Rush - Subdivisions & Countdown - Covers w/ OB-X8, Geddy Lee Model D, Taurus Pedals

video upload by Tumeni Knobs

"My cover version of Rush's Subdivisions from the Signals album. Thanks to Shadowinlight on YouTube for the excellent isolated drum and vocal tracks - and of course to Rush.

I played all guitar, bass and synths on this recording. The three synths used are the Oberheim OB-X8 and the Moog Model D (Geddy Lee version), and the Moog Taurus III. The guitar is a vintage Kramer Stagemaster Deluxe 1 running through the Fractal Audio FM9 using a tweaked Alex Lifeson preset, and a Steve Vai preset for the guitar solo. The bass is a Strandberg Boden Prog 5 running through the Tech 21 GED-2112 using Geddy's setting as described in the manual.

The animation was created in Artmatic Designer.

Cheers!"

Rush - Countdown - Cover w/ OB-X8, Geddy Lee Model D, Original Drums and Vocals

video upload by Tumeni Knobs

"My cover version of Rush's Countdown from the Signals album. It's always been one of my favorites. Thanks to Shadowinlight on YouTube for the isolated vocals, Metal Overkill on YouTube for the isolated drums, Kevin Sheppard on YouTube for the isolated sound effects, and NASA on YouTube for the communications. - and of course to Rush.

I played all guitar, bass and synths on this recording. The two synths used are the Oberheim OB-X8 and the Moog Model D (Geddy Lee version). The guitar is a vintage Kramer Stagemaster Deluxe 1 running through the Fractal Audio FM9 using a tweaked Alex Lifeson preset. The bass is a Strandberg Boden Prog 5 running through the Tech 21 GED-2112 (two mono channels, Drive and Deep, are recorded on separate tracks).

The NASA communications track was painstakingly recreated using NASA's STS-1 Launch- The Complete Day video. By far it took the most time to do... I had to take some liberties, but I did find most of the bits that Rush used on the album. Cheers!"

SOMA Laboratory and The Midium announce PULSAR-23 1984 Edition

Press release follows:

SOMA LABORATORY AND THE MIDIUM® COLLABORATE ON LIMITED EDITION PULSAR-23

New circuits and custom aesthetic introduced, marking first SOMA partnership with US-based engineers STEVENSON RANCH, CALIFORNIA––23 JANUARY 2026––Local online family-run-and-operated synth shop and boutique, The Midium, collaborates with SOMA Laboratory to introduce the SOMA Laboratory PULSAR-23 1984 Edition. New bass drum and bass synth circuitry expand the current PULSAR-23 four-voice drum machine and synthesizer’s functionality, while a custom polished-steel chassis and red LED scheme accompany an all-black carrying case, red-white-and-black alligator clips, and typewritten certificate of authenticity.

“The SOMA Laboratory PULSAR-23 1984 Edition is a marriage of parallel ideas. While having aconversation with SOMA Laboratory US’s Kevin Flynn in early 2025, we forged the concept for a 1984-inspired aesthetic born from the times in which we live, as well as some well-known works of fiction we both enjoy,” says Cami Bitar, who owns and operates The Midium with their wife Erin Bitar and 4-year-old daughter Melody Nightingale Wednesday Bitar. “During that conversation, we decided that a polished-steel chassis and red LEDs would also give the PULSAR-23 1984 Edition an intensely industrial feel as seen in certain sci-fi movies of the 1980s. After its aesthetics were set, Kevin mentioned that he and Noah Jolly of Ground Grown Circuits had been developing prototypes for experimental boards for the PULSAR-23 synthesizer and drum machine. That’s precisely when the ‘1984 Edition’ looked like the perfect platform for their new circuitry. To complete the story and bring the ‘1984’ inspiration full circle, we saw that a stark black case and typewritten certificate of authenticity would round out the idea. Finally, having decided that we would work on this together, it was determined that The Midium and SOMA Laboratory would be the only authorized sellers of the PULSAR-23 1984 Edition.” Bitar adds that only 84 units will be made for the US market, according to SOMA Laboratory.

Kevin Flynn, who heads the SOMA Laboratory US Division, gets into the details. “The SOMA Laboratory PULSAR-23 1984 Edition marks the first time that the company has partnered with US-based engineers. Noah Jolly and I developed new circuit boards for the bass drum and bass synth modules onboard the PULSAR-23 in order to see how far we can push the PULSAR-23 platform.”

Flynn explains what makes the SOMA Laboratory PULSAR-23 1984 Edition’s sound and timbre unique.

“For instance, the bass drum on the PULSAR-23 1984 Edition introduces an oscillator design that produces an asymmetrically clipped triangle wave that can be driven to the point of becoming a square wave, which makes for a more aggressive and harder-hitting bass drum which is perfect for techno and other musical styles. The bass drum on the PULSAR-23 1984 Edition’s tuning range is now also wider than before, which also adds to its flexibility in use, and the “OMG” pin is now an AC-coupled FM input that enhances the bass drum’s sound design potential.” He ends by saying of the second modified module in the PULSAR-23 1984 Edition, the bass module, that it “now features a new filter inspired by the Polivoks, which is a classic analog synth made in the Soviet Union during the 1980s. That’s a key part of the ‘1984’ concept, and the bass module’s new filter has a similarly aggressive nature.”

The SOMA Laboratory PULSAR-23 1984 Edition is available now exclusively at TheMidium.com and EarwormLLC.com.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Erik Norlander Announces Keyboard Sale to Benefit the Bob Moog Foundation

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


Reverb's press release follows. Pics are via The Bob Moog Foundation. I'll be capturing some of the listings here on MATRIXSYNTH daily for posterty. See the Erik Norlander Listings label.

October 20, 2025 (Asheville, NC) – Musician, composer, and music technologist, Erik Norlander, is selling a collection of 40+ vintage and current synthesizers and keyboards on Reverb.com starting on October 6th. Thirty percent of the proceeds will be donated to the Bob Moog Foundation to support its work in education, archive preservation, and the operations of the Moogseum. Erik Norlander’s Bob Moog Foundation Benefit Sale can be accessed here.

Some of the notable synthesizers and keyboards for sale include: Oberheim Matrix-12, OB-Xa and OB-8 analog synthesizers, Rhodes (ARP) Chroma analog synthesizer, Rhodes Mark V and Mark II electric pianos, Farfisa Compact Duo CD/30 combo organ, Farfisa Syntorchestra, Korg Maxikorg DV800, Logan String Melody string synthesizer, Roland VP-330 MK-1 Vocoder, and the Waldorf Q wavetable synth keyboard, among many others.

“I am excited to offer part of my rather sprawling keyboard collection for sale to benefit the Bob Moog Foundation,” noted Norlander.

“I have been a supporter of the Foundation since 2007, and I strongly believe in generating funding to empower its work in education, archive preservation, and the operations of the Moogseum.”

Erik Norlander is an accomplished keyboardist, composer and producer with over 40 album credits including nine solo albums, seven with his Rocket Scientists project, and 11 albums with vocalist wife, Lana Lane. He serves as a member of the Board of Advisors of the Bob Moog Foundation. Erik toured and recorded with Asia Featuring John Payne from 2007 to 2014 and recorded two albums with the Asia spinoff project, Dukes of the Orient, in the years following. He toured extensively in the US and Europe in 2016-2018 with Last in Line featuring original Dio members Vinny Appice and Vivian Campbell. Before Last in Line, Erik toured with Big Noize, a supergroup featuring hard rock all stars, Joe Lynn Turner, Simon Wright and Carlos Cavazo. Erik also wrote the music and produced the album, Roswell Six - Beyond the Horizon, in 2009 for science fiction author, Kevin J. Anderson, in support of the first of his Terra Incognita fantasy novels.

Outside of the music world, Erik co-designed the UNO Synth analog synthesizers for IK Multimedia, carrying on the legacy of his design work on the legendary Alesis Andromeda analog synthesizer in the late 1990s. Erik also created IK Multimedia’s Syntronik virtual instrument libraries based solely on samples of his synth collection along with scores of sample libraries for SampleTank 4. Prior to that, Erik was the first synthesizer product manager for Alesis Studio Electronics and presided over the creation of the QS series of synthesizers, DM5 and DM Pro drum modules and several other products. He is currently the Director of Keyboard Product Development for Moog Music and the inMusic Family of Brands."

Inner City/Big Fun (Circuit Rhythm Instrumental)

video upload by Guinan

"Written in 1987 and released in 1988 Inner City’s ‘Big Fun’ was one of the first big crossover hits for House music internationally. Composed with minimal equipment and featuring Paris Grey’s iconic vocal, it set the template for many imitators and subsequent hits.

In the interview below Kevin Saunderson states that all he wanted to create was a track that could be played at the Paradise Garage, the birthplace of House. Nearly 40 years later it can still fill a dancefloor.

Much of the essence of the track comes down to the sampled sounds used. I’ve tried as far as possible to use the original sound sources for my samples and have recreated a version that fits the track into the Circuit Rhythm. What you hear (on both the instrumental and vocal versions) is recreated entirely on the Rhythm and recorded direct from the audio outs. See below for more details."

How Kevin Saunderson Made Big Fun

video upload by Mixmag

"How to Orchid" by Telepathic Instruments

video upload by Telepathic Instruments

Featuring Matt Berry and Jemaine Clement.

"Ever wondered how to Orchid? Neither had Matt.

Orchid ships worldwide October 10, 2025.

https://telepathicinstruments.com
@telepathic.instruments

STARRING
MATT BERRY 
JEMAINE CLEMENT

WITH
Porcelain Dog
Gloved Hand
Multiple Synths

DIRECTED BY
Thomas Dunphy

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Sophie Lawrence Parker

CLICK FOR MORE »

Melodic Techno V3 for Serum 2

video upload by NatLife Sounds

"Get Melodic Techno V3 here → https://natlifesounds.com/product/mel...

Melodic Techno V3 for Xfer Serum 2 – Signature Serum Presets by NatLife

Discover the ultimate Melodic Techno soundbank for Serum 2. This is the third installment in NatLife’s Melodic Techno series and the most complete one yet. It delivers powerful drops, wild modulations, drum sections, explosive effects, and aggressive leads – ready to take your productions to the next level.

In this bank:

64 professional presets for Xfer Serum 2
16 unique wavetables
Fully ready-to-use sounds – no tweaking needed

Perfect for Melodic Techno, Progressive House, Techno, and Trance productions. These sounds fit seamlessly into breakdowns, build-ups, and peak-time drops.

Inspired by Anyma’s latest performance in Belgium and the current Afterlife movement, this bank also takes cues from top artists like Tale Of Us, ARTBAT, Massano, Mind Against, CamelPhat, Kevin de Vries, Colyn, and Agents Of Time. NatLife delivers a soundbank that resonates with today’s biggest stages.

All presets and wavetables were designed for Melodic Techno V3, making it a truly unique and complete bank.

This is the absolute signature soundbank by NatLife, crafted for producers who demand authentic Melodic Techno energy."

Żłob Modular: The Trepanator and other new modules at #Knobcon

video upload by CatSynth TV

"Kevin of Chicago-based Żłob Modular gives us a tour of his latest modules. There is a prototype expander for their existing SVF Filter module; and the Trepanator, an analog “Bent by Design” experimental instrument featuring a Dual VCO, Difference Rectifier, 3-band EQ, Sample/Track and Hold, and SVF(state variable filter) all built into one nonlinear module.

To find out more, please visit https://zlobmodular.com/
For more about Knobcon, please visit https://www.knobcon.com

0:00 Introduction
0:10 Overview of modules from Żłob Modular
0:51 The SVF Expander prototype
3:05 The Trepanator
4:47 Conclusion

Please consider supporting this channel to help us bring you more synthesizer tutorials and other content.

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

Casio CZ-1 Reese bass

video upload by Collector Current

"We look at the bass sound from Just Want Another Chance by ‪@KevinSaunderson‬. • Just Want Another Chance (Original Mix) [below]

Thank you ‪@BatteryCoverMissing‬ for pointers in the right direction.

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

Just Want Another Chance (Original Mix)

video upload by Kevin Saunderson

"Provided to YouTube by Armada

Just Want Another Chance (Original Mix) · Reese · Kevin Saunderson

Just Want Another Chance

℗ 1988 BEAT Music Fund

Released on: 1988-05-01

Producer: Kevin Maurice Saunderson
Music Publisher: Copyright Control
Composer: Kevin Maurice Saunderson"

DIY USB MIDI adaptor solves dropped note problems

video upload by MIDI IN

"An issue of dropped notes when sending MIDI from Logic Pro to external MIDI instruments, a workaround, a diagnosis, a beautiful DIY solution and a piece of music rendered in 6 voices on 2 SID chips with no dropped notes!

Kevin's blog post about his design
https://diyelectromusic.com/2024/06/1...

0:00 intro
0:41 the problem
1:05 simple but time-consuming workaround
1:47 diagnosing the problem
3:22 the root of the problem
3:56 a prototype solution
4:29 a more permanent build
6:03 some music. Eastern Promise (6 SID voices)"

The Synth Sounds of Tame Impala

video upload by Reverb

"One-man-band Kevin Parker is a master of creating sonic landscapes with his guitar, bass, drums but not in the least with some trusty synthesizers. In this episode, Will reveals how the Roland Juno-106, the Sequential Pro-One and the Roland JV-1080 are used to incredible effect in some choice Tame Impala tracks. How did we do?"

0:00 - Intro
1:54 - "Nangs" Juno-106
6:52 - "Nangs" JV-1080
12:38 - "Endors Toi" Pro-One
18:39 - "Endors Toi" Juno-106
19:16 - "New Person, Same Old Mistakes" Pro-One

Watch & Win on Reverb

Rock N Roll Vintage & Synth City on Reverb

Teardrop/Massive Attack (Circuit Rhythm Version)

video upload by Guinan

"This week’s track is the ever wonderful ‘Teardrop’ by Massive Attack. Time to light a few candles, run a hot bath and get ready to chill out…..

I first attempted a version of this a couple of years ago in Logic after seeing the excellent breakdown by @GyuBeats . See his video here; • MASSIVE ATTACK - Teardrop - How Was It Mad...

Try as I might I still haven’t perfected this, but I thought it would be fun to do a ‘proper’ version using the Novation Circuit Rhythm. I’ve chopped and loaded as many phrases from the accappella version of the track as I could fit in the sample memory of the Rhythm. I think the Liz Fraser vocal is what makes 'Teardrop' so special. You can find the vocal track here (not sure how ‘official’ as it claims to be though)… • Massive Attack - Teardrop Official Acapell...

Everything you hear was programmed into the Circuit Rhythm and played live without any extra effects or synths.

I hope you enjoy my recreation (and on a Circuit Rhythm for a change). Check back soon for more tunes.

More details for synth nerds.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Nonlinear Labs C15 - CINEMATIC - the new Sound Designer Bank by Kevin Schroeder (Hans Zimmer)

video upload by Nonlinear Labs

"In this video, Tim Sund introduces all 51 presets of the new CINEMATIC Bank by German sound designer Kevin Schroeder. In this sound set Kevin draws from the full and proves why film composer Hans Zimmer has entrusted him with the sound design for his film scores since Wonder Woman 1984.

In all examples the ribbons display the movement of the two expression pedals.
The sound was recorded directly with the C15's internal recorder and was not processed in any way.

Kevin´s bank as well as the banks of the other sound designers, who have created sounds for the C15, can be downloaded here: https://www.nonlinear-labs.de/support...

Video recording, editing and presentation: Tim Sund

www.nonlinear-labs.de"

Waldorf Discontinues the Quantum MK2

Waldorf is discontinuing the Quantum MK2. Check with dealers on the right, and Reverb, on availability.

The following is a recap from the Waldorf website for the archives.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Sequential DrumTraks 12-Voice Drum Machine SN 2521

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

via this listing

"Fully programmable classic 80s digital EPROM-based drum machine, favored by the likes of Kevin Smith of Tame Impala, Chromeo, Daft Punk, and more. Great alternative to the increasingly common and perhaps now-overused LinnDrum sound. Includes all original stock EPROMs. These can be swapped for alternate sounds using existing EPROM chips, or chips from any of several chip burning services who can burn your custom samples onto chips for you — or DIY for those brave enough to tackle it.

Machine is in perfect working order with no issues. A few bumps, dents, and scrapes, but overall great condition, with only relatively light wear on wooden side panels. Newly pro serviced with jacks, pots, and buttons cleaned and lubed as needed, common points of failure inspected, reflowed where necessary and given the all-clear, and installation of a brand new internal battery holder and fresh battery. The battery powers the RAM while the machine is off to save your programs and patterns, and needs to be replaced every 5-7 years. The holder replaces a soldered-in battery and allows you to swap the battery without having to hand the machine off to a technician to remove the old one and solder in a new one."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Emulator II 40th Anniversary | Podcast

video upload by Sound On Sound magazine

"In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the groundbreaking E-mu Systems Emulator II sampler, Dave Rossum, Kevin Monahan and Paul Wiffen share inside stories of the development and manufacture of the instrument, their struggles to get around the technological limitations of the time and how the instrument was widely adopted by bands, artists and pop culture.

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
01:50 - The Origins Of The Emulator
03:59 - The E-mu Name
04:57 - Kevin's Background
08:09 - Paul's Background
11:19 - The Motivation For Creating Emulator II
16:26 - Specific Challenges
25:19 - The Challenges Of Adding Hard Drives
30:35 - How Did The Iconic Industrial Design Come About?
35:11 - Having Two Disc Drives
38:22 - How Artists Responded To The Emulator II
46:46 - Using Sampling To Create Novelty Sounds
56:08 - Kevin's Contribution To Ferris Bueller's Day Off
57:37 - The Legacy Of The Emulator II And Sampling

CLICK FOR MORE »

This is Orchid by Telepathic Instruments

video upload by Telepathic Instruments

Word is this is a project by Kevin Parker of Tame Impala.

"This is Orchid, an advanced chord generating hardware synthesizer developed for songwriters, producers and musicians to expand the possibilities of songwriting and musical exploration.

Using the synth’s unique chord logic system, users can craft seemingly endless variations of chords with ease and precision, together with its unprecedented chord voicing system that pitches and positions chords at the turn of a single dial. This process effectively expands the potential of the chords to an entire piano’s key set, not just the 12 velocity sensitive keys found on the unit.

Users can then use 'Performance' modes (Strum, Slop, Arpeggiator, Pattern and Harp) to shape and alter the chords to maximise creative expression. All this is brought into sonic existence by a rich polyphonic synth engine (virtual analogue, FM and reed piano emulation) with lush onboard ambient and modulation FX, plus a separate bass synth engine solely for bottom-end accompaniment.

When it’s time to go mobile the Orchid boasts stereo built-in speaker and long-life rechargeable battery charged via USB-C. Speaking of USB-C, the Orchid is capable of sending chords in MIDI form straight to the DAW exactly as they are crafted in the unit, or traditional 5-pin MIDI if you just want to talk straight to your beloved old poly.

Orchid. For Chords.

Video Credits:

Director + Editing: Ryan Fielding
DOP: Thomas Dunphy
Talent: Thomas Manson, Banjo Lucia + Adrian Dzvuke
Creative Team: Love & Money Agency
Production Team: Jules Weston + Sophie Parker

Key Locations:

Lucinda’s Everlastings - Kojonup WA
Golden Valley Tree Park - Balingup WA
Tone City Recording Studios - Injidup WA"

GHOSTBUSTERS: The Academy (feat. Maria DeFreitas & Kevin Wyman)

video upload by Kevin

"What supernatural surprises await our courageous, crime-fighting duo?

CREDITS

'GHOSTBUSTERS THEME' originally by Ray Parker Jr.

Maria DeFreitas as 'Dr. Peter Venkman'
Kevin Wyman as 'Ray Stantz'
& feat. Kevin Wyman as 'THE GHOST'

Drums & synths programmed on Korg Gadget"

Custom Chrome Roland TR-808 w/ Decksaver Lid

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

via this listing

This one is in via M Me.

From the listing:

"Roland TR-808 Classic 80's Analogue Drum Machine W/ Custom Faceplate - 240V

The TR-808 is arguably the greatest drum machine of all time.

This classic beast uses analogue synthesis to create its sounds and eventually become the signature beatbox used in most R&B and hip-hop as well as a lot of dance and techno music. Booming bass kicks, crispy snares and a distinctive cowbell sound made famous in the 1980's are all part of the 808 and its famous sound!

Its 16 drum sounds include the famous boomy 808 kick, snare, low/mid/high toms, low/mid/high congas, rimshot, claves, hand clap, maracas, cowbell, cymbal, open hi-hat, closed hi-hat and accent. Most of the sounds can be edited. Bass Drum and Cymbal (tone, decay), Snare (tone, snappy), Toms and Congas (tuning), Open Hat (decay). All sounds have individual volume controls and individual outputs.

Its unique sound and analogue allure has allowed it to find a long-lasting home in many forms of music. Ultimately, the 808 has become one of the more important and famous drum machines in the history of music.

Notable users of the 808 are Aphex Twin, 808 State, Kevin Parker, Daft Punk, The Prodigy, Faithless, Jimi Tenor, Dr. Dre, Jimmy Edgar, Freddy Fresh, Richie Hawtin, Kraftwerk, Jean Michel Jarre, Marvin Gaye, Luke Vibert, LL Cool J, Ice Cube, the Beastie Boys, Nick Rhodes, Puff Daddy, Prince, Kanye West, Jamie XX, Moby, Herbie Hancock, Air, RZA, Liam Howlett and too many more!

This particular 808 has a custom chrome look faceplate which gives us sort of Egyptian Lover vibes (Have you seen his custom units?). This may make it difficult to use for those unfamiliar with the machine. However, we're sure you'd be able to work it out!"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Patch Study 02 (Noise Engineering basimilus iteritas alter, ataraxic iteritas, Rossum Morpheus)

video upload by Kevin Fong

Hans Zimmer - The LegendHZ Synth Preset Demonstration

video upload by Kevin Schroeder

"Synapse Audio - The Legend HZ
All patches by Kevin Schroeder & Hans Zimmer
Available at: https://www.synapse-audio.com/thelege..."