"🎵 Welcome to Cheerful Electronics OPL Studio - First Contact! 🎛️ In this sound design experiment, we dive deep into the world of FM synthesis using the powerful OPL Studio, exploring retro sounds inspired by classic OPL3 chips. Whether you're a fan of chip music, vintage FM synths, or curious about pushing the limits of sound design, this video is your perfect starting point.
Get ready for rich, textured tones and quirky sonic explorations as we showcase the raw potential of OPL Studio. This first contact session covers live tweaking, patch creation, and modulation — perfect for anyone diving into retro synth workflows or looking for viral FM synthesis content.
If you're into chiptune, retro game soundtracks, or nostalgic hardware-driven music, you'll feel right at home. Watch now and get inspired to experiment with your own OPL3-based synths and plugins!"
OPL Studio is the ultimate OPL2 / OPL3 synthesizer! It gives you almost limitless control over what you can do with the OPL3 synthesizer chip.
Features of OPL Studio
OPL Studio has a long list of features. To name a bunch of them:
Integrated patch editor to edit predefined instruments and create your own Load and save instrument banks from popular formats such as *.BNK, *.SB, *.O3, ect.
Patch linking to layer up to 4 instrument patches for even more complex sounds Polyphonic sequence editor to create up to 32 drum and 32 melody sequences Quad sequencer to live play up to four sequences
Composer module that lets you create complete songs from your sequences Midi channel mixer
"This is a really cool filter from Wild Sync. It emulates the classic Moog 24db/octave ladder filter but has a character switch for Bass (Minitaur) and Lead (Prodigy) variants.
"Here's the #seeed 'XIAO MIDI' #synthesizer, a $20 box based on the #SAM2695
synth-on-a-chip and the XIAO ESP32-C3 MCU. You can get it here:
https://www.seeedstudio.com/XIAO-MIDI...
Table of contents:
00:00 quick sound impression 00:12 hi 00:38
hardware overview 00:57 default firmware 01:50 creating a firmware
that actually supports MIDI (shoutout to @SimpleDIYElectroMusicProjects ) 03:12
build a 5 pin MIDI in plug 05:23 some sounds: piano 06:20 saw wave
pad 06:34 "crystal ep" 07:13 analog pad 07:27 'glass pad' 08:05
synth brass 08:23 drum kit 08:33 on NRPNs and SYSEX using
@intechstudio 's GRID controllers 09:13 NRPN explained (Filter cutoff
frequency control) 10:54 SYSEX explained (Reverb time control) 11:38
calculating the checksum 12:20 live tweaking demo 13:01 same, but
using multiple tracks 14:25 conclusion; some feedback to SEEED
Features 1: Zero-Barrier Creation, Perfect for Music Beginners
With three preset modes and plug-and-play functionality, you can dive straight into music creation—no complex setup required. Built-in speaker and four tactile buttons deliver an intuitive, self-contained experience that eliminates external dependencies. Start making music from the very first note, no prior expertise needed.
Features 2: All-in-One MIDI + Metronome – Smarter, Smoother Workflow
XIAO MIDI synthesizer comes with a pre-set Metronome Mode, where you can press the buttons to change your BPM and toggle the drum track to effortlessly sync rhythms and control your entire beats with one single device. No need for extra devices or apps.
Features 3: Pro-Grade Performance for Advanced Players
Open-source hardware/software architecture supports deep customization and advanced sound design. With 64-note polyphony and 128-note capacity, unlock limitless sonic possibilities—craft your own signature sound engine, whether you're a beginner or an audio hacker.
Features 4: Ultra-Portable & Fully Hackable
Pocket-sized design (71mm × 49mm × 28.5mm) lets you capture inspiration anytime, anywhere. The 3D printed enclosure is fully open-source for you to remix and customize—not just an instrument, but your personal music canvas.
The Bela Gem series comprises two boards: Bela Gem Stereo and Bela Gem Multi, both designed to transform the PocketBeagle 2 single-board computer into a powerful platform for real-time audio and sensor processing. Whether you’re an engineer, maker, educator, or researcher, these open-source systems provide the tools needed to create innovative audio projects with minimal setup and configuration.
Whether you need two or ten channels, the Bela Gem family of boards bring you flexible I/O and ultra-low latency for applications from haptic feedback to hearing aids. Due to the powerful quad-core 64-bit ARM chip on the PocketBeagle 2, advanced processing power gives you real-time digital signal processing, and all the flexibility that entails for your projects."
"Module X is an extremely flexible modular synthesizer with an interface that adapts to a wide range of needs. The system is powered by a Raspberry Pi, an Arduino Due, and a 192 kHz audio interface from Pisound. It uses the open-source software SunVox for sound synthesis. With SunVox, users can create any number of virtual synthesizer and effect modules, making the sonic possibilities virtually limitless."
"Sponge material shows an extremely large dielectric constant that changes with the amount of compression. It can be made into a wide range variable capacitor when clamped between two metal plates. Capacitors in the range of 100nF can be made with only a few cm of (cellulose based) sponge material.
This movie shows a sponge-based oscillator and a sponge-based lowpass filter as an introduction into 'Spongetronics'. Comes with oscilloscope waveforms and resulting sounds. More info on Elektor Labs."
"This module is an open source general-purpose Drum module based on Seeed XIAO RP2350.
Thanks to AI-friendly hardware design, it's easy to create software variations using generative AI.
With general-purpose components and a simple circuit, this module is affordable and DIY-friendly.
Sample player:
WAV sample player.
It is possible to save audio files up to a total of 20 seconds / 18 files.
"This video goes into detail on my design for the new Akai S950 SCSI board.
0:00 Intro 3:21 KiCAD layout 5:25 PCBWay 9:43 Assembly 13:17 Bracket Design 15:53 Mistakes! 17:38 Breadboarding the Fixes 18:34 Display Upgrading 20:08 V2 Boards 23:41 The Final Test
This video was sponsored by PCBWay https://www.pcbway.com Visit them for all you PCB prototyping needs - quick turnaround on PCB's and they offer a full selection of services, including design, board manufacture and assembly.
If you are interested in purchasing one of these boards for your AKAI S950, contact me via email for details. email: johnnymorgan808@me.com"
"I've spent a lot of hours this week on this project instead of the usual lucky dip. Here's what I've done so far using my AY tracker terminal-based software for RC2014 computers. I'm very pleased with it.
"This video illustrates and demonstrates a module I recently designed based around the LM567 Tone Decoder IC. I show it in 'musical' action both as a frequency detector as well as an audio effect that transforms an input waveform with a controllable and dynamic subharmonic-prone 'crunch'."
"M0SS-101 is a virtual analog monosynth built for a pure, hands-on subtractive synthesis, packed into a compact, rugged guitar pedal enclosure.
With 26 buttons and a single encoder, M0SS-101 gives you intuitive access to a deep 42-parameter virtual analog synthesis engine. Press a button to select a parameter, turn the encoder to modify it, and monitor your signal flow via the LED system.
Using a MIDI controller, you can map any parameter via simple MIDI learn, making it easy to integrate into your setup. Up to 17 presets can be saved and recalled for quick access to your favourite sounds.
The 26 RGB LEDs use colour and brightness to represent signal flow, modulation paths, settings and selections. A separate row of 11 LEDs at the bottom gives you instant visual feedback on the currently selected parameter.
I aim to offer an affordable, compact, and versatile instrument, without sacrificing features, ergonomics, or most importantly, fun. I hope you'll enjoy playing this synth as much as I have :'-)"
TÅ’RN - track building demo: Camping Love video upload by TÅ’RN
"Short demo of building a track with TOERN with the new effects firmware while camping in NL"
"TÅ’RN is a standalone Arduino-based sequencer & sampler — designed for fun, and live performances. Developed by Jan from SP_ctrl in Hamburg, it’s the evolution of the NI404: a groovebox with Teensy-powered synths, live recording, and a playful 16x16 RGB interface. Perfect for kids, couch producers, and live performers alike."
"Hi, I'm Jan! TÅ’RN is my evolution of the NI404, my first DIY sampler-sequencer prototype. As the sole developer, I've poured my heart into creating something special: a device that's both a fun toy AND a serious music tool.
My vision was simple: create an instrument that's easy to learn but deep enough to grow with you. Whether you're a kid discovering electronic music or a seasoned performer, TÅ’RN adapts to your style - choose your own colors for the enclosure as well! Its portable design and intuitive interface make it perfect for both: beginners and pros.
All components mounted on the PCB—no extra cables
USB-C, battery support, pro-grade audio & MIDI TRS ports
Designed for kids, couch musicians, live performers, and synth tinkerers"
"The #ZicBOX Pixel is the smallest example built in the ZicBOX ecosystem. The idea here is modular hardware meets modular software, so you can quickly scale up or down your #synthesizer and #groovebox ideas with a couple of JSON files and some 3D printed enclosures. Sponsored by #PCBWay. Table of contents:
00:12 concept
00:45 PCBWay https://pcbway.com/g/4nkLCf
01:49 parts needed / costs
02:13 building the thing
06:30 installing the software
06:56 UI overview
07:15 using the thing
11:09 conclusion, and call for papers (coders and designers)
12:10 if you find my videos useful, please consider supporting this channel (building DIY devices and learning how they work and then making a video is expensive and time consuming)
A Sneak Peak into Pipo modules video upload by Pipo Interfaces
"Video produced by Tom Bouchet
Music: "Transition" by Alex-Productions (CC BY 3.0)"
Press release follows:
Pipo Interfaces brings a new versatile toolkit for creative sensing and audiovisual interactions in real-time.
Developed by creative technologist Rupert Renevier, Pipo is a range of electronics modules that connect sensors to computers, and are meant to simplify creative interactivity between people, real-world objects, and digital creation.
Whether you're performing, designing experimental MIDI instruments, or interested in making installations, Pipo builds the foundations of an accessible and adaptable open source toolkit.
When digital experiences become sensible and tangible, they allow for greater engagement and connection. The idea of using sensors for audiovisual applications and arts is far from being new, but still requires building custom solutions on Arduino or Raspberry Pi, which tends to be complex, time-consuming, and therefore not easily accessible to most.
Pipo wants to unlock the creative potential of real-time sensing, and lower the technical barrier to it, by proposing tools that connect the physical world to the digital in a straightforward fashion.
The Pipo recipe is simple: small affordable modules, wireless capabilities, and an intuitive yet powerful user interface. All Pipo modules can be used alone or in combination, fixed, worn on the body, embedded in objects, etc... All Pipo modules have mounting holes to augment all kind of projects and casing will be made available.
The first 3 modules of the family are Pipo Motion, Pipo Range and Pipo Analog.
Pipo Motion is dedicated to sensing movement: orientation, acceleration and magnetic field, thanks to an advanced 9 axis IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit). It allows for relative and absolute orientation.
Pipo Range is an accurate distance sensing unit which can be used to detect hands, obstacles, objects, or people (up to 3m). It can be used the same way as a theremin, or as a people proximity sensor for eg.
Finally, Pipo Analog, a versatile Input/Output device. On one side it has 8 capacitive touch inputs to create original touch buttons (for eg: with wires, metallic tape, vegetables, conductive paint, etc...)
On the other side it has multiple analog voltage inputs/outputs (up to 8). With these you can acquire and use any external buttons, specialized analog sensors modules, knobs or control servo motors, drivers, etc...
Beyond these three first sensing modules, Pipo Interfaces carries a vision for a whole creative ecosystem for many more input and also output modules. It has a strong anchor towards open source development and wants to create a strong user community connection.
Pipo modules can all send standard MIDI and/or OSC data wirelessly for maximum compatibility.
The connectivity is made through WiFi, Bluetooth Low Energy, or USB and every module has an onboard battery charger, so that whatever idea you have, you can test it quickly and have it communicate to your audiovisual software in a matter of seconds (no matter your operating system).
All the settings can be tuned in the field through a web interface hosted on every module. No need for an app or software, just open any web browser on your mobile. This interface allows you to set various settings like sensing parameters, ranges, and to adapt the incoming and outgoing data streams to your needs, quickly and easily.
You can for example eg fine tune the midi output, choose a note scale, channel, etc...
On a technical level, the project is developed with PlatformIO and the Arduino framework to make it easy for people to hack, modify, upgrade their pipos, or build their own custom Pipos. The software is open source, and the project runs on the Esp32-s3, one of the most versatile and powerful IoT chips around.
Pipo will launch as a pre-order campaign to fund the first production run. If you like Pipo, you can support it by entering your email address on the campaign page, it means a lot ! By doing so, you will also be notified of the launch date, so that you can be among the first people to get yours.
The launch date is pending on gathering a critical mass of people who want to see the project going live, so subscribing helps the project move forward.
All this happens on CrowdSupply, a platform dedicated to launching open source projects:
