"Put on your headphones 🎧. This is a pure, no-talking sound demo of the brand new Modal Electronics ELEMENT ONE synthesizer, an 8-voice virtual analog powerhouse.
I had the incredible honor of participating in the development and sound design of the Element One (created alongside the Hartmann Design team). In this video, I am jamming with the factory presets—which are actually the very patches I designed for this synth! I’m exploring random sounds, tweaking them on the fly to show you the true sonic potential of its 64 oscillators, morphable filters, and stereo FX. Everything is played live using the 37-key aftertouch keyboard and 4-axis joystick."
Modal Element One: a sophisticated synth 'repackaged' in an accessible keyboard – Sound demo
You’re a musician, not a computer programmer. Whether you’re a keyboard player who wants to fire up a searing solo, a guitarist looking for that perfect atmospheric pad, a drummer wanting to trigger massive electronic textures, or a vocalist needing a lush harmonic bed, you shouldn’t have to learn “synth science” just to get a great sound. Meet ELEMENT One—the 8-voice virtual-analog synthesizer designed to feel like an instrument, not a science project.
"We're on the ground in Berlin at the year's biggest synth event. Stay up to date with all the latest gear news, announcements, and preorder info on our Superbooth coverage hub — link in bio!"
"We're on the ground in Berlin at the year's biggest synth event. Stay up to date with all the latest gear news, announcements, and preorder info on our Superbooth coverage hub — link in bio!"
"We're on the ground in Berlin at the year's biggest synth event. Stay up to date with all the latest gear news, announcements, and preorder info on our Superbooth coverage hub — link in bio!"
"A brief demo of the new Bastl Instruments Kalimba. This prototype is very playable as both a traditional kalmbia and a synthesizer with scales, microtuning, and an arpeggiator.
"An electro-acoustic installation with solenoids hitting a string driven by KOMA Elektronic triggers. We also see a little pinball game triggered by a KOMA Kassiopeia."
"Superbooth 2026 // SNIPPETS // Expressive E // Osmose 61 Keys
A short excerpt of the DEMO.
Superbooth 26
Superbooth 26 from May, 7th - 9th, @ FEZ convention center Wuhlheide, Berlin.
Atmosphere"
AI‑powered neural sampling evolves into a more integrated, performance‑ready hardware concept, debuting at Superbooth Berlin
Berlin, Germany, May 7, 2026 — Roland Future Design Lab (Superbooth B023 & B026), the forward‑looking research division of Roland Corporation, and Tokyo-based AI music technology company Neutone today announced Project LYDIA Phase 2, a refined evolution of their experimental AI‑powered neural sampling pedal concept. Shaped by months of direct feedback from musicians, developers, and live performers, Phase 2 moves the project closer to a fully self‑contained, performance‑ready hardware platform.
Project LYDIA Phase 2 builds on the technology preview first unveiled in November 2025 and will make its public debut at Superbooth Berlin (May 7–9), offering attendees hands‑on access to the latest iteration.
Phase 2: Integrated, Performance‑Ready, and More Expressive
Responding directly to feedback gathered through live demos, industry showcases, and global surveys, Project LYDIA Phase 2 introduces several key hardware enhancements:
Refined hardware design with enhanced flexibility, supporting easier Raspberry Pi 5 installation and standalone USB MIDI controller operation Fully integrated audio I/O, eliminating the need for an external USB audio interface Onboard LCD display for clearer navigation and real‑time parameter feedback User Preset memories for saving control settings and more MIDI connectivity for deeper control, automation, and integration with existing studio and live rigs
A Feedback‑Led Approach to AI Hardware Design
Roland Future Design Lab partnered with Neutone to introduce Project LYDIA as an open, public‑facing experiment: exploring how neural sampling could be embodied in a tactile, musician‑centered hardware format. The initial prototype quickly generated strong interest from many corners, prompting extensive dialogue about workflow, control, and musical expressiveness.
“From the very first demos with professional audio developers through the overwhelming response from musicians worldwide, it was clear that Project LYDIA was resonating,” said Paul McCabe, LA‑based leader of Roland Future Design Lab. “That dialogue directly shaped Phase 2. This version reflects what creators told us they want from AI hardware in real musical contexts, while also bringing forward new ideas from our team.”
Rather than positioning AI as a replacement for musicianship, Project LYDIA emphasizes augmentation and control, allowing performers to interact with neural models in immediate, physical, and musically expressive ways. The familiar pedal format places AI processing into a workflow many musicians already trust, bringing transparency and tactility to technology often associated with screens and abstraction.
This feedback‑driven development aligns with Roland’s broader commitment to responsible AI innovation, as outlined by AI For Music, the initiative co‑founded by Roland and Universal Music Group to establish ethical principles for AI use in music creation.
Debuting at Superbooth and Beyond
Project LYDIA Phase 2 will debut publicly at Superbooth Berlin, followed by appearances at Audio Developers Conference Tokyo in early June and select additional events throughout 2026. RFDL and Neutone will continue gathering insights from creators both in person and online to inform future iterations of the project.
Music creators interested in learning more or contributing feedback can participate in a new survey here.
Click CC at the bottom of the player for subtitles.
"Geht´s noch gemütlicher? Die schön durchdachte Booth von Arturia mit viel Interaktion untereinander. Special hier: 18:00Uhr Visitor Jam Table"
"Could it get any cozier? Arturia’s beautifully designed booth features plenty of opportunities for interaction. Special highlight: 6:00 PM – Visitor Jam Table."
Click CC at the bottom of the player for subtitles.
"Die Booth von Yamaha auf der Superbooth ist wie erwartet der Hammer. Hier bekommt ihr einen Talk mit den Entwicklern aufwendiger Editoren für fast alle Yamaha Flagships!"
"As expected, Yamaha's booth at Superbooth is absolutely incredible. Here, you can catch a conversation with the developers behind the sophisticated editors for almost all of Yamaha's flagship instruments!"
wie AMT Rüffel aus dem Orgelbau kommt und sich auf Gehäuse für elektronische Instrumente spezialisiert hat
warum die Superbooth ein wichtiger Schritt für neue Kunden war
einen Blick auf aktuelle Projekte wie den neuen Udo Domino
Einblicke in die deutsche Fertigung und Präzision, die hinter den Gehäusen steckt
Perfekt für alle Synthesizer-Fans, Musikproduzenten und Technikliebhaber, die wissen wollen, wie hochwertige Hardware entsteht."
"In this video, you will discover:
how AMT Rüffel transitioned from organ building to specializing in enclosures for electronic instruments
why Superbooth was a pivotal step in acquiring new customers
a look at current projects, such as the new Udo Domino
insights into the German manufacturing and precision that go into these enclosures
Perfect for all synthesizer fans, music producers, and tech enthusiasts who want to know how high-quality hardware is created."
