RetroSound Studio Tour: Vintage Digital Synthesizers

video upload by RetroSound

"RetroSound Studio Tour:
Legendary Vintage Digital & Hybrid Synthesizers of the 80s and early 90s

In this episode of RetroSound Studio, I explore classic digital synthesizers that revolutionized electronic music production during the 80s and early 90s. From FM synthesis and wavetable synthesis to vector synthesis, PD synthesis, vitual analog and Roland’s LA synthesis, these instruments introduced a new generation of sound design and defined the sonic identity of an era.

The Yamaha DX7 became one of the best-selling synthesizers of all time, defining FM electric pianos and metallic digital textures. The PPG Wave pioneered wavetable synthesis, laying the foundation for modern digital sound engines. The Sequential Prophet VS introduced vector synthesis, allowing dynamic blending between digital waveforms. The Roland D-50 shaped late-80s pop and film scoring with its LA synthesis architecture, while the Roland JD-800 brought hands-on control back to digital synthesis in the 1990s.

These digital synthesizers shaped genres such as synth-pop, new wave, ambient, house, techno, trance, and film music. Today, they remain highly sought after by producers, collectors, and sound designers researching vintage digital synthesizers, 80s keyboard sounds, virtual analog, classic FM synthesis, and wavetable history."

The Digital & Hybrid Synths:
0:07 Sequential Prophet VS
4:39 PPG wave 2.2
10:36 Yamaha DX7 II FD
14:56 Yamaha DX11
16:39 Casio CZ-101
19:29 Casio VZ-1
21:21 Roland JD-800
26:40 Roland D-50 / D-550
28:00 Korg Wavestation EX / SR
31:24 Korg DW-8000 / EX-8000
32:42 Roland M-VS1
35:57 Kawai K5000R
38:57 Waldorf Microwave
39:44 Waldorf Microwave II XT
41:15 Clavia Nord Modular
41:59 Yamaha AN1x
44:36 Roland JV-1080
45:33 Ensoniq SQ-80
46:23 Quasimidi Raven Max
47:42 Korg Z1

Full Studio Tour playlist:

ESK - Jamuary 2026 Track 4

video upload by Metunar

"Another January jam. This time I used a modular system with a XOR NerdSEQ and a Quasimidi Quasar Synthesizer. Direct recording with mastering."

http://www.metunar.ch

Prophet X Sample Library Volume 1: Demo 1

video upload by Jörg Schaaf

"In this video I demonstrate 5 out of 128 sounds of my Prophet X sample library Volume 1. You can purchase a license for this library under the following link:

https://www.joergschaaf.de/wordpress/..."

Quasimidi Rave-O-Lution 309 w/ drum & synth exp

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

via this Reverb listing

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Quasimidi Gigacard 512 Styles für Roland E-35/E-36/E-56/E-70

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

via this eBay listing

This one was spotted and sent in via
M Me.

Rare Quasimidi Gigacard, 512 Styles for Roland E-35/E-36/E-56/E-70.

This is the first one to be featured on the site.

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Black Model Quasimidi Polymorph

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

via this Reverb listing

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Quasimidi Rave-O-Lution 309 SN 42090

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

via this Reverb listing

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Quasimidi Rave-O-Lution 309

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

via this Reverb listing

"Quasimidi Rave-O-Lution 309. Comes with original Power Supply.

Polyphony - 17 voices

Multitimbral - 5 parts

Sequencer - 100 Preset 'motifs', 100 User 'motifs'

Songs - 16 songs

Patterns - 100 patterns (64 bars max.)

Keyboard - 12 Pattern-Pad keys

Memory - 64 Kicks, 64 snares, 64 hi-hats, 128 Bass-lead, 10 percussion sets

Control - MIDI

Date Produced - 1996"

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Quasimidi Rave‑O‑Lution 309

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

via this Reverb listing

"Quasimidi Rave‑O‑Lution 309 fully loaded with v3.00a OS and all expansions (Audio, Synth & Drum). Comes with 220 V PSU, (original) . In very good aesthetic and operational condition: all pads, knobs, screen, I/O working properly Well-maintained and stored in a smoke-free, dry environment. Selling due to studio setup changes. c

Key Features:

5‑part groovebox, sequencer, built-in effects
17-voice polyphony, 100 patterns, 16 songs
Expansions add extra synth/drum tracks, FX and audio I/O
Original rack ears included (rare accessory)"

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Quasimidi Sirius

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

via this Reverb listing

"Two knob caps are missing and the plastic casing of the PSU contact has cracked. This has no effect on the functionality whatsoever. Please refer to the added images."

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Ambient 5 | Quasimidi Polymorph

video upload by Mutant Manfred

"The composition created in July 2024.

No externall effect, no overdub.
Audio recorded straight Ableton Live 12

All sounds created on Quasimidi Polymorph."

Roland Aira P6

video upload by Jörg Schaaf

"A little dirty demo of a great little tool!"

Jörg Schaaf is the man behind Radikal Technologies and previously, Quasimidi.

Aluminium Knob Set for Quasimidi Rave-O-Lution 309

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

via this listing

"Aluminium knob-set for the Rave-O-Lution 309. Gives your 309 a unique and classy vintage appearance!

(You will received the knobs not the actual device!)"

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Quasimidi Rave-o-lution 309 w/ Custom Chrome / Silver Knobs & Rack Ears

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

via this listing

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drawing in, version 3

Non Youtube videdo via supporting member, electropict of https://zasm.earth.

"Video of a practice session with the third iteration of ‘Drawing In’: https://zasm.earth/drawing-in-v3

Audio produced by:

• Behringer 2600
• Coron Drum Synthe RDS
• Korg MS-10
• Korg MS-20
• Quasimidi Rave-0-lution 309
• Waldorf Rocket
• Yamaha CS-5
• Yamaha CS-15"

Quasimidi GrooveX Klaus Schulze Edition

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

via this listing

"This is a very rare Klaus Schulze edition of the Quasimidi Raveolution 309, called GrooveX. The unit includes rack ears I had custom ordered

From what I can tell there are specific patterns not found in the regular 309."

Arturia Pigments "Sirius" Soundset 65 Presets

video upload by LFOstore

"Arturia Pigments 'Sirius' Sound Bank 65 Presets

Explore new sonic horizons with the 'Sirius' sound bank for Arturia Pigments, featuring 65 meticulously crafted presets.

BUY: https://kav-sound-explorer.sellfy.sto...

This collection provides a diverse range of sounds, from evolving pads and atmospheric effects to lush synth textures, perfect for ambient, cinematic, and electronic music production.

At the heart of this soundset are samples from the renowned Quasimidi Sirius 'Spectral Wave' library, used as oscillators to shape each sound with a distinctive character.

The combination of Pigments' powerful synthesis engine and these unique waveforms creates a rich, expressive palette that stands out in any mix.

Whether you're looking to create ambient soundscapes, dynamic pads, or futuristic sound design, this set delivers high-quality sounds that inspire creativity.

Key Features:

65 custom-designed presets for Arturia Pigments

Utilizes original samples from the Quasimidi Sirius 'Spectral Wave' library
Designed to enhance your music with unique textures and evolving soundscapes

Ideal for genres such as ambient, soundtrack, experimental, and electronica

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Quasimidi Rave-o-lution 309 w/ RGB Display & Metallic Knobs

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

via this listing

"The knobs were replaced with metallic ones, because we think they look cool.

This unit as been upgraded with the Synth and Drum expansion modules and has been given a beautiful RGB LCD. The three knobs at the front control the color and brightness. If you don't like the knobs, it would be an easy job to remove them and hardwire the color. Let us know if you want this done, prior to ordering.

The firmware is the latest known version, 3.00B"

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Quasimidi The Raven Tangerine Dream Sysex File

video upload by The Free Radikal

"I found a sysex file from 1996 labelled TD, loaded into the Quasimidi Raven and this is the result, not sure who made it, a Quasimidi staff member maybe?"

Bad Gear - Technox

video upload by AudioPilz

"Today we are going to talk about Quasimidi Technox. The sole and only purpose of this German synthesizer from the heydays of actually making money with electronic music is very, very clear: showing up on Bad Gear 30 years later and giving me yet another excuse to annoy you with a truckload of half-finished meme techno.

Bad Gear - German Rave Machine

Chapters:
00:00 Intro tune
01:03 Overview Quasimidi Technox
01:32 Selected Sounds
02:15 MASS Engine, The Quasar, FM Synthesis
02:28 Access to the Engine (or lack thereof)
02:59 Filter
03:28 Multitimbrality
03:51 Perform Mode
04:03 FX Section
04:15 Menu Diving, Mod Matrix, Midi Control
04:40 Arpeggiator
04:50 What Else??? (Rear Panel, Thanks, Pricing)
05:12 Hate
05:36 Jam 1 ( 90s Techno #1 )
06:36 Jam 2 ( 90s Techno #2 )
07:31 Finale ( 90s Elektro )
08:01 Verdict"