The Gritty 80s Digital Synth Nobody Talks About | Kawai K1m

video upload by Ian Dixon

"The Kawai K1m is a 1988 digital synth module with no resonant filters and no built-in effects, but it still has a distinctive late-80s character that makes it much more interesting than the spec sheet suggests.

In this video I take a first look at my Kawai K1m, explore the four-source sound architecture, PCM samples, additive-style wave building, joystick control, factory presets, multi mode and external effects, then try building a new patch from scratch.

Chapters:
00:00 Why the Kawai K1m is interesting
00:24 K1m overview and why I bought it
01:38 Dry sound and synth architecture
02:28 Four-source patches and muting parts
03:20 Waves, PCM samples and additive-style synthesis
05:10 Drum samples and looped waveforms
06:55 Programming controls, envelopes and joystick
07:59 Polyphony and the gritty K1m character
08:56 Factory sounds and D-50-style bells
09:59 Vocal sounds, effects and Miami Vice references
12:56 Editing patches with the software editor
14:10 Multi mode and layered performances
15:02 Building a new K1m patch
17:57 Is the Kawai K1m worth buying today?
19:08 What should I do next with the K1m?"

The Man Behind Knobcon and STG muSonics

video upload by Ian Dixon

"Suit & Tie Guy joins me for a TDL Synth Chat covering STG muSonics, Knobcon, modular synth history, why he moved away from software-based music making, and the stories behind his hardware design work.

Suit & Tie Guy is the founder of Knobcon and the person behind STG Soundlabs / STG muSonics. In this long-form synth podcast we talk about early computer music, Numerology, hardware sequencing, the move from software to dedicated instruments, module design, the muSonics story, and why in-person synth events still matter.

Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:49 Suit & Tie Guy joins the show
02:07 Early music work and Mac game scoring
06:31 Numerology and analogue sequencing ideas
08:46 Live rigs, Hammond-style controllers and Manchester
11:35 Moving from software to hardware
14:07 KiCad, modular design and prototyping
17:35 Why dedicated hardware matters
20:40 Building a video studio for music technology
23:20 The Lyall four-voice synth and rare hardware
26:43 STG Soundlabs, mythology and muSonics
30:55 What muSonics is and why the name matters
33:37 Finishing the Moog 900-series idea
36:34 Knobcon and planning a part two
39:32 Synth communities and real-world connections
42:01 Sound design plans for the next chat

Knobcon:
https://www.knobcon.com/

muSonics / STG muSonics store:
https://musonics.square.site/

Suit & Tie Guy’s site also links the muSonics newsletter:
https://suitandtieguy.com/

#SuitAndTieGuy #STGmuSonics #Knobcon #SynthPodcast #ModularSynth #Synthesizer #SoundDesign #TDLSynthChat"

Distinctive Blue – Original 80s Synth-Pop Instrumental

video upload by Ian Dixon

"Distinctive Blue is an original 80s-inspired synth-pop instrumental built around driving bass, bright digital textures, layered synths and the polished electronic sound of the mid-1980s.

The track was created using a mixture of vintage and new synthesizers, combining vintage-inspired sounds, rhythmic sequences, atmospheric pads and melodic synth lines.

For this video, I wanted to show the actual instruments behind the music coming alive as the arrangement develops — from the first synth parts through to the full final mix.

🎹 Written, performed and produced by Ian Dixon.

Let me know in the comments what Distinctive Blue reminds you of and which synth sound stands out most.

Available on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/3R1Pob...
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/dist...
Amazon: https://music.amazon.co.uk/albums/B0H...

#Synthpop #80sMusic #ElectronicMusic #Synthesizer #InstrumentalMusic"

nonlinear circuits spectrum shaper

video upload by cirtcele

"I'm still learning how to use this thing but here are some excerpts from a patch with Tinkle and FM OP via Product wavefolder both fed into the Spectrum Shaper."

via nonlinear circuits

"36 channel voltage controlled comb filter aka string filter.

This module has some history. In 2018, I was part of a team putting on a show with CellF at the Todays Art festival in Den Haag. I popped down to Rotterdam to visit Dennis (aka Mono-Poly) and his studio of vintage lab gear. Dennis had an incredible patch going centred around a Bruel & Kjaer 36 channel Spectrum Shaper. Listen to his album Testlab to hear how it sounds. I just knew I had to make something like it one day. This type of filter is often called a ‘String filter’, used to emulate stringed instruments tho don’t feel limited by that.

Fast forward to 2026, I read an AES paper by R. Burhans describing his 36 channel comb filter. It reminded me there were some designs in Electronotes, so I looked them up and discovered they were both inspired by and heavily influenced by Burhans, particularly in terms of the comb filter frequencies and spacing. One was a 40 channel version by Ian Fritz using transistor based filters. He had an interesting mod, originally suggested by Lester Ludwig, where each set of 6 filters had a feedback pot. Some screenshots from these articles are at the end of this build guide. The relevant Electronotes issues 107, 115 and 116 can be found online.

The Bernie Hutchins design used 39 regular op amp based filters, along with Ian’s feedback per 6 filters mod and added an inverter so the feedback could be positive or negative (so, centre off). Negative feedback ‘flattens’ the peaks somewhat and smears the sound, positive feedback makes the peaks narrower and higher (if tuned for it, you can make them self-oscillate, see notes). Bernie also added a noise gate on the output, summing 39 channels is always going to be noisy.

CLICK FOR MORE »

How to Get That 80s Analog Bell Sound (Korg Multi/Poly Tutorial)

video upload by Ian Dixon

Follow-up to Turn the Korg Multi/Poly Into a Vintage String Machine

"In this tutorial, I'll show you how to recreate those classic 80s synth-pop analog bells on the Korg Multi/Poly. Taking inspiration from the legendary Roland JX-10 (which is essentially two JX-8P synths in one box), we’ll dive into how to layer oscillators and use component modeling to achieve that iconic hollow, phasing tone.

Whether you're using the Multi/Poly or any other analog synth, these sound design principles will help you nail that vintage vibe. We’ll start from an initialized program and walk through everything from pulse width modulation and detuning to filter shaping and adding that essential chorus and delay.

Key Topics Covered:

Setting up square/pulse waveforms for a hollow bell tone.
Detuning techniques to mimic analog voice cards.
Shaping the sound with 24dB low-pass filters and envelopes.
Adding stereo depth using chorus, cross-delay, and stereo filters.
Experimenting with octaves and subtle noise for extra texture."

Timestamps
0:00 - Introduction to Synth Pop Bells
0:49 - Starting from an Initialized Program
1:18 - Oscillator Setup: Pulse Width & Waveforms
1:35 - Detuning for Analog Character
2:25 - Shaping the Bell with Filter Envelopes
3:30 - Adding Effects: Chorus, Delay & Reverb
4:21 - Testing Ring & Cross Modulation
5:04 - Adding Subtle Noise Texture
5:24 - Layering Octaves for Depth
7:18 - Stereo Filter & Panning Tips
7:56 - Adding Pitch Drift & Final Touches
8:40 - Outro & Suggest Your Ideas!

Turn the Korg Multi/Poly Into a Vintage String Machine

video upload by Ian Dixon

"Turn the Korg Multi/Poly into a classic vintage string machine, complete with lush ensemble strings and a powerful split bass — using only the hardware front panel.

In this tutorial, I build the complete performance from an initialized sound, creating a Solina-style string layer with multiple oscillators, filtering, ensemble modulation, phaser and stereo delay. I then add a detuned synth bass on Layer B and use key zones to create a playable strings-and-bass keyboard split.

Everything is programmed directly on the Multi/Poly — no software editor required.

What you’ll learn
Build lush vintage string-machine tones from scratch
Layer oscillators across octaves for a richer ensemble sound
Use high-pass filtering to shape classic string textures
Add ensemble, phaser and stereo delay for width and movement
Create a detuned sawtooth bass on a second layer
Set up key zones for a strings-and-bass split
Balance the layers and add spacious reverb

Timestamps

0:00 – Introduction and finished sound
0:35 – Building the string layer
1:50 – Multi-oscillator octave layering
2:55 – Ensemble and modulation effects
4:15 – Adding stereo delay and width
5:00 – Choosing and shaping the reverb
6:40 – Building the bass layer
7:30 – Creating the keyboard split with key zones
9:30 – Final performance and wrap-up"

60 New D-50 Inspired Performances for Your Korg Wavestate

video upload by Ian Dixon

"In this video, I'm demonstrating my new 'D-50 Collection' sound pack designed for the Korg Wavestate, Wavestate Native, and Wavestate Module. Inspired by the late 80s LA synthesis of the Roland D-50, these 60 performances and 170+ programs use the Wavestate's native samples and 4-layer architecture to recreate that distinctive, bright hybrid sound.

I’ll be walking through some of the classic recreations like Fantasia, Staccato Heaven, and Soundtrack, as well as original sounds built using the same D-50 concepts.

Pack Details:

60 Performances & 170+ Programs
No external samples required (uses built-in Wavestate samples)
Compatible with hardware and native versions

[Link to Full Pack] – https://shopify.thedigitallifestyle.c...

[Link to Free Version] – https://thedigitallifestyle.com/w/dow..."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Korg Opsix: Beyond FM with Wave Shaping

video upload by Ian Dixon

"In this Korg Opsix tutorial, I dive deep into the Wave Shaper effect—a feature inspired by the classic Korg 01/W. Discover how to move beyond standard FM synthesis to create complex, harmonically rich textures, including PPG-style vocal pads and D-50-inspired bell tones.

I explore how to use parallel routing and internal filters to tame these aggressive waveforms, turning digital noise into playable, lush patches. Whether you're looking for gritty bass or shimmering pads, the wave-folding capabilities of the Opsix open up a whole new world of sound design."

Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction: Creating PPG-style vocal sounds
00:57 – Setting up a Stacked Algorithm for parallel routing
01:20 – What is Wave Shaping? (Origins from the Korg 01/W)
02:05 – Analyzing different Wave Shaper types and harmonics
03:45 – Designing D-50 style bell pads with high harmonics
05:30 – Using Operator Filters to shape complex waves
07:30 – Starting with Sawtooth waves for digital overtones
09:55 – Creating a vocal wavetable sound with Band Pass filters
10:45 – Detuning operators for a thicker, layered sound
12:00 – Adding high-pitched bell overtones with additional operators
14:35 – Final thoughts and experimentation tips

Previously:

Can the Korg Opsix Recreate the Roland D-50?

video upload by Ian Dixon

"Can the Korg Opsix recreate the sound of the legendary Roland D-50 without using samples? In this video I build a D-50-inspired patch from scratch, using nothing but FM synthesis, wave shaping, layering and effects to see just how close the Opsix can get to Roland's classic LA synthesis sound.

Along the way I break down the patch step by step, recreating the D-50's signature combination of organ, bell tones and bright "spectrum" textures. Rather than copying a preset, this is a practical sound design walkthrough that explains why these layers work and how you can apply the same techniques to your own patches."

⏱️ Timestamps

0:00 – Intro — Can the Opsix recreate a Roland D-50?
0:18 – What makes the D-50 sound? LA synthesis explained
0:33 – Breaking down the layers: organ, bells and spectrum fizz
0:50 – Choosing the algorithm: why Algorithm 24 gives flexibility
1:33 – Building the organ layer with additive waves
2:26 – Detuning for classic D-50-style width
3:12 – Shaping the organ envelope
4:35 – Creating the bell layer with FM ring modulation
5:18 – Bell envelope programming
6:07 – Listening to the original Roland D-50 bell
6:59 – Building the spectrum-style layer
7:42 – Wave shaping and filtering
8:51 – High-pass filtering to recreate the D-50 texture
9:33 – Balancing the layers
10:12 – Master filtering
11:10 – Experimenting with a noise-based layer
12:37 – Refining the bell envelopes
13:07 – Adding chorus, delay and reverb 14:00 – Soloing each layer
15:01 – Final thoughts — Did we get close?

Why Everyone Wanted an E-mu Emulator (The Story Behind the Icon)

video upload by Ian Dixon

"The E-mu Emulator is one of the most influential musical instruments ever made. From Pet Shop Boys and Depeche Mode to Genesis, Rush and countless film composers, the Emulator helped define the sound of the 1980s. In this episode of TDL Synthchat, I'm joined by Peter James Steven from the Pro Synth Network to explore the complete history of the Emulator family, from the original Emulator I through the legendary Emulator II, Emulator III, Emax, Proteus and beyond.

Peter owns several original Emulators and even helped develop the Emulator 5 "Vampire Rack", giving him a unique insight into the evolution of E-mu's groundbreaking samplers. We discuss the iconic string sounds, why the Emulator still has such a devoted following, how it compares with the Fairlight, and why many musicians still believe nothing quite captures the original hardware.

If you're interested in vintage synthesizers, classic samplers, 80s music production or electronic music history, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

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Vintage Synth Room Tour - Oberheim, Roland, Moog, Sequential (with Ian Manhire)

video upload by Patrick The Pack Rat

"Part two from Ian's episode of Record Rooms. Extended ad-free episodes on Patreon - / patrick_thepackrat"

Part one with the mystery synth here.

Mystery Synth: What Is This Synth?

We haven't had a Mystery Synth in a while. See if you can identify this one. It's in the video below but never quite revealed, so feel free to watch w/o a spoiler. Hint: the LEDs threw me off.

P.S. See the Mystery Synths label at the bottom of this post for more.


Record Rooms - Ian Manhire (power pop, italo-disco, glam, synth)

video upload by Patrick The Pack Rat

Update: also see Vintage Synth Room Tour - Oberheim, Roland, Moog, Sequential (with Ian Manhire)

🎹 🔊 Random Roland 100m sounds n' clips #roland #Japan #synth #100m #sounds #music #analog

video upload by Ian Nieman

"Here are some random sounds and clips using a single 100m ... if you have questions, comments, feel free to ask away ✌🏻"

🎹 Arp 2500 - "Viewer Question" video #synth #arp2500 #filter #music #analog #modular #ARP

video upload by Ian Nieman

"Today I am answering a viewer comment/request. If there is something you want to know feel free to ask away and I will try and respond. Can be about synths, music, production, previous stuff I have done etc ..."

Also see 🎹 🤿Arp 2500 - "Deep Dive" into the 1047 Multimode Filter/Resonator #synth #arp2500 #filter #music

True Trance Sounds V4 for Arturia JUP-8000 V by NatLife

video upload by NatLife Sounds

"Product Link: https://natlifesounds.com/product/tru...

Let's welcome True Trance Sounds V4 for Arturia JUP-8000 V by NatLife.

Version 4 is an absolute True Trance blockbuster of sounds for Arturia JUP-8000 V. An exceptional set of diverse sounds was created for this installment, which perfectly complement each other. Every sound is steeped in the atmosphere of 90s Trance, the era when it was born and sounded incredibly inspiring.

The soundbank contains 70 Trance presets & patches for JUP-8000 V, which are:

4 Special voice-type AAH sounds
2 new ARP's
17 Punchy Basslines, which include special Uplifting Trance Basses and the deepest Basses
3 Unusual FX's for your transition
13 absolutely incredible Leads, in which you will find everything from new Supersaw's to Vintage-inspired, poignant Lead sections
14 super deep Pads that will take you from Classic Trance pads to the most unusual and deep atmospheres
12 of the Most Beautiful Plucks Ever Created
3 Sequences packed and ready to go
2 Synth sounds

All of this was created with absolute love for the true and divine Trance music that we all fell in love with in the 90s, and so that you could enjoy these beautiful sounds that take us back to that golden era.

Timeline:
00:00 - NatLife - Fly To The Sky
00:56 - Armin - Communication (NatLife rework)
02:20 - NatLife - Back to Borki (in 90s chilhood)
03:16 - Plastic Boy - Sylver Bath (NatLife 2026 rework)
04:13 - Ian Van Dahl - Castles In The Sky (NatLife rework)
05:09 - Chakra - Love Shines Through (NatLife 2026 rework)
06:07 - Rank 1 - Airwave (NatLife 2026 rework)"

🎹 🤿Arp 2500 - "Deep Dive" into the 1047 Multimode Filter/Resonator #synth #arp2500 #filter #music

video upload by Ian Nieman

"Contents :

00:00 Intro
00:35 Keyboard Percussion Overview
01:04 Sequencer Starts
06:08 Low Pass Filter
07:10 High Pass Filter
08:16 Notch Filter
09:05 Envelope Modulation
12:30 Filter Bypassed
12:410 Filter Engaged
14:40 Band Pass Filter
16:25 Different VCO Waveforms
16:56 Roland TB-303?
18:48 Outro

Hey Guys! We are back with a new DEEP DIVE into the Arp 2500 - 1047 Multimode Filter/Resonator created by Dennis Colin in 1971."

Ultimate Guide to a vintage RA Moog IIIP (1969) #moog #synth #USA #music #modular #YouTube #follow

video upload by Ian Nieman

"Timeline :

00:00 Intro
00:09 General overview of the cabinets
04:48 Brief history of Moog portable cabinets
05:48 901-B Oscillator
06:45 901-A Oscillator Controller
07:27 CP3 Mixer
07:54 Reverb
08:28 907 Fixed Filter Bank
10:11 902 Voltage Controlled Amplifier
10:20 904-A Low Pass Filter
14:01 904-B High PassFilter
16:14 904-C Filter Coupler
19:58 903-A Random Signal Generator
20:21 991 Filter and Attenuator
21:44 984 Four Channel Mixer
24:31 970 Metronome
25:46 Mic Preamp
27:38 952 Keyboard Controller
27:44 Patch #1 Explanation
28:38 Patch #1 Sound starts (basic)
32:34 Patch #2 Explanation
32:56 Patch #2 Sound starts
34:39 Playing with 911
36:04 Droning with Portamento
38:53 Outro ... and thanks :)

As Promised, here is the "extended cut" of my RA Moog IIIP (1969). I go through the overall layout of the system, a brief history on Moog portable cabinets, a demonstration of the different modules, and finally a few sound examples. I will admit, time gets lost when not following a script, so the chapters keep things moving along :). Thanks for the all the views, comments, likes etc .. I really appreciate it!!

Be sure to follow me on Instagram to see lots of photos of synths and recording stuff!!

https://www.instagram.com/iannieman/"

Polyfusion Modular walkthrough ~ #modular #synth #analog #music #tools #polyfusion #ramoog

video upload by Ian Nieman

0:00 Intro
2:14 4 VCOS
4:00 VCO Overview
7:25 Low Pass Filter
8:28 LFO Module
9:58 Dual Sequencer Row
11:23 Band Pass Filter
15:16 Formant Filter
19:37 Parametric EQ
22:30 Phase Shifter
24:30 Dual VCA
26:32 Dual Ring Mod
29:06 Random Signal Generator
30:18 Octave Divider
31:16 Summary (Reverb, Quantizer etc ...)

Arp 2500 - Overview

video upload by Ian Nieman

Complete ROLAND SYSTEM 700 (7 Blocks)

video upload by Ian Nieman

This one is in via John L Rice.

"Here is a short video showing the layout and module configuration of a complete ROLAND SYSTEM 700. Be sure to check out @AlexBallMusic channel for more info on how the 700 functions, and some sound demos. If you are interested in general tutorials on how to use a synthesizer be sure to head over to @anthonymarinellimusic Youtube channel, or check out his "Think Like A Synth" program.

** This video is unedited, no script. One camera, one take, so if there are mistakes sorry for that :)"

ROLAND SYSTEM 700 - what does it sound like??

video upload by Ian Nieman

0:00 - Intro
3:10 - Sequencer Starts
10:20 - Using Keyboard Controller
11:40 - Portamento
22:29 - Mono Phase Shifter
25:15 - Outro

"Just going through some basic routing to illustrate the sound (sonic) of the System 700 Maincab (Block 1). No external FX etc ... direct into Protools. My intent is to let you hear what a 700 actually sounds like. Hopefully you have half decent speakers etc ... I do notice a bit or distortion, mostly caused by the Reverb tank being overdriven!

Because this was a 'live' and do notice I didn't go through all the modules, but again that wasn't my focus.

Thanks~~

Sorry the autofocus was stuck.
** Not intended to be a "performance" in an way or instruction on how to use a 700 :)

#roland #rolandsystem700 #synth #synthesizer #analog #Japan #music #producer #tools"

Quick Look at the Polyfusion Series 2000

video upload by Ian Nieman

"Happy New Year~. Let's start the year off with a Quick Look at my Polyfusion Modular. When I get time I will make a video so you guys can hear it in action. Thanks!"

This one is in via John L Rice.