Pluto's Moons (Album) by The Pedalboard Orchestra

Also see The Pedalboard Orchestra's demos of Modern Sounds Pluto Semimodular Synthesizer

"This album presents ten extended ambient soundscapes (approx. 150 minutes total), composed and recorded using the Modern Sounds Pluto semimodular synthesizer as the sole sound source. Pluto’s architecture—featuring five primary modulation engines named after Pluto’s moons (Charon, Styx, Nix, Kerberos and Hydra)—served as both a structural and conceptual framework during production.
Each track explores different interactions between these modulators, ranging from FM-based timbral shifts to complex CV-driven rhythmic deviations and slow-evolving modulation cycles.

Across the sessions, the wider effects chain underwent several iterations, incorporating various pedals for filtering, spatial processing, and granular-style textural shaping. However, two components remained consistent throughout:

Modern Sounds Pluto (core synthesis + modulation)

Eventide Space (primary reverb stage, used for long-tail ambient diffusion, shimmer variants, and modulated plate algorithms)

All material was captured as real-time, single-track, one-take recordings, with no overdubs or post-layering. Performance control relied heavily on Pluto’s internal modulation matrix, manual parameter riding, and dynamic interaction between the... more
credits
released March 7, 2025

Many thanks to the brilliant creators of synthesizers and effects pedals -
especially the teams at Modern Sounds, Chase Bliss, Old Blood Noise Endeavors, and Eventide Audio.
Without their innovations, this album would not have been possible.

All sounds and noises by: The Pedalboard Orchestra
Recording and mastering by: The Pedalboard Orchestra
Photo and album cover design by: The Pedalboard Orchestra"

Modern Sounds Pluto - Ambient Soundscapes

video uploads by The Pedalboard Orchestra

"A collection of long ambient tracks based on the Modern Sounds Pluto Semimodular Synthesizer and various effets pedal setups."

Playlist:

1. Modern Sounds Pluto Synthesizer – Ambient Demo & Sound Exploration

These are my first "ten minutes" (okay, the video turned out a few minutes longer 😉) with the Modern Sounds Pluto semimodular synthesizer.
🎧Headphones recommended for the full sonic experience.

In this small setup Pluto is accompanied by three pedals, the Strymon El Capistan v1, the Chase Bliss/Goodhertz Lossy and the Eventide Space in ModEchoVerb algorithm, all in stereo.
Pluto, this tiny little box, is such a fascinating and inspiring instrument. You can get a million and more of sounds out of it.
I love how the filter of Lossy changes the overall mood of the sounds.

All sounds and video footage by The Pedalboard Orchestra.

(Disclaimer: This is a non sponsored video. All equipment is self-purchased.)

#modernsoundspluto #ambientdrone #ambientsoundscapes #ambientmusic #meditationmusic #modernsoundspluto #semimodular #strymonelcapistan #chaseblisslossy #eventidespace

CLICK FOR MORE »

Pluto's Dream - Ambient Soundscape || Modern Sounds Pluto Synthesizer

video upload by The Pedalboard Orchestra

"Pluto's Dream | Ambient Synth Soundscape with Modern Sounds Pluto Semimodular Synthesizer & Effects Pedals.

"Pluto's Dream" is a long-form, meditative ambient track created entirely with the Modern Sounds Pluto semimodular synthesizer and enhanced through a selected chain of boutique effects pedals.
This immersive sonic journey blends evolving pads, generative rhythms, and deep atmospheric textures — all recorded in a single take with no overdubs.

🎛 Signal Chain:
Modern Sounds Pluto → Past FX PX-101 (Low Pass Filter) → Chase Bliss Thermae (Analog Delay / Pitch Shifter) → Pladask Elektrisk Draume (Reverb) → Chase Bliss Clean (Compressor / EQ, mono-in to stereo-out) → AC Noises Ricorda (Granular Reverb)

🔉 Gear Highlights:
Pluto generates rhythmic pads using dual sequencers
Thermae introduces unpredictable pitch-shifted sparkles
Draume and Ricorda add expansive, layered reverb textures
Clean and PX-101 shape the sound with compression, EQ, and filtering

🎥 All sounds and visuals by The Pedalboard Orchestra
🔊 Recording & mastering by The Pedalboard Orchestra
📸 Visual elements include imagery from the NASA Image and Video Library
⚠️ This is not a sponsored video — all equipment was personally purchased"

Orgeldream WOAS & Modern Sounds Pluto

video upload by Koovalectro

"First day with the WOAS, sending a clock to the Pluto. Double tapping the Wavesnap button samples a distorted version of the machine’s total output into channel 4 and then plays it back. Lovely random fun"

Introducing Lore - FM oscillator pair by Crows Electromusic

Press release via Crows Electromusic:


March 26, 2025 - Crows Electromusic, a small synth company from Vancouver, Canada, is thrilled to introduce Lore, a standalone all-analog tool for exploratory sound synthesis, ambient, drone, and noise music. With individual controls for each function, Lore gives direct control of two independent triangle-core oscillators and can be switched to an FM synthesis mode to unlock a wide range of complex tones. The instrument’s unique un-quantized interface is perfect for exploring pure tones, drones, and FM sound textures.

Features:

• 100% analog circuitry
• Two triangle-core oscillators
• Crossfade between triangle and square waves
• One-control-per-function interface
• Fully standalone, just add headphones
• Transparent bioplastic enclosure
• USB powered
• Handmade in Canada

Lore is our second release, building on what we’ve learned making our first product OVUM analog sound explorer. We had two goals in mind during development: first we wanted to make something that could create a harsher and more aggressive sound, and second, we wanted to see how small a synth we could make. On both fronts we think Lore is a success - it measures under 3 x 3 inches, and the FM mode gives you access to a whole range of shimmering, grinding, and metallic sounds. Just like with OVUM, we prioritized immediate control and ease of exploration. No understanding of oscillators, wave shapes, or FM synthesis is required to pick it up and start creating interesting and inspiring sound. We think people of all ages, musical abilities, and experience levels are going to love this instrument.

Lore is available now for $79 CAD / $59 USD.

Crows Electromusic is a small synth company based in Vancouver, Canada. Started by Cory Alder in 2022. Crows’ goal is to develop new hardware instruments that challenge the established ways we interact with sound and music creation. Their first product, OVUM was released in 2023, and their second product Lore is available now.

For more information, please visit Crows’ website at https://crowselectromusic.com or follow us on social media (Instagram, Bluesky) at @crowselectromusic.

Links:

Lore fm oscillator pair

Our interactive introduction to FM synthesis

OVUM analog sound explorer

https://crowselectromusic.com

Ambient Evening - Elektron Digitakt & Modern Sounds Pluto

video upload by Kuro Kasetto

"Little ambient jam on a evening with the Digitakt II by Elektron and Pluto by Modern Sounds."

Modern Sounds Pluto & Hologram Microcosm - Ambient

video upload by Kuro Kasetto

"First and simple patch on Modern Sounds' Pluto, accompanied by Hologram's Microcosm."

Modern Sounds Pluto and Volca Sample Session

video upload by 2403R / Case Woo

"15 min of Modern Sounds PLUTO random exploration with Volca Sample backing on drums, both going through the DUDE with no external effects. All effects are from the PLUTO. All battery powered only."

Modern Sounds Pluto Desktop Semi-Modular Synthesizer w/ Original Box

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

via this auction

You can find demos and details on the Modern Sounds Pluto in previous posts here.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Beyond Pluto | Connecting Pluto to Other Gear

video upload by Shines

Follow-up to this post where you'll find additional videos.

"Welcome to Part 3 of my Pluto tutorial series! This video is going to take us beyond the confines of this tiny device, and get other external gear involved."

0:00 Intro
0:30 Audio Out
0:45 Audio In
1:21 CV Output
1:47 MIDI
2:42 USB-C MIDI
2:52 Sync In & Out
3:08 Firmware Updates
3:24 Configuration Mode
3:43 Conclusion

Pluto | Discovery + First Impressions

video upload by Shines

"I’ve been in space for the past 4 weeks, and my ship has picked something up out of the void.

Meet Pluto, an insanely versatile, portable, duophonic modular synth from Modern Sounds. In this video I’ll give my immediate impressions, and build a small patch to showcase a mere fraction of what this travel-sized modular experience is capable of.

A more in-depth tutorial is on its way!

Learn more about Modern Sounds here: https://www.modernsounds.co

0:00 Intro
0:35 Unboxing
0:46 Pluto Design
1:34 Clock Division
2:08 First Jam
3:18 Conclusion"

Unlocking the Voices of Pluto

video upload by Shines

"Let's dive into Pluto! This is an incredible battery powered modular synthesizer that features two simultaneous four-step sequencers and a whole bunch of sonic capabilities.

This video will focus on the sounds of this synth, and all of the different voices you can get out of it.

0:00 Intro
0:57 Voice Basics
1:15 How to Play the Voices
1:41 Voice Types
3:20 Modulation
3:48 Effects Section
4:53 Conclusion"

Tiny Modular Sequencing on Pluto

video upload by Shines

"Check out the videos below for tips on sound design, and my initial impressions of this incredibly unique synth!

Thank you so much for watching these tutorials on Pluto!

0:00 Intro
0:11 Clock Points
0:29 Choosing Notes and Scale
0:59 Touchpads
1:21 Pulse Width
2:25 Clock Division
2:54 Random Clock
3:07 Shuffle
3:38 Other Patch Points
4:21 Conclusion"

pluto / wmd fracture

video upload by studio snippets

Modern Sounds Pluto

video upload by studio snippets

Modern Sounds Pluto

video upload by Luca Longobardi

"First jam with the Pluto and its five modulating moons (all sounds from this little cute box)."

You can find details on Modern Sounds Pluto here.

Introducing Modern Sounds Pluto - 2-Voice, 2-Sequencer Mini-Modular Synthesizer

Pluto – First Walkthrough and Demo video upload by Modern Sounds

"This is the first video walkthrough of Pluto, a 2-voice, 2--sequencer mini-modular synthesizer. Lots more to cover, but this should give a good overview of how it works.
Skip to 15:45​ for no-talking demo.

Pluto – Some Pluto-only synth jams, no talking


"The fam helped put together some quick jams. Audio is a direct recording of Pluto. No effects added. (Sorry about the blurriness and intermitent shaky cam. Camera is doing some autofocus weirdness.)



via Modern Sounds

"Pluto is compact and portable, with abilities that belie its small size. Five channels of modulation (named for the five moons of Pluto), two voices, two sequencers, a mini-keyboard, and onboard delay make Pluto its own complete sound environment, but it can happily play with all your other gear.

The design of Pluto draws from a legacy of portable electronic instruments, from the Buchla Music Easel to 80s Casio synthesizers. With a focused, approachable interface, Pluto invites exploration.

Features
Compact 2-voice, 2-sequencer patchable synthesizer
Easily create complex, randomized sequences
Low-aliasing digital oscillators, wavetable oscillators
Mini touch keyboard
Clock range from 1 bpm to audio rates
Audio input for audio processing (line level)
Audio output (headphone, line out)
Quantize to preset scales, MIDI, or even audio input
Built-in delay with looping and glitch modes
Eurorack-compatible patch signals (5v)
Sync In & Out
MIDI In & Out (TRS, USB)
2 channels CV Out (0-5v, default 1v/oct calibrated)
Power/charge via USB (Micro B, cable included)
Rechargeable 2500mAh battery

Size and Weight
7.5 x 3.5 x 1.57 inches, 12oz
190.5 x 87.5 x 40mm, 340g"