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 »

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..."

Bastl Introduces the Kastle 2 Alchemist 🧪 Compact Hybrid-Synthesis Instrument

video uploads by Bastl Instruments

Playlist:

1. Kastle 2 Alchemist 🧪 Compact Hybrid-Synthesis Instrument
2. No talking, just sounds - Kastle 2 Alchemist Hybrid-Synthesis Instrument
3. The most fun I've had making a video - Oscillator Sink and Bastl Instruments
4. ALCHEMIST: Bastl's super fun Kastle synth - Turbo Tambourine and Bastl Instruments
5. Bastl Alchemist Beginner’s Guide – How to Get Started - Shimmery.mp3 and Bastl Instruments



"We are stoked to introduce the Kastle 2 Alchemist – a patchable, hybrid-synthesis instrument that empowers you to explore melodies and even harmonic textures, despite being monophonic.

The Alchemist offers a range of Bastl-brewed Synth Modes – Filter, FM, Supersaw, Hypersine, and GlitchNoise – which can be combined with its internal effects and the versatile Pattern Generator. Rhythms and scales are fully customizable via the web-based app, and expanded MIDI USB compatibility adds even more flexibility.

The Kastle 2 Alchemist is the third firmware release for the Kastle 2 hardware platform, joining the FX Wizard multi-effects processor and the Wave Bard stereo sample player. The firmware is fully cross-compatible across all devices in the Kastle 2 Series – meaning the Alchemist firmware can be loaded onto previous Kastle 2 units and Citadel modules, and vice versa.

The Kastle 2 Alchemist is the spiritual successor to the original and widely popular Kastle Synth, introduced in the fall of 2016 and later updated to Kastle 1.5 in late 2017. It also inherits the DNA of the Kastle Arp from 2023, resulting in expanded musicality.

The Kastle 2 Series is often described as experimental and funky — and while the Alchemist certainly carries that spirit, this third medieval-themed instrument pushes the platform further. With carefully crafted synth modes and intuitive controls, the Alchemist expands the musical range, making it valuable in both beginner setups and complex studio environments."

Check with dealers on the right on availability.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Tempera Explained // V2 Walkthrough & Demo

video upload by Starsky Carr

"The Beetlecrab Tempera Granular Synth just received its *V2.2 update*, and it’s a big one. In this video I take you through the new features, hidden tricks, workflow tweaks, sound-design improvements and performance enhancements that make Tempera one of the most expressive modern granular instruments around.

Whether you're already deep into granular synthesis or you're a hardware synth explorer looking for fresh inspiration, this walkthrough will help you get the very best out of the Tempera in its latest form.

I cover everything from the new modulation behaviours to improved grain controls, expanded performance capabilities, more responsive pads, UI refinements and creative techniques that make the Tempera feel faster, deeper and more musical. Plus: a load of practical audio demos so you can hear what’s really changed."

Also see:

Introducing: Tempera v2.1 -- Hardware granular synthesizer

TEMPERA Granular Instrument v2.0 Firmware

Movement on the Movement Drum Computer Mk2…

video upload by Soundgas

"Movement on the Movement Drum Computer Mk2…

It’s a slow process, especially as James can only work on it in sporadic chunks of time as we have to keep customers’ gear flowing.

But this is exciting - the screen is fixed and it’s looking like we’re very close!

James writes:

“The save to tape function isn’t working and the start/stop switch needs replacing. Then just cosmetics like replacing hardware screws etc.”

Look out for a Soundgas Sample Pack of the MDC coming soon - who wants one?"

See the Movement-MCS label below for addtional posts.

HWJ - COLOUR - BACK TO BLACK

video upload by FL3SHB4CK

"Hardware Jam Challenge: COLOUR

The black trilogy: Trepanator, Bean Jelly, Dark Matter
Just to name them is scary!
Enjoy!

Recorded live thru Syntakt inputs with delay and reverb

Make some noise!"

CHOMPI CLUB CHOMPI DESKTOP SAMPLER (PINK)

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

via this listing

Additional Signal Sounds listings

"We say...
A pre-owned Chompi Club Chompi in excellent condition. It comes with original packaging and accessories.

Manufacturer's description
Chompi is a quirky, chromatic sampler and tape music instrument, inviting you into the magical world of sound design. With its unique stereo sampling engine, expressive multi-effects and varispeed “tape” style looper; Chompi is ready for immediate fun.

Special care was taken with sourcing quality materials for Chompi's hardware, but many aspects of the platform have also been designed with user customization in mind. The modular panel enclosure, MX mechanical key switches and keycaps, and DJ-style encoder knobs can all be customized and retrofitted by the user to match their own unique style.

Chompi's workflow is designed to be user-friendly and accessible to individuals of all experience levels… So whether you’ve been playing music for years, or are just starting your sonic journey, Chompi just might become your new favorite buddy!

CLICK FOR MORE »

M-Audio Venom Purple Beta Tester Version

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

via this Reverb listing

"M-Audio Venom Purple Beta Tester Version As far as I know there was only one other of these made in this color. [only two other listings were previously posted here. You'll also find a post on Venom creator Taiho Yamahda's blog. Taiho is now with Sequential.] The production units where white with orange and black lettering. I was one of the beta testers and sound programmers for this synth. Since this was a beta tester model the Midi was not fully functional when I received it. We did all of updates thru the USB however so don't know for sure if there was a change to the hardware or it just needs a firmware upgrade. Was just going to buy another production model and swap out the motherboard but never got around to it. It has all of my factory program contributions in bank C. While it requires using the editor from either a Mac or PC to program it completely it has a broad range of possible sounds. It is a very fat sounding synth."

New England Digital Synclavier Brochures

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

New England Digital Synclavier 9600 Polyphonic Sampling System Brochure

via this eBay listing

"RARE! New England Digital Synclavier 9600 Polyphonic Sampling System Brochure

Yes, this is the 9600, and yes, this is in English.

This is THE RAREST and MOST SOUGHT AFTER of the 1989 new system brochures that that fake foreign website scanned the photos from 25+ years ago to show fake systems on the website (instead of real ones like Synclav com has shown for 20+ years). This is the original source of the scan, at least for the Synclavier 9600 model. Those photos show empty boxes. Uhm, what's holding that beige door closed (no locks)? And exactly what software generates that screen image?

This incredibly rare brochure gives all the information, and shows all the specs of the Synclavier 9600. And surprise! The maximum polyphonic sampling memory is not "1.5GB", lulz.

And, lastly, Synhouse has the Synclavier 9600 in stock (two kinds, actually). Nobody else does."

New England Digital Synclavier Brochure VPK Sample-to-Disk VT640

via this eBay listing

"This is an incredibly rare brochure from the summer of 1984 (when NED was working on polyphonic sampling Synclavier to be shown October 1984 and there was no actual system in production, the few shipped were hybrids of the Synclavier V/PK retrofitted to a Synclavier II Control Unit) that shows things that NED didn't exactly make, ever.

This was their first---and last---mention of "The Tapeless Studio" meaning the sequencer (later that meant the Direct-to-Disk system). It describes the SMPTE Reader Option without using that term because it wasn't yet available and they hadn't figured out how it would be done yet (similar to the 1987 discussion of the not-yet-released 3rd party SMPTE reader for the Linn 9000, saying they weren't sure whether or not it would require additional hardware to be added to the Linn 9000....that's the sound of someone who hasn't ever used SMPTE and doesn't know what it is), and it shows a graphical flow chart showing polyphonic sampling and multi-channel outputs (neither available then as building blocks), and is intentionally vague about the "floppy disk system" and "Winchester disks", as they didn't really have the set offering for that (high density Superfloppy, not out until 1985, and 5mb and 10mb IMI MFM Winchester drives being common, neither with SCSI until 9/1985).

It describes the Stereo Option, Sample-to-Disk, SCRIPT/MAX, and different Control Unit enclosures.

Most strangely, it shows a V/PK that never existed, with a back panel that wasn't made, with Synclavier II connectors that were never used and, sadly, an on/off power switch that they never put on this $11,000 machine.

CLICK FOR MORE »

The Florian Schneider Collection to Be Auctioned at JULIEN*S November 19

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

via JULIEN*S

"THE FLORIAN SCHNEIDER COLLECTION

Auction to be held at Musician's Hall of Fame & Museum, Nashville, on November 19

An incredible collection of more than 450 artifacts from the life and career of Florian Schneider, co-founder of the pioneer electronic band Kraftwerk."

Pics and videos featuring some of the gear below, and his Lederhosen for good measure (thanks greg!).

Update: the post has been fully updated with all the synth related gear. This may just well be the longest post to be featured on the site. I wanted to capture all the pics for all of the details including notes, scuffs, and of course serial numbers. It's an interesting look into what he used, the condition he keped his gear, in some cases, how he actually used his gear. Note the phonetics on the keys of the Casio CZ-101 and DX-100. Note the Midi Switch Box with a built-in speaker? What's that about? Note the camouflage key strap on the Korg RK-100 Remote Keyboard. Did he pick it out himself or did the keytar just come with it? Note the repeat midi controllers and the MIDI saxaphones. Wind was his primary instrument. You'll find a ton of the acoustic gear he used in the other listings. This is a fascinating insight into both what and how he used his gear.

Side note: there is no affiliate compensation for this post. The note at the top automatically shows for all posts with the Auction label.


Rack Mount Sennheiser VSM-201 Vocoder

Starting Bid $5,000

Estimate $20,000 - $40,000 USD

A late 1970s Sennheiser VSM 201 Vocoder with no serial number from the personal studio and collection of Florian Schneider of Kraftwerk (see images). While it’s said that only a few dozen of these Vocoders were produced, a few examples made it into the hands of forward-thinking musical artists including Herbie Hancock, Daft Punk, and of course, Kraftwerk, who used a VSM-201 like this on their albums Man Machine (1978) and Computerworld (1981). The VSM-201 has an intelligible sound that has not yet been bested by modern gear. Includes power cable. This VSM-201 has been removed from its wooden enclosure (which bears the serial number plate) and modified with a metal rack mount casing, presumably for live use. Requires 240v, IEC power cable not included.

Dimensions: 19 x 9 x 9 inches

Category: Kraftwerk, Equipment

Provenance: PROVENANCE From the Estate of Florian Schneider

CLICK FOR MORE »

HWJ - IN EXTREMIS

video upload by FL3SHB4CK

"Hardware Jam Challenge: Desert Club 3

A techno quickie, just in time!

Make some noise!

#ambient #electronicmusic #experimental
@intellijel @busycircuits @bastlinstruments @ShakmatModular @xodesnet"

Original Black Oberheim TVS Two-Voice System

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

via this Vemia listing

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

"One of very many items from Calum Hunter's superb home studio - and probably the jewel in the crown. This is a rare black version of Tom Oberheim's classic original Two-Voice synth. Cosmetically it looks a bit tatty at first glance - but on closer inspection, the bad areas where the paint has come off in places are all just on the chassis surrounding the SEMs and sequencer. Oberheim's preparation of these areas was obviously not up to their usual standard. Those pieces are usually white, and they simply over-sprayed them without preparing the surface well enough. In contrast, look at the black section immediately above the keyboard, which is really good.
All the modules (the important bit) are actually in extremely good condition - and apart from the sequencer having four little knob caps missing, near mint.

It would be simple to respray the bad chassis bits if you wanted. The tolex, keys and case hardware are pretty good for their age. There is no lid. The mains socket has been replaced with a safer IEC one. Voltage (TBC) is UK /European.

It has been tested by Audiocircus and is sounding great."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Moog Taurus 1 Pedals - Pro-Serviced w/Restoration

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

via this eBay listing

Additional Analog U.S. Listings

"This set is in very good condition and working 100%. It has just been professionally serviced and with some restoration. It has a custom foot-switch installed so you will never need to clean the pedal contacts again. This modification (not visible) uses the original connector and has no ugly, irreversible holes drilled into the unit. It is completely reversible if you want to put it back to stock. It will be properly packaged when sold and will arrive in the condition as stated. Not sold as-is! Proof of the actual shipping cost will be provided if needed. Although this listing is marked as a US sale only, I will ship to most countries. If you're overseas and interested, please send me a message.

Cosmetically- Nothing is mint in my opinion and this one is no exception. Apart from chassis and pc boards being cleaned up, all of the black anodized screws have been replaced and the pedals have been cleaned/ polished.

Internally- Apart from any repairs, the unit has been disassembled and cleaned, all sliders, switches, jacks, and potentiometers have been cleaned (no scratchy sliders or knobs when moved), all electrolytic capacitors replaced including the power supply, the power supply voltage regluator & power transistors replaced, all screws and hardware tightened, has a new custom foot-switch assembly installed, and its been completely scaled & calibrated. I might be forgetting a few things so this may be updated."

Sublime Wavelengths: The Cosmic Bliss of FM Synthesis

You might remember Clan Analogue Accepting Contributions for Upcoming FM Synthesis Compilation Album from back in July of 2024.

Nick Wilson of Clan Analogue in Australia wrote in to let us know he is excited to report that they have finally released the album!

Additional details via the release on Bandcamp:

Q1. What is FM synthesis?
A1. The cheesy sounds of mid-80s pop music
A2. A technique enabling sound designers to tap into the underlying mathematical structures of the Universe
Q2. Can both of these be true?

Australia’s pioneering electronic music collective Clan Analogue explore these important questions with their dazzling new release - Sublime Wavelengths: The Cosmic Bliss of FM Synthesis. This compilation takes listeners on a journey through the shimmering tones, intricate modulations, and futuristic landscapes of FM synthesis. Sublime Wavelengths is a celebration of the iconic synthesis method of frequency modulation which revolutionised sound design in the 1980s and defined an era of electronic music.

The artists on Sublime Wavelengths explore FM synthesis in all its manifestations. Jacek Tuschewski and Darrow explore the transcendant qualities of frequency modulation with their expansive contributions, while KOshowKO and Boris Divjak each embrace driving rhythmic and melodic possibilities with their cosmic melding of digital precision and human expression. Meanwhile experimental harpist Kris Keogh pushes sonic transformation to the limit with a mutated strain of crushed and squished FM processing while Sussiguala creates an unrelenting rhythmic structure pulsing with dubbed-out sine wave modulation. The technology employed from the artists’ studios ranges from the classic 1980s Yamaha DX7 synthesizer, heard on contributions from Infinity Deck and BluNjin, to the newest hardware, VST synths and coding environments, such as those used by Acidalius and Marcus Newman. Sublime Wavelengths doesn’t neglect the party vibe of 80s-flavoured pop, with celebratory grooving contributions from Swinging Tasty Bag and Just the Tip-pet. The compilation culminates with the high energy sounds of Mr Rachele before dissipating into hypnotic closing tracks by Intermodd and Cylan.

The album reflects the collective spirit of experimentation that Clan Analogue has nurtured since the early ‘90s, while embracing the retro-futurist charm and crystalline complexity that FM synthesis offers. Whether you’re a synth enthusiast, an electronic music aficionado, or simply a listener ready for a sonic adventure, Sublime Wavelengths invites you to tune into a higher frequency.

Sublime Wavelengths is dedicated to the memory of Jacek Tuschewski who passed away prior to the release of the compilation.

released September 2, 2025

Executive Producer: Tieran Kimber
Design: James Wingrove
Label support: Nick Wilson
Mastering: Darren Ziesing at Millennium Mastering, except track 1 mastered by Martin Koszolko
Listening panel: Wade Clarke and Marcus Newman

Ocean Swift Launches “Sample Tester” - A Free, Instant Tool for Sonic Curation and Auditioning

Grab a FREE copy here: https://oceanswift.net/product-category/sample-packs/oscillators/

Press release follows:

Ocean Swift Launches “Sample Tester” - A Free, Instant Tool for Sonic Curation and Auditioning

Ocean Swift announces the release of Sample Tester, a compact, zero-friction instrument designed for rapid auditioning, tuning checks, and curation of oscillator-style samples. Sample Tester is available now as a free Kontakt Player-compatible tool, empowering producers, sound designers, and sample library creators to streamline their workflow.

A Tool That Speeds Up the Process

With Sample Tester, users can drag and drop a sample file and immediately hear it played polyphonically, allowing quick assessment of tuning, harmonic behavior, and musical context. The instrument:

Automatically detects or permits manual setting of the root note
Displays MIR-derived metrics such as pitch, peak, RMS, and loudness at a glance
Offers an engine toggle to compare Direct-From-Disk streaming versus Time Machine Pro sample stretching
Provides one-click amplitude envelope shapes (Perc, Bell, Piano, Lead, Pad)
Supports NKS / NKS2 mappings, compatible with hardware control surfaces
Works fully in the free Kontakt Player—no full Kontakt license required
In modern production environments, sound designers and producers often sift through large volumes of raw samples. Determining which ones will behave musically, tune correctly, or integrate well into a kit or melodic instrument can be time-consuming. Sample Tester accelerates that decision-making:

Instant feedback: No waiting for heavy DAW setup
Precise metrics: MIR data gives insight beyond the ear alone
Real-time auditioning: Hear the sample in chords or context, not just as a solo note
Flexible workflow: Works for tonal, looped, oscillator-style materials
These features combine to let creators “decide faster, tune with confidence, and build better libraries.”

Ocean Swift positions Sample Tester as a perfect companion to its Spectral Oscillators Toolkits, but the tool is equally useful for any user working with tonal or looped sample material.

Yamaha RX5 with RX5USB and custom software

video upload by Collector Current

"A demo of my custom software to put samples on the RX5USB hardware.

There is nothing wrong that I know of with the original software, I just like making my own tools!

Original RX5USB project: https://github.com/gligli/rx5usb

GliGli's demo: • Démo RX5USB partie 1 - L'outil d'édition d... [below]
My custom software: https://github.com/jacobvosmaer/rx5rom
Cool picture of RX5: https://yamahablackboxes.com/collecti...

Blog: https://blog.jacobvosmaer.nl/
Music: https://music.jacobvosmaer.nl/

Démo RX5USB partie 1 - L'outil d'édition des banques de son

video upload by GliGli SFXTeam

"Désolé pour les bafouillages, je n'ai pas trop l'habitude de ce genre de démo ^^
Voir http://forum.anafrog.com/phpBB/viewto... pour plus d'infos."

Thephonoloop's themkI

video uploads by THEPHONOLOOP

Playlist:

1. themkI | An exploration of a 70s classic
2. themkI | Overview
3. themkI | Presets playthrough

Press release follows:


Thephonoloop tweaks themkI as deeply-sampled, expressive VI exploring electromechanical keyboard classic’s imperfections with colourful Version 1.1 update


KATOWICE, POLAND: Thephonoloop is proud to announce that it has tweaked themkI — already available as a deeply-sampled, expressive VI (virtual instrument) for Native Instruments’ KONTAKT PLAYER platform housed in an MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) compatible engine built for discovery and experimentation, exploring the beautiful imperfections of a Seventies-vintage electromechanical keyboard classic — with a colourful Version 1.1 update introducing sharper contrast for better visibility alongside new GUI (Graphical User Interface) colour options for customising its look, as of October 7…

CLICK FOR MORE »

Cherry Audio Introduces Virtual Trident Mk III Synthesizer

video uploads by Cherry Audio

Playlist:

1. Cherry Audio | Introduction to Trident Mk III Synthesizer
2. Cherry Audio | Trident Synthesizer Plugin
3. Cherry Audio | Momentum Preset Pack for Trident Mk III Synthesizer

User videos:



Playlist:

1. Cherry Audio Trident: a classic cinematic synthesizer reborn! - CatSynth TV

Merch: https://shop.catsynth.com
Patreon: / catsynth
Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/catsynth

We are proud to present a detailed demo and tutorial of the new Trident MkIII, a recreation and evolution of the rare but powerful Korg Trident. Both the original and this version are really three synths in one: an analog subtractive synth, brass synthesizer, and a string machine. We go through all three sections individually and together, along with the new Motion features and effects. Along the way, we enjoy the instrument's lush and cinematic sound shining through.

2. Cherry Audio Trident MKIII Lush String Synth Virtual Analog Synthesizer VST Rik Marston

"Cherry Audio Trident MKIII - Lush String Synth!"
Virtual Synthesizer demo by Rik Marston
*Watch in HD!* *NO Talking!* *Turn it up!*

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

3. MOMENTUM PACK For Cherry Audio Trident - James Dyson

MOMENTUM is a collection of 100 additional presets for Cherry Audio's Trident Mk III synthesizer. Created by James Dyson, this Preset Pack highlights the multi-timbral combination of Trident's Synth, Brass, and Strings sections. It takes full advantage of features like layers and splits, the sequencer, and dual arpeggiators, resulting in a stunning showcase of dynamic sounds and motion for the Trident Mk III.

https://store.cherryaudio.com/presets...

Press release follows:


Cherry Audio is pleased to announce the Trident Mk III synthesizer, a stunning virtual instrument that meticulously revives the sonic capabilities of the original Trident hardware synth. Priced at just $69, the Trident Mk III offers an authentic recreation of the classic synthesizer, significantly enhanced with new capabilities designed for today’s music producers.

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Roland Cloud JD-800 - "Explorations VOL.3" Soundset

video upload by LFOstore

"We are continuing our JD Synth Family Series!

BUY: https://lfo.sellfy.store/p/roland-jd-...

Welcome to "Explorations Vol. 3 Soundset for Roland JD-800 by Saga Musix - https://sagamusix.de/

Also compatible with JD-990, JD-800 VST, Zenology and the JD-08!

Thank you for purchasing this sound set! With these sounds, I aim to explore all the many different faces of the JD-800, so you will find a diverse set of sounds, some more old-school, some with a more modern touch, some pads, some leads, some sound effects - it's all there and I hope you enjoy using it as much as I enjoyed creating it.

Before you get started, here are some hints on how to use these patches:

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Roland MC-303 | 160BPM DNB

video upload by Akihiko Matsumoto

"MC-303 Sample Pack Link: https://akihikomatsumoto.sellfy.store...

Contents:
256 Drum Oneshots
38 Stabs
16 Stab Loops
65 Telequencer Loops
39 Lead Loops
24 DNB Drum Loops
78 Original Drum Loops
32 UKG Drum Loops
27 Original Bass Loops
16 UKG Bass Loops
48 AKAI Processed UKG Drum Loops
16 Jungle808 Bass Loops (New!2025/10/3)
12 Ambient DNB Pad Loops (New!2025/10/3)
28 160BPM Drumnbass Drum Loops (New!2025/10/3)
294 Oneshots / 297 Loops

Vintage groovebox charm reimagined for today’s electronic producers.
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This sample pack is a tribute to the iconic Roland MC-303, a machine that helped define the DIY electronic sound of the late 1990s. Originally released as an all-in-one groovebox, the MC-303 offered a bold vision for accessible music-making, with digital tones that felt futuristic yet playful. Even if you have never used the original hardware, this pack brings its spirit to life through carefully curated sounds designed for modern workflows.
xemptyz

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