Two Trautonium inspired floating touch bars allow for continuous volume and pitch control. This expressive interface is paired with a streamlined knob per function synth, so you can start playing right away. Despite the constrained feature set, the sensitive bars allow for weeks, months, and years of rewarding practice.
Video re-uploaded as ellitone - lil’ dream organ - walnut and wenge *limited edition*
"*small batch - only 8 available - made from wenge/walnut/oak wood
ellitone.com
The ellitone lil' dream organ is a limited edition battery-powered polyphonic digital synthesizer with built-in amplified speaker.
Featuring 8 wooden Touch Bars, 16 oscillators, 8 selectable musical scales, and a collection of 50 waveforms to explore and blend using the ‘infinite tone’ knob. the lil dream organ is a fun and powerful electronic instrument capable of many tones and textures, simple enough for a youngster or beginner to operate.
Controls:
-‘infinite tone’ knob blends and mixes 2 separate layers of waveforms together. Each layer consists of 8 oscillators and each layer has its own unique selected waveform. As you turn the knob fully clockwise or fully counterclockwise, a new waveform is chosen from a collection of 50 waveforms and applied to one of the 2 layers. This means that you are infinitely blending in-between new combinations of waveforms continuously.
-musical scale select switches. 3 toggle switches at the top of the device are used to select one of the 8 musical note scales. These three switches operate using binary logic. With 3 switches, we have 8 unique combinations of switch positions (on/off/on…off/off/on…etc). Each one of these 8 possibilities selects a different musical scale to explore using the wooden Touch Bar keyboard notes.
"ALL-NEW FOR BEHRINGER UB-1 MICRO: 100 ULTIMATE PATCHES, PLUS FREE PATCH PACK
Ultimate Patches created all of the premium-quality factory presets that ship in the UB-1. Now, Ultimate Patches releases the next-level UB-1 Ultimate Patches (Volumes 1-3): 100 all-new patches for the UB-1 Micro, with classic sounds from the past, present and future: Soaring leads, thumping basses, paraphonic polys, strings, brass, percussion and fx as well as classic non-synth instruments including electric guitar & basses, acoustic pianos, wurlitzer electric piano, classic 60s/80s organs, voices, world / orchestral and more!
The three-volume set spans genres of 70s, 80s & 90s synth classics as well as cinematic, orchestral, hiphop, pop, vaporwave, retrocade, latin, R&B, reggae, jazz, chiptune, reggaeton, dubstep, tech/deep/retro house, trance, modular, experimental, synthwave, retropop and others.
Pricing & Availability:
Available now as an instant digital download at ultimatepatches.com starting at $9.99 per volume or just $19.99 for all 100 sounds.
The ellitone lil' dream organ is a limited edition battery-powered polyphonic digital synthesizer with built-in amplified speaker.
Featuring 8 wooden Touch Bars, 16 oscillators, 8 selectable musical scales, and a collection of 50 waveforms to explore and blend using the ‘infinite tone’ knob. the lil dream organ is a fun and powerful electronic instrument capable of many tones and textures, simple enough for a youngster or beginner to operate.
Controls:
-‘infinite tone’ knob blends and mixes 2 separate layers of waveforms together. Each layer consists of 8 oscillators and each layer has its own unique selected waveform. As you turn the knob fully clockwise or fully counterclockwise, a new waveform is chosen from a collection of 50 waveforms and applied to one of the 2 layers. This means that you are infinitely blending in-between new combinations of waveforms continuously.
-musical scale select switches. 3 toggle switches at the top of the device are used to select one of the 8 musical note scales. These three switches operate using binary logic. With 3 switches, we have 8 unique combinations of switch positions (on/off/on…off/off/on…etc). Each one of these 8 possibilities selects a different musical scale to explore using the wooden Touch Bar keyboard notes.
Click the auction link on top when you get there for additional listings.
"360 SYSTEMS DIGITAL KEYBOARD Incredibly rare early 8-bit sample-based keyboard (1982-1984, only 200 made). This is the Mark 2 type, with MIDI. Excellent condition apart from light scratches on the wood panels. Comes with printed manuals (1st and 2nd editions), parts catalogue, service history (maintenance done since the current owner bought it in 2005 - and since then only played it in his home studio).
12 of the 16 voice sockets contain voice chips as follows: 1 Flute / 2 Gut String Guitar / 3 Bass Guitar / 4 Slap bass / 5 Electric Guitar / 6 Electric Piano / 7 Clavinet / 8 Saxophone / 9 French Horn / 10 Trombone / 11 Dark Trumpet / 12 Bright Trumpet.
All functions are working fine except for one problem: This is an 8-voice keyboard, but if you play more than 6 notes at once, the 7th note produces a distorted sound. It seems that the 7th out of the 8 voices is faulty (doubtless due to deterioration of a vital part - no physical damage has been done to this carefully used machine). If it can be fixed or muted, you will have an incredible instrument with rich, organic tones. In any event it is perfectly playable if you respect the current voice limitation.
LISTEN! You can hear the sound of this actual instrument (arpeggios played with all 12 voices from bottom to top of the keyboard) HERE: [embed above]
Quote from a well-known pro user: 'It sounds AMAZING, the only sampler with enough character to rival a Mellotron or Chamberlin. My favorite French horn patch of all time!'"
The Sh*t Synth - Walkthrough video upload by CROW HILL XTRAS
Press release follows:
The Crow Hill Company turns to extensive and rare collection to turn out THE SH*T SYNTH as compendium of 48 circuit-, wave- and sample-bent instruments
EDINBURGH, UK: The Crow Hill Company is proud to turn to its own extensive and rare collection of hardware to turn out THE SH*T SYNTH — available as a compendium of 48 circuit-, wave- and sample-bent instruments inspired by some of the Edinburgh-based enterprise’s eclectic musical favourites (spanning the likes of Aphex Twin, Boards Of Canada, Joe Maus, Jon Brion, Laurie Spiegel, Radiohead, Throbbing Gristle, and Yazoo) to create something that they collectively ask: is it just shit or ‘the shit’? — as of April 7…
Whatever way anyone chooses to read into the titling of THE SH*T SYNTH as the latest entry into The Crow Hill’s ongoing ORIGINS series of sample-based virtual instrument plug-ins, one thing is for sure: it readily represents a broad selection of three categories of 16 workhorse instruments each, effectively wrapped up into a single plug-in designed to bring a cohesive approach to making music more edgy, lo-fi, retro, and — swimming against the technological tide of so-called progress — decidedly AI (Artificial Intelligence) slop-free. From pianos to strings, plucks, beeps, bass, and pads, the compendium that is THE SH*T SYNTH has been lovingly sculpted by the Edinburgh-based enterprise’s media composer and ‘samplist-in-residence’ Christian Henson to take the hassle out of making existing sounds less refined, catering to those looking for an entirely new bank of Mellotron-style sounds as well as synths that have been long forgotten — for good reason, too!
"The third track on my EP, made almost exclusively with Yamaha DX7 (for the synthesizer part) and a handful of drum machines. As mentioned, this track also features an electric guitar solo, played by Sharad Shakya, which fits perfectly with this unmistakably '80s vibe. Stay tuned."
Yamaha DX7 - the best (arguable) digital synth ever! Part IV
"And here's another snippet of the track, created entirely with the Yamaha DX7 and the TX802 FM Tone Generator (a rack-module version of the DX7mkII with full 8-part multi-timbral operation). It also includes the electric guitar solo played by Sharad that enriches the second part of the song."
DEEP/4 is a painstaking recreation of one of the most powerful multi-effects processors ever built. Every algorithm has been rebuilt at the instruction level from the original 24-bit DSP hardware, preserving the exact digital character of the algorithms that made these units legendary in studios worldwide.
All 43 original algorithms, mathematically verified against the original DSP architecture. No guesswork.
Features
Four Independent Effects Engines
The DEEP/4 is a powerhouse multi-effects processor featuring 43 fully programmable, high-fidelity algorithms including reverbs, chorus, flanging, delays, distortion, and pitch shifting. Operate it as a single massive effects system, a pair of stereo processors, or four entirely independent units. Its advanced routing matrix supports true serial, parallel, and feedback configurations to sculpt complex effect topologies that conventional units simply can't touch. Flexible Multi-Unit Routing
Run all four units in series for massive effect chains, split them into parallel paths for layered textures, or use feedback routing to create evolving, self-modulating soundscapes. DEEP/4 provides independent routing control for each pair (A/B and C/D) plus a main bus link — supporting serial, parallel, and two feedback configurations with adjustable feedback amount. Use it as a single 4-unit processor, two independent stereo pairs, or four standalone effects. 43 Algorithms Across 7 Categories
From lush reverbs and complex multi-tap delays to pitch shifters, dynamics processors, and guitar amp simulations — every algorithm from the original hardware is here, rebuilt at the instruction level and fully programmable.
"Would you believe me if I told you I knew a guy who quit school at 16 and went to work in the Caltech Music Lab. At 18 was handpicked by Tom Oberheim, founder of a leading and pioneering synthesizer manufacturer of the same name, Oberhiem. This “kid” went on to help design Oberheim’s OBXa, then Oberheim’s first sequencer and drum machine.
From there he cofounded a design company that built the first electric drum pads for Dyna Cord. The first affordable sequencer, drum kit and digital tape recorded, ADAT, produced by Alesis.
WANT more! That design company grew into the legendary first guitar amp with digital sound modeling, Line Six Amps and effects pedals.
In this episode Marcus Riley shares not only the secrets of his accomplishments but what you need to know to drive you to accomplish your dreams."
After sculpting sound in space with The 3B, The 3FX explores the creation of sound spaces capable of transcending all your instruments.
ARCHITECTURE
The heart of The 3FX is built around three fully independent effect voices, each based on a coherent 8-module architecture:
Two delays per voice, usable in series or in parallel An advanced, progressive feedback path up to controlled self-oscillation An analog 12 dB/octave multimode VCF (BP, LP, HP) to optionally process the audio spectrum, both on the delay lines and on the dry signal Independent levels for the dry signal and each delay line A panorama control to position the voice within the stereo field. The stereo input signal is distributed across the three voices: left / left + right / right. A mono signal is distributed across all three voices. Each voice can be used alone, stacked or combined with the others to create textures impossible to achieve with a conventional delay.
"Can a digital synth match the chaos of guitar feedback? Audrey II is a horrorscape synthesizer designed for feedback performance. In this video we’ll learn how to control feedback to create drones, sweeps, rumbles and pure chaos.
Soft Memo is a hybrid stereo multi effects desktop unit with eight digital CV controlled FX programs, two analogue feedback paths and two complex voltage-controlled LFOs.
It has patch points to integrate external synthesisers and sequencers and it is designed to creatively reshape your sounds with a menu-free hands-on approach.
You can create patches by connecting inputs and outputs with eurorack-standard 1/8" jacks.
All its inputs are protected from potentially dangerous voltages.
It generates (and reacts to) control voltages in the 0-5V range: when a CV signal is patched into an input, its knob becomes an attenuator for the incoming signal.
The patch points are visually divided between inputs and outputs: the inputs are placed in the middle of a white circle while the outputs are not.
Soft Memo is powered by a 9V center-negative (500 mA) power supply, the standard PSU used with most guitar pedals.
Features:
Eight FX programs
A total of 25 patch points
Two high gain preamps
Two feedback paths made of analog VCAs and resonant analog VCFs
Two complex voltage controlled LFOs with clock division and phase offset control
An envelope follower
A→B buttons to set how the two channels controls interact with each other"
WARP is a high-quality multi-purpose audio processing unit, able to add might and magic to almost any instrument. It contains 15 different effects that can be divided into three types:
Spatial effects — ranging from traditional reverbs to granular, experimental algorithms, with pitch-shifting, reverse and micro-loops. Most of the spatial effects feature extremely long decay times, all the way to infinity. With feedback ratios above 1 you can drive the algorithm into self-oscillation for creating endless, rich, lively soundscapes out of almost any sound. To keep the sound under control with reasonable headroom and tonal aesthetic, all the generative algorithms include dedicated modules to automatically control sound levels. Special effects — such as flanger, sample rate/bit reduction, vintage tape simulation. All special effects include unusual functions giving them a unique SOMA flavor. Dynamic effects and filters — compressors, distortions, filters. All the effects in this category can be applied to submixes, e.g. a rhythm section group, or even to the whole mix – so one can conventionally call them master effects. All the effects in this category also have their unique extended features, SOMA-style. All of that makes WARP a great unit for spatial processing of any acoustic or electronic instruments — guitar, vocals, strings, synthesizers etc., — as well as processing drums or complete mixes. WARP uses top-class audio chains and AD/DA-converters, same as those found in the best professional audio-interfaces made by APOGEE, FOCUSRITE, LEXICON, ECHOAUDIO, LINE 6, NOVATION. This prevents sound deterioration, even in such demanding situations as processing a complete mix. WARP has stereo inputs and outputs, compatible with both balanced and non-balanced connections. All of the sound processing is digital, including the MIX control. The AD/DA resolution is 24bit/48KHz. The internal digital processing resolution is 32bit IEEE.
WARP has a simple, intuitive interface, with instant direct access to all functions — perfect for playing live. Every processing parameter has a dedicated CV input, controllable via Eurorack systems and any CV source.
Morphor marks upcoming availability of ECHON 6 as world’s first polysynth based around analogue BBD resonators by announcing opening of pre-orders
GHENT, BELGIUM: having twice turned heads and opened ears thanks to show-stealing showcases at SUPERBOOTH25, May 8-10, FEZ-Berlin, Germany and Machina Bristronica 2025, September 27-28, Bristol, UK, Morphor marks upcoming availability of its eagerly-awaited ECHON 6 — being billed as the world’s first polyphonic synthesizer based around BBD (Bucket-Brigade Delay) resonators, building upon the Belgium-based collective of artists, engineers, and musicians with a passion for creative sound experience and radical acoustic ideas’ illustrious Eurorack expertise in that area as its inaugural standalone (rack-mountable) desktop design — by announcing the opening of pre-orders as of October 23…
As an ANALOGUE POLYPHONIC MULTI-TIMBRAL BBD SYNTHESIZER — helpfully highlighted by the on point wording worked tastefully into its fitting front panel design’s execution, ECHON 6 brings the principals of modal synthesis into the analogue domain. Far from reimagining a digital concept with modern analogue circuitry, it readily redefines how resonance and excitation can interact. And as the world’s first polyphonic synthesizer based around BBD resonators, no less, each of its six voices features a discrete BBD RESONATOR that tracks the keyboard, producing organic overtones and complex harmonic depth. Duly allowing its users to excite those resonators in creative ways, ECHON 6 can generate anything from plucked and bowed strings over leads and basses to big pads and evolving soundscapes. Combining comprehensive multi-timbral capabilities, a 9 x 32 modulation matrix, a full analogue signal path, and a one-knob-per-function approach, ECHON 6 ultimately unites experimental sound design with classic polyphony. Indeed, its architecture invites exploration at every stage of that analogue signal path.
"RARE! New England Digital Synclavier 9600 Polyphonic Sampling System Brochure
Yes, this is the 9600, and yes, this is in English.
This is THE RAREST and MOST SOUGHT AFTER of the 1989 new system brochures that that fake foreign website scanned the photos from 25+ years ago to show fake systems on the website (instead of real ones like Synclav com has shown for 20+ years). This is the original source of the scan, at least for the Synclavier 9600 model. Those photos show empty boxes. Uhm, what's holding that beige door closed (no locks)? And exactly what software generates that screen image?
This incredibly rare brochure gives all the information, and shows all the specs of the Synclavier 9600. And surprise! The maximum polyphonic sampling memory is not "1.5GB", lulz.
And, lastly, Synhouse has the Synclavier 9600 in stock (two kinds, actually). Nobody else does."
New England Digital Synclavier Brochure VPK Sample-to-Disk VT640
"This is an incredibly rare brochure from the summer of 1984 (when NED was working on polyphonic sampling Synclavier to be shown October 1984 and there was no actual system in production, the few shipped were hybrids of the Synclavier V/PK retrofitted to a Synclavier II Control Unit) that shows things that NED didn't exactly make, ever.
This was their first---and last---mention of "The Tapeless Studio" meaning the sequencer (later that meant the Direct-to-Disk system). It describes the SMPTE Reader Option without using that term because it wasn't yet available and they hadn't figured out how it would be done yet (similar to the 1987 discussion of the not-yet-released 3rd party SMPTE reader for the Linn 9000, saying they weren't sure whether or not it would require additional hardware to be added to the Linn 9000....that's the sound of someone who hasn't ever used SMPTE and doesn't know what it is), and it shows a graphical flow chart showing polyphonic sampling and multi-channel outputs (neither available then as building blocks), and is intentionally vague about the "floppy disk system" and "Winchester disks", as they didn't really have the set offering for that (high density Superfloppy, not out until 1985, and 5mb and 10mb IMI MFM Winchester drives being common, neither with SCSI until 9/1985).
It describes the Stereo Option, Sample-to-Disk, SCRIPT/MAX, and different Control Unit enclosures.
Most strangely, it shows a V/PK that never existed, with a back panel that wasn't made, with Synclavier II connectors that were never used and, sadly, an on/off power switch that they never put on this $11,000 machine.
Auction to be held at Musician's Hall of Fame & Museum, Nashville, on November 19
An incredible collection of more than 450 artifacts from the life and career of Florian Schneider, co-founder of the pioneer electronic band Kraftwerk."
Pics and videos featuring some of the gear below, and his Lederhosen for good measure (thanks greg!).
Update: the post has been fully updated with all the synth related gear. This may just well be the longest post to be featured on the site. I wanted to capture all the pics for all of the details including notes, scuffs, and of course serial numbers. It's an interesting look into what he used, the condition he keped his gear, in some cases, how he actually used his gear. Note the phonetics on the keys of the Casio CZ-101 and DX-100. Note the Midi Switch Box with a built-in speaker? What's that about? Note the camouflage key strap on the Korg RK-100 Remote Keyboard. Did he pick it out himself or did the keytar just come with it? Note the repeat midi controllers and the MIDI saxaphones. Wind was his primary instrument. You'll find a ton of the acoustic gear he used in the other listings. This is a fascinating insight into both what and how he used his gear.
Side note: there is no affiliate compensation for this post. The note at the top automatically shows for all posts with the Auction label.
Rack Mount Sennheiser VSM-201 Vocoder
Starting Bid
$5,000
Estimate
$20,000 - $40,000 USD
A late 1970s Sennheiser VSM 201 Vocoder with no serial number from the personal studio and collection of Florian Schneider of Kraftwerk (see images). While it’s said that only a few dozen of these Vocoders were produced, a few examples made it into the hands of forward-thinking musical artists including Herbie Hancock, Daft Punk, and of course, Kraftwerk, who used a VSM-201 like this on their albums Man Machine (1978) and Computerworld (1981). The VSM-201 has an intelligible sound that has not yet been bested by modern gear. Includes power cable. This VSM-201 has been removed from its wooden enclosure (which bears the serial number plate) and modified with a metal rack mount casing, presumably for live use. Requires 240v, IEC power cable not included.
Dimensions: 19 x 9 x 9 inches
Category: Kraftwerk, Equipment
Provenance: PROVENANCE From the Estate of Florian Schneider
Intuitive Instruments improves Exquis MPE controller with firmware 2.2.0 update alongside Ableton Live, Bitwig Studio, and Cockos Reaper workflow-merging scripts
SAINT-CYPRIEN, FRANCE: Intuitive Instruments is proud to announce improvements to the award-winning Exquis MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) controller with major updates coming courtesy of introducing firmware 2.2.0 alongside software scripts to merge its workflow with Ableton Live, Bitwig Studio, and Cockos Reaper DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) — wholeheartedly representing several simultaneous steps towards the inspirational solutions for music lovers creator’s goal of ultimately making music-making seamless by turning the flagship instrument itself into the ultimate lightweight and compact creative hub — as of September 8…
Exquis enables seamless and natural interaction with all DAW software, MIDI synthesizers, and modular systems by becoming a direct extension of its user’s creativity as an expressive and intuitive MPE controller comprising a hexagonal matrix of 61 backlit soft silicon keys arranged as consecutive notes (semitones) horizontally and harmonious notes (thirds) vertically — from the lowest at the bottom to the highest at the top — that provide independent gestural control over four different dimensions: velocity (strike force), horizontal tilt (X axis — pitch bend), vertical tilt (Y axis — CC#74), and pressure (Z axis — channel pressure or polyphonic aftertouch). Alongside a namesake companion app — itself optionally offering an experience akin to traditional composition software — available on macOS and Windows with support for VST, VST3, and AUv3 audio plug-in formats, Intuitive Instruments’ flagship instrument is intended to provide musicians of all levels with a fun and intuitive way of creating melodies and progressions, fully exploiting sonic potential in the process of doing so — whether working with third-party software over the USB (Type-C) connection, third-party software or hardware synthesizers through the MIDI IN and OUT (minijack) connections, and modular synthesizers via CV (control voltage) with dedicated 0-5V (minijack) connections for GATE (V-Trigger), PITCH (V/Oct), and MOD (pressure or velocity). These top out a lightweight (600g) and compact — 36 mm (H) x 146 mm (W) x 317 mm (D) — desktop design that also incorporates four rotary/push encoders and a six-zone capacitive touch slider, plus a series of selection, undo/redo, and action buttons, providing precise and intuitive control collectively over any user’s sound while enhancing interaction with the app.
"'MFX motto' is a multi-effects plugin from ALM Busy Circuits, which brings the much lauded FX engines from our 'MFX' Eurorack Module, Guitar Pedal and Desktop plugins to the iPad with the unique ability to now chain multiple effects. In this video we demo the plugin with a hybrid hardware + iPad setup using the AUM mixer/syncing app.
Inspired by our favourite classic hardware effects processors, the MFX motto incorporates DSP technologies from the dawn of digital effects in the 70s to the present day. This combines with ALM character and uniqueness to form a highly useful, fun and practical iPad effects processor.
Bend time space and pitch with multiple feature rich reverb and delay engines. Modulate signals with the flexible panner, phaser and range of ensembles. Fracture sounds with a one of a kind glitch engine. Reshape sound with the dynamics engine.
Important! MFX motto is an Audio Unit Effects Plugin (AUv3) which requires a compatible host or DAW to work such as Garageband, AUM etc. It does not work as a standalone app.
Unique to the MFX motto is the ability to create custom effect chains of up to 11 effects in any order - all within the plugin itself - allowing for clear, efficient routing between multiple effects.
MFX motto is available to purchase now for iPad at the special launch price of 9.99 until the 10th October via the App Store button below."
"360 SYSTEMS DIGITAL KEYBOARD Incredibly rare early 8-bit sample-based keyboard (1982-1984, only 200 made). This is the Mark 2 type, with MIDI. Excellent condition apart from light scratches on the wood panels. Comes with printed manuals (1st and 2nd editions), parts catalogue, service history (maintenance done since the current owner bought it in 2005 - and since then only played it in his home studio).
12 of the 16 voice sockets contain voice chips as follows: 1 Flute / 2 Gut String Guitar / 3 Bass Guitar / 4 Slap bass / 5 Electric Guitar / 6 Electric Piano / 7 Clavinet / 8 Saxophone / 9 French Horn / 10 Trombone / 11 Dark Trumpet / 12 Bright Trumpet.
All 43 original algorithms, mathematically verified against the original DSP architecture. No guesswork.
It has patch points to integrate external synthesisers and sequencers and it is designed to creatively reshape your sounds with a menu-free hands-on approach.
"THE FLORIAN SCHNEIDER COLLECTION
