RetroSound Studio Tour: Analog Polyphonic Synthesizers

video upload by RetroSound

"RetroSound Studio Tour
Classic Analog Polyphonic Synthesizers from the 1970s and 1980s

In this episode of RetroSound Studio Tour, I explore the sound, design, and history of legendary analog polyphonic synthesizers from the golden era of electronic music. These vintage poly synths defined the lush pads, warm brass sounds, and cinematic textures heard in synth-pop, progressive rock, disco, film scores, and early electronic music.

This studio tour focuses on true analog polyphonic instruments featuring multiple voices, voltage-controlled oscillators , classic analog filters , and rich modulation systems. Unlike monophonic synths, polyphonic synthesizers allow full chords and layered harmonic textures — making them essential in 1970s and 1980s music production.

In this RetroSound Studio tour, you’ll discover:
0:07 Roland Jupiter-4
5:54 Roland Juno-60
9:49 Roland Juno-106
14:10 Roland Alpha Juno 2
15:42 Roland JX-3P
18:21 Roland JX-8P
21:28 Korg Polysix
24:48 Korg Mono/Poly
26:59 Oberheim OB-X
32:32 Oberheim OB-Xa
35:35 ARP Quadra
37:11 Sequential Prophet-600
39:48 Tiracon 6V
41:56 Oberheim Matrix-1000

Full Studio Tour playlist:"

Korg multi/poly - "Space Explorations" (40 Performances)

video upload by LFOstore

"Embark on a sonic voyage through the cosmos with 'Space Exploration' — an exclusive collection of 40 meticulously crafted presets for the Korg multi/poly! This soundset captures the awe-inspiring vastness of space, from drifting stars and distant pulsars to mysterious landscapes and cosmic energy fields. Designed by renowned sound designer OttO K. Schwarz, this library harnesses the extraordinary synthesis engine to deliver rich, evolving sounds that are perfect for Berlin School music, sci-fi scoring, ambient soundscapes, and cinematic productions.

This synthesizer is a next-generation analog modeling device that combines the spirit of the legendary 1981 Mono/Poly with cutting-edge digital power, making multi/poly an ideal platform for creating complex, evolving, and deeply expressive sounds. 'Space Exploration' transforms your Korg multi/poly into a portal to the universe. Whether you're reaching for the stars or exploring the depths of inner space, these sounds will fuel your journey!

Please find more details here - https://ottolfo.sellfy.store/p/multip..."

Clavia Nord Lead 2X Emulation (NodalRed2x) - "Cinematica" Soundset

video upload by LFOstore

"INSTALLATION GUIDE is here: https://dsp56300.wordpress.com/instal...

Only what we are attaching - is our sounds & instructions how make it all work.
OS - you need to download yourself

PLUGIN: https://dsp56300.wordpress.com/nodalr...

The Future Is Now!
Finally famous Motorola DSP56300 emulated in computer!
The Virus B,C,TI,SNOW, Waldorf Micro Q and other famous synths were made with this baby in heart.

Please support developers here: https://dsp56300.wordpress.com/ostiru...

And we made Cinematica soundset for Nord Lead 2X emulator -NodalRed2x - with 50 sounds you are need for production of Ambient, Soundtrack, Electronica & Dance Music with integration in every modern genre.

Inside the pack:

Deepest Pads & Strings
Beautifull Polyphonic Sounds
Organic Plucks & Leads
Organic Arps & Sequences
Classic Iconic Sounds


By Nick Klimenko aka Chronos, a creator of Organica for Waldorf Blofeld & WS Universe for Korg Wavestation.

All sounds of soundset bpm syncable & modulation wheel approved.
Powerful unison basses, stunning mono & poly leads, sharp plucks, dynamic & wide arps, deep & realistic strings.

Great for soundtrack atmosphere, synth-pop & retro wave music, dance floor music.

Rediscover & Enjoy The Clavia Legacy!"

Exploring OXI ONE: Lazy Ambient Jam w. Moog Messenger, Vermona Perfourmer, Prophet 12 & Eventide

video upload by copenhagennoiselab

"'Sunday Excursion' is a relaxed ambient jam built entirely around two sequences from the OXI ONE.
No composition. No arrangement. Just hands-on exploration and letting the hardware talk.

🔁 SEQUENCING

The OXI ONE runs two independent sequences:

Sequence 1 – Rhythm / Pulse
– Matriceal mode for controlled randomness
– Drives a Moog Messenger mono synth
– Acts as the rhythmic backbone of the piece

Signal chain:
Moog Messenger → Klark Teknik KT76 → Korg DL8000R → TC Electronic Fireworx

Sequence 2 – Melody / Texture
– Linear mono mode with probability-based notes
– Drives a Vermona Perfourmer in round-robin poly mode
– Each voice slightly different for subtle movement and width

FX:
Vermona Perfourmer → Eventide Eclipse

🎹 LIVE PLAYING

On top of the sequences, chords and textures are played live on a Dave Smith Instruments Prophet 12.
The patch is a slow, restrained pad with a simple overtone structure.

FX:
Prophet 12 → Eventide H9 (Blackhole)

This is not a 'track.'
It’s a documented session exploring how the OXI ONE interacts with a few quirky synths and late-90s / early-2000s rack FX.

If you’re into hardware sequencing, probability, and letting small variations do the work, you’ll probably find something useful here."

ARPf returns to the West Coast!

via The Alan R Pearlman Foundation

ARPf returns to the West Coast!

Yep - we're headed back to California for NAMM - and more! Here's the scoop:

Events

Thursday January 22:
Registration opens for our NAMM giveaway!
Friday January 23:
Anthony Marinelli at our booth

Blue Meanie All Day: See the rarest ARP there is! Nicknamed the "Blue Marvin" after ARP's CFO, Marvin Cohen, due to its bright blue metal case and unique features - while the actual name was "Blue Marvin," the nickname "Blue Meanie" stuck! Only about 25 were made in 1971, making them highly sought after.

ARP 2600: Drew Schlesinger demonstrates patches using the 2600 software included in the Korg Collection VST
Saturday January 24
Artists at our booth - TBA

Giveaways at 4:00pm:

Poster signed by Martin Gore
Soul of the Machine CDs

And one lucky person will win the full Korg Collection 6:

Magical sounds, authentically re-created by KORG.
The ultimate synthesizer suite for the ages.

The KORG Collection is a suite of software synthesizers that methodically and accurately recreates the authentic sound and behavior of legendary KORG synthesizers for the present day and beyond. The KORG Collection project began with analogue synths such as the MS-20, Polysix and Mono/Poly, and has steadily evolved to include digital synths such as the world’s most popular synth, the legendary microKORG, the workstation classics M1 and TRITON, and physical modeling synthesis from the renowned Prophecy. The KORG Collection even includes the ARP ODYSSEY and ARP 2600, both revived for the 21st century by KORG.

In 2025, KORG added three legendary instruments to the KORG Collection – each an icon of its era, celebrated for their distinctive presence and heard over decades in countless classic tracks. The TRINITY, PS-3300 and SGX-2.

As if NAMM weren't enough all on its own - there's Buchla & Friends on Sunday, January 24.

Buchla & Friends is January’s biggest two-day collection of hands-on synths on the West Coast! If you love creative sound, you need to be here. With a pre-party on Thursday, afterparty on Saturday, and two days of exploring all the greatest gear, Buchla & Friends is an essential start to the new year.

They're gathering over 90 synth makers in one awesome Downtown Los Angeles location so you can learn, listen, and live the latest in electronic music sound production. This hands-on, headphones-only gathering gives you a chance to hear the best sounds science has ever created. From additive to subtractive, analog to digital, keyboards to breath, audio to visual, modular to full-size polyphonic, eurorack to Serge to Buchla, you’ll meet synth makers and synth enthusiasts alike.

Register on eventbrite: https://bnf26.eventbrite.com

NAMMSALE!

We're celebrating NAMM with a sale - up to 15% off everything in the shop!

Vintage 1980s Korg Mono/Poly Synthesizer SN 375483

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

via this eBay listing

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Roland JP-8000 Emulation (JE-8086) - "Cinematica" Soundset

video upload by LFOstore

"BUY: https://lfo.sellfy.store/p/roland-jp-...

Finally famous Motorola DSP56300 emulated in computer!
The Virus B,C,TI,SNOW, Waldorf Micro Q and other famous synths were made with this baby in heart.

Please support developers here: https://dsp56300.wordpress.com/ostiru...

'Cinematica' Soundset for legendary Roland JP-8000 emulation - JE-8086 !

Its very different to the most of soundsets you saw before - with all this progressive trance supersaw leads & arps - 'Cinematica' focused on 'analog like' tones:

deep basses, analog leads, warmest strings & deepest pads under inspiration of modern & vintage science fiction movies.

Preset categories:

1-16 - Strings Pads Swells
17-24 - Leads Poly & Mono
25-32 - Basses
33- 41 - Plucks
42- 49 - Movements
50 - 58 - Vintage Strings
58 -64 - Varios sounds

By Nick Klimenko aka Chronos, a creator of 'Organica' for Waldorf Blofeld & 'WS Universe' for Korg Wavestation.

All sounds of soundset bpm syncable & modulation wheel approved.

Powerful unison basses, stunning mono & poly leads, sharp plucks, dynamic & wide arps, deep & realistic strings.

Great for soundtrack atmosphere, synth-pop & retro wave music, dance floor music.

Rediscover & Enjoy The Roland Legacy!"

Korg Mono/Poly synthesizer SN 373830

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 meticulously refurbished over approximately 16 hours, resulting in an instrument that works better than the rest...and is justifiably pricier, but is ready to use professionally. The person who sold us this unit said it was working fine, but in reality, it had several significant problems and needed a full and costly overhaul, including a $200 part (and others).

37383x

Here's a list of some of the work we did to this unit:

Cleaned unit inside and out.

Rebuilt power supply (replaced electrolytic capacitors) (future-proofing measure)
Replaced all electrolytic capacitors throughout unit (future-proofing measure)
Recalibrated. All ok.
Cleaned all potentiometers.
Cleaned all switches.
Cleaned all key contacts.

If you have one of these you’d like properly restored, we can help!"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Dave Rossum Joins Bob Moog Foundation Board of Directors

via The Bob Moog Foundation

"We are thrilled to welcome synthesizer pioneer Dave Rossum to the Board of Directors of the Bob Moog Foundation, the governing body our organization. Many of you know of Dave from his early days at E-mu Systems, and his more recent work through Rossum Electro-Music, but his work extends far beyond the companies that he has created. Dave's work in SSM chip design can be heard in the Prophet 5, Korg Polysix, Korg Mono/Poly, Fairlight II, PPG Wave 2, and many others. He also invented the polyphonic synthesizer keyboard.

Dave brings with him a wealth of creative and business expertise that will help drive the work of the Bob Moog Foundation forward. You can read more HERE."

Additional posts featuring Dave Rossum and the Bob Moog Foundation

Reminder: Minimoog Prototype Exhibit, Erik Norlander Keyboard Sale Price Drop, Mini Minimoogs & More

via The Bob Moog Foundation

Minimoog Prototype Exhibit At the Moogseum This Weekend Only!

The anticipation is almost over! We are thrilled to be hosting the Minimoog Prototype Exhibit at the Moogseum, this weekend only, in partnership with the Museum of Music Technology (MMT). The exhibit will feature four ultra rare Minimoog prototypes from 1969, 1970, and 1971, as well as a host of related artifacts from the Bob Moog Foundation Archives.

We are honored to have JoE Silva, author of The Minimoog Book: The Synthesizer That Changed Music Forever: Sounds, Stories, and Technology join us throughout the weekend of the exhibit. He'll be on hand to delve into the history of the Minimoog with exhibit attendees and sign books in the Moogseum store.

We're excited to share a new addition to the exhibit. MMT will be bringing Minimoog serial number 1016 (the sixteenth Minimoog ever produced out of 12,269 units), which was purchased in 1971 by none other than David VanKoevering, the marketing genius behind the early Minimoog sales. David's Minimoog will be available for exhibit attendees to play and explore. Come get you hands on this incredible piece of synthesizer history!

Finally, be sure to take advantage of the morning tours with our executive director, Michelle Moog-Koussa. Michelle will be delving into Minimoog history as it is conveyed through the main gallery of the Moogseum. She doesn't give tours often, so take advantage of this opportunity. The tours are available for a small fee for any exhibit attendee.

CLICK FOR MORE »

KORG Collection 6 - TRINITY: The 1995 Icon Reborn

video upload by Korg

CLICK FOR MORE »

Korg Mono/Poly original (not perfect)

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.

"Pretty good condition considering how old it is - the endcheeks have the usual minor damage on the corners but the panel, knobs, keys etc are very good. It needs a litle work* to be 100%: it has probably about 4 duff keys (will need re-coating with the special compound you can get) otherwise works over CV, Internally from what I remember, it has a slight crack on the pcb which had been patched up and resoldered by the previous owner. Few noisy pots etc."

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Erik Norlander's Korg Mono/Poly Analog Synthesizer, serviced, with case SN 378257

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
video upload by moogfoundation

via this Reverb listing

"Very good condition, serviced by Rosen Sound, and includes a light-duty Tuff Case for easy transport!

Cosmetic notes: small chip in wood veneer edge under keybed, and the mod wheel shows a bit of wear. Both of these issues are shown in the images.

Released in 1981, the Korg Mono/Poly is known for its four VCOs, flexible modulation options, and unique mono/polyphonic switching, making it a versatile beast for both fat unison leads and unique, syncopated arpeggios. Its cross-modulation, oscillator sync, and deep routing options open the door to wild textures and sound design experimentation.

Specs & Highlights:

4 analog VCOs with independent tuning
Mono, Poly, and Unison modes
Crossmod, oscillator sync, and flexible LFO routing
Built-in arpeggiator and chord memory
Classic Korg 24dB/octave low-pass filter
Full MIDI retrofit kits available (not included, but easily added)
Used by artists like MGMT, Chromeo, and Jimmy Edgar, the Mono/Poly is a staple of vintage synth setups and prized for its unique voice architecture and beefy tone.

This unit was serviced by Rosen Sound, a trusted name in analog synth repair, so it’s running great and ready for action. Includes a Tuff Case (light-duty) to keep it safe during travel or storage.

30% of proceeds will benefit the Bob Moog Foundation, helping inspire future synth pioneers and preserve electronic music history."

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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

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Impact Soundworks Releases Chro-Nyx, New Virtual Synth Based on Classic Hardware

video upload by Impact Soundworks LLC

FULTON, MD – Impact Soundworks has released Chro-Nyx, a virtual synth that faithfully recreates the beloved JP-8080 synthesizer as well as elements from other popular hardware such as the Access Virus, Nord Modular 2, Korg Mono/Poly, Roland Jupiter-8, and others. With extensive oscillators, filter models, effects, and modulation capabilities, this virtual synth (available in VST, AU, and AAX formats via Reaktor Player) allows producers to create a huge range of possible tones.

Developed over the course of 5 years, Chro-Nyx captures the look, feel, and sound of the JP-8080, an early analog modeling synth that revolutionized digital music in the 1990s (most notably by introducing the supersaw oscillator).

Chro-Nyx then goes far beyond their original capabilities, integrating components from other vintage analog and digital hardware, along with unique and custom DSP, resulting in a feature-packed virtual synth workstation suitable for many genres.

Highlights of Chro-Nyx beyond the complete feature set of the JP-8080 include:

Dual oscillators with 31 oscillator types, each with unique parameters, and many emulating specific hardware

Dual filters with multiple topologies, slopes, and 5 styles available, such as ‘Classic’, ‘Acid’, ‘Lush’, etc.

18 filter drive types and a unique ‘BOOST’ mode that allows for extreme distortion and circuit bending-style effects

Dual LFOs that can go from extremely slow to audio rate speeds

Combination step sequencer and arpeggiator with optional trance gate

16-slot modulation matrix with Eurorack-style math sources also available

Dual effects slots with 29 modules available including shimmer reverbs, choruses, waveshapers, etc.

External audio input for processing through the full signal chain

Analog-modeled Pre and Post-FX EQs

8080-style vocoder with expanded controls, as well as 12-band resonant filterbank

Chro-Nyx was developed in partnership with Jasper Broeks (Chrono), a DJ, hardcore artist, and programmer who has worked with numerous well-known artists and performed at many festivals around the world. He creates his own synths under the Pulsecraft name.

“As an EDM musician myself, I’ve been collecting both softsynths and hardware for over 20 years, which is how I know that it takes a lot for a new synth to stand out. But having spent over 50 hours producing with Chro-Nyx, I’m in love, and I can’t wait to hear how other musicians use it!” CEO and owner Andrew Aversa said.

Chro-Nyx is available at the Impact Soundworks store for a limited-time introductory price of $79 (MSRP $99). Crossgrades are available for some customers.

Learn more here: https://impactsoundworks.com/product/chro-nyx/

Korg Mono/Poly „secret” key assign mode basics #korgmonopoly

video upload by analogia pl

Korg Mono/Poly tips and tricks.

Wolvap Metal Distortion processing synthezisers/drum machine

video upload by AVP Synth

"Wolvap Metal Distortion effects pedal is designed using analog circuitry and precision high-quality components. It can produce a wide range of powerful sounds rich in harmonics to achieve distortion with high gain. Features three EQ bands – LOW, MID, HI. The METAL DISTORTION allows you to adjust the sound of your instruments over a wide range of spectrum.

Metal Distortion processing various synthesizers. [Korg Mono/Poly, Yocto Roland TR-808 clone]

Product page: www.avpsynth.com"



Wolvap Metal Distortion
This effects pedal is designed using analog circuitry and precision high-quality components. The METAL DISTORTION can produce a wide range of powerful sounds rich in harmonics to achieve distortion with high gain. It features three powerful EQ bands – LOW, MID, HI. The METAL DISTORTION allows you to adjust the sound of your instruments over an extremely broad spectrum.

Main features:

LOW control - provides up to 15dB of cut and boost in the bass frequency range

MID control - provides up to 15dB of cut and boost in the middle frequency range

HI control - provides up to 10dB of cut and boost in the treble frequency range

Input Impedance - 1 MΩ

Output impedance - 500 Ω

Recommended Load Impedance - 10 kΩ or greater

Power Supply – DC adapter 9V (center negative)

Current draw – 50 mA

Dimensions – 160(W) x110(D) x60(H) mm

Weight – 600 g

DC adapter 9V (not included)

Korg Mono/Poly MP-4 4VCO Synthesizer with Hardcase

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

via this listing

"Fully tested, perfect working condition."

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Korg Mono/Poly

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

via this Reverb listing

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Korg Mono/Poly w/ Midipoly MIDI Retrofit

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

via this Reverb listing

"🔥 Korg Mono/Poly MIDI Modded + Fully Serviced + Custom Cover

• Fully serviced (invoice included)
• Midipoly MIDI retrofit installed
• Custom nylon dust cover included

The Korg Mono/Poly is a vintage analog dream machine:
• 4 VCOs for lush polyphonic chords or powerful unison mono leads
• Legendary Korg VCF filters
• 2 LFOs, built-in arpeggiator & sequencer
• Chord memory, oscillator sync tricks, portamento, CV/Gate
• Assignable pitch/mod wheels (LFO, pitch, filter)

Rich, punchy, warm analog tones — perfect for basses, leads & textures. A studio and stage weapon."

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