Exploring The Genki Instruments Katla A $6K Volcanic Synth With Venus Theory

video upload by sonicstate

"@VenusTheory is one of the lucky people to have their hands on the @genkiinstruments Genki Instruments Katla, the Icelandic volcanic synthesizer priced around $6,000 (yes you did read that right).

As well as parts hewn out of the Icelandic Katla volcano, hence the name - it has five voices with a paraphonic architecture, individual level, waveform and octave controls for each oscillator.

The resonant filter has low pass and band pass modes, self-oscillation and a wave folder. Modulation has some unusual routings, with a 'volcano' (of course) LFO shape and a Skrida control that randomizes envelopes and levels per note.

As well as user presets it has a system which recalls patches per section, effects include reverb, analog drive and tape-style detuning, and recent firmware adds MPE.

We explore it together - and if you want to get a sense of what it can do - we have a set of Custom Decent Samples from Venus Theory for our own Decent Sampler UI available for YouTube Members and Patreon Supporters

And Venus Theory has his own Tephra instrument available here: https://venustheory.gumroad.com/l/vtt..."

Korg NTS-4 Performance Mixer | SonicLAB Review

video upload by sonicstate

"We look at the ‪@KorgOfficial‬ Korg NTS-4, a compact Nu:Tekt performance mixer kit with audio interface. Assembly is simple, with clear instructions and no soldering.
It has two mono inputs, four stereo inputs, stereo send and return, cue monitoring, USB retrurn level, headphone output and a two-channel USB audio interface running at 24-bit/48kHz.

There are two FX engines, one on the send which includes delays, reverbs, chorus and a range of master effects such as filters, phaser, decimator, drive, distortion, compression and limiting.
These effects are fixed rather than expandable via the Logue SDK of others in the Nu:Tekt range , but they suit hands-on performance - albeit a little fiddly.

The cue system works pre-fader, giving a basic extra bus at a pinch.
USB ground loop noise is possible in some setups.

Price is around £200"

Drop-In Studio Tour: Bristol Old City Studio

video upload by sonicstate

Some Polymoog Synthesizer playing towards the end in this one.

"It's been a while since we did a 'drop-in' video, but we bumped into our EMOM sound engineer Silas Blackburn who mentioned he'd moved to a new studio space in nearby Bristol - so we dropped by to the Bristol Old City Studio to check it out.
And found a beautiful old PolyMoog too, as well as a bunch of other delicious gear.
Hope you enjoy the tour.

Website: https://theoldcitystudio.com/
Instagram: / theoldcitystudiobristol
TikTok: / theoldcitystudiobristol"

Erica Synths Razornator 5 Tuned Stereo Delays - Sonic DEMO

video upload by sonicstate

"​@matthsmatthsmatths takes a look the @EricaSynths. Erica Synths Razornator, developed with 112dB, its an effects unit built around five stereo, chromatically tuned resonating delay lines.

We look at how the Razornator turns rhythmic, unpitched drums into pitched, harmonic textures. A resonant filter shapes the input, while decay, damping and an envelope follower control the length and tone of the resonance.

A shift control can move the pitch by up to two octaves, a central dial sets the root note, with four further pitches set by hand or via MIDI for chords and sequencing.
Razornator shares its form factor with the Echo Locator and Nightverb, offering stereo I/O, MIDI, USB, up to 25dB gain and extensive MIDI CC control.
Matt runs presets on drums, synths, arpeggios and vocals.

Priced at around 490 euros, expect firmware updates to follow."

00:00:00 Intro
00:00:41 What the Razornator does
00:01:00 Five resonating delay lines
00:02:55 Compared to Echolocator and Nightverb
00:04:22 Signal path and filter
00:06:05 Envelope follower
00:08:55 Pitch control and MIDI chords
00:12:30 Menu, presets and morphing
00:20:29 Arpeggiator and synth patches
00:32:18 Vocals
00:36:28 Wrap up and price

Waldorf Iridium MK2 - Powerhouse Synth Review

video upload by sonicstate

"Paulee Alex Bow (‪@magicalsynthadventure3216‬ ) takes a look at the new monster synthesis machine - the Waldorf Iridium MK2 (‪@WaldorfMusicChannel‬ ) a 16-voice synthesizer with four layers and wavetable, FM and sampling engines.

Paulee gives us an overview of the hardware, the new Seeds synthesis, which blends up to 12 mini-synths scanned like a wavetable, plus the flavor knob for note-on randomisation.
Four layers bring a mixer and round robin key assignment, while Aphex Twin-inspired per-note parameter locks assign different sounds and engines to each key.
There's Kernels FM, a Kawai K5-style additive patch, legacy grunge modes, SoundFont conversion via ConvertWithMoss, granular synthesis and CV inputs.

Priced around £2,085 its a robust wavetable synth for tweakers
https://waldorfmusic.com

*Key Moments*
00:00:00 Introduction
00:00:35 Rear panel tour
00:02:06 Seeds synthesis
00:05:16 Four layers and mixer
00:07:01 Per-note parameter locks
00:11:26 Kernels FM mode
00:17:39 Legacy grunge mode
00:19:13 Sampler and samples
00:24:26 Granular synthesis
00:34:09 Price and verdict"

GForce Software Sequential Prophet 5 - Patch Flip & Demo

video upload by sonicstate

"In this Patch Flip, we look at the @GForceSoftware Sequential Prophet 5, an officially endorsed plugin recreating the Rev 3 Prophet 5 with GForce additions.

As well as being a faithful recreation of the OG Prophet with switchable filter modes and original envelope curves, it has two layers of up to 10 voices each, giving 20 voices total, plus A/B splits and Alt modes. The XMOD and XLFO system lets you modulate most parameters with an XLFO or XADSR, with extras like noise injection, sample and hold and looping.

A bank of reorderable effects covers chorus, phaser, distortion, filter, tremolo, reverb and delay. On-screen animation shows active modulation, and CCs can now step through patches.

Priced at $83.99 US, it runs standalone, AU, AAX, VST and VST3 on Mac and Windows.
https://Gforcesoftware.com"

The MONK Project Hardware Sequencer - Updates - GearExpo UK 2026

video upload by sonicstate

"Great to catch up with Nick Monk who was showing the Monk Project again after its success at the London Synth & Pedal Expo.What sets this sequencer apart is its combination of 16 customizable channels and a unique theory engine. While it features traditional step sequencing it also incorporates a wide range of generative models using its music theory engine to ensure musical coherence. This allows you to control melody outputs, toggle randomness, or block non-conforming notes.

The sequencer includes a phraser using Markov chains for recording and manipulating musical phrases and a new feature Nick calls HI (Human Intelligence). HI enables the machine to learn and create statistical tables based on your playing style. Nick elaborated that these features are on top of its basic step-sequencing capability.

Aimed for niche and professional composers, prospective uses span from simple MIDI creations to algorithmic music generation. The sequencer is aimed for production with pre-orders starting after summer, requiring a minimum of 20 orders to initiate a prototype run. CV and gate connectivity is also planned and in the works."

https://themonkproject.com

Erica Synths Bullfrog Drums & Resonant Filterbank - SonicDemo

video upload by sonicstate

"@matthsmatthsmatths takes a look at the @EricaSynths Erica Synths Bullfrog Drums - sample based drum machine with decent sequencing options and performance based sound parameters. Was quite the hit of Superbooth this year.

Bullfrog Drums is a simple to use, dynamic drum machine , with a ton of performative features to make the beat live and breath. Up to 64 steps, parameter recording/locking plus voice control.

Available now, priced at around £589/$779


Also featured is the Resonant Filterbank, which we first saw last year, its now in production and is a clever 10 band, bandpass stereo resonant filterbank with drive, modulation and dynamic EQ mode. With up to +24dB of gain, you can really push it to extremes, or use it for more subtle, tool type functions.

Capable of some great sound mangling and for hands on or preset based processing, its available this month (19th June 2026) priced at £675/$859

00:00 BullFrog Drums
04:38 Pattern Switching and Kits
05:59 Mutes
06:02 Sound Modifications
08:00 Sample Switching
09:38 Parameter Locks
11:00 Rolls
12:15 Sample Looping
16:15 Ratchet
18:00 Sampling In
22:00 Resonant Filterbank
26:25 Configs
28:50 Filter Mode
31:45 Clk Mod
34:23 Dynamic EQ Mode
41:18 Macros"

UDO Audio DMNO Binaural Dynamic Synth Review - SonicLAB, Sample Pack

video upload by Sonicstate

Superbooth videos mentioned posted here.

"In this SonicLAB, we look into the @udo_audio UDO Audio DMNO, an 8-voice polyphonic binaural analog hybrid synthesizer with dynamic signal architecture.

The DMNO is sonically different from the Super Series, featuring a grittier, more aggressive sound. With dual synth engines, though each DMNO integrates the familiar Super DDS oscillators and custom wavetables and both support both stereo and binaural modes. With 8 voices total, when running two DMNOs in Binaural mode, in split or layer, that will reduce the voice count to 2.

The oscillators can cross mod and route with plenty of audio rate modulation , the LFO 1 also can run tracked and in Audio Rate mode too.

There's lots of configuration, routing and drive with the stereo analog filter, these have multiple modes, stereo, parallel and series routings with Frequency delta between each 'side' of the filters for some lovely formant and vowel like articulations.

Mod matrix has 7 slots plus two fixed routings for wheel and envelope velocity - perhaps the selection of source and destinations could be increased if the FPGA pathways allow for it, and it would be nice to see FX parameters as a destination at some point.

With EQ, Chorus and Drive per DMNO and a shared Delay/Reverb on send, there's some decent additional sound sculpting to be had.

Priced at £2,599, this synth gives an alternative to the other synths in the UDO range"

Exclusive DMNO Sample Sets For Decent Sampler

video upload by sonicstate

"Spent the afternoon sampling the excellent UDO Audio DMNO - our review is now online.

The result is 10 DMNO Samples as multi-samples instruments for our custom Decent Sampler instrument with our custom UI from @VenusTheory . Some sampled from custom patches during he review, and some of the presets already on board.

Here's the link to download them on YouTube (16-bit members)

And on Patreon (Star level and up): / decent-samples-160904082

note: you can also purchase them from our Patreon store: / shop

Decent Sampler is free!
https://decentsamples.com"

Sonicstate Superbooth Berlin 2026 Videos

video uploads by Sonicstate

Massive Superbooth playlist by Sonicstate. You can use the player controls once started to skip around.

Korg miniKORG 700S - 5 Minutes with a 1970's classic

video upload by sonicstate

"Our intrepid synth whisperer Chris from (@booelectric ) Battery Operated Orchestra gets his hands briefly on an original vintage Korg miniKORG 700S from the 1970's, and proceeds to coax a bit of magic from it's 50-year old 700s circuits.
Used extensively by Human League for 'Reproduction', Daniel Miller for "Warm Leatherette" by The Normal, Kitaro for his ambient works, and The Cure in 'Seventeen Seconds' and 'Faith', it's a bit of a cult classic."

Enjoy Electronics MEMENTO 🏆 Winner of Best FX Processor | Sonicstate Best Award at Superbooth 2026

video upload by Milk Audio Store

"Enjoy Electronics presents and shows some audio samples of the new MEMENTO FX Processor, winner of the Sonicstate Best Award at the Superbooth 2026. Memento is a creative, performance-oriented audio processor built around a multimodal texture engine, stereo reverse delays, filters and reverbs with dedicated effects, brought to life by dual dynamic step-based modulations."

Best of Show: Plinky 12 – Superbooth 2026

video upload by Let's Play Synths

"The Plinky 12 received the Sonicstate Award "Best of Show" as their little machine is incredibly versatile - it's super flat, has built-in oscillators and can be used a s synth, a sequencer, a mixer or a keyboard. The base model will be available in early Summer for about 500€ and you can exchange the front panel for other ones with different (auto-detected) firmware that will be 50-100€ each. More info (and registration for their newsletter to get notified when it's available) on https://plinky12.com"

The London Synth & Pedal Expo Returns to Hackney Wick

video upload by Delicious Audio



"The London Synth & Pedal Expo Returns to Hackney Wick
A Celebratory Gear Showcase for the Community of Music Makers and Sound Explorers

LONDON, UK — Delicious Audio Events, in collaboration with KMR Audio and guitarguitar, proudly unveil the London Synth & Pedal Expo 2026, a weekend-long gathering dedicated to synthesizers, stompboxes, modular systems, and all electric and electronic creative sonic devices.

Taking place March 21–22, 2026, at Number 90, 90–94 Wallis Rd, London E9 5LN, this event invites musicians, producers, and gear aficionados to touch, try, and talk about the latest innovations in sound technology.

What Is the London Synth & Pedal Expo?
More than a typical trade show, the Expo is a gear party where the London community of musicians and tone chasers can explore an expansive, strictly-in-the-headphones playground of synths and pedals. Hosted in a 5,000 sq ft canal-side venue in Hackney marshes, the event blends hands-on demo rooms with a heated terrace featuring workshops, talks, and performances.

Dates + Hours

Saturday, March 21: 12:00–18:00

Sunday, March 22: 10:30–17:00

Tickets
Affordable ticketing tiers starting at £5 + fees, with free entry for attendees under 18.

Why Attend?

Try a massive selection of synths and pedals, all playable with headphones.
Save big with 10–30% off most gear on display.
Dive into DIY soldering workshops and creative talks on the terrace.
Discover new sounds and technologies directly from builders and brands.
Take home gear through giveaways, discounts, and promotions.

Confirmed Participants
The Expo brings together an exciting lineup of exhibitors spanning partner stores like guitarguitar and KMR Audio, top synth and pedal brands including Arturia, Elektron, Erica Synths, BOSS, Chase Bliss Audio, Walrus Audio, Eventide, Source Audio, and many more.

Community + Culture
Hosted by organisers rooted in the global Synth & Pedal Expo family—with events from Brooklyn to Montreal—the London edition continues a tradition of fostering hands-on interaction and creative collaboration within the musical instrument community.

Media + Partnerships
Supported by media outlets such as Syntopia, MATRIXSYNTH, and SonicState, the Expo is poised to be a highlight of the 2026 gear calendar.

Contact
For press inquiries, interviews, or exhibitor information:
Paolo De Gregorio — paolo.dg@thedelimag.com"

UDO Audio DMNO Synthesizer - In Depth 1st Look - SonicLAB

video upload by sonicstate

"A new synth from ‪@udo_audio‬
yes please! Following on from their Super series, the DMNO is a new synth with twin synth engines, multi-mode analogue filter and a more comprehensive FX engine. It also has a display - and not just any display, but a high-contrast, long lasting, electroluminescent glass vacuum fluorescent display (VFD) With 8 two-oscillator voices in mono or 4 in binaural.
We had a long chat with George Hearn , who's been working hard to get DMNO ready for release in early 2026.
https://www.udo-audio.com/dmno"

Check with dealers on the right on upcoming availablity and price.

Pittsburgh Modular 2025 Summer Update / New Modules / Synth Sale / New Stands / Q&A with Richard

video upload by Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers

"Richard Nicol offers a summer 2025 update for Pittsburgh Modular with 3 new eurorack modules, new eurorack case stands, a July synth sale, and anything else the chat wants to know. Good times."

https://pittsburghmodular.com/

Introducing Crow 3, Double Helix Wavetable Processor, and Local Florist 2

Pittsburgh Modular Safari Series 9 is full of classic sounds, unique effects, and lo-fi digital chaos.

Crow 3 Filter
The latest iteration of the Crow pairs the destructive power of the original, Safari Series #1 module with the smoothest iteration yet of the Pittsburgh Filter sound. This module can sound beautiful or brutal or both.

Double Helix Wavetable Processor
Ten years ago we created a chaotic, low-fi, digital 9-bit wavetable oscillator module. After testing the prototypes, the limitations of our small company forced us to shelve the finished module before a full production run was realized. Recently, we made the mistake of gifting one of these ancient prototypes to our good friend who promptly posted a video and story on SonicState that caused our inbox to explode. So, due to popular demand, the Double Helix Wavetable Processor is finally here.

Local Florist 2
More feedback and a larger palette of options pushes the Local Florist 2 deeper into a unique world of experimentation. The Local Florist 2 offers a range of possibilities effects including flanging (kinda), chorus (yes), reverb (true), spring-y feedback sounds (all day), karplus strong (not really, but sorta), vibrato (yes), plucky percussive string sounds (yes), and general robot space sounds (often). Thank you for continuing to support your Local Florist!

Price, Availability, and More Information
The retail price for the Crow 3 and Local Florist 2 are $199 each. The retail price for the Double Helix is $299. Because these modules are considered experiments, production has been limited. The modules are available now through the Pittsburgh Modular web shop. More information regarding the Crow 3, Local Florist 2, and Double Helix Wavetable Processor Eurorack Modules is available at pittsburghmodular.com/safari.

Neutral Labs Scrooge And Elmyra 2 - Broken And Interesting A Track From Scratch

video upload by sonicstate

"‪@nyppy‬ Neutral Labs Scrooge and Elmyra2 are a couple of unique modules - Scrooge is a Sequenced Malfunction Generator capable of producing glitchy and broken electronic rhythms and sequences. Elmyra 2 is a 4-voice digital/analog hybrid drone synthesizer and platform for microtonal sonic exploration. ‪@matthsmatthsmatths‬ takes them on to create a Track From Scratch using samples and recordings made using only these instruments."

|--------|
00:00:00 Intro
00:03:06 Scrooge
00:11:00 Elmyra 2
00:29:22 Happy Accidents
00:30:33 Snarish
00:33:48 Elmyra Cards
00:36:16 Final Track

Gamechanger Audio Plasma Voice High Voltage Synth - Presentation

video upload by sonicstate

"A unique synth voice from ‪@GamechangerAudio‬
is the Plasma Voice, a Eurorack synth voice which uses a plasma tube with a high voltage signal to generate audio rate waveforms and it looks cool too.

With multiple engines suited for Bass, Rhythm, Pitched or Percussive sounds, it also has a multi-mode filter, CV control, plus many other unique features.

Available now, priced at £224/$499"

Check with dealers on the right for availability.

00:00:00 Intro
00:03:19 Overview
00:07:26 Filter
00:09:39 Bass Engine
00:13:17 Modulation and CV
00:15:03 Rhythm Engine
00:19:04 More engines and Accent
00:22:32 Ducking
00:24:06 Wrap and playout

Ericasynths Echolocator - Performance Delay and Reverb - Patch From Scratch

video upload by sonicstate

"​‪@matthsmatthsmatths‬ Gives the new Echolocator from ‪@EricaSynths‬ a spin. It's a studio grade, desktop stereo delay with algorithms from ‪@112db_com‬ and follows on from the excellent Nightverb.
Designed to be tweaked, it can provide regular delays and reverb but also some extremely creative sound design with a filter switchable between the feedback patch and the FX out.
With full MIDI control, its suited for both studio and hands on live work."

00:00:00 Intro
00:01:47 Features
00:03:57 Techno
00:09:55 Ambient
00:16:18 break and drive
00:21:11 bass
00:25:49 wrap

MATTHS
https://linktr.ee/MATTHS

FIVE MINUTES WITH Roland XV-3080 128 Voice Multi-Timbral Synth

video upload by sonicstate

​‪@magicalsynthadventure3216‬ spends some quality time with the Roland XV-3080 - the 16 part multi-timbral 128 voice rackmount synth.

With a wide range of sounds, synthesis and effects plus the additional SRX PCM expansion cards. In this video the new Wi-Fi Rewritable SR-JV card from Connor Zheng is installed which allows you to flash the PCM cards over the network.

https://www.ddzheng.cc/?page_id=666
https://voguerenege.bandcamp.com/"