MATRIXSYNTH

Tuesday, July 01, 2025

Sequential Introduces the Take 5 Desktop Module

video upload by Sequential

"Take Your Music to the Next Level

The Sequential Take 5 desktop module brings the legendary Prophet-5 sound to your mix, featuring the analog oscillators and filter that transformed electronic music. Compact and powerful, it fits seamlessly into any studio and is easy to transport for live performances. Modern effects and a powerful modulation matrix deliver sounds to transport you.

Soundtrack exclusively by Take 5. Yes, even the drums! Composed by Peter Dyer.

For more information on Take 5 visit Sequential at: https://sequential.com/hybrid-analog/..."

Sequential Take 5 Module Demo (no talking) - Presets for Ambient, Melodic Techno and Electronica

video upload by Limbic Bits

0:00 Pads
13:09 Bass
16:25 Leads and Arpeggios
20:57 Misc, SFX and Percussion

Sequential Take 5 Module Demo (no talking)

video upload by Bonedo Synthesizers

Hurray... Take 5 and TEO 5 Desktop Units

video upload by Starsky Carr

TEO 5 announced here

"The Take 5 and Teo-5 from Sequential and Oberheim make fantastic desktop units. They feel like they were made for this form factor - no compromises, simply great sounding synths in a high quality enclosure. The keyboard versions may have felt lacking in keys (even though they have a great keybed) - just a bit too short for some. I found it was quite handy having one that could fit on my rack! But with these the only decision you have to make is which one is best for you.

Luckily I'm here to confuse you further (they both sound great)! The decision will be whether you prefer the Oberheim or Sequential style of VCO programming, the filters, and the X-Mod/FM. And these just so happen to be the bits I look at in this :)"

0:00 Whoo Hoo!!
2:36 The Hardware
4:37 Quick Overview - What Are They?
6:58 Oscillators
10:20 Sync
12:31 Filters
21:08 X-Mod/FM

Press release follows:

Take Your Music to the Next Level with the Sequential Take 5 Desktop Module

San Francisco, CA – [July 1, 2025] – Sequential, a leading innovator in synthesizer technology, today announced the release of the Take 5 Desktop Module, bringing their legendary analog sound to a more compact and accessible form-factor.

Building on the success of the Take 5 keyboard, the desktop module offers the same powerful analog oscillators and filters that capture the iconic warmth and depth of the Prophet-5, enhanced with modern modulation and digital effects. The module delivers this sought-after sound in a space-saving design, perfect for studio setups and live performances where portability and efficiency are paramount.

"Ever since we launched the Take 5 keyboard, we’ve gotten repeated requests for a desktop module version, " says CEO David Gibbons. "And more recently, it seems that modules have really shot up in popularity. So, we're very excited to offer the Take 5 sound in a format that everyone seems to want."

The Take 5 Desktop Module provides the same hands-on, knob-based experience as its keyboard counterpart, allowing for intuitive sound design and real-time parameter adjustments. Users can delve deep into sound creation with controls that are simple and direct, making it fast and easy to polish your sound.

This synth fits perfectly in smaller studio or bedroom setups, and is easy to transport for live gigs, positioning The Take 5 desktop module to bring its signature Sequential sound to a wider audience than ever before. It's an instrument designed to make life easier and streamline the journey to making music and having fun.

The Take 5 desktop module is available now, with a US MAP price of $1,399.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Oberheim Introduces the TEO 5 Desktop Module

video upload by Oberheim Official

"The TEO-5 desktop module delivers the same signature sounds and synthesis features as its acclaimed keyboard counterpart. With genuine analog oscillators, the Oberheim SEM™ filter, and an intuitive knob-based interface, it fits seamlessly into your setup, offering powerful, hands-on control in an even more compact size.

Music by Peter Dyer
All sounds from TEO-5

Learn more at https://oberheim.com/products/teo-5/"

Press release follows:

Compact Creativity: Redefine Your Studio with the TEO-5 desktop

San Francisco, CA – [July 1, 2025] – Oberheim is proud to announce the release of the TEO-5 desktop module, a compact yet powerful addition to their venerated line of synthesizers. Designed for musicians and producers who want the iconic Oberheim sound in a space-saving format, the TEO-5 desktop module delivers all the same signature sounds and synthesis features as its sibling, the acclaimed TEO-5 keyboard.

TEO-5 boasts genuine analog oscillators and the legendary SEM™ multimode filter, allowing users to recreate the classic Oberheim sounds that have shaped decades of music. With extensive modulations, including linear, through-zero FM, and modern effects, the TEO-5 desktop module offers new sonic frontiers to explore.

The intuitive knob-based experience of its keyboard counterpart is also carried over into the TEO-5 desktop module. And all synthesis features are still easily accessible from the top panel, allowing users to make the real-time adjustments needed to fine-tune their sound with ease. This hands-on approach ensures that musicians can quickly dial in the perfect Oberheim tone for their music.

Ideal for synthesists with limited studio space, the TEO-5 desktop module provides all the exceptional presets and sonic control of the keyboard version in a footprint that's less than half the size. This compact design allows the TEO-5 desktop module to fit seamlessly into any creative workflow, making it a versatile addition to any setup.

“The meaning of the word ‘module’ has changed quite a bit since I first designed my Synthesizer Expansion Module or SEM back in 1974,” said Tom Oberheim. “But even back then, musicians appreciated getting tons of great sounds in a compact package. The TEO-5 keyboard has already gone farther and wider than SEM, and I’m excited to see this desktop module version introduce even more people to the magic.”

The TEO-5 desktop module is available now, with a US MAP price of $1,399.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Oberheim OBX8 & Modular Lights and Shadow Puppets

video upload by Trevor Grommet

"Oberheim OBX8 with Modular Light Show & Shadow Puppets."

Stylophone Gen R-8: the largest, rarest, and quirkiest Stylophone

video upload by CatSynth TV

Store: https://shop.catsynth.com
Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/catsynth
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/catsynth

"We explore the quirky and elusive Stylophone Gen R-8, a big sibling to the Stylophone series that sported two VCOs, a multimode filter, several modulators, a sequencer, and connectivity for both MIDI and Eurorack CV. Only 500 Gen R-8s were made, and we at CatSynth are fortunate enough to have one here at HQ. We go through all of its major features, and connecte one of our workhorse Eurorack modules, the the "Euro Serge" Dual Universal Slope Generator, for external modulation."

00:00 Introduction
00:19 History and background
01:45 Overview of the Gen R-8
02:14 Oscillators
06:01 Glide function
06:56 Ring Mod and Oscillator Sync
09:37 Filter
12:32 LFO
16:31 Delay
18:07 Sequencer
20:49 Ext CV input
25:27 Conclusion

This Synth Is More Powerful Than It Looks | FRED’S LAB MANATEE

video upload by Ollie Music

"Fred’s Lab really went off the rails with the Manatee. At first glance, it looks like a weird little box but under the hood? This thing is a psychedelic sound design machine.

In this video, I dive into what makes the Manatee so unique and why it completely blew my mind during sound design sessions. 👽✨"

Timetable :
00:00 Intro
00:39 Unipolar Mods
01:56 Hidden Envelopes
04:41 Hidden LFOs
05:08 FM anything
08:23 RingMod Forest Pads
13:05 Melt in time FX
16:36 The hidden Phaser
20:11 Fake a formant filter

Waldorf Introduces Streichfett for iOS

Sounddemo/Trailer video upload by WaldorfMusicChannel

Waldorf Streichfett String Machine Plugin Walkthrough // Now on iPad & iPhone!

video upload by Gavinski’s Tutorials

via Waldorf

"The legendary String Machine sound of the Waldorf Streichfett is now also available for mobile productions on your iPad and iPhone. There is no compromise in the sound of the Streichfett for iPadOS, you will get the same fat and rich sound as in the hardware and the plugin version of the Streichfett for your music.

Perfect for Massive Strings or Delicate Nuances
The Streichfett for iOS is the perfect instrument for massive string and also delicate nuanced sounds which will lighten up your music. When you want to easily create an impressive lively sound, you simply need the Streichfett for iOS.

Create and Save Your Favorite Presets with Ease
As in the plugin version the clearly structured user interface offers direct access to all important sound shaping parameters. Making and playing music is the main focus here. With a few taps and swipes, drastic sound changes are easily made and can be saved as your favorite presets.

Deep, Dynamic Strings at Your Fingertips
The dual sound engine of the Streichfett features a fully polyphonic String Section and an eight voice Solo Section. The Ensemble Effect provides depth and movement to the String Section, while the Effects Section adds adjustable Phaser and Reverb effects. Additionally, the Animate Effect can be used to modulate the Strings Registration, allowing spectacular sound morphs.

Rich Pads and Unique Sound Morphs Made Simple
The Solo Section offers presets named Bass, E-Piano or Clavi, these are shimmering and slightly percussive sounds that blend well with the String Section. Although the User Interface is simple and easy to comprehend, it controls a rather complex sound engine which is capable of delivering rich and creamy pads unlike any other instrument."

Native Instruments Introduces MR1 Valve Data

MR1 Valve Data walkthrough video upload by Native Instruments

"Product expert Reuben Cornell takes you through the innovative features of this new kind of drum machine from cult developer 10 Phantom Rooms. MR1 Valve Data is a new approach to creative drums. Hear its raw analog tube beats and see how its drum sequencer and innovative controls quickly shift, warp, and shape to create compelling beats."

Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction
01:44 - Snapshot Examples
07:25 - Interface Overview
08:09 - Source Sounds Examples
09:19 - Sample Start Examples
10:30 - Randomization
10:44 - ABC Variations
10:58 - Mod Wheel Macro Control
11:18 - Creating Variations
11:43 - Quick Edit Overview
13:07 - Cutoff / Tune / Decay / Burn Dials
13:35 - Burn Processing
14:27 - Cut Macro
14:39 - Time Macro
15:00 - Pump Processing
15:35 - Sequencing Control
17:10 - Pan / Cutoff / Sample Start Sequencing
17:45 - Mutate
18:12 - Global Sequencing Options
19:18 - Mix / Edit / FM Page Summary
19:40 - Conclusion"

via Native Instruments

"Modular tube drum machine

A new kind of drum machine – fun and easy to use with special real-time features
155 presets based on over 300 creative samples, designed with modular tube gear
Morph, shift, and transform beats like never before with intuitive performance controls

Raw analog tube beats transformed

From 10 Phantom Rooms’ new Modular Rhythm series, MR1 Valve Data leads the way in a new approach to creative drums. The real-time features let you morph parameters with just one control, for totally fresh sounds.

And that’s not all. Get dirty, deep tube-processed drums with the satisfying analog grit of sampled oscillators, filters, and granular effects. Create distinctive beats fast with intuitive sequencer, randomizer, and mutator features. Then, warp and shape them with "burning" distortion effects, tuning, plus reverb and delay including new sidechaining controls.

Created by 10 Phantom Rooms exclusively for NI

MR1 Valve Data is the first in the new Modular Rhythm series created by 10 Phantom Rooms. Specializing in next-generation Kontakt instruments for film and media composers, the company was founded by sound and instrument designer Tobias Menguser, alongside Paul Haslinger (ex-Tangerine Dream, Underworld). With a career spanning three decades, Tobias has created sounds and instruments for many of the industry’s biggest names, including sounds for more than 600 movie trailers.

At a glance

Product type: Kontakt instrument

For use with: Free Kontakt Player or Kontakt

Sound category: Hybrid modular plugin

Number of snapshots: 155 with 3 variations each

Download size: 300 MB

System requirements: Free Kontakt Player or Kontakt (version 8.4.1 or higher). Please also see the Kontakt Player system requirements and the Kontakt Player FAQ.

User Manual PDF

You can install this instrument with Native Access – just as you would with any Native Instruments product."

This Rare Anatolian Drum Machine Hits Differently

video upload by HAINBACH

Bojidar Alaturka RITM - BOX

"I had no idea what to expect when I got this vintage drum machine from Istanbul. It looks like a classic Elka Drummer One style preset rhythm box, but there was no 'Tango' or 'Slow Rock' on here. Instead, the patterns are marked by timings, 9/8, 7/8, 5/4. I was fascinated but needed a lot more input, so I kicked of a little investigation into traditional Anatolian dance music, the history of the machine itself and the musicians that used it.

Music and samples: / hainbach

Listen to my music: http://hainbach.bandcamp.com"

00:00 Intro and translating
01:58 Turning it on
03:53 Making a track
05:39 A look inside
06:36 Anatolian Music Primer
10:31 Who made it and who played it?

Crazy Tube Circuits Mirage Demo with Synth

video upload by Bonedo Synthesizers

"In this video, we explore the Dreadbox Artemis—a 6-voice polyphonic analog synthesizer that combines vintage warmth with modern flexibility. Featuring dual VCOs with waveshaping, a powerful filter section, and high-quality stereo effects by Sinevibes, Artemis is designed for expressive sound design. With MPE support, polyphonic aftertouch, and a built-in sequencer, it's a versatile tool for any synth enthusiast."

Crazy Tube Circuits Mirage Dual Reverb Demo (no talking) - with Synths

video upload by Limbic Bits

0:00 IDM Lead (Dual Frozen Hall)
1:37 Dub Chord (Dual Frozen Hall)
2:56 Techno Bass (Serial Studio Spring and Hall)
4:03 Swing Arp (Serial Room and Shimmer)
6:40 FM Lead (Dual Shimmer and Pitch Shimmer)
8:49 Saw Lead (Serial - Frozen Hall and Cathedral
11:10 Club Bass (Dual Room)
11:37 Apex Arp (all Shimmers)
12:57 Droned (Dual Infinite)

JHS Colour Box v2 Lovely Saturation [FX w/ Synthesizers #19] Demo

video upload by gstormelectro

"Audio + Video by G-Storm Electro c. 2025

Today I am exploring various synth and percussion elements through the JHS Colour Box v2 for that lovely vintage console saturation. Or downright savage noise when pushed harder, if that's your bag. A/B comparison effect on/bypass except the last section, got lost in the moment on that one. Tried my best to mind the levels, but now and then the volume is a bit inconsistent. Some normalization applied to remedy some of that, you understand. The EQ applied some nice touches, really helps pick out some sweet spots here and there. Recorded direct on iPhone via EPM6 mixer via Go:Mixer:Pro-X.

0:00 Novation Bass Station II
0:44 Bass Station II
1:22 Bass Station II
2:01 Oberheim DX
3:10 Behringer 2600
3:45 Eurorack 208HP Percussion System
5:15 Pittsburgh Modular Taiga
6:06 Roland JX-3P via Big Sky on Hall reverb"