A Potted History of Drum Synthesizers

video upload by Alex Ball and Nathan Curran Tugg the Drummer (Tugg)

"A look at a niche within a niche, the drum synthesizer; a story that begins in the late 60s and continues to this very day."

0:00 Intro
0:25 Definition of a "Drum Synthesizer"
2:24 Precursors, DIY and Impakt
4:03 Star Instruments Synare
5:09 How these Instruments Worked
6:13 Syndrum: The First Famous Drum Synth
8:45 Ult-Sound: Japan's First Drum Synth
10:10 Pearl & Tama: Here Come The Drum Companies
13:20 Simmons: The Zeitgeist
19:21 The Flood Gates & Mega-Montage
24:48 Soviet Offerings
25:17 Decline and the Splitting Point
27:05 Vermona: A New Era
29:28 Elektron: Blurred Lines
30:58 A Plethora of Machines
32:24 Clavia/Nord: Simply Red
33:39 Modern Day: The Culmination
34:44 Summary & Thanks
35:23 Patron Outro Jam

Update:

1/14/26 Simmons SDS6 + TAMA DS200 + Alesis MIDIVERB II + CXM 1978

video upload by Cfpp0

"This is one of two videos I recorded for the great Alex Ball (‪@AlexBallMusic‬) to use in his video about the history of drum synthesizers. I’m using the Simmons SDS7 to trigger the two halves of the TAMA DS200, with reverbs from the Alesis MIDIVERB II and the CXM 1978. The DS200 is running hot through the MIDIVERB II, overloading the preamp. The CXM 1978 has a long predelay in lo-fi mode to create a grainy pitchy echo."

Vintage 1980s Roland Jupiter-8 [12-Bit] 61-Key Synthesizer SN 161627

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

via this eBay listing

"Up for sale is a legendary holy grail of analog synthesis: a vintage 1980s Roland Jupiter-8 61-Key Synthesizer (Serial Number: [161627]).

This is an original, authentic piece of music history, widely regarded as one of the finest polyphonic analog synthesizers ever built. Known for its lush, massive soundstage, discrete VCOs, and iconic beautiful interface, this Jupiter-8 is ready to become the centerpiece of a world-class studio or a prized collector’s piece.

Technical Profile & Condition:

Voice Condition: [Excellent / Fully Functional]. All 8 voices tune perfectly, hold pitch flawlessly, and pass the internal calibration/tuning routines without issue.
Cosmetic Condition: [ Beautiful vintage condition with minor cosmetic wear consistent with age. Please see high-resolution photos for exact details on the chassis, end cheeks, and keybed.]
Interface: Every single slider, knob, switch, and LED functions exactly as it should. No scratchy pots or dead buttons.
Hardware Variant: This is the highly desirable [12-bit] version.
Modifications/Connectivity: Equipped with [AC 240V, 50/60Hz, 90 Watt].
Recent Service History

To ensure complete reliability for the next owner, this unit was last serviced in [16/6/15] by [Garry West, License No: EASQ129302]. The service included:

[Full power supply check and recapping]
[Internal cleaning of all pots and sliders]
[Keybed leveling and contact cleaning]"

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5/19/26 (beat) Roland CR-78 & SPH 323 + DSP 808 + MIDIVERB II + CXM 1978

video upload by Cfpp0

"Today I clocked the Roland CR-78 with the ALM Pamela’s New Workout. The pattern is a combination of ROCK 3 and BEGUINE RHUMBA on auto A/B. The CR-78 is running through the Roland SPH-323 phase shifter, then through the Moog MKE parametric equalizer, with additional EQ from the Mackie Onyx 1640 mixer. The percussion that drops in at 0:13 is the DSP 808, triggered by the CR-78 trigger output. Everything has delays and reversed reverbs from the Alesis MIDIVERB II and CXM 1978."

TR-1000 + Tonverk + TB-03 + EP-136 K.O. SIDEKICK + TIMELINE: Smooth Jungle jam

video upload by Freaky Tweaky

"I played around with the EP-136 again today.

While the punch-in FX requires a bit of practice to switch between modes, it's great to be able to operate it with just one finger in the often hectic world of Dawless Jam. Once you get used to it, you can even create your preferred nuances by adjusting the pressure you apply."

Roland TR-707 Rhythm Composer Drum Machine

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via this listing

Additional Perfect Circuit listings

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Roland TR-66 Rhythm Arranger SN 619409

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via this listing

Additional Perfect Circuit listings

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MC-303 Groovebox Synthesizer

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via this listing

Additional Perfect Circuit listings

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Roland MC-202 Analog Desktop Synthesizer

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via this listing

Additional Perfect Circuit listings

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Roland Juno-106 Analog Keyboard Synthesizer SNs 524427 and 488999

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SN 524427 via this listing

SN 488999 via this listing

Additional Perfect Circuit listings

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Roland JD-990 Super JD w/ Vintage Synths Expansion Board SN ZE81890

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via this Reverb listing

Additional CONTROL Listings

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Timber #electronicmusic #synth

video upload by Mutt Retro

Roland AIRA Compact T-8 Beat Machine Demo & Review

video upload by Woody Piano Shack

MORE WOODY PIANO SHACK
https://woodypianoshack.com

Dawless Jam | 146 bpm | melodic

video upload by Bobby Serious

"Thanks for watching ❤❤❤

146 bpm
#dawless #melodic #trance

Gear used:
Synthstrom Audible Deluge (sequencer only)
Roland TR-8S
Moog Minitaur
Access Virus B
Novation Peak
Erica Synths Steampipe
Circuit Tracks
Specular Tempus (2x reverb)"

Selected Ambient Drum Machine: Aphex Twin and the Roland R8

video upload by Bleeps and Boops

"Part 1 of the epic journey that is, Aphex Twin's 'Selected Ambient Works 85-92' through his use of the Roland R8.

00:00 Introduction
02:20 Xtal
06:56 Tha
12:36 Outro

Currently the samples, loops, midi and system-exclusives are all at https://bleepsandboops.bandcamp.com/

Enjoy!"

Selected Ambient Drum Machine: Aphex Twin and the Roland R8 (part 2)

video upload by Bleeps and Boops

"Next up on our journey through Selected Ambient Works...

00:00 Introduction
00:22 Pulsewidth
04:50 Ageispolis
09:34 I
09:45 Green Calx
17:29 Outro"

Selected Ambient Drum Machine: Aphex Twin and the Roland R8 (part 3)

video upload by Bleeps and Boops

"Carrying on further down the Selected Ambient Works 85-92 rabbit-hole, we get to....

00:00 Intro
00:21 Heliosphan
02:40 We Are The Music Makers
07:49 Schottkey 7th Path
11:46 Outro

All lovingly recreated with the same small handful of synths and one drum machine. Which is mad when you think about it.. !"

Superbooth 26 Excerpts

video upload by Jarkko Tuohimaa

"My sonic journey to Superbooth 2026. Lots of great performances and unique synthesizers. My favorites from this years Superbooth: Buchla Ziggy, Roland TR-1000, Crum 2, UDO DMNO, Analog FX Larynx."

Roland D550 Linear Synthesizer Sound Module SN 810436

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via this Reverb listing

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Living On Video. Trans X, the Canadian synth-pop project that looked into the future. #synthwave

video upload by Nostalgic Explorer

RSF Kobol in sequencer mode triggered by Tubbutec MC-2oh2 #rsfkobol #tubbutecmc2oh2

video upload by analogia pl

🎹 🔊 Random Roland 100m sounds n' clips #roland #Japan #synth #100m #sounds #music #analog

video upload by Ian Nieman

"Here are some random sounds and clips using a single 100m ... if you have questions, comments, feel free to ask away ✌🏻"

Roland Rleases ZENOLOGY GX for iPad

video upload by RolandChannel

"ZENOLOGY GX for iPad brings Roland’s most advanced synthesizer technology into a powerful mobile format. Designed for modern music creation, it delivers the full expressive capabilities of the ZEN-Core Synthesis System with a touch-friendly interface and deep sound design tools.

Built on the same engine as its desktop counterpart, ZENOLOGY GX for iPad offers a massive, ever-expanding library of sounds along with advanced editing features."

Press release follows:

The Acclaimed ZEN-Core Synthesis System Captured in a Powerful Standalone Instrument for iPad

Roland announces ZENOLOGY GX for iPad, a fully-featured ZEN-Core software synthesizer designed for a touch-based interface, via the Apple App Store starting May 12. This robust musical instrument includes thousands of classic and modern tones paired with accessible sound design capabilities, making it an ideal entry point into Roland’s sonic ecosystem.

Boasting the same powerful synth engine and inspiring sound shaping tools as its desktop sibling, ZENOLOGY GX for iPad has been rebuilt and carefully considered for a tablet-first experience. New sounds and integration features will continue to roll out for ZENOLOGY GX for iPad in the future, offering an expanding musical experience suitable for everyone from the most demanding synthesists to those creating with an iPad for the first time.

Best of all, for a limited time, ZENOLOGY GX for iPad is a free experience with the full feature-set unlocked for all users. This allows musicians at all levels to go hands-on and try it for themselves on Apple’s ubiquitous iPad platform.

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You can find a NAMM demo and the initial announcement for ZENOLOGY GX for iPad in previous posts.