DIY Lo-Fi FM Drum Machine with Arduino Nano on Breadboard - A Few Beats

video upload by Waiting For Zyo

"Another DIY instrument! This time I used a famous microcontroller: an Arduino Nano (compatible, tbh), a few buttons, and some code to made a really basic (lo-fi) FM drum machine with a built-in sequencer.

Here are some of its features:

• 4 instruments: kick, snare, hi-hat, and tom
• 4 main sound controls: tune, decay, FM amount, and FM ratio
• 4 secondary sound controls: balance, pitch envelope decay, pitch envelope range, and FM feedback
• A full 16-step sequencer with swing and basic parameter locks and on-grid rolls

At the moment, it only has a basic audio output, so I recorded everything into Ableton and added a bit of filtering and some reverb.

These are four beats I made from scratch using only these basic parameters and the internal sequencer.

Enjoy!"

[$10] DIY eurorack modular synth MIDI to CV rev2 | 2CV 8Gate , Arduino nano based

video upload by HAGIWO

"My 92nd original eurorack modular synth DIY projects.
MIDI to CV rev2 , Arduino nano based 2CV 8Gate.

working documents (schematics)
https://note.com/solder_state/n/nba23..."

nonlinearcircuits Dichotomy Paradox 1

video upload by cirtcele

"Updated version of Divine CMOS. Wonderful module for harmonically rich sounds or use as a complex CV patter and gate generator. Thought the LEDs were superbright purple but turned out to be a mild light blue."

via nonlinearcircuits

"This module has been thru a few cycles. The original idea for the design is from an article in Electronotes EN#98 by Lester Ludwig, spectacularly titled ‘A Square-wave Frequency-division Sub-octave Cross-product Module, it’s relationship with Lie algebra, and other related processes’ or more simply known as The Cross Product Module.

The frequencies of two VCO signals are separately divided by /2, /4, /8 & /16 ratios. The corresponding divisions are ANDed together and the results, along with all the raw divided frequencies are mixed together in various ways. You end up with a very harmonically thick, animated sound.

I did a full bloat CMOS (Ludwig’s design was TTL) version for a 4U panel back in 2008 or so, but changed the AND gates to XOR gates for a more ring-modulated effect. Then a minimal, slimmed down eurorack version, called Divine CMOS. This just used the XOR’d signal and outputted a signal determined by the pots.

After some requests for an expanded version, I re-visited the design.

CLICK FOR MORE »

7555VCO 1

video upload by cirtcele

"Wide ranging sawtooth VCO with the hardest hard sync around."



via nonlinearcircuits

"Not the most exciting name, I simply wanted a 4HP sawtooth VCO to sit next to the Spectrum Shaper.

It is based on the Utility VCO in Electronotes EN67, which was based on designs by R. Tenny (Electronic Design 11/10/75), J.L. Brice (Wireless World (6/76) and others.

It tracks very nicely, turn the CV pot to max for 1V/oct, ranges from approx 10Hz to over 100kHz and supplies 10Vp-p sawtooth and square waves.

The Sync is the hardest of hard syncs around. I left out the capacitor usually used to turn sync signals into a pulse, so if you feed a gate or slow CV signal into Sync the VCO simply stops, think of it is a bonus VCA. Of course, if you use an audio rate sync signal, it works as normal.

It is a pretty easy build. not many parts. Do not mix up the BCM847 and BCM857 dual transistors, see the build notes for where to install a 1k tempco."

Tri-Oscillator Desktop Synth from POTAR Design | make sci-fi soundscapes and audio textures

video upload by POTAR

"Three Nand Gate Oscillators and a built-in delay that adds interesting modulations to the already far-out sounds. Create interesting soundscapes, drones, and audio textures." -
https://potardesign.com

Synthesizers.com First DIY Kit is HERE!! The Q109 Envelope Generator Kit

via Synthesizers.com

"We're so excited to share with you the Q109 Envelope Generator DIY KIT!!

The Q109 Envelope Generator is one of the basic modules every synthesizer must have.

It generates a voltage envelope in response triggered by a gate signal from a keyboard, oscillator or other source.

The envelope voltage is used to control amplifiers, filters, oscillators and other modules.

The operator has complete manual control over Attack time, Decay time, Sustain level, and Release time.

A manual gate button can be used to trigger the Envelope Generator at any time, and an LED gives a visual indication of the output level."

ESP32 D-50 Synthesizer - A Roland D50 CLONE with ESP32

video upload by László Róbert Kasza

"An ESP32-powered hardware synthesizer project based on the classic Roland D-50 architecture.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?..."

Polyphonic D50 sampler synthesizer with ESP32 in YAMAHA DX21 Hardwer :)
video upload by László Róbert Kasza

"Unfortunately, the motherboard of my dx21 synth is broken beyond repair. So she got new electronics. I have uploaded a code I wrote using Roland D50 sound samples.
So what everyone feared has come true. The Yamaha Roland DX-D50-21 :)

Abilities:
-4 d50samples
-TVA Envelope
Course, Fine, Keyfollow
-The sampling frequency is 48000Hz.
Signal on 16 bits or more
-The device is polyphonic up to 10 tones
2 LFO controlled 2 parametric EQ
-Upper Lower Choruse
-Reverb engine
-Roland D50sysex compatibility...
-hd44780 compatible LCD Display (Not implement more)
-https://data.dynareg.se/breadandbutte...
(If we are bored, we can listen to internet radio on it.)

https://github.com/kaszarobert1/ESP_D...
More FM firmware:
https://github.com/kaszarobert1/-ESP3...
Yamaha DX21 KeyMatrix Arduino Due Firmware:
https://github.com/kaszarobert1/yamah..."

TB-303 vs RE-303 A/B with new BA662a from Analogue Renaissance

video upload by decoder303

"Exciting times, our friends from Analogue Renaissance have developed a new BA662a clone which seems to be 2 levels above known clones. It performs exactly the same as the original chip and you can listen to it in the RE-303 here (this chip is also used in various other Roland synths and drum machines of that time, which makes it even more exciting). The comparison isn't highly scientific just with some extreme settings of the parameters, but you can get the idea that with some more penible pot adjustment they are pretty much indistinguishable. As always with a lovely resonance, which doesn't sound harsh or sibilant but always has this silky nice tone to it, where all the smd clones fail for a reason :)"

SuperOS-303 Firmware Part 1: Pattern Write Mode

video upload by superOS-303

"Hello! This is a video going over features in the Pattern Write mode of the SuperOS-303 Firmware written for the Michigan Synth Works VOX DEI. This firmware runs on the MSW VOX DEI, which is a D650C replacement for the Roland TB-303.

SuperOS-303 Docs: https://superos303.com/doc
SuperOS-303 Github: https://github.com/bjornlustic/SuperO...

Michigan Synth Works VOX DEI: https://michigansynthworks.com/produc... OS-303 Github: https://github.com/djphazer/OS-303"

SuperOS-303 Firmware Part 2: Web Editor

video upload by superOS-303

"Hello! This is a video going over some features in the Web Editor for the SuperOS-303 Firmware written for the Michigan Synth Works VOX DEI."

PlantsSystem-KOSMOS3 InteractiveReverb

video upload by plantssystem

"KOSMOS3 is an interactive reverb instrument that transforms reverberation from a static audio effect into a playable, responsive acoustic space. Instead of applying a fixed ambience, KOSMOS3 continuously reshapes its internal reverb field based on incoming audio, gestural control, and real‑time modulation signals.

At its core is a multi‑parameter reverb engine capable of smooth, expressive morphing across decay, diffusion, pre‑delay, and spectral balance. These parameters respond immediately to performance input, allowing the reverb to behave like a dynamic environment rather than a background effect.

Key features include:

Interactive control via MIDI, OSC, TouchOSC, and HID
Real‑time modulation for shaping spatial texture during performance
Headless operation suitable for installations and long‑running setups
Instrument‑like behavior where the reverb becomes an active part of the performance

KOSMOS3 functions not merely as an effect processor but as a playable acoustic space—a reverb you can push, bend, and sculpt in real time."

He turned his synth into a sampler - GuitarML Adruino Based DIY "TouchedOut Synth"

video upload by GuitarML

"*OPEN SOURCE* https://github.com/GuitarML/TouchedOu...

Demo of the Touched Out Sampler, which is a mod to my TouchedOut Synth. It adds a MAX4466 microphone to transform it into a chromatic sampler! The new code is open source under the 'sampler' branch of the TouchedOutSynth. The mod requires two 100uF capacitors and a 100 ohm resistor, along with the microphone. The Sampler is separate firmware, but repurposes the controls for recording and trimming samples, and looping."

Previously:

I Designed a Synth using Daisy and Arduino! KiCad PCB and Code Walkthrough
video upload by GuitarML

"Demo of my latest creation, a polyphonic touch synthesizer. Audio demo song, followed by overview of the synth, design process, Kicad PCB schematic and layout, and code walkthrough. I used the Arduino IDE with DaisyDuino to program the Daisy Seed along with MPR121 capacitive touch modules.

Now open source: https://github.com/GuitarML/TouchedOu...

0:00 - Intro Song
4:05 - TouchedOut Synth Overview and Controls
8:18 - Design prototypes
11:02 - Kicad PCB Schematic
12:56 - Kicad PCB Board Layout
16:43 - Code Walkthrough in Arduino IDE
25:20 - Outro

Patreon:
/ guitarml

Visit my website for more from GuitarML:
https://guitarml.com/"

Radiohead and Björk on a homemade synth

KORG Introduces NTS-4 Compact Performance Mixer Kit for Hardware Setups

Overview video upload by KORG

"The NTS-4 is a compact performance mixer kit designed for modern hardware setups. With six channels (two mono and four stereo), built-in effects, USB-C connectivity, and support for up to 10 audio signals, the NTS-4 makes it easy to bring together volca units, NTS instruments, modular gear, grooveboxes, and desktop synths into one streamlined setup.

In this overview, Fess Grandiose walks through the NTS-4’s flexible channel architecture, Eurorack-compatible mono inputs, dual stereo effects engines, per-channel CUE and MUTE controls, USB-C audio and MIDI connectivity, and the hands-on Nu:Tekt DIY assembly experience.

Features:
• Compact 6-channel performance mixer
• 2 mono + 4 stereo 3.5 mm channels
• Supports up to 10 audio signals
• Eurorack-compatible mono inputs
• Standard 1/4" main outputs
• Per-channel CUE, MUTE, and FX send
• Dual stereo effects engines
• SEND FX + TOTAL FX processing
• Stereo send/return loop
• USB-C audio + MIDI
• Record directly to computers & mobile devices
• Rugged steel chassis
• Nu:Tekt DIY kit assembly

Learn more about the NTS-4: https://bit.ly/4w0QxLQ"

And a user video from supporting member Knobs & Switches:

KORG NTS-4 Performance Mixer Kit
video upload by Knobs & Switches

"Here is my review about the new Korg NTS-4 Performance Mixer Kit together with loads of other Korg gear: MS20m, Drumlogue, SQ-1, 700Sm, Harmonic Distortion, Opsix, Sigma, Minipops-7, ISE-NIN Single Voice, Ryk M185 Sequencer and of course the NTS-4. The Nu:Tekt Mixer will be released today! Have fun

https://www.korg.com/de/

For Pedal Power i used the MyVolts CrazyChain MkII: https://myvolts.com/CrazyChainMKII/?a...

The fancy Audio Cables are the MyVolts Candycords: https://myvolts.com/CandyCords/?a=kas

CV and Clock Cables are MyVolts Halos: https://myvolts.de/Halo/?a=kas

00:00:00 Intro
00:00:037 Title Track (only the NTS-4’s FX were used)
00:03:04 Epilogue
00:04:41 NTS-4 Run Down
00:08:58 NTS-4 Send FX
00:14:56 NTS-4 Send/Return
00:15:58 NTS-4 Total FX
00:21:19 Conclusion
00:22:47 Outro (only the NTS-4’s FX were used)

Used Equipment: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max, Apple iPhone 12, Sony ZV-1, Rode Wireless ME, Universal Audio Apollo Twin Solo, Yamaha MG-06, Steinberg Cubase 15 and Final Cut Pro X"



A compact performance mixer for modern hardware setups

Build the perfect bridge for your music. The NTS-4 brings the flexibility of the Nu:Tekt series to a compact performance mixer kit designed for today’s hardware setups. With six channels (two mono and four stereo minijacks), built-in effects, and USB connectivity, the NTS-4 makes it easy to mix and perform with volca units, NTS instruments, modular gear, and other desktop synths in one place, supporting up to 10 audio signals in a single setup.

From the integrated effects to the steel chassis, every part of the NTS-4 is designed to turn your collection of instruments and gadgets into a professional-grade creative hub.

Small Footprint. Massive Control.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Mettalicum - XOR Logic Percussion Synth

video upload by Sid Rockett

"🔊 Exploring the Mettalicum: a new XOR-based percussion synthesizer built for harsh metallic hits, industrial rhythms, and unpredictable noise. Unlike traditional drum machines, the Mettalicum relies on logic gates to generate complex, inharmonic square-wave clusters that cut right through a mix. In this hardware demo, we run through the raw oscillators, tweak the parameters, and patch it into an experimental setup to hear what it can really do.

⚙️ Sponsored by PCBWay
Huge thanks to PCBWay for sponsoring this video! Whether you are prototyping a chaotic new noise box, building a custom MIDI controller, or ordering high-quality circuit boards for a full production run, PCBWay has you covered. They offer incredibly fast turnaround times on custom PCBs, 3D printing, and CNC machining. Bring your DIY audio projects to life: https://pcbway.com/g/1AhZrq

Ⓜ️ What makes the Mettalicum different?
Traditional subtractive synthesis uses standard waveforms and filters to create drum sounds. The Mettalicum takes a different approach by running multiple square waves through XOR (Exclusive OR) logic chips. When these frequencies interact, they create dense, metallic, and grinding textures perfect for noise music, industrial beats, and lo-fi soundscapes.

⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
00:20 - The Raw Sound of the Mettalicum
00:32 - PCBWay Sponsor Message
00:44 - Demo with Ampero Mini
02:42 - Hardware Jam: Mettalicum + Experimental Setup

🔗 Gear Used in this Video:
Mettalicum XOR Synthesizer
Tempest Kick Synthesizer
Korg Monotron Delay
Bastl Instruments Bestie
Hotone Ampero Mini
MyVolts CandyCords

✌️ I’m Sid Rockett, a designer and explorer of experimental synthesizers and custom noise-machines.

From boutique pocket synths to DIY Eurorack builds, this channel is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of compact hardware. Join me as we navigate through industrial soundscapes, deep cinematic reverbs, and the infinite feedback of outer-space delays.

🎛️ Shop here:
https://sidrockett.bandcamp.com
https://www.tindie.com/stores/sid_roc..."

Arena Digitalis

video upload by Sid Rockett

"🔊 Learn how to build the Arena Digitalis, a high-performance Arduino granular audio processor for real-time glitch, shimmer, and ambient textures.

In this deep dive, we explore the Arena Digitalis—an open-source Arduino audio project designed for experimental musicians and sound designers.
Granular synthesis is often gatekept by expensive hardware like the Mutable Instruments Clouds or Chase Bliss Mood.

The Arena Digitalis brings those "micro-looping" capabilities to the Arduino Nano/Uno platform using the new R4 processor.

⏱️ Chapters:
0:00 – Intro
0:30 – PCBWay Ad
0:45 – Controls
3:20 – Sound demo with Kastle ARP

Thanks to @PCBWay for sponsoring this video! Check out all their services under the following link and get 5$ new user credit.
https://pcbway.com/g/1AhZrq

🔗 Resources & Links:
Get the Code/Schematics: [https://github.com/SidRockett/Arena_D...]

Key Features of Arena Digitalis:
Real-time Granular Processing: Low-latency audio manipulation.
Arduino-Based: Highly customizable and open-source.
Tactile Control: Manual knobs for grain size, spray, and pitch.
Compact Design: Perfect for pedalboards or tabletop synth rigs.

✌️ I’m Sid Rockett, a designer and explorer of experimental synthesizers and custom noise-machines.

From boutique pocket synths to DIY Eurorack builds, this channel is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of compact hardware. Join me as we navigate through industrial soundscapes, deep cinematic reverbs, and the infinite feedback of outer-space delays.

🎛️ You can buy my synths here:
https://sidrockett.bandcamp.com
https://www.tindie.com/stores/sid_roc..."

Grip! A legendary compressor redesigned by Izhar Ashdot and Claude AI

video upload by Izhar Ashdot Sound & Vision

"Grip! My take on the LevelLoc compressor. I designed it and let Claude Code handle the coding and debugging."

Additional details from Izhar:

"Here’s a new compressor I built with the amazing help of Claude Code.
It’s a modern and fine tuned homage to the legendary Levelloc.
It sounds like an analog beast but is actually hosted on a Pi Pico 2 microcontroller. "

Meet Acid Drip - A DIY Bassline Synth & Drum Machine

video upload by Marcus Dunn

"Check out the GitHub Repo if you are interested in building your own

GitHub - https://github.com/lonesoulsurfer/Aci...

Instructables - Coming soon!"

Note: Acid Drip is based on the BadAss basS Synth and DrumKid featured further below.

"An RP2040-based acid bassline synthesizer and drum machine built on the Mozzi audio library. Two instruments in one device, a 16-step acid sequencer and a 16-pattern drum groove box running simultaneously on dual cores with a 320×240 ILI9341 TFT display and 16 Cherry MX pads.

NOTE: the images of the synth are V1. V2 is what I hve provided in this repo and looks a littke different (extra pot for mix added)"


Open Source Credits: Acid Drip is based on the BadAss basS Synth and DrumKid:

Acid synthesis engine adapted from Badass Bass from 10 years ago:


BadAss basS Synth video upload by Tschibo00

"this is the demo of my DIY Arduino-based synth with built-in sequencer. Code+schematics can be found on https://github.com/Tschibo00/BadAssba..."

Drum engine ported from DrumKid by Matt Bradshaw:


Drumkid Review & Demo // Lo-fi Drum Machine video upload by Saturday Music Machines from 2023

"Drumkid is a lo-fi aleatoric (an element of chance) drum machine with MIDI. It generates rhythms using random numbers. It’s designed to be used for both live performance and recording, with controls that allow organic transitions between rhythms and fills."

CLICK FOR MORE »

OAK Sampler - New Ensoniq ASR-10 Inspired Sampler Workstation Keyboard Synthesizer In the Works

video upload by oak sampler

Meet the upcoming "OAK-S37 Sampling Workstation" keyboard synthesizer.

Playlist with additional details:

1. OAK Sampler Sound Playback and Effects Test

I absolutely love the ASR-10. I’m building a new hardware workstation inspired by the ASR-10 that runs the original OS , effects etc and replicates the HW in a modern form. There will be some updates on the project. This is the boot and general test. Potato speaker recording. #asr10 #90ssampling

2. OAK Sampler (ASR-10 in Hardware) Sequencing & Sample Editing

I love the ASR-10. I’m building a new hardware sampler inspired by the ASR-10. It can run the original Ensoniq ASR-10 OS and effects algorithms. This video shows sequencing and sample editing on the OAK Sampler.

3. OAK Sampler (ASR-10 in Hardware) vs ASR-10 Sound Comparison

This video compares the OAK-S37 and an the ASR-10 using the same sequence, individual samples, filters, envelopes, and effects.

I recreated “93 ’til Infinity” as a test project using identical files across both systems.

I intend to do a limited first run eventually (no dates yet).

Credits
TRACKLIB Sample Breakdown Souls of Mischief - 93 'til Infinity
Heather - Billy Cobham - Sampled From Vinyl
The Jam - Graham Central Station - Sampled From Vinyl

4. OAK Sampler (ASR-10 in Hardware) Loading Original Ensoniq Sample CDs

In this video I load projects from the original ASR-10 Ensoniq Sample CD. It shows proper playback of the complex arrangements, accurate instruments and effects on the OAK. Totally 90’s.

Credits:
Studio Essentials Vol. 1 CDR-3 Ensoniq Corp

5. OAK Sampler (ASR-10 in Hardware) vs ASR-10 Effects

In this video it’s shows an comparison of the OAK-S and ASR-10 internal effects.

The second half demonstrates live effects monitoring. One of my favorite ASR-10 features was using it as a real-time effects processor, and I wanted that preserved in the OAK-S. It uses effects from the Ensoniq CDR-3 CD banks

Credits:
Effects from Studio Essentials Vol. 1 (CDR-3) Ensoniq Corp.

You can find additional details and an FAQ at www.oaksampler.com

#m5stack Acid Generator Box Prototype Jam with Circuit Tracks

video upload by space fever

"自作の Acid Generator Box の試作機を使ったテストジャムです。
M5Stack FIREとMIDI Unitを使って、MIDIフレーズを生成するガジェットとして制作しています。

This is a prototype jam using my DIY Acid Generator Box built with M5Stack FIRE and a MIDI Unit. The Acid Generator Box generates acid-style MIDI phrases and is used together with Novation Circuit Tracks.

Gear used:

Acid Generator Box prototype
M5Stack FIRE
M5Stack MIDI Unit
Novation Circuit Tracks
MAM MB33"

Minimal acid test with DIY Acid Generator Box and MB-33.

video upload by space fever

"自作の Acid Generator Box の試作機を使ったテストジャムです。
M5Stack FIREとMIDI Unitを使って、MIDIフレーズを生成するガジェットとして制作しています。

This is a prototype jam using my DIY Acid Generator Box built with M5Stack FIRE and a MIDI Unit.
The Acid Generator Box generates acid-style MIDI phrases and is used together with MB-33

Gear used:

Acid Generator Box prototype
M5Stack FIRE
M5Stack MIDI Unit
MB-33"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Introducing KOSMOS-ONE by GreyScale

video upload by plantssystem

"Introducing KOSMOS-ONE.

Despite being an extremely small piece of hardware—just a thumb-sized Raspberry Pi Pico + DAC—all parameters can be fully controlled via TouchOSC.

A new minimal generative instrument that lets you enjoy the sound creation of the PRA32-U 'in the palm of your hand.' It's small enough to sit on the edge of your desk, yet it can create 'that sound' just fine."

DIY eurorack modular synth | MOD2 Metal Hit : RP2350 based drum module

video upload by HAGIWO

"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.

Metal Hit:
One-shot sound source with inharmonic overtones, like striking metal

working documents
https://note.com/solder_state/n/n2f19...
https://note.com/solder_state/n/nce8f...

PCB gerber data & PCB assy production data Download
https://www.patreon.com/posts/mod2-rp..."