Analogue Systems (Part 1): About EMS

video upload by Stromkult

"This is the first part in a series of videos featuring the UK modular stalwarts Analogue Systems originally published in 2015. It was filmed during a visit of Andreas Schneider to Cornwall, where Analogue System's Bob Williams and Steve Gay reside and have built AS modules since the 1990s. After recently stumbling upon these videos again, we talked to Andreas and thought it would be nice to republish them and make them available on YouTube for the first time ever.

While Bob has since retired, Steve continues to craft modules with the same exceptional audio quality in South Cornwall. The video goes into the direct historical connection between Analogue Systems and EMS (of Synthi fame). Steve - who once worked for EMS and received exclusive license from EMS' Robin Wood to reproduce some of the VCS3 circuits - explains how this heritage has shaped the character of Analogue Systems and resulted in modules like the RS-510e Trapezoid Generator."

Bristronica 25 - DPW design - Splice

video upload by Stromkult

"At #Bristronica25, Dan from DPW Design shows us his new Splice module which can switch and mangle any type of signal completely click free to create interesting textures.

More info here: https://dpw.se/"

Bristronica 25 - Emute Lab - uSEQ + Expander

video upload by Stromkult

"At Machina Bristronica 25, Dimitri gives us a tour of the uSEQ module and its expander which brings live coding into modular.

more at: https://www.emutelab.org/"

Bristronica 25 - Circle Instruments - the Circle Guitar & MIDI Controller

video upload by Stromkult

"Join us at Bristronica 2025 as we explore the innovative Circle Guitar with Anthony from Circle Instruments. Discover how this self-strumming, MIDI-enabled guitar opens up new creative possibilities ."

https://circleinstruments.com/

"The player can sequence the wheel's movement with a DAW or MIDI controller such as the Morningstar MC6 Pro and MC8 Pro. All external MIDI-enabled devices and effects can be synced to the wheel's speed to adjust dynamically together."


video uploads by Circle Instruments

Playlist:

1. Circle Guitar at Distillery 2 - Episode 2 - Medley
2. An introduction to Circle Guitar
3. Circle Guitar at Distillery 2 - Episode 1 - Theme Tune
4. Circle Guitar - Promo

Bristronica 25 - Bodysynth - Metal Fetishist Update v2 0

video upload by Stromkult

"At #Bristronica25, Xavi from #BodySynths gave us a demo of the new firmware features of their 2024 released Desktop #Synthesizer called #MetalFetishist ."

Bristronica 25 - Elta Music - TSC 12

video upload by Stromkult

"At Machina Bristronica 2025, we talk with Sergei from ELTA Music about their new Eurorack keyboard module — a standalone version of the Solar 42’s keyboard."

You can find additional posts featuring the TSC 12 here.

Bristotronica 25 - Emute Lab - Myriad VCO

video upload by Stromkult

"At #Wemachinabristronica25 , we met with Chris from Emute Lab Instruments.
Based at the University of Sussex and emerging from the Experimental Music Technologies Lab research group, Emute lab are releasing their Myriad multi-oscillator module. Available mid october.

More Info: https://www.emutelabinstruments.co.uk/"

Marco Bernardi Interview — Machina Bristronica 2025

video upload by Stromkult

"At this year’s Machina Bristronica, we caught up with Marco Bernardi — a longtime figure in the UK electronic music scene and the driving force behind both Elevator Sound and Machina Bristronica. Our conversation touched on the journey that led him into these roles, the influence of Superbooth in inspiring a uniquely UK counterpart, and how such a massive gathering of the synth community can be pulled off by such a small but dedicated team. Together with James and Ben, Marco has turned Machina Bristronica into one of the UK’s most exciting electronic music and Synth showcases.

For anyone interested in attending next years event you can subscribe to the newsletter here: https://machinabristronica.uk/

If you want to support this event grab some beautifully designed Merch here."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Bristronica 25 - RYK - Time Slice

video upload by Stromkult

"At Bristronica 2025, Mathieu visited the RYK booth where Jake showcased their full system and the latest module:

Time Slice : New 4-Track Audio Looper. Watch the powerful sampling, looping, and effects capabilities in action

Other modules:
• 185 Sequencer • Algo Complex Oscillator • Envy Machine Modulator •

more on : https://www.ryk-modular.com/"

Bristronica 25 - Halftime Modular - 8TR

video upload by Stromkult

"Live from Bristronica 2025, we catch up with Luca from Halftime Modular to explore two exciting new developments:

8TR Multi-Track Recorder • 8-channel simultaneous recording in 24-bit quality • 32GB SD card included = 7+ hours recording time • Connect units together to record more channels without drift • Dead simple one-button operation •

Not shown here: An expander module called 9J provides a copy of all 8 input signals and a trigger input to start and stop the recording using CV..

Shipping: End of October 2025

-Humanizer Module • Adds natural "imperfections" to incoming sequences • Features: Glide, transients, vibrato, gate-delay, cv quantizer • Still in development - user feedback welcome

more at https://www.halftimemodular.com/"

WMD Cosmic Debris / Skorpion and Clutch – Bristonica 25

video upload by Stromkult

"WMD, in the Eurorack-Buisness since decades, released just some new modules.

Skorpion an 8-stage analog wavefolder, that can simple sounds into Sound architectures, it's such a powerful module, hear yourself!

Clutch is a Hihat Module which brings your grooves to the next level. Hihats are (at least for me) one of the most important elements in techno, so having a dedicated module in your rack just to have hands on control on these is so great. Hear yourself the Module at the Beginning of the Video

Cosmic Debris is a powerful delay and reverb engine built for modular explorers who want more than just echoes. It's an in depth sound design monster for every kind of Time related effects and give you different kinds of effects. A freeze function is also included, sound so good). The whole spec sheet is not released now, so check the WMD-Page in a while for more detailed Infos!


0:00 Intro
0:15 Clutch Hi Hat Module
4:19 Skorpion 8-stage analog wavefolder
9:04 Cosmic Debris powerful delay and reverb"

The Buchla Music Easel Aux Card v2

video upload by Stromkult

"The beloved Auxiliary Oscillator Card for the Buchla Music Easel is back — redesigned, more affordable, and more powerful than ever.

This expansion brings a whole new dimension to your Easel by adding a digital oscillator that covers everything from slow modulation rates all the way up to audio frequencies. Alongside it, you’ll find a dedicated noise source with its own filter, giving you instant access to textures ranging from subtle grit to full-spectrum noise.
To shape your sound even further, the card includes CV control over the balance between oscillator and noise, making it easy to create evolving timbres and dynamic modulation. A set of intuitive switches provides quick routing options. On top of that, the redesigned card introduces a CV Multiplier allowing to merge two control voltages. And with full compatibility across all Music Easels and Easel Commands produced after 2012, it integrates seamlessly into both modern and retro systems."

MACHINA BRISTRONICA w/ Stromkult

video uploads by Stromkult

Playlist:

1. MPE on Supercritical Synthesizer Redshift 6 - Bristonica 25

Now capable of MPE!

The latest Redshift update introduces MPE functionality.
This feature, which addresses frequent customer requests, enables compatibility with MPE-capable controllers, such as the LinnStrument.

2. Verbos Electronics Multistage 16- Bristronica 25

New evolution of the Voltage Multistage, one of the first Verbos Modules.
The original Voltage Multistage has an analog sequencer core with several unique features that allow it to function as a sequencer with switchable slides on each step, multistage envelope of any length with sustain on any stage, any shape of LFO, voltage quantizer, and more.

The Voltage Multistage 16 is no longer based on a CMOS counter core, but is built around discrete transistor stages, which enables gate inputs on each stage. This allows external gates to jump it to any stage, multiple loops and sequences that start at one stage and then enter into a loop later.

3. Ohm Force Bohm - Bristronica 25

Explore uncharted kick territory. Choose from nine unique models (and counting) and let the randomizer surprise your creativity. Precision sound-shaping knobs with wide sweet spots make flawless tweaks effortless.

4. TouellSkouarn - Bristronica 25

Gael is revealing the modules that are currently housed in his suitcase. Including the Strakal Brulu and the one and only Germanium Mixer. If you check the prices of old Germanium mixers, such as the Siemens, you will see that this one is a real bargain. As always, there is a lovely sound at his booth; no sine is allowed to pass through this Eurorack system.

TouellSkouarn: Squaring your sines since 2010

5. Crosspatch Triggerpad Updates - Launchpad Sequencer - Bristronica 25

Mitja tells us the latest news about his module at this year's Machina Bristonica. The Triggerpad module converts your Launchpad into a standalone Eurorack. This allows you to repurpose an older Launchpad that might be gathering dust for your Eurorack system. The workflow is super simple and hands-on. You have features such as polymeter per track, swing and micro steps at your fingertips. The new features are BPM modulation and triplets.

6. UDO Audio DMNO 8-voice 2-part multitimbral - Bristonica 25

We have just had the opportunity to take a first look at the new, innovative synth from UDO Audio: the DMNO.
Here's a short interview and sound demo from George!

Features:
8 voice polyphonic, with 4 ‘super’ voices when in Binaural mode. Binaural mode gives each channel (ear) a full synthesizer voice with independent detuning and modulation, creating an expansive, rich and texturally wide sound 2-Part Multitimbral, comprising 2 independent hybrid synthesizers, each with its own dedicated set of front-panel controls
8 selectable ‘Play Modes’ that immediately reconfigure DMNO’s signal flow, redefining how its two independent synth engines interact with one another

7. Teaching Machines FuzzBillon: Numerical Tone Switching – Bristronica 25

Instead of using potentiometers for the device's settings, Teaching Machines uses numerical switches. This offers the advantage of total recall. The effects range from subtle overdrive to screaming distortion and are based on a completely analogue circuit with amplification devices from Germanium to Silicon and light-emitting diodes. Shipping soon!

0:00 Intro / Explanation 3:34 Sound Demo

Flame MÄANDER-M Eurorack Module

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by StromKult (@strom_kult)

You might recal the 2020 Flame Maander wavetable desktop synth in white (see previous posts here). It's now coming to eurorack in black.

MFB's Manfred Fricke Has Passed Away

Left: Manfred Fricke (via Amazona.de) back in the day with his first creations, the MFB-501 drum machine (right), and MFB-601 digital sequencer (left).

2nd image is Manfred Fricke with the MFB SYNTH II at SUPERBOOTH (unknown source).

We lost another legend in the synth world. Sad news in via STROMKULT: "'On June, 17th around 11am Manfred Fricke from Berlin alias MFB sadly passed away after having had a hard time with cancer for a while already. He left his wife Gloria and his son Jean-Marcel behind, we are all very sad having lost this partner, friend and father.'
HerrSchneider

Manfred Fricke was one of Berlins pioneers of analog synth and drum machine makers. He has been the weapon of choice for many (not only) starting musicians. Let’s be honest, who didn’t have one of his creations early in his or hers journey into electronic musical instruments – or at least thought about getting one – and why shouldn’t you? Manfred Fricke's machines always brought something unique to the table, they were mostly analog, affordable, in small plastic housings and just did the job. Manfred always focused on keeping his products affordable for his clients and the instruments quite often made their way to professional use later on, and the musicians often kept their first units as something almost holy, because it were these machines that paved the way into analog electronic music making.

But it would be too short-sighted to associate MFB only with budget entry-level products. Especially the drum machines Tanzbär and Tanzbär II, or the great Dominion 1 show that Manfred Fricke also built machines that met higher demands. The Tanzbär, in particular, is considered by many to be their favorite drum machine of the last few years, especially in terms of its amazing sound.

We hope that MFB will continue to exist and that it will continue to make it easier for many generations of musicians to enter the world of electronic sound production.

We wish Manfred Fricke's son Jean-Marcel continued success for the future of MFB and extend our condolences to him and his family. And lets hope that Manfred will finally meet up with all the other good guys on the other side.

Rest In Peace."

MFB TANZBAR 2 pic via STROMKULT.


video upload by 7V-STUDIO

MFB's Manfred Fricke's first procuct, the Fricke MFB-501 drum machine.

Description via this video:
"This little analog beatbox was developed in 1980 1979 by Manfred Fricke. It was offered at 380 DM. As a low-cost model on the market for analog rhythm generators the small black and white "Switch Box" quickly found a lot of friends, because its configuration could be compared to its expensive far east competitors: 64 patterns and as many fill-ins switchable via micro switches, speed ​​control via potentiometer, 10 analog percussion instruments (activated by means of micro switches), combined mono/stereo outputs (jack), In & Out (5 Vss) and trigger footswitch inputs (jack) for start and fill-in
(retail price for the switch at 16 DM). An external wall power supply provides 12 volts.

Approx. 5000 units of the MFB-501 had been sold. Not so bad for a one-man company. So this drum machine is one of the top-selling devices in the history of the Berlin engineer offices M. Fricke . If you're lucky, this iconic device can still be found on the relevant internet sales platforms.

Today, maintenance of this tiny noise machine is still easily feasible, because Fricke employed only commercially available components. Therefore, 'presumedly dead 501's' can be reanimated without major problems."

MFB 601 Vintage Digital Sequencer, Teardown, Repair and partial analysis


Published on Feb 2, 2015 FPV Electronics

Note this video is FPV Electronics of course, and not Manfred Fricke.
"This device is exclusively built from 7400 and 4000 series basic logic ICs. Making it must have been so much more difficult than just programming a generic µController as we would do today."

Timeline via http://mfberlin.de/en/about-us/:

1976: MFB was founded by engineer Manfred Fricke. So far there were more than some hundred products constructed and distributed. The first developments and products were primarly video games for industrial playmachines.

1979: A lowcost drummachine was introduced in 1979. (98 DM for the self construction kit). The legendary drumcomputer MFB-501 was finished and sold. Although it was not the most prominent drumcomputer of that time it surely was one of the best selling drum units in Germany. Some shops sold ten times more MFB-501s than Roland TR-808s. More products for the musician followed, such as the Digital-Sequencer MFB-601 and the digital drum machine MFB-512. All of these featured rich products were offered at exceptional low prices.

1984: The E-Drum module series 1000 and 2000 followed with corresponding pads.

1986: A new construction period started in 1986 with product launches of the MIDI-CV converter MFB-201 and the MIDI drummer MFB-SYNTH was finished in 1997, although its development dates back to the eighties. The machine never went into production since 2001, the year of the company´s 25th anniversary because of decreased interest in analogue synthesizer technology especially in the sales channels.

From 1986 Manfred Fricke specialized in products for video applications. Alone 20 different framegrabbers for the Apple II, C-64 und IBM compatible PCs were constructed. A very high percentage of these framegrabbers were and are still in use for special industrial purposes. Custom development is still done here, so these specialized tools are not available for other customers.

1994: MFB introduced the world´s first videomixer below 1.000 DM, the MFB-901. Its successor MFB-902 was available in 1995. Another important development in the video section was the model MFB-912, a digital video memory. This 1998 product was highly acclaimed by the press.

1999: The successor MFB-915 added sound and higher picture resolution. It´s available since October 1999. Another successor is the model MFB-920 with an integrated harddrive offering better options for nonlinear cutting and post processing of the recorded material.

2001: During this year, Manfred Fricke also developed another new MIDI drum-module. MFB-KULT, includes most of the famous sounds of the older machines. Both MFB-SYNTH and MFB-KULT are availabale since December 2001. Because of constant requests for the digital sequencer MFB-601 a successor MFB-602. was introduced in May 2002.

2002: Since August 2002 there´s also a little brother of the MFB-SYNTH, the MFB-SYNTH LITE

And of course the MFB DOMINION series and the MFB SYNTH PRO.

There have been 1747 MFB posts on the site prior to this one. MFB has been a mainstay on the site and Manfred Fricke will be greatly missed.

New Flame Mäander Desktop Synthesizer & Filter Bank

Update:

Higher-res pic above, specs and demos in via Flame. Click the image to read the labels.

"4-voice synthesizer with dynamic controllable analog 12 channel filter bank
including live sequencer with 12 filter channel tracks and polyphonic note track
wavetable sound synthesis, compatible with 4VOX wavetables
individual filter/amp envelopes, morphing filter types
full midi-usb functions... and more
metal case 300x195x60mm
release date: april/may 2019

SOUND EXAMPLES (mp3)
All sounds and sequences come exclusively from the MÄANDER. No effects and drum machines were used.

MÄANDER EXAMPLE 1
MÄANDER EXAMPLE 2
MÄANDER EXAMPLE 3

MÄANDER EXAMPLE 4
MÄANDER EXAMPLE 5
MÄANDER EXAMPLE 6

MÄANDER EXAMPLE 7
MÄANDER EXAMPLE 8
MÄANDER EXAMPLE 9

MÄANDER EXAMPLE 10
MÄANDER EXAMPLE 11
MÄANDER EXAMPLE 12"

Original post via Stromkult:

"Flame showed a prototype of their first desktop synthesizer, the Mäander, at the NAMM show 2019. Calling this instrument extraordinary is almost an understatement. Thanks to its digital oscillator, which comes equipped with parameters like Contour and Unisono, the Mäander is capable of generating an astonishing spectrum of sounds. Huge basses, velvety soft to metallic leads and pads as well as a wide range of effect sounds can be created in no time. Highlight of the instrument, however, is its flexibly controllable, fully analog filter bank with twelve bands and eight filter types. In detail, there are high-pass, three band-pass modes, notch, low-pass and LP / BP as well as LP / HP combinations. The most impressive sounds that were heard at the NAMM show had a strong vocal-like character. Other synthesis features include two LFOs with variable shape as well as sync, re-trigger and one shot modes, an ADSR envelope plus a nifty live sequencer. The latter is not exactly made to notate melodies, but more of a complex, yet easy to handle arpeggiator. All in all, the Mäander appears to be a highly innovative instrument. – We can’t wait to give it a proper test drive!"

Eurorack Prices Falling?

via Stromkult:

"You asked for it: Due to the increased demand for Eurorack modules in Europe, even the large retailers for musical instruments are now filling the last corners of their warehouses and buying complete production runs from manufacturers and everything else they can get. Some manufacturers might be happy about this, but the flooding of the market already leads to a significant drop in prices here and there, some modules are already available with a 30% discount on the original calculated price and yet were still quite hot the other day!

As SchneidersLaden we have decided to go along with this development and of course offer corresponding products for the same price to our customers, although most of them have already bought them when the goods were still fresh and crisp! We’re almost a little sorry about that, but hopefully the hits are already produced and the music career is up and running? Nevertheless, sorry – but the decision for this way lies with the manufacturer and was not our recommendation!

By the way… we don’t advertise with moneyback-warranty… we’ve always practiced it. But please: get advice first, then buy – like in the good old days. Because it’s better to talk to your specialist retailer – we know what we are selling. And by the way: We do free shipping throughout Europe and there are Thursdays on that we are in the shop until nine o’clock in the evening …and real CHAOS serves creativity.

That had to be said – end of commercial break."

GRP Eurorack Expected to Ship by the End of the Month

via STROMKULT

"The first batch of modules by GRP should arrive in Berlin by the end of the month. We are very much looking forward to try these Italian modules that promise to bring the outstanding quality of GRPs stand-alone synthesizers to eurorack. Not only high-quality parts and manufacturing distinguish this manufacturer, but also their sense for details. For example:

an audio through path in an envelope-follower module
or the lovely VU-meters on the output module
or a through path for gate signals in an ADSR
or this ultra-wide-range octave switch on the VCO module
or the feature list of the two available filters: separate outputs AND an additional output that can be switched between the available filter-slopes, two audio inputs and a built-in distortion are nothing less than an invitation for wild feedback adventures."

You can find demos in previous posts here.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Free Workshop with Wowa Cwejman Coming to SchneidersLaden

via STROMKULT

"Workshop with Wowa Cwejman about his 4 new modules! July-5th @SchneidersLaden
Jun 22, 2018 | Workshop at Schneidersladen

We are very pleased to be able to announce another workshop with Wowa Cwejman. The release of four new Cwejman modules is coming closer and Wowa Cwejman is coming to SchneidersLaden to present his latest creations and to answer your questions. This workshop is about the updated BLD, AP-1 and VM-1 modules which will be available as MK2 versions and about the totally new VC-SC Stereo Compressor. Please send an e-Mail to Timm to save your space in this workshop – we have to limit this event to 30 people.

You missed our last workshop with Wowa Cwejman? No worries – you can watch a video of it here.
Participation is free-of-charge as always!
Looking forward to seeing you at SchneidersLaden on July 5th, 7pm!"

Erica Synths new Techno System live performance @Schneidersladen June 28

That's one big modular.

via Stromkult

"On Thursday 28th of June at 6pm we will start an evening full of new experiences and opportunities to learn new things!

We start at 6pm with an introduction to modular synthesis that is suitable for beginners and for all those who are curious about sound synthesis. Everyone is welcome to join us, no previous knowledge required!

At 7pm we are presenting an intense evening with a techno machine at the center of attention. Erica Synths will be showing what can be done with a modular synthesizer especially designed and engineered to be a performance oriented techno machine. Lots of artists perform with not much more than a modular synthesizer these days and it has proven to be an effective way of bringing live music to clubs and festivals. We will also talk about the philosophy of Erica Synths and where their motivation to make musical instruments comes from.

As we have limited capacity for this workshop please send an e-Mail to Timm to save your space for one or both workshops – we have to limit this event to 30 people. Participation is free-of-charge as always!"

From this year's SUPERBOOTH:

ERICA SYNTHS with their creative product presentation @SUPERBOOTH18 from HerrSchneider on Vimeo.

The Gesprächskonzert by ERICA SYNTHS @SUPERBOOTH18 shows their unique drum based modular system - the Techno System. A complete system with sequencer, drum modules, effects and special mixers.

__

SchneidersLaden presents SUPERBOOTH18