RetroSound Studio Tour: Classic Analog String Machines from the 70s and 80s

video upload by RetroSound

"Step inside RetroSound Studio for an in-depth studio tour focused on classic analog string machines from the golden era of the 70s and 80s.

In this video, I showcase my collection of vintage string synthesizers, legendary analog ensemble keyboards that shaped the sound of disco, prog rock, synth-pop, ambient, and early electronic music. These iconic instruments are known for their lush chorus effects, warm analog tone, and unmistakable vintage character.

From rare string machines to well-loved classics, this studio tour is a deep dive into the history, sound, and vibe of analog synth technology that continues to inspire modern music production today.

Whether you’re a synth enthusiast, producer, collector, or just love retro sounds, this tour of RetroSound Studio highlights why analog string machines remain timeless.

Stringmachine list:
0:07 Logan String Melody 2
1:30 Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus Mk2
4:38 Crumar Performer B
7:53 Korg EPS-1
10:03 ARP Quadra
13:50 Rmif Opus
15:29 Elektronika EM-26

The analog string machine playlist:"



Shop: https://retrosound.creator-spring.com/
Bandcamp: https://retrosound.bandcamp.com/"

Mostly Peaceful Synthesizers In The Sea

video upload by John L Rice

"Nine Modcan B modules, three Synthetic Sound Labs modules, Mellotron M4000D, Roland Integra7, and Strymon and Lexicon effects.

So many fishies, left in the sea. So many fishies, and my synthesizers and me . . . 😁

#modularsynth #electronicmusic #synth"

Huge Modern Modular Filter Tones & Techniques // 3 Patches for Ceremony & Sigil from Nekyia Circuits

video upload by DivKid

"Here we have a 3 Patches series video with the character oozing CEREMONY, a low pass morphing to twin peak band pass filter packed with modern features and lots of CV options and SIGIL a compact function generator for envelopes, LFOs, slews or other function generator tricks! Check out the patches and skip around below."

"If you'd like to support work like this and the wider range of what I do, considering heading over to Patreon at https://bit.ly/DK-patreon and supporting for as little as $1 a month to gain access to the DivKid Discord community, plus lots of exclusives such as PDF patchbooks, videos and more. https://bit.ly/DK-patreon"

*TIMING INDEX // CHAPTERS*

NOTE // sub bullet points are points of interest within each section/patch, for those that might be looking for a specific detail to skip back to.

INTRO

00:00 Hello & previews

01:16 Sigil feature run down (function generator)

CLICK FOR MORE »

Vintage Korg Lambda ES-50 48 Key Polyphonic Synthesizer SN 234587

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

via this eBay listing

"***has some issues. Please read fully before purchasing.

I'll start by saying the ENSEMBLE section of this synth sounds incredible and works 100%. The ENSEMBLE section is where the Brass, Strings, Chorus (think synth choir, not a chorus effect), and organ sounds are found. These are the bread and butter of this synth. Huge, fat sounds found in this section, and they all work excellently.

The PERCUSSION section is where the more "transient" sounds are found and they all work on each of the 4 settings (Electric Piano, Clavi, Piano and Harmonics). However, the "B" key in each octave either doesn't sound at all, or just makes a faint sound that is not at all like the others. The "TREMOLO" effect in the PERCUSSION section does not work at all, and if you select it, it effectively mutes all the sounds in the percussion section.

The Chorus modulation on the stick is very very faint, and sometimes not really audible at all. The pitch bend however works flawlessly, and the spring to return it to center is in tact and working 100%. The "CHORUS/PHASE" effect buttons work but the effect sounds underwhelming, but it does work. I don't know enough about the architecture of this keyboard, but I'm assuming the CHORUS/PHASE effect buttons and the CHORUS PHASE control on the stick are related.

Everything else works like it should. And even with these "issues" named above, this is still a very functional synth with some killer sounds that just don't sound like anything else.

Fully polyphonic! ALL notes. Its wild.

Cosmetically it is in very nice condition. There is one light colored scratch down the left side of the wood case (pictured).

I have not made any attempt to service this keyboard. Therefore, this could be a simple contact cleaning for some of these issues to restore some, if not all of its original functionality."

CLICK FOR MORE »

MCO Firmware v106 - New Features

video upload by ALM TV

"A new MCO Firmware v106 is now available! Here we make a few patches to demonstrate the new additions. New features include CV control over user presets, random preset generation, a multimode filter added to the DigiWave voice and selectable functions for the A and B buttons of the AXON-2 expander.

The MCO (mkII) is a highly versatile digital VCO and voice module inspired by 90s/00s digital synths shrunk into just 6HP. It offers a broad collection of unique, high-quality synth voices, each with extensive, customizable parameters.

Download the new firmware here: https://busycircuits.com/alm046
For more information on the update please see our full writeup on the Busy Circuits blog: https://busycircuits.com/blogs/latest/"

Most Asked How Long is a Sequence

video upload by midicake

"Learn more about Midicake ARP: https://midicake.com

Here's the Patch Settings (Just the changes from a blank patch

Track 1 - Infinite Melody
Velocity Pattern: XXX-X-XX (40)
Velocity Pattern Length: 7
Gate: 16 Ticks
Octave: 1
Time Factor: 4
Steps: 13
Bounce: LADDER
Chop: 1
Chop Pattern: --XX-XXX (19)
Chop Pattern Length: 5
Fx Amount: 24%
Fx Target: Octave
Fx Repeat: 5 Bars
Mod A Amount: 7%
Mod A Target: Note Offset
Mod A Rate: 3 Bars
Mod B Amount: 24%
Mod B Target: Time Division
Mod B Rate: 8 Bars

Track 2 - Simple Bass
Velocity Pattern: XX-XX-XX (36)
Velocity Pattern Length: 4
Gate: 1/2 Bar
Octave: -2
Time Division: 2/1
Time Factor: 4
Steps: 9
Direction: Up Down Up
Bounce: PINGPONG
MIDI Channel: 2"

Behringer BMX - What the F...lol

video upload by Noir Et Blanc Vie - After Hours

"Subjective opinions within, those who do not understand subjective opinion may be excused lol

So the Behringer BMX, honestly, do you really care what I think? WELL, here's my thoughts, it's IMPOSSIBLE to freaking use something like this on the floor of a convention without help and NOBODY was trying to help me haha. That said, sound wise, oh for sure, it's solid, 100%. Dare I say "good", BUT, dang, everything is good these days. Gear is just a tool, but I think this could be useful, more useful than the Linn from the B. Would I buy the BMX, absolutely not, never hahaha. That's becasue I'm FLUSH with drum machines, and straight up, if I'm working with an artist or my own albums for drums specifically I'm ITB. Tempest is still the absolute king, if you have a TR-8s, Tempest, uhhh, Drumlogue, Alphabase, I mean geez a number of other drum machines you're good, you don't need to buy more space fillter, you can make music without this, TRUST me. BUT, it does sound good, the bass drum is no Alphabase though, no freakin way.

#BehringerJN80 #NAMM2026 #BehringerBMX"

Roland Alpha Juno 2

video upload by rimela

"Multitrack recording of the Roland Alpha Juno 2. All sounds are made with the Juno-2 and TR-626 drumcomputer. Patches are available here: https://payhip.com/b/v7C9A

00:00 Signal From the Outer Padlands
01:36 Orbiting the 626 Groove
02:52 Bossa de Neblina
04:48 Theme for Great Cities (Simple Minds)"

Clavia Nord Lead 2X Emulation (NodalRed2x) - "Cinematica" Soundset

video upload by LFOstore

"INSTALLATION GUIDE is here: https://dsp56300.wordpress.com/instal...

Only what we are attaching - is our sounds & instructions how make it all work.
OS - you need to download yourself

PLUGIN: https://dsp56300.wordpress.com/nodalr...

The Future Is Now!
Finally famous Motorola DSP56300 emulated in computer!
The Virus B,C,TI,SNOW, Waldorf Micro Q and other famous synths were made with this baby in heart.

Please support developers here: https://dsp56300.wordpress.com/ostiru...

And we made Cinematica soundset for Nord Lead 2X emulator -NodalRed2x - with 50 sounds you are need for production of Ambient, Soundtrack, Electronica & Dance Music with integration in every modern genre.

Inside the pack:

Deepest Pads & Strings
Beautifull Polyphonic Sounds
Organic Plucks & Leads
Organic Arps & Sequences
Classic Iconic Sounds


By Nick Klimenko aka Chronos, a creator of Organica for Waldorf Blofeld & WS Universe for Korg Wavestation.

All sounds of soundset bpm syncable & modulation wheel approved.
Powerful unison basses, stunning mono & poly leads, sharp plucks, dynamic & wide arps, deep & realistic strings.

Great for soundtrack atmosphere, synth-pop & retro wave music, dance floor music.

Rediscover & Enjoy The Clavia Legacy!"

Mother Lode synth meetup #3 Pics

A few pics from the latest Mother Lode Synth Meetup sent my way via Brian Comnes.

You can find the full set here.

That's Brian Comnes with the Buchla Music Easel.

Below is Mark Vail, author of Vintage Synthesizers and The Synthesizer with the Beetlecrab Tempura.

Small group shot further below. Be sure to see the full set for more.

P.S. Brian also had an iPad with the following to say: "Had fun showing Textquencer app , it converts text to midi notes, quite the sequencer, the letter A is the root note. I used our mailing list as the source text 😁. It’s also good with foreign languages with a lot of vowels like Hawaiian or Native American sources.

I also think Igor Vasiliev’s GLITCHSCAPER app for percussion is great, certainly not an 808/909 cliche"

Also: "in that picture I did an a/b comparison between the $5k Easel and the $200 KORG [Volca] modular with midi hack, and IMHO the KORG did pretty good😛"

See the Mother Lode label for additional posts.

CLICK FOR MORE »

FREE SYNTH: OSIRUS (Access Virus A/B/C Emulator) - No talking demo

video upload by ADL-MusicLab

"Hello, everyone!

Here's to you my 'No talking demo' of the amazing OSIRUS, a FREE software emulation of the Access Virus A/B/C by 'The Usual Suspects', which brings back to life these iconic synthesizers!

'The Usual Suspects' is a group of people who are currently Reverse Engineering and Emulating the DSP chip from original historic hardware synthesizers, which, in this case, is the Motorola DSP56300.

As is usual with The Usual Suspects releases, you’ll need to provide the original ROM, legally acquired, of course.

The architecture, signal flow, and character closely follow the original hardware, making this an absolutely faithful Access Virus A/B/C recreation in software form.

More info here:
https://dsp56300.wordpress.com/osirus/

In this demo I will just let you hear what some amazing sound designers have made for this stunning plugin simply by scrolling and playing some beautiful sounds."

PATCH / INDUSTRIAL AMBIENT / full Joranalogue system

video upload by Joranalogue Audio Design

"In this patch I explored a more industrial ambient side of the Joranalogue Audio Design system. The highlight for me are the stereo pings made with dual COLLIDE 4 modules. The battery of CONTOUR 1 modules is essential here for creating interesting time relations between all the events in the patch. No external modules were used.

We started with 2 CONTOUR 1s chained together (FALL OUT to TRIG in) in a dual looping envelope patch. This way we created a tempo and a few modulation sources for 2 GENERATE 3s being crossmodulated.

The first sounds we hear in the jam are made in a similar fashion: a few interpatched CONTOUR 1 modules create gates that open and close very high pitched oscillators (G3 and OR3) for the beeps and noises.

The pitches for the melodies of the 2 pinged COLLIDE 4s are set by two STEP 8s. The highlight of this patch—for me personally—was the idea to use WALK 4 to select the stages of both STEP 8s. This way we were walking through the stages of both STEP 8s in a brownian way (not entirely random, not entirely linear).

Everything, apart from the kicksound, was mixed in stereo, using 2 x MIX 3 patched through to MORPH 4 from which we extracted the A+B and C+D outputs as a stereo pair.

Simon"

Random Source SERGE INORI + TKB // DAY 14 #jamuary2026

video upload by Dexba

"This feels so wrong – but why? 😄
A sprinkle of acid with my Serge INORI, using 8 steps only from the TKB, lane A for pitch, lane B for glide, lane C for filter modulation (and lane D was for pitch transpose, but that was a bit harder to master in a quick jam, so I ended up leaving it out).
One oscillator provides the bass, the other one the kick, you know the drill.
So much fun, I hope you'll enjoy it! 🧡"

Creating a Matrix12 sound from the OBX8

video upload by George B.

"A fairly simple setting to create the famous BRAZZ sound from the Matrix-12/Xpander. This OBX8 is amazing!!

0:00 Music
0:17 Intro
0:51 Creating the sound
2:49 Sound Demo
3:07 Outro
3:27 Play out..."

Eplex7 DSP Releases Psylead SX4 Plugin Synthesizer

video uploads by Eplex7 DSP

Press release follows:

Eplex7 DSP releases Psylead SX4 plugin synthesizer

Stop sounding like everyone else – create your own original sonic dimension.

A new, Unique type of Sound. A sound that Cuts through your Mix.

If you want your track to have a true 3D space, you need different types of synthesizers for different colors and sound character.
Maybe you're thinking now... Why do I need another synth?

CLICK FOR MORE »

Bob Moog Foundation to Showcase Keith Emerson Moog Modular System Reissue at NAMM 2026

via The Bob Moog Foundation

"The Bob Moog Foundation is excited for NAMM 2026 where we will be sharing a Keith Emerson Moog Modular System Reissue, on loan from Orange Coast Modular. This colossal synthesizer, valued at $150,000, is one of only five ever made. Demonstrations are scheduled with musicians Lisa Bella Donna, Andrew Colyer & Robert Berry, and Rachel Flowers, along with the reissue's co-developer, synth historian Brian Kehew. The appearance schedule is as follows [line-up image below]

Join us for these wonderful performances (on one epic synthesizer!) during the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Convention, at the Anaheim Convention Center, booth 10604! Find out more about NAMM HERE."

"TEC Tracks Panel: Honoring the Legacy of Keith Emerson

Be sure to attend what will surely be an engaging TEC Tracks panel, celebrating Keith Emerson's life and career, nearly 10 years after his passing. The panelists include Steve Porcaro (TOTO), Emerson's fianceé, Mari Kawaguchi, keyboard virtuosa Rachel Flowers, Moog historian Brian Kehew, and former Moog engineer and tech to Keith Emerson, Rich Walborn, with Michelle Moog-Koussa moderating. The panel is scheduled from 4pm to 5pm on Friday, January 23rd in Hilton California B.

See you in Anaheim!"

Roland JP-8000 Emulation (JE-8086) - "Cinematica" Soundset

video upload by LFOstore

"BUY: https://lfo.sellfy.store/p/roland-jp-...

Finally famous Motorola DSP56300 emulated in computer!
The Virus B,C,TI,SNOW, Waldorf Micro Q and other famous synths were made with this baby in heart.

Please support developers here: https://dsp56300.wordpress.com/ostiru...

'Cinematica' Soundset for legendary Roland JP-8000 emulation - JE-8086 !

Its very different to the most of soundsets you saw before - with all this progressive trance supersaw leads & arps - 'Cinematica' focused on 'analog like' tones:

deep basses, analog leads, warmest strings & deepest pads under inspiration of modern & vintage science fiction movies.

Preset categories:

1-16 - Strings Pads Swells
17-24 - Leads Poly & Mono
25-32 - Basses
33- 41 - Plucks
42- 49 - Movements
50 - 58 - Vintage Strings
58 -64 - Varios sounds

By Nick Klimenko aka Chronos, a creator of 'Organica' for Waldorf Blofeld & 'WS Universe' for Korg Wavestation.

All sounds of soundset bpm syncable & modulation wheel approved.

Powerful unison basses, stunning mono & poly leads, sharp plucks, dynamic & wide arps, deep & realistic strings.

Great for soundtrack atmosphere, synth-pop & retro wave music, dance floor music.

Rediscover & Enjoy The Roland Legacy!"

Recreating String Ensemble sound with Poly Synth

video upload by George B.

"Today I used my OBX8 to recreate the ARP string Ensemble sound. By breaking down how the String Ensemble worked internally, I used what I learned to simulate the ensemble effect. Also I have a three channel ensemble board from an 80's organ that I built into an effects box. So I could compare my settings. Hope you like it!

0:00 Chapter 1 Intro
1:29 Modulation
3:12 Settings
5:12 Double Mode
6:20 Demo - Check this out...playing the string sound over a sequence."

24 Songs/Presets for the Sonicware Liven Evoke

video upload by Sonic Cartography

"A collection of 24 songs/presets for the Sonicware Liven Evoke. The patterns can be downloaded from my Patreon ( / 24-new-songs-147901371 , where you'll also find some notes on some of the songs.

A lot of my music feels to me like a soundtrack to an imaginary movie, so for the visuals for this one, I figured "hey, the music set is about an hour—so why not just pair it with a movie?" And since (a) I don't want to get in trouble for copyright infringement and (b) I have a preoccupation with "past futures" (a sense of nostalgia for the future that was once imagined by the past and that no longer seems possible), this led me to look for public domain Cold War era films, which led me to this one: Battle Beyond the Sun (1962), an Americanized version of Nebo Zovyot (1959), a Soviet science fiction. The person tasked with Americanizing it was a young film student named Francis Ford Coppola.

A big thank you to all my Patreon supporters—especially those who are supporting my channel at the super supporter level: Tomasz and Maria.

Track List:

0:00 - 1. From the Beginning, Until the End
3:16 - 2. Past Future
6:01 - 3. Let’s Go
7:42 - 4. Ride Through the Gate
12:23 - 5. Neon Daydream
16:37 - 6. A Signal in the Dark
18:20 - 7. Haunted
20:03 - 8. Evocation
24:41 - 9. Electric
27:27 - 10. Winter
29:07 - 11. Iceland
30:21 - 12. Liminal Space I
32:05 - 13. Intergalactic Funeral March
35:00 - 14. Disappearing Into the Horizon
36:12 - 15. Nebula I
38:45 - 16. After Life
42:24 - 17. Drifting Away
47:06 - 18. The Years Go By
48:50 - 19. Liminal Space II
50:14 - 20. Final Transmission
51:23 - 21. Looming
52:49 - 22. Nebula II
56:15 - 23. Keep Going
57:46 - 24. Run Amok

Synth: @SONICWARE Liven Evoke

#sonicware #synthmusic #synth #synthesizer"

Soundplant v.59 Released for Windows & Mac - Soft Sampler Adds MIDI CC, Infinite Undo, & More

Soundplant 59 beat demo: Only2x video upload by Marcel Blum

"Making a beat from a chopped up spy theme with Soundplant, the computer keyboard sample triggering software for Windows & Mac. Version 59 now available for free download at: https://soundplant.org/"



Press release follows:

Caldwell, NJ, USA - Independent developer Marcel Blum has released Soundplant® 59 for Windows and Mac, a major update to the long running sample triggering software for QWERTY keyboards and MIDI devices. Version 59 brings MIDI CC support for customizable control of Soundplant knobs, infinite undo for editing convenience and a/b testing between different effect settings, a master output limiter-compressor for fine tuning dynamics processing, increased sound loading speed with improved multithreading, and other optimizations and fixes.

Soundplant is a standalone software sampler prioritizing low latency and stability for live use, enabling instant playback of any format sound files from standard computer keyboard keys or MIDI. An invaluable tool for sound designers, theater techs, DJs, producers, podcasters, gamers, and streamers, it can mix tons of sounds at once, queue playlists, trigger in the background with global hotkeys while using other apps, record its own output or any input (or both at the same time), and more, all with a powerfully simple drag and drop interface allowing users to create professional soundboards with the ease of dropping sound files onto onscreen keys.

Discussing his Oscar-nominated work on acclaimed biopic A Complete Unknown, sound mixer Terence McCormack Maitland said, "On set when possible, we create a realistic soundscape for the cast. In order to do this we used Soundplant, a deceptively capable app which helped a ton."

Availability & Pricing

Soundplant is available as a free download at https://soundplant.org/ with a 25-launch trial of the paid features. It is free for non-commercial use. A Single User License costs USD $69. Version 59 is a free upgrade for existing license holders who bought in 2023 or later, or a $34.50 upgrade for older license owners. The registered version unlocks professional features including output device selection, expanded sound file format support, output sample rates up to 384 kHz, recording, MIDI, and 'background key input' for global hotkey triggering. Soundplant 59 requires minimum Windows 10 or macOS 10.14.