Andreas Trobollowitsch // Live @ Erica Synths Garage

video upload by Erica Synths

"Andreas Trobollowitsch’s residency at Erica Synths Garage felt less like traditional sound design and more like an ongoing experiment in movement, texture and controlled unpredictability. A Vienna-based electroacoustic musician, composer and sound artist, Andreas works at the intersection of sound, visual art and mechanics - building self-developed instruments and exploring rotation, physical processes and unconventional ways of producing sound. During his stay, wooden turntables met drum machines, mechanical systems collided with synthesisers, and ideas developed through curiosity rather than fixed outcomes.

Read our interview with the artist: https://garage.ericasynths.lv/article...

Andreas Hopepage: https://trobollowitsch.hotglue.me/"

Solo for Kino - Silhouette Revue, 22th Nov 2025

video upload by SILHOUETTE-SYNTHESIZERS

""Solo for Kino" - a Silhouette Revue
( Acts: 00:07 - 04:52 - 10:06 - 16:58 - 21:46 - 23:36 - 27:32 )
Debut performance on November 22th 2025, Kino im Sprengel, Hannover, Germany -
The idea to make a feature length performance playing a Silhouette Synthesizer had been there since 2017. But besides developing the audivisual Silhouette Synthesizer it took that long time to get an idea about the story I wanted to tell, in picture, sound, poetry and rhythm.
The plot background is autobiographic and the media used in the individual acts uses disciplines of art and life I touched and used before: toys, puppets, machines, songs, poetry, audiovisual art, stages and audience. I wanted to implement a colourful variety and I tried not to limit my joy of combining and performing this.
I wanted to show the Silhouette´s game on the 2D screen but also to play inside and with the room between the screen and the audience, to make it a room where a multifunctional installation tells a multimedial interdisziplinary story. "Revue" means a special kind of show but also an overview, a compilation of scenes, maybe even a row of memories revisited.

00:07: Act 1: Room ("Zimmer")
04:52: Act 2: Bombers
10:06: Act 3: Drum and Eye Train ("Trommel und Augenzug")
16:58: Act 4: HHH-Waltz ("HHH-Walzer")
21:46: Act 5: Track-Man ("Schienenmann")
23:36: Act 6: Petrol Station of Tears ("Tankstelle der Tränen")
27:32: Act 7: (Encore): Fahrenheit

I hope you enjoy it,
best wishes,
Pit Przygodda

More info about Silhouette Synthesizers:
http://silhouette-synthesizer.de/"

DRUM DESIGNER DEMO

video upload by Noise Lab Sweden

"Here’s finally a demo of Drum Designer, a compact 18HP drum module for eurorack, built around six analog drum voices—each one with a personality of its own. Drawing inspiration from legendary analog drum machines, Drum Designer reinterprets those classic sounds through an entirely new circuit design, resulting in something familiar yet unmistakably original. This demo takes you through the separate voices and also a couple of examples with additional instruments."

DRUM DESIGNER
€370.00 (MSRP)

Drum Designer is a compact drum module built around a set of essential drum voices—each one with a personality of its own. Drawing inspiration from the legendary analog drum machines we all know and love, Drum Designer reinterprets those classic sounds through an entirely new circuit design, resulting in something familiar yet unmistakably original.

Built to thrive in any modular setup, simply feed it gates from your favorite sequencer—or any source capable of generating rhythmic patterns—and let Drum Designer deliver punchy, characterful drums with confidence. With a clean, self-explanatory interface made for fast, hands-on control, it's ideal for both studio work and live performance.

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A Potted History of Drum Synthesizers

video upload by Alex Ball and Nathan Curran Tugg the Drummer (Tugg)

"A look at a niche within a niche, the drum synthesizer; a story that begins in the late 60s and continues to this very day."

0:00 Intro
0:25 Definition of a "Drum Synthesizer"
2:24 Precursors, DIY and Impakt
4:03 Star Instruments Synare
5:09 How these Instruments Worked
6:13 Syndrum: The First Famous Drum Synth
8:45 Ult-Sound: Japan's First Drum Synth
10:10 Pearl & Tama: Here Come The Drum Companies
13:20 Simmons: The Zeitgeist
19:21 The Flood Gates & Mega-Montage
24:48 Soviet Offerings
25:17 Decline and the Splitting Point
27:05 Vermona: A New Era
29:28 Elektron: Blurred Lines
30:58 A Plethora of Machines
32:24 Clavia/Nord: Simply Red
33:39 Modern Day: The Culmination
34:44 Summary & Thanks
35:23 Patron Outro Jam

Update:

1/14/26 Simmons SDS6 + TAMA DS200 + Alesis MIDIVERB II + CXM 1978

video upload by Cfpp0

"This is one of two videos I recorded for the great Alex Ball (‪@AlexBallMusic‬) to use in his video about the history of drum synthesizers. I’m using the Simmons SDS7 to trigger the two halves of the TAMA DS200, with reverbs from the Alesis MIDIVERB II and the CXM 1978. The DS200 is running hot through the MIDIVERB II, overloading the preamp. The CXM 1978 has a long predelay in lo-fi mode to create a grainy pitchy echo."

JP-8000 vs Nord Lead A1 vs Access Virus B — Which One Do You ACTUALLY Need?

video upload by Marc Renton

"The elephant in the room: Roland JP-8000, Clavia Nord Lead A1, and Access Virus B: Three legendary hardware synths from the late 90s/2000s that still hold up today. But which one is worth your money in 2026?

In this video, I go hands-on with all three machines from my studio, playing patches, presets, and sounds I programmed myself. No script, no BS — just honest thoughts after owning these synths for up to 21 years.

What you'll learn:
JP-8000: SuperSaw magic, but what are the real limitations of the filter?
Nord Lead A1: Why it's my go-to synth — and why the Moog filter is a game changer
Access Virus B: The all-in-one machine with 24-voice polyphony... and where it hits a wall
Should you buy hardware or use emulations? (honest take)

These are timeless machines. This knowledge will be valid in 10 or 20 years. Maybe some plugins won't exist by then — but these synths will.

CLICK FOR MORE »

BEAT GEMS - the new book on drum machines...

video upload by Bjooks

"Soon to launch on Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...

BEAT GEMS is a premium hardcover book from Bjooks that explores this remarkable history through rare and iconic machines, vivid photography, artist stories, technical insight, and the people who turned boxes of circuits into culture. The book explores more than six decades of electronic music history through the drum machines that changed the way music is made, recorded, and performed.

An inspiring and visually rich book for anyone interested in music technology, design, rhythm, and recording culture, this comprehensive work follows the evolution of drum machines from early experiments and preset rhythm companions to programmable icons, studio powerhouses, genre-defining classics, and the hardware revival of recent decades. The project structure already maps that story across eight major stages – from invention and standardization to creative misuse, programmability, studio control, genre definition, and rebirth.

The book presents comprehensive research, writing, editing, photography, and visual development by author Oli Freke and editor Kim Bjørn.

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Erica Synths Introduces Resonant Filterbank

video upload by Erica Synths



Erica Synths new desktop Resonant Filterbank is set to ship on May 18th. Check with dealers on the right on price and availability.

Details via Erica Synths:

Desktop Resonant Filterbank is a performance and studio production-friendly FX unit - an analog stereo filterbank. It has a set of ten bandpass filters with hands-on control over each bands’ boost or cut and complex control configurations that can turn it into an unconventional multimode filter with an envelope follower and an instrument on its own when played with various resonance settings or even an experimental sound generator for no-input mixer-like setups.

You can use it with synthesizers, drum machines, modular setups and thanks to an analogue GAIN STAGE that boosts incoming signals up to +24dB, with guitars and pretty much any other instrument. This is a tool that can let you discover entirely new sounds from the instruments you thought you knew inside-out.

User snapshots (presets), MIDI control over all parameters and a sleek aluminium case to match our lineup of compact desktop units will make the Resonant Filterbank and integral part of many studio and live performance setups.

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SONICWARE Introduces deconstruct MINIMAL | Hypnotic Groove Machine — LESS IS MORE

Playlist:

1. deconstruct MINIMAL | Hypnotic Groove Machine — LESS IS MORE - SONICWARE
2. deconstruct MINIMAL | Hypnotic Groove Machine [Official Demo Jam] - SONICWARE
3. Sonicware deconstruct MINIMAL - Factory Patterns (no talking) - Bonedo Synthesizers
4. SONICWARE deconstruct MINIMAL: Ambient Techno Jam - Freaky Tweaky
5. Sonicware deconstruct MINIMAL - Sound Demo (no talking) with custom patterns for Electronic Music - Limbic Bits




"The deconstruct series has arrived — redefining musical structure.
Limited introductory offer: $299 for the first 1,000 units. [see dealers on the right]

deconstruct MINIMAL is a groovebox combining a sampler-integrated drum machine and analog-modeling bass synthesizer, built for the hypnotic grooves of minimal techno and minimal house.

● Legendary Groove DNA
● Deep 10-Track Drum Machine
● Sonic Expansion Sampler
● Elastic Bass Synth
● Live-Boosting Effects

● Legendary Groove DNA

Built on the rhythmic and pitch drift of the legendary drum machines — designed to create hypnotic minimal grooves

● Deep 10-Track Drum Machine

Intuitive, deep groove editing with fully per-track accents, random velocity, swing, sub-steps, and phrase rotation

● Sonic Expansion Sampler

Drum machine–integrated 4-track sampler with a 4-bar loop track — beyond drums through textures and phrases

● Elastic Bass Synth

Fluid analog-modeling bass synth delivering acid bass lines and driving techno leads

● Live-Boosting Effects

Live-focused real-time effects for dynamic groove control and performance intensity

Specifications
Drum machine with sampler and bass synthesizer featuring 11-track construction

[Drum Machine]
• Recreates the distinctive groove of legendary drum machines, shaped by subtle rhythmic and pitch drift
• 9 tracks
• 16 drum kits
• Instruments: 10 banks - 130 sounds
• Sample-based engine with dedicated edit parameters for each bank
• BD1 and SD each feature dedicated synthesis engines
• HH recreates the characteristic sound variations of analog drum machines
• Diverse groove edits: Accent, random velocity, swing, sub-steps, etc. can be set per track
• Supports real-time recording via pads, alongside fast step input
• Equipped with an isolator for bold boosts/cuts and delicate tonal adjustment

[Sampler]
• Supports sample import/export and sampling via LINE IN or USB
• 4 tracks: sample selection on drum machine tracks 7–9, plus dedicated loop track 10
• Preset samples: 3 banks - 48 sounds
Track 7–9

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Plinky 12 Chords: Ramp Arpeggios

video upload by Making Sound Machines

"On our way to #Superbooth 2026! Really excited to see all our friends and fellow makers again!

This year, we will be showing the Plinky 12 family of expressive polyphonic touch synthesizers.

In this video, Enrica, engineer and musician of Düsseldorf-based synth maker Making Sound Machines, explores the new Plinky 12 Chords play surface.

The built-in sequencer produces a calm pulse, triggering an Arpeggio ramp at the beginning of each bar. With her left hand, Enrica selects which harmonies to arpeggiate from the rainbow chord palette at the bottom of the instrument.

With her right hand, she plays an expressive melody on the polyphonic play surface. The notes in this view are arranged in a tetrachord layout and adapt automatically to each harmony selected.

All sounds are produced with Plinky 12's internal synth engine."

MadeOnEarth - LedRover Analog Stereo Distortion Pedal

MadeOnEarth - LedRover vs Dfam video upload by Isak Eliyahu

Press release follows:


LEDROVER: ANALOG STEREO DISTORTION

The LedRover is a 100% analog stereo diode-based distortion effect from MOE. It originated from our quest for the ultimate distortion effect for the TB-303, finalized after a year of experiments with various components including diodes,

LEDs, germanium, and custom potentiometers. The inspiration for the circuit came from a famous filter resonance design that we discovered uses diodes in the feedback loop, which creates a round sound with a distortion tone that can be aggressive while remaining musical and preserving the character of the original signal. Based on this, we designed two distortion modes for the LedRover using different diode placements. Following extensive calibration for synthesizers and drum machines, we have ensured the effect is suitable for a wide range of applications—from kicks and snares to cymbals, bass, and leads—offering everything from delicate warmth to extreme distortion.

The integrated Tilt filter was born from our understanding that filtering before overdrive is essential for emphasizing frequencies pleasant to the ear. Unlike standard Tilt filters that typically offer a 6dB/Octave slope, we designed the LedRover with a steeper 15dB/Octave slope for both low and high frequency ranges. This ensures the signal enters the distortion with high saturation, allowing the circuit to mangle the sound even further. We selected the reference point for the filter through trial and error across a variety of gear to emphasize mid-range frequencies rather than just extreme highs, providing a flattering response for the distortion circuit.

Additionally, we added an x10 Boost button to push instruments with weak outputs hard into the Tilt filter. This creates distortion right at the entrance of the filter, which can be controlled delicately with the input knob; as you attenuate the input volume, the action of the filter becomes significantly more pronounced, while higher values create a unique op-amp saturation that works in perfect synergy with the diode overdrive. We build the LedRover to the highest standards of reliability and feel, housed in a custom aluminum box with resilient UV-printing and custom potentiometers.

Feature List:

100% Analog Stereo Diode-Based Colorful Distortion Circuit.

Dual Distortion Modes: Two distinct distortion characters.

Custom 15dB/Octave Tilt Filter.

x10 Boost Switch: Push weak instrument signals and overdrive the Tilt filter op-amps for additional colorful harmonics.

Two-Mode VU Meter: Visual monitoring of the wet and dry signals.

Dedicated Input and Output Controls.

Buffered Bypass.

High Standard Build Quality: Custom aluminum box with resilient UV-printing and custom potentiometers.

Compact Form Factor: W: 12cm (4.7") x D: 10cm (3.9") x H: 5.5cm (2.2").

We are very excited to officially debut the LedRover and our beloved Analog Chorus 60 at Superbooth in Berlin, Booth B048. We will have a demo station equipped with two sets of headphones, but you are also welcome to connect your own.

www.moe-shop.net

Publison Infernal Machine + LinnDrum / Jam 1

video upload by Valmont

"Have you ever wondered if a Linndrum could sound... Not like a Linndrum?! Here's a first jam featuring a fully restored one for a client, along with a Publison Infernal Machine reissue, hand-built by my friend Valentin, aka “Vintage Standards” :)

LINNDRUM - This one came with a fun issue: the snare would trigger the side stick, and the toms would trigger the congas. Apart from various CMOS quirks of that kind, I rebuilt all sliders/faders (volume + pan), the trigger buttons and replaced the pots with custom clones made by my friend Manfred from VintageSynth&Co. I also swapped the audio caps for polypropylene ones and rebuilt the power supply. During the process, the CPU card failed so I had to debug the sequencer - turned out to be a bad address latch and a dead bus gate (no idea what caused that). All in all, a serious overhaul!

INFERNAL MACHINE - A very special device. The IM90 was originally designed by French engineer Philippe Petitdemange between 1983 and 1984, with development continuing until the final DSP update in 1989. Publison devices are infamous for their opacity: components were often stripped of references, making repairs impossible. No schematics were ever published or even formally documented, which made the Infernal Machine both exceptionally rare and subject to extreme prices (I’ve seen one listed around 20k€!!!)
Following Philippe’s assassination in 2019, much of the design knowledge risked being lost. Jonathan Prager was designated as the official Publison legacy/maintenance technician and undertook the task of redrawing schematics based on the original archives he bought to preserve these machines. Meanwhile, Valentin, a French expatriate living in Japan, independently carried out his own reverse-engineering and successfully built a true 1:1 clone. His version (named the Celestial Machine) fits the strictest definition of a clone: an exact replica running the original code, featuring a beautifully recreated remote controller and using NOS components throughout ; except for a new OLED display (co-designed with Bob Grieb of TaunTek).
This special Publison-badged unit was sent to me for testing and demonstration to original Publison co-founder D. Dean - more info soon maybe :)

By the way! If you’re curious, I wrote my master’s thesis on Publison, it was published in French (deal with it lmao) : https://www.ens-louis-lumiere.fr/wp-c..."

GCS Model 8 - A New Tape Machine DAW

video upload by Gulf Coast Synthesis

"I've been working for months perfecting a new DAW that captures the exact workflow and sound of analog tape. Every aspect of the tape path is emulated using data I captured from my own tape machines. You can play with the tape as its recording to record warbles, draw defects, age the tape as you play it, varispeed record, and essentially any other function that's possible on a reel to reel.

I'm gearing up to release it in the next couple weeks but am happy to send out codes for people to try it out: https://www.gulfcoastsynthesis.com/beta

It allows 8, 16, and 24 tracks and various tape types like cassette, 1/4", 1/2" and 1".

Its also available on iPad:
You can try it via the link below:
https://testflight.apple.com/join/Q76..."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Patching Exciting Modulation for Filters // FIRST PATCH with Swell from Bartola Instruments

video upload by DivKid

"Here we have the new Swell Eurorack filter and valve gain stage from Bartola Instruments. We'll be exploring this in the usual in depth DivKid demo style in the future but wanted to share our literal first patch playing around with saturating, character oozing valve distortion and filtering ... and in doing so, share some modulation tips about how we like to patch modulation, mixing sources and making things feel exciting and dynamic. I hope the patch notes below are useful and let us know what you'd like to see more of with Swell."

"*PATCH NOTES*

The simple bit first - AUDIO PATH - two saw wave oscillators, changing the octaves between them at points, mixed into 'Swell' and then output into some stereo FX for background ambience.

The modulation is where this gets exciting going into the FM input (which modules filter cut off frequency) is my main envelope, a simple decay envelope. Resonance is modulated by a step sequence (external attenuation is the key here). Then the v/oct input is used as a place to input a mix of modulation. The first is an accent envelope, patching a less dense gate rhythm into a second envelope and patching that into a mixer. Then outputting the mixer into the v/oct input of the filter. The second is then the same step sequence as the resonance.

So with the mixer into the v/oct and the FM input I have 3 modulation sources modulating the filter frequency - main envelope, accent envelope & step sequence.

Modules used - Thonk Synth VCO, Joranalogue Cycle 5, TINRS Next Tuesday, Making Sound Machines Multiplikand, Bartola Instruments Swell, WMD + Infrasonic Audio Cosmis Debris, Vostok Instruments Fuji, Apollo View IOU, Thonk Synth dual VCA.

THIS VIDEO IS SPONSORED BY BARTOLA INSTRUMENTS* they have funded the creation of this first patch video and future demo video with Swell. Any questions just ask."

Plinky 12 Chords: 80s Brass

video upload by Making Sound Machines

"In this clip, Enrica from Making Sound Machines improvises on the Plinky 12 Chords play surface.

The internal sequencer advances through a progression of harmonies, playing and arpeggiating a new chord each bar. With her fingertips, Enrica improvises an expressive melody on the play surface.

The notes in this view are a stack of the chord notes for each of the harmonies from the rainbow chord palette at the bottom of the instrument. This allows Enrica to freely arpeggiate and transition from harmony to harmony, sometimes leading, sometimes trailing behind the chords launched from the sequence.

The polyphonic play surface reads both play position and pressure of the touch, allowing for an intuitive and nuanced play style. All sounds are produced with Plinky 12's internal synth engine."

Plinky 12 Chords and Model:Samples

video upload by Making Sound Machines

"In this video, Enrica and Roland from Making Sound Machines play a melodic techno track, performing live with the built-in polyphonic arpeggiator and the sound modulation in Plinky 12 Chords.

Plinky 12 receives a MIDI clock signal from the Elektron Model:Samples, synchronizing tempo and transport between both devices. Model:Samples is a fantastic all-digital drum machine and provides the beats you hear in this clip. All synth sounds are produced with Plinky 12's internal synth engine.

Plinky 12's sequencer advances through a harmonic progression, while Roland performs on the touch surface, editing the polyphonic arpeggio. As the track progresses, he taps the touch surface to add or delete notes in the arp pattern.

Enrica operates the model cycles, bringing in layers of drums, while Roland manipulates the XY pad on Plinky 12, modulating the synth and effects setting. This allows them to build and adjust the arrangement on the fly.

This track was composed for a live set at Club Synth, an event our friends Stijn and Priscilla from This is Not Rocket Science are hosting and organizing quarterly at Ruigoord near Amsterdam. Thank you for inviting us and putting in the hard work to create such a lovely event!"

GRADIENT NOISE Coming to ICMC 2026

Gradient Noise: Work in Progress with Dirtywave M8 and Processing.org
video upload by John C.S. Keston

https://audiocookbook.org/gradient-noise-at-icmc-2026/

"I'm pleased to announce that I will be performing the world premiere of my piece Gradient Noise at the International Computer Music Conference (ICMC) in Hamburg, Germany on May 11 at 9:30pm. The following video except represent the work in progress. The final piece will be 10 minutes long and contain up to four layers of instruments with independent, corresponding, video objects.

Since 2019 I have been composing animated graphic scores for ensembles and soloists. Examples include Parking Ramp Project, SYNTAX, and Rhodonea. These generative works are projected for both the performers to read and audience to experience. I write software to generate and animate the geometric forms, and establish rules on how the forms are read, whilst allowing improvisation and the emotional response of the performer to play an integral part in each piece.

Gradient Noise, written using the Processing.org language, translates values generated by the Perlin noise algorithm into independent layers of seamless loops repeating at variable intervals. These loops are visualised as geometric forms, abstract visualizations, and evolving structures. The data generated is aleatoric, but the values can be tuned to range between slowly moving gradients or rapid, angular forms. When the sound and visuals are synchronized I respond not only to the animation but also to the changes in the timbre of my instruments.

Through Gradient Noise I am rethinking the relationships between musicians and machines. By translating the properties of n-dimensional Perlin noise into a musical language, the piece presents a unified ecosystem with coordinated timbres and geometric forms. Thus generating a living environment that requires active participation and improvisation. Ultimately, the work presents a contemporary model for computer music where the performer does not simply follow a score, but negotiates a path through a responsive, multi-sensory experience.

More on AudioCookbook.org:
https://audiocookbook.org/gradient-no...

ICMC Official Conference Website:
https://icmc2026.ligeti-zentrum.de

Audio in this video entire produced using the Dirtywave M8 tracker:
https://dirtywave.com/"

Plinky 12 and Plinky v3

video upload by Making Sound Machines

"This video clip is a duet using a Plinky each from both generations: a Plinky 12 Chords providing glissandi and harmonies, and the original Plinky v3 from Thonk providing the main melody.

Enrica, engineer and musician of Düsseldorf-based synth maker Making Sound Machines, plays the original Plinky v3, with long melodic arcs and the characteristic melancholic sound at the touch of her fingertips.

Roland slides his fingertips along the rainbow coloured columns of Plinky 12 in Chordnotes view. The notes in this view are a stack of the chord notes for each of the harmonies from the chord palette at the bottom of the instrument.

This allows him to freely arpeggiate and transition from harmony to harmony. After the intro of the piece, Roland starts a harmonic sequence on Plinky 12 to accompany the notes Enrica plays on the original Plinky.

The lead synth in the beginning and throughout is captured directly from Plinky v3. All additional synth sounds and effects, the harp-like sound and glissandy in the accompaniment, are produced with Plinky 12's on-board synth engine.

Plinky 12 is a family of expressive polyphonic synthesizers. The three instruments are built around a shared polyphonic synth engine. Designed by mmalex, it evokes the unmistakable melancholic sounds of the original Plinky.

Each instrument is designed in collaboration with a different synth maker, lending each panel a distinct playability and unique character.

Plinky 12 Chords is a harmonic inspiration machine. It lets you improvise melodies and chords, with expressive control over voicings, progressions, and immediate musical play. Created by Making Sound Machines, Chords is the panel for finding beautiful harmonic movement quickly.

Plinky 12 Toadstep is a 4-track step sequencer built for super funky riffs, experimental self-generative melodies, and good ol' Acid. Created by Toadstool Tech, the designer behind the Ectocore Eurorack module, Toadstep is fun, immediate and easy to jam with!

Plinky 12 Blocks is an open panel built for experimentation, with monome-grid compatibility, Plinky style touch synthesis, and a browser-based coding environment just a click away. While it comes with a fully playable design out of the gate, creator mmalex invites you to build your own adventure with this panel. If you can imagine it, you can make it!"

Introducing Plinky 12 Blocks, Chords and Toadstep

video upload by Making Sound Machines

Additional videos below.

"We are super excited to introduce 3 new instruments today! Plinky 12 is a family of expressive polyphonic touch synthesizers. The three instruments are built around a shared synth engine. Designed by mmalex, it evokes the unmistakable melancholic sounds of the original Plinky. https://plinky12.com

Each instrument is designed in collaboration with a different synth maker, lending each panel a distinct playability and unique character.

Plinky 12 Chords is a harmonic inspiration machine. It lets you improvise melodies and chords, with expressive control over voicings, progressions, and immediate musical play. Created by Making Sound Machines, Chords is the panel for finding beautiful harmonic movement quickly.

Plinky 12 Toadstep is a 4-track step sequencer built for super funky riffs, experimental self-generative melodies, and good ol' Acid. Created by Toadstool Tech, the designer behind the Ectocore Eurorack module, Toadstep is fun, immediate and easy to jam with!

Plinky 12 Blocks is an open panel built for experimentation, with monome-grid compatibility, Plinky style touch synthesis, and a browser-based coding environment just a click away. While it comes with a fully playable design out of the gate, creator mmalex invites you to build your own adventure with this panel. If you can imagine it, you can make it!

In this video, Enrica and Roland from Making Sound Machines explore the three new Plinky 12 instruments: Blocks, Chords and Toadstep from left to right.

The track builds on a repeating loop created with the built-in sequencer on Plinky 12 Toadstep. The short sequence uses rhythmic step repeats, track step length and animated synth parameters to create an ostinato that keeps sonically evolving over the length of the track.

As the piece continues, Roland plays a progression of harmonies from the rainbow chord palette on Plinky 12 Chords, before launching a sequence that reharmonizes the loop heard from Toadstep. Enrica joins in playing sparkling arpeggios with her fingertips on Plinky 12 Blocks, the surface with the sunset colour-fade print.

As the track progresses, Roland plays a melodic line on Chords, then Enrica takes over with a melody on blocks. The Plinky 12 polyphonic play surface reads both play position and pressure of the touch. It enables bends and glides on the horizontal axis, while allowing for discrete arps in the vertical direction.

They end the piece with a tempo transition showcasing the septuplet feature on the internal sequencer."

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SynthFest 2018 - Synclavier History by Jean-Bernard Emond

video upload by SynthFest France

This one is in via Jean-Bernard Emond. Click CC at the bottom of the player for subtitles. This is an older video from 2018 but still interesting. This is also a good reminder that SynthFest France 2026 is happening this weekend: https://www.synthfestfrance.com.

"I invite you to revisit my short 2018 talk (33 minutes), still relevant today, on the history of digital synthesis—specifically FM synthesis. It covers everything from the NED Synclavier to Yamaha’s FM machines, and ends with the audio engines from the Hal Alles family tree (ATT Bell Labs), starting with the Alles Synth, then the Crumar GDS, and finally the DKI Synergy."

Jean-Bernard Emond also sent in the following links:

The latest on WaveFrame’s AudioFrame: https://mustudio.fr/2026/04/17/waveframe-corporation-audioframe-2/

"And another previous piece on audio in NeXT computers, especially focusing on what was developed at the IRCAM and CCRMA research centers: https://mustudio.fr/2024/06/21/sound-on-the-next/"

UVI made a virtual AudioFrame previously featured here.

See the WaveFrame label below for a handful of posts on the site.

Moog Muse: 64 Retro Cinematic Ambient Presets. Sound Demo

video upload by Anton Anru

🌃 'Echoes Of Machines' is a collection of 64 atmospheric cinematic presets for Moog Muse.
🗂 It includes: 19 Keys, 9 Leads, 5 Pads, 9 Strings, 12 Synths, 4 Drones, and 6 Textures.
📺 The soundset draws inspiration from sci-fi movies, cinematic soundtracks, dystopian worlds, urban landscapes, retro electronica, noise ambient albums, experimental modern art, and contemporary sound design.
📼 Built around the concept of imperfection, the collection blends gritty, lo-fi textures with constantly shifting timbres shaped through deep modulation.

📦 The download link: https://antonanru.sellfy.store/p/muse...

📻 The timbral range is wide and diverse, covering dark, noisy, lo-fi, warm, deep, retro/vintage, melancholic, atmospheric, detuned, cold, distant, dull, massive, epic, bright, distorted, metallic, tense, atonal, non-harmonic, FX-like, evolving, and sweeping textures.

🎛 All patches are Velocity-sensitive. The ModWheel enhances expressiveness by adding motion and tonal variation—brightening the sound, introducing vibrato, shifting timbre, or adding extra movement for dynamic and engaging performance.

Aftertouch introduces distortion, increases sustain, or speeds up modulations.
The Macro Knob introduces additional changes—it enhances the stereo effect or detuning, adds bright overtones, or adds modulation to the filter or oscillators.

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