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"

MAESTRO 2.0: Heart Reborn. The new mods for the Soviet Formanta Maestro synthesizer. Part 1

video upload by Kee Reel

"The new features for the Maestro Synthesizer. Part 1.
0:00 Intro
1:20 Upgrated Apreggiator
2:42 Poly Duo Mono Unison
3:46 Hot keys
4:04 Waveform selector

• Poly / Duo / Mono + Unison
• Advanced Arpeggiator: 4–8–12–16 steps, Up / Down / Ping-Pong / Random, note priority, external sync
• Gate Modes: Normal / Invert, first-note or every-note trigger
• Portamento (Glide)
• LFSR Noise with fixed or random modulation
• Waveform Selector: Saw / Square / Pulse + combinations (all through filter)
• MIDI: In / Out / Sync / Learn"

MARS Tube Synthesizer vs Ultrarare Formanta P432 VST Plugin

video upload by Eternal Engine EMI

"Our friends from UltraRare ( https://ultrarare.su ) have created a cool plugin: a VST version of the Soviet Formanta P432 synthesizer.
The plugin is a rompler with sounds from this Soviet synthesizer. One of the features of the software version is the ADSR envelope, which expands the instrument's sonic capabilities. The sound bank is controlled via MIDI, allowing users to freely switch between presets within a single part.
There's a lot more interesting stuff on the UltraRare page: https://ultrarare.su/?post_type=product"

Altair 231 - Prototype Unit

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

via this Reverb listing

"Fully recently pro serviced and midified

You are looking at one of a kind analog vintage synthesizer,rirst ever made Altair 231,a prototype,well known as a Mnimoog model D soviet version,with a finger vibrato,synth in great condition and had new custom wood side,220 v,sounds really great,lush and raw!"

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Yunost 70 from UltraRare | Юность-70 | VST, AU

video upload by Futulyric

You can find a demo of the hardware Yunost 70 here.

"UltraRare has released the Yunost 70, a Soviet-era electric organ manufactured between 1970 and 1973 using germanium transistors, the foundation of early electronics. This version of the plugin features note-tuning for all built-in oscillators and an additional one, created using a recording of the instrument's built-in speaker on a reel-to-reel tape recorder, a microphone, and tape, also from the 1970s.
https://ultrarare.su/?product=%d1%8e%..."

"The YUNOST 70 is a Soviet-era electric organ produced from 1970 to 1973 using germanium transistors, the foundation of early electronics. This version of the plugin features note-tuning for all built-in oscillators and an additional one, created using a recording of the instrument’s built-in speaker on a reel-to-reel tape recorder, microphone, and tape, also from the 1970s."

Nick Klimenko - Synthesizer Museum Live (full album)

video upload by LFOstore

"LISTEN: https://cosmicleaf.gr/releases/1136/s...

Welcome to the 25th full-length album by Chronos. With this release, Nick Klimenko celebrates the opening of his personal synth museum!

In this unique space, you’ll find 190 hardware and 160 virtual instruments spanning the years 1978–2025. Chronos returns with a third live-played album, exploring the full depth of both analog and digital synthesizers. Everything was performed and recorded live in one take, inside the new museum space - https://nksynthmuseum.com/en/

Nick devoted countless hours practicing live playing, sequencing patterns and harmonies, and shaping rhythms and atmospheres for every single piece on this release.

When the time came, he simply hit the 'record' button — and played each track straight through.
This approach echoes the spirit of the 1970s, when Klaus Schulze and Tangerine Dream performed concerts entirely without computers or music software.

Musically, this album overflows with ambient and cosmic atmospheres, cinematic movements, and unique soundscapes

Tracklist:
001. Chronos - Soviet Analog Synthesizer Ambient
002. Chronos - Silentium Universi
003. Chronos - Inner Odyssey
004. Chronos - Summer Trio
005. Chronos - Alien Lights Above My Head
006. Chronos - Gamma Tauri
007. Chronos - Stellar Vector
008. Chronos - Interlude
009. Chronos - Velvet Trip

Mixed and mastered by Nick Klimenko
Cover art: Nick Klimenko / Cosmicleaf"

Monolit + Aelita //

video upload by Sasha DZA

"Aelita is a Soviet analog monophonic synthesizer from the late 1980s. Simple in architecture, it is known for its raw, unstable tone and distinctive analog drift, valued for character rather than precision.

Paired with Monolit, Aelita gains entirely new possibilities. Precise MIDI automation, sequencing, LFOs, and probability-based control extend far beyond its original interface, transforming a classic Soviet instrument into a flexible and contemporary sound source for studio and live performance."

Maestro-1 from UltraRare.SU

video upload by Futulyric

"Another plugin from UltraRare has appeared. The Maestro-1 is the 'little brother' of the famous Soviet Maestro synthesizer. Only one surviving example is known to exist. https://ultrarare.su/?post_type=produ..."

"The Maestro-1 is the "little brother" of the famous Soviet Maestro synthesizer. Only one surviving example is known to exist. It is polyphonic, with two tones—high and low—and built-in vibrato on both, giving a total of four tones.

Size: 66 MB.
Compatibility: Windows/macOS. Two licenses simultaneously.

VST/AU support. ATTENTION! AAX format is not supported.

Manual installation by placing files in the VST/AU folder (Mac)
ATTENTION! By purchasing the Plugin, you confirm your agreement to the terms of this Agreement."

Alisa 1377: The Rare Soviet Synthesizer from the mid-80s

video upload by RetroSound

"(c)2007-25 by RetroSound
supported by UVI: http://bit.ly/retrosound-uvi

Rodina Alisa 1377 - Soviet Analog Synthesizer (1985)
The Alisa 1377 is a rare monophonic analog synthesizer built in the Soviet Union during the mid-1980s.
Manufactured at the Lyubertsy Military Radioplant 'Rodina' near Moscow.
A lead synthesizer intended not for mainstream pop, but for experimental electronic music, sound design, film work and research.
Produced in small numbers, making surviving the units rare.
The Alisa 1377 is fully analog. All waveforms can be used individually or in combination. Frequency modulation (FM) available for all waves.
Pulse width modulation (PWM) with adjustable width and depth.
Octave switches (+1 / +2) and portamento. The sound character is warm, raw and a bit instable. Unconventional compared to western synths. The self-oscillating filter and the FM options allow for metallic, droning, and very experimental tones.



The video sequences are made by Natalja Smirnowa in Dec 2025 in Sankt Pertersburg (Russia)

RetroSound synthesizer demo videos since january 2007.
Everything is free. If you like my work, you can also support me with the purchase of my merchandise stuff or my music.
Shop: https://retrosound.creator-spring.com/
Bandcamp: https://retrosound.bandcamp.com/"

Estradin Pulsar

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

via this Reverb listing

You can find a black model and a couple of demos in previous posts here.

"Rare soviet drum machine,recently fully serviced and midi installed,works great!Unit have new red sides,very rare white version!64 presets with trigger pads"

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The DarkSide of Synth / Altair 231 sound exploring

video upload by HanzVolt

Formanta P432 + LELMIDIDRUM From UltraRare.SU

video upload by Futulyric

"The Formanta P432, a Soviet digital synthesizer, originally featured a very distinctive, authentic noise and could have been significantly improved if it had supported ADSR. This flaw has now been corrected; as a plugin, it sounds more interesting. The noise, however, remains, lending a distinctive vibe.
LEL MIDIDRUM is a digital drum module from the company of the same name, dating back to the Soviet era. No other surviving example is known, so its sound can only be heard here.
Also available as a plugin.
https://ultrarare.su/?post_type=product"

Soviet Moog Model D Clone in da Hood / Altair 231 & The CS-30 wants to K!|| you - HanzVolt

video upload by HanzVolt

Another two from supporting member, HanzVolt. People doing their thing... This one has a similar vibe to PWM Plug Walk.

‪@synthsamuraiproductions‬
‪@EchoKraft‬
‪@TheMachinesWon‬
‪@SYNTH-RENEGADE-MAFIA‬

Note the following has some videogame violence in it. This site has a no violence policy, but it's more about victimization and real human suffering, not fantasy. HanzVolt is a supporting member and you are free to skip if it does not interest you.

The CS-30 wants to K!|| you

video upload by HanzVolt

"Run to Mommy..."

RX12 Spectr Digital Rhythm Programmer | Ultrarare Post-Soviet Drum Machine

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
video upload by Red Star Melodies

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

via this Reverb listing

"The device was produced in Zhytomyr in early 1990s. It was not a mass-produced product, so this device is very rare.

It has 64 rhythms. You can change the tempo of each of them

Also, it has a «second pattern» mode that can add 8 additional drum brakes between drum loops

The drum machine has 10 sound turning on by pushing the buttons: timbale, tom, clap, rim, snare 1, snare 2, tom 2, closed hihat, crash (the crash does nor works)

You can control the sound of snare with a fader

Also the device has and «avt» button. By pushing it together with drum buttons you can add them to the sequence in auto mode.

The device has inputs for external drum pads."

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Formanta Arton VS-34 ultrarare USSR Vokoder synthesizer | Синтезатор Артон ВС 34

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
video upload by Red Star Melodies

"For sale on Reverb!

Very rare synth for sale! only 50 pieces were produced

Fully working condition. The video of the work of this device is included.

The device was made by author of famous Polivoks Synth Vladimir Kuzmin.

Synthesizer Arton VS-34 (Vocal Synthesizer 3-octave 4-voice) is a modification of the Maestro synthesizer, designed specifically to imitate the timbre of the human voice.

Synthesizes the vowel sounds "A", "O", "U", "I" of the male and female voices by the formant method, can create articulatory effects. It has the same arpeggiator as the Maestro, as well as a controllable filter and a choir sound device. The joystick allows you to achieve a special expressiveness of the timbre of the voice."

via this Reverb listing

CLICK FOR MORE »

The Florian Schneider Collection to Be Auctioned at JULIEN*S November 19

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

via JULIEN*S

"THE FLORIAN SCHNEIDER COLLECTION

Auction to be held at Musician's Hall of Fame & Museum, Nashville, on November 19

An incredible collection of more than 450 artifacts from the life and career of Florian Schneider, co-founder of the pioneer electronic band Kraftwerk."

Pics and videos featuring some of the gear below, and his Lederhosen for good measure (thanks greg!).

Update: the post has been fully updated with all the synth related gear. This may just well be the longest post to be featured on the site. I wanted to capture all the pics for all of the details including notes, scuffs, and of course serial numbers. It's an interesting look into what he used, the condition he keped his gear, in some cases, how he actually used his gear. Note the phonetics on the keys of the Casio CZ-101 and DX-100. Note the Midi Switch Box with a built-in speaker? What's that about? Note the camouflage key strap on the Korg RK-100 Remote Keyboard. Did he pick it out himself or did the keytar just come with it? Note the repeat midi controllers and the MIDI saxaphones. Wind was his primary instrument. You'll find a ton of the acoustic gear he used in the other listings. This is a fascinating insight into both what and how he used his gear.

Side note: there is no affiliate compensation for this post. The note at the top automatically shows for all posts with the Auction label.


Rack Mount Sennheiser VSM-201 Vocoder

Starting Bid $5,000

Estimate $20,000 - $40,000 USD

A late 1970s Sennheiser VSM 201 Vocoder with no serial number from the personal studio and collection of Florian Schneider of Kraftwerk (see images). While it’s said that only a few dozen of these Vocoders were produced, a few examples made it into the hands of forward-thinking musical artists including Herbie Hancock, Daft Punk, and of course, Kraftwerk, who used a VSM-201 like this on their albums Man Machine (1978) and Computerworld (1981). The VSM-201 has an intelligible sound that has not yet been bested by modern gear. Includes power cable. This VSM-201 has been removed from its wooden enclosure (which bears the serial number plate) and modified with a metal rack mount casing, presumably for live use. Requires 240v, IEC power cable not included.

Dimensions: 19 x 9 x 9 inches

Category: Kraftwerk, Equipment

Provenance: PROVENANCE From the Estate of Florian Schneider

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Elektronika Ritm Soviet Analog Drum Machine SN 41

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
video upload by Kee Reel

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

via this Reverb listing

"Vintage soviet analog drum machine from the year 1978. Elektronika Ritm .

Serial number: 41

The unit works but the preset buttons are not fixable. Also there is some noise and other small issues.The machine requires service.

The video shows its condition.

The original start button is included.

Works with 220v"

CLICK FOR MORE »

RMIF TI-3 The Last Soviet Polyphonic Synthesizer Part.1 (Bank D)

video upload by Eternal Engine EMI

"Playing presets on Rmif TI-3 upgraded to pathced TI-5 firmware (Bank D)"

0:00 - Bank D1
6:18 - Bank D2
11:11 - Bank D3
15:36 - Bank D4
19:43 - Bank D5
23:37 - Bank D6
25:03 - Bank D7
25:05 - Bank D8

RMIF TI-3 The Last Soviet Polyphonic Synthesizer Part.2 (Bank B and C)

video upload by Eternal Engine EMI

Formanta Polivoks - Soviet Analog Synthesizer Ambient (SASA)

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 (strings)
Murom Aelita (big cs-like lead)
Electronica EM-04 (second strings)
Ritm-2 (glorious lead)
Maestro (Prophet-like brass)
Alisa (sine lead)

Recorded with Zoom LiveTrack L6 - a perfect portable mixer.

FX by Zoom H9 Max"

TOM-1501 Soviet Analog Synthesizer - Restored Beauty

video upload by LFOstore

"Russian synths are awful and making terrible harsh and strange sounds?

If you think so, then this will surprise everyone who is familiar with those synths. This is really fat, warm, beautiful sounding real analog, preset string machine.

It's a string machine with 5 preset sounds: Piano, clavesin/Harpsichord, Alto, Violin and Brass.

Alto and Violin are exactly same sound but violin is one octave higher than alto, so you can make "string orchestra" sound.

Mainly I discovered this to be like Crumar Orchestrator/Multiman-s clone. Piano and clavesin/harpsichords are pretty identical sounding, but... Strings aren't typical "Italic" sounding which can be found on all crumar and some others string machines, Neither european (solina) or american (Moog opus) sounding.

They are Unique! They are Fat! They are Warm! They are very beautiful sounding strings. Well... comparing to others, solina is the closest sound to it.

Brass is also pretty identical to Crumar Orchestrator, but it have identical filter from Crumar Performer (very weak resonance). Too bad because in orchestrator it could make such a great sweeps, but this cannot do same. But the cutoff is powerful.

Also, this string machine isn't commonly available. I don't know how many was produced, but the original retail price was $1500!!! So maybe this is indeed very rare, uncommon at least. These were made about in middle or end of 80's.

See these virtual soundsheet of Crumar Orchestrator and peformer. The sounds of Orchestrator's piano and clavesin/harpsichord and brass is identical to this TOM-1501. And the filter from Crumar performer is also identical."