Money, power and ... synths? - what synthesizers can tell us about geopolitics

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

Missed in South America: GS Music - Argentina, EMW - Brazil, and AtomoSynth - Peru. AnalogFX in Netherlands. Meng Qi is worth a DIY stand out mention for China as well as Aforack in Uganda, Africa. There's no way to list every manufacturer, but if he missed a country/region feel free to comment (feel free to comment regardless of course). It's an interesting video and a useful reminder of where manufacturers are based.

"If a country can support one or even more synthesizer manufacturers, that tells us a lot about its place in the world. I have some numbers to back this up, look at some of those synthesizer-producing countries and then make some predictions on their future trajectory.

Table of contents:

00:00 introduction
00:50 the idea (explained with the UK)
02:43 the synthesizer world map walkthrough (west to east)
03:01 United States of America
04:21 France
04:56 United Kingdom
06:27 Germany
07:50 Italy
09:08 Scandinavia (i.e. Sweden)
10:07 Eastern Europe
11:18 Ukraine
12:18 Russia
13:19 China
15:11 Australia and New Zealand
16:37 Japan
18:40 The DIY scene
19:34 conclusion - where are the countries headed to?
20:32 my personal thoughts
21:29 bye - please subscribe (and if you like this style of video, please tell me in the comments)

B-Roll footage from pexels.com

HÄLP ZIS CHANNEL
https://www.patreon.com/floyd_steinberg
https://floydsteinberg.gumroad.com/
https://floydsteinberg.bandcamp.com/"

Why Does This Synth Have Only One Oscillator? | Superbooth 2026

video upload by Music Journey with Paul

https://www.gsmusic.com/synth-store

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:59 Matt Johnson performing on Bree6
01:20 Bree6 - is one oscillator enough?
04:50 e7 presentation - the flagship synth
10:47 From hobby to family business
12:03 The only polysynths from Lating America
12:24 Finding a gap in the market
13:02 From idea to first customer
14:11 Argentina gave us Lionel Messi & GS Music

"GS Music is one of the most interesting boutique synthesizer companies I discovered at Superbooth 2026.

I spoke with Guido Salaya, the founder and lead engineer of GS Music, about how a small family business from Argentina grew into a company designing and manufacturing analog polyphonic synthesizers.

Their main instruments include the 7-voice GS Music e7 and the 6-voice Bree6, available as a desktop and keyboard version. At Superbooth 2026, GS Music also showed the new Bree6 Four Octave Edition - a 49-key, 4-octave version of their analog polysynth.

Featuring fantastic performance of ‪@MattJohnsonskeyspace‬ to show capabilities of Bree6.

In this interview we discuss:
why he built a synth with only one oscillator,
the philosophy behind keeping instruments simple,
how GS Music started as a hobby,
why they chose to build analog polyphonic synthesizers,
how product ideas become finished synthesizers,
the challenges of manufacturing hardware in Argentina,
what makes GS Music different from larger synth manufacturers.

If you enjoy boutique synthesizers and hearing the stories behind the people who build them, I think you’ll enjoy this conversation."

Precision Analogue Filter vs. Valve Timbre Sculpting // Swell from Bartola Instruments

video upload by DivKid and Bartola Instruments

"Here we have Swell the new filter and valve (tube for those in the US) sculpting Eurorack module from Bartola Instruments. This is the first commercially released Eurorack module from Bartola and follows many years of valve hi fi work and hundreds of Eurorack prototypes made in super small runs for musicians and friends. Swell offers masses of customisable sound sculpting marrying its precision low pass filtering with high flexible valve control. Whether it's cleaner, yet warm and gently compressed waves or all out untamed chaos there's a lot to explore as you'll see in the patches."

Bartola interview // https://divkidvideo.com/20-questions-...

*TIMING INDEX // CHAPTERS*

INTRO
00:00 Hello & previews
01:13 What is Swell?
02:01 Feature run down
04:45 Raw filter sweeps & valve behaviour

PATCHES
07:05 Absolutely MAD acid sounds
10:48 Tape like blown out feedback loops - AMAZING!
14:53 Sine wave meet your maker! - Overblown wind & rasping reed sounds
18:42 Clean(er) monosynth style patching
21:43 Pings, kick drums & warm wooly bass hits
25:03 Delicate clean filter ping FM melodies
27:10 Swell as an oscillator
30:50 Audiorate modulation
34:57 Smashing complex synth voices through Swell

"*THIS VIDEO IS SPONSORED BY BARTOLA INSTRUMENTS* they have funded the creation of this demo video. Any questions, as always, just ask!"

Ableton Push 3 Standalone, Eurorack & NI Z1 MKII set up - Making of Prolepsis & custom Push set up

video upload by Abre Ojos

See Prolepsis here.

"A long one where I talk about the latest set up using the Ableton Push 3 Standalone, Eurorack modular and integrating the ‪@NativeInstruments‬ Z1 Mk II to add a new layer of live performance options to this set up. Systematically going through the the idea, developing the prototype, building one knob effect chains, MIDI mapping, channel groups, CV Instruments, External Audio Effects, routing audio via ADAT into Push and a whole heap more!

00:00 Intro ramble - The Idea!
02:08 The set up - Push Standalone & the modular
04:30 Finding the missing performance part
06:15 Finding the Traktor Z1 MkII
09:06 How the Push template is set up - Groups FTW!
12:44 Channel group effects set up for the Z1
14:10 The EQ dilemma - save me someone!
17:08 DJ Filter hack
22:02 One knob effects
22:45 Summary of Z1 mapping and set up
24:29 Push CPU meter device
22:45 Summary of Z1 mapping and set up
24:29 Push CPU meter device
27:32 The drums on Push & a rumble
36:44 Drum Sampler stretch is really a granular effect!
43:09 Over into Modular Land - routing and Push inputs
45:30 Sting 2 controlling Manis Iteritas
52:10 Plaits into QPAS into Atom
56:19 Bean Jelly (Benjolin) and Scanned into Iroi
57:10 Altogether now!"

HWJ - THE REVOLUTION - DOWTOWN RIOTS

video upload by FL3SHB4CK

"Hardware Jam Challenge: THE REVOLUTION

LIQUID GLITCHER, AMNIS, BIA, WEAVER, RADIUS, AHH, A-138s

Recorded live thru Syntakt delay & reverb"

Nord Wave 2 SYNC from OUTER SPACE Synthesizer Sampler A1 Rik Marston

video upload by Rik Marston Official

"Nord Wave 2 - The SYNC from OUTER SPACE!"
*Watch in HD* *Turn it UP!* *No Talking!!!*
My Etsy store: AhnyxianSoundDesign
https://www.etsy.com/shop/AhnyxianSou...

PUNCHBOX 2

video upload by DATABROTH

"Read my full review here: www.databroth.com/blog/punchbox-2-review

check out my wavetables and presets at https://gumroad.com/databroth

join my Patreon https://www.patreon.com/databroth"

07.05.2026 Exclusively Analogue EMU - Ring Mod flavors

video upload by batchas

Teenage Engineering EP-1320 Medieval 128MB Sampler Composer

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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Sonicware LIVEN Bass&Beats Wavetable Synthesizer + Rhythm Machine

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

via this listing

Additional Perfect Circuit listings

See the intro video here.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Sequential Pro 3 Hybrid Keyboard Synthesizer SN 01897

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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Ensoniq ASR-10 Rackmount Advanced Sampling Recorder SN ASR-12849

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

via this Reverb listing

Additional SYNTH CITY Listings

"Hilariously overbuilt and overengineered, this ASR sampler was Ensoniq's flagship, and with compatibility to the EPS and EPS16+ there's plenty of cool sounds that you can use right out of the gate.

The ASR-10 (Advanced Sampling Recorder) was essentially the third generation of the EPS series of samplers, sharing the same basic architecture and user interface as the earlier EPS Classic and EPS-16 Plus. The ASR-10, like its predecessors, was a true performance orientated sampling workstation, and did not require a computer or additional equipment in order to create a complete song. It included a powerful and flexible effects unit, polyphonic aftertouch, an advanced MIDI sequencer, load-while-playing abilities, and a powerful multi-layered synthesis engine. The supplied "Musician's Manual" lived up to Ensoniq's documentation practice, with a highly readable, very hands-on and quite complete description of the device. There was even an included tutorial that covered many features of the machine, including sampling and sequencing."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Moog Subsequent 37 Analog Synth w/ Decksaver Cover SN 09835

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

via this Reverb listing

Additional SYNTH CITY Listings

"The Subsequent 37 is a (2-note) paraphonic analog synthesizer that builds upon the award-winning design of the ultra-powerful Sub 37 Tribute Edition. Its control panel is home to 40 knobs and 74 switches, placing a vast array of analog sound-design tools and onboard sequencing options immediately at your command. The Subsequent 37 improves upon its source through the implementation of a number of user-requested sonic and functional enhancements. Each enhancement maintains the magic and character of its predecessor while also providing access to new dimensions of sound and improved playability."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Serviced Moog Opus 3

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

via this Reverb listing

"Recently serviced by our in house synthesizer technician, this Moog Opus is ready to give you some brass and string sounds from your dreams."

SN 1872?

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Rhodes Chroma 64-Key 16-Voice Polyphonic Hybrid Analog Synthesizer w/ Extra

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

via this Reverb listing

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Solton Programmer 24 - Sound exploration and composition of 80' Italo-disco tracks after repair

video upload by Davide Micheli

"In the video, I'm playing the newly repaired electronic instrument.

The Solton Programmer 24 was built by Solton-Ketron Lab around 1985 and it was the first completley and easy programmable music arranger in the history. Due to its structure, for someone is considered the father of Italo-Disco.

This Italian company built at that time this inspiring music electronic machine before any other big company in the word with electronic components available in the market, no dedicated or custom chip as later. In particular, in only 10 minutes I easily composed 3 music tracks in the '80 dance style living the machine inspires me.

The 3 tracks are titled:

1) DRAP; (it could be the base for a rap)
2) Happy track;
3) Past is past;

Hope you enjoy it
Davide"

Instruo - harmonaig Overview 2026

video upload by Instruō

"It's been 10 years since the harmonàig was developed. I think it's time for a deep dive into understanding how it can make modular more musical.

The harmonàig has always been one of the most musically powerful and compositionally focused modules in the Instruō range. It is a performance quantiser capable of transforming a simple CV sequence into rich, four-voice harmonic movement.

This new video offers a refined overview of the module's features and functionality, before diving into its implementation of musical harmony.

The second half introduces some music theory fundamentals, but more importantly demonstrates just how much can be achieved without needing to understand any of it (although it is fun!).

The harmonàig provides a framework for exploring chord progressions, patching harmonic relationships within a Eurorack system, and making complex musical structures feel intuitive and playable.

The harmonàig has remained a core part of the Instruō range for the past 10 years thanks to your continued support.

00:00:00 - Instruōduction
00:01:34 - What's to come
00:04:52 - Quick overview
00:11:30 - harmonàig overview
01:06:12 - Chord theory
01:36:07 - MODE theory
02:00:30 - Ouststruō"

Partials & Discrepancies 1.0.4 | Foot Control Slot Sweeps + Red MPE Mode

video upload by Unusable Engineering

"A no-talking Partials & Discrepancies 1.0.4 demo focused mainly on foot-controlled slot sweeps.

This patch is played on Arturia PolyBrute 12 in MPE mode, with CC4 / foot control used to sweep through the slot states in real time. I am trying to show how the synth can be played more more expressively with pressure controlled swells and with the slot motion under direct foot control rather than just running as a sequence.

It uses the new red Unusable MPE mode, added in version 1.0.4. In this mode, Slide / CC74 opens the filter, while Pressure controls level behavior for more expressive swells. (the PB12 don't have slide, so it is only pressure used in this video). The screen notes explain what is happening as the patch moves.

This update also includes improvements to MPE voice visuals, smoother Resonance and Res Warp, Versioned Save in the preset browser, better editor responsiveness, and a few other fixes. Release notes in the news section of the website.

More info:
www.unusable.net"

Partials & Discrepancies | MPE Demo with Full Bundle v2

video upload by Unusable Engineering

"A no-talking Partials & Discrepancies sound example video focused on MPE playing and pairings with effects from the Full Bundle v2.

This video uses the new "red Unusable" MPE mode and explores a range of sounds, from dirtier and more broken textures to more cinematic and laid-back ones, plus a few more straight sounds and some small tricks along the way. The screen notes explain what is happening as the patches move.

The MPE playing here is done with three different controllers: ROLI Seaboard Rise 2, Expressive E Osmose, and Arturia PolyBrute. The idea is not just to show the synth on its own, but to show how Partials & Discrepancies behaves when played expressively and paired with effects from the full Unusable Engineering range.

So this is less a walkthrough and more a practical look at what the synth can do with MPE and the full bundle around it.

More info:
www.unusable.net

Subtle Expressions: Squarp Instruments Hapax Performance

video upload by MKustomAudio

"With recently obtaining the Squarp Instruments Hapax to act as my main standalone sequencer, I've been diving deep into all the functions it offers. This is the first track I've made putting together a number of items such as automation, assign controls, creative MIDI effects (register, arpoly, etc.), BPM elasticity, and adjustable start/stop loop lengths. I've added notes in the video explaining some key points for the track and additional equipment used, but below is a more detailed list of the sound sources:

Korg Arp 2600 M
Novation Peak
Novation Bass Station II
Korg Opsix
Sequential OB-6 Desktop
Elektron Digitakt II
Befaco Oneiroi
Soma Lyra-8, Erica Synths Black 3109 VCF/VCA, Qu-Bit Mojave
Make Noise STO + Schlappi Engineering Angle Grinder, Make Noise QPAS, Intellijel Sealegs
Moog Mother 32, Ritual Electronics Miasma (Erica Synths Black Polivoks VCF in feedback loop), Erica Synths Blackhole DSP2"

Building an Atmospheric World with Orchid - No Bride

video upload by Telepathic Instruments

"Local songwriter/producer No Bride joins us at Telepathic Studios in Fremantle. Experimenting with reverb-drenched Orchid tones, sampled drums and ethereal vocal melodies, she creates a spacious and moody track within a few hours."

Listen to No Bride: https://linktr.ee/nobride_music