Erica Synths x Hexinverter HEXDRUMS Now Available

video upload by Erica Synths

Check with dealers on the right for price and availability.

"PRE-ORDERS ARE OPEN!

HEXDRUMS - an analog drum machine merging Erica Synths’ techno DNA with Hexinverter’s mutant circuits. Designed with respect for the classics and built for today’s performers, it captures the essence of true analog drums in a compact, powerful form.

Timeline:
00:01 - Take 1 / Fantastik
01:30 - Take 2 / Elektrik Boogie
02:02 - Take 3/ Rimshot Bass
04:04 - Take 4 / Skrrrt Skrrt
05:08 - Take 5 / IDM 5000 (with Bassline & Echolocator)
07:26 - Take 6 / 1-800-User-Sample-Gabber
08:03 - Take 7 / Small Business Techno
10:29 - Take 8 / Machine Chillwork
12:59 - Take 9 / Premium Donk
14:59 - Take 10 / Dubtech 2025 (with Pērkons HD-01)

More:
http://www.ericasynths.lv"

Erica Synths HEXDRUMS // An exploration into circuit bent 808 and 909 classic sounds // Review

video upload by loopop

TIMELINE:
0:00 Intro
1:20 Overview
3:20 Build
3:55 I/O
4:20 Bass drum 1
5:30 Bass drum 2
6:10 Machine
8:05 Snare
9:00 Clap
10:10 Rimshot
10:50 Hi hats
11:25 Cymbals
12:35 Compressor
14:10 Drive
14:45 Sequencing
17:00 Step trigs
19:10 Performance
20:20 Song mode
21:00 Settings
21:25 Pros & cons
23:55 Some jams

Yamaha Introduces New MODX M Series of Synthesizers

video uploads by Yamaha Synths Official

Playlist:

1. Yamaha | MODX M | Elevate Expression Everywhere - Official Overview
2. Yamaha | MODX M | Sound Demo - Hear the Future of Expression

"Discover the new Yamaha MODX M Series, a next-generation synthesizer that elevates sound, control, and creativity for musicians everywhere.

Building on the DNA of our flagship MONTAGE M, MODX M delivers expressive performance and a professional workflow in a compact, lightweight design. Built for stage, studio, and beyond.

🎹 Key Features:
• Three powerful engines: AN-X (vintage analog), FM-X (modern digital), AWM2 (realistic acoustic instruments)
• Motion Control Synthesis: Shape sound in real time with the Super Knob, Motion Sequences & Envelope Follower
• High-resolution control: Smooth faders, knobs, and key response for ultimate expression
• Expanded Softsynth Plugin (E.S.P.): A virtual version of MODX M for your DAW (available early 2026)
• Compact, portable design: Perfect for working musicians on the move

🎧 Designed to inspire, wherever your music takes you."


Yamaha MODX M Synthesizer w/ KRAFT Music
video uploads by Kraft Music

Playlist:

1. Yamaha MODX M Synthesizer - Advanced Tutorial with Blake Angelos

Great bundle deals on the Yamaha MODX M music synthesizer:
https://kraftmusic.com/collections/ya...

Blake Angelos from Yamaha visits Kraft Music to present the MODX M music synthesizer.

00:00 Into
00:44 The DNA of flagship Montage M
01:29 Display knobs
02:21 Keyboard hold
03:50 Control matrix
04:36 Page jump
06:05 Sound engine
06:28 CFX piano samples
08:06 Keyboard action
10:12 Scenes and orchestral voices
14:19 Super Knob
17:24 Organs and rotary speaker
21:31 Trailer Toys
22:20 Smart Morph
27:17 Motion sequence
32:37 Computer integration
33:54 ESP plug-in synth
38:54 Signing off

2. Yamaha MODX M Synthesizer - All Playing, No Talking with Blake Angelos

loopop Review: Yamaha MODX M vs MODX+: vs Montage M // Everything you need to know M6/M7/M8

video upload by loopop

"Yamaha has taken the brains in its flagship synth Montage M, and put it in a much less expensive package. Here are the details and comparison to MODX+ and Montage M

Get plenty of multi-samples for it, and my In-Complete Book of Electronic Music Ideas, Tips and Tricks ► Patreon: / loopop"

Here's a timeline of the video:

CLICK FOR MORE »

KORG microKORG2 Ver.2.0 now supports the logue SDK

video uploads by Korg

Check with dealers on the right for pricing and deals on the microKORG2.

"With the latest update, the microKORG2 now supports the logue SDK.

The logue SDK is a toolkit for developers that includes code libraries and tools to create custom oscillators and effects.

Thanks to this update, the creative possibilities of the microKORG2 have expanded significantly."

Videos in playlist above:

1. microKORG2 Ver.2.0 now supports the logue SDK
2. How to load logue SDK contents into microKORG2

And the first user video by loopop:

MicroKORG 2 v2 Now does what?! Plugins (including mine…), step sampling, and loop slicing tutorial

video upload by loopop

"Download my Steve Reich-inspired Phasing Loops plugin for MicroKORG 2 and other logue platform synths here:

► https://loopop.gumroad.com/l/vhncoz

Get access to dozens of analog and digital synth multisamples, as well as my exclusive In-Complete Book of Electronic Music Ideas, Tips and Tricks, on my Patreon:

► / loopop"

TIMELINE:
0:00 Intro
1:35 User plugins!
2:50 Loading a plugin
3:25 New Korg osc
4:30 User FX
5:00 Phase looper
7:35 Looping w/FX
8:20 Sinevibes FX
12:40 Step sampling?!
13:50 Step record
17:45 Slice playback
19:30 Arp slicing
20:45 Use arp rests!
21:05 Using latch
21:30 BPM scale
22:05 Loop import
22:40 Sampling loops
23:30 Osc 3 madness
25:15 Other features
25:50 Installing plugins
26:15 Pros & caveats
27:50 Outro

AKAI Introduces the MPC LIVE III

video uploads by Akai Professional

Note here are 24 vidoes in the playlist above. Use the player controls to skip around.

Check with dealers on the right for price and availability.

Review: MPC Live III vs Live II // What's in the Pro Pack? // Using MPCe & Matrix // Live 3 Tutorial

video upload by loopop

TIMELINE:
0:00 Intro
1:20 vs Live II
2:00 MPCe pads
3:20 Articulations
4:10 Touch strip
5:05 Mic test
5:30 More power
7:00 New features
7:45 I/O
9:25 Content
9:55 Using MPCe
13:00 Drum seq
15:05 Note Seq
16:40 Step edit
17:35 Last step
18:00 Automation
18:35 Other modes
19:45 Macro buttons
22:00 Clip matrix
25:20 Rec to arrange
26:15 Live looping
27:10 Snapshots
28:50 Clip settings
30:35 Sequences
31:00 Super stretch
31:50 New stems
32:30 New FX
33:20 Env follower
34:00 CV tools
35:10 MPC Desktop
35:30 Pros & cons




KEY FEATURES

[NEW] Expressive pads

16 MPCe pads with 3D-sensing technology for flexible music production and expressive performance

CLICK FOR MORE »

Roland Introduces the TR-1000 Rhythm Creator w/ TR-808 and TR-909 Analog Drum Circuitry

video uploads by RolandChannel

The TR-1000 is available now for $2,699.99. Check with dealers on the right for availability.

"The TR-1000’s analog engine features 16 of the most coveted circuits from the TR-808 and TR-909, faithfully recreated from the original designs with detailed engineering and carefully selected modern components. Alongside the TR-1000’s analog voices are powerful digital sounds driven by Roland’s latest advancements, including 21 circuit-bent TR-808 and TR-909 models built with Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) technology, FM percussion, virtual analog tones, and a deep PCM library for sonic exploration and fresh textures."

Playlist:

1. Roland TR-1000 Rhythm Creator | Egyptian Lover Performance
2. Roland TR-1000 Rhythm Creator | Everything You Need to Know

User videos followed by hi-res pics and the press release:

CLICK FOR MORE »

Beatbuddy 2 vs the OG // Why its best feature is the community // Review & Tutorial

video upload by loopop

TIMELINE:
0:00 Intro
1:20 BB2 vs BB
1:50 Master ctrl
5:00 I/O
6:10 Differences
6:50 Superswitch
7:25 Expression
8:00 Dynamics
9:20 MIDI
9:35 USB?
10:25 Panel
11:25 Screen
11:55 Autopilot
12:50 HD Kits
15:15 Melodies
15:45 BBMO2
16:05 Songs
16:35 Emulator
17:20 Melodies
17:50 Whole tracks
18:20 Song match
18:50 Community
19:10 Plugin
19:15 Pros & cons

Elektron Officially Introduces Tonverk

video upload by Elektron

You might remember Tonverk mentioned in previous posts here.

"We are delighted to introduce Tonverk. A machine primed for adventure. An instrument to propel you towards extraordinary music-making and boundless sound exploration. It is packed with 16 varied tracks full of polyphony, multisampled instruments, auto sampling, never-ending routing possibilities, a mass of FX options to play with (including plenty of newcomers), deep modulation, an extended 256-step sequencer, and lots more fun features to get stuck into. All in one special box."

Check with dealers on the right for availability.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Suonobuono POLYVERA - 7 ways this synth plays dirty // Review & Tutorial

video upload by loopop

"Get access to dozens of analog and digital synth multisamples, as well as my exclusive In-Complete Book of Electronic Music Ideas, Tips and Tricks, on my Patreon: ► / loopop"

TIMELINE:
0:00 Intro
2:00 Overview
5:45 Workflow
7:55 Build
8:15 I/O
9:15 Osc dirt styles
10:45 Sub osc
11:45 Osc 2 samples
13:25 Loop points
15:15 Sample styles
15:35 Sample shape
16:25 FM w/samples
19:15 Ring mod
19:45 Sync & noise
20:05 Filter
22:30 Clipping
23:45 Overdrive
25:30 Filter env
26:25 Effects
29:10 Reverbs
30:40 Modulation
33:00 LFOs
34:20 Arp
34:50 Sequencer
36:00 Voicing
37:10 Pros & cons
40:00 Preset sounds!

Telepathic ORCHID // The Pros and Cons of Tame Impala’s Idea/Chord Machine // Review, tutorial

video upload by loopop

"Get access to dozens of analog and digital synth multisamples, as well as my exclusive In-Complete Book of Electronic Music Ideas, Tips and Tricks, on my Patreon: / loopop"

TIMELINE:
0:00 Intro
2:20 Overview
7:20 Build
8:50 I/O
9:55 Sounds
11:05 Bass
12:10 Effects
12:30 FX lock
14:30 Perform
15:30 Arp
16:50 Pattern
18:15 Perf lock
18:40 Key mode
21:50 Looper
23:40 Settings
24:45 Pros & cons
29:35 Some ideas

Synth Setup Tips #5 // How to perform breaks, drops and transitions ft. Electric Sea's DAWless set

video upload by loopop

"Thanks to Electric Sea for putting in the time and effort to make this video!

Follow her work here:

► / _electric_sea ► Streaming: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/ele...

Get all the ideas, tips and insights from this video and all my others in my ever-expanding book of electronic music ideas, tips and tricks here:

► Patreon: / loopop"

TIMELINE:
0:00 Intro
1:00 Background
1:55 Composing
3:35 Digitakt
4:50 Electribe MX
5:25 Mod and FX
6:00 Minitaur
6:50 MicroKORG
7:50 Drumbrute
9:00 Mixing
9:55 Song seq
10:30 Breaks
11:50 Perf walkthru
14:20 Vocals
14:40 Live looping
16:00 Song transitions
18:10 Extreme BPM chg
19:40 Sample design
21:05 Track walkthru
24:00 Final tip!
24:30 Outro

Donner Essential L1 vs Roland SH-101, S-1 // Can you hear the difference? // Review & Tutorial

video upload by loopop

TIMELINE:
0:00 Intro
1:20 Overview
2:40 Build
3:40 I/O
4:30 Velocity
4:45 vs SH-101
5:10 Oscillator
6:50 PWM
8:15 Noise
9:00 Triangle
9:20 Ext audio
10:35 Filter
11:55 Laser beams
13:10 Key track
14:50 Envelopes
14:45 Legato
15:25 Modulator
17:40 Gilde
18:10 Bender?
18:50 Arp
20:00 Songs
21:30 Sequencing
23:20 Settings
23:40 KB32M
25:10 Odd hack
25:35 Pros & cons
28:55 Outro sounds

Additional Donner Essential L1 posts here

Dreadbox ARTEMIS // Surprising analog twists and great fx, but is it worth it? // Review, tutorial

video upload by loopop

"Get access to dozens of analog and digital synth multisamples, as well as my exclusive In-Complete Book of Electronic Music Ideas, Tips and Tricks, on my Patreon: ► / loopop" TIMELINE:
0:00 Intro
1:55 Overview
3:55 Build
4:30 I/O
4:40 Oscillators
5:05 PWM
5:25 Waveshaping
6:25 Sync
6:55 VCO FM
7:30 Two subs & noise
7:55 Filter
8:25 Drive modes
10:10 Filter FM
10:40 HPF
11:10 Twin peaks
11:30 Spread
11:50 Distortion
13:25 Mod FX
14:30 Delays
16:30 Reverbs
18:40 Envelopes
19:30 LFOs
21:40 Mod matrix
22:00 MPE
24:45 Arpeggiator
25:55 Sequencer
27:35 Unison modes
28:15 Misc settings
29:20 Pros & cons
32:55 Some sounds!

Launch Control XL 3 vs MK2 // Live set ideas // Review & tutorial // Novation LC XL3

video upload by loopop

Get access to dozens of analog and digital synth multisamples, as well as my exclusive In-Complete Book of Electronic Music Ideas, Tips and Tricks, on my Patreon: ► / loopop"

TIMELINE:
0:00 Intro
1:20 What’s new?
1:40 Screen
2:50 Encoders
3:35 RGB LEDs
4:00 MIDI I/O
4:25 DAW transport
4:45 DAW control
6:00 DAW mixer
6:20 Solo/Arm
6:40 Mute/Select
7:00 User modes
8:00 Build
8:30 Settings
9:00 Live set tips
11:30 Pros & cons
13:30 Outro

Introducing Moog Messenger | Synth Performance by Lisa Bella Donna

video upload by Moog Music

CLICK FOR MORE »

New 1010music BENTO

video upload by 1010music

Check with dealers on the right for availability.

1010Music BENTO: Review and Tutorial

video upload by loopop

TIMELINE:
0:00 Intro
1:10 Overview
2:10 Project scope
5:50 I/O
6:40 Build
7:10 Panel tour
8:25 Track screen
9:30 Inst dashboard
9:50 Modulation
10:15 Other screens
10:55 One-shot kits
12:25 Multisamples
14:10 Granular
15:10 Loops
16:15 Live looping
17:45 Slice
18:45 Sequencing
21:20 Launch
22:10 FX - Drive
22:40 FX- Filter
23:25 Mod FX
24:40 Delay
26:10 Reverb
27:00 Compressor
27:20 Pros & cons
30:40 Factory songs

1010music Bento: Demo run-through

video upload by Dan Pearson

"This is a run-through of the demo track I put together for the 1010music Bento promo video.
It's a standalone music production system with One-shot & Loop banks, Multi-sample, Slicer and Granular instruments.
It also features a massive touch screen, 16 velocity sensive performance pads, comprehensive onboard effects and bluebox style mixing."



"1010 Music's Bento is a streamlined, standalone sampling powerhouse designed for sketching beats in a café, performing a set from your lap, or orchestrating a full synth rig in your studio. Bento's elegant 7" touchscreen and sixteen pressure and velocity-sensitive pads invite tactile experimentation, while its eight endlessly reconfigurable tracks adapt to your needs: from sliced loops and sample banks to granular textures, multisamples, and even external MIDI control. Each pad has per-voice control for level, pitch, pan, modulation, and FX sends, making detailed shaping a breeze without breaking flow. It's not just that you can do everything inside Bento—it's that you'll want to.

Scene-based sequencing sits at the heart of Bento's composition engine, offering multiple modes for evolving patterns, real-time clip launching, and probability-driven generative textures. Whether you're building a layered performance or locking in precise micro-edits, Bento's sequencing feels responsive, smart, and inspiring. Modulation options run deep—LFOs, envelopes, and step sequencers are all onboard and assignable. Per-track routing lets you use reverb, delay, overdrive, phaser, and more with creative intention, whether you're sweetening a vocal chop or melting your entire mix.

On the connectivity side, Bento is exceptionally generous. Three stereo inputs and outputs, USB host/device support, dual MIDI I/O (TRS A & B), and a stereo headphone output make this a capable centerpiece in any setup. It samples effortlessly, resamples creatively, and even streams long WAV files directly from a microSD card. Tethered or untethered, Bento's equally at home thanks to its internal battery and road-ready build. For anyone tired of the laptop grind or just seeking a more focused music-making environment, Bento from 1010 Music is a compact revelation.

BENTO FEATURES

Standalone sample-based performance and composition lab
7" touchscreen with 16 velocity and pressure-sensitive performance pads
8 flexible tracks supporting sampling, slicing, granular, multisample, or MIDI
Deep modulation architecture (LFOs, envelopes, step sequencers)
Pro-grade FX section with per-track routing
Resample internally or stream long WAVs from microSD
Extensive I/O: 3 stereo ins, 3 stereo outs, headphone out, dual MIDI I/O (TRS), USB-C host/device
Internal battery provides up to 3 hours of mobile creativity"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Cre8audio Introduces Assembler Vintage Inspired Analog Mixer

video upload by Cre8audio

BOOM CHICK and ASSEMBLER by Pittsburgh Modular & Cre8Audio // Review & Tutorial

video upload by loopop

Cre8audio Assembler // Give it some Juice - it's a Colour Box Mixer

video upload by Starsky Carr

Cre8audio Assembler Analog Performance Mixer Review

video upload by Molten Music Technology

Press release follows:


April 8, 2025 – Cre8audio, proudly introduces Assembler, a synth-focused analog audio mixer designed to deliver unmatched vintage console sound with intuitive hands-on control. Developed in collaboration with the renowned Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers, Assembler fuses the warmth of classic analog mixers with a modern workflow tailored for contemporary electronic artists, plus a few other fantastic sound sculpting tools.

Vintage Sound, Modern Control
Inspired by the iconic consoles that defined decades of music production, Assembler brings the same sought-after warmth, character, and tonal shaping to today’s producers and performers. Featuring custom-designed Pittsburgh Modular analog circuitry, the mixer utilizes signal contouring and soft compression to unify the overall mix. This process emulates the beloved sonic characteristics of vintage recordings, offering a rich and cohesive sound.

Comprehensive Mixing Power
With ten audio inputs split into three distinct channel types, Assembler seamlessly integrates into any live or studio setup. Key features include:

Powerful preamps with up to 20x gain boost for line-level signals, clarity enhancement, or saturation.

Vintage tape saturation style contouring and soft compression on all channels and auxes

Three assignable aux sends for external effects and sub-mixing.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Make Music in Thin Air: 6 Spatial Performance Tools and Techniques

video upload by loopop

TIMELINE:
0:00 Intro
1:40 HANDMATE
3:10 Expression maps
4:15 Thin air notes
4:40 Muting notes
5:10 Scale qtz.
5:35 Timing correct
5:55 Chords in space!
6:40 LEAP MOTION
8:10 GECO V2
9:25 CC Notes (JazzMe)
10:45 CC Air drums
11:25 BeatFader MIDI
12:25 Uwe’s set
14:35 MI.MU Glover
16:10 Posture qualifier
17:40 MODULAR
18:00 Theremin
18:30 Pitch qtz.
19:10 Timing correction
19:40 Flame TAKT
21:20 Flame TON
22:20 STANDALONE
22:10 Theremini
22:40 Flux
24:40 MIDI in AR?
25:10 Misc tools
25:45 More?

Super Gemini - From a Musical Perspective

video upload by Alex Ball

"A look at UDO's flagship synthesizer, Super Gemini.

As the tech spec of this synth is easily found on the internet (and the brilliant Loopop already worked his magic in that regard: • What’s new? UDO Super Gemini vs Super... ) [posted here] I thought I'd approach it from the perspective of a musician making music.

This is a sponsored video, which is something I occasionally do when I am personally interested in the product in question, but I would always encourage you to try products for yourself and form your own views.

If you got the Miss Millies / Staple Hill reference, a high five to you my friend.

0:00 Intro
1:16 Talk 1: What's the big deal with the panel?
2:48 Demo 1: Do the funky ribbon
3:40 Talk 2: Pick your kind of stereo
6:44 Demo 2: Geminae
7:33 Talk 3: Timmy Palette
10:33 Demo 3: Sandwich Jazz
11:27 Talk 4: Poly AT & Ribbon
13:23 Demo 4: Sky State
14:22 Summary
15:24 Outro"

The Behringer Syncussion is amazing for melodies | Winterdagen

video upload by Winterdagen

"I bought a Behringer syncussion for its weird s&h percussion sounds, which are very cool. But as it turns out, it's also a lovely synth for melodies.

For this piece I made use of a minimal music technique called phasing which I love. Check out a lovely ‪@loopop‬ video on doing it with samples here: • Sampler trick: Steve Reich/William Ba... [2nd video here] Both voices on the Syncussion play the same melody, but on one part the loop is one 8th note shorter, making the two voices drift further away from each other on each rotation. With some help from the Strymon Volante and Erica Synths Zen Delay this turned into a quite hypnotising little exploration."

Do motorized knobs make MIDI controllers better? ROTO CONTROL Review (Ableton Live & hardware)

video upload by loopop

TIMELINE:
0:00 Intro
1:45 Overview
2:50 Modes
4:25 Build
4:45 I/O
6:00 MIX mode
7:25 Automation
7:55 PLUGIN mode
8:20 Live learn
10:10 ROTO Setup
10:40 VSTs
12:00 Racks
12:50 Issues
13:05 Automation
13:40 MIDI mode
14:45 MIDI learn
16:50 Motion rec
18:45 Software
19:20 Pros & cons
23:30 Outro

ISSUES/BUGS to track if fixed...:
1. Automap, at the very least in instrument racks is a must I think.
2. Drum rack parameters aren’t remembered across different drums.
3. If a parameter changes its name, you lose control of it (e.g., Meld, Echo)
4. Need to rename racks otherwise, ROTO control doesn’t identify the rack properly - though apparently that's a feature not a bug :)
5. Odd interactions between parameters (e.g. wavetable position and sub in Wavetable)
6. Clock sent out isn’t tracked properly by external devices in the first bar.
7. I didn’t test this with every Live device so there may be other issues!