Revisiting the Yamaha RM1X

video upload by Isobutane

"Thank you for watching."

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:

Tokyo Field Recording, Piano and Prophet-10 Ambient | Quiet Pond 2026-02-24 by atnr

video upload by atnr

"Ambient Engine (macOS)
https://store.atnr.net/downloads/ambi...

A piece created with field recordings from the streets of Tokyo, piano, ‪@SequentialLLC‬ Prophet-10, and Ambient Engine.

The piano is a YAMAHA CP-88 with its built in reverb set deep.

On the Prophet-10, a synth pad is performed while adding reverb with blueSky.

The field recordings were captured on an iPhone. The edited audio in the DAW is layered together with versions processed inside Ambient Engine.

In Ambient Engine, a single field recording sample is assigned random or specified playback ranges and triggered by seven sample players. Modulation is sent to the filter, Delay, and MicroLoop, and parameters are also adjusted in real time using the trackpad."

Presets of the Mighty SY99

video upload by CGMAGIK

"Released in 1991, the Yamaha SY99 was the SY series flagship. It used RCM synthesis (Realtime Convolution and Modulation) synthesis combining AWM (Advanced Wave Memory) and 6 Operator AFM (Advanced Frequency Modulation) Synthesis. RCM’s unique modulation capabilities enabled AWM samples as modulation sources for the AFM engine.

The SY99 featured a few significant upgrades over its sibling, the SY77:

A larger 76 note keyboard with zoned aftertouch (channel aftertouch programmable to affect notes played either above or below a split point independently)
Three times the amount of AWM waveforms (2 Mb in SY77 and 8 Mb in SY99)
-500 Kb of battery-backed user sample RAM, expandable to 3 Mb
-Upgraded SPX900 level multi effects
-Upgraded master keyboard functionality"

2/20/26 (2 clips, tune knob) Pasco Scientific 9301 & WA-9307A + Yamaha EM-100

video upload by Cfpp0

"Two Pasco Scientific 9301 dual function generators are functioning (themselves and each other). The lower function on the right 9301 is modulating the top of both 9301s. We had our WA-9307A Fourier Synthesizer modified with a tuning knob, which I am turning back and forth in the first clip (chasing two pencil lines). The WA-9307A is being modulated through the right 9301. The spring reverb, panning, and a little EQ is from the Yamaha EM-100 mixer."

Ambient Electronica with Game Boy Advance and OP-1 field | Praise 2026-02-21 by atnr

video upload by atnr

"Ambient electronica featuring gentle synth tones, electric piano, and Game Boy sounds.

Created with Game Boy Advance, ‪@teenageengineering‬ OP-1 field, ‪@YamahaSynthsOfficial‬ CS01, and norns shield.

On the Game Boy Advance, sequences are programmed using Stepper. The sound runs through monotron DELAY, where delay is applied and the filter is manipulated in real time.

On the OP-1 field, a 32 bar synth harmony loop is played and processed through ‪@ChaseBlissAudio‬ GENERATION LOSS MKII and LOST+FOUND.

On the CS-01, I use a slow attack patch with the waveform set to PWM, performing while adjusting PWM speed and modulation.

On the norns shield, electric piano phrases are recorded into graintopia, processed granularly, and played back.

All devices share the same tempo, but no sync cables are used."

Toto’s CS-80s: Lost & Found, restored at Rosen Sound, full demo

video upload by Rosen Sound

Yamaha FS1r FM Formant Sequencing Rack Synthesizer SN OZ01060

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

via this eBay listing

Additional Tone Tweakers Listings

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Granular Chorus & Deep Reverb Piano Ambient | Trajectory 2026-02-17 by atnr

video upload by atnr

"Ambient Engine (macOS)
https://store.atnr.net/downloads/ambi...

A piece built around piano, synth, and granular-processed chorus textures.

The piano is performed on the YAMAHA CP-88 with deep reverb applied.

On the volca fm2, a synth pad is played and processed with deep reverb through ‪@strymon‬ blueSky.

The chorus samples are imported into Ambient Engine and played back with randomized playback ranges. Modulation is applied to the filter, and additional variation is created using the built-in looper and delay effects."

Milan Metro by Syd and I - 2026 Tiny Desk Submission

video upload by Syd and I

This one is in via supporting member Saul Stokes, the I in the father and dauther duo Syd and I.

"We are excited to share our song Milan Metro with you. This song was written while we were on vacation in beautiful Milan, Italy. We loved riding the old trains through the city.

Performed on a Circuit Tracks, 1010 Black Box, Korg Kaoss Pad NTS-3, Dexed Synth

Syd and I are Sydney and Saul Stokes, a father/daughter synth-based band from Oakland, CA. Saul has been writing electronic music for decades. After seeing his daughter Sydney perform at an open mic, they began writing music together. Syd and I have now been performing original songs around the Bay Area for over a year. They draw inspiration from pop and electronic music to create a sound that can span generations."

Yamaha FS1R FM + Formant Synthesizer Rack Module SN OX01883

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

via this listing

Additional Perfect Circuit listings

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Circuit board with filter modules for Yamaha SY-1 or SY-2 Vintage Synthesizer

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

via this eBay listing

Yamaha NE 10400 VCF-LPF 4Z24
Yamaha NE 10500 VCF-HPF 4Z27
Yamaha NE 10800 EG-VCF 4Z27
Yamaha NE 11500 VCO-III 4Z27

CLICK FOR MORE »

Experimental Modular Footwork with TENORI-ON | Roar 2026-02-14 by atnr

video upload by atnr

"An experimental footwork piece created with YAMAHA TENORI-ON and a modular synthesizer.

In the modular system, Plaits serves as the main oscillator, while MIDI triggers the Quad Function & Trigger Source. The sound is split into two paths: the direct output of Mutable Instruments Plaits and a version processed through a Clouds clone. These two signals are mixed in stereo. The final output is routed through ‪@ChaseBlissAudio‬ LOST+FOUND, adding reverb and delay.

On the TENORI-ON, rhythm patterns are programmed in real time, with occasional delay applied via MOOD MKII."

Music Mouse Explained | Laurie Spiegel on Algorithmic Composition (1987 Archive)

video upload by Eventide Audio and Laurie Spiegel

See the Music Mouse label for additional posts.

"In this 1987 episode of Midnight Muse, composer and programmer Laurie Spiegel discusses Music Mouse [demoed with a Yamaha TX816], her groundbreaking interactive music software, and answers live call-in questions from viewers.

Laurie explains how Music Mouse works, why it was designed as an intelligent musical partner rather than a traditional instrument, and how algorithmic systems can support creativity without replacing human expression.

This archival footage has been shared in collaboration with Laurie Spiegel.

🎹 Learn more about Music Mouse: https://etide.io/MMMMYT
🔗 Follow Laurie Spiegel: / musicmouse"

Yamaha Reface CS Virtual Analog Keyboard Synthesizer w/ Gig Bag Case

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

via this listing

Additional Perfect Circuit listings

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Yamaha DX7 Digital FM Keyboard Synthesizer

via this listing

Additional Perfect Circuit listings

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Yamaha Cs2x Noise Drum Patch / Sound Performance

video upload by Shpira LTD

"A patch for this old school rompler synth i recently made. Tune Em Up patch download
https://drive.google.com/file/d/18dOL...
The Yamaha CS2x is a sample-based synthesizer released by the Yamaha Corporation in 1999."

Yamaha MODX M6 New Sounds Uber Prophet-6 MODX Analog Synthesizer Sample Pack

video upload by Rik Marston Official

"Ahnyxian Sound Design store on Etsy!
Check it out! So many other titles to choose from!
All sample packs are just $16.99! Buy 3 GET ONE FREE!
Safe, same day digital downloads!
https://www.etsy.com/shop/AhnyxianSou..."

He Hates This Synth Because…

video upload by Anthony Marinelli Music

"In this video, I pick one thing I think I hate about 12 classic synthesizers—and then follow that feeling wherever it leads.
We’re talking about legendary instruments:
Minimoog, MS-20, Prophet-5, Jupiter-8, ARP 2600, Moog IIIc ('Plantasia'), Oberheim 4-Voice, Oberheim OB-X, Synclavier III, Elka Synthex, and Yamaha CS-30.
What starts as frustration with a workflow choice, a knob, or a design limitation slowly turns into something else entirely.
Along the way, I realize this video isn’t really about hating synths at all. It’s about relationships.
Every one of these instruments has limitations—and so do we. In any good relationship, not everything is perfect. But when you stop fighting what something isn’t and start understanding what it is, those limitations can become the very thing that leads you somewhere creative and unexpected.
Instead of endless options, boundaries create focus.
Instead of frustration, they create identity.
And in learning to understand these instruments more deeply, I ended up learning something about myself.
This is a video about synthesizers—but it’s also a small morality tale about creativity, acceptance, and finding freedom inside constraints.
Let me know in the comments:
Which synth do you love… even though it drives you crazy? 🎛️"

https://anthonymarinellimusic.com/pages/about

Pulsewidth cover sound design

video upload by Collector Current

"Because someone was asking, I made another video to show you the sound design for my cover of Aphex Twin's song 'Pulsewidth'.

Cover is here: • Aphex Pulsewidth cover on FZ-1, SH-01A, TX802 [posted here]

Blog: https://blog.jacobvosmaer.nl/
Music: https://music.jacobvosmaer.nl/