Bad Gear - Why did they do this???

video upload by AudioPilz

"Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world’s most-h*ted audio tools. In a time before Volcas, the Clone Wars and Moog becoming just another specimen in InMusic’s butterfly collection the granddaddy of synth brands brought an instrument to the market that can be considered the blueprint for the music tech landscape to come.

Today we are going to talk about Minitaur. This 2012 analog mono synth and domesticated modern take on the iconic Taurus bass foot pedals of 70s prog rock fame not only comes with the pitch range of a Bob Dylan harmonica solo, it will also keep you glued to your computer screen like their CPU-munching Mariana plugin. Why did they do this?

Chapters:
00:00 Intro tune
01:03 Overview Mini Taur
01:40 The Taurus Legacy, Oscillators
02:19 The Dealbreaker, Moog Sirin
02:56 Ladder Filter
03:24 LFO, Envelopes
03:50 Minitaur App / Editor Software
04:10 Preset Management
04:23 What else? (Connectivity, Thanks, Pricing)
04:42 H*te Screen
05:11 Jam 1 ( Electronica )
05:59 Jam 2 ( Chill Electronica )
07:04 Finale ( Techno Electronica )
07:34 Verdict"

Koma Elektronik Chromaplane and Strymon NightskyO

video upload by Luca Longobardi

"I keep to this routine every day without variation. The repetition itself becomes the important thing; it's a form of mesmerism. I mesmerize myself to reach a deeper state of mind.
(H. Murakami, The Art of Fiction No. 182)"

Bad Gear - The One He FORGOT About

video upload by AudioPilz

"Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world’s most-h*ted audio tools. Depending on whom you ask, we are either living in the golden age of music technology OR a dystopian hellscape in which true creativity is replaced with unabated consumerism. The answer is of course: YES!!!

Today we are going to talk about Synth and it might be a sign of the times that I completely forgot about receiving it as a long term loan from Polyend around 6 months ago.


Chapters:
00:00 Intro tune
00:47 Overview Polyend Synth
01:39 Synth Engines
02:54 Presets
03:07 Filters
03:17 Synth Architectures, LFOs, Envs, Midi, Mod Matrix
03:48 FX Section
03:56 Multitimbrality, Polyphony, CPU Consumption
04:31 Arpeggiator, Sequencer
04:57 What else? (Build Quality, Connectivity, Pricing,...)
05:19 H*te Screen
05:40 Jam 1 ( Epic Techno )
06:29 Jam 2 ( Whateverwave )
07:31 Finale ( Old School Trance )
07:58 Verdict"

Bad Gear - Too Expensive to feel SO CHEAP

video upload by AudioPilz

"Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world’s most-hated audio tools. The analog tones of Roland’s SH-101 have been a staple in electronic music production since the 80s.

However, those who didn’t buy the dip in the 90s will have to make do with oversized fridge magnets, Uli’s homage to plastic, blasphemous plugins or - in this case - Donner’s brand-new L1 which has no reason to be that expensive while feeling so cheap.

Chapters:
00:00 Intro tune
00:48 Overview Donner L1
01:29 Oscillator Section
01:59 Filter Section
02:14 Envelopes, Drone, Gate
02:44 LFO, Analog FM
02:59 Sequencer
03:20 Menus, Screen
03:35 Digital Bleed from the Screen
03:56 The Detachable Keyboard and its Limitations
04:07 Connectivity (or lack thereof)
04:17 Midi, Arpeggiator
04:42 What else? (Many weird Flaws,...)
05:12 H*te Screen
05:40 Jam 1 ( Techno )
06:26 Jam 2 ( Elektro )
07:31 Finale ( Techno - All Sounds including Drums )
08:00 Verdict"

Bad Gear - 80s are for NERDS!!!

video upload by AudioPilz

"Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world’s most-hated audio tools. The 80s are oftentimes associated with Hollywood-worthy heroism, impeccable style and epic synth music that aged great - as long as it was played on instruments designed in the 70s.

Today, however, we are going to talk about K4. This digital synth , Kawai’s answer to Roland’s answer to Yamaha’s DX7 and more upscale successor to the K1 demonstrates impressively that the 80s were - first and foremost - VERY, VERY nerdy.

Chapters:
00:00 Intro tune
00:54 Overview Kawai K4 Synth
01:49 Oscillators, Waves
02:36 Drum Kit
02:47 Synth Architecture, Pitch Envelope, Ring Mod
03:14 Filter Section, Envs, LFOs
03:41 FX Section
03:54 Differences Keyboard vs. Rack Version
04:05 Sound Examples
04:43 Multitimbrality
04:56 Workflow, Pricing, Technical Background
05:25 H*te Screen
05:54 Jam 1 ( Nerd House )
06:47 Jam 2 ( Nerd Elektro )
08:53 Finale ( Nerd Techno )
08:17 Verdict"

HWJ - ALIEN SPOKEN

video upload by FL3SHB4CK

"Hardware Jam Challenge: EGNELLAHC ELPMAS ESREVER

P,h%trk & modulation by Zlob Trepanator
Live & sample grains by Multigrain

#granular #electronicmusic #experimental

‪@intellijel‬ ‪@zlobmodular‬"

Bad Gear - WHAT??? I actually have to PLAY IT???

video upload by AudioPilz

"Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world’s most-hated audio tools. Elektron sequencers are the prime excuse for aging synth hipsters with weird accents to completely neglect any attempt to get good at playing keyboards.

However, today we are going to talk about the 2013 Analog Keys and although it might be the only keyboard instrument from Elektron’s product portfolio history that doesn’t lead to immediate design-induced retina burn, the keys is NOT the problem here.

Chapters:
00:00 Intro tune
00:50 Overview AnalogKeys
01:33 Structure, Similarities to AnalogFour
01:59 CV/Gate and Midi Track (for e.g. Eurorack )
02:07 Oscillators, DCOs
03:17 Filter Section
03:33 Envelopes, LFOs
04:00 Oscillator Drift, Resonance Boost, Effects
04:12 Limitations, Challenges
04:25 Sequencer, Song Mode
04:45 Data Structure, Sound Pool
05:29 Multi Map
05:48 EVEN MORE Features, Arpeggiator
06:01 What else? (Workflow, Pricing, Thanks,...)
06:29 H*te Screen
06:53 Jam 1 ( Techno )
07:46 Jam 2 ( Elektro )
08:50 Finale ( Strange Dub Techno )
09:20 Verdict"

Wolvap Metal Distortion processing synthezisers/drum machine

video upload by AVP Synth

"Wolvap Metal Distortion effects pedal is designed using analog circuitry and precision high-quality components. It can produce a wide range of powerful sounds rich in harmonics to achieve distortion with high gain. Features three EQ bands – LOW, MID, HI. The METAL DISTORTION allows you to adjust the sound of your instruments over a wide range of spectrum.

Metal Distortion processing various synthesizers. [Korg Mono/Poly, Yocto Roland TR-808 clone]

Product page: www.avpsynth.com"



Wolvap Metal Distortion
This effects pedal is designed using analog circuitry and precision high-quality components. The METAL DISTORTION can produce a wide range of powerful sounds rich in harmonics to achieve distortion with high gain. It features three powerful EQ bands – LOW, MID, HI. The METAL DISTORTION allows you to adjust the sound of your instruments over an extremely broad spectrum.

Main features:

LOW control - provides up to 15dB of cut and boost in the bass frequency range

MID control - provides up to 15dB of cut and boost in the middle frequency range

HI control - provides up to 10dB of cut and boost in the treble frequency range

Input Impedance - 1 MΩ

Output impedance - 500 Ω

Recommended Load Impedance - 10 kΩ or greater

Power Supply – DC adapter 9V (center negative)

Current draw – 50 mA

Dimensions – 160(W) x110(D) x60(H) mm

Weight – 600 g

DC adapter 9V (not included)

Artificial Dynamics I | Gaston [Nonlinear] Dynamics

video upload by Ryan Gaston

"Artificial Dynamics I

a brief video with minimal editing featuring a self-sustaining network of connections on the Gaston [Nonlinear] Dynamics system. principal agents in the patch include: Compact Impulse Generator; Random State Array; Temporal Drag Processor; and prototype code for T/F-S[h]ift.

filmed july 26, 2025

head to my site for more information about the system and its potential uses:
https://ryangastonmusic.com/hardware"

Bad Gear - At least it's FREE!!!

video upload by AudioPilz

"Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world’s most-hated audio tools. Mom, can we have Serum? No, there’s Serum at home! At home…

Chapters:
00:00 Intro tune
00:27 Overview VITAL
00:39 VITAL vs. SERUM
01:01 Things it doesn't have, Wavetables
01:43 Wavetable Editor, Text to Wavetable, Noise
02:05 Filters
02:42 Modulators, Midi, MPE
03:27 Mod Matrix, FX Section
03:48 What else? ( CPU Consumption , "Pricing",...)
04:31 H*te Screen
05:04 Jam 1 ( Epic EDM )
06:00 Jam 2 ( Electro )
06:56 Finale ( Drum'n'Bass )
07:29 Verdict
08:42 Patreon Shoutout"

Bad Gear - Why did I BUY THIS???

video upload by AudioPilz

[Side Note: The main reason to get a DX200 is for how the knobs are mapped to multiple parameters. Each FM synth maps their controllers differently. You can morph sound in ways you can't easily with other FM synths. The DX200 makes for some intersting Buchla-esque sound morphing and exploration. The groovebox rhythm section is just a distraction, but neverless a tool if you choose to use it.]

"Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world’s most-hated audio tools. As a professional music technology clown I have become immune to gear acquisition syndrome, all my purchases are meticulously planned out, based on quantifiable parameters like resale value, repairability and actual utility in music production.

However, today we are going to talk about the 2001 Yamaha DX200, an overpriced contraption notorious for its questionable build quality, sonically surpassed by freeware plugins and riddled with more UI limitations than a Volca. Why did I buy this?

Chapters:
00:00 Intro tune
00:59 Overview DX200
01:29 Yamaha DX200 vs. Elektron Digitone, DX7 Patches
01:52 Front Panel UI
02:54 A DX7 with a Filter ???
03:12 FX Section, Distortion
03:26 Scenes
03:47 Software Editors
03:57 Sample Player, AWM Engine
04:27 Groovebox Functionality
05:09 Free EG (Automation)
05:35 Build Quality Issues, Workflow Quirks
06:12 DX200 vs. AN200 , Pricing
06:28 H*te Screen
06:56 Jam 1 ( Microhouse )
07:51 Jam 2 ( DnB )
08:53 Finale ( FM Organ Funk )
09:21 Verdict"

The Development and Practice of Electronic Music

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

via this eBay listing

"Electronic Music Book. The Development and Practice of Electronic Music by John H. Appleton and Ronald C. Perera. Copyright 1975. Has 384 pages, tons of information. This book is rare, hard cover, with dust cover, not a library copy. Hard cover in very good condition with dust cover in fair condition. This book belongs in a comprehensive electronic music book library. Time keeps on slipping into the future."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Sequential Introduces the Take 5 Desktop Module

video upload by Sequential

"Take Your Music to the Next Level

The Sequential Take 5 desktop module brings the legendary Prophet-5 sound to your mix, featuring the analog oscillators and filter that transformed electronic music. Compact and powerful, it fits seamlessly into any studio and is easy to transport for live performances. Modern effects and a powerful modulation matrix deliver sounds to transport you.

Soundtrack exclusively by Take 5. Yes, even the drums! Composed by Peter Dyer.

For more information on Take 5 visit Sequential at: https://sequential.com/hybrid-analog/..."

Sequential Take 5 Module Demo (no talking) - Presets for Ambient, Melodic Techno and Electronica

video upload by Limbic Bits

0:00 Pads
13:09 Bass
16:25 Leads and Arpeggios
20:57 Misc, SFX and Percussion

Sequential Take 5 Module Demo (no talking)

video upload by Bonedo Synthesizers

Hurray... Take 5 and TEO 5 Desktop Units

video upload by Starsky Carr

TEO 5 announced here

"The Take 5 and Teo-5 from Sequential and Oberheim make fantastic desktop units. They feel like they were made for this form factor - no compromises, simply great sounding synths in a high quality enclosure. The keyboard versions may have felt lacking in keys (even though they have a great keybed) - just a bit too short for some. I found it was quite handy having one that could fit on my rack! But with these the only decision you have to make is which one is best for you.

Luckily I'm here to confuse you further (they both sound great)! The decision will be whether you prefer the Oberheim or Sequential style of VCO programming, the filters, and the X-Mod/FM. And these just so happen to be the bits I look at in this :)"

0:00 Whoo Hoo!!
2:36 The Hardware
4:37 Quick Overview - What Are They?
6:58 Oscillators
10:20 Sync
12:31 Filters
21:08 X-Mod/FM



Press release follows:

Take Your Music to the Next Level with the Sequential Take 5 Desktop Module

San Francisco, CA – [July 1, 2025] – Sequential, a leading innovator in synthesizer technology, today announced the release of the Take 5 Desktop Module, bringing their legendary analog sound to a more compact and accessible form-factor.

Building on the success of the Take 5 keyboard, the desktop module offers the same powerful analog oscillators and filters that capture the iconic warmth and depth of the Prophet-5, enhanced with modern modulation and digital effects. The module delivers this sought-after sound in a space-saving design, perfect for studio setups and live performances where portability and efficiency are paramount.

"Ever since we launched the Take 5 keyboard, we’ve gotten repeated requests for a desktop module version, " says CEO David Gibbons. "And more recently, it seems that modules have really shot up in popularity. So, we're very excited to offer the Take 5 sound in a format that everyone seems to want."

The Take 5 Desktop Module provides the same hands-on, knob-based experience as its keyboard counterpart, allowing for intuitive sound design and real-time parameter adjustments. Users can delve deep into sound creation with controls that are simple and direct, making it fast and easy to polish your sound.

This synth fits perfectly in smaller studio or bedroom setups, and is easy to transport for live gigs, positioning The Take 5 desktop module to bring its signature Sequential sound to a wider audience than ever before. It's an instrument designed to make life easier and streamline the journey to making music and having fun.

The Take 5 desktop module is available now, with a US MAP price of $1,399.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Oberheim Introduces the TEO 5 Desktop Module

video upload by Oberheim Official

"The TEO-5 desktop module delivers the same signature sounds and synthesis features as its acclaimed keyboard counterpart. With genuine analog oscillators, the Oberheim SEM™ filter, and an intuitive knob-based interface, it fits seamlessly into your setup, offering powerful, hands-on control in an even more compact size.

Music by Peter Dyer
All sounds from TEO-5

Learn more at https://oberheim.com/products/teo-5/"


Press release follows:

Compact Creativity: Redefine Your Studio with the TEO-5 desktop

San Francisco, CA – [July 1, 2025] – Oberheim is proud to announce the release of the TEO-5 desktop module, a compact yet powerful addition to their venerated line of synthesizers. Designed for musicians and producers who want the iconic Oberheim sound in a space-saving format, the TEO-5 desktop module delivers all the same signature sounds and synthesis features as its sibling, the acclaimed TEO-5 keyboard.

TEO-5 boasts genuine analog oscillators and the legendary SEM™ multimode filter, allowing users to recreate the classic Oberheim sounds that have shaped decades of music. With extensive modulations, including linear, through-zero FM, and modern effects, the TEO-5 desktop module offers new sonic frontiers to explore.

The intuitive knob-based experience of its keyboard counterpart is also carried over into the TEO-5 desktop module. And all synthesis features are still easily accessible from the top panel, allowing users to make the real-time adjustments needed to fine-tune their sound with ease. This hands-on approach ensures that musicians can quickly dial in the perfect Oberheim tone for their music.

Ideal for synthesists with limited studio space, the TEO-5 desktop module provides all the exceptional presets and sonic control of the keyboard version in a footprint that's less than half the size. This compact design allows the TEO-5 desktop module to fit seamlessly into any creative workflow, making it a versatile addition to any setup.

“The meaning of the word ‘module’ has changed quite a bit since I first designed my Synthesizer Expansion Module or SEM back in 1974,” said Tom Oberheim. “But even back then, musicians appreciated getting tons of great sounds in a compact package. The TEO-5 keyboard has already gone farther and wider than SEM, and I’m excited to see this desktop module version introduce even more people to the magic.”

The TEO-5 desktop module is available now, with a US MAP price of $1,399.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Bad Gear - The Monster

video upload by AudioPilz

"Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world’s most-h*ted audio tools. Arturia doesn’t get enough credit for creating what is probably THE most relevant analog poly of the 21st Century, the Arturia Polybrute .

Today, however, we are going to talk about its similarly oversized, far less universally acclaimed and much more archaic cousin, the 2017 Matrixbrute WHICH didn't age so well.

Chapters:
00:00 Intro tune
00:44 Overview Matrix Brute
01:17 Oscillator Section
01:57 Filter Section ( Steiner-Parker & Moog Filter )
02:47 Oscillator Bleed, additional Filter Features
03:17 Envelopes, LFOs
03:29 Analog FX Section
03:54 Modulation Matrix
04:46 Preset Selection, Sequencer, Arpeggiator
05:18 What else? (Connectivity, Pricing, MatrixBrute Noir , Thanks)
06:02 H*te Screen
06:25 Jam 1 ( Techno )
07:21 Jam 2 ( Industrial )
08:23 Finale ( Fast Techno )
08:51 Verdict
09:59 Bloopers
10:21 Patreon Vocoder Shoutout"

Yamaha DD6 1989 Circuit Bent Drum Machine + Joystick Controller

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
video upload by Canned Sound

via this Reverb listing

"Yamaha DD-6 1989 drum machine featuring a 17-point modulation patch bay and pitch controller. The unit also includes an externally connected joystick module for manual activation of four additional modulation effects which are also combined on the diagonal axes for further processing options. Two latching/ momentary pre-set effect switches are also featured on this unit.

These custom modifications unlock an array of original sounds and rhythmic variations; making a single connection on the patch matrix can dramatically alter the output but applying multiple connections produces an increasingly complex, sometimes aleatoric range of reversed, tonal, bit crushed, flanged, distorted, aliasing and delayed sounds, additional accents, rhythmic patterns and digital noise. Additionally, the five included patch cables can be stacked for further sonic manipulation.

The patch bay and joystick affect the 100 tempo adjustable onboard rhythms and the velocity sensitive drum pads. The unit functions as normal when the patch bay is not implemented.

Mains (9- 12v DC) and battery powered (6 x AA), features a 1/4" output, no onboard speaker.

Dimensions: 42cm (L) x 27cm (W) x 12cm (H)."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Where Is The Distortion?

video upload by gotharman

"Yeah, where the h... is it?"

www.gotharman.dk

Yamaha FVX-1 w/ Original Box

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

via this Reverb listing

"Yamaha FVX-1 - Mint Condition, Original Box, Fully Tested

For sale is a mint Yamaha FVX-1 vocal effects processor. An increasingly hard-to-find gem from the late ’80s/early ’90s. This unit has lived its entire life in a box, in a smoke-free environment, shows virtually no cosmetic wear, and functions 100 % as intended.

Highlights

Condition: Mint. No damage, rack rash, or faded lettering
Functionality: Every function, button, display segment, MIDI port, and audio I/O has been tested and works flawlessly.
Includes: Original factory box with internal foam inserts (a collector’s bonus)
Power: 230 V EU model (step-down transformer required in 100–120 V regions)
Shipping: I pack to survive world tours—double-boxed, fully insured, and try to ship within 48 h
This is the cleanest FVX-1 I’ve seen in years; perfect for serious collectors or anyone who wants classic Yamaha formant-shifting and vocoder textures without hunting down spare parts."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Turning a rare Yamaha EX5/FDSP effect in a DIY guitar pedal with Plugdata / Hothouse (tutorial)

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"I try to turn the Yamaha #EX5 's 'Water' effect into a guitar pedal using the #HotHouse pedal, #plugdata, and the EX5's manual.

Table of contents:

00:00 introduction / water effect example
00:32 what was FDSP?
01:48 examining the "water" effect and digital waveguide synthesis
02:22 example patch: "Asian Rain"
02:38 but... that's brilliant!
04:50 quick recap: plugdata principles
05:27 adding all modules step-by-step: noise
05:48 resonant filters recap
06:20 how to build a sample-and-hold lfo in puredata
07:04 a big bang theory
07:37 resonant band pass filter 1, and controlling it with the sample-and-hold lfo
07:59 wait, ... what?
08:44 mathematical operations in plugdata (multiplier)
09:16 transmitting numbers with float objects and bangs
09:37 a first result!
09:50 resonant band pass filter 2 and audio input/output
10:25 resonant band pass filter 3 and high pass filter 1
10:45 envelope follower for the audio input, and some math to make it work
12:11 abs object
12:24 building a recursive delay with delwrite and vd~
14:00 some fine tuning (adjust cutoff frequencies, resonance and volumes)
14:54 audio example
15:00 compile it and install it on the HotHouse pedal!
15:38 debugging (warning, unpleasant noises)
16:27 outlook, demo of progress so far
17:55 bye

Links:
Plugdata https://plugdata.org/
Pure Data https://puredata.info/
Hothouse Pedal https://clevelandmusicco.com/hothouse...
Electrosmith Daisy Seed: https://electro-smith.com/products/da...
Hothouse examples https://github.com/clevelandmusicco/H...
Visual Studio Code https://code.visualstudio.com/
Zadig https://zadig.akeo.ie/

This video was sponsored by Brilliant.

HÄLP ZIS CHANNEL

https://www.patreon.com/floyd_steinberg
https://floydsteinberg.gumroad.com/
https://floydsteinberg.bandcamp.com/"

Introducing Sonicware LIVEN Evoke - A New Category of Ambient Music Box

video uploads by SONICWARE

"Following the success of Ambient Ø, we’re introducing ‘LIVEN Evoke’ — a new category of ambient music box that blends acoustic-inspired synthesis with hypnotic granular textures.

‘Evoke’ builds on the emotional soundscape tradition we pioneered, offering A creators a deeply expressive tool for composing cinematic ambient and post-classical music."

https://sonicware.jp/pages/liven-evoke

MSRP: US: $239 UK: £229 (incl. VAT) AU: AU$399 (incl. GST) CA: CA$329
First Batch: 100 units — Shipping Starts from June 30. Check with dealers on the right for availability.



Additional Details:

■ Nostalgia-Evoking Ambient Music Box
Timelessly interwoven with synthesized acoustic instruments and a hypnotic granular effect.

■ Acoustronic Flux Oscillator
New synth engine that turns acoustic-instrument essence into a unique 'acoustronic' sound.

■ Grain FX: Musical Granular Effect
Micro-grain slicing transforms phrases into musical glitches and evolving textures.

■ Dense & Multi-Dimensional Reverb
10 diverse reverbs—including the veiled ambience 'Mirage'—for deep atmospheres.

■ All-in-One 4-Track Sequencer
LIVEN’s signature 4 -track sequencer, known for recording performances and sound changes.

CLICK FOR MORE »