-606, Boss DR-55, Boss DR-110, Boss DR-220A, Boss DR-220E, Keio Minipops Junior, LinnDrum LM-2, Sequential Circuits Drumtraks, Korg KR-55B, Simmons SDS-8, and the rare Solton Programmer 24.
These vintage drum machines defined the sound of the 70s, 80s, and early 90s — from deep analog kicks and crunchy digital snares to iconic patterns still used in modern music production today. Every machine in this video is fully functional, synced, and used in real studio workflows.

Perfect for fans of vintage drum machines, analog rhythm boxes, classic electronic music gear, retro studio tours, and old-school beat making."

The Drum Machine list:
0:06 Roland TR-808
1:06 Roland TR-707
1:59 Roland TR-606
2:37 Boss DR-55
3:40 Boss DR-110
4:28 Boss DR-220A
5:14 Boss DR-220E
6:04 Keio Minipops Junior
7:50 Korg KR-55B
8:55 Sequential Circuits Drumtraks
11:24 LinnDrum LM-2
12:48 Simmons SDS-8
14:49 Tama TSQ-1000
15:37 Solton Programmer 24

Shop: https://retrosound.creator-spring.com/
Bandcamp: https://retrosound.bandcamp.com/"

Recreating a Prince Sermon: LM-1, DX7 & Juno-60 Breakdown

video upload by Nostalgic Explorer

"Today I am exploring an amazing track and how Prince turned this song into a sermon—blending faith, message, and sound. The spiritual meaning behind the music and the production tools that shaped it. And I am recreating this track in my studio using the Yamaha DX7, Juno 60 and Linn LM-1 drum computer."

00:00 – Intro
00:21 – The Story Behind “Let’s Go Crazy”: A Song or a Sermon?
01:50 – Recreating “Let’s Go Crazy” Drums with the Linn LM-1
02:50 – Recording the Organ Parts on the Roland Juno-60
04:56 – Yamaha DX7 Breakdown: Recreating the Final Section
05:47 – Juno-60 Bassline: Building the Groove
07:09 – Final Mix: “Let’s Go Crazy” Recreation by Prince
09:02 – Final Thoughts: Why “Let’s Go Crazy” Still Matters

Source used for this video:
https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/story-be...

Alessandro Cortini - SOLE.

video upload by Alessandro Cortini

1980s Linn Electronics LinnDrum LM-2 (Fully Serviced) SN 3218

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

via this Reverb listing

Additional SYNTH CITY Listings

"1980s Linn Electronics LM2 Drum Machine, fully serviced/restored in-house. Ready for studio action and sounds incredible. Serial No. 3218

Service notes:

-Disassembled and cleaned/lubricated Level and Pan faders
-Cleaned control and master volume pots
-Repaired MUX drum D/A and audio circuit
-Repaired read function for bass drum ROM
-Replaced internal memory batteries with modern type
-Replaced electrolytic capacitors on all pcbs
-Disassembled and cleaned switches on panel PCB
-Cleaned chassis and panel
-Installed complete set of freshly burned sound ROMS (31 total)
-Calibrated mux clock and set internal filter adjustments
-Cleaned IC pins and socket of CPU
-Cleaned pins and socket of 16pin DIP cable between CPU and voicing pcbs"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Linn LinnDrum LM2 SN 3859

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

via this Reverb listing

"Cosmetically, it’s very clean overall. There are some normal marks on the bottom from typical use (see photos).

This unit has lived in a smoke-free, climate-controlled private studio in NYC.

Serial: 3859"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Linn Electronics Linndrum SN 4415 w/ MIDI

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

via this eBay listing

Additional Tone Tweakers Listings

"Like nearly all the high end vintage analog synths we sell, this item has been METICULOUSLY disassembled, cleaned inside and out, FULLY serviced by professionals who’ve been servicing and selling vintage synths and drum machines for more than the last 3 decades, and systematically tested multiple times over a long period to ensure it’s working exactly as it should. No BS. No ebay surprises. We’re perfectionists and don’t cut corners. Although this instrument came to us in relatively good shape, we want our items to be better than the rest and invested *many* hours of tech time plus parts costs to fully overhaul this unit so it would be clean, working like new again and as reliable as possible for its next owner. This was a serious investment of time, love, and money, and was definitely worth the effort and is of course reflected in the higher than usual price. If you’re looking for a great sounding example of this model that works just like it should without needing to invest hundreds or thousands of dollars in tech fees and waiting from weeks to years, this one should make you very happy."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Deft Audio Luma 1 Drum Computer

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

via this Vemia listing

Note: listings are ending today with a handful extended through Sunday.

Click the auction link on top when you get there for additional listings.

"Deft Audio Luma 1 Drum Computer. This is from the first run of 100 units from Deft Audio. Serial number 073. An incredible and faithful reproduction of the Linn LM1 brought back to life by Joe Britt. It has the same DACs and filters, but has a few new features to make life easier such as the ability to load your own samples via USB. Absolutely beautifully built and sounds completely authentic as you would expect from Deft Audio. Also comes with a rather huge protective case that will survive anything."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Deft Audio Luma-1 LM-1 re-creation

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

via this Vemia listing

Note: listings are ending today with a handful extended through Sunday.

Click the auction link on top when you get there for additional listings.

"Bought from new, absolutely flawless and very lightly used. This is the incredible. Luma-1 drum machine which is the only faithful clone of the Linn LM-1, made with Roger Linn's blessing."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Akai CUT Roger Linn?! The Wild MPC60 Story + Prodigy Sampling Breakdown

video upload by Nostalgic Explorer

"The Akai MPC60 by Roger Linn is the machine that reshaped hip-hop, electronic, trip-hop, and rave culture. Today, I'm diving into why this legendary sampler still inspires producers, and then I jump into a hands-on sampling session inspired by The Prodigy — 'Smack My B%tch Up' from The Fat of the Land era.

I’ll explore its story — from design breakthroughs and 12-bit grit, to the Akai drama that cut Roger Linn out of his own creation — and then I’ll show you how to sample, trim, assign pads, sequence, and jam directly on the MPC60.

What you’ll learn:
• Why the MPC60 became a classic
• How early electronic pioneers used it
• Sampling on the MPC60 step-by-step (The Basics)
• Assigning pads, bars & sequencing
• Playing & jamming the samples on the MPC

I’ll show you a simple way to start sampling and building beats on the MPC60 using The Prodigy’s iconic track as inspiration, no plugins, no DAW, just the machine."

00:00 — Intro: Why the Akai MPC60 changed music forever
00:35 — MPC60 history: specs, limitations & the Roger Linn drama
02:33 — Why producers still love the MPC60 (Dilla, Shadow, Prodigy & more)
03:28 — Sampling The Prodigy “Smack My B%tch Up” on the MPC60
05:56 — How to sample a song on the MPC60 (step-by-step)
06:15 — How to assign a sequence on the MPC60
06:41 — How to set the number of bars on the MPC60
07:00 — How to record a new sample on the MPC60
07:20 — How to set sample length (seconds) on the MPC60
07:56 — How to check recording levels (REC METER) on MPC60
08:44 — How to name and save a sample on the MPC60
09:26 — How to edit and trim a sample on the MPC60
10:19 — How to assign a sample to pads on the MPC60
10:47 — Poly vs Mono: stop samples from overlapping on the MPC60
12:28 — Playing and testing samples on the MPC60
13:10 — MPC60 live jam: “Smack My B%tch Up” Prodigy-style
15:03 — Outro & final thoughts of the MPC60