From the nostalgia-driven electric guitar cohort and demand for artist signature pedals, to the battle between amps and modelers and much, much more, Reverb's data-based rundown not only features an editorialized look at some of the top categories, but allows musicians to dig into the data at every level, from the best-selling pedals released in 2025, to the best-selling electric guitars of the year, new or otherwise.
"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."
"A live electronic music performance by Magnetic Heart.
The MIDI sequences were originally created on the Squarp Hapax and then recorded into Ableton, which is my main performance Sequencer. Here it's being used to sequence the Elektron Analog Four MK2, Elektron Analog Rytm MK2 and Novation Summit.
The synths are recorded back into Ableton where they are being mixed and mastered."
"Afternoon exploration session with 3 silver boxes, the Elektron Machinedrum handling the beat and the classic SID Station led by the Lightreft Monolit on the 2.0β firmware.
Machinedrum keeps things tight and mechanical while the SID Station focuses on texture. Bit-grit, noise edges, and shifting timbres.
Just experimenting, seeing how far the monolit can take Midi Automation over an IDM groove. #machinedrum #sidstation #idm"
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The LightReft Monolit made its first appearance on the site earlier this month in another video by HANJŌ.
The following is a playlist featuring dditional demos, followed by some pics and details further below.
Playlist (in most recent order - video 7 is from one year ago):
1. Monolit Sequencer
2. Machinedrum + Monolit : Simple Setup
3. MONOLIT x DECKARD'S DREAM MK2
4. Monolit: Quick Tips for Hardware Users
In this video, we demonstrate how Monolit connects seamlessly with synths, grooveboxes, and samplers — no computer needed. No deep menus, no distractions — just a clean interface and immediate control.
We explore different scenarios where Monolit shines: real-time MIDI control, clock generation, note and CC mapping, automation, and even gamepad integration. Hand-built in Japan, Monolit is a minimal yet powerful tool for artists seeking intuitive, hands-on control.
5. Monolit Firmware 1.2.0: Unlocking New MIDI Control Features!
In this video, we dive into the new features introduced in Monolit firmware v1.2.0. From advanced MIDI routing to external slider control and dynamic button functions — Monolit just got a serious upgrade. We’re showcasing a dual-Monolit setup, where one unit controls the other, which is connected to an Elektron Monomachine.
6. Monolit × Octatrack — Live Performance Control Demo | LightReft
Welcome to the first tutorial on the MONOLIT device! In this 40+ minute video, you’ll get acquainted with the essential settings, programming, and MIDI control on MONOLIT, while exploring the device’s unique capabilities. This session covers the key aspects of working with MONOLIT, making it an ideal guide for musicians and producers who want to master its full potential.
Main topics covered: Initial setup and connecting MONOLIT Programming and MIDI control Using functions and operational modes
Dive into the world of sound with this introduction to MONOLIT! Tutorial by Tim Shatny.
"MONOLIT by Light Reft
A smart, modular MIDI computer built for live performance and smooth integration with any setup.
Monolit is not a controller you map once to forget.
It is a playable instrument - a physical interface that lets you shape sound through motion, record gestures as automation, and turn parameters into something alive.
Designed for those who don’t just adjust sound, but perform it.
WHY MONOLIT?
A motion driven MIDI instrument for live sound shaping, expressive sequencing, and gestural automation. 8 banks with 64 controls per preset Real-time MIDI automation and parameter morphing Seamless DAW + hardware integration USB, TRS-MIDI, external device support Customizable, minimal, and fast. MEET MONOLIT, YOUR NEW MULTIFUNCTIONAL MIDI COMPANION! MONOLIT by Light Reft is a cutting-edge, multifunctional MIDI-computer that transforms your music production experience. Designed for musicians who seek precision and flexibility, MONOLIT offers seamless integration with all DAWs and hardware devices, customizable presets, and an intuitive interface for effortless control and creativity. Whether you're diving into your DAW or jamming out with external hardware instruments, MONOLIT has you covered. An endless library of presets at your fingertips—each one offering 8 banks, with 8 sliders and 8 buttons per bank. That's a whole lot of control!
For each slider and button, we present a range of versatile options. You can record MIDI automation, set delay times for slider movements, send notes and LFOs, and adjust various parameters directly within the device. This flexibility ensures that you have complete control over every detail of your setup. But it doesn't stop there. MONOLIT is as versatile as you are, allowing you to connect other devices like Gamepads, Keyboards, Monome Grid , or any MIDI device you fancy. This means you can take command of your entire setup, all through one sleek, powerful interface. Whether you're crafting the perfect beat, tweaking synths, or anything in between, MONOLIT is the tool that brings your musical ideas to life with ease and style. Designed and assembled in Japan, MONOLIT is ready to be shipped worldwide.
"Elektron just dropped a new firmware for the Tonverk unlocking Grainer, a brand-new granular engine. [see the announcement post here]
I couldn’t be happier for granular has always been my home base, and seeing it land on a device that’s becoming essential to my workflow feels like a gift (I take it for my birthday!).
I have watched their tutorial on YT and spent less than a hour digging into it and here the result: sculpted noisy, grain-saturated layers that intentionally rub against the cleaner, more refined machines that appear halfway through.
A small piece about tension and contrast, basically how I feel today :)"
"Luke Brennan, MD at myVolts giving a demonstration of our new Step Up USB-C power adapters can power a Chase Bliss pedal or a Digitakt Synth from just a standard USB Cable.
With a background in power adapters, myVolts have developed a range of solutions so you can power your synths, pedals, AV gear and more with USB. You can even power items that were previously powered by batteries.
The Silent Alchemist is an Isolated USB power hub, that allow you to do that without the buzz and humm usually associated with USB power.
In this video, he talks of how Step Up, a USB-C solution. With our 'Power My Gear' free webtool, you can plan out your USB power setup easily.
"Dive into Tonverk's new granular machine, Grainer, with this thorough tutorial from Risa T. OS 1.1.0 introduces this playful tool - alongside a host of fixes and improvements - letting you break your sample into the tiniest grains and reassemble it into new textures, strange rhythms, or continuous, evolving tones. Risa explores Grainer's parameters, as they easily open the door to wide-ranging soundscapes, shaped slowly or dialled in almost instantly, and puts together some sweet musical demonstrations via the machine's different Play Modes.
"Bill Youngman takes us inside the world of the Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1 UW+. From glitchy soundscapes to driving techno rhythms, he shows why this legendary drum machine continues to inspire producers worldwide.
Discover the magic of the Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1 UW+ with Bill Youngman – producer, sound designer, and beat wizard renowned for his experimental soundscapes and productions on labels like Tresor, Scandinavia, Serotonin, and others since the mid-90s.
In this exclusive video with Electronic Beats TV, Bill takes a deep dive into one of his all-time favorite drum machines and reveals why its unique limitations still ignite endless creativity today.
From glitch-driven textures to hard-hitting techno rhythms, the Elektron Machinedrum remains a cult classic that continues to inspire new generations of electronic musicians. Bill Youngman shares his workflow, creative tricks, and why the Machinedrum’s quirks make it such a timeless and essential instrument."
"Fun track sending a sequence to the minimoog from an elektron analog keys. Drums are the Dave Smith Tempest. Bass is the Moog Mother 32. Effects from the GFI Specular Tempus and the Strymon Bigsky Mx."
INTRICATE IDM DRUMS INSPIRED BY AUTECHRE, APHEX TWIN, AND SQUAREPUSHER
Synth sounds in this video are from Elektron Digitone 2 sound pack “Drones & Depths”.
A focused collection of 82 experimental drum loops crafted specifically for Digitakt II and its new Grid/Slice workflow. All loops are 4 bars and perfectly mapped to 64 steps, ensuring flawless alignment, smooth transitions, accurate morphing, and full cross-compatibility between every loop.
Each loop is precisely warped/quantized so the Grid mode slices kicks, snares, hats, percussion and glitches with perfect accuracy — ready for resequencing, rearranging, or deep rhythmic mutation.
With a single press of Create Random Locks, you can generate infinite variations from any loop, unlocking new ideas instantly with one button.
The rhythmic approach follows the style of Aphex Twin and Squarepusher: complex beats built on a single track, suitable for IDM, glitch, experimental electronica, and experimental drum & bass.
Includes a ready-to-use project with effects, modulations, and macro controls for expressive performance. All samples are provided in 16-bit / 48 kHz stereo WAV, usable in any DAW but optimized for perfect behavior inside Digitakt II.
A precision-built rhythmic toolkit for avant garde, expressive, and unpredictable drums."
"The TR-1000 is a strange and wonderful machine that constantly has me returning to the manual to see if it can do 'this or that' and often finding out it can do most things you throw at it. How does it compare to an Elektron machine? How does it sound? Is the workflow clunky or is it smooth? Could this be an addition to your setup or a stand alone machine? All this and more, this time on 120 minutes. Additionally we will talk smack about the OP-XY while also drooling on it at the same time. My favorite combo."
"I'm using an Elektron Syntakt and three channels of SY CHIP, and the analog filter & distortion block - to simulate the SID sound. An Edirol PCR-800 is used to play one of the channels live
This performance was part of the @BIT-SCAPE live stream on CRX 2025.
All sound is direct from the Syntakt without any processing."
