Cherry Audio | Mercury-8 Synthesizer with SoundForce SFC-8 MIDI Controller

video upload by Cherry Audio

"Cherry Audio's Robert Saint John shares a brief overview and demo of Mercury-8 synthesizer with the SoundForce SFC-8 MIDI controller. The SFC-8 is specifically designed for JP-8 plugins, bridging the tactile feel of hardware with the capabilities of software instruments. With the latest updates to both Mercury-8 and SFC-8, they are a powerful and satisfying combination.

SFC-8 features a solid build and updated firmware already mapped to various JP-8 emulations like Mercury-8. With its full set of pots, sliders, and switches, SFC-8 utilizes Mercury-8's key features, including layered split and dual modes, drift/detune, the arp, and up to five user settings.

More details and the latest firmware update for SFC-8 are available on the SoundForce website at https://sound-force.nl/?page_id=4789, which also offers step-by-step documentation, a Mercury-8 template preset, and a Web MIDI Control Panel for loading the software-specific MIDI CCs and configuration.

SoundForce started in 2014 with a simple idea: "Wouldn’t it be cool to control software synthesizers with dedicated controllers?" Check out their website for more controllers, such as the newly updated SFC-Mini (for Minimoog emulations), SFC-60 for Juno-style plugins, and more."

beatnic.jp Juteon-shonen BassBoy+ Monophonic Synthesizer

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

via this listing

Additional Perfect Circuit listings

You can find some interesting demos in this post, as well as additional posts here.

CLICK FOR MORE »

CME Unveils the H12MIDI Pro

via CME

Press release follows:

Today, we are excited to officially announce the CME H12MIDI Pro, a next-generation USB Host MIDI hub created hand-in-hand with our global community of musicians, engineers, producers, and gear enthusiasts.

The H12MIDI Pro is the latest evolution in CME’s standalone MIDI ecosystem — a compact, portable, ultra-fast USB Host + TRS MIDI interface designed to bring complete flexibility to modern hybrid setups.

Whether you’re working exclusively with hardware instruments or combining synths, pedals, controllers, and DAWs, the H12MIDI Pro provides a unified foundation for your entire MIDI workflow.

A Crowd-Created MIDI Brain
The H12MIDI Pro began as a user-driven idea inside our CME community. Members asked for more ports, more presets, more routing options, and a more compact form factor.

Together, we turned those requests into reality.

This device is not just built for musicians — it’s built with them.

Read Crowd Creation Story

Key Features
6× USB-C Host ports (expandable to 16-in / 16-out with a USB hub)
6× TRS MIDI IN + 6× TRS MIDI OUT - 3.5mm (1/8”) - Type A/B selectable)
1× USB-C Client port providing 8×8 USB MIDI connectivity for macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, and ChromeOS.
Up to 480 MIDI channels across host, client, and TRS ports
Near-zero latency performance, opto-couplers, and 32-bit processor
Dual-power support: USB-C 5V or 9V DC
25-LED feedback system for instant visual monitoring
Compact 148 × 60 × 33 mm chassis, only 208 g
Standalone routing, filtering, mapping, and up to 6 presets, all configurable through the HxMIDI Tools software (Win/Mac/Android/iOS/Linux) for deep customization and control.
Presale Information
The first production run will be limited to 400 units. Presale begins January 2026, with shipping scheduled to begin February 2026.


Early registrants receive:
24-hour early access
Special presale price: US$139 (regular US$199 MAP/MSRP)
Free local shipping with no import fees to the US, UK, EU, CA, JP, and AU

PRODUCT PAGE: https://www.cme-pro.com/h12midi-pro

Roland Jupiter-4 Compuphonic SN 034010

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

via this eBay listing

Additional Tone Tweakers Listings

"This unit was fully overhauled, sparing no expense, a process requiring 26 hours of skilled pro vintage synth tech time. This included future-proofing measures that will hopefully extend its life way beyond others. The value of this labor plus parts is of course factored into its price. This is a rare opportunity to purchase a gorgeous JP-4 that's working perfectly and that should make its next owner very happy."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Sid Station driven by Lightreft Monolit exploring SID textures and grit

video upload by HANJŌ

"Afternoon exploration session with 3 silver boxes, the Elektron Machinedrum handling the beat and the classic SID Station led by the Lightreft Monolit on the 2.0β firmware.

Machinedrum keeps things tight and mechanical while the SID Station focuses on texture. Bit-grit, noise edges, and shifting timbres.

Just experimenting, seeing how far the monolit can take Midi Automation over an IDM groove. #machinedrum #sidstation #idm"

####

The LightReft Monolit made its first appearance on the site earlier this month in another video by HANJŌ.

The following is a playlist featuring dditional demos, followed by some pics and details further below.

Lightreft Monolit Sequencer Demos

video uploads by Sasha DZA

Playlist (in most recent order - video 7 is from one year ago):

1. Monolit Sequencer

2. Machinedrum + Monolit : Simple Setup

3. MONOLIT x DECKARD'S DREAM MK2

4. Monolit: Quick Tips for Hardware Users

In this video, we demonstrate how Monolit connects seamlessly with synths, grooveboxes, and samplers — no computer needed.
No deep menus, no distractions — just a clean interface and immediate control.

We explore different scenarios where Monolit shines: real-time MIDI control, clock generation, note and CC mapping, automation, and even gamepad integration.
Hand-built in Japan, Monolit is a minimal yet powerful tool for artists seeking intuitive, hands-on control.

Chapters:
00:00 — Intro
00:23 — Octatrack MK2 DJ setup ideas
02:42 — Scratching on Octatrack MK2
03:07 — Note-sliders / Quantisation
03:56 — Monomachine Drone
04:45 — External controller macros setup
05:08 — Double Monolit setup
05:47 — Retro game controller
06:36 — Advanced Game controller

5. Monolit Firmware 1.2.0: Unlocking New MIDI Control Features!

In this video, we dive into the new features introduced in Monolit firmware v1.2.0. From advanced MIDI routing to external slider control and dynamic button functions — Monolit just got a serious upgrade. We’re showcasing a dual-Monolit setup, where one unit controls the other, which is connected to an Elektron Monomachine.

6. Monolit × Octatrack — Live Performance Control Demo | LightReft

7. LightReft - MONOLIT v.1.0.0

00:00 - INTRODUCTION
04:36 - EDIT MENU
07:22 - CC MODE
13:12 - NOTES MODE
17:26 - LFO MODE
20:33 - MOTION MODE
23:07 - SETTINGS
24:53 - PRESET MANAGER
26:13 - MAX/MSP
30:26 - TOUCHDESIGNER
33:29 - EURORACK MODULAR
41:29 - MODEL:SAMPLES
45:02 - CONCLUSION

Welcome to the first tutorial on the MONOLIT device! In this 40+ minute video, you’ll get acquainted with the essential settings, programming, and MIDI control on MONOLIT, while exploring the device’s unique capabilities. This session covers the key aspects of working with MONOLIT, making it an ideal guide for musicians and producers who want to master its full potential.

Main topics covered:
Initial setup and connecting MONOLIT
Programming and MIDI control
Using functions and operational modes

Dive into the world of sound with this introduction to MONOLIT! Tutorial by Tim Shatny.

"MONOLIT by Light Reft

A smart, modular MIDI computer built for live performance and smooth integration with any setup. ​

Monolit is not a controller you map once to forget.
It is a playable instrument - a physical interface that lets you shape sound through motion, record gestures as automation, and turn parameters into something alive. ​

Designed for those who don’t just adjust sound, but perform it.

WHY MONOLIT?

A motion driven MIDI instrument for live sound shaping, expressive sequencing, and gestural automation.
​
8 banks with 64 controls per preset
Real-time MIDI automation and parameter morphing
Seamless DAW + hardware integration
USB, TRS-MIDI, external device support
​
Customizable, minimal, and fast.
​
MEET MONOLIT, YOUR NEW MULTIFUNCTIONAL MIDI COMPANION!
​
MONOLIT by Light Reft is a cutting-edge, multifunctional MIDI-computer that transforms your music production experience. Designed for musicians who seek precision and flexibility, MONOLIT offers seamless integration with all DAWs and hardware devices, customizable presets, and an intuitive interface for effortless control and creativity.
​
Whether you're diving into your DAW or jamming out with external hardware instruments, MONOLIT has you covered. An endless library of presets at your fingertips—each one offering 8 banks, with 8 sliders and 8 buttons per bank. That's a whole lot of control!

For each slider and button, we present a range of versatile options. You can record MIDI automation, set delay times for slider movements, send notes and LFOs, and adjust various parameters directly within the device. This flexibility ensures that you have complete control over every detail of your setup.
​
But it doesn't stop there. MONOLIT is as versatile as you are, allowing you to connect other devices like Gamepads, Keyboards, Monome Grid , or any MIDI device you fancy. This means you can take command of your entire setup, all through one sleek, powerful interface. Whether you're crafting the perfect beat, tweaking synths, or anything in between, MONOLIT is the tool that brings your musical ideas to life with ease and style.
​
Designed and assembled in Japan, MONOLIT is ready to be shipped worldwide.

CLICK FOR MORE »

ELZ_1 play V2 x Kuro Kasetto — Eurorack Session

video upload by SONICWARE

"ELZ_1 play V2: https://sonicware.jp/pages/elz_1-play
Only a Dozen V2 Launch Edition Units with Special Case Coming in Early December — Secure Yours Now!

For this piece, I used the preset 'Resophonic Gt', a plucked-style sound with a short envelope that gives it a string-like, percussive character, perfect for melodies and short phrases.
I worked with the Wavetable engine, switching between several waves: '2 Echos' (my favorite), 'Clavinet', 'AnotherWT', 'Electric Piano', and 'FM+Crush'.
For effects, I alternated between 'Grain Particle' and 'Grain Uncertain' to add that beautiful granular texture, and used a 'Plate reverb' as the master effect.

To integrate the ELZ_1 play with my Eurorack setup, I used the Collide 4 module by Joranalogue and Hainbach to match the signal levels to Eurorack standards and to take advantage of its filter and amplifier.
I began by recording some 2 Echos notes into the Morphagene by Make Noise, then pitched them down and layered another take on top, letting the module work its magic to further enhance the sound.
I also added a few notes from different sequencers and oscillators, blending them into the mix, which was processed through the Typhoon module for additional movement and texture.

Next, I recorded several loops: Clavinet on channel 1, Electric Piano on channel 2, and FM+Crush on channel 3. Each loop has a different length, and I played them in offset so they evolve in an asynchronous, shifting way.
While performing, I also reversed playback back and forth, creating variation in both notes and texture so the piece never repeats in the same way.

For the live part, I used AnotherWT and 2 Echos, experimenting with effects and octaves. These layers were recorded into channel 4 of the looper in real time, following the same offset looping approach as earlier in the piece.
During recording, I used the Collide 4 to shape and amplify the ELZ_1 play’s signal, adding even more character to the sound, and the Typhoon module to blend everything together in a beautiful, immersive space.

It’s a piece that invites exploration, one could easily spend hours lost in the endless sonic possibilities of the ELZ_1 play and modular synthesis.

Kuro Kasetto (@kurokasetto)"

Cherry Audio Introduces Mercury-8 - Virtual Roland JUPITER-8 Soft Synth

video uploads by Cherry Audio

"Mercury-8 synthesizer builds on Cherry Audio's renowned Mercury legacy with a passionate focus on detail and modern technical advancements. Every aspect of the original hardware has been carefully modeled to capture the sound and behavior that made the JP-8 so legendary. Furthermore, Mercury-8 goes "beyond Jupiter" by offering expanded polyphony, versatile modulation options, studio-quality effects, and expressive performance capabilities. It not only captures the distinctive essence of a JP-8 but can even exchange SysEx data with MIDI-modified hardware.

https://cherryaudio.com/products/merc...

Cherry Audio and @TimShoebridge have collaborated once again to share an in-depth introductory video for Mercury-8. This comprehensive guide demonstrates how simple it is to create powerful sounds from scratch, maximize the modulation matrix, and get the most out of splits and dual layers. Additionally, the video highlights the new effects and Mercury-8's remarkable capability to import original JP-8 patch bank SysEx data via a drag-and-drop feature.

00:00 - Mission Mercury! by Mal Meehan, James Terris, and Robert Saint John
01:16 - Introducing Mercury-8 with Tim Shoebridge
02:48 - A Little Experiment
05:20 - Music: "From Scratch"
07:26 - Front Panel: VCOs and LFO
11:45 - Music: "Two Notes"
12:05 - Filters and Envelopes
15:00 - Music: "Plucks"
15:20 - Mod Matrix
16:35 - Layers, Dual and Split
18:05 - Effects
25:45 - Music: "Lo-Fi"
26:27 - Quick Tour: Sequencer, Arp, Performance, Assign Mode, and the Digital Display
27:43 - Digital Display and Expanded Settings
34:41 - Mercury-8 and JP-8: Factory Presets and SysEx Data Exchange
37:37 - Conclusion and Music: 'Timeline'"

Playlist of videos (note the desciption above is for the first video):

1. Cherry Audio | Introduction to Mercury-8 with Tim Shoebridge
2. Cherry Audio | Mercury-8 Synthesizer - NEW! - Cherry Audio and Michael Oakley Official
3. Cherry Audio | The Grid Preset Pack for Mercury-8 by Michael Oakley
4. Cherry Audio | Mercury-8: A Tour of the Presets with Mike Martin
5. Cherry Audio | JUPITER-8 x MERCURY-8 - Factory Presets Compared
6. Cherry Audio Mercury-8: Artist Demo - James Dyson
7. Cherry Audio Mercury-8: Artist Demo - Jezz Woodroffe

And two user videos:

Cherry Audio Mercury-8 Jupiter-8 Strings Pads FX VST Virtual Analog Synthesizer Rik Marston

video upload by Rik Marston Official

"My Etsy store: AhnyxianSoundDesign
https://www.etsy.com/shop/AhnyxianSou..."

Cherry Audio Mercury 8 Synthesizer 'Mercury Sunset Riders'

video upload by James Dyson

"Cherry Audio Mercury 8 Synthesizer 'Mercury Sunset Riders'

Composed with just handful of the included 'James Dyson Collection' Factory Presets that come with Mercury 8. 'More than just a Jupiter 8'

All played live and multi track recorded.

Checkout Mercury 8 here https://cherryaudio.com/products/merc..."

Natlife Sounds Black Friday Sale

"We have started a big sale for all my sounds, from 30% for hardware synths to 80% for software synth presets

https://natlifesounds.com/products/

It is includes: Arturia MicroFreak, D16 Phoscyon 2, Dmitry Sches Thorn, Korg Krome / Krome EX, Korg KingKorg, Korg Minilogue XD, Korg Opsix, Lennar Digital Sylenth1, NI Massive, NI Massive X, Novation Mono Station, Novation Peak / Summit, Propellerhead Europa, Reveal Sound Spire, Roland JP-08, Roland SE-02, Roland System-8, Roland Zen-Core, Spectrasonics Omnisphere 2, Synapse Audio The Legend / Legend HZ, Synapse Audio Dune 3, U-He Diva, U- Hive 2, U-He Repro, Virus TI2, Xfer Serum / Serum 2, SynthMaster One, SynthMaster 2 and others!"


Remember to check with shops on the right for additional Black Friday Sales!

Adam Szabo Introduces Airwave - New Roland JP-8000 Emulation VST Instrument

video uploads by adamszabomusic

"Airwave VST instrument available for PC at: http://www.adamszabo.com

All sounds in the video are made 100% with Airwave, no extra effects or processing was added, except for a simple limiter on the master bus.

These are the factory presets that are played in the video.
0:00 PL Liquid FLT AS, BS The Drone AS, PL Tranceness AS, PD Sizzler AS, PD Bendy Pad AS, FX Sync Up AS
0:22 PD Swirly AS, FX SquareRise AS, FX Boom AS
0:25 PD Epicness AS, LD Mini 303 AS, AR Golden Saw AS, FX NoiseFall AS
0:55 PD Mainstage AS, FX Big Rise AS, BS Dist Bass AS, LD FM Master AS, LD Acid Wow AS, FX Kick Thing AS
1:10 PD MrFeedback AS, PD Andromeda AS, PD SyncEngine AS, FX Star Fall AS, PD The Sweep AS"

"Step into the golden era of electronic music with Airwave, a meticulously crafted VST plugin that brings the unmistakable sound of one of the most iconic synthesizers of all time. Revered for its lush supersaw leads, ethereal pads, and driving basslines, this synth was a defining force in the trance, progressive, and electronic music movements. Now, with Airwave, that iconic sound is reborn, modernized for today’s producers while staying true to its original character.

At the heart of Airwave is its dual-layer architecture, allowing for intricate sound sculpting and massive stacked tones. Independently shape the Upper and Lower layers, blending evolving pads with sharp, detuned leads or creating complex, rhythmic textures. The deep modulation capabilities and multi-mode filters give you total control over your sound.

Airwave is available as a 32 and 64-bit VST 2.4 and VST 3 instrument for Windows."

Ambient Generative Music | Ableton Air & Roland JP-8080

video upload by Akihiko Matsumoto

"Generative Sequencer: Ableton Air https://akihikomatsumoto.sellfy.store...

Inspired by Timeless Techniques
"Air" draws its inspiration from Brian Eno's Music for Airports and the concept of overlapping tape loops. This Ableton Max for Live plugin translates these ideas into a modern generative sequencer, enabling you to explore infinite musical possibilities without repetitive programming.
Effortless Note Generation
Forget the constraints of the piano roll. "Air" generates notes autonomously, creating endless variations of melodies, rhythms, and harmonies. Your music becomes a living, breathing entity that evolves over time, making each moment unique.
Perfect for Experimental and Ambient Music
Whether you're crafting immersive ambient soundscapes, exploring experimental electronica, or composing intricate minimal music, "Air" provides the tools to elevate your creativity. Its generative approach ensures that no two performances are ever the same, offering a fresh perspective with every playback.
Features Designed for Limitless Inspiration
Evolving Sequences: Generate infinitely unique patterns that never repeat.
Customizable Settings: Fine-tune parameters to align with your artistic vision.
Seamless Integration: Designed for Ableton Live users who value creativity and experimentation.
Create Music That Breathes
"Air" is more than a plugin—it's a partner in creation, designed for musicians who embrace unpredictability and seek to push boundaries. Unleash the power of generative composition and let your music take flight."

ELZ_1 play V2 + CyDrums | Stegonaute Live Composition

video upload by SONICWARE and Stegonaute

"Live Composition in the Studio with the Sonicware ELZ_1 play V2 and CyDrums.

In this video, I’m in the studio composing and performing a new track using the Sonicware ELZ_1 play V2 alongside the CyDrums drum machine.
I chose not to synchronize the two machines via MIDI to keep a sense of freedom, tension, and natural drift in the performance, letting the track breathe and evolve on its own.

On the ELZ_1 play V2, I’m working with one of my favorite engines: 8BIT WAVEMEM SYNTH, the 8bit Wave memory. I love how this engine can shape the track through its evolving waveforms, shifting character depending on timing and modulation. I'm using the internal effect session with a ping pong stereo delay and a shimmer reverb. The arpeggiator is running in random mode, loosely aligned with the tempo of the CyDrums. I love to mute and unmute elements on the dum machine to let the track evolve.

Stegonaute

ELZ_1 play V2 | Portable Synthesizer with Looper
https://sonicware.jp/pages/elz_1-play

CyDrums | Expressive Drum Synthesizer
https://sonicware.jp/pages/cydrums"

ELZ_1 play V2 x Stegonaute #3

video upload by SONICWARE

"Wind-guided improvisation 🍁

Random Arpeggios with the ELZ_1 play V2

I don’t know if Autumn colours would affect me as much if I knew they lasted forever, or is it their fleeting nature that makes them so beautiful ?

https://sonicware.jp/pages/elz_1-play"

Oberheim Xpander XP1 JP SN 700229

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

via this Reverb listing

CLICK FOR MORE »

Roland - JP-8000

video upload by NOISEBUG

https://www.noisebug.net/

"Roland JP-8000 in excellent condition; recently listed on Noisebug’s used Reverb page"

Pics previously captured here.

Roland JP-8000 49-Key Synthesizer SN AM36257

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

via this Reverb listing

Additional NOISEBUG Listings

Update: video here

CLICK FOR MORE »

Roland JP-6 Voice Bd, 2 Voice

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

via this eBay listing

"I was in the middle of trying to resurrect us about fifteen years ago and never got around to finishing it. There's still quite a bit of parts intact and populating the sport so the chances of repair are good."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Jupiter-8 (JP-8) with Groove MIDI

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

via this Vemia listing

Note: listings are ending today with a handful extended through Sunday.

Click the auction link on top when you get there for additional listings.

"This classic synth has been extensively serviced, and is ready to be delivered or shipped to you as soon as the auction finishes. The bad point: it has one nasty mark on the front panel above the VCO-1 control section and two or three marks at the front of the modulation section, which ought really to be re-furbished sometime.

Apart from that, it is very good. Everything sounds great and works as it should, including the MIDI conversion. [VEMIA note: I used to have a JP-8 with Groove MIDI, and I thought it was the absolute best.]"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Roland Jupiter-6 JP-6 with Europa Upgrade

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

via this Vemia listing

Note: listings are ending today with a handful extended through Sunday.

Click the auction link on top when you get there for additional listings.

"Roland Jupiter 6 Polyphonic Synthesizer with Europa Midi upgrade. The upgrade really adds a lot of functionality and makes a great improvement of the arpeggiator."

Arturia & GForce Software Vintage Synth Emulation Plugins

video upload by Mamotreco

"A vibey vintage synth jam played on Ableton Push 2 using the following plugins from Arturia and G-Force Software:

Arturia CS80 V4
Arturia JP-8 V4
Arturia MELLO-FI
GForce Software OB-E
-GForce Software OB-X

Video shot on Fujifilm X-T4 in F-LOG and DJI Osmo Pocket 3 in D-LOG M and heavily graded in Dehancer."

SCRATCH FIGHTER

video upload by HOME BAKE INSTRUMENTS

"SCRATCH FIGHTER is a new musical instrument based on scratch performance using a turntable.

Although the operation is the same as scratching with a turntable, it is relatively easy to play scratches. In addition to the built-in samples, there are three sampling slots.

shop link
https://zenmarket.jp/en/mercari.aspx?..."