RetroSound Studio Tour: Classic Analog String Machines from the 70s and 80s

video upload by RetroSound

"Step inside RetroSound Studio for an in-depth studio tour focused on classic analog string machines from the golden era of the 70s and 80s.

In this video, I showcase my collection of vintage string synthesizers, legendary analog ensemble keyboards that shaped the sound of disco, prog rock, synth-pop, ambient, and early electronic music. These iconic instruments are known for their lush chorus effects, warm analog tone, and unmistakable vintage character.

From rare string machines to well-loved classics, this studio tour is a deep dive into the history, sound, and vibe of analog synth technology that continues to inspire modern music production today.

Whether you’re a synth enthusiast, producer, collector, or just love retro sounds, this tour of RetroSound Studio highlights why analog string machines remain timeless.

Stringmachine list:
0:07 Logan String Melody 2
1:30 Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus Mk2
4:38 Crumar Performer B
7:53 Korg EPS-1
10:03 ARP Quadra
13:50 Rmif Opus
15:29 Elektronika EM-26

The analog string machine playlist:"



Shop: https://retrosound.creator-spring.com/
Bandcamp: https://retrosound.bandcamp.com/"

RetroSound Studio Tour: The Drum Machines

video upload by RetroSound

"Welcome to the heartbeat of RetroSound Studio
Explore legendary vintage drum machines like the Roland TR-808, LinnDrum, Simmons SDS-8 and more in this classic drum machine studio tour.

From analog rhythm boxes to early digital drum machines that shaped electronic music history.
Now step inside the studio and explore a legendary collection of classic drum machines that shaped electronic music, hip-hop, synth-pop, house, and early techno.

In this studio tour, we showcase iconic rhythm machines including the Roland TR-808, TR-707, TR-606, Boss DR-55, Boss DR-110, Boss DR-220A, Boss DR-220E, Keio Minipops Junior, LinnDrum LM-2, Sequential Circuits Drumtraks, Korg KR-55B, Simmons SDS-8, and the rare Solton Programmer 24.
These vintage drum machines defined the sound of the 70s, 80s, and early 90s — from deep analog kicks and crunchy digital snares to iconic patterns still used in modern music production today. Every machine in this video is fully functional, synced, and used in real studio workflows.

Perfect for fans of vintage drum machines, analog rhythm boxes, classic electronic music gear, retro studio tours, and old-school beat making."

The Drum Machine list:
0:06 Roland TR-808
1:06 Roland TR-707
1:59 Roland TR-606
2:37 Boss DR-55
3:40 Boss DR-110
4:28 Boss DR-220A
5:14 Boss DR-220E
6:04 Keio Minipops Junior
7:50 Korg KR-55B
8:55 Sequential Circuits Drumtraks
11:24 LinnDrum LM-2
12:48 Simmons SDS-8
14:49 Tama TSQ-1000
15:37 Solton Programmer 24

Shop: https://retrosound.creator-spring.com/
Bandcamp: https://retrosound.bandcamp.com/"

Famous Minimoog Songs ~ Sniff 'n' The Tears Drivers Seat ~ Vintage Synth Recreation

video upload by RetroSound

"(c)2007-26 by RetroSound
supported by UVI: http://bit.ly/retrosound-uvi

We’re diving into the Minimoog’s enduring legacy by dissecting its pivotal role in Sniff 'n' the Tears' "Drivers Seat," meticulously recreating the iconic lead and bass lines to demonstrate its timeless analog warmth and how its distinct character continues to shape modern electronic soundscapes.

One of my favorite tracks from the late 70s.
Drivers Seat by Sniff 'n' The Tears from the album Fickle Heart (1978)
Written byPaul Roberts

Minimoog Sounds:
0:21 Mini Octave Bass
1:27 Square Glide Sound
2:08 Mini Sub Bass
2:25 Mini Square Lead Sound with Glide and Modulation"

synth tees: https://retrosound.creator-spring.com

E-mu Emax ~ Samples That Defined The 80s Nostalgia

video upload by RetroSound

"(c)2007-26 by RetroSound
supported by UVI: http://bit.ly/retrosound-uvi

Whenever I turn on my old E-MU samplers and dig through the many sample disks, I feel like a teenager in the mid- 80s. Something between a sci-fi movie, a computer game, and outer space immediately comes to mind.

Today, we're taking a nostalgic trip back to the 80s with some sample disks from the E-MU library. Enjoy!

0:08 Piano, Strings & Things (RS demo)
1:15 Fairlite
1:28 Multitrack Synth
2:35 Kyoday Synth
3:09 Marimba Vibes
3:43 CP-70
4:02 Das Synth
4:52 Rock Kit
6:01 Tine Strings
6:42 MIDI Combo
7:29 Loon Garden
7:51 Synclavier
8:37 Atmospheres"

Shop: https://retrosound.creator-spring.com/
Bandcamp: https://retrosound.bandcamp.com/"

Prophet VS 🎹 #synth #synthesizer #synthwave ...

video upload by RetroSound

The Sound of Rush ~ Countdown ~ Vintage Synthesizer Recreation

video upload by RetroSound

"This video features a detailed Rush #Countdown #synthesizer recreation, exploring the vintage analog synth #sounds that define the iconic sound of Rush during their early-#80s rock era.
This video explores the sound of #Rush, focusing on authentic keyboard tones and classic #vintagesynth textures.
Inspired by Geddy Lee’s legendary work, this recreation dives into the #analogsynth #sounddesign behind Countdown, blending polyphonic pads, monophonic leads, period-correct #bass and modulation techniques.

(c)2007-26 by RetroSound
supported by UVI: http://bit.ly/retrosound-uvi

One of my favorite tracks from the early #80s.
#Countdown by Rush from the #ProgRock album Signals (1982)
Written by Alex Lifeson, Geddy Lee and Neil Peart

Featured the #Oberheim OB-X Analog Synthesizer, Oberheim OB-Xa and #Moog Taurus Bass Pedals

synth tees: https://retrosound.creator-spring.com"

The Sound of Berlin ~ Masquerade ~ Vintage Synthesizer Recreation

video upload by RetroSound

"(c)2007-26 by RetroSound
supported by UVI: http://bit.ly/retrosound-uvi

One of my favorite tracks from the early 80s.
Masquerade by Berlin from the album Pleasure Victim (1982)
Produced by Daniel R. Van Patten


Featured the Sequential Pro-One and the ARP Quadra Synthesizer
The guitar parts I made with the E-MU and EHX Big Muff, Memory man Deluxe pedals

Shop: https://retrosound.creator-spring.com/
Bandcamp: https://retrosound.bandcamp.com/"

And the original:

Berlin - Masquerade

video upload by snidelywhiplash

"Promotional video for Berlin's 'Masquerade,' off the amazing 1982 album 'Pleasure Victim.'"

The Sound Of Icehouse - Vintage Synthesizer Recreation

video upload by RetroSound

"(c)2007-25 by RetroSound
supported by UVI: http://bit.ly/retrosound-uvi

One of my favorite tracks from the early 80s.
Icehouse by Icehouse (Flowers) 1980
Produced by Iva Davies and Keith Welsh

Featured the ARP Quadra and the Moog Minimoog Synthesizer

RetroSound synthesizer demo videos since january 2007.
Everything is free. If you like my work, you can also support me with the purchase of my merchandise stuff or my music.
Shop: https://retrosound.creator-spring.com/
Bandcamp: https://retrosound.bandcamp.com/"

And the original:

Flowers - Icehouse

video upload by icehousebandtv

"Music video by Flowers performing Icehouse. © 1980 Diva Records"

Icehouse was originally named Flowers.

Rest in Peace ~ Chris Rea 🌠

video upload by RetroSound

"(c)2007-25 by RetroSound
supported by UVI: http://bit.ly/retrosound-uvi

One of my favorite tracks from the late 70s.
Fool (If You Think It`s Over) by Chris Rea from the album Whatever Happened to Benny Santini? (1978)

I’m saddened...😞
His music has been the soundtrack of my life. I loved his melodies, I loved his lyrics, and I loved his voice. Driving Home for Christmas, On the Beach, and Josephine are timeless classics that I always turn up loud whenever I hear them on the radio.

I was fortunate enough to get an Amiga license record in 1988 after queuing for hours at the music shop. Holding one of the few records in my hands brought me so much joy, especially since Western music was only available under the counter in the GDR.
Rest in Peace, Chris. Your music will live on forever. Thank you.🌠

RetroSound synthesizer demo videos since january 2007.
Everything is free. If you like my work, you can also support me with the purchase of my merchandise stuff or my music.
Shop: https://retrosound.creator-spring.com/
Bandcamp: https://retrosound.bandcamp.com/"

Michael Jackson: Human Nature - 80s Vintage Synth Recreation

video upload by RetroSound

"(c)2007-25 by RetroSound
supported by UVI: http://bit.ly/retrosound-uvi

One of my favorite tracks from the early 80s.
Human Nature by Michael Jackson from the album Thriller (1982)
Written by Steve Porcaro (Toto)

I used the Roland Juno-60 for the arpeggio and bass (original Jupiter-8), the Oberheim OB-Xa for pads, strings and horn sounds and the Emulator II for the Rhodes and guitar sounds."

synth tees: https://retrosound.creator-spring.com
Bandcamp: https://retrosound.bandcamp.com/
em

Alisa 1377: The Rare Soviet Synthesizer from the mid-80s

video upload by RetroSound

"(c)2007-25 by RetroSound
supported by UVI: http://bit.ly/retrosound-uvi

Rodina Alisa 1377 - Soviet Analog Synthesizer (1985)
The Alisa 1377 is a rare monophonic analog synthesizer built in the Soviet Union during the mid-1980s.
Manufactured at the Lyubertsy Military Radioplant 'Rodina' near Moscow.
A lead synthesizer intended not for mainstream pop, but for experimental electronic music, sound design, film work and research.
Produced in small numbers, making surviving the units rare.
The Alisa 1377 is fully analog. All waveforms can be used individually or in combination. Frequency modulation (FM) available for all waves.
Pulse width modulation (PWM) with adjustable width and depth.
Octave switches (+1 / +2) and portamento. The sound character is warm, raw and a bit instable. Unconventional compared to western synths. The self-oscillating filter and the FM options allow for metallic, droning, and very experimental tones.



The video sequences are made by Natalja Smirnowa in Dec 2025 in Sankt Pertersburg (Russia)

RetroSound synthesizer demo videos since january 2007.
Everything is free. If you like my work, you can also support me with the purchase of my merchandise stuff or my music.
Shop: https://retrosound.creator-spring.com/
Bandcamp: https://retrosound.bandcamp.com/"

The Cars: Drive - 80s Vintage Synth Recreation

video upload by RetroSound

"(c)2007-25 by RetroSound
supported by UVI: http://bit.ly/retrosound-uvi

One of my favorite tracks from the mid 80s.
Drive by The Cars from the album Heartbeat City (1984)
Written by Ric Ocasek

Drive is a classic 80s ballad known for its beautiful, melancholic synthesized atmosphere.
Featured the Roland JX-3P and Yamaha DX7 II Synthesizer

https://retrosound.creator-spring.com

This cover song series contains my own recreations of my favourite songs from the last 50 years. The original music from which I take inspiration belong to their respective owners. I recreate tracks only for personal passion and to pay homage to these tracks."

Nord Modular: The Synthesizer Defined RetroSound's Way

video upload by RetroSound

"(c)2007-25 by RetroSound
supported by UVI: http://bit.ly/retrosound-uvi

I was one of the first Nord Modular user in germany.
I programmed a lot sound patches for the factory library in the years 1997-1999 and that open many doors for me. You can find my patches with the name 'Marko Ettlich' on the first module.

I had the Nord Modular many years and later the Nord Micro Modular. Happy Times and great memories.
You hear a few demo sounds from the archive (NM demo & demo from different music magazines like keys and keyboards)

synth tees: https://retrosound.creator-spring.com "

Roland VP-330 ~ The Iconic String & Choir Synth From Vangelis

video upload by RetroSound

"(c)2007-25 by RetroSound
supported by UVI: http://bit.ly/retrosound-uvi

The unique choral textures of the Roland VP-330 are explored in this video, showcasing its potential in music production. Viewers are shown how this classic synthesizer a distinctive layer of vintage warmth.
The iconic, almost ethereal sound of the VP-330's 'choir' and 'human voice' presets, highlighting why it stood out in its era.

Demo Track: MinoTaurus

additional gear:
Moog Taurus bass pedal
Roland Juno-60 Synthesizer
Korg KR-55B drum machine

synth tees: https://retrosound.creator-spring.com"

Waldorf Microwave ~ The German Sound Cooking Studio ~

video upload by RetroSound

"(c)2007-25 by RetroSound
supported by UVI: http://bit.ly/retrosound-uvi

When I started making music about 30 years ago, I didn't have any space in my old apartment, so I only bought space-saving rack synthesizers. One of the first devices I bought back then was the Waldorf Microwave. Here's a little demo track with self programmed sounds I made back then. I've never released it before."

Shop: https://retrosound.creator-spring.com/
Bandcamp: https://retrosound.bandcamp.com/

1010music Bento Meet Vintage Synthesizer Studio

video upload by RetroSound

"(c)2007-25 by RetroSound
supported by UVI: http://bit.ly/retrosound-uvi

A journey into integrating the 1010music bento into a vintage synthesizer studio is embarked upon. The seamless blending of modern sampling and sequencing capabilities with classic analog warmth is explored.

After familiarising myself with my new toy from 1010music last week, the next step was to integrate it into my existing setup in a meaningful way. Bento takes over the work of the drummachine (LM1 samples), the control and recording of the Juno-106 and Casio CZ-101. I deliberately chose not to use a PC, I let Bento do the most things. Even the processing and effects.

Interested?
❤️ I have the 1010music bento in my Thomann shop: https://thmn.to/thocf/h9izhzc4wh

Demo Tracks by RetroSound:
0:06 bento and Roland Juno-106
2:12 bento and Casio CZ-101
4:55 bento and Roland Juno-106
7:45 bento and Roland Juno-106

RetroSound synthesizer demo videos since january 2007.
Everything is free. If you like my work, you can also support me with the purchase of my merchandise stuff or my music. Shop: https://retrosound.creator-spring.com/
Bandcamp: https://retrosound.bandcamp.com/"

Korg Polysix - Italo Disco Synthesizer

video upload by RetroSound

"(c)2007-25 by RetroSound
supported by UVI: http://bit.ly/retrosound-uvi

The unique sonic character of the Korg Polysix is explored, revealing how its classic warmth and modulation capabilities contributed to the iconic Italo Disco sound.

One of my favorite italo disco tracks from the early 80s.
Connecting Flight by Roman Romanelli from the album Connecting Flight (1982)

❤️ You can support the RetroSound​ channel:
My recommendations at Thomann music gear shop: https://thmn.to/thocf/h9izhzc4wh
and synth tees: https://retrosound.creator-spring.com"

ARP QUADRA 🎹

video upload by RetroSound

"(c)2007-25 by RetroSound
supported by UVI: http://bit.ly/retrosound-uvi

ARP QUADRA 🎹

RetroSound synthesizer demo videos since january 2007.
Everything is free. If you like my work, you can also support me with the purchase of my merchandise stuff or my music. Shop: https://retrosound.creator-spring.com/
Bandcamp: https://retrosound.bandcamp.com/album/zeitreise-album"

Building a Synthwave track from autumn inspirations 🎹🍂

video upload by RetroSound

"(c)2007-25 by RetroSound
supported by UVI: http://bit.ly/retrosound-uvi

Synthwave with the Yamaha DX7 II and the Roland Juno-106.
A ride on my motorcycle through the autumnal countryside around my town in middle of germany. 🍂

Roland Juno-106 Analog Synthesizer (bassline, add sounds)
Yamaha DX7 II (main theme, fx sounds, strings)
E-MU Emulator II Sampling Synthesizer (guitar sample)
Simmons SDS8 e-drum module
LinnDrum drum machine

❤️ You can support the RetroSound​ channel:
synth tees: https://retrosound.creator-spring.com"

The Sound of Prince with the Oberheim 🎹

video upload by RetroSound

"(c)2007-25 by RetroSound
supported by UVI: http://bit.ly/retrosound-uvi

One of my favorite tracks from the 80s.
When Doves Cry by Prince from the album Purple Rain (1984)

I used the 1010music bento with LM-1 samples and tuned the sound.
The bento works great as sample based drummachine for me.


And I used the Oberheim OB-Xa synthesizer for all synth sounds.
I played the guitar sample with the E-MU Emulator II."

synth tees: https://retrosound.creator-spring.com