Speak and Key Speak by Max for Cats

video upload by max forcats

Speak
Speak is a polyphonic Max for Live instrument that turns typed words into speech in the style of a 1980s Speak & Spell. It encodes each word into coarse chip-style LPC frames and decodes them live in eight voices. MIDI notes set the pitch, so any word can be played as a melody or a chord. It speaks six languages (English, German, French, Italian, Spanish and Japanese), and it can freeze a vowel, stutter at any point in a word and apply a 10-point modulation curve. Vibrato has several shapes and a fade-in, and there are controls for tract size, tilt and intonation.

SpeakKeys
SpeakKeys uses the same voice engine, but each of 48 MIDI keys has its own word and its own pitch instead of speaking one word chromatically. You type a word and a semitone pitch for each key, and a note shows the note that plays it and the note that sounds, so you can program little songs and play them from a keyboard or a clip. The keys are laid out in four banks of 12 and are saved with presets. A pair of mappable Select Key and Select Pitch controls lets you edit all 48 pitches from a few Push encoders. It shares the language, vibrato, global pitch and tone controls with Speak. Max for Cats crafts Software Instruments, Effects, MIDI devices, Sound Design and Samples for Ableton Live.

https://maxforcats.gumroad.com/l/zjvtye

Ocean Swift Releases Flow Field for the Waldorf Blofeld Family

video upload by Ocean Swift / Faxi Nadu

"Grab it here: https://oceanswift.net/product/flow-f...

Flow Field is a dedicated preset pack for all varieties of the Waldorf Blofeld (hardware and plugin) compatible with the Blofeld Keys, Blofeld Desktop and the Blofeld Plugin, engineered specifically for cinematic scoring with a distinct sci-fi techno twist.

Taking full advantage of the Blofeld’s big, liquid sound architecture, this collection delivers a raw, eclectically technological sonic palette designed to inject futuristic tension and atmospheric depth into your productions.

The collection includes over 142 presets delivered in both the Blofeld .bpz format and .nksf format for NKS support. The sounds cover a wide range of scoring and production needs, featuring cinematic pads, alchemical atmospheres, rich textures, evolving arpeggios, crispy keys, and gnarly effects.

#blofeld #waldorf #WaldorfBlofeld #CinematicScoring #SoundDesign #NKSPresets #OceanSwiftSynthesis'

Erica Synths LXR-02 Firmware is Now Open Source

via Erica Synths

"The LXR-02 drum machine firmware is now open source and available on the Erica Synths GitHub! We live in an era of "vibe hacking", where Al-assisted tools let musicians and developers alike reshape software in ways that were hard to imagine only a few months ago. With that in mind, we have decided to open the LXR-02 firmware to the community. We are curious to see what new ideas, features and approaches emerge, and where this experiment will take the instrument. We invite you to explore the code, experiment with it, and share your results with the community."

Silver-K - NOVATION K STATION AND KS SERIES VST

NOVATION K STATION AND KS SERIES FREE VST IS FINALLY HERE! video upload by Sergio Frias

Note Novation released the V-Station and B-Station for free back in 2022. You can find a demo of the V-Station here. Also see G-Force's B-Station here.

"K-Station and KS firmware emulation for desktop hosts and Standalone use.

Based on the open-source code of Gearmulator. Plugins appear under NK Stuff in host lists."

"vst project:
https://github.com/temaniak/Silver-K/

Novation os roms and sounds:
https://downloads.novationmusic.com/n..."

Additional Gearmulator posts.

FMini-1 | A MiniMoog for the M-Vave FM-1

FMini-1 | Moog synth inside M-Vave FM-1 (All presets and more, No talking)

video upload by e y l v y

You can find the M-VAVE FM-1 on Amazon.

https://ruppert.github.io/fmini-1/
0:00 - Factory presets 5-50 (Free playing)
8:06 - Factory presets 50 and the rest (Sequencer playing)
11:42 - Sound designing 1
15:52 - Sound designing 2

"A classic, inside the FM-1.
Free firmware. Install straight from the browser and go back to the original whenever you like.

Three oscillators, a ladder filter and plenty of body
Each block of the Minimoog panel has its place on the FM-1's 240 × 240 screen, with four real knobs to play it for real.

Oscillator bank
Three oscillators with ranges from LO to 2', a waveform each, independent detune on oscillators 2 and 3 and a touch of pitch drift, like analog VCOs.

Ladder filter
A four-pole ladder, 24 dB/octave, with saturation in every stage and the feedback lag of the Minimoog circuit. From emphasis 8 up it self-oscillates as a pure sine that follows the keyboard at 1 V/octave. Cutoff reads -5 to +5, as on the panel.

Contours
Two contours (filter and loudness) with attack, decay and sustain. The attack is exponential, like the original circuit. Glide, LFO and modulation complete the section.

100 presets
Ten groups of ten: a showcase of styles, hard leads, soft leads, basses, pads and strings, brass, plucks, keys, atmospheres and sound effects. About a quarter comes with the arpeggiator already on. Save your own in 32 user slots.

Arpeggiator and sequencer
One tap on ARP turns it on and off; holding it sets HOLD. The sequencer records up to 16 notes (REC) and plays them (PLAY). The key LEDs light with the notes.

Effects per preset
Reverb, delay, chorus and drive, each preset with its own combination, so basses, leads and pads live in very different spaces."

CLICK FOR MORE »

FM-106 | M-Vave FM-1 as a Juno 106 synth | Presets and more (No talking)

video upload by e y l v y

You can find the M-VAVE FM-1 on Amazon.

"https://patttf.github.io/fm-106/
FM-106 turns the M-VAVE FM-1 into a polyphonic synthesizer modeled on the Juno-106. Saw and pulse oscillators, a sub oscillator, noise, resonant filtering, envelopes and stereo chorus support classic analog-style sounds."

Fingerlab Introduces BloopMachine - Acid Bassline

video upload by Fingerlab



"BloopMachine is a monophonic synth-sequencer built for acid lines, glitchy textures and generative electronic music. Inspired by the sound worlds of Aphex Twin, Autechre and Morton Subotnick, it behaves like a TB-303 pushed way past the edge: squelchy, alive and gloriously unpredictable.

Get it now for free on the App Store:
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bloopma...

At its heart is a wavetable synth with a resonant filter, driven by a deep step sequencer that can automate every parameter. Lean into the machine's love of chaos: the Mutate function reshapes your entire patch in one tap, turning simple sequences into organic, ever-shifting patterns that always stay musical.

Shape your sound with a 5-effect FX section: Ring Modulator, Distortion, Chorus, Delay and Reverb, and sequence or mutate those parameters too, for movement and grit that evolves bar after bar.

Build full tracks with 48 patterns and a Song mode that chains them into a timeline. Save your favourite machines as presets, then capture the result with real-time audio recording.

Run it standalone or as an AUv3 plugin inside your favourite host, on iPhone, iPad and Mac.

BloopMachine is free to download and explore. Unlock the full version with a single in-app purchase to use the complete FX section, access all 48 patterns, build tracks in Song mode, save and manage your own presets, export your music with real-time recording, and enable Undo."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Expander for the M-Vave FM-1: firmware switching, song library, MIDI out & sync (demo)

video upload by Oficina de Sonido

00:00 Intro
00:27 Firmware install
03:12 Song library & live sets
05:16 MIDI out: sequencing a MicroFreak
07:39 Sync out: FM-1 as master
09:28 Sync in: Clave as master
10:29 Wrap-up

You can find the M-VAVE FM-1 on Amazon.


"The Expander is a small companion box for the M-Vave FM-1, by Oficina de Sonido. It plugs into the FM-1's USB port and adds what the FM-1 can't do on its own:

▸ Install and switch firmwares (SLOOP, X0X, CTL-1, stock…) with no computer, from its microSD card

▸ Song library: back up and reload songs on firmwares that support it. Switching firmware no longer costs you your work, and you can play a whole set live without a laptop

▸ Two TRS MIDI outputs: sequence other synths from the FM-1, with MIDI channel filtering for devices that receive on all channels

▸ Sync in and sync out: the FM-1 can lead or follow Volcas, Pocket Operators, modular synths and drum machines

In this demo: firmware install, loading songs, sequencing a MicroFreak, and syncing both ways with Clave, the Euclidean drum machine by Oficina de Sonido.

What you see is a prototype, user interface included: we're already working on the PCB, the front panel, the enclosure design and the UI.

It will be open source: schematics, PCB and firmware will be published once it's finished.

More info: https://www.oficinadesonido.org/expan...

Built on the great work of the developers of SLOOP, Felucca, X0X and CTL-1. Thank you!"

Dr.Øne: a 4-voice drone machine by DenverSynthLabs

video upload by manmade madman

"Dr.Øne is a fun to play drone machine with 4 independent voices that can rotate, or instantly transpose, to get you someplace fresh and exciting. Instantly, you're taken somewhere new and musical, gently, or even abruptly. It's half concrete, half metal, all luscious tones.

Or, you can just play it.

The voices barely interact, but feed through an all-new spring reverb algorithm and delay, which then feed a micro-cassette that you can freeze, rewind, and half-speed all at the push of a button. You'll find millions of sounds driving into the effects. This will quickly be a center for inspiration, as you discover new paths to strange sounds and chords.

Or, you can just play it.

You can map this to your favorite hardware controller (like a Novation Launch Control XL) and sit back and make chords out of sounds, progressions out of tones. Tying it to hardware is revealing. Suddenly it becomes an instrument that doesn't exist. Don't think for a second that you can save this game and resume, because you cannot. Just like life, there is no going back, only forward.

Or, you can just play it.

Throb button gives you spikes of the voices at their shape-- from sine to pulse and everywhere in between-- that you can use to bounce off the walls, or climb them, if that's your thing.

Melt your past. Forge your future. Make something new without boundaries. Or, you can just play it.

Available now: https://store.denversynth.com/drone.html"

DenverSynthLabs’ easiest synth to lose hours to.

Half of Dr.Øne is concrete. Musique concrète began when people cut, slowed, reversed and looped recorded sound until it stopped being a recording and became an instrument. Dr.Øne is the other half: four voices that hold a chord forever, then rotate or instantly transpose to take you somewhere fresh. Play it by hand, with a hardware controller or the mouse, and don’t be surprised when it’s three hours later.

CLICK FOR MORE »

vhikk x new algo

"The Vhikk X, in its short existence, has already become one of the most iconic Eurorack modules ever created. And now it's even more powerful than ever with 9 new algorithms that dramatically expand what this powerhouse can do. This video showcases every new mode, generating evolving textures, aggressive drones, melodic sequences, and abstract sounds of all kinds."

Playlist:

1. vhikk x sound demo supercut - Forge TME
2. Let's Check Out the New Vhikk X Algos! - Metamyther and Forge TME
3. vhikk x reference - Forge TME
4. vhikk x new algo overview - Forge TME

https://forge-tme.com/vhikk-x/firmware.html

OCTAL: sequencable effects by DenverSynthLabs

video upload by manmade madman

"Imagine being able to sequence different effects blocks as you wish. Imagine being able to send to a delay only on steps 5 and 9. Imagine being able to slew between effects slowly. Imagine if these effects blocks had LFO's for parameters to modulate them automatically. Imagine if you could choose from 34 effects blocks of different types. Imagine if you could quickly randomize everything to spit out a new sound. Imagine if you could change opamps, diodes, capacitors, and component age without a screwdriver and popping open something vintage.

Imagine no more!

Here's OCTAL. An 8-block sequence-able effects rack that lets you lightly touch or completely mangle your audio input into something fresh. An effects playground, if you will. Chain things in any order, then re-order them freely, just to hear how it sounds. Cascade blocks into each other, stacking sounds that build and grow. Or simply hit the EZ button and let it choose for you. Then sequence all that for certain steps only. Assign LFO's to automatically swell, dip, crunch, or delay sounds so that its just how you like it. Or, do that all at once, times 8.

Available now: https://store.denversynth.com/octal.html"

"Imagine sending audio to a delay only on steps 5 and 9. Imagine slewing a filter between steps. OCTAL is eight effect boxes in series with a 16-step sequencer underneath: pick what's in each box, then program which boxes switch on at each step and where their knobs sit. Every box is its own little pedal, with its own paint, lettering, and wear.

CLICK FOR MORE »

discoDSP Models the Oberheim TEO-5 In Software with the TED-8

video upload by discoDSP

TED-8 is the Oberheim TEO-5 as a plugin, built from thousands of measurements of a real unit. Every knob, every curve and every effect was recorded, compared and tuned until the plugin and the hardware sounded the same side by side. Then we gave it three more voices, a Poly Unison mode that stacks up to 6 voices on each of 8 notes (48 voices at once), a full modulation matrix and a cable to the real thing, so TED-8 works on its own in your DAW or as the editor and librarian for the TEO-5 on your desk.

HOW WE MODELED IT

TED-8 How we modeled it We started with a TEO-5 on the bench and a lot of patience. One note at a time, one knob step at a time, we recorded what the unit actually does: how far the filter moves per step, how the envelopes curve, how fast each LFO setting runs, how each effect colors the sound. TED-8 follows those recordings rather than a datasheet, so a patch you dial in feels and responds the way it does on the hardware.

The little imperfections came along too. Each voice sits a few cents apart and a touch louder or softer than its neighbour, the way the voices of the unit do, so chords breathe instead of sounding cloned.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Phantom Instruments S49 Universal MIDI Sequencer & C45

video uploads by Phantom Instruments

Playlist:

1. Phantom Instruments S49 - Pitch Overview
2. Phantom Instruments S49 - Mutes Overview
3. Phantom Instruments S49 - Tracks Overview
4. Phantom Instruments S49 - Steps Overview
5. Phantom Instruments S49 | C45 - Short Live Demo Jam


Playlist:

1. Phantom Instruments S49 | C45 - Short Live Demo Jam
2. Phantom Instruments C45 - Short Live Techno Jam
3. Phantom Instruments C45 - Full Techno Jam with Ableton Live
4. Phantom Instruments - C45 (Promo)


S49 | Technical Specifications.

Overview
Universal MIDI sequencer for hardware and software instruments
USB-powered, class-compliant (no drivers required)
Length: 304mm
Width: 109mm
Height (including knobs and feet): 45mm
Weight: 900 grams

Connectivity
USB MIDI
3.5 mm (1/8”) TRS MIDI: In, Out
All TRS connections are Type A / B configurable
CV Out x 8
Gate Out x 8
Clock In & Clock Out

CLICK FOR MORE »

Akai Launches MPK Mini Plus II

video uploads by Akai Professional

Check with dealers on the right for pricing and availability.

Playlist:

1. MPK Mini Plus II | Expressive Control, Expanded Possibilities
2. MPK Mini Plus II with Drumma Boy | Akai Professional
3. MPK Mini Plus II | Overview
4. MPK Mini Plus II | MPC Integration

Akai MPK Mini Plus MK2 // What's new, review and tutorial

video upload by

TIMELINE: 0:00 Intro 1:42 Overview 3:09 Keys & pads 4:27 Color screen 5:47 I/O 6:10 Chord modes 7:13 Mutate & strum 8:52 Chord types 10:02 Progressions 10:51 Arpeggiator 13:06 Overdub & follow 14:26 ARP patterns 16:09 DAW control 17:23 Pad modes 18:25 MPC 20:03 NKS plugins 22:08 Kontakt 22:41 Instrument Collection 23:27 User modes 24:18 Pros & cons 27:15 Jams

Press release follows:


AKAI PROFESSIONAL® INTRODUCES MPK® MINI PLUS II, THE NEXT GENERATION OF ITS 37-KEY MIDI KEYBOARD CONTROLLER

Upgraded keys and MPC pads meet new creative tools, deeper MPC and DAW integration, a full-color display, MIDI and CV connectivity in a compact 37-key controller.

CUMBERLAND, R.I. (October 22, 2026) – Akai Professional® today announced MPK® Mini Plus II, the next generation of its compact 37-key MIDI keyboard, designed for creators who want more performance and production control without moving to a full-size keyboard. MPK Mini Plus II combines an upgraded 37-key mini keybed, eight velocity- and pressure-sensitive RGB MPC pads, a new full-color display, and creative tools including Glitch, Mutate, Strum, Freeze, Chords, and Follow. Direct MPC Standalone and MPC Desktop integration brings deeper MPC control to the keyboard, while USB-C, five-pin MIDI, and CV/Gate connectivity allow MPK Mini Plus II to move easily between software instruments, hardware synthesizers, and modular setups.

CLICK FOR MORE »

New phase of MIDI IN

video upload by MIDI IN

"An open and honest discussion of my working life and plans for change.
As discussed, the new Patreon page:
/ midi_in"

New OS with Loop Bar Sequencer for Emax I E-mu + quantize

video upload by deepeightyeight

"new os for emax, it's the 4.5 it adds loop bar seq (before was linear) and quantize (oooh) and track mute (ooooh) and duplicate and count in... you can download from here, still in beta. there are the 4 version Standard, SE, HD and Plus. i check the first 2 are ok. i have no HD so in uncheck so BACKUP before trying! u have been warned.
www.12records.net//ftp/EMAX_4.5_Loop_Bar_Seq_Packet.zip"

Update: some additional info:

EMAX 4.4 LOOP BAR SEQ
Unofficial educational OS modification for E-mu Emax I SE
Release notes, quick guide and disclaimer - 18 October 2026

ABOUT THIS RELEASE

Loop Bar Seq turns the Emax's sequencer into a repeating, bar-based recording
workflow. You can build parts over successive passes, leave recording while
playback continues, switch recording tracks and mute parts from the keypad.

CLICK FOR MORE »

M-VAVE Apexis - Coming Soon

video upload by M-VAVE

M-VAVE on Amazon

Partials & Discrepancies 1.5.0 – 30+ Dry Presets | Additive Synth Update, No Talking

video upload by Unusable Engineering

"Partials & Discrepancies has just gotten an update, a new look and 42 new presets.

In this video I play through around 30 of the new Partials & Discrepancies 1.5.0 factory presets, played completely dry. No talking.

The on-screen text goes through the main additions in v1.5.0 while I play.

Partials & Discrepancies is an 8-voice additive synth built around up to 128 partials per voice, oscillator slots, voice discrepancies and a lot of movement between states.

Version 1.5.0 adds:
• Oscillator Detune
• Oscillator Smear, based on a tuned delay line
• Ring Modulator mode
• New self-oscillating filter
• Host-synced Mod Osc
• Key-reset and key-tracked noise for the Mod Osc
• Portamento and polyphonic legato
• Improved voice stealing
• New interface colors and layout
• 42 new factory presets


The video goes through around 30 of the new presets without external effects, so everything you hear comes directly from the synth - it was recorded straight from the iMac's output onto a Zoom H6 recorder.

Partials & Discrepancies:
https://www.unusable.net/synthesizers..."

Perkons HD-01 Firmware 1.3!

video upload by Mark Cee

"Was nice to see a new firmware drop yesterday for our beloved Perkons HD-01. I thought i would turn the camera on and talk a little about the new update!"

via Erica Synths

"PĒRKONS 1.3 CHANGELOG


Features:
- Custom Samples per BANK

Now each BANK can have its own sample set, it must be placed in the BANK folder (00;01;etc). If no SAMPLES folder is present in a BANK folder, default sample set from the root folder SAMPLES is loaded!


- New CHORD algorithm
Accsess it via the Voice 3, Algo 3, Mode 3! It replaces one of the Karplus modes. PARAM1 morphs throuigh the waveforms, PARAM 2 sets the chord.


CLICK FOR MORE »

FAC Gravity Spatial Frequency Shifter AUv3 Plugin

video upload by Fred Anton Corvest

"FAC Gravity AUv3 Plugin is a frequency shifter for creating Barberpole and Shepard style glissandos, spectral illusions, stereo rotation, chorusing, phasing, evolving echoes, infinite cosmic spaces, and all the combinations you’ll make.

0:00 Introduction
0:39 Presentation
1:39 Preset Demo: Shifted Space
1:57 Preset Demo: Ramping Tape Riser
2:15 Preset Demo: Synce Wobble Bass
2:30 Preset Demo: Frequency Shifter
2:49 Preset Demo: Synced Break II
3:09 Outro

Discover more presets in the AUv3 plugin.

More info on https://fredantoncorvest.com"

"FAC Gravity AUv3 Plugin is a frequency shifter for creating Barberpole and Shepard style glissandos, spectral illusions, stereo rotation, chorusing, phasing, evolving echoes, infinite cosmic spaces, and all the combinations you’ll make.

• Dual Frequency Shifting, or Mono Shifting with Quadrature Stereo Widening

• Organic Spiral Loop, from gentle feedback to pure analog self-oscillation

• Integrated delay, diffusion blur, and independent low/high filtering

• Modulation matrix, multi-source envelope follower

• LFO with classic waveforms and random spline

• Spinning modulation to rotate and animate the stereo field

• Tempo-synced or MIDI-driven Frequency Shift, LFO, and Delay

• Dry/Wet mix, optional limiting, and goniometer visualization

• Advanced Responsive Design, portrait and landscape views

• Universal Purchase: AUv3 for iOS (iPad/iPhone), macOS and Vision Pro"