The Sublime Oberheim OB-1

video upload by Alex Ball

"A look at the rare Oberheim OB-1 from 1977.

0:00 Intro Jam
1:26 The OB-1
1:54 Brief History
3:07 A justifiable rant
4:36 SEM vs OB-1 VCOs
7:21 SEM vs OB-1 VCF
11:18 Other notes
11:35 Makeshift Four Voice
13:44 OB-1 Plug-in
15:11 Outro Jam
16:21 I did warn you"

Liam and the Pro Soloist V4

video upload by Alan R. Pearlman Foundation

"Liam and the Pro Soloist

Presented by:
Liam Duggan
Lucky Winner of an ARP Pro Soloist
Signed by Tony Banks

Liam has been active in the UK music scene since the late 80’s. From playing in punk bands in his teens, djing in Bristol’s early acid house scene to working in the studio with Mr Scruff and DJ Krust, touring as keyboard player for the reknowned Bristol band Breakbeat Era, and working as a synth programmer for Bryan Ferry.

Liam has a deep love of music and synthesizers. ARP Synthesizers in particular. His email address ends in 2600.

This raffle was made possible by:
Andrew Ward, Tony Banks and Machina Bristronica

Thanks also to: Alex Ball, Alison Cassidy, Bell Tone Synth Works, the Board of the Alan R Pearlman Foundation, Cherry Audio, Gino Wong, Korg UK, Mike M. Martin, Moog Music, Nick Carlisle, Robbie Puricelli,
Robert Saint John, Rupert Greenall,
Sweet Discrete and Vito Nando"

https://alanrpearlmanfoundation.org/

The Vintage Lexicon Sound

video upload by Alex Ball

"A look at some wonderful vintage Lexicon FX processors; the Model 200 Reverberator and the Model 97 Super Prime Time Progammable Digital Delay Processor.

0:00 Intro
1:26 Brief History of Lexicon
3:24 Experiment 1: Vanilla Delay
5:08 Experiment 2: Super Flange
6:13 Experiment 3: Ambience / ADT
7:44 Experiment 4: Glitch Funk
9:48 Experiment 5: That 80s Thing
12:03 Experiment 6: Tears in the rain
14:14 Experiment 7: That Shimmer Thing
16:13 Summary and Outro Jam

Thanks to my Patrons for their ongoing support.
www.patreon.com/AlexBallMusic"

Roland Introduces the TR-1000 Rhythm Creator w/ TR-808 and TR-909 Analog Drum Circuitry

video uploads by RolandChannel

The TR-1000 is available now for $2,699.99. Check with dealers on the right for availability.

"The TR-1000’s analog engine features 16 of the most coveted circuits from the TR-808 and TR-909, faithfully recreated from the original designs with detailed engineering and carefully selected modern components. Alongside the TR-1000’s analog voices are powerful digital sounds driven by Roland’s latest advancements, including 21 circuit-bent TR-808 and TR-909 models built with Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) technology, FM percussion, virtual analog tones, and a deep PCM library for sonic exploration and fresh textures."

Playlist:

1. Roland TR-1000 Rhythm Creator | Egyptian Lover Performance
2. Roland TR-1000 Rhythm Creator | Everything You Need to Know

User videos followed by hi-res pics and the press release:

CLICK FOR MORE »

KORG Presents The London Synth Show

via KORG UK

"Join us for a FREE one-day celebration of electronic music on Saturday 4th October, at the Musical Museum, London!

Explore the history of Korg and ARP, see, try and buy the latest instruments, while enjoying presentations and performances from:

Dina Pearlman-Ifil, ARP Foundation
Spike Edney, Queen
Alex Ball, Composer & Producer
Luke Edwards, Korg

The Musical Museum, home to the Korg Gallery, houses a spectacular collection of historical music creation and reproduction inventions.

The London Synth Show is also the perfect opportunity to see and explore the latest additions to the Korg range, including the PS-3300, KRONOS, and much more.

The entire Museum will also be open free of charge on Saturday 4th October, so you can discover the instruments and inventions which form the very foundations of modern music-making.

Register now to secure your place."

OSCar vs PEAK

video upload by Alex Ball

Oberheim DMX First Test

video upload by Alex Ball

70s Oberheims #vintagesynth #oberheim - An Oberheim OB-1 (1977) meets an Oberheim TVS-1 (1975)

video upload by Alex Ball

Monoculture: The Story of the Bass Station

video upload by Alex Ball

"A look at the story of the Novation Bass Station, a small synthesizer that's part of a big story.

0:00 Intro
0:49 Electronic Dream Plant
5:47 Oxford Synthesiser Company
12:07 Novation
13:04 The Bass Station
16:25 Rack and Super
17:44 Supernova & Nova
19:26 Software Perils
20:15 Reboot & Ultranova
21:58 Bass Station II
23:55 AFX Station
25:32 Peak & Summit
27:07 Mantis and Tributes
28:36 WARP, Swifty and GForce
29:55 Summary and Patreon Jam

Huge thank you to Focusrite, Novation, PWM, Source Distribution, Paul Wiffen, GForce, Dave Grant, David Hilowitz and my Patrons on Patreon."

The Synths Behind OMD's Enola Gay

video upload by Alex Ball

"A look at how Enola Gay by OMD was created."

0:00 Intro
0:51 Detective Work
5:17 CR-78 Feat. Benge
7:53 Live Drums Feat. Jonathan Wills
9:06 Synth Sounds
11:18 Bass Sounds
11:58 Organs Feat. Syntaur
15:26 Effects
18:27 Summary
19:43 Full Remake

606 DAY 2025 #synth #vintagesynth #tr606

video upload by Alex Ball

"Quick TR-606 spank to celebrate 606 day."

Musicaid Simmons Drum Synthesizer SDS 3 top right.

TR-909: The Beat Goes On

video upload by Alex Ball

"An in-depth look at Roland's classic TR-909 from 1983.

Beaotic discount code: ALEX909
This gives buyers 50% on their entire order, including the XT-909 mentioned in the video. The code expires 31 Aug 2025.
https://beaotic.com/

For sample packs, Q&As and more:
www.patreon.com/AlexBallMusic

0:00 Intro Jam
0:58 History
6:18 Demo 1: Monsieur Donk
7:17 808 vs 909
10:23 Demo 2: Just 303 and 909
11:28 Ext Inst
12:57 Demo 3: Friday 1992
14:12 What now?
15:46 Outro Patron Jam"

ALAN R. PEARLMAN FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES INAUGURAL CELEBRATION OF THE CENTENNIAL BIRTHDAY OF ARP SYNTHESIZER FOUNDER, ALAN R. PEARLMAN

Press release follows:

ALAN R. PEARLMAN FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES INAUGURAL CELEBRATION OF THE CENTENNIAL BIRTHDAY OF ARP SYNTHESIZER FOUNDER, ALAN R. PEARLMAN, JUNE 7 AT THE MUSEUM OF MUSIC TECHNOLOGY

Kingston, NY - May 20, 2025 - This year marks the 100th birthday of the late inventor of the ARP synthesizer, Alan R. Pearlman. In honor of his pioneering innovations in electronic music, the Alan R. Pearlman Foundation will launch ARP@100: A Centennial Celebration of Alan R. Pearlman’s Legacy with EMEAPP at the Museum of Music Technology. A gala event kicks off a year’s worth of commemorative ARP centennial activities and takes place at EMEAPP, located in Harleysville, Pennsylvania, from 7 -10 pm.

June 7th Centennial activities at the museum include:

A live interview with the ARP Foundation’s director, Dina Pearlman-Ifil

Video excerpts from musicians, former ARP employees, and filmmaker Alex Ball’s celebrated ARP films

Performances on vintage ARP instruments by music pioneer Don Slepian and modular synthesist Ombient

The ability to try out a variety of synths

EMEAPP will unveil, at its Museum of Music Technology, a haven of vintage ARP history in which visitors will encounter an epic collection of ARP synthesizers, including the majestic ARP 2500 and a rare, early ARP 2502 with a cherry drop matrix. The iconic ARP 2600 Blue Meanie will be proudly displayed alongside an array of other ARP classics: the versatile Quadra, the expressive Soloist series, multiple iterations of the legendary Odyssey, the innovative Avatar, the powerful Chroma, the punchy Axxe, the compact Little Brother, and even a remarkable 16-Voice Electronic Piano – many of which will be playable!

Countless composers, musicians, and filmmakers worldwide have incorporated the ARP 2500 and ARP 2600 into their work, including early adopters Pete Townsend (in the “Who’s Next” album) and Elton John (in “Funeral for a Friend”). Stevie Wonder, an early adopter of the 2600, had his control panels labeled in Braille. The ARP 2600 was also responsible for the voice of R2-D2 in Star Wars films, and the 2500 was used to communicate with aliens in Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

Alan R. Pearlman’s legacy as an engineer and inventor began at an early age. A fascination with sound occupied his interest, and he spent time as a child building amateur radios. In 1948, as a student at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, he wrote, “The electronic instrument’s value is chiefly as a novelty. With greater attention on the part of the engineer to the needs of the musician, the day may not be too remote when the electronic instrument may take its place as a versatile, powerful, and expressive instrument.”

Attendees may reserve a spot at this exclusive celebration and fundraising event with a tax-deductible donation of $150 per ticket. The contribution includes complimentary wine/beer/other beverages, a selection of snacks, and a swag bag. Parking is Free.

The Museum of Music Technology/EMEAPP is located at 45 Mainland Road, Harleysville, PA 19438, just a short drive from the PA Turnpike Lansdale exits."

Korg's Abandoned Music Computer

video upload by Alex Ball

"A look at Korg's abandoned music computer system from 1985, part of which was found in Italy recently after being lost for 40 years.

0:00 Intro Jam
1:03 History
3:18 Demo 1: Imaginary Sitcom
3:51 MU-5000 Sounds
7:42 Demo 2: MU & MS
8:42 Why was it abandoned?
10:05 Outro Jam

Huge thanks to Riccardo Pietroni, Korg Japan, Adam Douglas and Hideki Ishikawa"

Introducing Oberheim TVS Pro by GForce Software

video upload by GForce Software

"More info at https://www.gforcesoftware.com/produc...

In 1975, Tom Oberheim revolutionised synthesiser design with the original TVS – Two Voice Synthesizer. By combining two SEMs and a keyboard, he introduced true duophony to the world—enabling musicians to play two independent voices simultaneously and explore harmonically rich, evolving soundscapes. It was a bold step forward, embraced by visionaries including Martin Gore, Adrian Utley, Peter Baumann, Lorn, The Prodigy, and Nils Frahm.

Decades later, the TVS Pro modernised that vision, adding a built-in sequencer, extended modulation, and refined controls—all while staying true to its unmistakable sonic DNA.

Now, with the GForce Oberheim TVS Pro plugin, this landmark instrument enters a new era. Developed in collaboration with Oberheim, this recreation captures not only the depth, warmth and character of the original, but also the spirit of innovation that made it extraordinary.

Credits
Alex Ball - audio & video production and narration
Çağatay Çetin - 3D animation"

Oberheim TVS Pro by GForce Walkthrough

video upload by GForce Software

00:00 - Intro
00:45 - Overview
03:30 - SEMS 1 & 2
10:13 - Output Mixer
10:57 - Keyboard Modes
17:21 - Sequencers A & B
22:04 - Keyboard Controls
23:44 - Effects
27:02 - Saving A Patch
28:33 - Patch Browser
31:10 - Collections
31:56 - Settings
32:41 - CC Mappings
33:19 Undo/Redo

GForce Software Oberheim TVS Pro Review

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"GForce pulls the two-voice, duelling SEM, sequence and keyboard-driven TVS Pro into the software realm. It's effortlessly retro, sumptuously old fashioned and plays very differently to regular synths." Oberheim TVS Pro Synthesizer by GForce Software (No Talking)

video upload by Elektronick Musick

"In 1975, Tom Oberheim revolutionised synthesiser design with the original TVS – Two Voice Synthesizer. By combining two SEMs and a keyboard, he introduced true duophony to the world—enabling musicians to play two independent voices simultaneously and explore harmonically rich, evolving soundscapes. It was a bold step forward, embraced by visionaries including Martin Gore, Adrian Utley, Peter Baumann, Lorn, The Prodigy, and Nils Frahm.

Decades later, the TVS Pro modernised that vision, adding a built-in sequencer, extended modulation, and refined controls—all while staying true to its unmistakable sonic DNA.

Now, with the GForce Oberheim TVS Pro plugin, this landmark instrument enters a new era. Developed in collaboration with Oberheim, this recreation captures not only the depth, warmth and character of the original, but also the spirit of innovation that made it extraordinary.

Whether you’re a long-time Oberheim fan or new to SEM-based synthesis, TVS Pro is a tool you’ll return to again and again—for its tone, flexibility, and sheer playability.

Key Features

The most authentic duophonic TVS Pro experience available

The most playable SEM ever – full of character, now with an additional 3rd VCO

Over 635 patches, with 220+ new sounds and 400+ adapted SEM patches

Powerful dual 16-step sequencer

Stereo delay, phaser, reverb, undo/redo, extend & flip modes

SEM presets can be exported to and imported from OB-E and SEM

Extensive velocity and aftertouch modulation

Categorised patch librarian

Designed in collaboration with Oberheim"

https://www.gforcesoftware.com/products/tvs-pro/

MC-202: The Awkward Sibling

video upload by Alex Ball

"A look at Roland's MC-202 from 1983."

0:00 Intro
1:12 History
3:31 Demo 1
4:30 The difference between a 101 and 202
6:38 Demo 2
7:30 Tubbutec 2oh2 / Demo 3
8:52 Legacy of the 202
10:10 Sample pack and Summary
10:42 Outro Jam

Alex Ball's Best Sounding Synth

video upload by Alex Ball

"Of the synths I know intimately, this is the best sounding; The Oberheim Two Voice from 1975."

Roland's Rarest Phase Shifter (1978)

video upload by Alex Ball

"A look at Roland's rarest phase shifter, the PH-830 from 1978.

0:00 Intro
1:03 History
3:10 Demo 1 - Captain Belcher
4:08 What is a Phaser?
4:56 Difference Between Phasing and Flanging
7:36 Demo 2 - pH Level
8:30 How the PH-830 works
11:15 CV sequencing and Mix sequencing
12:08 Vintage FX Matthias Fuchs
13:09 Summary and Sample Pack
14:23 Outro Jam"

UJAM Announces Vox Humana Plugin to Benefit Bob Moog Foundation

via The Bob Moog Foundation

"We are excited to share that our friends at UJAM, creators of countless plugins and sample libraries, released a Vox Humana plugin today to benefit the Bob Moog Foundation!

Vox Humana is a standalone virtual instrument that faithfully recreates the Polymoog's legendary Vox Humana setting, which is regarded as one of the most recognizable and coveted synthesizer sounds, most notable for being prominently featured in Gary Numan's iconic 'Cars'.

The plugin is built on the sampled sounds of the Polymoog 280A, meticulously captured by composer, producer, and lauded YouTube synth educator Alex Ball. With these recordings as the basis, the Bob Moog Foundation partnered with UJAM to transform them into a fully realized virtual instrument. Utilizing UJAM's proprietary Gorilla Engine, a platform widely used by top plugin manufacturers, the team designed an interface that is both intuitive and faithful to the instrument's original character.

The Vox Humana plugin features include:
Authentic Recreation — Sampled directly from a vintage Polymoog 280A to preserve the signature Vox Humana sound

Four Timbral Modes – Original, Bright, Hollow, and Octaves

10 Factory Presets – Ready-to-use sounds with the option to save custom user presets

Envelope Control – Attack and Decay sliders for precise dynamic shaping

Built-in Effects – Integrated Chorus, Phaser, and Delay for added depth and movement

Standalone Plugin – No additional software required, available as a VST3, AU and AAX plugin

The plugin retails for $19/22€, with 100% of the proceeds benefitting the Bob Moog Foundation's important work in education, archive preservation, and the operation of the Moogseum, located in downtown Asheville, North Carolina.

UJAM and its distribution partners are waiving all fees to ensure that every dollar directly benefits the foundation's mission.

Get all of the details here: https://www.ujam.com/voxhumana"

When Moog Made a Keytar

video upload by Alex Ball

"A look at the Moog Liberation from 1980

0:00 Intro jam
0:57 Keytar History
2:30 Musical Interlude
3:24 What is The Liberation?
7:23 Impact and Summary
7:57 Sample Pack
8:20 Outro jam and Patron Shoutout"