Introducing The Mutable Challenge

video upload by Gaz Williams

"The Mutable Challenge is a tribute to the late, great Mutable Instruments, the most innovative of all Eurorack makers, who ended their journey in 2022. In this challenge, participants start with a rack entirely filled with Mutable Instruments modules and have one hour to create anything they like—be it a tune, a riff, a sound effect, or even pure noise—to showcase the unique and creative potential of these iconic modules. With official Mutable patch cables and just two other pieces of gear allowed—an Arturia KeyStep 37 and a Cre8audio Assembler mixer—participants are free to let the Mutable magic unfold.

*utility cables kindly provided by Synthcables.com

Big thanks to Tom Kirton for Yarns and to MonoJack from BeepBoop for the kind loan of Edges"

The Gaz Williams' Mutable Challenge/Tribute - Row 01

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"Let's just all celebrate Mutable Instruments. I met Gaz Williams ‪@GazWilliams‬ on Dutch Modular Fest (2025) a week ago. I couldn't do the test myself, but I was really inspired by his inititative. Mutable is probably the most influential brand in Eurorack and beyond. You can easily find clones that suit your budget, and nearly all modules are available in VCV. If you feel like patching along, I will share a few tips and tricks (trips) and hopefully help you find a few new happy accidents.

Opening footage courtesy of ‪@SERUMMM‬"

ARTURIA MINIBRUTE 2 SEMI-MODULAR SYNTH

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

via this listing

Additional Signal Sounds listings

"Manufacturer's description

MiniBrute 2 has evolved from the legendary monosynth that revolutionized the analog scene with its mixable waveforms, Steiner-Parker filter, and Brute Factor. Now with semi-modular architecture, you can splice its genome and expand its raw power into the world of Eurorack modular. From the earliest electronic instruments, synthesizers have expanded and enhanced the possibilities available to musicians. We decided not only to apply this mantra to the sound of our new instrument, but to synthesizer itself. MiniBrute 2 was born! A synthesizer that would sound huge and yet be compact, self-contained and versatile. An instrument that would be both comprehensive and evolving.

The MiniBrute 2 has nothing to hide. Take a look at its front panel, get yourself acquainted. You’ll notice the now-iconic Brute oscillators, the acidic Steiner-Parker filter, and the mayhem-inducing Brute Factor knob that has become the signature Arturia synth element for many fans.

Looking a bit further, beyond the usual modulation sources and controls, you’ll notice some exciting, unexpected features: a second VCO; a second LFO; new VCO and Filter frequency modulation possibilities; modifier-related modulation destinations; a brand new, loopable AD envelope. Once tamed, this little beast will reveal the full range of its vocalizations, including raging leads and piercing sequences, as well as smooth pads and purring bass."

Arturia Astrolab 88 Review - Arturia's Flagship Stage Keyboard

video upload by Bonedo Synthesizers

"In this video, we dive into the Arturia AstroLab 88—a flagship stage keyboard that blends a premium hammer-action keybed with the vast sonic universe of Arturia’s software instruments. Equipped with a Fatar TP-40L weighted keybed with aftertouch, it offers a tactile piano-like feel perfect for expressive playing.

Loaded with over 1,600 onboard presets drawn from 40 iconic instrument engines—and expandable to 10,000 via V Collection and Pigments—the AstroLab 88 turns studio-grade sounds into a stage-ready rig.

Onboard you'll find performance essentials: arpeggiator, looper, chord/scale modes, splittable parts, four macro and four effects knobs, plus a colorful circular display and navigation wheel that streamline live sound control.

It also benefits from a beefed-up CPU—delivering smoother polyphony and faster load times for sample-heavy patches. The unit integrates seamlessly with Analog Lab Pro and AstroLab Connect for effortless playlist and sound management.

Gigging keyboardists note its tour-level build and intuitive layout make it ideal for set-and-go live workflows—anyone relying on the Arturia ecosystem will feel right at home."

The Secret to the "Oberheim Sound"

video upload by Anthony Marinelli Music

See the full interview here.

"Discover the true origin of the “Oberheim Sound” in this rare and revealing conversation. Legendary synth pioneer Tom Oberheim himself explains how he dialed in his iconic tone—locking himself in a room with nothing but a bag of resistors, capacitors, and an oscilloscope. Over several days, Tom tweaked and tuned until he was satisfied, even embracing a level of filter distortion that most engineers at the time would have rejected. That bold choice became the unmistakable warmth, grit, and musicality that defined the Oberheim legacy.

He’s joined by Marcus Ryle (Alesis, Line 6) and Rob Rosen (Rosen Sound) as they dive into the legacy of Oberheim instruments—from the SEM to the OB-series—and how they shaped music for artists like Prince, Stevie Wonder, Queen, and Daft Punk.

This is the inside story of how imperfection became perfection, and how one man’s vision changed music forever. Don’t miss this exclusive conversation with three icons of synthesis history."

https://oberheim.com/

https://anthonymarinellimusic.com

Tom Oberheim: The Genius Behind the Greatest Sounding Synthesizers

video upload by Anthony Marinelli Music

"Today, we’re at the home of Tom Oberheim — one of the original pioneers who shaped synthesizers and music history. Tom's legacy includes some of the most groundbreaking innovations: (a stand alone ring modulator, the first commercially available phase shifter pedal (my personal favorite), an early digital sequencer, the Oberheim DS-2, and the SEM the first commercially available polyphonic synthesizer made in 2, 4 and 8 voice models, followed by favorites such as the OB-X, OB-Xa, OB-8, Xpander, Matrix 12, DMX drum machine and more... of course, most importantly he gave us the unmistakable "Oberheim sound" on his entire collection of iconic synthesizers that have inspired compositions and performances on countless records by multiple generations of artists.

Joining me for this special interview is my friend Rob Rosen from Rosen Sound—talented musician and renowned expert in synth restoration and preservation, and someone who's worked closely for a while with Tom to keep Oberheim instruments and ALL vintage synthesizers alive for future generations of musicians.
We’ll also be joined by Marcus Ryle, who's done so much. Marcus began his career working closely with Tom, at Oberheim, was a session musician, designed dozens of affordable and accessible products for Alesis - including the ADAT multitrack recording, Quadraverb digital reverb, and HR-1 drum machine, and later co-founded Line 6 (creating innovative guitar effects and revolutionizing digital modeling technology). His insight into Tom’s innovations—and his own contributions in music history —makes this a rare, deeply meaningful conversation.
Let’s get into it."

https://oberheim.com/

https://anthonymarinellimusic.com

Airwolf - The synth sounds behind the soaring theme 🎹

video upload by RetroSound

"(c)2007-25 by RetroSound
supported by UVI: http://bit.ly/retrosound-uvi

❤️ Support #RetroSound​ channel: https://retrosound.creator-spring.com

Ever wonder what gave the Airwolf theme its undeniable power? That iconic 80s sound wasn't just magic; it was meticulously crafted. We're diving deep into the analog synthesizers that built that soaring, unforgettable score, pulling back the curtain on the very instruments that defined a generation's sci-fi adventure."

The Airwolf Theme by Sylvester Levay from the album Airwolf - The Wonderweapon (1987)

Featured the Oberheim OB-Xa and the Emulator II

This cover song series contains my own recreations of my favourite songs from the last 50 years. The original music from which I take inspiration belong to their respective owners. I recreate tracks only for personal passion and to pay homage to these tracks.
My intention is not to create covers that sound exactly like the original (if you want to hear identical sounds, please listen the original). It's more of an inspiration with my sounds from the old synthesizers from the past and of course the great appreciation for the original performers and producers."

Synclavier's Cameron Warner Jones to be Knobcon's Guest of Honor

via Knobcon

"We are delighted to announce Cameron Jones as our esteemed guest of honor. Join us at the annual banquet for his keynote address and to help us honor him.

Cameron Warner Jones is the co-inventor and principal software architect of the Synclavier, the groundbreaking digital synthesizer and music workstation developed in the late 1970s. Jones, co-founder of New England Digital, designed the Synclavier’s real-time software engine, interface, and iconic button panel, helping create one of the most advanced instruments of its era—combining FM and additive synthesis, sampling, and sequencing. He later revived the technology through modern apps and hardware, ensuring the Synclavier’s legacy lives on.

The annual catered banquet will be held Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 7pm in the Sapphire Pavilion. Tickets are available as an add-on to your Knobcon attendance. Seating is limited."

Maniac/Michael Sembello (Circuit Tracks Version)

video upload by Guinan

"Feeling a yearning for a bit of LinnDrum action I loaded up a bunch of samples and it occurred to me to try this song - a bit of a musical 'guilty pleasure' as it has such a distinctive rhythm. I put the song on, donned my legwarmers and had a bit of a 'spin' around the room to the track in my best 'Flashdance' impression. Straight away it became apparent it shouldn't be possible to do it on the Tracks as it has too many tracks. Bass, electric piano chords, arpeggio, melody...and a distinctive 80's guitar solo! Not to be deterred I shrank it down as much as I could and used the layering and extra voices hacks I've talked about elsewhere * and what you hear is the end result.

It was a fun challenge and I hope you enjoy the end result. All you hear was programmed into a single Circuit Tracks and played 'live' just recording the audio outs.

More details for synth nerds

The excellent ‪@CaptainPikant‬ had a great video breaking down how the rhythm track was constructed so I largely followed this guide.

• MANIAC - The most INSANE drum pattern of t... [below]

BPM 155bpm
Synth 1 - mono bass synth
Synth 2 - 'piano'ish patch playing chords, arepeggio and melody lines (at different velocities/ranges)
Drum 1- LM1 bass drum
Drum 2 - LM1 snare and sidestick
Drum 3 - LM1 hihats and combined HH and fake guitar (see below)
Drum 4 - LM1 cowbell and clap

The 'guitar' is faked I'm sorry. My lead guitar skills are not up to this (I did try!) and my friendly local 'shredder' was busy. I used instead the Native Instruments Electric Sunburst plug in instrument to fake a short solo and drenched it in guitar effects. I recorded to 4 bar loops with the hihat pattern duplicated along with them and then triggered the samples at the right moment on the hihat track."

MANIAC - The most INSANE drum pattern of the '80s | Drum Patterns Explained

video upload by Captain Pikant

"The drum pattern of Michael Sembello's 'Maniac' is positively insane. It's what you'd get if you made a Synthwave drum track, decided it wasn't complex enough, glitched it up with a tiny dash of Aphex Twin and then put a second drum track on top of that with over a dozen Tom fills for good measure. Pure '80s maximalism with two of the most iconic drum sounds of that era."

And the original:


video upload by Maniac

Oberheim TEO-5 & Sequential Take 5 Desktop Modules - demo & history presentation | 30 July 2025

video upload by Signal Sounds

https://www.signalsounds.com/ - don't miss Signal Sounds' Summer Sale!

"On Wednesday, 30th July 2025, we welcomed synth wizard and long-time friend of the store Chris ‘-CALC-’ Calcutt to our showroom for a masterclass on all things Sequential and Oberheim.

He provided insight into the culture and history of both companies, as well as what makes their instruments a feature in so many studios and live rigs worldwide. These iconic brands - founded by Dave Smith and Tom Oberheim, respectively - have been at the forefront of analogue synthesiser design for half a century, and they’re currently both going stronger than ever, with new desktop versions of the affordable Oberheim TEO-5 and Sequential Take 5 polysynths hitting the market. Chris spoke about both instruments’ illustrious heritage and explained just what makes each one sound so unique."

ICONIC Conversation with Jeff Blenkinsopp of The Analog Lab

video upload by Iconic Instruments

"This is a conversation with synthesizer genius, Jeff Blenkinsopp, from The Analog Lab (www.theanaloglab.com)."

CONTROl with co-founder Daren Ho makes an appearance at the end.

The video above comes in via an article on Jeff Blenkinsopp recently written up on Hell Gate. You can also find in on The Analog Lab's blog on their website here. Jeff is the man behind The Analog Lab which provides various resources for synth repair. The site is well worth a look.

From the intro to the article on Hell Gate, written by Adwait Patil:

Below: "Jeff Blenkinsopp after repairing the Beatles' VOX Continental organ, last used at their 1966 Shea Stadium show (The Analog Lab)"

"Jeff Blenkinsopp toured with Pink Floyd and Vengelis, repaired instruments for the Smiths and the Beastie Boys, but his greatest legacy might be his willingness to share his craft.

As one of New York's most meticulous and beloved vintage gear technicians, Jeff Blenkinsopp's legend precedes him. A North England native, he began repairing synthesizers in the late 1960s, worked his way into London’s disco scene as a live stage technician, and later took his talents on world tours with English rock giants Sweet and Pink Floyd, and Greek composer Vangelis. In 1978, he moved to New York, quickly gaining the trust and fixing synthesizers for bands like the Beastie Boys and the Smiths, and carved out a home for the nerds whose vintage gear obsessions were about to peak at the turn of the millennium with his workshop Expert Audio Repair Services, or EARS. At EARS, he devised hands-on methods to pass on his knowledge to some of the city’s most beloved musicians, all of whom came to learn from the guy who became Pink Floyd's synth technician at the age of 21.

Blenkinsopp’s career first took off in 1974, when he was working in London as an instrument repairman for General Electro Music. There he was introduced to Pink Floyd, who were looking for a technician, and met the criteria to join the band's French tour: he knew how to take care of a Hammond, and he had a passport. Blenkinsopp had never toured with a band, and now was in charge of setting up Richard Wright and Floyd's organs and synthesizers on a nightly basis. From then, he became a constant fixture for British bands who toured with a hefty load of keyboards, and that’s what initially brought him to New York City in 1978, touring with British glam rockers Sweet. A tour that changed his life."

Synths That Tanked! Top 15 Value Crashes You Won’t Believe!?

video upload by Andy Whitmore

You be the judge. Feel free to comment below.

"💥 The biggest synth value crashes of all time! These once-iconic instruments lost tens of thousands in value—from legendary analog giants to futuristic digital monsters.

You've seen the synths that became priceless icons… but what about the ones that didn’t?

In this countdown, we reveal 15 professional synthesizers that lost the most value from their original prices (adjusted for inflation). From boutique rarities to digital behemoths, these are the synths that hit the market hard—and hit resale even harder.

🎹 We cover:

Synth name + release year

Original price + adjusted inflation value

Current resale value

Total loss 💸

A fun or tragic fact per synth

Whether it's a Fairlight, Synclavier, or the ultra-rare GX-1, some of this gear once cost more than a house… and now? Let’s just say you could buy one for the price of a laptop.

🧠 Think you can guess the biggest loser?"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Mike Dean, StarPowerDrummer & 2 Vintage Moog Modulars

video upload by Anthony Marinelli Music

"No script. No presets. Just raw vintage synth power!

Join me for an explosive, 100% spontaneous synth jam featuring Mike Dean and powerhouse drummer Russell Holzman (@starpowerdrummer) performing on some of the most iconic vintage synths ever made - unlike anything you’ve seen

We’re firing up legends like the Moog IIIc ('The Plantasia Moog'), Moog Model 55, Oberheim Eight Voice SEM, Roland Jupiter-8, and the Minimoog—all dialed in and recorded live.

Turn up your speakers and witness what happens in real time when three artists meet in a room full of classic analog instruments

Special Thank You to Rob Rosen @RosenSound for supplying the most awesome Moog Model 55 & explosive Oberheim Eight Voice SEM!

CLICK FOR MORE »

Roland Jupiter 8 8-voice DCB Analog Synthesizer

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


via this eBay listing

CLICK FOR MORE »

The Crow Hill Company Introduces POCKET STRING no-barrier-to-entry-styled string library plug-in

video upload by CROW HILL XTRAS

Press release follows:

"The Crow Hill Company creates POCKET STRINGS as no-barrier-to-entry-styled string library plug-in produced without compromise… with added ‘synthy spice’

EDINBURGH, UK: having recently rebranded itself with an aesthetic that truly realises company co-founder and composer Christian Henson’s heartfelt dream of encouraging people to make music and help them on their journey, regardless of whatever point they were at and wherever their journey began, The Crow Hill Company continues its journeying into ‘Season Two’ as a producer of resources and tools to protect, inspire, support, and provide opportunities for music-makers the world over, believing that music is, and should remain, a wholly human experience, one that is by far one of the most powerful forms of expression, escape, comfort, and remembrance, of which its newly-created POCKET STRINGS — styled as a definitive string library plug-in that opens the doors to collaboration between anyone anywhere, creatively combining live cinematic orchestral recordings with some rarefied vintage synth classics made to measure for added body, depth, and character — readily represents the cornerstone of this ethos, as of July 10…

“A string library that’s accessible to all without compromise — a distillation of the last 25, nearly 30, years that I’ve been working as a media composer, which means that I write music for film, TV, and computer games, giving you the very basic necessities to write pro-end string arrangements. Whether that be adding to productions, songs, collaborating with others, or, indeed, creating professional film scores — whether that be to demo for an orchestra to play, or, indeed, to go to broadcast, there’s been no compromises here. But accessibility is the key — not just with the price point, but with usability.” So says Christian Henson himself, perfectly positioned — as The Crow Hill Company’s original founder, forging forward by building upon his extensive experience gained from founding Spitfire Audio to originally offer a palette of sounds he had created for his own use as a professional composer to his film world colleagues by invitation only, though the rest, as they say, is history — to proudly introduce POCKET STRINGS as a never-tried-before strings library plug-in that aims to bring broadcast-grade string possibilities to everyone.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Dogon Drum synth #eurorack #synthesizer #modularsynth #drums

video upload by Arcaico Instruments

"Dogon is a module for creating a multitude of percussive sounds.
With Dogon you can create from the classic and iconic kick, tom, snare drum and hi-hat sounds of the most famous and historic drum machines or you can unleash your creativity with the available modulation inputs that allow you the creation of a multitude of sounds."

Improvised Jam on Iconic Vintage Synths!

video upload by Anthony Marinelli Music

"Fresh off Superbooth 2025, I dropped into the Synthesizer Museum in Berlin for a rare, fully improvised performance on their legendary vintage synths—including the Yamaha CS-80, two ARP 2600s, and a Roland Jupiter-8.
Joining me was my longtime friend and Vienna-based artist Felix of Flame, playing his custom FLAME drum and percussion instruments. Together, we dove into a one-of-a-kind sonic journey—shaped by texture, tone, and the moment.
No script. No presets. Just raw, analog expression—captured live!"

CRUMAR Introduces New SORRENTO Portable Organ and BURN Rotary Simulator

video upload by Genuine Soundware

"In 2025 Crumar is proud to introduce you a new portable organ: SORRENTO.

Thanks to Ernesto Ghezzi for the music and his performance."

Crumar BURN 2025

video upload by Genuine Soundware

CLICK FOR MORE »

ARP at 100: The Alan R. Pearlman Celebrates the man behind the ARP Name on his 100th Birthday!

video upload by Alan R. Pearlman Foundation

"ARP@100 is a year-long celebration commemorating the 100th heavenly birthday of Alan R. Pearlman, inventor of ARP Synthesizers, but also a father, husband and futurist.

Join the Alan R. Pearlman Foundation and the world as we celebrate one of the synth worlds pivottal pioneers in musical instruments.

Detals: The history of ARP is one of innovation, of pioneering musical technology, of driving humanity forward, and of a genuine connection between circuits and souls.

There is a growing legacy of incredible music that keeps us going every day..
ARP makes us move. ARP tells us stories. And ARP takes us to new worlds.

As we celebrate the 100th birthday of our namesake, let's talk about the man who changed the world."

https://alanrpearlmanfoundation.org/

ARP 2500 to ARP Chroma Synths - Celebrating 100 Years of Alan R. Pearlman

video upload by Anthony Marinelli Music

"Join me and synth expert Rob Rosen as we honor the 100th birthday of Alan R. Pearlman, the visionary founder of ARP Instruments.

In this special tribute, we explore the evolution of ARP synthesizers—from the iconic ARP 2500 to the advanced Chroma. You'll get a rare, up-close look (and listen) at the panels, sounds, and inner workings of these legendary instruments that helped shape the sound of modern music.

These synths didn’t just make history—they are just as relevant today as they ever were!

Whether you're a synth fan, musician, or just love music tech history, this one’s for you.

Please join the ARP Foundation mailing list to support and stay current with the latest exciting synthesizer related events alanrpearlmanfoundation.org"

Roland Jupiter 8 & TR-808 Canvas Artwork by Vintage Voltage

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

via these eBay listings

Check the seller's other listings for additional designs.

"Jupiter 8 Stretched Matte Canvas Artwork by Vintage Voltage (Roland JP-8 Classic Synthesizer Japan)

The legendary Roland Jupiter 8 keyboard (aka JP-8) is one of the most iconic and sought after synthesisers of all time. It continues to be revered not only for its historical significance in music but also for its enduring sonic capabilities."

And:

"TR-808 Stretched Matte Canvas Artwork by Vintage Voltage (Roland 808 Rhythm Composer Drum Machine)

The Roland TR-808 analog drum machine, introduced in 1980, is a seminal electronic musical instrument. With only around 12,000 units produced in its two-year run, its profound influence on popular music culture is undeniable. The 808's distinctive sounds, including deep bass drums and crisp snares, have become foundational in genres like hip-hop and electronic music, cementing its status as an iconic tool for musicians."

"Each matte canvas comes with back hanging already included for convenient placement. The frame is made with profile radiata pine that is ethically sourced from renewable forests.

Small 16" x 12" (40cm x 30cm)

Medium 24" x 18" (60cm x 45cm)

Large 32" x 24" (81cm x 61cm)

Depth all sizes 1.25" (3.17cm)

Materials: cotton and polyester composite (canvas), pine wood (frame)

Back hanging included and soft rubber dots on bottom back corners for support

Inner frame made with radiata pine sourced from renewable forests

*Please note* : Due to the production process of the canvases, please allow for slight size deviations with a tolerance +/- 1/8" (3.2mm)

MusicMerch.Me is a new clothing and merch store dedicated to musicians, producers and synthesists. Exclusive home to Vintage Voltage, a brand focused on legendary electronic musical instruments such as synthesizers and drum machines."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Remembering Dave Smith: A Prophet-5 Story

video upload by INHALTVIDEO

"Today is the anniversary of Dave Smith’s passing, and every year on this day, I find myself reflecting not just on the incredible instruments he created, but on the friendship we built and the tremendous support he gave me in my career.

One of the projects I’m most proud to have been a part of is the reissue of the Prophet-5. I had the honor of contributing to its development, from long conversations and persistent hassling about voice allocation to the privilege of crafting patches for the final instrument. One of those patches—my take on the true essence of the Prophet-5—became the very first one you hear when you turn it on: patch 111.

To have my work live inside such an iconic synthesizer, and to have shared time and ideas with the man who brought it to life—not once, but multiple times—is something I’ll always carry with deep gratitude. Thank you, Dave, for your friendship, your brilliance, and your contributions to music that ripple out endlessly."