ESP32 D-50 Synthesizer - A Roland D50 CLONE with ESP32

video upload by László Róbert Kasza

"An ESP32-powered hardware synthesizer project based on the classic Roland D-50 architecture.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?..."

Polyphonic D50 sampler synthesizer with ESP32 in YAMAHA DX21 Hardwer :)
video upload by László Róbert Kasza

"Unfortunately, the motherboard of my dx21 synth is broken beyond repair. So she got new electronics. I have uploaded a code I wrote using Roland D50 sound samples.
So what everyone feared has come true. The Yamaha Roland DX-D50-21 :)

Abilities:
-4 d50samples
-TVA Envelope
Course, Fine, Keyfollow
-The sampling frequency is 48000Hz.
Signal on 16 bits or more
-The device is polyphonic up to 10 tones
2 LFO controlled 2 parametric EQ
-Upper Lower Choruse
-Reverb engine
-Roland D50sysex compatibility...
-hd44780 compatible LCD Display (Not implement more)
-https://data.dynareg.se/breadandbutte...
(If we are bored, we can listen to internet radio on it.)

https://github.com/kaszarobert1/ESP_D...
More FM firmware:
https://github.com/kaszarobert1/-ESP3...
Yamaha DX21 KeyMatrix Arduino Due Firmware:
https://github.com/kaszarobert1/yamah..."

1972 Moog MiniMoog Synthesizer Model D SN 3367

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

via this eBay listing

Pics of the inside below.

"The Original Owner of the Storage Unit Before His passing was an Older Gentleman who was a Professional Jazz Musician(who played with names like Stevie wonder, However when I removed the Back plate to showcase the motherboard/internal parts=Check pics, this Item was originally Purchased By Bob Randal who was a Television writer/Broadway Producer(check pics of what was written on the tape)

Rare Gorgeous Extremely Pristine Condition considering this item is more than 50 years Old!

Item was Used In TV/Broadway/Musical productions! Such a cool Piece Of Entertainment History!!!"

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Audio Synthesis on RP2350

video upload by Ghost In Translation

"All the sounds in this video are generated from my 2 modules that I designed around Pico 2 (RP2350) : Drone and DS1, they are visible on the front row.

On these I use the port of Teensy's audio Library for Pico:
https://github.com/ghostintranslation...

Drone is the main voice here, a Drone with 4 voices with a few algorithms to choose from. DS1 is a drums module that can do many drums but only one at a time.

The RP2350 is capable of audio synthesis while reading inputs, and controlling outputs such as LEDs and more. It is much less powerful than the Teensy 4 and cannot run very complex sketches but here it shows how capable it is.

All of my designs are open source, these modules are based on the v2 of my Motherboard, I still need to update the repos but you can find everything here:
https://github.com/ghostintranslation

And I share content regularly here:
/ ghostintranslation"

Rare Purple Beta Testers M-Audio Venom

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

via this Reverb listing

"M-Audio Venom Purple Beta Tester Version As far as I know there where only a few of these made in this color. The production units where white with orange and black lettering. I was one of the beta testers and sound programmers for this synth. I upgraded the motherboard recently to a production release motherboard swapping out the beta motherboard. When I swapped the motherboard I reset it back to the factory patches but will provide a download of my patches that I programmed during the development of this synth. I also put in a new old stock keybed as the original one had yellowed, the new one is a bright white. While it requires using the editor from either a Mac or PC to program it completely it has a broad range of possible sounds. It is a very fat sounding synth."

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1980s PPG Wave 2.3 Firmware V8.2 (Serviced) SN 01259

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

via this Reverb listing

Additional SYNTH CITY Listings

"The legenday PPG Wave 2.3 is a hybrid digital-analog synthesizer from the mid-1980s known for its distinctive wavetable sound. Combines digitally generated waveforms with analog filters, giving it a unique blend of crisp digital timbres and warm analog character.

The 2.3 model expanded memory and multitimbrality, making it far more flexible than earlier versions. Its evolving, glassy textures helped define many classic electronic and film scores of the era!

This PPG Wave 2.3 is in very clean condition and has been pro maintained its entire life. Feel free to reach out of you have any questions about this gorgeous specimen.

Service notes:

-Firmware v8.2 (fixes bugs in the original OS, allows for sysex dumps and transfers wave files to the PPG from the Wavesim plugin)
-Replaced electrolytic capacitors and serviced power supply
-Remounted memory battery
-Cleaned all edge connectors and sockets to motherboard
-Serviced keybed and cleaned key contacts
-Cleaned internally
-Tested sysex transfer, loaded sound via sysex and saved"

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M-Audio Venom Purple Beta Tester Version

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

via this Reverb listing

"M-Audio Venom Purple Beta Tester Version As far as I know there was only one other of these made in this color. [only two other listings were previously posted here. You'll also find a post on Venom creator Taiho Yamahda's blog. Taiho is now with Sequential.] The production units where white with orange and black lettering. I was one of the beta testers and sound programmers for this synth. Since this was a beta tester model the Midi was not fully functional when I received it. We did all of updates thru the USB however so don't know for sure if there was a change to the hardware or it just needs a firmware upgrade. Was just going to buy another production model and swap out the motherboard but never got around to it. It has all of my factory program contributions in bank C. While it requires using the editor from either a Mac or PC to program it completely it has a broad range of possible sounds. It is a very fat sounding synth."

Drone Modular Jam

video upload by Ghost In Translation

"Just another dawless modular jam. Drone on the left bottom corner.

Drone is a 4 voices with sine and resonant noise oscillators. It is based on my modules platform Motherboard 2.0.

Module PCBs will be back in stock soon:
https://www.ghostintranslation.com/drone

Sound pack:
https://ghostintranslation.bandcamp.com

Technical details:
https://github.com/ghostintranslation...

Support me:
https://buymeacoffee.com/ghostintrans...
https://ko-fi.com/ghostintranslation
https://liberapay.com/ghostintranslat...
https://github.com/sponsors/ghostintr..."

Teensy Audio Library on Raspberry Pi Pico 2 W

video upload by Ghost In Translation

"Raspberry Pi Pico 2 W is capable of running Teensy's Audio Library after some minor modifications.

Here I'm sending MIDI over USB to Pico which is running a 16 voices polyphonic synth sketch. The audio is then sent by I2S to a DAC (the same audio expander from my Motherboard).

There is some light cracking that is coming from the I2S library that I still need to take a look at, otherwise that chip is very capable."

How to calibrate the Motherboard by Ghost In Translation

video upload by Ghost In Translation

"The Motherboard features 16 inputs multiplexed over 2 ADC followed each by an amplification stage to adapt the inputs 0-5v range to Teensy's 0-3.3v.

Those 2 stages need to be calibrated to make sure the amplification's gain is right and that 5v in corresponds to 3.3v out.

With the following firmware and the help of 2 wires, easily adjust the gain by hearing a tone on each channel.

https://github.com/ghostintranslation...

The firmware connects an oscillator to IN1 and another to IN2. When the input goes up, so does the tone, up to a maximum reached at 3.3v on Teensy.

Connect one wire from 5v and to IN1, and one wire from GND to IN2. This will shut down the tone on the right channel and produce a tone in the left channel. Now turn the left trim potentiometer to adjust the gain until the tone reaches its maximum (meaning 5v corresponds to 3.3v).
Now wire from 5v to IN2 and from GND to IN1 and repeat the process.

PCBs are available here:
https://www.ghostintranslation.com/drone

Support me:
https://buymeacoffee.com/ghostintrans...
https://ko-fi.com/ghostintranslation
https://liberapay.com/ghostintranslat...
https://github.com/sponsors/ghostintr..."

OB-XOne mkII - Oberhim OBX Expander Module in Custom Rack

video upload by Lackan

"My first version of the OBXone went on to save an Original 4VS OBX. But when I got a Rosen motherboard as part of a trade I thought I'd make a nicer one, 2U rackmount, with double sub oscillators and all the extras."

Looks like an SEM in rack form, but appears to be based an OBX voice board according to the description above. The OB-X filter is based on the 12db Lowpass disctrete SEM filter (it's missing the variable LP -> Notch -> HP knob), while the OB-Xa switched to Curtis based filters.

Also see SUB Oscillator for the Oberheim SEM Module

NAMM 2025: Korg Kronos 3

video upload by sonicstate

"At NAMM 2025, we caught up with Luke from Korg, who introduced us to the *Kronos 3*, the anticipated return of their flagship live-performance keyboard. The Kronos line, which started in 2011, is renowned for its significance in live gigs, and after overcoming component and regulation challenges during the pandemic, it's back with updates. Visually, the Kronos 3 features a sleek all-black finish with black wooden end cheeks.

Inside, the enhancements include a new motherboard, doubling of SSD storage to 120GB, and improved touchscreen responsiveness. The iconic setlist and smooth sound transitions remain, while the 9 sound engines see additions of new sampled pianos, electric pianos, and orchestral sounds. The Kronos 3 maintains the fully-functioning sampler and 16-track MIDI and audio sequencers. Available in 61, 73, and 88-key models, pricing starts from approximately £2,599."

Forat F9000

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

via this listing

Pic of the inside below.

"The last Forat 9000 up for sale built by Bruce Forat in October 2019. Has all the Forat expansions plus extras, everything is listed in the receipt. Totally refurbished machine with:

-New PSU
-Sampling card with 18-pad sampling and the 64k memory mod. (max time on all the pads)
-256kb Ram memory expansion. (max time on the buffer memory)
-7.09 O.S with machined socket in the motherboard for more stable operation.
-14 different sampling rates from 11K to 37K.
-Blue LED display.
-CEM filter on the two sample groups with cutoff and resonance slider for the toms and the congas. (same filter chip than in the Fairlight CMI and OB8)

-Toms and Congas modified to be monophonic for longer samples to cut each other off. (great feature for drum loops)
-Forat SMPTE card.
-Internal battery replaced.
-Wood sides made by a carpenter from genuine flamed birch for unique looks.
-comes with a padded cover

Everything works and the machine sounds absolutely fantastic and even punchier than the usual SP1200's, MPC 60's etc. The most of these machines were built in the 80's/90's, but is the most recent built and these won't be made for anyone anymore. If you have been seeking this highly regarded collector piece, this is your chance. Will be shipped in a heavily padded suitcase. Selling because I have currently so many machines and so little time.."

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Ghost In Translation Drone 2.0

video upload by Ghost In Translation

"Welcome Drone 2.0

Drone is a 4 voices with sine and resonant noise oscillators. It is based on my modules platform Motherboard 2.0.

Buy the PCBs:
https://www.ghostintranslation.com/dr...

Sound pack:
https://ghostintranslation.bandcamp.c...

Technical details:
https://github.com/ghostintranslation..."


FEATURES
4 voices with sine and filtered resonant noise
Individual v/oct
FM CV
MIDI TRS

OBERHEIM OB-Xa (x2 Collector vs Player Grade Demo)

video upload by Synth Tailor Electronics

"Here's two very different looking Oberheim OBXA's that just had full restorations at Synth Tailor Electronics. One is in very minty "Collector's Grade" cosmetic condition, and the second one had a very poor life on the road. Surprisingly, the mint OBXa landed in the shop with a lot more problems than the player grade OBXa.

0:00 Intro
0:38 Collector Grade OB-Xa
20:10 Player Grade OB-Xa

Both units had major restorations to each including: Power Supply Rebuild, Voice Cards/Tray Restorations, Left Hand Controller Rebuild, Upper/Lower Motherboard rebuild, and a Full Calibration/tuning. We installed Bourns 25 turn high quality trimmers on the voice cards (x6 per voice card: PW, Initial Frequency, Volts Per Octave.) This is critical to install high quality trimmers in these to have stable tuning!

Surprisingly, me personally liked how the less desirable cosmetic unit sounded, compared to the nicer cosmetic unit. Both were early revision/ both different revision OBXa's, but both sound great. These truly are such an iconic 1980s Analog Synthesizer designed by the great Tom Oberheim.

If you have a broken Oberheim OBXa or any other vintage synthesizer, drum machine, outboard gear, or rare obscure gear that needs repaired/restored, please reach out on our website contact form or email."

New England Synth Fest, November 9, 2024

video upload by New England Synth Fest

"Live music from Sherisa Sterling with visuals by Allison Tanenhaus, Doug Bielmeier with visuals by Christie Bielmeier, Basement Diver and Motherboard, FUTURACTIV, TotoRobyn with visuals by DebStep, J. Bagist with visuals by DebStep, Violet Nox with visuals by DebStep, This Bliss, Thorny with visuals by Digital Awareness, Doomsdroid with visuals by Digital Awareness, Edith Snugglenut with visuals by Anagram, and :mousekid:

Support our artists by buying their music on Bandcamp. Check out the NESF collection for links to albums by our artists: bandcamp.com/nesynthfest"

New England Synth Fest at Northeastern University, Saturday, November 9

New England Synth Fest on Saturday, November 9 at Northeastern University in the Egan Research Center (120 Forsyth St, Boston, MA 02115). Right next to the Ruggles T Station. DIY workshop starts at 10am. Performances, lectures, exhibits, and petting zoo are happening 12pm to 6pm.

Performances from Sherisa Sterling with visuals by Allison Tanenhaus, Doug Bielmeier with visuals by Christie Bielmeier, Basement Diver and Motherboard, FUTURACTIV, TotoRobyn with visuals by DebStep, J. Bagist with visuals by DebStep, Violet Nox with visuals by DebStep, This Bliss, Thorny with visuals by Digital Awareness, Doomsdroid with visuals by Digital Awareness, Edith Snugglenut with visuals by Anagram, and :mousekid:. Schedule and artist bios here.

Bring your headphones to check out synths in the petting zoo in Room 306. Visit our vendors and exhibitors in Room 206. Join in the music making in the jam room. Full day of lectures listed here in Room 440. Plus, a morning DIY workshop with Cram Audio: build an Atari Punk Console!

FREE (except the workshop). Follow on Instagram, Bluesky, and Linkedin for more info and updates.

PPG Wave 2.3

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

via this listing

"Newly overhauled PPG Wave 2.3 produced in the period 1984-87. All the 5 boards, incl. the motherboard, have been thoroughly serviced by a PPG specialist in Vienna. Everything now works perfectly. A full service report can be delivered. The synth has also had the latest OS 8.3 chip installed, which means that you can send sound banks as Sysex files via MIDI."

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Tiliqua: Synthesizing Music Synthesizers (ORConf 2024)

video upload by vk2seb

Also see Tiliqua FPGA-based synthesizer.

"Tiliqua is an open-source Eurorack module that aims to make FPGA-based audio and video synthesis more accessible.

For updates: https://www.crowdsupply.com/apfelaudi...

This is a reupload of a talk I gave on Sept 13, 2024 at ORConf in Gothenburg, Sweden. Learn more about ORConf at https://fossi-foundation.org/orconf/2024."



"Tiliqua aims to make FPGA-based audio and video synthesis accessible to everyone. The Tiliqua hardware architecture, alongside a comprehensive collection of example projects built in Python (Amaranth HDL), allows you to experiment with synthesis techniques that are out of reach of embedded microcontroller-based platforms. Think extreme oversampling for alias-free audio-rate modulation, low-latency effects, video synthesis, and high-speed USB audio.

Tiliqua can store up to 8 projects (bitstreams) simultaneously—you can switch between them at runtime without needing a PC. Out of the box, Tiliqua can be:

A video synthesizer (vectorscope display with audio-rate beam modulation)
A multichannel wavetable oscillator (1 MHz oversampling for audio-rate FM)
A high-speed 4 in/4 out USB 2.0 audio interface
A polyphonic MIDI/touch synthesizer
A multichannel diffusion delay
A multichannel pitch shifter
A MIDI/CV converter
A matrix mixer
As the project develops and with community contributions, we hope to add many more.

Tiliqua itself is modular—the FPGA core (an integrated System-on-Module in M.2 form factor) can be removed and embedded in your projects. The audio interface section can be decoupled and connected to other FPGA development platforms. Pictured above, Tiliqua contains the following key components:

Audio Interface
8 (4 in + 4 out) DC-coupled audio channels, 192 KHz / 24-bit sampling supported
Touch and proximity sensing on all 8 audio jacks (if unused)
PWM-controlled, user-programmable red/green LEDs on each audio channel
Jack insertion detection on all 8 jacks
Motherboard
Switched rotary encoder with bar graph display.
Dual USB ports:
dbg: Included RP2040-based JTAG debugger supported by openFPGAloader
usb2: USB PHY connected directly to FPGA for high-speed USB Audio support
Display output for video synthesis (maximum resolution 720/60P)
2x expansion ports for up to 24 simultaneous audio channels (PMOD-compatible)
MIDI-In jack (TRS-A standard)"

Walforf Q Voice Expansion

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

via this listing

"Voice expansion board to Waldorf Q. The expansion board has the same functionality as the rare out-of-production original board that increases the polyphony from 16 to 32.

The expansion board is new, has been tested and confirmed fully functional. It’s compatible only with the latest Q motherboard. If you don't know the motherboard type of your instrument you must open it and check the DSP type. Type 56362 is the only compatible!!! The installation is simple, no soldering is needed, however it’s best to have your technician or synth shop to install it for you. The instruments must be updated to the latest OS before installing the expansion board and must be in good working order (PSU too)!!! The kit includes one expansion board in antistatic bag and mounting hardware."

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E-MU Systems SP-1200 8-Voice Drum Sampler - 1998 "Final Edition"

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

via this listing

Pics of the inside below.

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