MATRIXSYNTH: documentaries

Showing posts with label documentaries. Show all posts
Showing posts with label documentaries. Show all posts

Thursday, March 12, 2026

The Extraordinary EMS Synthi 100


video upload by Alex Ball

"A look at an incrediblY rare synthesizer from 1971.

Enormous thanks to the Townshend Studio and the University of West London for this opportunity.

https://www.uwl.ac.uk/study/study-fac...

Malcolm Clarke demonstrates the Synthi 100 sequencer as discussed in the video: [below]

0:00 Intro Performance
2:31 History of EMS
12:22 Music Interlude 1
13:46 Guided Tour of the Synthi 100
19:16 Music Interlude 2
21:48 The Vocoder 5000
24:59 The Digital Sequencer
25:49 The Townshend Studio
26:48 Summary & Thanks
27:36 Patreon Outro Performance"

The New Sound Of Music - 1979 - (Full Documentary) (BEATS T.V)

video upload by BEATS TV

Thursday, February 26, 2026

From Thom Yorke to Vangelis — A Short History of Sequential (Dave Smith Instruments) | PlayJason


video upload by Jason Mays

"When musicians talk about revolutions in electronic instruments, certain names echo through time — and few are more influential than ‪@SequentialLLC‬ the company founded by the late, great Dave Smith. In today’s "History of" episode, we’re tracing the complete history of Sequential (formerly Dave Smith Instruments), from the world-changing arrival of the Prophet-5 to the modern renaissance that brought the Sequential name back into the spotlight. Whether you’re a synth enthusiast, a gear historian, a Prophet devotee, or just someone who loves the intersection of music and technology — this is the story you need to know."

Elektor Formant - The 70s DIY Synthesizer


video upload by Alex Ball

"A look at an Elektor Formant DIY synth built by Bruce Newman in the late 70s.

Big thank you to Bruce and Chris ‪@Cellar92Sessions‬ . Head to their channel to watch my synth live performance.

0:00 Intro Jam
1:20 What was the Elektor Formant?
3:38 Demo 1: Elektorial Spank
5:02 Interview with Bruce part 1
7:33 Demo 2: Key-Bored
8:44 Interview with Bruce part 2
10:49 Summary and Formant Reissue
11:46 Patron Outro Jam

With thanks to my Patrons
www.patreon.com/AlexBallMusic"

See the Elektor label below for additional posts.

Wednesday, February 25, 2026

AnalogFX SER-2020 analog monophonic Synthesizer deeper Review. The rise of the Synton Syrinx!


video upload by Knobs & Switches

"here is my deeper review about the AnalogFX SER-2020 analog Synthesizer. A recreation of the legendary and sought after Synton Syrinx together with some FX Pedals and other helpers. (Antonus Step Brother, Erica Synths Perkons HD-01, Korg Drumlogue, Stylophone Beat, Ryk Modular M185 Sequencer, Waldorf KB37, Arturia Keystep Pro, CB Lost&Found, GlouGlou Flancher9, Dreadbox Lethargy, Strymon DIGv2, Boss-RV5, Meris Polymoon,

https://www.analogfx.com/products/ser...

For Pedal Power i used the MyVolts CrazyChain MkII: https://myvolts.com/CrazyChainMKII/?a...

The fancy Audio Cables are the MyVolts Candycords: https://myvolts.com/CandyCords/?a=kas

CV and Clock Cables are MyVolts Halos: https://myvolts.de/Halo/?a=kas

00:00:00​ Intro
00:00:029 Title Track (Only made with the SER-2020 incl. Drums)
00:01:44 Epilogue
00:05:48 Music and Sound Demos
00:14:47 SER-2020 Roun Down
00:19:11 VCO`s, Sync & Ringmod
00:28:03 Formant Filter, LPF & ENV
00:39:46 VCF In
00:42:02 LFO 1 & 2
00:47:37 Bend Pad & Portamento
00:49:22 Speechmode
00:51:42 Conclusion
00:52:22 Outro (SER-2020 + Korg Drumlogue only playing SER-2020 Samples)

Image Sources:

Synton Syrinx: https://greatsynthesizers.com thanks to Theo Bloderer

https://www.synthforbreakfast.nl/inte...

Used Equipment: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max, Apple iPhone 12, Sony ZV-1, Rode Wireless ME, Universal Audio Apollo Twin Solo, Yamaha MG-06, Steinberg Cubase 14 and Final Cut Pro X"

See The Florian Schneider Collection here.

Thursday, February 12, 2026

The Sounds of Tomorrow: China's Electronic Instrument Renaissance | Yukes 玉刻 | TEDxZizhu Park


video upload by TEDx Talks

Modular Commune gets a shout out at the end. You can find a playlist of Modular Commune performances here.

"Yukes 玉刻 uses an electronic organ to play 'the sound of the future.' He расскаnts how synthesizers have found new life within Chinese culture—moving from imitating the sounds of traditional instruments to creating entirely new auditory languages.

As he puts it: 'Technology shouldn’t replace tradition; it should become an extension of it.' In his eyes, every synthesized waveform is a rebirth of culture.

Today, Chinese musicians are using technology to reshape a 'sonic ethnography,' allowing tradition and the future to move forward side by side through electronic resonance. Yukes is a commercial video producer, multi-instrumentalist, and expert in electronic music equipment. Active at the intersection of traditional Chinese instruments and contemporary electronic music equipment, they have been instrumental in the development of 'Chinawave' and the growth of the electronic music production equipment industry in mainland China. With a background in commercial documentary video production, Yukes has expanded their practice into the exploration of audiovisual ethnomusicology. They regularly perform across China and are currently pursuing a master's degree in Market and Retail Science at NYU Shanghai. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx"

Friday, February 06, 2026

Synth Headz | Documentary Trailer


video upload by Danny Stygion

"Synth Headz | Documentary Trailer. Synth Headz explores three Houston musicians obsessed with making music with synthesizers. Featuring: Vertigo Blue, Spike the Percussionist, and August Befort. Directed and edited by Danny Stygion. Music by August Befort. Sponsored by Erica Synths. Drone footage by Schaef Shockley. Cinematography by Danny Stygion. Additional cinematography by Schaef Shockley and Cimmerian.

Music featured in trailer by Vertigo Blue, Spike the Percussionist, and August Befort."

Thursday, February 05, 2026

Prophet~T8: The Luxury Synth


video upload by Alex Ball

"A look at the rare Prophet~T8 produced by Sequential Circuits between 1983 and 1985.

0:00 Intro
0:55 History
4:46 Demo 1: All Play
6:12 Features
9:42 Demo 2: It's Thursday, it's TOTP!
10:50 The Hits
12:11 Patron Outro

With thanks to the owner of this beautiful instrument.

Thanks to my Patrons for their support:
www.patreon.com/AlexBallMusic"

Friday, January 23, 2026

Recreating a Prince Sermon: LM-1, DX7 & Juno-60 Breakdown


video upload by Nostalgic Explorer

"Today I am exploring an amazing track and how Prince turned this song into a sermon—blending faith, message, and sound. The spiritual meaning behind the music and the production tools that shaped it. And I am recreating this track in my studio using the Yamaha DX7, Juno 60 and Linn LM-1 drum computer."

00:00 – Intro
00:21 – The Story Behind “Let’s Go Crazy”: A Song or a Sermon?
01:50 – Recreating “Let’s Go Crazy” Drums with the Linn LM-1
02:50 – Recording the Organ Parts on the Roland Juno-60
04:56 – Yamaha DX7 Breakdown: Recreating the Final Section
05:47 – Juno-60 Bassline: Building the Groove
07:09 – Final Mix: “Let’s Go Crazy” Recreation by Prince
09:02 – Final Thoughts: Why “Let’s Go Crazy” Still Matters

Source used for this video:
https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/story-be...

the 90s synth behind one of Industrial’s best album


video upload by Tonepusher

"🔊Sounds, Presets & Templates🔊
Presets►https://www.tonepusher.com/
Patreon(synth presets,templates,store discounts)► / tonepusher

the 90s digital synth you don't know they used

Today we’re diving into the Kawai K4. This 90s digital synth played a quiet but important role in shaping the sound of early industrial music, heard in the work of bands like Front Line Assembly, Wumpscut, Intermix, Delerium, X-Fusion and Solitary Experiments . I’m putting the K4 to the test to see if it still delivers that unmistakable 90s industrial character. Decades later, it remains a cult favorite for music producers and sound designers chasing dark, mechanical atmospheres.

Chapters:
0:00 - intro
0:13 - Origins: From K1 to K4
2:54 - The K4 Sound
6:27 - The K4 in Industrial Music
9:19 - Front Line Assembly's Provision cover by Vulture Culture"

Thursday, January 22, 2026

Was Acid House Invented in India?


video upload by Alex Ball

"A look at Charanjit Singh's outlying recording 'Synthesizing - Ten Ragas to a Disco Beat' from 1982.

0:00 Intro
0:41 History
3:21 Interview with Johanz Westerman
6:31 Why does it sound like Acid House?
9:20 Differences to Acid House
10:48 Conclusions
12:17 Patron Jam - One Raga to a 909 Beat

Huge thanks to Johanz Westerman
https://ballyhoostudio.nl
https://bandcamp.com/johanzwesterman

A tutorial on how to program Raga Bhairav on a 303 or equivalent is on Patreon
www.patreon.com/AlexBallMusic"

Friday, January 16, 2026

Behind The Drums Ep 22 - Siouxsie & The Banshees "Kiss Them For Me" Roland TR-909 - Schoolly D "PSK"


video upload by Controlled Voltage Sound Labs

"An in depth look at the making of Siouxsie & The Banshees classic single 'Kiss Them For Me.' Video includes a re-creation of the drum beat using the Roland TR-909, Technics 1200 turntables, and MPC 2000XL triggering tabla samples."

Thursday, January 15, 2026

Luxembourg's Forgotten Electro-Monster: BME Rattlesnake


video upload by HAINBACH

"The BME Rattlesnake has haunted me for decades: Ever since I discovered its crispy claps on a magazine cover disc, I wanted to play with it IRL. When I got my hands on it, I was not disappointed: the Rattlesnake surprised with me with a heavy sound beyond the samples I knew. I was curious about its history, so I did a deep dive on BME. Check out my Patreon for a big sample pack: / hainbach

My Music: http://hainbach.bandcamp.com"

Tuesday, January 13, 2026

One Man's Trash: The Waldorf Microwave XT


video upload by Noir Et Blanc Vie

"Subjective opinions within, those who do not understand subjective opinion may be excused lol

*100% music in this video composed/produced by me.

The Waldorf Microwave XT is the past, present and future. Anyone who is telling you to buy a new instrument, especially a new synth in hopes that it's "better" than something like the XT is just here to be a salesman. 30 years old and still sits a top a trash heap of other digitals that came and went. Make music, share experiences. The End."

You can find the referenced musictrackjp demo of the XTk here.

Monday, January 05, 2026

MetaModule Tutorials: History of FM Synthesis


video upload by 4ms Company

Patch notes here: https://forum.4ms.info/t/history-of-f...

Thursday, December 18, 2025

Roland VP-550: Still Brilliant After 20 Years


video upload by Alex Ball

"A look at a Roland instrument that I've wanted to cover for ages, this is the VP-550 from 2006.

(Yes, that was 20 years ago)

0:00 Intro
0:41 History
1:57 Vocal Designer
3:55 Ensemble / Bass & Percussion
4:36 Has this aged well?
5:47 Experiments
8:15 Summary
9:08 Patron Outro Jam

www.patreon.com/AlexBallMusic"

Also see The Roland VP-330: Why is it so sought after?

Sunday, December 14, 2025

TMP-3-06 Vintage Synth TV Series from Benge


video upload by Memetune Studio

00:00 Opening Titles
00:17 Introduction
01:27 Switched On 80s
12:54 Little Black Boxes
17:29 Commercial Break
19:58 Patching Today
29:19 Synthesiser Club
31:59 Video Lab
36:07 Outro

"////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Sixth and final episode of the third series of the TV program from Benge, made at his Memetune Electronic Music Studio

The series explores his passion for vintage synthesiser instruments and studio gear and how he uses them in his productions and collaborations

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

It is divided into the following sections:

SWITCHED ON 80s - This third series takes an in-depth look into six classic 80s synthesisers, selected because of their interesting and unique attributes

LITTLE BLACK BOXES - A further look at some classic rack mount studio gear of the 80s and 90s

COMMERCIAL BREAK - Some shameless Memetune shilling

PATCHING TODAY - A deep-dive into vintage modular systems and how to set up a patch on them, starting from scratch, this time using Cybersynthesis techniques to bring an element of surprise to the patches

SYNTHESISER CLUB - A short musical demonstration of a synthesiser classic or three, concentrating on 'families' of synths

VIDEO LAB - A look at old video equipment and how to create experimental visuals, concentrating on a specific device in each episode

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

In THIS episode:

SWITCHED ON 80s - A look at Roland's first fully digital keyboard the D50 Linear Synthesiser from 1987

LITTLE BLACK BOXES - A look at the unique Kawai K5m additive synth

COMMERCIAL BREAK - Some adverts for Memetune-related goodies, including a new Benge album and the range of Memetune merchandise

PATCHING TODAY - Today is a bit special - Benge sets up a mega-patch using a Modcan A Series, an Emu 2000 modular, a Serge Paperface and an ARP 2500

SYNTHESISER CLUB - In todays episode, Benge makes some elevator muzak on Ensoniq synths: an ESQ1, an SD1, an ASR-X and a Fizmo

VIDEO LAB - In this episode we take a brief glance at the editing platform, DaVinci Resolve from Blackmagic Design

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

LINKS:

Memetune Studio Instagram: @memetunestudio

Benge & Memetune Merch on Bandcamp: https://zackdagoba.bandcamp.com

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

The MemeTune Programme Credits:
Everything in this video was created by B D Edwards (Benge)
All music, design, writing, filming and production completed at Memetune Studios, UK, 2025"

Additional Vintage Synth TV Series episodes from Benge

Friday, December 12, 2025

Game Music's Secret Weapon - Roland Sound Canvas


video upload by SoundFontGuy

"Video game music from the 90's and 2000's is special. The limited tools that composers had to work with made for some creative applications of software and hardware of the time. One of the most commonly used pieces of music hardware in all of video game music was Roland's SoundCanvas line of MIDI Module synthesizers. Everything from The Legend of Zelda to Final Fantasy!

Roland’s Sound Canvas is a line of sample-based MIDI sound modules that became the de-facto General MIDI/GS standard in the ’90s. It’s basically a ROMpler box full of “bread and butter” instruments (piano, strings, brass, drums, etc.) with built-in effects, and it was used heavily in PC games, console dev, and MIDI playback as the reference sound for GM/GS music."

"Special thanks to the VGM & Other Instrument Sources Community

00:00:00 Intro
00:01:05 MIDI Module
00:02:10 SC-55 Explanation
00:03:52 SC-55 Examples
00:04:23 SC-88
00:05:26 SC-88Pro
00:05:47 SC-88Pro A/B Comparisons
00:07:15 More examples

This video was edited by the talented - https://x.com/rettraledits"

Saturday, December 06, 2025

EMS Documentary Clips & Interviews


video uploads by Ektoplasmic Interzone

Update: video 8. w/ Liz Parker added.

Playlist:

1. Zinovieff featured on "Tomorrows World" (1968) - Clip from BBC Program
2. Zinovieff from BBC's "New Horizons" (1971)
3. Rise and Fall of EMS London - Zinovieff interview
4. EMS Studio London - Peter describes the challenges of the electronic studio
5. Peter and Robin at EMS Oxfordshire Studio
6. Malcolm Clarke demonstrates Synthi 100
7. VCS3 Waves and Harmonics
8. Liz Parker demonstrates Synthi 100 Radiophonic

And a massive playlist from Ektoplasmic Interzone featuring additional videos:

Electronic Music Studios (EMS) London Ltd Synthi


You can use the player controls to skip around. Click the drop down on the trop right of the player to scroll through titles.

Wednesday, December 03, 2025

From DIY to Cult Legend: The Serge Synthesizers Story


video upload by Bleeps and Boops

"Most people know the sound of a Moog or a Roland, but the Serge is a different beast entirely.

In this video (Part 1 of 2), I’m diving into the history of the 'West Coast' synthesis revolution. California, hippies, tape loops, Buchla, Moog and how Serge Tcherepnin created a synthesizer legend.

Huge thanks to ‪@serge-modular‬ for the loan of this glorious beast, and keep and eye out for Part 2!

Thanks for watching!"

Friday, November 28, 2025

Is this SYNTH the next INDUSTRIAL CLASSIC?


video upload by Tonepusher

"🔊Sounds, Presets & Templates🔊
Presets & Samples ► https://www.tonepusher.com/
FOURM presets► https://www.tonepusher.com/product-pa...

Is the Sequential FOURM the next Industrial classic?

Today we discover the ‪Sequential FOURM. The sound of Sequential synthtesizers helped shape EBM and industrial music sound, albums by bands such as Skinny Puppy, Ministry, Nine Inch Nails, KMFDM or VNV Nation. I'm putting the Sequential FOURM to the test to see if it can deliver that EBM and Industrial sound, just like the Prophet-5 and Pro-One did back then.

Chapters:
0:00 - intro
0:19 - Sequential in Industrial Music
1:03 - FOURM Overall Look
4:12 - Favorite Features
5:27 - Remaking Classics
7:59 - Full Track Demo + Final Notes"
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