Why did this strange digital Synth become a classic? | Voltage Labs

video upload by Voltage Labs

"What made the Elektron Monomachine go from misunderstood digital oddity to one of the most iconic cult synths in electronic music?

In this video, we explore the story behind the Monomachine, from its controversial 2004 release to its status as a modern-day classic among experimental producers like SOPHIE, Actress, Autechre or even the UK duo Overmono."

TMP-3-04 Vintage Synth TV Series from Benge

video upload by Memetune Studio

Additional episodes

00:00 Opening Titles
00:17 Introduction
01:25 Switched On 80s
13:08 Synthesiser Club
15:58 Little Black Boxes
20:05 Commercial Break
23:45 Patching Today
35:08 Video Lab
40:29 Outro

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

Episode four 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

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

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

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 detailed presentation on the Oberheim Xpander hybrid polysynth from 1984

SYNTHESISER CLUB - The Emu Strut - featuring the Emulator 2, the Drumulator, the Proteus/2 and the mighty Emu Modular 2000

LITTLE BLACK BOXES - A look at the highly underrated Yamaha TX16W and its companion reverb unit, the REV7

COMMERCIAL BREAK - Some adverts for Memetune-related goodies, including the Memetune Annual 2024, the range of Memetune merchandise and Benge's FORMS series of single-synth albums

PATCHING TODAY - on the incredible ARP 2500, which I bought exactly 20 years ago this month

VIDEO LAB - In this episode we take a closer look at the Grass Valley Indigo AV Mixer, which is the central hub of the Video Lab, and provides many more ways of getting that genuinely vintage look to the Memetune video productions, in particular using its memory recall system which allows you to program complex time-based actions

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

LINKS:

Benge's Studio Blog: http://myblogitsfullofstars.blogspot.com

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"

CELEBRATING UNCOMMON MUSIC INSTRUMENT AWARENESS DAY

video upload by Stylophone

"** CELEBRATING UNCOMMON MUSIC INSTRUMENT AWARENESS DAY**⁠ ⁠

Quiz Time: What does the hit Apple TV series Severance, Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page, Alfred Hitchcock, and Clara Rockmore all have in common?⁠ ⁠

Watch the video to find out!⁠ ⁠

Let us know in the comments what your favourite unusual musical instrument is.⁠"

Steve Roach: Life in the Soundcurrent Documentary

video upload by SteveRoachOfficial

"''Steve Roach: Life in the Soundcurrent' is much more than a documentary. It is a sensory experience, a visual journey into the life, legacy, and music of a remarkable artist, and a gentle reminder of the profound impact environment can have on creativity.;

Filmnet review

Available on Amazon (US & UK) or https://steveroach.bandcamp.com/merch..."

Monoculture: The Story of the Bass Station

video upload by Alex Ball

"A look at the story of the Novation Bass Station, a small synthesizer that's part of a big story.

0:00 Intro
0:49 Electronic Dream Plant
5:47 Oxford Synthesiser Company
12:07 Novation
13:04 The Bass Station
16:25 Rack and Super
17:44 Supernova & Nova
19:26 Software Perils
20:15 Reboot & Ultranova
21:58 Bass Station II
23:55 AFX Station
25:32 Peak & Summit
27:07 Mantis and Tributes
28:36 WARP, Swifty and GForce
29:55 Summary and Patreon Jam

Huge thank you to Focusrite, Novation, PWM, Source Distribution, Paul Wiffen, GForce, Dave Grant, David Hilowitz and my Patrons on Patreon."

1980's Power couple. Yamaha DX 7 & The Roland Tr-808 A love story like no other..#808 #synth

video upload by Keyboard Kingpin

"Join us Friends AS we look into that fire 80s couple know as the Yamaha Dx 7 & the Roland Tr-808 This Synthesizer / Drum machine combo took the 1980s and early 90s by storm. So many excellent songs where made with this fire combination. Lets explore the sound combination , discuss songs made with the 2 instruments and of course...Make a beat with the 2! Watch like comment, Share and subscribe. Much love from Keyboard Kingpin. Thanks for watching!

0:01 intro
0:49 impact of this power couple
2:22 Yamaha analog drum machines
3:15 Roland's version of Fm synthesis
3:46 Songs that use both the dx7 and tr808
5:16 A beat made with nothing but the dx7 and tr808
8:14 Outro"

How Synthesizers Changed Music History

video upload by Andy Whitmore

"🎛️ The History of Synthesizers
From the massive Telharmonium of 1901 to today’s sleek soft synths, this video takes you through 150 years of electronic music innovation. Learn how electricity first made sound, how Moog and Buchla shaped the synth revolution, how digital FM and sampling changed everything in the '80s, and how modern VSTs like Serum and Omnisphere continue the legacy.
Along the way, you'll meet legends like Robert Moog, Don Buchla, Wendy Carlos, and Dave Smith—and discover the instruments that changed the sound of pop, rock, hip-hop, EDM, and film forever.
🧠 Whether you're a synth nerd or just curious how your favourite sounds came to be, this video is your complete crash course."

Timestamps
0:00 – Intro
0:14 – Overview
0:47 – The Origins of the Electronic Sound
0:59 – Telharmonium
1:46 – Vacuum Tubes
1:54 – Ondes Martenot
2:10 – RCA Mark II
2:40 – The Moog Revolution
2:58 – Theremin
3:10 – Moog Modular
3:58 – East vs West: Moog and Buchla
4:53 – The First Synth Records
5:24 – Minimoog Model D
6:27 – EMS VCS3
8:14 – The Polyphonic Breakthrough
9:22 – Yamaha CS-80
10:12 – Digital Takes Over: FM Synthesis and Sampling
10:32 – Yamaha TX816
11:54 – Sampling
12:32 – Akai MPC60
12:43 – Software and the Analog Revival
13:32 – Impact / Outro

The Synths Behind OMD's Enola Gay

video upload by Alex Ball

"A look at how Enola Gay by OMD was created."

0:00 Intro
0:51 Detective Work
5:17 CR-78 Feat. Benge
7:53 Live Drums Feat. Jonathan Wills
9:06 Synth Sounds
11:18 Bass Sounds
11:58 Organs Feat. Syntaur
15:26 Effects
18:27 Summary
19:43 Full Remake

Cherry Audio ODC 2800 - The legendary ARP Odyssey reimagined

video upload by CatSynth TV

See the announcement post here.

We are proud to present the new ODC 2800 from our friends at Cherry Audio. It is a recreation of all three versions of the legendary ARP Odyssey and is released as a tribute to the centennial of Alan R. Pearlman. We will walk you through most of the instrument's features, and take a look at a few presets from the factory bank as well as the Centennial Preset Bank (available separately).

00:00 Introduction
00:44 History the ARP Odyssey
01:58 Overview of the ODC 2800
03:09 VCO basics
08:05 Using multiple VCOs
15:08 Noise and Ring Mod
17:18 The VCF
22:18 More details on LFOs and sample-and-hold
25:36 The high-pass filter
26:33 VCA
30:00 Master section
34:35 Aftertouch support
36:22 Effects section
45:36 Factory Presets
50:40 Centennial Presets
55:21 Conclusion
_________
Please consider supporting this channel to help us bring you more synthesizer tutorials and other content.
Merch: https://shop.catsynth.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/catsynth
Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/catsynth"

Behind The Drums Ep 16 - The Cars "Drive" Linndrum

video upload by Controlled Voltage Sound Labs

"An in depth look at the making of The Cars' classic single 'Drive.' Video includes a re-creation of the drum beat + synthesizer arrangement using a Linndrum, Roland Juno 106, and Roland JX-8P."

Drum Processing
Kick - Teletronix LA-2A + Lexicon 224 (Room Setting)
Snare - Teletronix LA-2A + Lexicon 224 (Plate Setting)
Hat + Crash - Teletronix LA-2A + Lexicon 224 (Hall Setting)
Clave - Teletronix LA-2A + Lexicon 224 (Hall Setting)
Tambourine - Teletronix LA-2A + AMS DMX + Lexicon 224 (Hall Setting)

Batchas "Hummingbird"

video upload by batchas

"All sounds: Mos-Lab 2500. Higher notes: Oberheim Matrix 1000.
I invite you to watch the original video from where I took the excerpts seen in my short clip:

He created a hummingbird paradise in his backyard

video upload by The Nature of Things

"Window salesman Eric Pittman's life changed forever the day he noticed a Anna's hummingbird buzzing around his backyard in Esquimalt, B.C. in the summer of 2009.

After a flurry of sharp turns caught his eye, the bird came to rest on the branch of a pear tree. It looked around to check for danger and met Pittman's gaze, yet she seemed unbothered by his presence. Pittman looked closer. Then, two pea-sized black orbs began bobbing up and down. It was a pair of newborn hummingbird chicks. He'd discovered Sweetie Bird (as he later named her) returning to her nest to feed her babies. Overcome with curiosity, Pittman stayed under the tree for the rest of the day, binoculars stuck to his face. He bought a video camera and began filming the bird in his backyard. He hasn't stopped in fourteen years.

Today, Pittman is a citizen scientist and hummingbird expert. But he didn't formally study ornithology, or even any biology. His skill at capturing footage of hummingbird behaviour has earned him 50,000 followers on his "Hummingbirds Up Close" Facebook page, where he shares daily updates. The BBC Natural History Unit has even turned to Pittman as a subject matter expert when they’ve needed to film elusive hummingbirds.

The short documentary The Bird in my Backyard follows Eric throughout the spring of 2024 as he documents two mother hummingbirds raising their chicks. It’s a story about the childlike curiosity in all of us, and the doors it can open if we just lean in a bit closer.

Filmed and Directed by Ryan Wilkes."

TR-909: The Beat Goes On

video upload by Alex Ball

"An in-depth look at Roland's classic TR-909 from 1983.

Beaotic discount code: ALEX909
This gives buyers 50% on their entire order, including the XT-909 mentioned in the video. The code expires 31 Aug 2025.
https://beaotic.com/

For sample packs, Q&As and more:
www.patreon.com/AlexBallMusic

0:00 Intro Jam
0:58 History
6:18 Demo 1: Monsieur Donk
7:17 808 vs 909
10:23 Demo 2: Just 303 and 909
11:28 Ext Inst
12:57 Demo 3: Friday 1992
14:12 What now?
15:46 Outro Patron Jam"

Behind The Drums Ep 15 - Flashdance "Maniac" - Michael Sembello Linndrum

video upload by Controlled Voltage Sound Labs

"An in depth look at the making of Michael Sembello's number one hit 'Maniac,' from the Flashdance movie soundtrack. Video includes a re-cretion of the drum beat using a Linndrum."

Drum Processing
Kick - Teletronix LA-2A (No Reverb)
Snare + Tamb - Teletronix LA-2A + Lexicon 224 (Plate Setting)
Cowbell - Teletronix LA-2A (No Reverb)
Clap - AMS Reverb (Non Lin Short decay)
Stick - Teletronix LA-2A (No Reverb)
Hat - Teletronix LA-2A + Lexicon 224 (Room Setting)

The “Thing” The Great Seal Bug.

video upload by Behind Designs

This one is in via John L Rice.

"WW2 & Cold war weapons and spy gadgets were truly amazing! Have you ever wondered about the history of RFID and how it works? It was originally developed and first used as a Soviet cold war spying device. The Thing or The Great Seal bug as it was known, sat on the wall of a US ambassadors office for 7 years completely undetected listening into American secrets. The technology behind this revolutionary device now resides in your pocket in the form of Radio Frequency Identification. or RFID. Thank you so much to everyone who has subscribed and supported the channel so far.

Music Credits Lord of the dawn - Jesse Gallagher
Maestro Tlakaelel - Jesse Gallagher

Research, Script, Voice Over, Animations, 3D Modelling, Rendering, Editing. - Me"

Interesing bit of history regarding Leon Theremin.

Korg's Abandoned Music Computer

video upload by Alex Ball

"A look at Korg's abandoned music computer system from 1985, part of which was found in Italy recently after being lost for 40 years.

0:00 Intro Jam
1:03 History
3:18 Demo 1: Imaginary Sitcom
3:51 MU-5000 Sounds
7:42 Demo 2: MU & MS
8:42 Why was it abandoned?
10:05 Outro Jam

Huge thanks to Riccardo Pietroni, Korg Japan, Adam Douglas and Hideki Ishikawa"

Behind The Drums Ep 14 - Tom Petty "Don't Come Around Here No More" Oberheim DMX

video upload by Controlled Voltage Sound Labs

"An in depth look at the making of Tom Petty's "Don't Come Around Here No More." Video includes a re-creation of the drum beat using an Oberheim DMX drum machine.

Join us on Patreon! - / cvsoundlabs
INSTAGRAM - @CVSoundLabs

Drum Processing...
Kick - Teletronix LA-2A + Lexicon 224
Snare - Teletronix LA-2A + AMS Reverb
Hat + Cabasa - Teletronix LA-2A + Lexicon 224
Toms - Teletronix LA-2A + AMS DMX Delay + AMS Reverb"

Cherry Audio Introduces Yellowjacket EDP WASP Inspired Synthesizer

video upload by Cherry Audio

"Cherry Audio is proud to introduce Yellowjacket, an innovative virtual synthesizer that pays tribute to the legendary 1978 EDP Wasp synthesizer. Yellowjacket perfectly replicates the Wasp's distinct buzzy tone and its hybrid analog/digital design, while incorporating modern features that enhance its creative possibilities. The outcome is an affordable synthesizer plugin that combines a rich historical legacy with cutting-edge functionality for today's musicians and producers. "

Cherry Audio | Hive Mind for Yellowjacket Preset Pack

video upload by Cherry Audio

"Additional extraordinary sounds for Yellowjacket synthesizer plugin are available exclusively from Cherry Audio! The Hive Mind for Yellowjacket Preset Pack features 100 more presets by sound design wizard James Dyson, designed to further showcase Yellowjacket's arpeggios, effects, modulation, extended multi voice modes, and aftertouch.

Get the Hive Mind for Yellowjacket Preset Pack and check out more audio demos at: https://store.cherryaudio.com/presets..."

Cherry Audio | Introducing Yellowjacket with Tim Shoebridge

video upload by Cherry Audio

Introduction to Yellowjacket with Tim Shoebridge:

00:00 - Opening
00:45 - Introduction
01:48 - History: EDP and The Wasp
03:24 - Yellowjacket - Keyboard Controls
04:50 - Oscillators and Mixer
05:33 - Control Osc (LFO)
11:28 - Filter
16:54 - Envelope Generators
19:57 - Effects
23:30 - The Speaker Effect
26:30 - Arpeggiator
30:33 - FX Output Controls
33:00 - Keyboard Pressure Panel (Aftertouch)
35:08 - Root/Diatonic Scales
35:37 - More on Keyboard Modes
37:35 - Background: EDP and LINK
40:08 - Multi Voice, Cycle, and "Mini Synths"
45:21 - Conclusion: "Tick Tock"

BUZZ! Cherry Audio Yellowjacket recreates the infamous Wasp synth

video upload by CatSynth TV

"We buzz around in Cherry Audio's new Yellowjacket, a recreation of the infamous Wasp synthesizer from Electronic Data Plant. We examine all of its features in detail, and explore a few of the presets from both the Factory bank and the Hive Mind expansion bank.

To find out more, please visit https://cherryaudio.com

00:00 Introduction
00:24 History
01:12 Overview
01:42 Oscillators
05:42 Filter
10:08 VCA Envelope
11:27 LFO (Control Oscillator)
14:29 Keyboard & Voice modes
18:42 Keyboard pressure
21:41 Wasp speaker emulation
23:04 Octafuzz
25:18 Other effects
32:45 Arpeggiator
37:11 Factory presets
40:40 Hive Mind presets
43:51 Conclusion"

Press release follows:



PRESS RELEASE -- April 22, 2025 --

Cherry Audio is proud to introduce Yellowjacket, an innovative virtual synthesizer that pays tribute to the legendary 1978 EDP Wasp synthesizer. Yellowjacket perfectly replicates the Wasp's distinct buzzy tone and its hybrid analog/digital design, while incorporating modern features that enhance its creative possibilities. The outcome is an affordable synthesizer plugin that combines a rich historical legacy with cutting-edge functionality for today's musicians and producers. Yellowjacket synthesizer is available immediately for only $49. Additionally, Yellowjacket can be purchased as part of Cherry Audio's "Build Your Own Bundle" value options, Pick 3 (on sale for $99) and Pick 6 (on sale for $149), for a limited time.

Yellowjacket perfectly embodies the appearance and charm of the original Wasp, as well as the distinctive sound of its unique oscillators and signature state-variable filter. At the same time, it pushes the limits with Cherry Audio's characteristic innovations to bring this cherished classic into the 21st century. Highlights include:
16-voice polyphony alongside monophonic, unison, and cycle modes
Two oscillators with options for sawtooth, pulse, or square waveforms, as well as the enhanced modulated pulse-wave based on EDP's Gnat synthesizer
Innovative multi-voice modes that provide per-note variation with "chained" mini-synth panels, each featuring its own settings for dynamic tonal options that can create subtle or extreme timbres, single-finger chords and arpeggiated patterns, and more
A new advanced arpeggiator featuring probability and humanize controls adds randomness to patterns. When combined with cycle modes it can create transposable and even unpredictable four-note step sequences with the touch of a single key
Enhanced performance features, including support for polyphonic aftertouch, diatonic scales, transpose functions, and more
Studio-quality integrated effects, including reverb, delay, phaser, chorus, and a new Octafuzz distortion
A vintage-style onboard speaker emulation with adjustable hiss and hum for nostalgic, lo-fi tones
The original Wasp, developed by the late Chris Huggett and Adrian Wagner for Electronic Dream Plant (EDP), was a groundbreaking instrument that combined affordability with innovative design. Introduced in 1978 for just £200, it made electronic music creation accessible to a whole new audience and influenced the sound of artists such as Nick Rhodes (Duran Duran), Dave Greenfield (The Stranglers), Dave Stewart (Eurythmics), and Thomas Dolby.

Considered Britain's foremost synthesizer designer, Yellowjacket is a celebration of Chris Huggett's pioneering spirit. Cherry Audio has incorporated its latest features into Yellowjacket inspired by his innovations, ensuring his legacy resonates with new generations of musicians.

Yellowjacket features more than 270 professionally designed presets across a dozen categories, providing limitless creative possibilities right from the start. Yellowjacket also supports velocity, channel and polyphonic aftertouch with compatible USB/MIDI controllers, and seamless DAW integration for any studio environment.

Alongside the launch of Yellowjacket, Cherry Audio is introducing the Hive Mind Preset Pack for just $9.99. This pack features an additional 100 presets designed to further showcase Yellowjacket's advanced capabilities, with a deeper dive into arpeggios, effects, modulation, and aftertouch.

Yellowjacket exemplifies Cherry Audio's commitment to providing high-quality sound at an unbeatable price. At just $49, Yellowjacket is an excellent choice for synth enthusiasts who appreciate both exceptional tone and affordability. Additionally, until May 5th, Yellowjacket can be purchased as part of Cherry Audio's "Build Your Own Bundle" options. Customers can choose the Pick 3 bundle for $99 (regularly $129) or the Pick 6 bundle for $149 (regularly $169), allowing them to mix and match any of Cherry Audio's award-winning instruments for as low as $25 per plugin.

Cherry Audio’s Yellowjacket synthesizer is available for macOS (10.13 and above) and Windows (7 or above) in AU, VST, VST3, AAX, and standalone formats. A free 30-day demo is available. Visit cherryaudio.com for additional product details, a deep-dive introductory video, system requirements, and an extensive collection of awe-inspiring sound demos.

TMP-3-03 Vintage Synth TV Series from Benge

video upload by Memetune Studio

00:00 Opening Titles
00:17 Introduction
01:27 Switched On 80s
16:14 Synthesiser Club
19:48 Commercial Break
23:57 Patching Today
35:04 Little Black Boxes
38:53 Video Lab
44:22 Outro

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

Episode three 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

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

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

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

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 detailed presentation on FM synthesis and its history, looking at the DK Synergy (as used on the Tron soundtrack), but mainly the Yamaha DX series of synths

SYNTHESISER CLUB - a very 'timely' composition, made on Moogs; a Minimoog, a Polymoog and the mighty Moog Modular 3C from the 1960s, which was used for sequences, and also all the drum sounds

LITTLE BLACK BOXES - A look at the Roland MKS Super JX, the lushest pad-synth of them all

COMMERCIAL BREAK - Some adverts for Memetune-related goodies, including the Memetune Annual 2024, the range of Memetune merchandise and Benge's FORMS series of single-synth albums

PATCHING TODAY - on the incredible Crystal Machine - the legendary double-Synthi-A made by EMS, Tim Blake, Patrice Warrener, Graham Wood, and looked after by Lucidsounds. Plus a beautiful VCS3 Mk1 and rack of EMS peripherals for good measure

VIDEO LAB - In this episode we look at the Grass Valley Indigo AV Mixer, which is the central hub of the Video Lab, and provides many more ways of getting that genuinely vintage look to the Memetune video productions

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

LINKS:

Benge's Studio Blog: http://myblogitsfullofstars.blogspot.com

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"

MC-202: The Awkward Sibling

video upload by Alex Ball

"A look at Roland's MC-202 from 1983."

0:00 Intro
1:12 History
3:31 Demo 1
4:30 The difference between a 101 and 202
6:38 Demo 2
7:30 Tubbutec 2oh2 / Demo 3
8:52 Legacy of the 202
10:10 Sample pack and Summary
10:42 Outro Jam

Musik Musik und Technik Folge 11 - Synthesizer

video upload by dandimite learning channel

Looks like an AI generated video based on ARP 2500 & EMS systems.