Formanta Polivoks - Soviet Analog Synthesizer Ambient (SASA) #2

video upload by LFOstore

"Soviet Analog Synthesizer Ambient (SASA) space launched!

Thanks to our great master Alex Taber for advices,
Repair, midi mods and tuning for this lovely old USSR machines.

Maybe it's a first time in history when these rare machines are collected, restored and played and filmed in one authentic video.

By Nick Klimenko

We want to show that Soviet analog instruments are not odd or noisy unfinished boxes, but perfect and beautiful instruments with its own spirit and history.

This cosmic ambient soundtrack played and recorded with:

Formanta Polivoks (main drone)
Electronica EM-25 (lead sound)
Murom Aelita (reso sweep)
TOM 1501 (lead sound)
Ritm-2 (s&h solo)
Maestro (unique internal arp)
Alisa (lead sound)

Recorded with Zoom LiveTrack L6 - a perfect portable mixer.
FX by Zoom H9 Max"

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."

Elta Music Polivoks-8 | Superbooth 2026 | Voltage Labs

video upload by Voltage Labs

"ELTA Music expands the Polivoks legacy with the Polivoks-8, an eight-voice analog synthesizer inspired by the original Soviet design. Featuring dual oscillators per voice, multimode filtering, and extensive modulation options, it brings the distinctive character of the classic instrument into a modern polyphonic format."

PIF vintage Ukrainian Analog Soviet Synthesizer

video upload by EONSKI

Обзор "bldzr"

video upload by LMZ

Click CC at the bottom of the player for subtitles.

"В следующей версии будет два типа выходного сигнала для синхронизации с другими устройствами.
#lmz #lmzvuk #bldzr #analog #drumbass #synth"

In the next version, there will be two types of output signals for synchronization with other devices.
#lmz #lmzvuk #bldzr #analog #drumbass #synth

Apparatus & Tom 1501 from UltraRare.SU

video upload by Futulyric

Demo https://ultrarare.su/

FORMANTA EMS-01 - Ode To Devotion (Live)

video upload by LFOstore

"This composition played live by Nick Klimenko on recently restored & tuned flagship of soviet synthesizers - Formanta EMS-01.

Its very hard to tune OSC sections & there are not so many fully working & tuned units in the world!
Thanks to / @ДмитрийБоровских-ш7п for midifying & tuning work!

Working unit sounding ultra mega magnificent!

FORMANTA EMS-01 is an electronical music instrument combining a polyphonic organ and a monophonic synthesizer. It is designed to perform music of all genres and to create various sound effects while recording soundtracks for movies and plays, or studio recording. The organ has a 5-octave keyboard, 6 preset sound timbres, frequency vibrato with adjustable vibrato delay, decay adjustment and a stereophaser (both for organ and synthesizer). The "vibrato delay" scheme is activated again only after all the previously pressed keys are released. In the "legato" mode the "vibrato delay" scheme is not activated.

The synthesizer has:

3-octave keyboard;
modulator, modulation voltage from which is applied to frequency modulator, width modulator, filter, and amplifier; broad band oscillators 1 and 2 (with various waveforms);
mixer, designed for summation of signals from oscillators 1 and 2, noise generator, external source, and ring modulator; filter, designed for dynamic and static changing of the spectrum of summarized signal from mixer output;
amplifier, designed for making the sound corresponding to various parameters of the envelope;
Visual division of the synthesizer panel into the above listed sections and their lay-out make it more easy to orientate oneself while setting the required timbre. Besides, the synthesizer is able to simultaneously control one more similar synthesizer through a special cable and connectors CONTR IN and CONTR OUT.

The instrument provides the opportunity of connecting stereo headphones; the volume in headphones doesn't change in case of changing the volume of the instrument from zero to maximum at all the outputs of the instrument with the foot pedal; thanks to this, preliminary control of timbre through the headphones before applying it to amplifiers is possible. By switching on PHASER into the channel of organ or synthesizer, it is possible to get stereo sound in the outputs STEREO L and STEREO P. In case PHASER is switched off, both channels will function in MONO mode."

Inside a Soviet Synth Collection – Rare Analog Sounds You’ve Never Heard

video upload by RetroSound

"In this video, I take you on a tour through my personal "Best Of" collection of rare Soviet Synths gathered over the past 30 years. These instruments are known for their distinctive sound character, shaped by unconventional engineering and vintage components.

Featured in this collection:
0:00 Rodina Alisa 1377
3:11 Formanta Polivoks
9:52 Elektronika EM-26
11:40 RMIF Opus

Each of these synthesizers offers a unique tonal palette – from raw and aggressive textures to warm analog pads and experimental sound design. Their unpredictable behavior and lo-fi charm make them especially inspiring for electronic music production.

If you're into analog synths, vintage gear, or experimental sounds, this collection showcases some of the most interesting and underrated instruments from the Soviet era.

(c)2007-26 by RetroSound
supported by UVI: http://bit.ly/retrosound-uvi

synth tees: https://retrosound.creator-spring.com
Donation: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/9N..."

East Block Synths playlist:

Alisa 1377 (1985) - Ambient Sound Demo

video upload by LFOstore

"#alisa #1377 #alisa1377 #synth #demo
Rare USSR synthesizer restored by Alex Taber!

It was made in USSR in 1985 at Luberetskiy Military Radioplant 'Rodina' near Moscow.

ALISA synthesizers were made especially for experimental electronic music, creating of sound effects in soviet cinema and scientific acoustic researches. This unique instrument has warm, aggressive and absolutely original analog sound!

The synthesizer has 1 OSC with 4 wave forms, ADSR , filter, various modulations, vibrato and portamento effects.

OSCILLATOR: tune; octave +1/+2; portamento; wave forms: triangle, saw, square, odd harmonics; frequency modulation (for all 4 waveforms); impulse-width modulation (for square wave form) with impulse width and depth controls; harmonics (for odd harmonics wave form). You can use individual OSC waveforms (triangle, saw, square, odd harmonics) or mix them together to get unique sounds!

LFO: on/off modulation switch, two waveforms (triangle, square), modulation rate, modulation rate coarse switch - 1Hz/10Hz.

FILTER: cutoff, resonance, vibrato (filter modulation), ADSR, switch between filter control- keyboard or contour OSC (ADSR). The synths filter due to it`s original architecture can be used as additional oscillator when filter`s resonance knob in self-oscillaltion position and it sounds really weird and interesting!

AMPLIFIER: ADSR, main volume, on/off synthesizer."

Formanta Polyvoks SN 0689257

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

via this Vemia listing

Click the auction link on top when you get there for additional listings.

"Formanta - Polyvoks (s/n 0689251) The most famous Russian analogue synth. All working, although has not been used for a while, so the controls really need a clean, and maybe a calibration. One crack in the case on the back left edge. 220V (UK mains lead supplied - although not the original one). Adaptor included to convert DIN output socket to 1/4' jack.

VEMIA note: the slight damage is likely caused by the interesting design decision to put a plastic case round a heavy metal chassis and adding a lid so that the whole is nearly 20kg. Needs extra-special packing . VEMIA can collect and pack: 24GBP."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Siberian Sun - analog synthesizer from Russia #lmz #Siberiansun #analog #synthesizer

video upload by LMZ

Siberian Sun - analog synthesizer from Russia #lmz #Siberiansun #analog #synthesizer

video upload by LMZ

Tom 1501 from UltraRare

video upload by Futulyric

"Tom1501, based on the Soviet synthesizer of the same name, is now complete. Multichannel mode has been added. Separate chorus and sustain controls for both keyboard sections are available.
Coming soon to the store.
https://ultrarare.su/?post_type=product"

RMIF OPUS - Unique synth pulsations

video upload by LFOstore

"The RMIF Opus (РМИФ Oпус) is a rare analogue string machine/synthesizer made in Riga, Latvia by the Riga Musical Instrument Factory (RMIF) in the year 1988.

The sound range is five octaves and the instrument consists of 4 sections — piano, that synthesizes piano like lead soundings of different timbres, analog string machine, that plays wonderful string sounds with soft attack and with the possibility to control release, tremolo and the pereodically repeated beat-fading sounds.

A flexible bass section, that is controlled by 2 lower octaves, that contain three 8' and two 16' registers.

The Opus is based on divide-down technology with a master oscillator and has very nice multimode filter (LPF, BPF and HPF with resonance), a fantastic chorus, ring modulator, vibrato and a lot other features."

Deeply Flawed, Utterly Charming: RMIF TI-5 Synthesizer

video upload by HAINBACH

"The RMIF TI-5 "Digital Keyboard", an 8-Voice analog/digital hybrid synth, is little known, even in former Soviet countries. As they did on the ES-2-5 drum machine I covered here before, it seems that the engineers in Riga took a look at what Roland was doing, taking inspiration from the Juno-line. Unlike the famously sturdy Japanese instruments, the TI-5 was built rather haphazardly, with bad clones of western chips managing the voices and processing. That is why only few survived the test of time. Yet despite its shortcomings it sounds utterly charming, managing both deep Moog-basses, vast evolving pads and chiptune leads.

Music & TI-5 Sample Instrument: / hainbach
My Music: http://hainbach.bandcamp.com"

You can find additional videos of the RMIF TI-5 including a virtual version in previous posts here.

Alisa 1377 - Raw Sound Demo

video upload by LFOstore

"#alisa #1377 #alisa1377 #synth #demo
Rare USSR synthesizer restored by Alex Taber!

It was made in USSR in 1985 at Luberetskiy Military Radioplant "Rodina" near Moscow.

ALISA synthesizers were made especially for experimental electronic music, creating of sound effects in soviet cinema and scientific acoustic researches. This unique instrument has warm, aggressive and absolutely original analog sound!

The synthesizer has 1 OSC with 4 wave forms, ADSR , filter, various modulations, vibrato and portamento effects.

OSCILLATOR: tune; octave +1/+2; portamento; wave forms: triangle, saw, square, odd harmonics; frequency modulation (for all 4 waveforms); impulse-width modulation (for square wave form) with impulse width and depth controls; harmonics (for odd harmonics wave form). You can use individual OSC waveforms (triangle, saw, square, odd harmonics) or mix them together to get unique sounds!

LFO: on/off modulation switch, two waveforms (triangle, square), modulation rate, modulation rate coarse switch - 1Hz/10Hz.

FILTER: cutoff, resonance, vibrato (filter modulation), ADSR, switch between filter control- keyboard or contour OSC (ADSR). The synths filter due to it`s original architecture can be used as additional oscillator when filter`s resonance knob in self-oscillaltion position and it sounds really weird and interesting!

AMPLIFIER: ADSR, main volume, on/off synthesizer."

RMIF OPUS (1986-1989) - Restored & Played

video upload by LFOstore

"The RMIF Opus (РМИФ Oпус) is a rare analogue string machine/synthesizer made in Riga, Latvia by the Riga Musical Instrument Factory (RMIF) in the year 1988.

The sound range is five octaves and the instrument consists of 4 sections — piano, that synthesizes piano like lead soundings of different timbres, analog string machine, that plays wonderful string sounds with soft attack and with the possibility to control release, tremolo and the pereodically repeated beat-fading sounds.

A flexible bass section, that is controlled by 2 lower octaves, that contain three 8' and two 16' registers.

The Opus is based on divide-down technology with a master oscillator and has very nice multimode filter (LPF, BPF and HPF with resonance), a fantastic chorus, ring modulator, vibrato and a lot other features."

RetroSound Studio Tour: Analog Monophonic Synthesizers

video upload by RetroSound

"Welcome to RetroSound Studio Tour: Analog Monophonic Synthesizers & Duophonic — a deep dive into legendary mono synths from the 1970s and 1980s, including rare East-Bloc classics.

In this new episode, I showcase iconic instruments such as the Minimoog, ARP Odyssey, Roland SH-101, Maxi-Korg, Sequential Circuits Pro-One, alongside Soviet and East German synthesizers like the Polivoks, Alisa 1377 and Vermona mono synths.

These analog monophonic synthesizers defined the sound of electronic music — from the fat Moog and cutting ARP to aggressive Polivoks and raw Eastern European character.

This video explores the sound and architecture of true analog mono synths built around VCO, VCF, and VCA signal paths, highlighting their distinctive basslines, lead sounds, and modulation capabilities. From the Moog basslines to the aggressive Polivoks filter sound and the unique character of East German Vermona synthesizers, each instrument demonstrates why 1970s and 1980s monophonic synthesizers remain highly sought after by collectors, producers, and electronic music enthusiasts."

The Monophonic Analog Synths:
0:07 Maxi-Korg 800DV
3:17 Sequential Pro-One
6:30 ARP Odyssey Mk. III
8:39 Roland SH-101
11:56 Moog Prodigy
15:24 Moog The Source
17:34 Moog Micromoog
18:16 Moog Minimoog
20:56 Moog Taurus
22:21 Formanta Polivoks
24:44 Rodina Alisa 1377
26:48 Vermona Synthesizer

RetroSound Studio Tour: Classic Analog String Machines from the 70s and 80s

video upload by RetroSound

"Step inside RetroSound Studio for an in-depth studio tour focused on classic analog string machines from the golden era of the 70s and 80s.

In this video, I showcase my collection of vintage string synthesizers, legendary analog ensemble keyboards that shaped the sound of disco, prog rock, synth-pop, ambient, and early electronic music. These iconic instruments are known for their lush chorus effects, warm analog tone, and unmistakable vintage character.

From rare string machines to well-loved classics, this studio tour is a deep dive into the history, sound, and vibe of analog synth technology that continues to inspire modern music production today.

Whether you’re a synth enthusiast, producer, collector, or just love retro sounds, this tour of RetroSound Studio highlights why analog string machines remain timeless.

Stringmachine list:
0:07 Logan String Melody 2
1:30 Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus Mk2
4:38 Crumar Performer B
7:53 Korg EPS-1
10:03 ARP Quadra
13:50 Rmif Opus
15:29 Elektronika EM-26

The analog string machine playlist:"



Shop: https://retrosound.creator-spring.com/
Bandcamp: https://retrosound.bandcamp.com/"

Massive Soviet Drum Machine: RMIF ES-2-5

video upload by HAINBACH

Soviet Maestro Synthesizer — MIDI Modified

video upload by VG-Line

"Soviet Maestro Synthesizer — revived.An original Soviet-era vintage instrument, carefully modified and MIDI-fied by VG-Line.Raw circuitry, uncompromising character — now ready for modern setups.
We restore and modify selected Soviet synthesizers, making them playable, reliable, and studio- or stage-ready.Available directly from us or built on request.
Sequenced via AKAI MPC One.

#maestro #synthesizer #synthrepair #synthmods #sovietsynth #sovietmaestro"