Juan Atkins & the Birth of Detroit Techno | Voltage Labs

video upload by Voltage Labs

Juan Atkins passed on October 31, 2026.

"Juan Atkins heard possibilities in electronic sound that helped change the course of dance music. This documentary tribute honours his contribution to techno and the musical imagination behind it.

With Richard '3070' Davis in Cybotron, and later through Model 500 and his Metroplex label, Atkins helped give Detroit’s electronic music a distinctive language. Funk, synthesizers and an interest in the future met in records whose influence travelled far beyond the city.

His work belongs to a wider Detroit story, alongside fellow pioneers Derrick May and Kevin Saunderson. Recognising Atkins’ place in that history also means remembering the Black artists and communities from which techno emerged.

A tribute to Juan Atkins, his music and a vision that continues to resonate across generations of electronic music."

Side note: Minimoog with custom display in Mixer section at 1:05.

This one was spotted and sent in via
M Me.

Update: the custom Minimoog appears to be a clip from this Ultravox video, pics here. It's Midge Ure's custom Minimoog.

Fred's Lab OCTANE - The USB MIDI Octopus

video upload by Fred's Lab

"Octane is the first 16-port, 8 in / 8 out MIDI HUB with 3.5mm TRS jacks. Connect your whole setup of synths, drum machines and controllers to your computer, tablet or phone over a single USB cable.

And it's open hardware: the schematics, layout and firmware are provided. You can modify it, build on it and make it your own. Therefore, Octane is highly customizable, so you can set up specific routing, filtering and behavior to fit the way you make music.

Designed and built by Fred's Lab."

You write the patch in a web editor (work in progress): fredslab.net/bucket/tentacles.

Currently on kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/fredslab/octane-the-usb-midi-octopus


OCTANE

8 MIDI in. 8 MIDI out. Your setup, anywhere.

All the TRS MIDI for your portable studio, in one compact, rugged box. Less adapters, no ground loops, no compromises. Designed for musicians who dare to take their music gear wherever the music happens.

Octane is a straightforward MIDI HUB, and it's fully open hardware. No need to reverse engineer, we provide you with all: the schematics, the firmware, and the case. Everything is distributed under permissive licenses, so you are encouraged to study, modify, and repair the product along its lifetime.

Propelled by modern and community-friendly tech, Octane is powered by a Raspberry Pi RP2354 MCU running a Rust stack.

SOFTWARE

Octane comes with not one but two firmwares!

Switching between them is a single drag and drop of a file, and you can switch back at any time.

Basic firmware, pre-installed

A class-compliant 8-in / 8-out USB MIDI interface. Plug it in and all the ports show up in your DAW: no driver, no setup.

Tentacles, the extended firmware

Tentacles turns Octane into a programmable MIDI hub. A patch script describes which processing blocks to use and how to wire them between the MIDI jacks and the USB ports.

Route any input to any output, or to several at once

Merge several sources into one output

Filter MIDI messages by type and channel

Transpose, remap channels, remap CCs, reshape velocities, split a keyboard into zones, rescale controllers...

Milky Way - Amiga version

video upload by MIDI IN

"The music here was captured directly from the back of the Amiga. For the video, I still have trouble with capturing the monitor output and composite looked terrible, so I'm still pointing a camera at the little telly and it seems fine, except for the skew which I can't get rid of.

The .mod file (actually .med) should play on a variety of players but your mileage may vary. It'll sound best using Octamed Player. It also plays on modern computers in players such as VLC, but they don't always seem to completely respect the proper volume attenuations that I've set for each instrument.
https://peacockmedia.software/milkywa...

0:00 intro
0:10 how?
0:27 why?!
0:36 the theremin solo
1:06 spoken word
1:52 the track

Milky Way photo Steve Jurvetson used under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license."

"holic" v0.2 | Real-Time Synthesis, Bass & Chords | M5Stack Tab5

video upload by alloutofsync

"Two weeks after the first demo, holic is evolving!

holic is an experimental drum machine and sequencer built on M5Stack Tab5, inspired by the playful workflow of the Pocket Operator PO-32 tonic.

The biggest change is the sound engine. Previously, sounds were generated at startup and played back as samples. Now, they're synthesized in real time using relatively simple techniques to keep the processing lightweight on the ESP32.

New bass and chord synths have also been added. The chord synth supports up to four notes, expanding holic beyond basic drum patterns.

This demo features a performance using pre-made patterns, switching between them during playback.

With more features comes a new challenge: figuring out how to fit everything into a simple, playable touchscreen interface.

Still an experimental project, but getting closer to a complete little instrument!

More informations about:
M5Stack Tab5
https://docs.m5stack.com/en/core/Tab5"

Follow up to this post.

OZMA brings sampling and sound design to gaming handhelds

video upload by ORUMET

Elektron Tonverk × OZMA on TrimUI Brick | Minimal Live Jam

video upload by ORUMET

via the developer

"I built OZMA, a free groovebox for handhelds in open beta. Its MORPH instrument turns a sound into something you can play as notes. The sampler lets you slice and sequence sounds alongside synths and effects. Version 0.9.2 adds a folder for your own WAVs on the SD card.

Free download · https://orumet.itch.io/ozma"

"OZMA is a groovebox for handheld consoles. Chop a sample, build a beat step by step, then launch clips and jam live with your handheld’s controls.

Make music on your handheld

Sequence beats and melodies. Set velocity, chance and timing for individual steps.
Chop samples. Slice sounds and build patterns around them.
Play live. Launch clips and shape the jam with performance effects."

Left: Morph screen

Sampler screeen

HWJ - SYNTHESIZED - CONTACT LOST Take 2

video upload by FL3SHB4CK

"Hardware Jam Challenge: SYNTHESIZED SOUNDS

VHIKK X, VOLTAGE BLOCK, recorded live thru Syntakt delay and reverb
New algos bank ! This is center-up (phase-coupled sine cluster with dispersor delay)
Take 2
Take 1 is here: • HWJ - SYNTHESIZED - CONTACT LOST Take 1 [posted here]

Make some noise!
#noisevember

‪@forge_tme‬"

Verman DualFilter - Mac FX plugin (VST3/AU/CLAP)

video upload by verstaerker

"Finally the famous belgian filter as authentic FX-plugin.
After endless hours of measurement of the original V1 hardware and comparing and finetuning over and over again i can proudly present it to the public.
Please get your copy here.

https://github.com/verstaerkermusic/v...

And if you like it and want to support further development either
https://buymeacoffee.com/verstaerker

or buy some of my music:

https://verstaerker.bandcamp.com
https://verstaerkerahead.bandcamp.com

Please understand that i cannot create a windows or linux version as i cannot test it and i do not provide untested software."

Verman Dual Filter on 808

video upload by verstaerker

"A dual-filter effect shaped by hardware measurements.

Verman Dualfilter is an audio effect for macOS by verstaerker, inspired by the Sherman Filterbank. It grew out of extensive hardware measurements and direct listening comparisons, with particular attention to the interaction of input drive, resonance, saturation and modulation.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Siel Opera 6 + Siel Expander: a 12 voices 4 osc stereo analog polysynth

video upload by ohm-studi-ohm

"Well I confess the title is a bit misleading as this is not truly a 12 voices 4 osc stereo analog polysynth but rather 2 identical 6 voices 2 osc analog polysynth.
Indeed the Expander is the desktop version of the Opera 6 (also rebranded as the DK600 and Kiwi). Exact same motherboard and analog board (that explain the quite big footprint of the Expander).
They were however meant to be complementary, the Expander being control-less and without any editing possibilities, the only way to program it was to use an Opera 6 to dump patches to it.
But nowadays thanks to Tauntek's Expander firmware you can access all synth parameters by MIDI Control Change and with the help of your favorite MIDI controller you can have the equivalent of an Opera 6.
Still, playing the two synths together is quite a treat. The Expander can respond to Program Changes (stock firmware too) and thus with identical sound set you can recall the same sound on both unit by dialing in the program number on the Opera 6.
Furthermore the Opera 6 offers a split mode (when recalling preset 97 and validating 01, split point is assignable) so you can get 2x 6 voices identical sound on the left and right part of the keyboard. Not a proprer 12 voices synth but still it gives some polyphony headroom.
In the demo I hard panned both synth, this also has the benefit of giving a nice stereo image as both synth being analog by nature will not sound exactly the same. Especially by slightly detuning both units.
Most part of the demo sounds are layered but i do quickly demo splits at occasion.
Recorded dry, no fx, no EQ."

Roland M-SE 1 String Ensemble Sound Expansion Module SN ZH92142

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

via this listing

Additional Perfect Circuit listings

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Roland XV-5080 Rackmount Synthesizer Sound Module

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

via this listing

Additional Perfect Circuit listings

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Roland JV-1000 Music Workstation SN ZF78794

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

via this listing

Additional Perfect Circuit listings

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Roland PG-800 Programmer for mks-70 jx-8p jx-10 Super JX w/ Carry Case

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

via this eBay listing

Additional Tone Tweakers Listings

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Roland HS-60 Synth Plus w/ Original Box

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

via this eBay listing

Additional Tone Tweakers Listings

"Fully refurbished. This is a Juno-106 with built in speakers.

We paid our tech for 12 hours of skilled labor to completely refurbish this unit so it will hopefully outlast all others of its kind. We also replaced some parts that will eventually fail sooner than later in an effort to future-proof this unit. The cost of these parts was approximately $350. Our investment of labor + parts is of course reflected in its higher than usual price. We don't cut corners here, so our customers get what they pay for. Here's an outline of what we did to this unit:

-Replaced all 80017 chips with new ones. These eventually fail, so we replaced them so you won't have to.
-Both speakers were replaced with new ones. These usually distort because they're broken (even though sellers usually don't mention it!), so we replace them so you won't have to.
-All slider dust shields were replaced with new ones. These harden and break over time, so we replace them so you won't have to.
-Power supply electrolytic capacitors and diode were replaced. These go bad over time, so we replace them so you won't have to.
-Power amp capacitors were replaced. (Same)
-Unit was recalibrated so everything plays in tune.
-The battery was replaced and Juno-106 patches were reloaded.
-This unit was cleaned inside and out. (The speaker area is hard to clean, so you may still see some dust inside that section if you look closely).
-Cold solder joints were reflowed.
-Cleaned and lubed all slide and rotary potentiometers.
-Systematically tested several times and burn in test passed.

sn64587x, includes original box. Box does not contain original foam end pieces."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Roland SH-09 Analog Synth + RE-201 Space Echo #subtokyoshop #synth #spaceecho

video upload by



subtokyoshop on Reverb | subtokyoshop on eBay
Note: eBay and Reverb links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

1974 Roland SH-3 Analog Synthesizer

video upload by distanceresearch

"Live recording of the 1974 Roland SH-3: if you wanted to hear what the filter sounding before the SH-3a revision here you go. Running it through the Boss DD8 delay."

2002 Novation K Station Virtual Analog Synthesizer

video upload by distanceresearch

"I had owned one of these when they were first released back in 2002. VA’s were new to the market and kind of exciting. The K Station sounded the best of them to my ears. I ended up returning it because it had a firmware bug and I felt the selling price was too much to deal with that. This one has 2.01 firmware and I replaced the knobs with Tascam M-224 knobs I had. It’s a fantastic synth and on the used market they can be bought for very reasonable prices."

Moddict Phonemer // Experimental IDM / Modular Synth Session

video upload by Sakai Meno

"A studio session featuring PHONEMER by MODDICT.
Exploring patterns, textures and rhythms through experimental IDM and modular synthesis.

#Moddict #Phonemer #ModularSynth #ExperimentalIDM"

Also see Moddict Phonemer Speaks - Festival of Modular (Tokyo)

PreenFM3 + Ableton Move | Sound Design with Chimera 0.3.0

video upload by Serge

"A 15-minute hands-on session with the PreenFM3 running Joe Giralt’s Chimera 0.3.0 alpha, paired with Ableton Move running Schwung. Mostly knob turns and a few notes. I start with an FM patch, map pressure in the mod matrix, mess with the grain delay, then try a factory physical modeling sound and take ORBIT for a quick spin.

0:00 PreenFM3 + Move setup
0:35 First patch edits
4:10 Mapping pressure in the mod matrix
7:30 Playing with grain delay
11:30 Factory physical modeling preset
13:37 ORBIT sequencer tweaks

How it’s hooked up

Move is powered over USB and powers the PreenFM3 through a single USB-A to USB-B cable. That same cable carries USB MIDI, with Move’s Track 4 sending on channel 7 to the PreenFM3. The Preen’s analog outputs 1 and 2 go into Move’s 3.5 mm stereo input via a Y-cable, using Schwung’s Line In.

I recorded Move directly into the PC. The audio is as captured, with no added DAW effects, EQ, or level adjustments. The grain delay and other effects you hear are from Chimera.

#PreenFM3 #AbletonMove #ChimeraFirmware"

Chimera firmware - PreenFM3 - rough Alpha Demo

video upload by Cassilda and Carcosa

Chimera firmware - PreenFM3 - 0.2.0 Alpha - Whats New?

video upload by Cassilda and Carcosa
https://github.com/joegiralt/chimera-releases

"A new way to make music with your PreenFM3.

Chimera is alternative firmware for the PreenFM3 synthesizer. It gives your synth new sound engines, effects, sequencing tools, and a different way to explore and create sounds.

It runs on the original PreenFM3 hardware. You don't need to modify your synth or buy anything else.

And if you decide Chimera isn't for you, you can switch back to the original PreenFM3 firmware.

Current version: Alpha 0.3.0

Chimera is still in development. Some features aren't finished, and you may run into bugs."

Multiple Perkons Mods - A Different Sound for the Perkons

video upload by Ferret

"This is running the following kit

Voice 1: Original Perkons Engine - Noise Hat - Mode 3
Voice 2: Synth Lab (Monophonic Synth Perkons Mod)
Voice 3: Kick Lab (Kick Synth Perkons Mod)
Voice 4: Akords (Polyphonic Chord Synth Perkons Mod)

The Following Mod are also being used

Reverb Mod - This replaces the BBD with a lush reverb
Sidechain Mod - This adds a trigger activated sidechain, the kick is ducking the rest of the sounds

Try it yourself - Download the Perkons Mod Matrix Desktop from here - https://github.com/remixed123/modmatr...

The Perkon analogue chain makes everything sound so great!

#Perkons #synth #drummachines"

Additional details:

"The Mod Matrix for the Erica Synths Pērkons HD-01, as a desktop app for Mac and Windows. Load your official firmware, tick the mods you want, and get a modded firmware file to flash. Read each mod's user guide in the app, too. No Git, Python, compiler or terminal needed.

The Mod Matrix, perkons-re and the main mods are by kiteless. This app only packages them so they run without installing anything. It downloads the newest Mod Matrix each time it starts, so you always get kiteless's latest version.

Unofficial. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Erica Synths. Modded firmware is flashed entirely at your own risk. The app contains no Erica Synths firmware: you supply your own."

2FM2 - A Full 2OP Synth for NTS-1 - Demo Jam

video upload by ChrisLody

"If you'd like to support the channel you can grab a 'Pay What You Want' album from my Bandcamp. https://chrislody.bandcamp.com

Dowload 2FM from: https://github.com/ChrisLody/NTS1-2FM
Grab the two .ntkdigunit files and add them to your NTS1 using Korgs librarian software.

So full disclosure, this pair of custom oscillators was vibe coded. I am learning a bit about coding, but I'm no way near good enough to put this together without some help. I've wanted someone to make an FM synth for the NTS1 for ages and nothing has quite hit the mark, so I decided it was time I did it myself.

The 2FM comes in two flavours, 2FM1 and 2FM2.

2FM1 is designed to be a basic FM tone generator while 2FM2 includes a modulation envelope.

Both feature a modulation level on the A knob, bipolar feedback on the B knob, then Ratio and Fine controls in the custom oscillator settings that can be accessed by holding OSC and turning Type.

2FM2 goes a step further by adding an ADSR for modulation to the custom controls.

The reason for this is that the NTS-1 will always reset its knobs to minimum as its powered up, and with the ADSR as minimal settings it has no affect and therefore there is no sound of FM without tweaking the envelope. This can be a bit confusing so the 2FM1 version is a kind of beginner mode, 2FM2 is more advanced.

You can set up a tone on 2FM1 with the A and B knobs, then these will be remembered as you change over to 2FM2 to adjust the ADSR.

There is no carrier envelope as the same thing can be accomplished using the standard NTS1 envelopes. You can also route the NTS1 LFO to mod level or pitch so no LFO was included in the custom oscillator either. So between the custom settings and the standard NTS1 architecture, that's a pretty fully featured FM synth! Just a shame the NTS1 is mono.

All sounds in this video are made using 2FM2 with no filtering used. There are some effects on in a few places but that's about it."