PopuPiano’s LED Keys: Smart Learning Meets MIDI Control in a Colorful Portable Keyboard

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"#popupiano ( https://go.sjv.io/MA7Ld3 or https://www.popumusic.com ) is a battery-powered, multicolored keyboard that teaches piano lessons with an app available for IOS and Android. It's also a MIDI device with detachable left-hand devices, a chord pad and another 2 octave keyboard. Please watch the video before setting the comments section on fire. ;-)

Table of contents:

00:00 hello
00:22 what's this / what's in the box
01:32 hardware features
02:48 the chord pad (plus demo)
03:39 the app - overview and piano sound
04:47 the piano course and color sync
06:21 play & sing mode with licensed music
07:21 free play mode / chord pad customisation
08:06 AI mode (loop generator)
08:37 using it with a DAW
09:51 some internet controversy (or maybe not)
11:01 conclusion: the good ...
11:35 the mid ...
12:08 ... and some improvements that would be very nice to have
12:46 it's good!
13:05 used with a hardware synthesiser (Zynthian 5.1)
14:03 do the youtube thing :-)

Blog post links: https://www.popumusic.com/blogs/news/... and https://roli.com/blog/best-smart-keyb...

HÄLP ZIS CHANNEL
https://www.patreon.com/floyd_steinberg
https://floydsteinberg.gumroad.com/
https://floydsteinberg.bandcamp.com/"

New DIY Digital Touch Synthesizer & Hybrid 5V Modular

video upload by Dylan B.

https://loess-labs.net/inst/atmega/

"Fully open source, build your own! Webpage is a work in progress. Might make a PCB at some point but no promises.

Also just to be clear the intro and outro parts use external fx to varying degrees. The middle part where I'm talking is the 100% dry sound.

0:00 - Demos/Intro
1:29 - Talking
5:03 - Outro Song"

Hybrid 5V Modular

video upload by Dylan B.

"Schematics and such will be out when the PCBs are

0:00 - Talking
2:26 - Bukla Melodic
3:27 - Acidic
5:36 - Crazy FM"

Going with Loess Labs for the label on these.

Sneak Peak of JAde Wii's first IOS app, a cute noise generator ☺️ 🔉

video upload by JAde Wii

New Binary Synth Allows You to Play Binary Code Within Any Given File

video upload by Max Alyokhin

This should go without saying, but don't drop any sensitive, private, or personal files.

"Demo: https://bs.stranno.su

Source code and application principle: https://github.com/MaxAlyokhin/binary...

A web-synthesizer that generates sound from the binary code of any files. It can synthesize sound directly in the browser, or be a generator of MIDI messages to external devices or DAWs, turning any file into a score. All the application code is written in Javascript and along with everything you need is packed into a single .html file of about 750kb. The synthesizer doesn't need internet, it can be downloaded and run locally on any device with a browser.

0:00 Speed changes
0:57 Noise/IDM (with Ableton processing)
3:16 IDM (with Ableton processing)
4:39 Drone/Ambient (without any processing, 5 instances)
15:49 Drone/Ambient (without any processing, 2 instances)
20:17 Drone (with Ableton processing)
21:10 Drone/Ambient (with Ableton processing)
24:46 Postminimalism/Aleatoric (MIDI to Ableton virtual synthesizer)
25:31 Glitch (MIDI to Ableton virtual sampler)

On 24:46 is "Composition for prepared file of the own source code", you can listen full here:"

Composition for prepared file of the own source code

video upload by Max Alyokhin

0:00 I
9:35 II
11:51 III
18:24 IV
20:13 V
23:06 VI
26:08 VII

All data on any computer or smartphone is in the form of files. The contents of these files are ultimately just zeros and ones. And these zeros and ones are basically all the same, so we need an interpreter to extract meaning from these texts. Basically, the file format (.mp3, .docx, etc.) is just a pointer to which interpreter we need to pass the text in order to extract meaning from it.

But what if the file format and the interpreter don't match? In the case of musical experimentation, there have been earlier attempts, for example, to "play" a file through an audio editor, which expectedly produced mostly glitch and noise; it might be more interesting from a conceptual than a musical point of view.

We could go further and write our own interpreter that would look at the files without regard to format, use its own "manner of reading" the original zeros and ones, and on that basis provide a complete system for controlled synthesis of sounds.

The tool, called Binary synth, is available at: https://bs.stranno.su.

The application is a web synthesizer that runs in the browser and is written in Javascript. All the application code along with everything needed is packed into a single .html file of about 750kb.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Bristronica 25 - Circle Instruments - the Circle Guitar & MIDI Controller

video upload by Stromkult

"Join us at Bristronica 2025 as we explore the innovative Circle Guitar with Anthony from Circle Instruments. Discover how this self-strumming, MIDI-enabled guitar opens up new creative possibilities ."

https://circleinstruments.com/

"The player can sequence the wheel's movement with a DAW or MIDI controller such as the Morningstar MC6 Pro and MC8 Pro. All external MIDI-enabled devices and effects can be synced to the wheel's speed to adjust dynamically together."


video uploads by Circle Instruments

Playlist:

1. Circle Guitar at Distillery 2 - Episode 2 - Medley
2. An introduction to Circle Guitar
3. Circle Guitar at Distillery 2 - Episode 1 - Theme Tune
4. Circle Guitar - Promo

tilde~instruments

video upload by tilde~instruments

"This is Röntgen
An analog instrument for improvisation and sonic exploration.
It consists of three parts: two oscillators with wave shapers, two random shift registers/sequencers, and a stereo delay.
The instrument is designed so that it can be played without patching. The banana jacks serve to expand the instrument's capabilities and enable communication with other instruments.
There is an insert point between the oscillators and the delay for connecting a volume pedal, external effects, or both.

Röntgen is made to order.
If you are interested, you can find my email address in the link tree.
https://linktr.ee/tilde_instruments"

Echograin Tranzwave 2 Software Synthesizer Inspired by the Ensoniq Fizmo

video uploads by Echograin


video upload by AMAZONA Music Mag



via Echograin

Introducing Tranzwave, a powerful wavetable Synthesizer, inspired by an unsung hero from the late 90’s: The Ensoniq Fizmo.

The flexible modulation engine, coupled with creative editing and randomization features, simplifies the creation of new, innovative sounds. Tranzwave brings all the wavetables from the Fizmo into the modern age for new creative explorations. With its user-friendly interface, Tranzwave provides complete control over wavetable and effect controls, making the creation of new sounds both fun and easy.

Tranzwave – A Tribute to Fizmo’s DNA

In the late 1990s Ensoniq pioneered “Transwaves”, a unique form of wavetable synthesis notably featured in their Fizmo synthesizer. Unlike earlier forms of wavetable synthesis, which could sometimes produce more static or stepped sounds, Ensoniq’s technology facilitated fluid transitions between different waveforms within a wavetable.
This innovation led to the creation of evolving, dynamic soundscapes. Ensoniq’s approach allowed for a more seamless and organic morphing of sounds, enabling musicians to craft rich, textured audio experiences that changed over time. This method offered a fresh and novel way to explore sonic possibilities, distinguishing it from the more digital and discrete transitions of previous wavetable synthesizers like the PPG Wave. Although the Ensoniq Fizmo, which utilized Transwaves, did not achieve widespread fame, its distinctive approach to wavetable synthesis marked a significant development in the evolution of electronic sound and influenced modern synthesis techniques.

Tranzwave brings this older, unique wavetable concept, known as Transwaves, into the modern era of music production. By sampling each frame of these Transwaves, Tranzwave offers a rich and dynamic sonic palette that captures the essence of these early digital synthesizers. It’s akin to having a vast library of colors and shades at your disposal, offering endless possibilities for creating new and innovative sounds.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Thephonoloop's themkI

video uploads by THEPHONOLOOP

Playlist:

1. themkI | An exploration of a 70s classic
2. themkI | Overview
3. themkI | Presets playthrough

Press release follows:


Thephonoloop tweaks themkI as deeply-sampled, expressive VI exploring electromechanical keyboard classic’s imperfections with colourful Version 1.1 update


KATOWICE, POLAND: Thephonoloop is proud to announce that it has tweaked themkI — already available as a deeply-sampled, expressive VI (virtual instrument) for Native Instruments’ KONTAKT PLAYER platform housed in an MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) compatible engine built for discovery and experimentation, exploring the beautiful imperfections of a Seventies-vintage electromechanical keyboard classic — with a colourful Version 1.1 update introducing sharper contrast for better visibility alongside new GUI (Graphical User Interface) colour options for customising its look, as of October 7…

CLICK FOR MORE »

Zoia and Dobbo

video upload by Grain Blanc

"New combo with Zoia (Dissolve patch) and Dobbo."

This appears to be the first post to feature Dobbo by Butterfly Effects.

"Welcome to Dobbo: our first habitat, made for playful discovery. Dive into lush clouds or listen to rhythmic crystals forming.

Dobbo is a granular effect designed to spark curiosity and inspire new sonic directions. With elements of randomness, controlled chaos, and evolving textures, it invites you to explore sounds you didn’t know you were looking for.

Dobbo takes small bits of sound and rearranges them. It can stretch, pitch and blur these bits, or transform them into rhythmic textures."

FABESIS ENCLAVE Profesional Edicion 2024 - Sintetizador de Nueva Generacion

video uploads by Bautista D. Perez

via this eBay listing

Based on the user manual, this appears to be a preset synth. I'm not seeing the ability to do any deep sound editing - there's no mention of filters, LFOs, or envelopes. That said, this is the first post to feature FABESIS.

Details via FABESIS:

"16-Part Multitimbral Synthesizer

🎹 MÁXIMUN EXPRESSION FOR ACOUSTIC INSTRUMENTS
24-bit Audio for Maximum Authenticity and Expression of Acoustic Instruments Designed in the United States specifically for discerning musicians. This synthesizer includes the traditional sounds used to play Corridos, Chilenas, Banda, Alterado, Tierra Caliente, Tropical Cumbia and Sonidera, Merengue, Bachata, Tango, Chanchona, Cumbia Villera, Tecnocumbia, Chicha Peruana, Cumbia Ranchera, Rock, Romantic Music, and much more!

🖥️ EASY TO NAVIGATE
The Enclave's interface is easy to navigate. Its navigation is so intuitive that, if you already have experience as a musician, you probably won’t even need to read the manual. All menus are designed to be easily understood by any user.

🎹 SEMI-WEIGHTED KEYBOARD
Professional keyboard with fast response, semi-weighted design, and blister contacts — ideal for demanding musicians. Its lightweight build and portability make it perfect for any stage.

🎛️ EASY TO USE FRONT PANEL
The front panel of the Fabesis Enclave is intuitive, clear, and entirely in Spanish. It includes essential functions such as:

Tuning – Adjust pitch with precision
Transpose – Instantly shift keys without changing your hand positions
Octave Shift – Expand your range at the touch of a button
Navegation
Operation Mode - Select the operation Mode
Sound Banks - Choose your favorite sounds
Factory Effects – Apply studio-quality effects instantly with built-in presets

Additionally, its effects section includes factory pre-programmed presets, ready to use instantly..
🔌 CONNECTIONS
On the back panel, you’ll find all the connections you need:

Audio outputs - for live performance or recording
Headphone Jack - for silent practice
Damper Pedal - for expressive sustain
MIDI Ports - for external gear and sequencing
USB Connections - for storage
Programation Port. - for software updates
📦 EXPANSIONS
For those looking to expand the capabilities of the Enclave, Fabesis offers a variety of sound libraries and expansions, including:

Grupero Wave.
Romances.
Saxophones.
Trumpets.
Trombones.
Mega Synths.
Ambient Dreams."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Synido Tempokey W25 review - battery powered MIDI controller with lots of features

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"This is a review of the SYNIDO TempoKEY W25 MIDI Keyboard which comes with USB, Bluetooth and TRS MIDI and a lot of other functionality. Get it here:
SYNIDO TempoKEY W25 MIDI Keyboard: [on Amazon]
Discount Code (10% off): 10W25FLOYD
Expires On: Oct 22, 2025 | 23:59 PDT



For orders on synido.com (available for Europe delivery): https://bit.ly/46n3wM3
15% OFF Discount Code: W2515

Contents:
00:00 guess whose bag!
00:23 I have to mention this
01:52 hardware overview
03:36 firmware features: everything can be configured on the W25 itself
04:04 chords ands scales
05:09 recording a loop: arpeggiator + drum pads
06:11 using the knobs to send cc
06:34 changing channels
07:24 2 banks of encoders and pads / pad cc, note, program change modes
07:56 note repeat
08:08 adjusting the velocity curve
08:32 DAW playback/stop/recording
08:40 bluetooth
08:55 control app & firmware updates
09:03 conclusion + another short loop
10:20 bye, please do the YouTube thing

HÄLP ZIS CHANNEL
https://www.patreon.com/floyd_steinberg
https://floydsteinberg.gumroad.com/
https://floydsteinberg.bandcamp.com/"

AudCalc, Zeptocore, Phantasmal Force, GREAT CONJUNCTION Micro Synth Coordination

video upload by Arman Bohn

"Let's get these little NOT-calculator devices together and see what happens!

The Phantasmal Force is just providing MIDI clock - which I'm feeding into the Zeptocore, GREAT CONJUNCTION and AudCalc to keep them all in sync.

The Zeptocore provides the chopped up drum breaks/loops. It can be found here: https://zeptocore.com/

GREAT CONJUNCTION adds melodic and percussive chaos.
My synths and devices can be found here:
https://distropolisgoods.com/

AudCalc is providing the underlying sequence (simple kick/snare, bass, and some melodic percussion and plucked string sounds).

I'll be posting just the AudCalc track later - for those curious about what it can do.

You can find the AudCalc here:
https://ko-fi.com/s/e4b28fd09f"

Audcalc is a pocket synthesizer and sequencer. It has 8 voices which can switch between synthesis (using mutable instruments braids cores) and sampling. The sequencer supports parameter locks, conditional triggers, and various time signatures and loop lengths. There are also two built in effects sends for building a full track. Its fun to jam with by itself, and can link into your larger portable music setup via midi or cv clock. Features: - 8 simultaneous synth or sampler voices, 16 midi outs - 16 sequencer channels - 16 patterns, supports pattern chaining for songs - channels can send to synthesizer, sampler or midi out - each voice has 2 assignable envelopes, LFO & filter - reverb & delay sends - sequencer supports midi clock sync or CV sync, both in and out - assembled by me & open source (open firmware, hardware, and enclosure)


TDM Overview

video upload by Jonathan Brodsky

"Showing off some of the features of AudCalc (before I renamed it)"

Trigs are Envelopes and So Can You! Ocean Dreams Instruments #Knobcon

video upload by CatSynth TV

"We talk with Ocean Dreams Instruments about the new modules, the Segmix and 2Step. The Segmix is flexible mixer with VCAs and several patching and routing options. The 2step is a step sequencer with built-in envelope generation per step and other features that go beyond traditional sequencing.

To find out more, please visit http://oceandreaming.com/

0:00 Introduction
0:11 Segmix
2:33 2Step sequencer
4:50 Demo
5:13 Conclusion

Please consider supporting this channel to help us bring you more synthesizer tutorials and other content.

Merch: https://shop.catsynth.com
Patreon: / catsynth
Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/catsynth"

SISKworks: fun with circuit-bent toys and instruments - #knobcon

video upload by CatSynth TV

"We explore the circuit-bent instruments and toys from SISKworks, including a patchable Casio SK-1, a cassette-loop-based instrument, and a circuit-bent camera.

To find out more, please visit https://www.siskworks.com
More about Knobcon: https://knobcon.com

0:00 Introduction
0:19 Circuit-bent SK-1
1:56 Cassettone (tape-loop instrument)
3:24 Circuit-bent toy camera
4:06 Conclusion

Please consider supporting this channel to help us bring you more synthesizer tutorials and other content.

Merch: https://shop.catsynth.com
Patreon: / catsynth
Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/catsynth"

Frequency Factory Dreamcatcher: a dreamy new granular synth - #knobcon

video upload by CatSynth TV

"We talk to Frequency Factory, a brand new company that debuted a prototype of their new synth Dreamcatcher at Knobcon 2025. It includes a granular synthesizer with lots of dynamism and control options, as well as a comb filter and other effects. It will also have wavetable and FM engines in the future.

To find out more, please visit https://www.frequencyfactorysynths.com/
To learn more about Knobcon, please visit https://knobcon.con

0:00 Introduction
0:10 The Dreamtacher
2:14 Extended demo including comb filter
3:16 Conclusion

Please consider supporting this channel to help us bring you more synthesizer tutorials and other content.

Merch: https://shop.catsynth.com
Patreon: / catsynth
Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/catsynth"

Rune 1: Out-of-this-world synth from the planet Zlorb - #Knobcon

video upload by CatSynth TV

"We meet Zlorb from the planet Zlorb, who introduces us to the Rune 1, a new pressure-sensitive polyphonic synthesizer from his far-away solar system.

To find out more, please visit their YouTube and Instagram ‪@ScoopyScoopLabs‬
To find out more about Knobcon, please visit https://knobcon.com

0:00 Introduction
0:10 Meeting Zlorb
0:20 The Rune 1 synthesizer
3:59 The sequencer
5:46 Conclusion

Please consider supporting this channel to help us bring you more synthesizer tutorials and other content.

Merch: https://shop.catsynth.com
Patreon: / catsynth
Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/catsynth

Otterly original modules from Otter Mods 🦦🎛️ #Knobcon

video upload by CatSynth TV

"Elton Glover of Otter Mods gives us a tour of their offerings, including the O.T.T.e.R pattern generator, Itero step sequencer, and Triquetra triple shift register module.

For more information, please visit https://ottermods.com
For more on Knobcon, please visit https://knobcon.com

0:00 Introduction
0:37 O.T.T.e.R pattern generator
1:56 Itero step sequencer
2:36 Triquetra triple shift register module
5:36 Conclusion

Please consider supporting this channel to help us bring you more synthesizer tutorials and other content.

Merch: https://shop.catsynth.com
Patreon: / catsynth
Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/catsynth

"Triquetra is a linear feedback shift register module, with three independent registers that have their own Gate and CV output. The clock for the second and third register are normalled to the first, but can be supplied with their own clocks to get a wide range of versatility from the module. A clock source is required to generate bits. The toggle switch will change between Looped and Free Run mode.

Each register has an attenuator for the CV output.

The Gate mode can be switched from a 50% clock cycle when the last bit is high, to a high output as long as the last bit is high. This gives the result of switching between either a “Trigger” style or “Leggato” style Gate. The Gate mode can be switched at any time by pressing all three buttons at the same time.

Each button corresponds to the three registers, and will cycle through the bit generating algorithms (seven in total). The LED will cycle through different colors corresponding to the following:

RED = LFSR1

GREEN= LFSR2

RED/GREEN= Small Number Modulus

BLUE= Fibonacci Sequence

RED/BLUE= Prime Number Sequence

GREEN/BLUE= Large Number Modulus

RED/GREEN/BLUE= Otter Mods Cryptograph"

Alternate panel design below.

CLICK FOR MORE »

OBSO | Circle Cynths

video uploads by Circle Cynths

"The debut instrument from Circle Cynths, OBSO. A dreamlike interface delivering instant inspiration, featuring nostalgic synths, pads, basses, bells, and strings, all sampled using obsolete technology.

Learn more at: www.circlecynths.com"



"OBSO is an inspiring catalog of sounds coaxed directly from various forms of obsolete media and extant technology. We celebrate the undulating inconsistencies of bygone days, lovingly filtered through the oxide and worn machinery of VCRs, cassette-decks and other consumer products from the 80s and 90s.

Our dreamlike but intuitive interface is intended to spark instant emotion. Specifically designed to sound good no matter where the knobs are, the five visceral control circles nevertheless offer a huge depth of range within a single patch. Nostalgic synths, creamy pads, lush basses, shimmering bells, burnished brass, scintillating strings, and more glow with the patina of fine age.

Individual sounds sink into a mix like they always existed, but you'll find they can easily stand alone without the need for layering or manipulation outside of the instrument. From film and game scoring to lush pop records, these tactile soundscapes add a dose of warm nostalgia to nearly any production.

Simple Interface
Sculpt your sound with an intuitive interface that features massive depth of control, giving you endless ways to shape and refine your tone.

Presets & Tags
120 unique patches. Bells, Brass, Strings, Keys, Pads & More. Find the perfect sound for your track with our built in tag searching system."

Ferry Island Modular - Four Seas Four-dimensional Wavetable Osc

video upload by The Green Man(TGM) + sound.report by Heiner Kruse

Superbooth25 wrapped up

video upload by Ferry Island Modular

"May 18, 2025
Last week was our first time at Superbooth as exhibitors introducing our first module Four Seas. In this video we wrap up our experience at Superbooth and feature sounds from Four Seas, created and generated by our booth visitors. Thank you to everyone who came by to check out Four Seas, it has been a genuine pleasure to see what you created with it."

Four Seas - sound teaser #1

video upload by Ferry Island Modular

"Here's a demo jam showing off a few things Four Seas can do. All sounds from Four Seas aside from the bass drum from Basimilus Iteritas Alia and the reverb/delay from Mimeophon. Hope you enjoy!

Patch notes:
0:00 - oppressive bass
0:20 - through-zero phase mod, courtesy of Dixie II+
0:45 - hi-hats/percussion using Wogglebug's audio out as a phase mod source
0:58 - swirling synths; two Four Seas outputs mixed into 3 Sisters, wave spread modulated via joystick
1:36 - awesome glitchy "open hats" triggered via Wogglebug's Burst output"

"Four Seas is a four-dimensional wavetable oscillator that transforms sound exploration into a tactile, intuitive experience. Navigate through sonic space using X, Y, and Z controls to explore wavetables as a three-dimensional cube, while the fourth dimension emerges through four related outputs with intelligent spread control.

From gentle detuning to complex microtonal relationships, the spread control offers multiple modes including harmonic ratios, prime numbers, and golden ratio proportions; everything from lush chords to experimental frequency relationships is at your fingertips. The four outputs cascade across wavetable space through intelligent spread algorithms, creating rich, evolving textures like light dispersing through a sonic prism.

The powerful modulation section features thru-zero phase modulation, phase distortion waveshaping, and bitwise XOR for complex sound design. Dual sync inputs with selectable modes, CV control over wavetable banks, and SD card loading for custom wavetables complete the package. Each oscillator pair can switch to LFO rates for modulation duties, and I2C compatibility enables integration with Teletype, Crow, ER-301, and other modules. No menus, no presets — just immediate, musical control over a vast sonic landscape."

HOW TO Mod Your Own Drum Machine!

video upload by foleytronics fx repair

Dr. Bohm home organ, rhythm, fun machine. Overview at 3:53.

"In this vid, Charlie explains how he went about modding this very cool and rare Dr. Bohm drum machine. For a more in-depth video on how to mod your own drum machine, please subscribe to our Patreon!"

Patreon: / foleytronics

In The Pines website: https://www.inthepines.band/