Oberheim DX Full Restoration: How to Add MIDI, Upgrade RAM & Play Live

video upload by Nostalgic Explorer

"If you want to see how the Oberheim DX looks from the inside, how to clean the buttons, how to upgrade the RAM, and how to add MIDI to this classic drum machine, you're in the right place.

This machine came to me in pretty bad shape. Dirty on the outside, with some faulty buttons, and in serious need of some love. But honestly? It's not that hard to bring one of these back to life if you're careful and you enjoy working with vintage gear. And if you don't — stick around anyway, because it's super interesting to see these machines from the inside.

I'm walking you through the full process: deep cleaning, how to remove and clean the button contacts the right way (spoiler: cleaning the surface does nothing — you need to go under them), installing the Electrongate MIDI board and RAM upgrade so you don't need a battery anymore, and swapping the plastic panels for the beautiful wooden ones from Electrongate.

Big shoutout to Paul White, whose Electrongate videos were a huge reference for this build. I'm just a student passing the knowledge forward — go check his page, I'll leave the links below.

Once everything was back together and fully working, I put on a jacket — because if I'm performing original music for you, you deserve some respect — and played a live jam using the restored Oberheim DX, the Oberheim DMX, Moog Voyager, Rhodes Mark I, Oberheim Matrix 6R, Elektron Digitakt, and the Roland Space Echo RE-201."

elektron Machinedrum SPS-1 UW MKII - functiontest 1

video upload by verstaerker

"just testing the Machinedrum .. everything runs smooth and the machine kicks"

8-BIT MINIMALISM (OTO-Biscuit, Elektron MachineDrum MKII)

video upload by Acid Gray

"First test drive of OTO-Biscuit and just the Machinedrum.

Evolving set moving from minimal techno / tech house into deeper dub-territories.

Directly recorded on 1010 BlueBox in a single take using the MD main outs - just a tiny bit of reverb being used here, otherwise only onboard FX being used."

A Potted History of Drum Synthesizers

video upload by Alex Ball and Nathan Curran Tugg the Drummer (Tugg)

"A look at a niche within a niche, the drum synthesizer; a story that begins in the late 60s and continues to this very day."

0:00 Intro
0:25 Definition of a "Drum Synthesizer"
2:24 Precursors, DIY and Impakt
4:03 Star Instruments Synare
5:09 How these Instruments Worked
6:13 Syndrum: The First Famous Drum Synth
8:45 Ult-Sound: Japan's First Drum Synth
10:10 Pearl & Tama: Here Come The Drum Companies
13:20 Simmons: The Zeitgeist
19:21 The Flood Gates & Mega-Montage
24:48 Soviet Offerings
25:17 Decline and the Splitting Point
27:05 Vermona: A New Era
29:28 Elektron: Blurred Lines
30:58 A Plethora of Machines
32:24 Clavia/Nord: Simply Red
33:39 Modern Day: The Culmination
34:44 Summary & Thanks
35:23 Patron Outro Jam

Update:

1/14/26 Simmons SDS6 + TAMA DS200 + Alesis MIDIVERB II + CXM 1978

video upload by Cfpp0

"This is one of two videos I recorded for the great Alex Ball (‪@AlexBallMusic‬) to use in his video about the history of drum synthesizers. I’m using the Simmons SDS7 to trigger the two halves of the TAMA DS200, with reverbs from the Alesis MIDIVERB II and the CXM 1978. The DS200 is running hot through the MIDIVERB II, overloading the preamp. The CXM 1978 has a long predelay in lo-fi mode to create a grainy pitchy echo."

Jogging House – “Stenography” Walkthrough

video upload by Elektron

"Jogging House walks us through the workflow on 'Stenography', the gorgeous opening track of his new album 'Sender', which was recorded straight to 1/4" tape using only Tonverk and sampled kalimba.

Listen to and purchase Sender at Jogging House's Bandcamp:"

Tech Talk: K.A.S.I. - Serge Modular, Improvisation & Organic Movement (Electronic Beats TV)

video upload by Telekom Electronic Beats TV

"For this episode of Electronic Beats Tech Talk, we visited Kasi in the studio to explore her unique approach to live electronic performance, modular synthesis, and hardware-driven sound design.
She is currently studying Electronic Music Production and Performance at Catalyst – Institute for Creative Arts and Technology.
Working with the Serge Modular System, selected Eurorack modules, the Erica Synths Perkons, and the Elektron Analog Four MKII, Kasi creates a sound world between experimental ambient, hypnotic textures, and raw, groove-driven techno.
In this conversation, she talks about improvisation, real-time interaction, unstable modulation, and why she treats sound as a living system — shaped by psychedelic experiences, abstract art, and organic movement.

Production & Camera: Romi Agel & Holger Wick / Sense Music & Media
Edit and Graphics: Klara Mottlova"

UDO Super 6 & Chase Bliss Gen Loss Lofi Jam

video upload by the nightwater

"Fun jam using the Elektron Analog Keys to sequence the UDO Super 6. Some effects from the Chase Bliss Gen Loss and the Strymon Bigsky Mx. Drums are the Dave Smith Tempest and bass is the Moog Mother 32."

Vexatious - Psy-Doom Dub Drone - Elektron Tonverk & Eurorack Modular

video upload by Abre Ojos

"‪@WeAreElektron‬ Tonverk & Eurorack
‪@afterlateraudio‬ Adventure case & Atom
Neutron Sounds Dust of Time
‪@QuBitElectronix‬ Scanned
Gehrin Plaits
@makenoisemusic QPAS
‪@EricaSynths‬ Black Joystick 2
Nonlinearcircuits Triple Sloths V2
‪@NoiseEngineering‬ Manis Iteritas & Viol Ruina
Livewire Electronics Vulcan Modulator
‪@1010music‬ bluebox

Live visuals using Year 2889 (1969) from Archive.org played through cracked ancient iPad and processed through: Video microscope
Sony ZV1
Roland V1-HD
‪@entropyandsons‬ Recursion Studio
Resolume Avenue
Recorded with Rodecaster Video"

Elektron Tonverk vs Eurorack Modular - Making feedback drone tones

video upload by Abre Ojos

00:00 Intro ramble - The Idea!
01:15 The Atom - Elements Clone
04:00 The Tonverk FX - Filter Folder
07:17 The other bits of the Tonverk
08:42 Joystick control and other modulations in the patch
14:32 Let's listen to the feedback patch
18:27 The feedback sample on the Tonverk - Do you Sub bro?
20:51 Let's listen with the kick & rumble
22:24 One more input into the Atom for extra feedback drone tones
26:18 Neutron Sound - Dust of Time layer
29:29 Plaits drone
30:39 All together now!

Elektron Analog Four MKII 4-Voice Tabletop Analog Synthesizer w/ Rack Ears

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

via this Reverb listing

Additional SYNTH CITY Listings

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Lobit Club – 4-Track FM Groovebox for Game Boy | Superbooth 2026

video upload by Noisegate and Fors

"Lobit Club features 2-operator real-time FM synthesis, a dedicated Game Boy noise channel, per-step parameter locks, trigless steps with auto-echo, a generative sequencer with shuffle per track, scale quantization, and MIDI sync via the Game Boy link port.

It runs on original hardware, flash carts (Everdrive), or any emulator — meaning it'll run on your phone, computer, or pretty much any device you own.

🎮 Get it: https://lo-bit.club/
Check out: https://fors.fm/

Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:13 What is Lobit Club?
01:01 Inspiration: Nanoloop, LSDJ, M8, Elektron
01:18 Parameter locks & patch-per-step
01:36 Trigless steps & auto-echo
02:06 Generative features & shuffle
02:26 Scale lock
02:30 Sync & compatibility
03:05 Runs on cartridge, flash cart, or emulator
03:44 Pricing & free demo"

See the Fors label below for additional posts.

Morning Ambient Session | Machinedrum, SEQTRAK & Analog Four

video upload by Hideo Nakasako

"A slow and meditative morning ambient session built around the gentle rhythms of the Elektron Machinedrum. Layered with drifting textures from the YAMAHA SEQTRAK and deep pads and arpeggios from the Analog Four.

Created for quiet mornings, coffee, and slow moments.

ゆっくりと流れるリズムと淡いテクスチャーを重ねた、朝のアンビエントセッションです。

Headphones recommended."

Stratification - Psy-Doom Ritual Techno Drone - Elektron Tonverk & Eurorack Modular

video upload by Abre Ojos

"54bpm - Layers and layers of layers

@WeAreElektron Tonverk & Eurorack
@afterlateraudio Adventure case & Atom
Neutron Sounds Dust of Time
@QuBitElectronix Scanned
Gehrin Plaits
@makenoisemusic QPAS
@EricaSynths Black Joystick 2
Nonlinearcircuits Triple Sloths V2
@NoiseEngineering Manis Iteritas & Viol Ruina
Livewire Electronics Vulcan Modulator
@1010music bluebox

Video:
Live visuals using The Time Travellers (1964) from Archive.org played through cracked ancient iPad and processed through:
Video microscope
Sony ZV1
Roland V1-HD
@entropyandsons Recursion Studio
Resolume Avenue
Recorded with Rodecaster Video

Dark ambient audiovisual stuff: https://abreojos.net"

Superbooth 2026: Twelve Things That Actually Caught His Eye

video upload by SynthDad

"Superbooth 2026 just wrapped up and here are the things that caught my eye over the week. As always there was way more to see than I could cover, so this is just my personal highlights from what I got to spend time with.

Let me know in the comments what stood out for you this year, and if there's anything you want me to do a deeper dive on in a future video.

Timeline:
00:00 Introduction
00:20 Elektron Outbox
01:26 Boredbrain Xcelon SL mixer
02:01 Ohmforce Bohm new kick model [& new Ohmni]
03:09 Quray gesture controller
03:38 Mimu glove controller
03:56 Making Sound Machines Plinky Chords
05:00 Bastl Kalimba
05:48 Enjoy Electronics Memento
06:58 Shakmat Queens Court
07:46 Neuzeit DROP new volume rings
08:08 WMD Cosmic Debris
09:03 Xaoc new modules
09:33 Thanks again!
09:51 Live performances"

BEAT GEMS - the new book on drum machines...

video upload by Bjooks

"Soon to launch on Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...

BEAT GEMS is a premium hardcover book from Bjooks that explores this remarkable history through rare and iconic machines, vivid photography, artist stories, technical insight, and the people who turned boxes of circuits into culture. The book explores more than six decades of electronic music history through the drum machines that changed the way music is made, recorded, and performed.

An inspiring and visually rich book for anyone interested in music technology, design, rhythm, and recording culture, this comprehensive work follows the evolution of drum machines from early experiments and preset rhythm companions to programmable icons, studio powerhouses, genre-defining classics, and the hardware revival of recent decades. The project structure already maps that story across eight major stages – from invention and standardization to creative misuse, programmability, studio control, genre definition, and rebirth.

The book presents comprehensive research, writing, editing, photography, and visual development by author Oli Freke and editor Kim Bjørn.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Prognostication - Psy-Doom Drone - Elektron Tonverk & Vermona PERfourMER

video upload by Abre Ojos

"48bpm - We see it coming

‪@WeAreElektron‬ Tonverk & Vermona PERfourMER

Video:
Live visuals using Operation Ganymede (1977) [IMDb] from Archive.org played through cracked ancient iPad and processed through:
Video microscope
Sony ZV1
Roland V1-HD
‪@entropyandsons‬ Recursion Studio
Resolume Avenue
Recorded with Rodecaster Video

Dark ambient audiovisual stuff: https://abreojos.net"

Geist Maschine OST | Forever A Kid | Theme of Oro | Monomachine, Machinedrum, Microkorg, A4 Jam

video upload by buromaschinen

"Having fun creating some tracks for my three books series Geist Maschine.

More info about Geist Maschine can be found here:
https://www.lrnz.it/geist-maschine-01
https://baopublishing.it/prodotti/gei...

French edition:
https://www.editions-ruedesevres.fr/G...

Elektron Monomachine SFX-60 MKII+: main synth and sequencer
Elektron Machinedrum SPS1-UW MKII+: percussions
Elektron Analog4: pads and power bass
Korg Microkorg: additional organ pads
Strymon BigSky: reverb on monomachine channels EF
Analog Heat: Saturation/EQ/compressor, head of chain in the master track

Mixed and mastered with Softube Console1, SSL4000 on individual channels, Weiss Gambit at the end of the master track fx chain.

You can find my music at http://buromaschinen.bandcamp.com

Buromaschinen is part of the Distant Future Association, distantfuture.bandcamp.com"

Elektron Syntakt 12-Voice Drum Computer and Synthesizer w/ Decksaver Cover

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

via this listing

Additional Perfect Circuit listings

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Elektron Model:Cycles FM Synthesizer + Groovebox

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

via this listing

Additional Perfect Circuit listings

CLICK FOR MORE »

One Of The Best Performance Templates For The Octatrack (Updated!)

video upload by EZBOT

"Today we take a look at one of the more popular Performance Templates for the Elektron Octatrack MK1/MK2, the Hybrid 4X4 Performance Template, which now includes an alternate version called Hybrid 4X3. Hybrid 4X3 sacrifices a track to include a live looper for classic DJ transitions.

The Ultimate Wavetable Pack: / ultimate-pack-1-153880313 and https://ko-fi.com/s/b7bb5da64b

Download the Octatrack Hybrid 4X4 Performance Mixer here: one-time purchase https://ko-fi.com/s/82279613bb and here for ongoing support / hybrid-4x4-1-0-140477341"

BOARDS OF CANADA - Under the coke sign (COVER - Prophet REV2 & Elektron Analog Heat+FX)

video upload by nicola neeco

"Gear & Setup
Recreating Boards of Canada’s 'Under the Coke Sign' using the Sequential Prophet Rev2 and Elektron Analog Heat+FX. (Patches made from scratch)
Two custom patches on the Prophet: left hand for the bass line; right hand leverages the chord memory function: hold desired notes and hit unison to trigger full chords with a single finger.

Processing & Sound
The Analog Heat+FX provides warm saturation, EQ shaping, and the warble module, which introduces the characteristic background tape noise heard throughout."