The Classic 80s Sound of a-ha - Train of Thought | Vintage Synth Recreation

video upload by RetroSound

"In this new video I recreate the sound of “Train of Thought” by a-ha from the album Hunting High and Low. Written by Pål Waaktaar, this track is one of the standout examples of 1980s synth-pop production, combining melodic hooks, layered textures, and distinctive Scandinavian pop atmosphere.

For this vintage synth recreation I focused on capturing the character, tone, and arrangement of the original recording using classic hardware synthesizers and samplers. My setup includes the Yamaha DX7 II FD and the Roland Juno-106 for the main synth parts and signature textures.

The bass, flute sound (Fairlight) and selected drum sounds were created with the E-mu Emulator II. I also used the PPG Wave 2.2 for additional digital bass layers, digital textures, and atmospheric effects.

My goal was to explore how the classic a-ha sound was built — from analog warmth and FM synthesis to early digital sampling and wavetable synthesis.

If you enjoy vintage synthesizers, 80s synth-pop, classic a-ha productions, and deep dives into iconic keyboard sounds, this recreation is for you."

4/23-26/26 Metasonix S-1000 + Ladik S-143 + DSP 808 + Roland TR-606 + Simmons SDS1 + (…)

video upload by Cfpp0

The Sound of Talk Talk - Candy | Vintage Synth Recreation

video upload by RetroSound

"A vintage synth recreation of Talk Talk – Candy from the 1982 album The Party’s Over, performed using original classic hardware synthesizers and electronic drums.

This cover uses the legendary PPG Wave 2.2 synthesizer, Oberheim OB-Xa, Moog Source for bass, and Simmons SDS 8 electronic drums to capture the authentic early 1980s new wave sound of Talk Talk. From shimmering digital textures and warm analog pads to punchy synth bass and iconic electronic percussion, every part was recreated with real vintage instruments.

If you love classic synth pop, new wave, retro electronic music, analog synthesizers, and the unmistakable sound of early Talk Talk, this performance shows the work with the gear from the past.
Check the original track. Written by Mark Hollis."



Merch: https://retrosound.creator-spring.com/
Bandcamp: https://retrosound.bandcamp.com/

Margaret Thatcher at EMI Abbey Road Studios Simmons Drums DX7 Juno 60

video upload by Con Brio Synthesizers

"Maggie visits the famous studios in 1990 - watching a mixing session, visiting Mike Batt, hoping to meet Kate Bush (no) and playing a JUNO 60 and DX& and ?? plus rocking the SIMMONS DRUMS before going back to work..."

How do you one-up Krafwerk? With Margaret Thatcher of course.

Simmons SDS6 Super Sequencer w/ Memory Issue

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.

"Simmons SDS6 rare drum sequencer. Very rare drum / trigger sequencer. In great cosmetic condition. Many of the push buttons have recently been replaced. **It comes up with ‘memory error’ so it will need a service.** No UK VAT charged. 115V.

VEMIA can collect and pack: 18GBP."

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Jean Michel Jarre in his Home Studio 1987

video upload by Bleu Lezard

This one is in via in via Ivan Trajkovic aka deejayiwan.

"Visit of Jean Michel Jarre's studio at his home in Croissy in 1987 as part of the 1pm newspaper presented by William Leymergie on French Television Antenne2, for the release of the album: 'Houston Lyon in concert'. Fairlight and ARP2600 demo.
Mixing: Denis Vanzetto.

I kept this document on a VHS tape in the attic for 20 years. I'm happy to have kept it for so long and, thanks to Youtube, to share it with you!

I would be delighted to share my music with you:
👉 Web: https://bleulezard.com
👉 Digital platforms: https://linktr.ee/bleulezard
👉 Instagram: / _bleulezard"

Rest in Peace ~ Chris Rea 🌠

video upload by RetroSound

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

One of my favorite tracks from the late 70s.
Fool (If You Think It`s Over) by Chris Rea from the album Whatever Happened to Benny Santini? (1978)

I’m saddened...😞
His music has been the soundtrack of my life. I loved his melodies, I loved his lyrics, and I loved his voice. Driving Home for Christmas, On the Beach, and Josephine are timeless classics that I always turn up loud whenever I hear them on the radio.

I was fortunate enough to get an Amiga license record in 1988 after queuing for hours at the music shop. Holding one of the few records in my hands brought me so much joy, especially since Western music was only available under the counter in the GDR.
Rest in Peace, Chris. Your music will live on forever. Thank you.🌠

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/"

Simmons SDS3 with pads- stunning instrument

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.

"I was always a little surprised by how valuable these Simmons SDS3s are, and put it down to their extreme rarity and the wow factor of owning something from the Musicaid Simmons era. But I've been listening to what this machine can do, and I begin to see there is so much more. It is simply a genius design. The variety of sounds is stunning - it's almost like a fully-featured four-voice synth as well as a great drum synth. FM is brilliant, and the whole design (using permanently running ladder filters for the oscillators?) is mind-blowing.

This example, serial number 0072, is in perfect working order, after literally days of restoration by nLi. Cosmetically, the SDS3 itself looks great. The knobs are not original but look pretty nice, there are some small scrapes and marks on the panel and wood endcheeks, but overall it could be 8/10 especially given its age. The pads are very well used, but have been thoroughly restored and are totally functional and original.

To get more info about the SDS3, check out where Alex Ball has done his usual excellent rundown:" [posted here]

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This Analog Synth Will Blow Your Mind – Introducing the Behringer SDS-3!

video upload by Behringer

Follow-up to this post.

"Discover the Behringer SDS-3, the analog synth that rewrites the rules of drum machines! With powerful sounds and full control, the SDS-3 is perfect for those looking for intense vibes, crushing bass, and unique percussion. It’s the synth you didn’t think you could have, but one that will make you fall in love with every beat.

From the raw energy of analog drums to more experimental sounds, the SDS-3 delivers everything you need to create unforgettable music, whether live or in the studio.

Watch this video for an engaging performance and see how the Behringer SDS-3 can transform your sound!"

Sequenced with the Behringer RS-9.

Building a Synthwave track from autumn inspirations 🎹🍂

video upload by RetroSound

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

Synthwave with the Yamaha DX7 II and the Roland Juno-106.
A ride on my motorcycle through the autumnal countryside around my town in middle of germany. 🍂

Roland Juno-106 Analog Synthesizer (bassline, add sounds)
Yamaha DX7 II (main theme, fx sounds, strings)
E-MU Emulator II Sampling Synthesizer (guitar sample)
Simmons SDS8 e-drum module
LinnDrum drum machine

❤️ You can support the RetroSound​ channel:
synth tees: https://retrosound.creator-spring.com"

Tiptop Audio 230t & a Simmons Pad - First Patch [No Talk]

video upload by Stazma

"More infos and affiliate links in the description // Support on Patreon to get samples from this session: / stazma

This was the very first patch I did when I got the 230t from Tiptop. I wanted to check if I could use my Simmons drum pads with it. I also wanted to know how it would behave as an envelope generator using pulses from the 200t system itself so I used the 245t to trigger it and act on a droning 259t.

Then I just played around and that's the result."

Also see New Tiptop Audio & Buchla 230t Tips and Tricks by Todd Barton aka vgermuse.

Maniac/Michael Sembello (Circuit Tracks Version)

video upload by Guinan

"Feeling a yearning for a bit of LinnDrum action I loaded up a bunch of samples and it occurred to me to try this song - a bit of a musical 'guilty pleasure' as it has such a distinctive rhythm. I put the song on, donned my legwarmers and had a bit of a 'spin' around the room to the track in my best 'Flashdance' impression. Straight away it became apparent it shouldn't be possible to do it on the Tracks as it has too many tracks. Bass, electric piano chords, arpeggio, melody...and a distinctive 80's guitar solo! Not to be deterred I shrank it down as much as I could and used the layering and extra voices hacks I've talked about elsewhere * and what you hear is the end result.

It was a fun challenge and I hope you enjoy the end result. All you hear was programmed into a single Circuit Tracks and played 'live' just recording the audio outs.

More details for synth nerds

The excellent ‪@CaptainPikant‬ had a great video breaking down how the rhythm track was constructed so I largely followed this guide.

• MANIAC - The most INSANE drum pattern of t... [below]

BPM 155bpm
Synth 1 - mono bass synth
Synth 2 - 'piano'ish patch playing chords, arepeggio and melody lines (at different velocities/ranges)
Drum 1- LM1 bass drum
Drum 2 - LM1 snare and sidestick
Drum 3 - LM1 hihats and combined HH and fake guitar (see below)
Drum 4 - LM1 cowbell and clap

The 'guitar' is faked I'm sorry. My lead guitar skills are not up to this (I did try!) and my friendly local 'shredder' was busy. I used instead the Native Instruments Electric Sunburst plug in instrument to fake a short solo and drenched it in guitar effects. I recorded to 4 bar loops with the hihat pattern duplicated along with them and then triggered the samples at the right moment on the hihat track."

MANIAC - The most INSANE drum pattern of the '80s | Drum Patterns Explained

video upload by Captain Pikant

"The drum pattern of Michael Sembello's 'Maniac' is positively insane. It's what you'd get if you made a Synthwave drum track, decided it wasn't complex enough, glitched it up with a tiny dash of Aphex Twin and then put a second drum track on top of that with over a dozen Tom fills for good measure. Pure '80s maximalism with two of the most iconic drum sounds of that era."

And the original:


video upload by Maniac

Hungry Vultures On 4 I mac's- Look Mum No Computer

video upload by LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER

"New songs out today! on streaming and stuff! this one is hungry vultures but there is also commotion and the cobwebs instrumental! check here :-
https://linktr.ee/lookmumnocomputer
INSTRUMENTALS OF THESE SONGS WENT LIVE OVER HERE Last month, more to come! and much more!:-
/ hungry-vultures-136385797"

808/25 Happy 808 Day! Three 808 clones + (gear in description)

video upload by Cfpp0

"808/25 ALM Pamela’s New Workout + DSP 808 + Birdkids Unicorn Boom + Ladik S-143 & U-202 + Roland SPH-323 & System 100m 140 & RYK 185 & e-licktronic 118a + Simmons Clap Trap + DeltaLab Effectron II + Paia 6740 + Lexicon PCM 70 + Alesis MIDIVERB II + Peavey 1300 + Mackie Onyx 1640

Happy 808 Day!"

Luke Million Studio Tour Update July 2025

video upload by Luke Million

"Following the Studio Tour Video I made last November, here is an update with recent acquisitions and changes to my workflow in my Studio.

Some highlights are the Moog Messenger, Arturia DrumBrute Impact 1984 Edition, Synido TempoPAD C16, Aly James Lab Vprom 3.0, Beyerdynamic DT1990 Pro, Modartt Pianoteq 8 and some Franklin Audio Devices.

The biggest change is in my 2nd Studio where the B Team is kept. I have connected those synths to a Franklin Audio SS-6 Switchable Input Stereo DI which then sends audio to my Universal Audio Volt 476 interface connected to a Macbook Pro Laptop.

You can view the original Studio Tour Video here -"

CLICK FOR MORE »

A Beat For You - Pseudo Echo (AM Intro Recreation) #80snewwave #80ssynthpop #songcover #80smusic

video upload by Autumnal Madness

Featuring Simmons drums, Yamaha DX7, and Sequential Prophet-5 Rev4

And the original featuring Simmons drums and two Roland Jupiter-8s:

Pseudo Echo – A Beat For You (Fullscreen HD) (HQ Audio)

video upload by Australia vs New Zealand

Label: EMI *
Country: Australia *
Released: 1984 *
Genre: Electronic *
Style: Synth-pop.

The last Synthesizer Made in GDR

video upload by RetroSound

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

❤️ Support #RetroSound​ channel: https://retrosound.creator-spring.com

The second and last synthesizer Made in GDR
Tiracon 6V from the VEB Automatisierungsanlagen Cottbus (1987)

A synthdemo track. All synthesizer sounds are from the Tiracon 6V
drums: Simmons SDS-8

spec:
6 analog voices
1 VCO per voice + Sub-Osc, PWM, all waveforms can selected together
3 LFOs
24dB/Oct analog moog ladder filter with resonance
sequencer
MIDI

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/"

606 DAY 2025 #synth #vintagesynth #tr606

video upload by Alex Ball

"Quick TR-606 spank to celebrate 606 day."

Musicaid Simmons Drum Synthesizer SDS 3 top right.

Olimpiadas do Joly - Live Analog Jam

video upload by Arthur Joly

Reco-Synth Jolymod
Simmons SDS 400
Waldorf iridium
Imagens : Vitor Bossa + Olimpics Youtube Old Footages

Making of - Olimpíadas do Joly

video upload by Arthur Joly

Click CC in the bottom of the player for subtitles.

80s Synthwave big love 🎹❤️

video upload by RetroSound

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

❤️ Support #RetroSound​ channel: https://retrosound.creator-spring.com

Today another synthwave track from me. You know that my heart beats especially for this genre. The music always puts me in a good mood, no matter if I listen to it or make it myself. It always awakens positive feelings in me.
That's why I'm showing you my track Relaunch today. It was made exclusively with the Roland Juno-106, drums: Linndrum and Simmons.
Have fun!

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/"