06.06.2025 Radio Aktivitaet for fun - Take 1

video upload by batchas

"Can't of course beat the original masterpiece by Kraftwerk, but it won't stop me to have some fun playing with all these beautiful machines.
I record only one take, to not spend too much time on settings and fine tuning.
If I had to record a second time, I'd finish the track differently.
I'll prob. do next a video to show the different audio sources / MIDI tracks before moving forward to another tune. For now here's how the differents elements arrive:
00:00 Mellotron
00:12 TR-808
00:18 Minimoog
00:26 Waldorf Q
00:35 Mos-Lab 2500 (oscillator 2 on filter 1)
01:08 Mos-Lab 2500 (white noise on filter 2)
01:10 Roland Juno 60
Effect: Audiothingies Doctor A"

Lux 🔆 (Erica Synths LXR-02 + Oto Boum Compressor // Ableton Move 1.5 // Arturia Keystep Pro)

video upload by 2-Minute Warning

"2 minutes, no warning! 🥳
In this video, I really wanted to make use of the 1.5 new features of the Ableton Move like sequencing the different tracks of the Move from another sequencer (Keystep Pro here) and its new Auto Filter effect 🤩 (I was really waiting for these 2 updates!).

So the track starts with DRUMS played and sequenced by the LXR-02, through the Oto Machines Boum stereo analog compressor.
I then introduce the Move by opening the new Auto Filter effect.
The Move is playing some secondary percussions (Track 1), the BASS (Track 2, sequenced by Track 2 of the Keystep Pro), the ARP (Track 3 of the Move, sequenced by Track 3 of the Keystep Pro) and the CHORDS (Track 4 of the Move, sequenced by Track 4 of the Keystep Pro).

So with this setup, I was able to transpose in real-time the instruments played by the Move 😃

Hardware used *

// DRUMS
Erica Synths x Sonic Potions LXR-02 v1.7 (digital drum machine an integrated sequencer, 6 different instruments) + Oto Machines Boum (full analog stereo warming unit)

// BASS, CHORDS, ARP, secondary DRUMS
Ableton Move v1.5

// SEQUENCER
Arturia Keystep Pro"

Exploring the Roland TR77 / Roland Rhythm 77

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
video upload by Vintage Audio Institute Italia

"We thought we'd make a video before shipping out this beautiful drum machine.

It's one of our very favourites: it holds lots under the hood, it's a joy to play around with and the variety of rhythms and poly-rhythms frankly seems kind of endless.

The 2 and 4 beat section, which is a matrix of independent patterns, is a a cool and unique add-on that Roland incorporated in a few of its very early drum machines.

The individual drum-sound volume-controls gives you just enough sound sculpting possibilities to not care that the machines is not programmable.

The drum sounds themselves are wonderful, woody and organic awhile at the same time analog and electronic."

SN 458139 via this Reverb listing

"A favorite : Roland Rhythm 77 or TR 77 or the poor man’s CR78 but in our opinion the TR77 sounds better.

It also has individual volume controls for kick, hi-hats, snare and the guiro, an adjustable Fade out function - plus a separate, independent second rhythm section on a dial - as well as the possibility to play multiple rhythms at the same time.

Please check video of another unit we had available.

The Roland 77 has more features, sounds and rhythms than the similar-looking Acetone-branded drum machine.

This unit is in excellent condition, front panel looks almost new - but it has a small peel damage on the side panel visible in one of the photos.

220 V with Italian 3 prong connector - easily changeable to any connector"

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12 synths, drum machines, FX & innovations you need to know from Superbooth 2025

video upload by MusicRadar Tech

"For a few years now, Berlin’s Superbooth show has been a focal point for music technology gear announcements, but the 2025 iteration took this to another level. The sheer volume and variety of new music making gear on display in and around the FEZ event space was beyond anything we’ve seen in previous years.

MusicRadar was on the ground to test everything we could get our hands on. As the show drew to a close Managing Editor Si Truss, Reviews Editor Simon Arblaster and Tech Channel Editor Matt Mullen found a quiet corner in the woods to sit down for a roundtable (sans table) discussion about their highlights from the 2025 Superbooth show floor."

In this video:
Frap Tools Magnolia – 02:03
Korg Berlin Phase8 – 05:40
Moog Messenger – 09:07
Erica Synths HexDrums – 12:16
1010music Bento – 14:58
Novation Launch Control XL 3 – 17:20
Neuzeit Instruments Drop – 19:12
Cre8audio Boom Chick – 20:51
Clank Uranograph – 22:38
Eternal Research Demon Box – 25:10
Polyend Mess – 27:20
Instruō Seashell – 29:52
Honourable mentions – 32:01

GLEEMAN PENTAPHONIC + TASCAM 38 DEMO

video upload by Synth Tailor Electronics

"Here's another Gleeman Pentaphonic that was restored by the shop. We decided to kill two birds and put in another repair item, the Tascam 38 Reel to Reel 1/2" 8 Track Tape Machine. The audio output is recorded directly to tape. (Tascam 38 is for adam remnant, check out his music/Instagram @adamremnant)

There are only around 50 units ever manufactured by the Gleeman Brothers Al and Bob. Such a truly amazing sounding 5 voice polyphonic synthesizer. This five voice polyphonic synthesizer sounds very large in such a small package and is a hybrid of both analog/digital. Featuring a 300 note Polyphonic Sequencer, "Presetter" preset control switches, X+Y Joystick Pitch and Mod controller, and 100 programmable presets.
Visit my website or email for repairs and restorations for vintage synthesizers, drum machines, outboard gear, and tape machines."

Resonance Studios Disrupts Industry Standards, Revives Vintage Gear with Bold Expansion

Press release follows:

Stockport, United Kingdom – April 28, 2025 – Resonance Studios, launched on 808 Day (August 8, 2024), is fearlessly challenging the music industry’s practice of abandoning vintage equipment. By committing to the preservation of these iconic instruments, the Stockport-based studio has curated one of the world’s largest collections of new and vintage musical equipment, earning its place among the top six global hubs for synthesizers, drum machines, and samplers. Guided by its principles of inclusivity and sustainability, Resonance Studios employs expert in-house technicians to sustain this legacy, empowering artists with unmatched access to historic gear.

Expansion Plans
In late 2024, Resonance Studios expanded its team with Producer Tom Sharkett (Pictured) and invested in the latest, state-of-the-art SSL Origin analogue mixing console, complemented by a premium array of outboard equipment, including Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor, Empirical Labs Distressors, Lexicon 224, and Neve Shelford Channel. In 2025, the studio will double its footprint by adding another floor to its premises which is located less than half a mile from the iconic Strawberry Studios. The expansion includes a dedicated repair workshop, a vocal recording booth, a drum recording area, a live room— Where Jimi Hendrix famously performed in 1967—and a sophisticated relaxation and listening lounge for guests.

Connecting Past And Present
The studio’s collection has been further enriched with the incredibly rare Yamaha DX1, Analogue Solutions Colossus, and a Yamaha CP80, previously owned by Strawberry Studios and used by the renowned band 10cc. These acquisitions underscore Resonance Studios’ dedication to merging musical heritage with modern innovation.

'We’ve been delighted with the reaction from the community to our unique studio. It’s a testament to the team how far we have come in less than 12 months,” said John Pilkington, Founder. “Our 2025 expansion, including the iconic Jimi Hendrix live room, an additional technician and enhanced vocal and drum recording reflects our mission to redefine music production and empower artists to create without boundaries.'

Social Responsibility
Resonance Studios reinvests 97% of its profits into maintaining and acquiring equipment, ensuring accessibility for artists of all backgrounds. The remaining 3% is donated to Shelter, a charity supporting the homeless, reflecting the studio’s social responsibility. Every three months, the studio also provides an unsigned artist with a complimentary full day of recording, mixing, and mastering to nurture emerging talent. In 2025, the studio will also be taking on an apprentice technician to learn and preserve the skills required to maintain this specialist equipment.

With its historic live room, expanded facilities, and resolute commitment to preserving musical heritage, Resonance Studios is setting a new global benchmark for music production.

resonancestudios.co.uk

Tech Talk: Vitalic (Electronic Beats TV)

video upload by Telekom Electronic Beats TV

"Electronic Beats returns with another Tech Talk, this time we took a trip to Paris to visit the studio of Pascal Arbez aka Vitalic / Dima. Pascal initially began his career on French Techno label Choice under his Dima alias, releasing a series of original works as well as remixing the likes of Daft Punk, Björk, Royksopp and Paul Kalkbrenner, a striking sign of his ability to craft greatness in the studio.

He went on to then launch his alter-ego Vitalic and released numerous albums and EP’s for Different/[PIAS] Recordings as well as material for Jennifer Cardini’s Correspondant, his ‘Poney’ EP on DJ Hell’s Gigolo Records and of course his own Citizen Records imprint.

Vitalic also forms the duo KOMPROMAT with Rebeka Warrior (ex Sexy Sushi), is currently celebrating twenty years of his career and the release of his fifth album DISSIDÆNCE. We took a trip to find out what keeps this powerhouse producer stirring after decades in the game and discover all of the machines and technologies that were used to create his impressive and extensive back catalogue and his new album 'Dissidaence'."

Moog Memorymoog Lintronics LAMM

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

via this VEMIA listing

Click the auction link on top when you get there for additional listings.

VEMIA is Peter Forrest's auction house. He is the author of The A-Z of Analogue Synthesizer Books.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Bloop Group Dublin: Hang, Jam, Play Event Tonight

For those of you in the Dublin area, myVolts wrote in to let us know Bloop Group is having another event tonight. Details follow:

"Bloop Group Dublin is hosting its 3rd monthly meet!

There’ll be a mixing desk + monitors, and kit to play with by

myVolts
Elektron
Korg
Dreadbox
Roland
Sismo
Playfader
Between Machines


+ more plus whatever kit attendees bring on the night.

Come, hang, jam, learn, play, connect and have larks in this stress-free, creative environment in Dublin City.

You can get FREE tickets on Eventbrite - if it's sold out please Follow, it's a monthly thing so you'll want to get notified about tickets nice and early!

Brought to you by your hosts Caroline, Director of Operations for myVolts https://www.instagram.com/myvolts/ and Gary Byrne https://www.instagram.com/dj_doo_dat/ with support from The Digital Hub Development Agency https://www.instagram.com/thedigitalhub/ and in association with myVolts. Follow us on https://www.instagram.com/bloopgroupdublin/"

Jamming the TRS-80 - with a MIDI/80 and Orchestra 90 Sound Card

SundayJelly video upload by Joel Hilliard

This one is in via Michael Wessel [additional posts here] with some notes from him further below, but first the video description:

"Another tune using the TRS-80 Model 4(s) and the Orchestra 90, MIDI80 and classic analog tape!

Using the Technics 616 tape deck to capture audio, part 1 is composed using a TRS-80 Model 4P paired with the MIDI80, using TRACKER playing general midi drums from its onboard S2 module (Lower Computer)

The TRS-80 Model 4 is connected to the Orchestra 90 (reproduction) and George Phillips's newest update of the Orchestra 90 Organ (Available with the MIDI80 software). For the 1st part, the sound was routed through a EH BlackFinger, into a Bass Amp IR Cab.

The 2nd part is routed to a Boutique Amp IR setup, using the Mutron III as an added envelope filter for the 'jelly' sound.

Everything was fed to a digital mixer (Behringer X2222) and recorded directly to the cameras audio via USB. (No multitracking here)

I realize there are errors, clicks, hiss, pops, and all the other things we try to control from an analog perspective, but even with Dolby NR there is still some artifacts that accompany my terrible playing. Technically, you just watched me write this so, ENJOY! Thanks for watching!"

Additional videos:



Additional notes via Michael:

"A while ago, you posted about my MIDI/80 project for the TRS-80 - a MIDI sound card and MIDI interface. [posted here]

https://github.com/lambdamikel/MIDI-80

In the meantime, Joel Hilliard has been making some awesome music with his TRS-80 Model 4 and Model 4p, MIDI/80, and another extension called the "Orchestra" sound card.

He is playing the Model 4 using George Phillips' music synthesizer program for the Orchestra soundcard, "STORCH".

Back in the the day, the TRS-80s didn't really have great sound capabilities, other than their cassette interfaces which could be used for rudimentary sound output. However, this was extremely primitive in comparison to what the competition offered later (e.g., the SID in the C64, POKEY in the Atari 8bits, the AY 3-8910 in various other machines, etc.) Hence, the "Orchestra" sound card quickly became a popular add-on that added more advanced sound capabilities - basically, the Orchestra is a stereo DAC, but all the waveform generation had to be done by the CPU. Back in the day, the Orchestra was used in a "batch programming" mode where a music score was created in a textual special-purpose music programming language, that would then be "compiled" by the TRS-80 to be played back by the Orchestra sound card. Unfortunately, there was never an "interactive" music program that would allow users to use the card in an incremental way, as a musical instrument - until October 2024, when George Phillips released the "STORCH" Orchestra synthesizer program! This is what Joel playing in the video. Given that the Orchestra is a stereo DAC and all the sound generation heavy lifting has to be done by the CPU in realtime, the polyphony is limited to 2, and there are no filters, envelopes, etc. However, STORCH offers basic waveforms such as Saw, Triangle, and Sine. In addition, you can hear MIDI/80 for the the drum track - drums are coming from an S2 Waveblaster plugin, and he is using the TRACKER program on the TRS-80 Model 4p. You can find all the software in the MIDI/80 Github above."

Korg Trident Mk1 with MIDI SN 330904

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

via this listing

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E-MU Systems SP-12 Turbo 8-Voice Sampler

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

via this listing

CLICK FOR MORE »

Outside the box... in a box // Nice Ideas from the Kiviak WoFi

video upload by Starsky Carr

"Wo-Fi as in Lo-Fi - its got WiFi and it's Low Fi ... it's the Wo-Fi from Kiviak Instruments. It's a sampler giving us vintage 80s and 90s tones that sits in the modern studio with CV, MIDI, USB and yes... wifi

With emulations inspired by Akai S950, Emu SP-1200, Casio SK-1 and Yamaha VSS-30 you've got a whole load of vintage vibes at your fingertips.

In this demo I've explored it using drum loops which took me in a completely different direction than most demos I've heard. I thought they'd be an easier way to demonstrate the effect of the different 'machines' on the sound - and they really do sound great. Possibly another direction for future development to investigate expanding."

0:00 WoFi as in Lo-Fi
1:07 #1 Vintage Vibes on the Fly
2:56 Revisions per Patch
4:02 Pitch & Stretch
5:39 #2 Cloud Connectivity
10:40 #3 Texturer
12:51 Assign Touchstrip and LFO
14:00 #4 Memory Card
14:35 #5 Connectivity
15:41 #6 Sequences, Revisions and Cue Points
19:45 #7 Recording is Easy
21:17 Summing Up

Syntakt NEW Machines & more : OS1.3 update

video upload by soffter

"‪@WeAreElektron‬ Syntakt Update for OS 1.3!

It is os1.7 from the rytm :
four new analog machines : BD & SD acoustic, SY Chip, and HH Lab
euclidean sequencer
page looping and other small workflow bits
random name generator and several small settings changes

0:00 - intro
0:40 - new machines
4:45 - euclidean
8:00 - an idea !
11:11 - pLocks, Page loop, quick sound save
13:26 - another idea!
17:23 - yapping about it"

BIG Syntakt UPDATE OS 1.30 ! // Deep Dive & Jam

video upload by Dave Mech

I released a course for Syntakt! Get here: https://davemech.live/shop

00:00 - Start
00:08 - New Analog Machines
00:55 - SY Chip
04:17 - BD Acoustic
06:18 - SD Acoustic
09:24 - HH Lab
13:53 - Euclidean mode
19:36 - Other stuff
19:46 - Page Looping
20:22 - Plock indications
20:45 - Save Triggers
21:10 - Squarewave BD Sharp
21:26 - JAM with new Machines only

New England Digital Synclavier PSMT 3200,V/PK, & II a/s

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

via this Vemia listing

See the site's other listings for more. You can find listings by category here

"Not what I wanted to happen, but here is a garage sale of two classic NED Synclaviers. Both are sold as seen, but in generally very good cosmetic condition, and believed complete. They come with huge amounts of literature, disk drives, cabling and peripherals. The cabling will need a lot of sorting - and it's possible some of it doesn't belong to these machines, and that not all cables are present. 1.) Believed to be a PSMT 3200, with beautiful VP/K keyboard as used on the T8. Stacked full of circuit-boards, so believed to be a pretty high-spec version. Classic synth / sampler imported to the UK about 20 years ago from a west coast USA studio. It arrived safely (not cheaply) in its very solid flightcases, but then disaster struck. I plugged the keyboard in, and switched it on - not realising that the 110V box I had used was only a 110V extension, not a 240-110V transformer. Result: a damaged power supply. Two 550-mile round trips to Tony Allgood solved that and made the V/PK good again, but by that time the rest of the system was in storage. So the V/PK was put into its flightcase too, and left for all these years. 2.) Synclavier II, with ORK keyboard. This was serviced by Hideaway several years ago, and tested working with a donor board from another machine. I was given the task of ordering a replacement board, and have failed to do it. 3.) HOP box and DO-1 interface - a diagnostic tool originally for the Synclavier I but apparently should work with the Synclavier II and PSMT. Please see the photos for what you will receive (there are probably a lot more disks, manuals etc not photographed). Some manuals may have suffered a bit from damp storage. Most of the NED items have their original flightcases, and the other items - Macintosh, printer, cables, literature, disks - will all be packed very well. The whole lot will require packing on two pallets (150GBP) unless everything can be delivered or collected by hand."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Runner from Mehr Music Machines (west-coast sequencing)

video upload by NOISEBUG

"Mehr Music Machines - Runner is a sleek looking west coast sequencer that super playable and equally fun when patched as a control surface or utilitarian voltage present manager. Runner features three rows of five stages (steps) and can be clocked forwards and backwards at the same time. Each stage has a dedicated button that will force the sequence to a given stage, ignoring clock advances for the duration of the button press. With no clock the buttons will let you to play the module like a mini keyboard. This can also be performed via external gates utilizing the five gate inputs for direct step-address variations . Furthermore there are dedicated outputs for all gates generated via panel buttons, and another output for triggers. Trigger outputs (when the sequence is moving) there are no menus or shift buttons, runner is 100% analog.

https://www.noisebug.net/products/meh...

Patch ideas not shown in this video:

Clock runner at audio rates for wild wave shaping
Reserve one of the rows for your VCA, create dynamic patterns.
Extend sequence length with a sequential switch

Runner is 22HP and currently available at Noisebug."

via Noisebug

"Inspired by the West Coast modular synth pioneers, this 100% analog CV and Gate sequencer will remind you what makes modular synthesis so special. No nonsense, no menus, no shift function, just voltage

Runner features the following:

100% analog signal path
Five voltage stages for each of the three rows [three voltage outputs]
Two clock inputs for forward and backward sequencing [both can be used at the same time]

Manual stage gate button [can be played as a "keyboard" or preset manager]
Global gate output [outputs a gate at every new stage progression]
Stage gate inputs [send a gate to any stage gate input, and the sequencer will hold that stage's position for the duration of the gate]
Row of red LEDs to track the sequencer's position

Great for pitch sequencing, CV sequencing or use as a keybaord/preset manager"

Evening Synths Challenge #2 - Modal Skulpt, VXXY DCM8, Teenage Engineering PO-16 factory

video upload by Christian's Sonic Spaces

"This session was quite challenging. A VA synth, a rare digital chiptune drum machine and a small bare bone synth. Overall, I'm very happy with the result. The most fun part was playing the melody line live with the PO-16. Although you really have to concentrate to play everything correctly with the very small buttons.

The Setup was:
Synths: Modal Skulpt, VXXY DCM8, Teenage Engineering PO-16 factory
Effects: Oto Machines BOUM, Beetronics FX Seabee, Pigtronix Echolution 2 Deluxe, Beetronics FX Swarm
Freely selectable effects: GFI Systems Specular Reverb 2

Recordings:
Drums: VXXY DCM8 - Beetronics FX Seabee - Oto Machines BOUM
Pads: Modal Skulpt - Pigtronix Echolution 2 Deluxe - GFI Systems Specular Reverb 2
Melody: Engineering PO-16 factory - Beetronics FX Swarm - Pigtronix Echolution 2 Deluxe, GFI Systems Specular Reverb 2

The Reason:
How do you deal with having too much gear (like me)? It can hamper creativity, but for me there is also a way to use it to boost creativity. Challenge yourself with it!

Here is my challenge:
1. Random selection of three sound generators to use (plus drums can be added with the EZdrummer and a rhythm sample)
2. Random selection of four effect devices to use (plus another two freely selectable effects can be used)
3. Everything has to be finished in one evening (after work until bedtime).

The signal went through a Presonus StudioLive 16.0.2 into the PC via USB for recording. To create the complete song I recorded consecutively several stereo tracks. On some tracks Compressor and EQ where added in Cubase. The final song was then mastered using iZotope Ozone."

SynthfestUK 24 Synth Coverage

video uploads by sonicstate

Update: moving this post up once as new videos have been added. Bookmark this post for updates.

Use the player controls to skip around.

Playlist:

1.SynthfestUK 24: Knobula - Synth Modules and Toy Pianos

At SynthfestUK 2024, we met up again with Jason, who gaves us the updates in the world of Knobula. On display was the new 'dark mode' Poly Cinematic module, for more monochrome rigs ;-]

2. SynthFestUK 24: PWM - More Mantis News

At the show we made a beeline for the PWM stand, where Paul gave us the latest Mantis news.
And yes, it's out there in the world now!

3. SynthfestUK 24: Roland Unveils the Juno-D Series with Zen-Core Sound

We caught up with Andrew and Ludwig who showed us around the new updated Juno-D series: Juno-D6, D7, and D8. They have the same keyboard action as the Fantom-O series and a new colour screen, making it easier for performers to navigate on stage. And they can be powered by a USB-C mobile battery, perfect for buskers ;-) Running Roland's Zen-Core sound engine, they also incorporates features like a 64-step sequencer and a phrase pad for live sample triggering.
Prices range approximately from £949 to £1199.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Roland P-6 VS MPC60ii Sound Test! They're both dope!

video upload by Ricky Tinez

"I wanted to see if the Roland P-6 could replace my MPC 60ii when it comes to texture and sound quality, TL:DR nope. BUT the P-6 definitely has its own sound that is unique to itself."

00:00 The Goal!
00:54 Simple Straight Clean drum beat
01:44 Trying to get 'Crunch'
02:14 11kHz vs 14.7kHz vs 40kHz
02:44 Drum Sounds Alone
03:26 Getting 'Dirty' clipped drums on both machines
04:12 P-6 Pros vs the MPC60ii
05:08 Piano Chords and Synths
06:04 Now this sounds crazy
07:10 Why no 44.1 on the P-6?
08:00 Another Plus for the P-6. Chromatic Range
09:35 Sampling a whole 'song'
11:16 What a 'whole track' sounds like on each device
11:55 Final Thoughts, did we learn anything?

Introducing Ekkko Station - Pure Data Based Vintage Delay Laboratory

video upload by Element433 (a.k.a. Pere Villez)

"Ekkko Station is an echo laboratory you load into Pure Data or Plug Data

It is an attempt to bring software into hardware reality using a very simple MIDI cc driven OS and using any MIDI controller.

Ekkko Station, together with a custom built hardware stereo tube spring reverb, have been created for a new percussion album I have been working on. It was also born out of frustration and nostalgia. I’m a guitarist and percussionist and have had delay pedals/processors since I started playing in the late 1970s. My first effects were part of a somewhat rare British amp called the Redmere Soloist. I have always had a soft spot for old sounding electronic echo (who doesn’t), be it from The Radiophonic Workshop or Tangerine Dream and thought, 'with the world so inside-out at the moment, what we really need is yet another echo machine. Time machines allow us to reflect on the past and this one, ES, is special!'"

You can find Ekkko Station at https://villezpere.wordpress.com/...