The Weirdest Synth Architecture Ever? The Luna Lunetta Synth Explained

video upload by Starsky Carr

"The first synth I've needed the manual to understand whats going on

What happens when a synthesizer throws away the traditional signal path and replaces it with logic gates, chaotic modulation and experimental sequencing? The Neutral Labs Luna is a modern Lunetta-style synthesizer that turns digital logic into sound – and it’s one of the most unusual instruments I’ve explored.

In this video I take a deep dive into the Luna Lunetta synthesizer, exploring how it works, why its architecture is so different from traditional subtractive synths, and how you can use its oscillators, logic circuits, modulation sources and built-in sequencers to create strange, evolving patterns and glitchy electronic textures.

Lunetta synths are inspired by DIY digital logic circuits built from CMOS chips rather than classic VCO-VCF-VCA designs. The result is a unique sound world somewhere between modular synthesis, generative sequencing and experimental electronic music.

We'll explore:
• What a Lunetta synthesizer actually is
• How the Neutral Labs Luna architecture works
• Using the dual oscillators and internal 64-step sequencers
• CV, gates and creative routing possibilities
• Generative patterns, glitches and chaotic rhythms
• Why Lunetta synths sound so different from traditional analog synths

If you're interested in experimental synthesis, modular workflows, generative music, CMOS logic synths, or unusual electronic instruments, the Luna is a fascinating machine.

Whether you’re a modular user, synth enthusiast, or just curious about alternative synthesis techniques, this instrument shows how far you can push sound design when you break the normal rules."

Introducing Luna: A Lunetta style groovebox & eurorack synth module

video upload by mylarmelodies

Check with dealers on the right on pricing and availability.

"This is your official introduction to the Neutral Labs Luna - a new lunetta-style “groovebox” desktop & eurorack compatible synth. It’s patch programmable, letting you both create tones and rhythms from 5 oscillators (2 with step sequencers inside), logic and pattern generators, all at the same time. Three 'LPG's take the raw tones and let you gate and filter them. 13 effects in 2 blocks effect and shape sounds further.

Enormous thanks to Martin at Neutral Labs for commissioning me to make a vid of this. The world needs more shift registers. Note: I used my own red Tiptop Audio Stackcables in the video, but the desktop module comes with 12 braided patch cables."

Neutral Labs Luna – the first serious Lunetta synthesizer

video upload by nyppy

"Available as a DIY kit or assembled desktop synth or 42 HP Eurorack module.

Video by the amazing ‪ / ginko.ltd

#synthesizer #eurorack #diy"

Update:

What's a Lunetta synthesizer and why should you care? // LUNA from Neutral Labs

video upload by DivKid

"Join us for an exploration of what Lunetta Synthesizers are, what the new Luna from Neutral Labs is and why you should care.

The short answer is that it’s an interesting series of raw digital building blocks from a sonic sculptor (Stanley Lunetta) with lots of modern quality of life features that allow you to approach timbre as rhythm, rhythm as timbre then round that out with low pass gates and FX.

More info at https://neutral-labs.com"

*TIMING INDEX // CHAPTERS*

INTRO
00:00 Hello & previews
02:13 What is a Lunetta synthesizer?
02:54 What is Luna?
04:07 Luna feature run down
06:14 How this video is a bit different

PATCHES & SOUNDS
07:05 Comb filter drones for dark industrial soundtracks
07:55 Hypnotic drones & dual oscillator lead lines
11:20 Bouncing bass & low end swells
11:55 New rhythms from AND & XOR logic
16:05 Fireside crackles & sputtering motorbike engines
16:35 Characterful lo fi LPGs & FX for modular synth voices
19:04 Ambient gritty echoes for happy synth blips
19:29 Shift register rhythms - gate delayed musical canons for your rhythms
23:25 Metallic bass hits & interactive rhythms
23:56 Modulation ‘hooks’ from binary counter clock dividing
26:39 Experimental expressive noise wrangling
27:05 Binary counter sub octaves & external modulation of filter FX
29:12 Alien critters clashing into ambient space
29:48 Monstrous sounds from multiplexing
33:13 Metallic synthesis & bell like tones & swells
33:49 Metallic synthesis for cymbals + dynamic LPG modulation



"Logic, Unbound. Meet Luna. The first serious Lunetta synthesizer.

Look beyond clean waveforms and predictable polyphony. Luna will take you back to a time when digital didn’t mean perfect. It meant raw. Inspired by the subterranean DIY culture of the 70s and 80s, Luna is a love letter to the Lunetta machines of old: Living, breathing organisms built from CMOS logic chips. But where those machines were fragile experiments, Luna is a weaponized instrument of sonic confusion.

The Nervous System Exposed. True to the Neutral Labs philosophy, we don’t believe in hiding the magic behind an opaque face plate. Luna features exposed CMOS inputs and outputs right on the front panel. You're not just patching cables, you are rewiring the brain of the synthesizer itself. Combine signals, bend logic, and physically intervene in the computation to create sounds that shouldn't exist.

Rhythm is Timbre. Timbre is Rhythm. In the world of Luna, there is no difference between a sequencer and an oscillator. The same digital pulse that drives a bass line can be accelerated into a screeching lead or folded into a metallic drone.

5 oscillators provide the raw material. A chaotic array of logic blocks (XOR, NOT, AND, shift registers, counters, multiplexer) will chew up those signals and spit out complex, evolving mathematical noise.

Taming the Digital Mess. Raw logic can be harsh. To turn this binary chaos into music, Luna feeds its digital soul through 3 organic low-pass gates. These analog circuits impart a natural decay and percussive punch to the madness, transforming mathematical errors into bongos, plucks, and thumping basslines.

Drench it in Atmosphere. Once you’ve constructed your signal, destroy it again. Luna comes equipped with a suite of effects — distortion, delay, reverb, chorus, bitcrusher, phaser and more — to smear your logic into a wash of ambient bliss or gritty industrial texture.

5 oscillators
logic gates (2 XOR, 2 NOT, 2 AND)
5 logic blocks (5-step ring counter,4-bit binary counter, 2 shift registers, 4-channel multiplexer)
3 touchpads that generate logic signals
3 channels for audio manipulation (low-pass gates with adjustable decay and switchable trigger mode, gain, tilt EQ)
13 audio effects that can be freely assigned to 2 effect slots running in series (drive, delay, reverb, 6 filter types, bitcrusher, phaser, chorus, comb filter)
CV control for effects and 2 oscillators
MIDI control over 2 oscillators, all 3 low-pass gates, and 3 logic outputs (MIDI TRS A socket)
2 sequencers with up to 64 steps, syncable to clock or MIDI
audio output is headphone compatible
available as a desktop synth or 42 HP Eurorack module (desktop version comes with a 12-pack of black/gold braided patch cables)
See more videos and photos on Instagram.

Note: For sustainability reasons, the desktop version does not come with a USB power supply, just a USB-A to USB-C cable. You will need a 5V supply, such as a phone charger, power bank or laptop.

Note: The desktop version has a Eurorack power header and can be placed into a Eurorack. The desktop case however has 5V USB power and no Eurorack rails, you cannot use it as a 42 HP rack without modifications."

Neutral Labs Scrooge Sequenced Malfunction Generator - Desktop

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

via this listing

Additional Perfect Circuit listings

You can find demos in previous posts here.

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The Elmyra2 has never sounded like THIS before (version 2.4 update!)

video upload by Oscillator Sink

See the announcement post from earlier today here.

"The Elmyra2 continues to be one of my favourite, weird little drone synths, and over the last two and half years it has got better and better with each new update. Version 2.4 is arguably the best and most important update yet, not only for the huge number of sonic, creative and quality of life improvements, but it opens up an entirely new sound-world for the Elmyra for you to explore.

Transparency notice: the Elmyra 2 was kindly provided to me by Neutral Labs (back in 2023) for free for the purposes of making videos on it. No editorial oversight has been provided to Neutral Labs and no other payment has been received. As always I'm only interested in featuring instruments that I'm genuinely excited about on the channel.

Chapters:
00:00 Intro
01:16 UX Improvements
02:50 General Sound Improvements
03:20 New Improved Default Filter Model
06:11 Improved Shortcuts
07:46 New "CHRM" Shortcuts
08:58 Voice Stacking
10:38 LFO Motion Recording
12:46 Short Envelopes
15:56 New Mod Mode: Oscillator Sync
18:03 New Reverb
22:29 Comb Filter Mode (physical modelling vibes!)
27:01 A little moment of sonic chaos
28:21 Voice Following Comb Filter
31:04 Final Thoughts"

Elmyra 2 firmware v2.4 – new features walkthrough

video upload by nyppy

"Get the update file here: https://neutral-labs.com/elmyra2

00:00 Intro
00:13 Improved sound quality
00:30 New delay
00:58 New and controllable reverb
01:43 Comb filter
02:18 Action confirmation
02:23 New multimode ladder filter
02:45 Oscillator hard sync
03:16 Voice stacking/tune follow
03:50 Diatonic and pentatonic scales
04:01 Quick octave switching
04:15 Knob motion recording
04:40 Super short envelopes
04:59 Quick mute
05:21 Outro jam"

The Queen of Industrial Grunge Got an Upgrade — Sophisticated Dirt!

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"#Elmyra2 v2.4 — What’s New and Improved Sound Engine

Higher sample rate and improved wavetable resolution → noticeably cleaner top end. New wavetables added. Overall mix saturation refined, with “soft” (122) now default. Knob value stability and tuning precision improved.

Filters
New comb filter (codes 3321/3322). RESO = damping, CUTOFF = delay time, with optional pitch tracking. Ladder filter reworked — now true multimode (LP/BP/HP) with higher quality. Ladder LP (331) is the new default filter. State-variable filter retains LP/BP/HP modes (341–343) but with improved gain staging, resonance, and cutoff ranges.

Delay & Reverb
Delay fully re-implemented → cleaner feedback, no lock-ups.
Added proper reverb engine controllable with delay knobs.
Code 441 = delay (default), 442 = new reverb, 4411 = legacy lo-fi reverb.
TIME = decay, FDBK = color, MIX = blend.
Dry/wet crossfade curve improved for smoother transitions.

Modulation
New MODP: oscillator hard-sync (orange LED, position 5).
MOD controls the synced oscillator pitch.
LFO1 knob-motion recording (code 2413) — record live movement of LFO rate. Sequencer output to LFO1 possible (243v).
Per-voice sequencer clock divider (11sv).
Digitally controlled envelopes in multiple short modes (221v → very short … 224v → disable). Detune MODP range expanded.

Scales & Chromatic Mode
New musical scales for chromatic mode: major, minor, major pentatonic, minor pentatonic (CHRM + 11–14). Scale selection now unified under the CHRM button. Knob-to-pitch mapping in chromatic mode is now linear and exact.

User Interface & Workflow

LED feedback overhaul — REC and PLAY flash to confirm code entry, sequence record, mute, and drone states. Quick mute/unmute voice (MODP + PG long press). Quick octave switch (MODP + double-tap PG).
Pink MODP LED at startup identifies firmware 2.4.
Touchpad LEDs more reliable during operation.
Drone and mute response feels snappier.

Under-the-hood Fixes
State-variable filter crash fixed (previously triggered by fast cutoff modulation).
Improved detune, filter, and delay behaviors under modulation load.
Sequencer timing more consistent with internal clock."

Neutral Labs Elmyra 2 firmware v2.4 preview

video upload by nyppy

"Here's a little teaser for firmware v2.4 which is due to be released on 2025-11-14. Can you spot some of the new features?"

Synth Picnic - 8th November - What's New?

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"The next Synth Picnic is this Saturday, from 10:30am in the Honesty Library, Castle Quarter. New synths include the Pittsburgh Voltage Lab 2, Herbs & Stones, Neutral Labs and more.

Rentals - https://synthpicnic.com/modular-rentals/"

Neutral Labs Scrooge And Elmyra 2 - Broken And Interesting A Track From Scratch

video upload by sonicstate

"‪@nyppy‬ Neutral Labs Scrooge and Elmyra2 are a couple of unique modules - Scrooge is a Sequenced Malfunction Generator capable of producing glitchy and broken electronic rhythms and sequences. Elmyra 2 is a 4-voice digital/analog hybrid drone synthesizer and platform for microtonal sonic exploration. ‪@matthsmatthsmatths‬ takes them on to create a Track From Scratch using samples and recordings made using only these instruments."

|--------|
00:00:00 Intro
00:03:06 Scrooge
00:11:00 Elmyra 2
00:29:22 Happy Accidents
00:30:33 Snarish
00:33:48 Elmyra Cards
00:36:16 Final Track

Pause of Space and Time //// Neutral Labs Elmyra 2 and Friends

video upload by Jon Gee

Elmyra on the chords
Pulsar on the beat
Polybrute on the sequencing
Cascadia on the layers
OB on the leads
Cat on the floor
Head in the clouds

DELLA - This Tiny Expander Turns Scrooge Into a Modular Powerhouse

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"The Scrooge drum module was already a dirty, lo-fi monster. But with the forthcoming expander, it becomes something else entirely — a modular brain of your Eurorack system, dedicated to beats, beeps, pops and all kinds of moving parts. More CV control, more flexibility, more madness.

In this video, I show how this tiny add-on takes Scrooge from a simple noise-maker to a full performance-ready rhythm engine — perfect for hard techno, industrial, and experimental electronic setups.

However, Neutral Labs was planning to offer it as a DIY little module only.
Please comment if NL needs to change their mind! It doesn't work for the desktop version with the wooden box, but IMHO it should always be included with the Eurorack version."

Elmyra 2 - 2.3 Firmware Update! New Features, New Sounds

video upload by Oscillator Sink

"It's 2025 and the Neutral Labs Elmyra 2 has just received a new firmware update. In this video we take a look at the new features and explore some of the new sounds and textures they provide.

https://neutral-labs.com/

Transparency notice: the Elmyra 2 was kindly provided to me by Neutral Labs for free for the purposes of making videos on it. No editorial oversight has been provided to Neutral Labs and no other payment has been received. As always I'm only interested in featuring instruments that I'm genuinely excited about on the channel.

Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:47 Save States
04:56 Delay Updates
09:06 Voice Volume Controls
10:07 New ModP Modes
12:28 ModP Chaining
17:06 Sequence Randomization"

Scrooge Drum Synth Module – Dirty, Lo-Fi & Built for Industrial Techno

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"In this video, we dive deep into Scrooge — a raw, lo-fi drum synthesis module that’s perfect for hard techno, industrial, and experimental sound design. Neutral Labs Scrooge embraces the imperfect 'malfunction' aesthetic with gritty, noisy textures that cut through the mix and add serious attitude to your tracks.

Whether you're building a hybrid setup with DAWs or going full hardware live performance, this module delivers punch and character in spades. It’s not just another drum synth — it’s an instrument with personality.

Lo-fi sound generation
Great for hard techno & industrial
Works with MIDI, DAW and modular setups
Available as a desktop and eurorack version

Hands-on control and expressive sound shaping
How would YOU use Scrooge in your setup?"

Neutral Labs Elmyra 2 firmware v2.3 – new features walkthrough

video upload by nyppy

"Available as DIY kit or assembled desktop synth or Eurorack module. See https://neutral-labs.com/elmyra2 for more info and firmware download.

00:00 Version identification
00:15 Config persistence
00:58 Individual voice volume control
01:34 Dual oscillator MODP
02:07 DJ style filter MODP
02:31 MODP effect chaining
02:58 Sequencer random order
02:58 Sequencer random order
03:16 Penguin of Doom
03:25 Delay mix and outro"

Ambient performance and patch explanation // Cocoquantus // Elmyra // Palmelund BAAS // Borderlands

video upload by Lesjamusic

"I really enjoyed putting this one together. First half: Performance, second half: Patch notes.

Gear used:
Borderlands Granular
Neutral Labs Elmyra 2
Ciat-Lonbarde Cocoquantus
Palmelund Synthesizers BAAS
Chase Bliss Mood Mk2
Off camera: Soma Cosmos, Walrus Audio Slöer, Oto Boum

00:00 Performance
07:49 Patch Notes"

Neutral Labs Scrooge and Elmyra 2

video upload by Jon Gee

"Scrooged!!

Further explorations with the Neutral Labs synths."

Wirehead Basilisk Jam with FX Wizard and Scrooge

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"I've just built the Basilisk from Wirehead Instruments and thought I'd give it a play with some friends. DIY Build video should be in the channel shortly. This is one fun little box of synthesizer with a very cool generative sequencer and two oscillators. This is just an improvised jam and fiddle around to give you a flavour of the synth."

Neutral Labs Scrooge – sequenced malfunction generator

video upload by nyppy

"Available as a DIY kit or assembled desktop synth or 42 HP Eurorack module."

Check with dealers on the right for availability.

User videos:



1. Neutral Labs Scrooge and Digitakt II - live electronic performance - Jay Hosking

2. So…is it a drum machine?" The Neutral Labs SCROOGE Demo - mylarmelodies

00:00 Don't call it a drum machine!
01:06 What is Scrooge?
02:02 How it works.
04:07 Panel Controls
06:49 Making a Pattern From Scratch
08:42 Step Knob Automation
13:09 Adding More Voices
14:25 Ratcheting for Tone Creation
15:25 ...Then Adding 808
16:39 Funky Oizo Jam
17:17 'Control All' Feature
19:00 'Random Pattern' Generator
20:55 Manually Editing It.
22:17 A Techno Ending.

3. What's a Sequenced Malfunction Generator // Neutral Labs Scrooge Review and Demo - Starsky Carr

0:00 What's A Scrooge
2:00 Demo with TR606 and Elmyra2
4:04 Quick Start Guide
12:20 CTL ALL FTW
13:58 How to Create a Pattern
21:18 Creating Variations with CTL ALL
25:12 Randomisation
25:51 Function Buttons
27:41 Microtiming
30:24 Evolving Patterns with Random Variation
32:13 Playing with Perkons



"Scrooge is a sequenced malfunction generator, available as a 42 HP Eurorack module or semi-modular desktop synth. While you can convince it to deliver boomy kick drum sounds, clicky hi-hats or metallic snares, it would much rather be making glitchy artifacts, hollow crackles and horribly distorted growls. It contains a sophisticated and performance-oriented step sequencer with parameter locking and the possibility to control all steps across multiple tracks at once. Its 5 distinct and fully analog voices are made up of special circuits that work without dedicated power supplies, scrounging power from the sequencer control signals instead, which gives them an organic and unstable quality. As a bonus, it means you won’t have to power the unit itself if you sequence it from external gear.

5 distinct analog voices
device can work passively without a power supply if sequenced from external gear
each voice can be routed to either of 2 main outputs (headphone compatible)
individual voice outputs
individual voice CV inputs that respond well to audio signals
2 modulation tracks, individually routable to voices
2 modulation CV inputs
onboard step sequencer
parameter locking per step
"control all" mode (change parameters for several steps and tracks at once), great for interactive playing
arbitrary step length per track (up to 64 steps)
generative algorithm builds random variations on patterns (available while performing), or creates random patterns from scratch
pattern chaining (up to 32 patterns)
stores up to 128 patterns in 16 banks
microtiming
CV slew limiter per track
can sequence external gear
sync output
sync and reset inputs
MIDI input (TRS type A)"

The Sequenced Sidrax // Cocoquantus // Elmyra 2

video upload by Lesjamusic

"Sequencing my Sidrax with Eurorack. Elmyra drones, Coco repeats..."

Time We Have - Steve Hauschildt /// Make Noise Strega, 0-CTRL, Neutral Labs Elmyra 2

video upload by Jon Gee

"Cover of the first part of a beautiful Steve Hauschildt tune from his album Strands. I highly recommend his music!

Tonight we remember my father, and celebrate my son’s 15th. We may get a peek at the super blue moon through the clouds on the horizon. 🌝"

Putting synths and drum machines through the MFX Pedal from ALM Busy Circuits

video upload by Tom Churchill

"The MFX Pedal from ALM Busy Circuits is a standalone version of the MFX Eurorack multi-effects module, and it’s designed to work with guitars as well as line-level sources. I’m definitely not a guitarist, but I do have a few synths and drum machines in my studio, so for this video I thought it might be fun to try putting them through it. I don’t go through all 18 programs or demonstrate every parameter, but I pick six of my favourite effects and offer some real-world examples that hopefully show off some of its range. Thanks to ALM for sending it over!"

Chapters:
00:00 Intro & patch previews
01:53 Controls overview
03:14 Almicon Reverb on Super 6
06:05 2051 Bit Corrupter on DRM1
09:24 Digi-PCM Echo on Model D
12:26 Slinky Reverb on Mort’s Barge
15:03 TH-30 Distortion on Volca Beats
17:49 Crumbular Echo on Elmyra 2