Bad Gear - He tried his best to HATE IT

video upload by AudioPilz

[Funny side note: I just saw that episode of Myth Busters with the truck plowing through cars, just yesterday.]

"Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world’s most-hated audio tools. There are a few learnings to be taken from years of ploughing through music production gear like an 80s rock band shopping in a liquor store: don’t believe the hype, everything has been done before and never trust a stylish instrument sold with the promise to give you all you need in a compact form factor without compromising sound quality and usability.

Today we are going to talk about Dirtywave M8. This hardware tracker and mini DAW comes with more red flags than the average dating app experience like a cult-like following, a Game Boy-inspired workflow and believe me - I tried my best to hate it.

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Waldorf Protein in the hands of a beginner makes "Bang!"

video upload by Nicolai

"I just bought the Waldorf Protein. They said it is their entry level, so I unboxed it, did a test drive, created some own patches and guess what: "Bang!" a tight techno track was born.

🎧 Original "Bang!" track (the one born from frustration): [below]


It is a lovely wavetable synth: portable (fits my setup perfectly), flexible and most importantly: accessible! Sure, there are menus and a shift button for deeper tweaks, but most of the time you just coast on the sound, dialing it in directly with the tons of hands-on knobs. How cool is that?

Watch the full video: unboxing, preset demos and evolution, honest critique, Nicolai patch building which lead to the 'Bang!' track."

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Oberheim TEO 5 / Volca Bass / Circuit Tracks - Dawless Cinematic Electronica

video upload by Scott Nellé - Plague Society

"This is a dawless cinematic electronica track, sequenced on the Novation Circuit Tracks. It features the Oberheim TEO-5 as a pad and the Korg Volca Bass making a couple of bass sounds.

In addition to sequencing the whole track, the Circuit Tracks plays drums with samples from my collection and also a supplemental string lead and pluck. I really enjoy the Circuit. For such an affordable device it's really a powerful centerpiece for a dawless setup. It also handles effects for the Oberheim and Volca Bass on this track.

The Oberheim TEO-5, my newest and biggest synth, plays a pad here with a patch that I designed. The patch uses both oscillators and most of the waveforms, with plenty of modulation to give it some extra analog vibe. The patch is called "Just Swell" and I think it sounds pretty cool. This is a really fun synth to design sounds on. It's super straightforward and there are lots of modulation options. I'm looking forward to exploring it in more depth.

The Volca Bass is used for two sounds here. Initially it plays a very staccato bassline, and later I switch on the sustain an it plays more off a gliding line that almost verges into lead territory.

I sat with this track for a long time, adding more and more stuff until I decided it worked better as a more stripped back arrangement. All of the individual parts ended up really simple, but I hope they play off each other to create something interesting. Let me know what you think!"

One-Bit Delay, a new plugin by Infinite Digits, inspired by the PT2399 delay chip

video upload by infinitedigits

https://onebitdelay.com

"Introducing the One-Bit Delay plugin - a VST/AU inspired by the one-bit sampling delay circuits from the 90's. it is my love letter to the classic delay chips like the PT2399 and M50195P.

this plugin uses a one-bit stream at its core. like the classic chips, this plugin uses delta-sigma modulation to manage noise above the audio band (though the plugin has a configurable sample rate to change the noise level!). also the One-Bit Delay plugin has demodulation filters tuned to the PT2399, and the harmonic distortion is modeled and closely follows the change in resistance applied to the internal oscillator (like the PT2399).

thank you all who continue to support me, I'm truly grateful - your support is allowing me to continue to crystalize musical artifacts."

EMS Universal Sequencer Playlist

video uploads by analogia pl

A few of these have been featured on the site before. You can use the player controls to skip around.

Playlist:

1. EMS Synthi with Universal Sequencer and RSF Kobol #emssynthi #rsfkobol #rolandph830

It’s a tune done on the Synthi and EMS Universal Sequencer with some help from RSF Kobol processed by Roland PH-830 phaser.

2. 2 x EMS Universal Sequencer with Roland MC-202 #emssynthi #emsuniversalsequencer #mc202

Universal Sequencer is playing a sequence on the Synthi and the 202 - that’s why it’s called “universal” as both sequence and real time layers have CV/gate outputs. No effects other than spring reverb on the Synthi.

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DSI Tempest - Why Did I Buy This Thing...

video upload by Noir Et Blanc Vie - After Hours

"I’m going to keep just making grooves on my groove box lol. I think this is why I’m not really considered part of “gear tube” I keep with the stuff I’ve been using forever and ever. I do like gear peeps, don’t get me wrong, but I think you’d be better off just diving heavily into two instruments. Call them “instruments” too. When you call them “gear” it removes the fact that you’re 'playing' something. Give the instruments their creative intention back lol. Dave Smith Tempest is still the best. Groovebox lord."

Waldorf Protein Synth Demo Part. 3 | Pure Patches & Ambient Textures (HQ Audio, No Talking)

video upload by DKS SYNTH LAB

"Welcome to DKS Synth Lab! In this video, we discover the sounds of the Waldorf Protein Synth. In this sounds only session, we explore the power of the Waldorf synthesis engine through ambient patches, granular textures, and crystal-clear digital timbres.."

Timeline
0:00 Intro
0:09 KingSync
1:03 Lunare
2:18 Nietrop
3:05 ID Mallet
3:47 Perc
4:30 Dune
5:30 Queen Bass
6:06 Magic Protein
7:15 Pro Vibes
8:08 Ey Piano
9:08 Komplex
10:58 Digilog

Waldorf Protein Synth Demo Part. 2 | Pure Patches & Ambient Textures (HQ Audio, No Talking)

video upload by DKS SYNTH LAB

Timeline

0:00 Intro
0:09 Distance
1:00 Humble
1:33 Soft Dist
2:05 Kaputt
2:52 Apo
3:50 Dist
5:20 Dings
5:53 Hellp
6:34 No Reason
7:28 Small M
8:21 T-Bass
9:17 String Me
10:29 Cathedr

Part 1 here

Cwejman S1: Heavy Bass & Micro-Clicks meet 808 Beats

video upload by verstaerker

"this time i'm using the Cwejman S1 as a duotimbral synth. Sequenced by the Hapax via CV Gate it delivers a hefty bass and some wonderful glitchy microknurpsel sounds.
The 808 Beats are done on an MPC LiveIII - supported by a Prophet-10 padish sound.
---------------------------------------------------------------
to listen more music by me please visit
https://verstaerker.bandcamp.com
https://verstaerkerahead.bandcamp.com"

Yuyo cmos synth - First try Attiny85 dco with analog cmos shaping and twin t filter

video upload by JIANT

"everything is from the synth to the zoom recorder, twin t drums, xor snare, pt2399, and cmos stuff.

attiny85 reseting the phase of 40106 oscilators, the digital control accepts 1voct from keysetp and go to the 40106 inputs through resistors, a little rc for filtering the pwm, and for this reason when you change the oscillator frequency you can get intervals and crazy stuff. is not orthodox but suits my need for Rich timbres. the dco goes to 40106 buffers , and then 4040 dividers, twin t filters, one for each of the two voices, one goes to env, vca, filter, delay, and the other one to clock divider and filter, to get the sub osc.

firmware super simple only for checking the conversion from filtered frecuency of the attiny85 to my 40106 non exponencial vcos.
currently is tracking 10 octaves really good, the trick is put a voltage divider in the cv in of the attiny because keystep has 0 to 10v and the attiny accepts 0 to 5v tehn the tracking inside the attiny converts o.5v oct to 1 volt oct. i dont know anything about coding but i made it with chat gpt and my design . source code will be in the coments ."

Previous videos:

CLICK FOR MORE »

Scramble | From Random Patch to Heavy Electro-Rock – OP-XY Jam

video upload by Lo-fi Pask

"In this video, I explore the scramble function on the Teenage Engineering OP-XY to generate random sounds and turn them into a full alternative electro-rock track.

I’m not a sound design expert, but I’m fascinated by the process of discovering new textures through experimentation. Using the OP-XY’s synthesis engines, I started generating random patches and shaping them into something cohesive.

At one point, a powerful sound emerged — the opening tone of the track — and everything else grew from there.

This piece moves into alternative electro-rock territory, blending:
Heavy electronic beats
Distorted bass lines
Aggressive synth textures
Raw, energetic sound design

Most of the sounds remain very close to their original scrambled versions. I only made subtle adjustments to fit the arrangement and dynamics.

This workflow felt spontaneous, unpredictable, and surprisingly personal, probably one of the most “mine” tracks I’ve made so far.

🔥 If you’re into dark/heavy electronic music, synth textures and Teenage Engineering gears, this track is for you. 🔥

Hope you enjoy it!

🎧 For the full immersive experience — subtle textures, evolving pads, spatial details, and low-end nuances — listening with headphones is highly recommended.

☕ Buy me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/lofipask

📸 You can follow me on Instagram too: / lo_fi_pask "

Launch Control XL 3 Got an Update – Still Missing One Thing

video upload by Sineway

"I’ve been refining my live performance setup with the Syntakt and the updated Launch Control XL 3, and this jam is the result.

The XL 3 recently received a firmware update, which got me thinking about how close this controller is to being perfect for Elektron gear - and the one feature I still wish it had.

In this performance, I’m using:
Elektron macros for more expressive changes across patterns
A second row of encoders for Syntakt track levels
Momentary Breath Control via the lower button row

What I’m still missing is aftertouch MIDI support - it would unlock a third row of Elektron macros, which are so much more powerful than direct CC mappings. This is one area where alternatives like Faderfox still have a massive edge. That said, I really like the XL 3.

Curious what you think - would aftertouch support change how you use the XL 3?

If you're interested in how I set the Launch Control XL 3 up, I've made a tutorial about it featuring the Digitone II. It works exactly the same on the Syntakt: • Digitone 2 + Launch Control XL 3: One Syst..." [posted here]

❤️ Join my Patreon for project files & more: / sineway"

The MASSSIVE caladan update you've been waiting for....

video upload by Isla Electronics

"It’s rough as hell, I apologize in advance, if you have a bit over an hour to spare and want to see almost everything the machine does now.. then be my guest and come and watch the youtube video.I’m uploading it as a youtube premier now so I can sit there for a bit with y’all and we can watch it together and you can ask me any questions you like while it’s playing…I go over how the machine works, every engine the machine has and just about everything I can think of.. it’s finally an actual working synth, it sounds great (although my video quality leaves a lot to be desired)This is an update, not a commercial, The machine is solid, I am not…"

Comparing the Sequential Fourm to the Pro-One

"I Compared the Sequential Fourm to My Pro-One" video upload by Starsky Carr

0:00 intro jam and info
5:04 Really Deep Bass - THE FILTER
9:14 They've got Oscillators
11:24 Creating a Few Tones
15:11 PWM and how to match them
19:10 F to the M
20:00 Show Me The Sync
21:19 Pushing the Envelope 24:06 Overall..?

"Some genuine surprises in this head-to-head with the Sequential Fourm and the legendary Sequential Pro-One to find out if the Fourm can give the same vibe.

At first glance, the architecture looks familiar: dual oscillators, classic envelopes, a focused modulation section, and unmistakable Prophet-era DNA from Prophet-5 territory. But the big question is this: does the Fourm capture the raw punch, deep bass, and aggressive character that made the Pro-One a cult classic?

.. and I know it's not a clone :) but in this in-depth demo and comparison, I explore:

Oscillator behaviour, sync, PWM and FM
Filter differences (including low-end depth and resonance extremes)
Envelope response and modulation range
Bass performance, subs, and room-shaking tones
Where the Fourm goes beyond the Pro-One — and where it doesn’t

Rather than obsessing over perfect null tests, this video focuses on feel, playability, and whether the Four inspires the same kinds of sounds and musical ideas as the original Pro-One.

If you’re into analog monosynths, Sequential gear, vintage vs modern comparisons, or you’re wondering whether a contemporary synth can truly stand in for a rising-price classic, this one’s for you.

🎧 Headphones or proper speakers strongly recommended — some of these bass tones go very deep."

Jamuary 31st 2026 - Punishing Pulp

video upload by Captain Credible

"Thats it I guess. One jam per day per January for 6 years. Hope you enjoyed this round because I'm already looking forward to the next sprint.

Also I have a soft spot for this kind of dnb, and the #UBXaMini through the #nts-1 phaser reminds me of creme brulee or Cadburys Crunchy bars. Yummy in a guilty way."

Korg Opsix | No talking, just playing my soundpack "DEATH" for some minutes

video upload by xu.sounddesign - dirk rohde

"I´m playing some patches from my soundpack "DEATH". No external effects were used. All effects are internal effects of the Opsix. No other hardware was used. No compressor, no limiter, no equalizer, nothing, but the pure Opsix.

I designed all the sounds myself. All patches are fully compatible with the Opsix Mk1, Mk2, SE hardware and the Opsix native software.

If you´re interested in my soundpacks, please send me an email (xu.sounddesign@gmx.net).

Please check your spam-folder."

Behringer BMX - What the F...lol

video upload by Noir Et Blanc Vie - After Hours

"Subjective opinions within, those who do not understand subjective opinion may be excused lol

So the Behringer BMX, honestly, do you really care what I think? WELL, here's my thoughts, it's IMPOSSIBLE to freaking use something like this on the floor of a convention without help and NOBODY was trying to help me haha. That said, sound wise, oh for sure, it's solid, 100%. Dare I say "good", BUT, dang, everything is good these days. Gear is just a tool, but I think this could be useful, more useful than the Linn from the B. Would I buy the BMX, absolutely not, never hahaha. That's becasue I'm FLUSH with drum machines, and straight up, if I'm working with an artist or my own albums for drums specifically I'm ITB. Tempest is still the absolute king, if you have a TR-8s, Tempest, uhhh, Drumlogue, Alphabase, I mean geez a number of other drum machines you're good, you don't need to buy more space fillter, you can make music without this, TRUST me. BUT, it does sound good, the bass drum is no Alphabase though, no freakin way.

#BehringerJN80 #NAMM2026 #BehringerBMX"

Relativity (CHORDS Roland J-6 + H90 + Pill pedals // DRUMS TR-6S // BASS Arturia Minifreak)

video upload by 2-Minute Warning

"In this jam I'm using the sequencers of each of the 3 instruments (unlike the previous video [here] where I played the BASS and CHORDS in real-time 😉) .

The jam starts with the J-6 playing the CHORDS, then me adding effects from the H90 (Delay, then Phaser).
The DRUMS are being introduced gradually.
For the drop, commes the punchy BASSLINE from the Minifreak.
Later on, I enabled the Pill pedal triggered by the drums (TR-6S) which ducks the PADS each time the KICK hits in 🦆"

Hacking the Korg Phase8 to uncover NEW SOUNDS

video upload by Oscillator Sink

"The Korg Phase8 has been present in the collective synth-nerd consciousness for a few years, as Korg’s Berlin skunkworks department have slowly released details and demo’d prototypes, most notably at the last two Superbooth events. An iconic, mainstream synth manufacturer like Korg, exploring and experimenting with an entirely new concept in how synthesis can be used was an exciting prospect, and captured a lot of people’s imaginations - mine included.

I was lucky enough to find time to explore those prototypes at the previous two Superbooths, and even more lucky to have Korg approach me with a completed production model to make a video about.

The final model is an impressive physical instrument, with Korg Berlin’s industrial design chops on display, but I’m here mostly to talk about the sound and the functionality of the Phase 8, so in this video I’ll explore how it operates solo, how it can be integrated into a larger setup, try out some “extended techniques” and discuss where I feel the Phase 8 could be pushed further.

Transparency notice: Korg kindly sent over the Phase8 to make videos about. They haven't requested or been granted any oversight of the contents of the videos. I haven't otherwise been paid, but I do get to keep the unit shown in this video."

Chapters:
00:00 Intro
01:04 What is Phase8?
03:36 Voices, Resonators and Tuning
06:17 The voice controls
07:58 The Air Control
09:03 The Mod Effects
12:44 The Sequencer
17:51 "Strum"
18:57 Control Voltage and Sync
22:13 MIDI control and CC
27:25 Can it DRONE?
29:35 Acoustic Feedback
31:53 Phase8's Untapped Potential
40:30 Final Thoughts

Today Marks the 10th Anniversary of the Sequential Oberheim OB-6

Andrew McGowan, pictured here with Tom Oberheim, wrote in to let us know today is the 10th Anniversary of the Sequential OB-6. Andrew was a product designer at DSI/Sequential and worked with Tom Oberheim on the OB-6.

You can find a write-up on some the development of the OB-6 as well as the Prophet-6 on his website, https://www.smartbombdesign.com.

A couple of excerpts:

"I was sitting in my office at Seer Systems one day in 1997 or thereabouts when the phone on my desk rang. It was Dave Smith calling from his home. 'I’ve been talking to Tom Oberheim. He’s between jobs and wants to learn about software synths, so I asked him if he wanted to write the Reality operation manual. Can you get him set up and manage that?' I knew who Tom was, of course, but I had never met him, and now Dave was asking me to be his manager. I had no reason to believe that Tom was anything other than the warm, bright, and kind person that I now know he is, but the idea that I would be managing him made me deeply uncomfortable.

Seer Systems was in the process of developing Reality, which is generally considered to be the first 'professional' software synthesizer, though I’m not certain what makes one synthesizer professional and another not."

[Side note: Propellerheads Rebirth was also released in 1997, however the demo version was released in October 1996. A bit like The Damned vs. Sex Pistols for those in the know!]

And [thought this was funny]:

"Those Fucking Lines

Tom and I had talked about synths over the years and, on several occasions, he remarked how often people asked him to remake the OB-X, perhaps because not many were made. Or maybe Rush/Tom Sawyer? I don’t know. What little I did know about the OB-X was that it had a (low-pass only) SEM filter, and we had already made a synth with an SEM filter in it. And our hardware engineer Tony Karavidas had worked at Oberheim and owned multiple Oberheim synths. I also felt very strongly that if we were going to make two poly synths that were essentially the same except for the filter, the 2-pole, SEM state-variable filter would be complementary to the Prophet-6’s 4-pole, OTA low-pass filter.

Tom’s wish list was short. He didn’t want the Prophet-6’s analog distortion. And he wanted the OB-Xa’s blue lines."

Read the rest here

[P.S. I still own an OB-6 desktop and it's one of my most cherished synths. There is something organic about it. The demos I've heard of Sequential's new FOURM have that about them. I have enough synths as it is but the FOURM is very, very tempting for this particular reason.]

The Stylosette Keys by Dubreq

video upload by Musical Miscellany & More

"Dubreq released the Stylosette last year but I'm just now getting around to buying one. I'm not sure why it took me so long but here's a quick overview of the Sytlosette Keys and what it can do.

Intro - 0:00
Unboxing & Overview - 0:50
Basic Functions - 2:31
Delay Circuit - 4:21
Patch Points - 5:24
Final Thoughts - 9:10"

The Stylosette is the latest addition to our Pocket-sized Analog synthesizer range. It’s a monophonic mini analog synth that looks like a cassette and comes in a cool retro cassette storage case for batteries, clips, a screwdriver and cables, which are all included. It also has a built-in speaker, aux out, and an expansion port.

Use the crocodile clips provided to trigger sounds using conductive objects such as fruits, vegetables, or spoons! The Stylosette has a 13-key touch-sensitive keyboard and is played by sliding your finger along the touch-sensitive metal surface, so no need for a Stylus.

Each segment on the synthesizer keyboard plays a different note, so you can create rich, dynamic music with delay effects, vibrato, and a three-octave range.

Change the speed, depth, and delay with the screwdriver accessory to customize your sound. Even connect to another Stylosette. Buzz, twist, and warp every note in the palm of your hand – anywhere.

It’s an excellent gift for both musicians and beginners alike. All you need to do is insert batteries, turn it on, touch the keypad, and make some noise!

Check with dealers on the right for availability.


Stylophonic Fun