Why the Leviasynth Might Be the Last Synth You Ever Need

video upload by Scott's Synth Stuff

"The new ASM Leviasynth is finally arriving, and there are a lot of questions about what this powerful synthesizer can actually do. In this video I answer the most common questions from viewers and the synth community — covering balanced outputs, the analog filter, oscillator behavior, envelopes, signal path, keybed feel, firmware updates, and more.

You'll hear demonstrations showing low-end compensation with resonance, self-resonating analog filters, oscillator envelopes, FM modulation tricks, and even how to turn the Leviasynth into a massive drone machine. If you're considering buying the Leviasynth or want to understand how its architecture works, this deep dive Q&A will help you get the most out of it.

Whether you're a synth beginner, sound designer, or longtime Hydrasynth fan, this video explains how the Leviasynth works and what makes it one of the most powerful modern synths available.

Watch to learn how this instrument can go from classic analog-style sounds to complex evolving textures with ease."

0:00 Intro
0:33 Balanced Outputs?
0:54 Resonance Compensation?
4:33 Oscillators Always Playing?
9:19 Why Doesn't Oscillator Release Work?
14:36 Analog Signal Chain Post Filter?
18:13 When Will It Be Available?
18:50 What is the Overall Sound?
20:11 New Firmware?
21:18 Is the Leviasynth Too Complicated for a Beginner?
23:33 Same Keybed as the Hydrasynth?
25:42 Why No Dual Outputs?
26:54 Leviasynth Deluxe or Explorer?
27:48 New Features?
29:00 OOPS

Equations: Graphing Calculator Synthesizer by Decent Samples

Playing around with the Equations Synth video upload by Peter Kirn

"I am not going to write a Kraftwerk reference here.

This is too awesome. Review -- and more on the TI calculator hardware and how it's been used for music:

https://cdm.link/making-music-on-the-..."

via https://www.decentsamples.com

Where mathematics meets music: a unique synthesizer plugin that puts the power of mathematical expression directly at your fingertips. Instead of selecting from preset waveforms, you write your own equations to generate completely unique sounds.

Equation Synth is a unique synthesizer plugin that puts the power of mathematical expression directly at your fingertips. Instead of selecting from preset waveforms, you write your own equations to generate completely unique sounds. Whether you’re a sound designer seeking unprecedented sonic possibilities or a music producer looking for fresh, distinctive textures, Equation Synth opens up an infinite universe of waveforms limited only by your imagination.

Comprehensive Modulation System

Bring your equations to life with an extensive modulation matrix featuring:

Modulation Sources:

3 Envelopes (ADSR) with tempo sync options
3 LFOs with multiple waveform shapes (sine, square, saw), tempo sync, and delay
Note Velocity for dynamic expression
Modwheel for performance control
MPE Support: Timbre and Pressure for expressive multi-dimensional control
Modulation Destinations:

Route modulation to virtually any parameter including:

Volume, Pitch (Coarse/Fine)
All Equation Parameters (A, B, C, D)
Graph parameters (Scale X/Y, Offset X)
Filter Cutoff and Resonance
Noise Level
Effect parameters (Chorus, Delay, Reverb, and more)

Effects Chain

Polish your equation-based sounds with a professional effects suite:

Delay: Stereo offset, feedback, tempo-synced timing
Harmonic Reverb: Room size, damping, and mix controls
Chorus: Modulation depth and rate
Tape Simulator: Wow, Flutter, Saturation, as well as various tape player emulations
Intuitive Interface Design

Inspired by classic calculator aesthetics, Equation Synth features:

LCD-style display showing equation input and real-time waveform visualization
Tabbed interface organizing Equation, Synth, Modulation, Effects, and Note settings
Integrated help system with context-sensitive guidance
Virtual MIDI keyboard for quick auditioning
Scalable, resizable window
Preset management system for saving and recalling your creations
Advanced MIDI & MPE Capabilities

CLICK FOR MORE »

The Weirdest Synth Architecture Ever? The Luna Lunetta Synth Explained

video upload by Starsky Carr

"The first synth I've needed the manual to understand whats going on

What happens when a synthesizer throws away the traditional signal path and replaces it with logic gates, chaotic modulation and experimental sequencing? The Neutral Labs Luna is a modern Lunetta-style synthesizer that turns digital logic into sound – and it’s one of the most unusual instruments I’ve explored.

In this video I take a deep dive into the Luna Lunetta synthesizer, exploring how it works, why its architecture is so different from traditional subtractive synths, and how you can use its oscillators, logic circuits, modulation sources and built-in sequencers to create strange, evolving patterns and glitchy electronic textures.

Lunetta synths are inspired by DIY digital logic circuits built from CMOS chips rather than classic VCO-VCF-VCA designs. The result is a unique sound world somewhere between modular synthesis, generative sequencing and experimental electronic music.

We'll explore:
• What a Lunetta synthesizer actually is
• How the Neutral Labs Luna architecture works
• Using the dual oscillators and internal 64-step sequencers
• CV, gates and creative routing possibilities
• Generative patterns, glitches and chaotic rhythms
• Why Lunetta synths sound so different from traditional analog synths

If you're interested in experimental synthesis, modular workflows, generative music, CMOS logic synths, or unusual electronic instruments, the Luna is a fascinating machine.

Whether you’re a modular user, synth enthusiast, or just curious about alternative synthesis techniques, this instrument shows how far you can push sound design when you break the normal rules."

synth_nyc Introduces Surface32 – Bidirectional Synthesizer Editing Control Surface Solution

via synth_nyc

"Surface32 is a groundbreaking, multitimbral control surface ecosystem that completely removes the friction between tactile hardware sound design and modern digital workflows. By seamlessly fusing a premium physical controller with a suite of synchronized software clients, Surface32 brings total bidirectional editing to the electronic musician's studio.

Surface32 is the system's brain. Featuring 36 continuous rotary encoders paired with 36 dedicated OLED screens, it holds up to 16 complete hardware synthesizer parameter sets (Instrument Definitions) in its memory at any given time. It bidirectionally updates your synthesizers and your software clients screens instantly, allowing you to work exactly how you want.

Surface32 operates on a dual-tier communication network. It talks to your hardware synthesizers using pure MIDI CC, NRPN, or SYSEX, while simultaneously communicating with the software clients using high-speed NRPN and SYSEX. If you turn a knob on the hardware, the software fader moves. If you move a software fader, the hardware OLED updates. All with zero feedback loops.

You can find the full technical specifications, architecture diagrams, and the different DAW/DAW-less workflows on synth_nyc here.

U.S. Patent Pending (App. No. 63/995,083)"

Magnolia Gain Staging Explained: 5 Gain Stages That Shape Your Sound

video upload by Frap Tools

"Gain is not just about volume — it directly affects tone, harmonics and filter behavior.

In this video, we explore Magnolia's gain staging architecture and analyze its four main gain points (plus a bonus one), showing how each stage shapes the sound.

From the mixer to the amplifier, drive and post-drive section, you'll hear how different gain levels impact filters, saturation and overall character.

If you want to unlock Magnolia's full sonic potential, understanding its internal gain structure is essential.

🎛 More on gain staging: • The wonderful world of gain staging, or: h... [posted here]

00:00 Introduction – Magnolia's Gain Points Overview
01:07 1) Mixer – First Gain Stage
04:23 How Mixer Gain Affects Filter Response
07:28 2) Amplifier – Main Level Control
09:45 3) Drive – Harmonic Saturation Stage
10:55 4) Post Drive – Final Volume Shaping
11:44 General Observations on Magnolia's Gain Structure
12:55 Bonus Tip – Using the Wavefolder as Extra Gain
14:18 Closing Remarks"

Perfect Pads - Soundset for Waldorf Protein

video upload by WaldorfMusicChannel

"https://waldorfmusic.com/produkt/soun...

This inaugural Protein soundset brings the acclaimed Perfect Pads series – previously available for the Waldorf Iridium and Quantum – to Waldorf’s newest synthesizer Protein.

Featuring 32 meticulously crafted pad presets designed to showcase the full depth and character of the Protein sound engine. Drawing on the powerful synthesis architecture of the Protein and rich wavetable palette, this collection delivers some of the widest, warmest, and most expressive pads available on the Waldorf Protein. Each patch is immediately playable and musically inspiring, making the pack ideal for a wide range of genres – from ambient and cinematic to electronic and experimental – while also providing an excellent starting point for further tweaking and sound design.

Harry van Mierloo is an emerging international sound designer and creative design professional from the Netherlands. He blends the sound of classic analog synthesizers with the power of modern machines – perfect for artists seeking highly usable patches or fresh inspiration as a starting point for everyday day studio work. For many years, Harry has been fascinated by the wonderfully rich and emotional touch that pad sounds can add to music. He has now crafted and released his second official soundset called ‘Perfect Pads 2’ for the Iridium & Quantum."

RetroSound Studio Tour: Vintage Digital Synthesizers

video upload by RetroSound

"RetroSound Studio Tour:
Legendary Vintage Digital & Hybrid Synthesizers of the 80s and early 90s

In this episode of RetroSound Studio, I explore classic digital synthesizers that revolutionized electronic music production during the 80s and early 90s. From FM synthesis and wavetable synthesis to vector synthesis, PD synthesis, vitual analog and Roland’s LA synthesis, these instruments introduced a new generation of sound design and defined the sonic identity of an era.

The Yamaha DX7 became one of the best-selling synthesizers of all time, defining FM electric pianos and metallic digital textures. The PPG Wave pioneered wavetable synthesis, laying the foundation for modern digital sound engines. The Sequential Prophet VS introduced vector synthesis, allowing dynamic blending between digital waveforms. The Roland D-50 shaped late-80s pop and film scoring with its LA synthesis architecture, while the Roland JD-800 brought hands-on control back to digital synthesis in the 1990s.

These digital synthesizers shaped genres such as synth-pop, new wave, ambient, house, techno, trance, and film music. Today, they remain highly sought after by producers, collectors, and sound designers researching vintage digital synthesizers, 80s keyboard sounds, virtual analog, classic FM synthesis, and wavetable history."

The Digital & Hybrid Synths:
0:07 Sequential Prophet VS
4:39 PPG wave 2.2
10:36 Yamaha DX7 II FD
14:56 Yamaha DX11
16:39 Casio CZ-101
19:29 Casio VZ-1
21:21 Roland JD-800
26:40 Roland D-50 / D-550
28:00 Korg Wavestation EX / SR
31:24 Korg DW-8000 / EX-8000
32:42 Roland M-VS1
35:57 Kawai K5000R
38:57 Waldorf Microwave
39:44 Waldorf Microwave II XT
41:15 Clavia Nord Modular
41:59 Yamaha AN1x
44:36 Roland JV-1080
45:33 Ensoniq SQ-80
46:23 Quasimidi Raven Max
47:42 Korg Z1

Full Studio Tour playlist:

Introducing NOX by Acustica Audio - Melodic Tension. Techno Power.

video upload by Acustica Audio

"Built on the ALICE-9 architecture and powered by MUST technology, NOX is a focused electronic synthesizer designed for EDM and Melodic Techno producers who want impact, movement, and mix-ready results without distractions.

Rather than aiming for endless flexibility, NOX delivers a streamlined workflow built around immediacy — combining high-resolution sampling, analog-modeled filters, and dynamic modulation inside a unified hybrid engine.

🎛 SLIM-first interface for instant, performance-driven shaping
🌀 Central Morph control for fast, expressive tonal movement
🎚 EXTENDED view for full synthesis architecture when needed
🎧 127 curated presets built on 61 signature SCO oscillators
🔥 Integrated studio-grade FX with OTT-style dynamics
🔁 Expansion Pack for seamless integration inside ALICE-9

👉🏻 https://www.acustica-audio.com/shop/p..."

First 8-Voice Jupiter 8 Clone – Sound Demo (No Talking)

video upload by ACME SYNTHWORKS

"This is the world’s first fully 8-voice Roland JP8 clone.

Eight discrete voices.
Original voice architecture.
14 Bit Interface Board.
The circuit follows the original Jupiter-8 design.
All functions of the original instrument are supported.

The envelopes are implemented in analog form using different ICs, while preserving the original behavior.

The filter section uses IR3109 and BA662.

A large portion of the circuitry has been implemented in SMD to simplify assembly and improve manufacturability.
This video contains raw sound examples only.
Direct audio recording.
Only a subtle external delay was added."

SEQUENTIAL FOURM - Full review of the synthesizer with Francois Bardies (video by La Boite Noire)

video upload by La Boite Noire du Musicien

Click CC for subtitles.

"The Sequential Fourm is the brand's first 100% analog synthesizer, featuring the Prophet-5 filter, an intuitive modulation matrix derived from the Pro-One, and polyphonic aftertouch. Oh, and yes, all this for under €1000! François shows you everything you need to know about this synthesizer, its architecture, and its distinctive character!"

Memorymoog Factory Presets Recreated for Moog Muse (Free Download)

video upload by Moog Music

"100 Memorymoog factory presets, now reimagined for Muse. https://www.moogmusic.com/the-wave/ne...

Recreated by Eric Frampton, a lifelong Memorymoog owner who has maintained and performed on the instrument for over 35 years, this collection faithfully rebuilds the entire Memorymoog factory library inside Moog Muse. In this video, hear side-by-side comparisons and explore how these classic sounds translate to Muse’s modern workflow and performance controls.

Using Muse’s modern architecture, each sound goes beyond the original with velocity, aftertouch, macro controls, effects, and expanded modulation, while preserving the three-oscillator polyphonic character that made the Memorymoog legendary.

From Moog’s first true 3-oscillator polyphonic synthesizer in 1982 to today’s 8-voice analog flagship, this preset pack bridges past and present in one playable library."

Destiny-Plus - Double Q - Gestural Device that uses a Small Neural Processor

video upload by Richard Devine

See the announcement post here.

"Double Q is a standalone gestural device that uses a small neural processor trained to track 30 points of the hand. Equipped with a high-resolution camera, users can manipulate live hand data in a myriad of ways.

Double q system architecture includes:

X16 Bipolar / unipolar CV outputs.

Mapping and remapping of 30 hand data points.

Phase, speed, and individual sub-window/loop-array randomisation.

Record and loop buffers of +10mins.

Nrpn and midi cc usb-c output and preset saving/loading. ( perfect for modelq2 / external hardware or DAW pairing. USB host & device )

Web app for nrpn/midi cc slot allocation.

USB-C live stream output for visual mapping of hand data points, inference, and cpu usage.
Double q also contributes its own synthesis engine titled double luck.

https://www.destiny-plus.com/double-q"

Matrix 12 vs Matrix 6: Is the $13,000 Oberheim Actually Worth It?

video upload by Vulture Culture

"What if the most hated Oberheim is actually the smartest buy in vintage polysynths right now?

Tomorrow night I’m putting the legendary Oberheim Matrix 12 head-to-head with its often-maligned sibling, the Matrix 6. With current prices hovering around $13,200 for a Matrix 12 and roughly $1,750 for a Matrix 6, the value gap is enormous—but does the sound actually justify it? Most classic 80s polysynth patches live almost entirely in a 4-pole lowpass filter world, so the real question isn’t whether the Matrix 6 can replicate every multimode trick of the 12, but whether it can convincingly live in that core tonal territory.

In this stream we’ll dig into the heart of both instruments. I’ll compare the true analog VCO architecture of the Matrix 12 against the digitally controlled oscillators of the Matrix 6, focusing on oscillator stability, drift behavior, and how each responds over time. While the Matrix 6 uses DCOs, they are driven by three Hartley LC high-frequency oscillators that are still subject to temperature-based drift, which makes this comparison far more interesting than a typical VCO versus DCO shootout. We’ll look closely at how those shared and distributed HF oscillators influence tuning behavior across voices.

From there, we’ll zero in on the filters. The Matrix 12 uses discrete CEM3374 dual VCOs paired with CEM3372 filter, mix, and VCA stages, while the Matrix 6 relies on the CEM3396 integrated voice chips that combine waveshapers, filters, and VCAs. Even when both synths are restricted to a simple 4-pole lowpass configuration, the resonance character, saturation behavior, and overall musical response can tell very different stories—and that’s where the real verdict lives.

To add a third angle, I’ll also bring in my favorite polysynth of the 1980s: the Fender Chroma Polaris. Why the Polaris? Because it uses the exact same CEM3374 and CEM3372 combination found in the Matrix 12, but without the multimode filter architecture. Considering you can still find a Polaris for around $2,500, it becomes a fascinating middle ground—a potential sleeper alternative for players chasing that Matrix 12 tone without entering five-figure territory.

This livestream isn’t about declaring winners or dunking on underdogs. It’s about understanding what actually matters in these designs, how component choices translate to sound, and whether the Matrix 6’s reputation is deserved—or wildly outdated. If you love 80s polysynths, Curtis chips, and uncomfortable truths about vintage gear pricing, this one’s going to get interesting."

Bad Gear - PROTEIN

video upload by AudioPilz

"Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world’s most-hated audio tools. Every once in a while we have to remind ourselves why we still prefer the luxury of tangible hardware to the unlimited possibilities of plugins: unique tones, ergonomic control surfaces and - ideally - a timeless piece of music history that effortlessly weathers the decades.

Today, however, we unfortunately need to talk about Protein."

Chapters:
00:00 Intro tune
00:45 Overview Waldorf Protein
01:28 One Problem becomes obvious immediately
01:50 Synth Architecture, Oscillators
02:28 Noise (Dirt), Filter Section
03:02 FX Section
03:14 The problematic Envelopes
03:46 Mod Matrix, LFOs
04:01 Synth Nerd Tic Tac Toe, Flavour
04:20 What else? (Scales, Chords, Arp, Seq, Multis, Thanks)
05:18 H*te Screen
05:38 Jam 1 ( Techno )
06:22 Jam 2 ( Downtempo )
07:27 Finale ( Dub Techno )
07:58 VERDICT

Ocean Swift Releases Oscillarys - Flagship NKS Synthesizer

video uploads by Ocean Swift / Faxi Nadu

Press release follows:

Ocean Swift releases Oscillarys - a flagship atmospheric synthesis engine for Kontakt Player

Ocean Swift announces the release of Oscillarys, a new flagship NKS instrument developed in collaboration with Native Instruments. Crafted for cinematic scoring and deep ambience, Oscillarys is a three-layered synthesis engine designed to bridge the gap between raw texture and ethereal musicality

The developer quotes:

"Oscillarys blurs the border between the organic and the spectral with an atmospheric synthesis engine built for motion. By layering deeply detailed textures with sweeping filters and shifting modulations, this instrument conjures tones that breathe, dissolve, and reform - shifting seamlessly from crystalline harmonics to distant electric choirs. It offers a sonic body that is darker, smoother, and undeniably alive with motion, bridging the gap between raw texture and ethereal musicality."

Oscillarys is available exclusively via the Native Instruments online shop starting February 12, 2026, for an introductory price of €47.40 (Regular MSRP €79.99), reflecting a 40% discount.

Purchase at Native Instruments

Learn more at Ocean Swift

CLICK FOR MORE »

RetroSound Studio Tour: Analog Monophonic Synthesizers

video upload by RetroSound

"Welcome to RetroSound Studio Tour: Analog Monophonic Synthesizers & Duophonic — a deep dive into legendary mono synths from the 1970s and 1980s, including rare East-Bloc classics.

In this new episode, I showcase iconic instruments such as the Minimoog, ARP Odyssey, Roland SH-101, Maxi-Korg, Sequential Circuits Pro-One, alongside Soviet and East German synthesizers like the Polivoks, Alisa 1377 and Vermona mono synths.

These analog monophonic synthesizers defined the sound of electronic music — from the fat Moog and cutting ARP to aggressive Polivoks and raw Eastern European character.

This video explores the sound and architecture of true analog mono synths built around VCO, VCF, and VCA signal paths, highlighting their distinctive basslines, lead sounds, and modulation capabilities. From the Moog basslines to the aggressive Polivoks filter sound and the unique character of East German Vermona synthesizers, each instrument demonstrates why 1970s and 1980s monophonic synthesizers remain highly sought after by collectors, producers, and electronic music enthusiasts."

The Monophonic Analog Synths:
0:07 Maxi-Korg 800DV
3:17 Sequential Pro-One
6:30 ARP Odyssey Mk. III
8:39 Roland SH-101
11:56 Moog Prodigy
15:24 Moog The Source
17:34 Moog Micromoog
18:16 Moog Minimoog
20:56 Moog Taurus
22:21 Formanta Polivoks
24:44 Rodina Alisa 1377
26:48 Vermona Synthesizer

Elektron Machinedrum | FM Field Kit

video upload by Akihiko Matsumoto

"Machinedrum Sample Pack
https://akihikomatsumoto.sellfy.store...
The Elektron Machinedrum, first introduced in the early 2000s, was not simply a drum machine. It was a digital architecture built to generate percussion with surgical precision and metallic sharpness. Its synthesis models produced results that went beyond drum programming, moving into the territory of sound design. Even today, no software plugin has managed to fully replicate its distinctive texture.
This collection captures that uniqueness. Every sample was recorded directly from the Machinedrum itself. No external processing, no layering. What you hear is the circuitry of early Elektron design, distilled into one-shots that highlight the instrument’s raw identity."

GS Music - Bree 6 - Anthema Volume 1 - Video 2 of 2 - Patches 033 to 064 #customsound #bree6 #sounds

video upload by Scott McAuley Sounds

"Patches will be available at https://www.synthsounds.co.uk/shop

Video 2 of 2 - Patches 033 to 064 [video 1 here]

So the amazing Guido Salaya kindly sent me the bree6 to do some Youtube Demo's and some custom patches. And on first impressions, the bree6 may look small & relatively simple in architecture, but wow does this thing ooze character, punch and sizzle! It is very capable of a multitude of timbres indeed.

I have thoroughly enjoyed programming this little workhorse, it really is a great little synth! the chorus sounds amazing very Junoesque.

The bree6 is an ideal synth for use Live or in the Studio, instant satisfaction for any seasoned programmer. It's a little workhorse of a synth!

Very very impressed indeed.

Well done GS Music!

© Scott McAuley. All rights reserved.
#custom #sounds #gsmusic "

GS Music - Bree 6 - Anthema Volume 1 #customsound #bree6 #sounds

video upload by Scott McAuley Sounds

"Patches will be available at https://www.synthsounds.co.uk/shop

So the amazing Guido Salaya kindly sent me the bree6 to do some Youtube Demo's and some custom patches. And on first impressions, the bree6 may look small & relatively simple in architecture, but wow does this thing ooze character, punch and sizzle! It is very capable of a multitude of timbres indeed.

I have thoroughly enjoyed programming this little workhorse, it really is a great little synth! the chorus sounds amazing very Junoesque.

The bree6 is an ideal synth for use Live or in the Studio, instant satisfaction for any seasoned programmer. It's a little workhorse of a synth!

Very very impressed indeed.

Well done GS Music!"

2nd video here

Comparing the Sequential Fourm to the Pro-One

"I Compared the Sequential Fourm to My Pro-One" video upload by Starsky Carr

0:00 intro jam and info
5:04 Really Deep Bass - THE FILTER
9:14 They've got Oscillators
11:24 Creating a Few Tones
15:11 PWM and how to match them
19:10 F to the M
20:00 Show Me The Sync
21:19 Pushing the Envelope 24:06 Overall..?

"Some genuine surprises in this head-to-head with the Sequential Fourm and the legendary Sequential Pro-One to find out if the Fourm can give the same vibe.

At first glance, the architecture looks familiar: dual oscillators, classic envelopes, a focused modulation section, and unmistakable Prophet-era DNA from Prophet-5 territory. But the big question is this: does the Fourm capture the raw punch, deep bass, and aggressive character that made the Pro-One a cult classic?

.. and I know it's not a clone :) but in this in-depth demo and comparison, I explore:

Oscillator behaviour, sync, PWM and FM
Filter differences (including low-end depth and resonance extremes)
Envelope response and modulation range
Bass performance, subs, and room-shaking tones
Where the Fourm goes beyond the Pro-One — and where it doesn’t

Rather than obsessing over perfect null tests, this video focuses on feel, playability, and whether the Four inspires the same kinds of sounds and musical ideas as the original Pro-One.

If you’re into analog monosynths, Sequential gear, vintage vs modern comparisons, or you’re wondering whether a contemporary synth can truly stand in for a rising-price classic, this one’s for you.

🎧 Headphones or proper speakers strongly recommended — some of these bass tones go very deep."