Circuit3, the retro-futurist project of Dublin-based Peter Fitzpatrick, steps away from his melodic synthpop background on Metanoia. The album moves into spacious, quietly expressive instrumentals. The sound is minimal and tactile, shaped by the classic late70s and early80s electronic vocabulary without being locked inside it.
Metanoia grew out of therapy and the slow process of letting difficult truths surface. Instead of singing those words, Fitzpatrick shaped them through analogue machines. The title refers to the deep shift that can follow self-reflection: a break, a reset, a way of living with more honesty.
A defining moment in the project was the opportunity to work with Vince Clarke, a longstanding influence on Fitzpatrick’s music. They created an eleven-minute piece titled ‘The Hope’, named after the bar near Farringdon, London where that first conversation between Fitzpatrick and Smith happened. The collaboration feels like a dialogue across time: the artist Fitzpatrick once was, the one he is now, and the one emerging through this process.
The album closes with ‘The Hope’. Across eleven minutes, it builds a melodic drone landscape that holds both hopelessness and hope at the same time. The piece suggests that neither feeling disappears; they sit beside each other, always present, always waiting to be recognised."
"Roland TR-505 drum machine review tutorial and sound demos. This drum machine gets some hate from TR purists (often referred to as 'a good doorstop') but honestly I think this is a really solid little drum machine with that classic Roland TR / Boss DR sound and a really nice to use srquencer. It has also been used by a plethora of great artists including: Aphex Twin, Vince Clarke, Tame Impala, Thom Yorke, Derrick May, Blood Orange, and Venetian Snares and probably many others! See chapters below if you want to skip straight to the tutorial or sound demos.
Chapters:
00:00 - background info and review
08:55 - I/0
10:20 - basic sounds (link to sample pack in description) tutorial part 1
11:01 - changing the level of the sounds
11:59 - MIDI settings
13:00 - setting tempo
13:39 - play mode (track / pattern play)
13:57 - pattern play - selecting and playing saved patterns
17:07 - track play - selecting and playing saved tracks
18:28 - programming your own patterns
23:35 - Sound demo 1 all drums from 505, with some mixing / effects (this is a track from my upcoming album)
25:33 - Sound demo 2 ll drums from 505, with some mixing / effects (this is my track Basic Microwaving, links below)
27:17 - sound demo 3 raw drum sounds, no effects, playing through the preset patterns
29:01 - sound demo 4 raw drum sounds, no effects, playing through one of the preset songs
ako - Basic Microwaving (vaporwave / synthpop / jazz)
"Circuit3 announces Metanoia: Music From Therapy, an instrumental album of analogue synthesis, personal reckoning, and a collaboration with Vince Clarke that reshaped the project.
The album closes with ‘The Hope’, the collaboration with Vince Clarke. Across 11 minutes, it builds a melodic drone landscape that holds both hopelessness and hope at the same time. The piece suggests that neither feeling disappears; they sit beside each other, always present, always waiting to be recognised.
Circuit3, the retro-futurist project of Dublin-based Peter Fitzpatrick, steps away from his melodic synthpop background on Metanoia. The album moves into spacious, quietly expressive instrumentals. The sound is minimal and tactile, shaped by the classic late‑70s and early‑80s electronic vocabulary without being locked inside it."
"What makes 'Don’t Go' by Yazoo one of the most iconic synthpop tracks of the 1980s?
In this video, I explore how Vince Clarke shaped the sound of early electronic music through his work with Yazoo, and how his minimalist but powerful approach to synthesizers helped define an entire genre. After leaving Depeche Mode, Clarke refined his production style — focusing on strong melodies, tight sequencing, and bold synth sounds — and “Don’t Go” is one of the best examples of that evolution.
Before diving into the recreation, I share a bit of context around Yazoo and why this track became so influential across synthpop and electronic music.
Then I take you into the studio.
Step by step, I recreate the track using a combination of vintage hardware and modern tools inside Logic Pro. For this version I used:
• Sequential Circuits Pro-One – basslines and lead elements
• Sequential Drumtraks – drum programming
• Logic Pro VST instruments – additional textures and supporting sounds
I walk through the recording process, sequencing, arrangement, and showing how each layer comes together to recreate the energy of the original track.
It is interesting to understand how Vince Clarke’s production approach continues to influence modern electronic music, from synthpop to contemporary electronic genres."
Click the auction link on top when you get there for additional listings.
"Roland System 700 main cabinet, sequencer, keyboard & ultrarare Polyfusion monophonic cv keyboard with velocity & aftertouch. The Polyfusion keyboard is connected directly to the main cabinet. There is a 1/4 patchbay to connect cv, gate trigger, velocity, pressure, etc. to make use of its extended possibilities. It has been done to make it reversible. This is a rare opportunity to own this incredibile original modular synthesizer with its sequencer. Main cabinet, sequencer & Roland keyboard are in very good shape, the Polyfusion keyboard needs (estetically) a bit TLC but it works. Famous users are Vince Clarke, Hans Zimmer, Giorgio Moroder, Aphex Twin, Richard Barbieri (Japan), Isao Tomita, Jam & Spoon, The Human League, Visage Roland System 700 main cabinet, sequencer, keyboard & ultra-rare Polyfusion monophonic CV keyboard with velocity and aftertouch. The Polyfusion keyboard is connected directly to the main cabinet. A 1/4' patchbay allows connection of CV, gate, trigger, velocity, pressure, etc., enabling full use of its extended capabilities. The modification was done in a fully reversible way. This is a rare opportunity to own this incredible original modular synthesizer with its sequencer. The main cabinet, sequencer, and Roland keyboard are in very good condition, while the Polyfusion keyboard could use a bit of cosmetic TLC but works perfectly. Famous users include Vince Clarke, Hans Zimmer, Giorgio Moroder, Aphex Twin, Richard Barbieri (Japan), Isao Tomita, Jam & Spoon, The Human League, and Visage. These are the modules: 702A VCO 702B VCO 702C VCO 708A Ring Mod / Noise 703A VCF 703B VCF 704A VCA 704B VCA 711A Rev / Pan / Phase Shifter 712A Monitor / Voltage Proc. 706A LFO 706B LFO 709A S&H 707A Amp / Env. Follower / Integrater 705A Dual EG 716A Mixer 710A Multiple Jack 718A Power Supply 717A Sequencer"
"🎹 This Synth Made Vangelis Famous… But WHICH Version?
The Roland VP-330 is one of the most iconic vocoders and string machines ever created — made legendary by artists like Vangelis, 10cc, and Vince Clarke. But did the MKI and MKII versions sound the same? In this video, I compare the two side by side — same settings, same riffs, totally different vibe.
From lush choir tones to robotic vocoded phrases, you’ll hear the subtle — and not-so-subtle — differences that make each model unique.
The Roland VP-330, or Vocoder Plus, is one of the unsung heroes of the late '70s to early '80s synth world, being used on hits by the likes of Queen, Phil Collins, Stevie Wonder, Vangelis, and more recently, Dua Lipa.
As the name suggests, the Vocoder Plus combined a vocoder with chorused strings and a synthetic choir sound. Its recent resurgence in popularity has seen an official Roland Boutique recreation, an unofficial Behringer clone, and software emulations try to recreate its classic tones.
The VP-330 was the last and most famous of the Roland string synthesizers, a line that started in 1975 with the release of the Roland RS-101. This early string machine keyboard utilised divide-down technology, meaning that a single oscillator could have its pitch divided down to play any note on the keyboard, allowing polyphony at a much cheaper price point than traditional polyphonic synthesizers. These kinds of synths were named paraphonic.
⚠️ While Vangelis famously used the VP-330, this video doesn’t analyze his exact recordings — it’s a deep listen into the synth itself.
🎧 Best experienced with headphones!
👇 Let me know in the comments: Which version do YOU prefer?
0:00 – Intro 00:36 Queen Radio Ga Ga 00:43 Phil Collins - In The Air Tonight 00:50 Stevie Wonder I Just Called to Say I Love You 00:58 - Vangelis Blade Runner 01:10 - How the VP-330 Works 01:52 - Roland VP-330 MKI – Vocoder Sound 01:56 - Roland VP-330 MKII – Vocoder Sound 05:30 – Roland VP-330 MKI - String Sound 05:54 - Roland VP-330 MKII - String Sound 06:17 - Roland VP-330 MKI - Choir Sound 06:42 - Roland VP-330 MKII - Choir Sound 07:07 - Outro"
"One synth, one song!
Alison and Vince called it a ‘Situation’. What’s your take on it?
We used just the legendary Sequential Circuits Pro-One for this one. Check out our full instrumental version on your favorite streaming platform!"
"(c)2007-25 by RetroSound
supported by UVI: http://bit.ly/retrosound-uvi
❤️ Support #RetroSound channel: https://retrosound.creator-spring.com
One of my favorite tracks from the early 80s.
Only You by Yazoo from the album Upstairs at Eric’s (1982)
Written by Vince Clarke
Featured the Sequential Circuits Pro-One Synthesizer (1981)
This cover song series contains my own recreations of my favourite songs from the last 50 years. The original music from which I take inspiration belong to their respective owners. I recreate tracks only for personal passion and to pay homage to these tracks."
"The Kawai 100F (also known as the Teisco 100F) is a 1977 Japanese monophonic analogue synthesizer prized for its rich sound and versatile modulation despite a single VCO design. It features saw and square waveforms, a resonant 24dB/oct low-pass filter, non-resonant high-pass filter, noise generator, external input, dual envelope generators, flexible LFO, and three-mode portamento. The VCO’s unique "Low" mode enables sub-audio modulation. Its expressive filter and modulation options made it a creative tool in early electronic music, notably used by Vince Clarke on Depeche Mode’s Photographic."
"A genuine character.. It's fairly rare, and was never a super popular synth - BUT - the Kawai 100F has more than enough tricks up its sleeve to keep things interesting. As well as a wonderful filter its got some weird modulation routings plus a 50Hz LFO which gives us plenty of routes to FM spacey madness.
Most of all though, its got a fabulous raw tone that cuts through a mix and hits you in the chest.
It can't do PWM, in fact you can't even change the pulse shape, it doesn't have pitch or mod wheels, it's pre-MIDI but it has oodles of character.
If you don't want to risk a vintage purchase try the PWM Malevolent or Arturia Minibrute 2"
0:00 Depeche Demo
0:50 Whats this all about?
2:12 Let's Go..
2:53 Filtering a 909
4:12 Just One VCO but the Filter subs as an OSC
5:17 Let's F the M
7:58 It's Got Truly Unique Envelopes
13:00 Some Non-FM stuff
15:46 LFO
21:06 Modern Alternatives
"It’s the synth that started it all and the legendary secret sauce of all the 70s’ greats – It’s the Behringer 2-XM!
2-XM is a classic polyphonic analog synthesizer with 4 VCOs, 2 multi-mode VCFs, 2 LFOs and 4 envelopes in a Eurorack format."
"Classic Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer with 4 VCOs, 2 Multi-Mode VCFs, 2 LFOs and 4 Envelopes in Eurorack Format
2-XM
It’s the polyphonic synth that started it all and one that’s sure to jumpstart your legendary synthesizer adventure! The Behringer 2-XM is a classic polyphonic analog synthesizer inspired by iconic '70s designs used by the greats such as Vince Clarke, Jan Hammer, and Vangelis.
Faithful Recreation and More
The original design consisted of two single-voice modules coupled together. With its 37-note keyboard, it was a considerable size but introduced a feature no other synth was capable of at the time: polyphony. The 2-XM combines all the features of the original with all the awesome stuff that we’ve all come to love in modern synths, such as MIDI and USB implementation, stereo, as well as a ton of CV and GATE ins and outs that’ll allow you to transform and shape sounds any way you want!
Double Everything!
The 2-XM comes with 4 VCOs, 4 envelope generators, 2 LFOs, and 2 multi-mode VCFs across two synthesizer expander modules. These two voices can be combined for some sweet two-voice polyphony, split, or have the 4 oscillators in unison for some truly intricate layering and rich, vintage analog tones!
Starting Your Sonic Sculpture
Each VCO can be shaped in many different and exciting ways with their adjustable frequency, modulation and pulse width controls. And when you want a spicy lead sound, the oscillators can be synced to add even more nuance to your waveforms.
Just the Right Frequency
Of course, the 2-XM doesn’t stop there. The VCFs provide another slew of adjustable settings! Aside from the Frequency, Modulation and Resonance controls, each VCF comes with an amazing multi-mode filter; turning the knob all the way to the left selects the low-pass filter, turning it the other way selects the high-pass filter and setting it at 12 o’clock selects the notch filter. You can even set the VCF to band-pass mode with the flip of a switch.
Quadruple Envelopment!
Along with all the controls at your fingertips the 2-XM also includes a total of four envelope generators to help further craft your sound and introduce subtle nuance or percussiveness with the included Attack, Decay and Sustain controls. In addition, the VCA switch allows you to toggle between envelope control or VCA which overrides ENV 1. You can even plug in an external VCA control to really dial it in.
2-Channel Mixer
Speaking of dialing it in, we’ve also included a 2-channel mixer section where you can control level and pan controls for each module. They even feature a portamento function for some cool pitch gliding effects.
Extensive Modulation
With all the 2-XMs extensive controls, we just couldn’t help but add more, and we mean a lot more! Each module comes with a huge amount of CV and GATE Ins and Outs as well as extensive modulation capabilities from both internal and external sources. And because the 2-XM is so compact, you can easily integrate it into your existing setup, patching in your favorite modules to create some awesome waveforms!
Eurorack Ready
Designed to handle the rigors of life on the road or in the studio, your 2-XM can easily be transferred into a standard Eurorack case for the perfect integration into your existing system."
"The Roland TR-505 drum machine from 1986. Undervalued and underestimated. If you want to make a tight, slick drum pattern in 80s synthpop style, this has the perfect kick and snare for the job.
With a little bit of compression and EQ you will have a super tight and punchy back bone for the rest of your arrangement. The kick of the 505 is more suited to digital recording and streaming playback than the 707's kick or the Linndrum kick.
The TR-505 was released as an entry level drum machine and it was always overshadowed by the TR-707 popping up at around the same time, and the TR-909 released a little before, but people like Vince Clarke hailed the 505's kick as perfect for synthpop.
Since the TR-505 doesn't have individual outputs it's necessary to record the individual sounds and use them in the DAW for full control. In the 80s we did all of this in the sampler and used that's individual outputs routing the sounds to the mixer.
The rest of the instruments and sounds were not the focus of this video, but it's important to have some reference tracks against the drums.
On my Patreon page you can download all the individual drum sounds from the 505, from my personal recordings of it AND the kick and snare processed as you hear them in this video.
00:00 Intro and history of the TR-505
00:38 Final sound and mix we're going for
02:13 Percussion and dotted delays
08:39 Hi-Hats and high pass filtering
09:52 Snare and compression
13:00 Snare EQ
14:35 Kick EQ
16:01 Toms
18:08 Crash
19:22 Getting the balance right
21:35 The TR-505 is underestimated / Final thoughts"
"Vince Clarke and Erasure 'Wild tour'. Tony Banks and 'Bankstatement', and lots of useful articles and tutorials. The 1990 February issue of Keyboard Magazine was/is jam packed with entertaining and educational stuff.
Find my music here:
Bandcamp: https://espenkraft.bandcamp.com/"
"Depeche Mode's 'Just Can't Get Enough' is a synthpop LEGEND! Parties erupt when this song hits, and we get it! This energetic anthem is timeless.
We're huge fans, so we dove deep and covered it ourselves!
Vince Clarke, a founding member, laid the groundwork for this sound with his innovative synthesizer work in the early days of Depeche Mode. Dissecting these classics is how we learn.
Secret weapons? Korg KR-55 snare & Casio VL-Tone synth lead! 🤖 🎹🧐😮
Wanna know more about the original recording? Tell us in the comments!
ISRC : BE 3ID 24 00021 - Song
Credits to MaWey for providing the video footage :
https://www.mawey.be/"
Sequential Circuits Prophet VS – All the Best Sounds
Here's a very cool keyboard from Sequential. Notice the joystick for controlling your sound modeling.
The Prophet VS uses Vector Synthesis as its revolutionary new means of sound creation. It uses a total of four oscillators per voice with 127 waveforms (32 user) and dynamic waveform crossfading via the joystick. This was Sequential's first digital synth, and it was also their final synth unfortunately. But after Sequential was gone, Vector Synthesis technology went into the popular Korg Wavestation and Yamaha's SY-22 and TG-33.
The Prophet VS is still a very sought after instrument because it has an incredible range of sounds! Its only problem is that there's practically nobody left that can fix it if something went wrong. It is used by Brian Eno, Trent Reznor, Apollo 440, Depeche Mode, Vince Clarke, Kraftwerk, Vangelis, Erasure and filmmaker/composer John Carpenter."
Playlist: (you can use the player controls to skip around)
1. Synthfest UK 23: Sequential - Trigon 6 Desktop
At SynthFest UK 2023, we had the opportunity to chat with Chris from Sequential, a part of the Focusrite group. Chris introduced us to the Trigon 6 Desktop, the latest addition to Sequential's synthesizer lineup. This compact desktop version of the Trigon 6 packs a powerful punch, offering three oscillators and a distinctive Dave Smith ladder filter. Designed for those seeking a space-saving solution without compromising on sound quality, the Trigon 6 Desktop retains all the features of its larger sibling, including patch recall, a versatile effects section with various modulation possibilities, and the distinctive feedback control that allows you to sculpt sub-harmonic richness.
At Synthfest UK 2023, we caught up with Calc from Sequential, and he gave us the lowdown on the Prophet X. Now, you might be thinking, Prophet X? Haven't we seen that before? Well, you're right, but this hybrid instrument has been quietly making waves in the music world. It combines digital and analog elements, with digital oscillators and a unique twist in the form of multi-sample-based instruments. Yes, you heard that right, it's not just your run-of-the-mill synth; it's a full-on sampler too, boasting an impressive 50 gigabytes of memory for your custom samples. You can treat it like a rompler, a sample player, or even use those samples as oscillators, creating a whole new realm of sonic possibilities.
Plus, it's packed with stereo goodness, allowing you to explore a wide soundstage with ease. It's not your typical synth, and that's what makes its a favourute of Calc's
"The Zeroscillator is a full-featured electronic-music-quality analog VCO capable of linear frequency modulation through zero hertz and into negative frequencies. This makes it capable of the FM Synthesis stuff, wild and crazy sounds simply not available from traditional VCOs, and timbres not available from digital FM synthesizers. Of course, Zeroscillators also make insane LFOs!
This was the first available Through Zero Oscillator, Vince Clark says, it's the best Modular Oscillator (check Youtube). The best you can get for Tone in your Modular Synthesizer.
The Module is very big, you need to use a deep case like the Doepfer Cases."
Side Note: I was on the wait list for a Zeroscillator like everyone else in the day. When mine was available I asked Cynthia to give it to the next person on the list and save me for last. I never did end up getting one.
"Outer space in a briefcase. That is the gist of the legendary Synthi series. The Synthi is capable of soft drifting lead lines, abstract snarling modulation, clean warm textures and anything in between. This is the real deal. Brian Eno, Pink Floyd, Stereolab, Yes, Aphex Twin, Autechre, Jean-Michel Jarre, Astral Projection, Vince Clarke, The Who, Todd Rundgren, Recoil, Freddy Fresh and Ultravox are some artist known for using the Synthi series just to name a few."
"Roland System 700 main cabinet, sequencer, keyboard & ultrarare Polyfusion monophonic cv keyboard with velocity & aftertouch. The Polyfusion keyboard is connected directly to the main cabinet. There is a 1/4 patchbay to connect cv, gate trigger, velocity, pressure, etc. to make use of its extended possibilities. It has been done to make it reversible. This is a rare opportunity to own this incredibile original modular synthesizer with its sequencer. Main cabinet, sequencer & Roland keyboard are in very good shape, the Polyfusion keyboard needs (estetically) a bit TLC but it works. Famous users are Vince Clarke, Hans Zimmer, Giorgio Moroder, Aphex Twin, Richard Barbieri (Japan), Isao Tomita, Jam & Spoon, The Human League, Visage Roland System 700 main cabinet, sequencer, keyboard & ultra-rare Polyfusion monophonic CV keyboard with velocity and aftertouch. The Polyfusion keyboard is connected directly to the main cabinet. A 1/4' patchbay allows connection of CV, gate, trigger, velocity, pressure, etc., enabling full use of its extended capabilities. The modification was done in a fully reversible way. This is a rare opportunity to own this incredible original modular synthesizer with its sequencer. The main cabinet, sequencer, and Roland keyboard are in very good condition, while the Polyfusion keyboard could use a bit of cosmetic TLC but works perfectly. Famous users include Vince Clarke, Hans Zimmer, Giorgio Moroder, Aphex Twin, Richard Barbieri (Japan), Isao Tomita, Jam & Spoon, The Human League, and Visage. These are the modules: 702A VCO 702B VCO 702C VCO 708A Ring Mod / Noise 703A VCF 703B VCF 704A VCA 704B VCA 711A Rev / Pan / Phase Shifter 712A Monitor / Voltage Proc. 706A LFO 706B LFO 709A S&H 707A Amp / Env. Follower / Integrater 705A Dual EG 716A Mixer 710A Multiple Jack 718A Power Supply 717A Sequencer"
