Melbourne Instruments Announces New Firmware for NINA and ROTO-CONTROL

New NINA Multi-Track Sequencer Feature Overview: Melbourne Instruments Polyphonic Synth video upload by Melbourne Instruments

"All sounds are generated and sequenced by NINA in this video, no other gear used!

A public beta of the multi-track sequencer firmware update is free for all NINA users and now available at http://www.melbourneinstruments.com/s..."

00:00 Intro
01:35 Accessing Multi-Track Sequencer Mode
01:54 New Overlay and Button Function
02:09 Key Concepts and Overview
02:47 PATTERN Mode
04:20 TRACK Mode
06:11 Parameter Locking & Step Settings
09:03 Live Automation Recording
11:18 Copy/Paste Steps
11:57 Performing and Playing Front Panel
12:50 TRACK Mute
13:18 TRACK Select
13:55 Page Select (REC)
14:41 New NOISE Types
15:16 Parameter Locking Noise Types
16:36 Outro

Press release follows:

May 2, 2025, Superbooth Edition

Melbourne Instruments announce new firmware for ROTO-CONTROL and NINA

Visit Melbourne Instruments at Superbooth, May 8-10, FEZ-Berlin Germany, Booth H220

Melbourne Instruments announce BITWIG STUDIO integration for ROTO-CONTROL

MELBOURNE, Australia, May 2, 2025: Melbourne Instruments continue to build on the success of their motorized synths, NINA and DELIA, and MIDI controller ROTO-CONTROL launched in January this year. Melbourne Instruments is pleased to announce BITWIG STUDIO integration for Roto-Control is now available as a public beta. This adds to Roto-Control’s acclaimed Ableton Live integration, and now Bitwig Studio users can take full advantage of Roto-Control features with their Bitwig projects.


Melbourne Instruments bring their revolutionary touch sensitive, motorized knob technology along with high-res screens and haptic control to Bitwig Studio users.

Powerful, compact, and portable, Roto-Control features three main modes of operation: MIX, PLUGIN and MIDI with Motion Recorder. MIX Mode will automatically sync Bitwig with all track names and colors instantly appearing on Roto-Control displays. Roto-Control will update track names and colors when connected to an active Bitwig session. No need to save or edit labels – all data is taken directly from the active Bitwig session.

In PLUGIN Mode, plugin parameters and labels are taken directly from Bitwig with one touch, one-time, intuitive easy setup. Learn plugin parameters once and Roto-Control will remember learnt parameters anytime you use Bitwig. All learnt plugin parameters are stored locally on Roto-Control, making it quick and easy to use with any computer setup. Roto-Control is a truly unique motorized MIDI controller that is highly customizable with internal storage for thousands of assignments.

Bitwig Studio users can streamline their creative workflow and quickly evolve ideas with responsive physical control of Bitwig Studio through Roto-Control’s MIX and PLUGIN Modes. This new integration is a collaboration between Bitwig and Melbourne Instruments, responding to the overwhelming demand for Roto-Control support for Bitwig Studio.

Bitwig Studio integration marks the second DAW support for Roto-Control with additional DAW integration currently in the works.

Bitwig Studio integration for Roto-Control is a public beta, please see link for more info and to download the beta firmware. www.melbourneinstruments.com/roto

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Dreadbox Artemis Synthesizer - All Playing, No Talking

video upload by Kraft Music

"Great bundle deals on Dreadbox Artemis synthesizer:
https://kraftmusic.com/collections/dr...

Adam B. from Kraft Music plays the Dreadbox Artemis desktop synthesizer (with Novation MIDI controller) showing a variety of sounds.

Dreadbox Artemis is a six-voice desktop polyphonic analog synthesizer with two VCOs with waveshaping, PWM and FM, high and low pass VCFs, four Sinevibes effects, a polyphonic sequencer and 640 presets on board. Built upon classic Dreadbox DNA, it brings a whole new polyphonic dimension to the Dreadbox family of analog synths.

Get more for your money with an exclusive Dreadbox Artemis desktop 6-voice analog synthesizer bundle from Kraft Music. These package deals include the accessories you'll need to get the most out of your new synth, all for one low price. If you have any questions, please contact us. Our knowledgeable Sales Advisors will be happy to assist in choosing the bundle that's right for you!"

New Magnolia Keyboard Synth by Frap Tools Coming to SUPERBOOTH

via Frap Tools

"And here's what we'll bring to Superbooth: Magnolia is the prototype that kept us busy over the last year. It's gonna be an 8-voice analog throuhg-zero FM polyphonic synthesizer. At its heart, all the sounds you've met in our modules: Brenso, Cunsa, and so on. We could say a 'west coast polysynth', but it's capable of analog subtractive synthesis as well. We'll bring two pre-production units at @superbooth_berlin , so come check them out and stay in touch for some video and audio stuff!"

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Elastic OSC Jam with Red Sky Lullaby Presets

video upload by Oliver Greschke

"Elastic OSC will get released 5.5.25 !! 🥳
In this short noodle, I play with the presets created by Red Sky Lullaby. The Arturia MicroFreak is used only as a MIDI keyboard, all sounds and effects are generated by Elastic OSC itself.

Elastic OSC is a synthesizer app based on the DSP code of the Mutable Instruments Plaits hardware oscillator module, one of the most beloved (and cloned) oscillator module in the Eurorack modular scene! While Plaits is monophonic, Elastic OSC can also be used in 8-voice polyphonic mode. This means you can use it either as a sophisticated, experimental monophonic sound source — like the original — or as a regular polyphonic keyboard with a wide variety of great sounds. Of course, you can also combine both approaches!

Elastic OSC is designed for playability and simplicity – similar to the Plaits hardware, which has 4 Main Knobs for all essential Synth Parameters. Elastic OSC is essentially a one-screen app with no menu diving. It features two XY pads for intuitive sound manipulation of the OSC engine and the effects. Despite the simplicity of the clean interface, the sound possibilities are vast. Under the surface you’ll find 24 different oscillator models and the ability to automate parameter changes, as it is possible in all Elastic apps."

Moog Synthesizer Model 12 Modular System Spec Sheet Ad

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

via this eBay listing

Additional Tone Tweakers Listings

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ARP Omni 2 Analog Polyphonic Keyboard Synthesizer

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

via this listing

Additional Perfect Circuit listings

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Roland SH-7 Analog Synthesizer

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

via this Reverb listing

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Kodamo Mask1: Raw Tone Session 2 - bitmask audio rate modulation

video upload by j bowman

"Discover the Kodamo Mask1 like never before in this in-depth sound design video focused on bitmask audio rate modulation. If you're into synth music, modular synthesis, or experimental sound design techniques, this video is a must-watch. We dive deep into how the Kodamo Mask1 synthesizer handles audio-rate modulation using its unique bitmask engine to produce rich, complex textures and next-level tones.

Whether you're new to the Kodamo Mask1 or a seasoned synth enthusiast, you'll gain valuable insights into sculpting evolving, high-frequency modulated sounds that push creative boundaries. Learn how audio rate modulation can transform simple waveforms into intricate sonic landscapes perfect for ambient, industrial, and electronic music genres.

This video is ideal for anyone interested in synths, FM synthesis, and advanced modulation techniques. If you're searching for real-world demonstrations of the Kodamo Mask1 synth, this walkthrough delivers both educational content and inspiring sound examples."

Korg Nu:Tekt NTS-2 oscilloscope.

SILHOUETTE EINS - for friends of howling-noisy-orchestral-chaos

video upload by SILHOUETTE-SYNTHESIZERS

"In this video you hear+see the otpical sound synthesizer SILEHOUETT EINS doing a howling-noisy-orchestral-chaos soundscape. Melodies + Notes are beeing played with the traditional keyboard and by selecting mosaique style visuals, thart create overtones for simple mathematical-physical reasons.
Visit SILHOUETTE at Superbooth 25 (booth H-195)"

Adventures in Audio - E-Mu Proteus 1 Plus - Battery Replacement

video upload by Manitou Productions

Inside an E-Mu Proteus 1. Previous video posted here.

"Adventures in Audio revisits the E-Mu Proteus 1 Plus Orchestral, a MIDI synthesizer module from 1992. Join us as we fit a new internal battery, re-load the missing patches, and have a listen. Along the way we'll encounter some of the 'ghost patches' from the first video in this series. Let's go!

Chapters:
0:00 Rude noises
0:15 Titles
0:23 Intro
1:09 Let's open it up
2:28 Removing the old internal battery
3:04 Installing the battery holder
4:05 Installing the new battery
5:41 Preparing to reinstall the patches to RAM
7:01 Interlude: in they go!
7:14 Some musings about installing the patches
8:28 Let's hear some sounds!
9:54 2x the Phantazia!
10:32 Skipping through some more sounds
13:36 The ghost piano?
14:32 Ghost bongos & more patches
15:45 The ghost piano???
16:47 A few more interesting sounds
18:11 The end of the RAM
18:32 Outro
19:08 Ivy's corner

Featured music: The Manitou - Nightrunner"

The Incredible Sequential Pro 3 Synthesizer – Unboxing and First Impression

video upload by Philipp Prinz Music

"Get ready to unbox the incredible Sequential Pro 3 synthesizer – a hybrid mono-synth powerhouse that blends analog warmth with digital flexibility. In this video, I take you through the full unboxing experience, share my first impressions, and showcase the sleek design of this modern classic along with a selection of powerful and inspiring sounds. Whether you're into synthwave, analog sound design, or simply love great synth gear, this video gives you an authentic look at one of the most versatile synths on the market today."

Timestamps
0:00 Unboxing
1:14 Beauty Shots
1:43 First Sound
2:33 Preset 1
2:52 Preset 2
3:12 Preset 3
3:45 Preset 4
5:09 Preset 5

https://sequential.com/product/pro-3/

Simmons SDS7 Digital Analog Drum System (1983) / hybrid analog drum synthesizer & 8 bit PCM rompler

video upload by ohm_studi_ohm

"in the first part of the video I run a simple pattern on a Roland TR8s that triggers the SDS7, and I demo a few kits I programmed.

On the second part I play live drums over a simple kick / hat / clap pattern and review the same drum kits and finally I play the sounds alone.

I'm no drummer so forgive my playing. These last parts are mainly intended as to demo how the SDS7 handles dynamics.

recorded through a Tapco 4400A reverb. No other fx or editing.

The Simmons SDS7 combines analog drum synthetis and 8 bits sample playing.
Each voice lets you blend 1x VCO (CEM3340), 1x 8 bit sample on eprom (like many 80s drum machines ie LinnDrum, Oberheim DMX, Sequential Circuits DrumTraks etc), 1x noise generator and 1x click generator.
Then those 4 sources pass through a nice 24db resonant filter (CEM3372), which doubles as VCA. There is a simple cutoff enveloppe and vca release parameter, and both the VCO and sample have a simple pitch enveloppe as long as a lfo to pitch modulation depth. The lfo speed can go to audio range thus enabling FM tone, great for bells and fx.
All voices card pcbs are the same except for the eprom containing the sample and this can be replaced with other sound (the clap on this unit is a CR8000 clap i programmed for instance).
There is however a second type of card, hi hats card, that differs from the basic one with some more components that let the voice be controlled by the hi hat pedal (decay of the sound mainly). It's easy to modify a regular card to a hi hat card, and to build a simple adapter in order to use a momentary switch pedal to act as the hi hat pedal. You can even use a progressive pedal to mimic the opening of the pedal, this is what I'm using and doing on the video (off screen). Info on how to achieve this are available on this site (thanks to the author for sharing this ): https://www.drummachines.de/beatboxer... If you're interested in these units tons of info are available on that site (again thanks to the author for the great job): https://snw.lonningdal.no/sds7.php"

Dina Pearlman-Ifil, the ARP Foundation and life in synths and music

video upload by CatSynth TV

"We are pleased to present an in-depth conversation with Dina Pearlman-Ifil, executive director of the Alan R. Pearlman Foundation. We talk about the foundation, its mission to preserve the legacy of Alan R. Pearlman and make his instruments available to new generations of musicians, and the exciting events surrounding Pearlman's centennial this year. We also delve in Alan R. Pearlman's early interests in music technology, the musical questions that inspired the first ARP instruments, and Dina's own journey in music and creativity.

To find out more about the Alan R. Pearlman foundation, including their newsletter, upcoming events, and how to contribute, please visit their website:

https://alanrpearlmanfoundation.org/

00:00 Introduction
00:34 About the Alan R. Pearlman Foundation
06:40 Events planned for Alan R. Pearlman's centennial
13:24 How to learn more about the foundation and subscribe to the newsletter
14:27 Alan R. Pearlman's early and formative years with music and electronics
20:47 Op Amps and Analog Computing
25:04 Exploring electronic music and possibilities
29:55 The ARP 2500, and the "ARP" approach to musical instruments
39:18 Dina Pearlman-Ifil's journey through music, art, and technology
48:26 Conclusion

Some other individuals and organizations to check out from the discussion:
https://emeapp.org/
http://www.philbrickarchive.org/
https://www.discretesynthesizers.com/

________
Please consider supporting this channel to help us bring you more synthesizer tutorials and other cultural content.
Merch: https://shop.catsynth.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/catsynth
Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/catsynth"

MONOVOX: An Analog Synthesizer

video upload by Ian Schwarzkopf

"MONOVOX is an innovative analog synthesizer with a digital touchscreen visualizer."

Waldorf Blofeld Dark Atmospheric Ambient Presets Sound Demo

video upload by Anton Anru

"Obscured Waves is a collection of 64 presets for Waldorf Blofeld that explores the darker, vintage-inspired side of sound design. The bank is built around the idea of imperfection—gritty, lo-fi textures combined with constantly shifting timbres created through rich modulation.
These sounds are alive, expressive, and full of character, bringing a distinctive atmosphere to any track, performance, or video production.

🌌 The soundset includes: 9 Textures, 7 Leads, 15 Pads, 11 Strings, 6 Rhythmical, 8 Keys, 8 Drones.

📦 Get these presets: https://antonanru.sellfy.store/p/blof...

💎 The timbres span a wide spectrum: dark, noisy, lo-fi, retro, romantic, melancholic, nostalgic, soundscapes, atmospheric, detuned, cold, distant, dull, massive, epic, bright, orchestral, distorted, metallic, tense, atonal, non-harmonic, FX-like, evolving, and sweeping.

🎛 The patches include dozens of modulations, adding motion and variation.
Velocity sensitivity and ModWheel assignments are mapped for expressive control, making each sound performance-friendly. ModWheel adds modulations — brightening the sound,
introducing vibrato, shifting tone, or adding extra movement for dynamic performance.

🔮 What sets Obscured Waves apart is its fusion of experimental tones and playable musical textures. Whether you’re crafting ambient, techno, cinematic, IDM, industrial, drum and bass, retrowave, or any style that leans into a dark atmospheric or moodier aesthetic, this soundset will give your music depth and identity.

🧿 Each preset was meticulously designed to deliver a tactile, emotional experience. Techniques such as noise layering, distortion, FM, and vintage tape emulation were used to evoke an analog character from this digital instrument. The result is a visceral set of sounds that feel aged, nostalgic, and imperfect—in all the right ways.

💡 Technical Information. How to import/upload presets.
The presets are compatible with hardware Blofeld versions: desktop and keyboard; and with the official Blofeld VST Plugin.
Make sure you are using the latest hardware firmware and vst-plugin versions.

No Samples and third-party wavetables are required. The soundset is made with the factory content only.
The soundset comes in multiple formats:
Bank in .syx format (Bank G)
Bank in .mid format (Bank G)
Bank in .blo format for Auraplugins Blofeld Editor/Librarian users
Bank in .bpz format for the official Blofeld VST plugin users
Separate presets in .syx format
Separate presets in .mid format

The bank contains presets in slots 01–64. Slots 65–128 are Init Presets. SysEx transfer will overwrite the entire Bank G. Make a backup before loading.
Set Device ID to 0 (zero).
To load the presets onto the synthesizer, use a SysEx file utility: SysEx Librarian by Snoize (for Mac) or MIDI-OX/Bome Send SX (for Windows).
Connect the Blofeld to your computer via USB and select it as the MIDI device in the application settings.
Load the .syx or .mid bank file into the application, select it, and click Send/Play.
The bank will be transferred to the synthesizer within a minute."

Contents:
00:00 TX Monochrome
01:26 PD Fluff
02:35 RH Between
03:39 LD Bacteria
04:25 KS Stellar
05:27 ST Myth
06:43 TX Wide Noise
07:49 PD Blackbird
09:10 TX Window
10:37 RH Clockwork
11:37 PD Drops
12:58 KS Prose
14:04 ST Inception
15:03 DR Raid
16:15 ST Voyage
16:57 PD Silence
18:14 LD Twins
19:20 TX Drama
20:22 RH Itinerary
21:29 PD Cube
23:10 KS Yesterday
24:07 ST Titles
25:18 DR Atlas
26:01 LD Desert
27:16 PD City
28:50 RH Miniature
29:32 ST Recorder
30:48 KS Mentor
31:51 PD Synapse
33:30 TX Intervals
34:52 ST TV Show
35:59 RH Walk
37:08 LD Access
37:56 PD Breeze
39:11 ST Sudden
40:22 KS Tremor
41:27 ST Numb
42:37 TX Downstairs
43:35 RH Blue Field
44:43 LD Polar
45:43 PD Tiara
47:04 ST Junction
48:15 DR Hollow
49:33 TX Perception
50:42 PD Stalker
52:06 KS Microtones
52:57 DR Snake
53:57 LD Nacre
54:57 KS Snowbound
55:59 DR Gloom

Spectral Audio Neptune 2 analog 3 VCO Synthesizer SN 50251

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

via this Reverb listing

Note OSC3 also funtions as an LFO. It's on the top right.

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1970s Pearl Syncussion SY-1 — Analog Drum Synthesizer (Serviced) SN 504421

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

via this Reverb listing

Additional SYNTH CITY Listings

"Total classic! A must have for any synth nerd. This Pearl SY-1 Synth Percussion was just serviced and cleaned internally, includes a Kawai power supply as shown."

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Waldorf Iridium Desktop Synthesizer w/ Analog Case Hard Case & Protective Lid

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

via this Reverb listing

Additional SYNTH CITY Listings

"Excellent condition over all. Includes Analog Cases hardcase, lock keys, protective lid, manual and power supply as shown."

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EMS VCS3 Restoration with DK-1 Keyboard

video upload by Synthesizer Keith

"This video is a deep dive into the restoration of an EMS VCS3 and DK-1 keyboard. And yes, that is Alex Lifeson's [Rush] signature.

00:00 Play In
00:09 Introduction
01:20 VCS3 Demo/Assessment
06:43 Initial Repairs
09:37 Meter Repair
17:51 Power Supply and Amplifier Chips
22:00 Keyboard Assessment
23:30 The Keyboard Comes Alive!
26:30 Keyboard signals In Depth
28:25 Issues With The Trigger
31:27 Keyboard Sample & Hold
35:22 Keyboard and VCS3 Pitch Tracking and Velocity
38:10 Parts Graveyard
38:57 Alex Lifeson's Signature and Other Markings
41:23 Play Out"

Arturia Pure Lofi is a Kick-Ass Wavetable Synth... Secret Enhancements, Overview, and Review

video upload by Keith Crosley

"OK, so Arturia Pure Lofi is a real wavetable synthesizer and (multi)sampler with a fantastic retro sound and some deep, dark secrets. Come along with me and discover the unique sound of Pure Lofi. OH... and you can import user wavetables and sound libraries, like KRC Mathwaves, if you know THIS ONE CRAZY TRICK 😉. Available by itself, or as part of Arturia V Collection 11... Would you like to know more? Grab your Computer Musical Instrument and come along with me for a bit-crushed-a-go-go episode of your favorite talky synthesizer content show!"

https://www.wavetables.lol