"We say... A pre-owned Oberheim OB-X8 (Desktop) in very good condition. It comes with original packaging and power cable.
Manufacturer's description NEW functionality now available with OB-X8 OS v2.0 featuring:
Instant binaural mode pans individual voices hard left and right for true stereo operation Simultaneously selectable waveshapes for each oscillator extends timbral variety New 4-Pole low pass filter type with fuller bass at high resonance New VCO 1 and 2 level LFO modulation destinations for independent timbral mixing Arpeggiator clock sync now has selectable note division values for expanded rhythmic control Twice the Split and Double memory locations, including program storage directly in the new banks for 512 more stored sounds Separate MIDI channels for lower/upper split bi-timbral operation Poly chain for up to 32 voices with 4 connected instruments MPE for new levels of expressiveness
"What makes 'Don’t Go' by Yazoo one of the most iconic synthpop tracks of the 1980s?
In this video, I explore how Vince Clarke shaped the sound of early electronic music through his work with Yazoo, and how his minimalist but powerful approach to synthesizers helped define an entire genre. After leaving Depeche Mode, Clarke refined his production style — focusing on strong melodies, tight sequencing, and bold synth sounds — and “Don’t Go” is one of the best examples of that evolution.
Before diving into the recreation, I share a bit of context around Yazoo and why this track became so influential across synthpop and electronic music.
Then I take you into the studio.
Step by step, I recreate the track using a combination of vintage hardware and modern tools inside Logic Pro. For this version I used:
• Sequential Circuits Pro-One – basslines and lead elements
• Sequential Drumtraks – drum programming
• Logic Pro VST instruments – additional textures and supporting sounds
I walk through the recording process, sequencing, arrangement, and showing how each layer comes together to recreate the energy of the original track.
It is interesting to understand how Vince Clarke’s production approach continues to influence modern electronic music, from synthpop to contemporary electronic genres."
"A pre-owned Polyend Tracker Mini in very good condition. It comes with original packaging and accessories.
Manufacturer's description
Discover the ultimate portable music workstation with the Tracker Mini. Designed for seamless composition, sampling, sound design, and performance, this device offers an expanded 16-track sequencer alongside unique synth and drum machine engines for unparalleled flexibility. With support for 14 stereo tracks of USB Audio and USB MIDI, it's perfect for multi-track recording into a DAW or hybrid setups. Enjoy up to eight hours of battery life for on-the-go creativity, and keep your Tracker Mini safe with the included travel case. Whether in the studio or outdoors, the Tracker Mini empowers musicians to create, mix, master, and export their music effortlessly.
Synths and Drum Machines:
The Tracker Mini excels with four advanced synth engines and a new drum machine synth, focusing on superior sound quality. The intuitive Synth Patch Editor speeds up patch creation and customization, offering a vast range of sounds. From lush pads and intricate arpeggios to powerful basses and robust electronic drums, the Tracker Mini is a synth powerhouse that meets all your creative needs. Dive into ACD for iconic monosynth recreations, FAT for rich analog warmth, VAP for complex polysynth designs, and WTFM for unique FM synthesis. The PERC drum instrument covers everything from classic 808s and 909s to experimental glitch effects.
Studio in Your Hands:
The Tracker Mini provides everything required to produce an album. Start with an included sample pack or explore over 250 synth presets. Record your own sounds, convert samples to instruments, and resample synth engines. Control external devices seamlessly, whether crafting simple beats or complex compositions. Mix, master, and export your songs with ease, making the Tracker Mini an all-in-one solution for any musician. Compatible with projects from the original Tracker, you can begin a song in the studio and finish it on the go, ensuring flexibility and convenience in your music production process.
Breathe Life into Your Tracks:
Transform your surroundings into a musical canvas with the Tracker Mini’s high-quality microphone and onboard battery, offering up to eight hours of playtime. Capture sonic memories from a camping trip or your morning commute to create unique sample packs and drum kits. This portable device inspires creativity beyond the studio, enabling you to store, manipulate, and draw inspiration from real-world sounds. The Tracker Mini ensures that wherever inspiration strikes, you're equipped to turn those moments into music."
"Welcome to a full synth studio tour — a look inside my hardware setup featuring vintage analog synths, modern wavetable instruments, modular gear and classic drum machines.
See how a mix of vintage synths, modern instruments, modular gear and drum machines all come together in one integrated setup. In this video I walk through the studio, explain how everything is connected, and show some of the instruments that regularly appear on the channel.
The studio is constantly evolving as new synths arrive, others get repaired, and different setups are tested for videos. In this walkthrough you'll see how classic gear like the Juno-60, Prophet series, Minimoog, TR-808, TR-909 and Jupiter synths sit alongside modern instruments such as the UDO Super 8, Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave, Waldorf M, Arturia PolyBrute and Roland System-8.
I also explain how everything is routed through the studio — from CV-controlled vintage synths integrated with MIDI, to the AudioFuse interface and Neve summing mixer that handle the audio side of things.
If you've ever wondered how to organise a hardware synth studio, integrate vintage CV instruments with modern DAWs, or just want to see a room full of iconic synths and drum machines, this video gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the setup behind the channel.
You’ll also hear a few stories along the way — including the slightly ridiculous “six degrees of separation” link from my studio gear to Charlize Theron and Kevin Bacon through the Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels soundtrack.
Whether you're into analog synthesis, wavetable synths, modular gear, or classic drum machines, this studio tour is packed with gear, ideas and inspiration.
Gear featured (selection)
• Roland Juno-60
• Roland Jupiter series
• Moog Minimoog, Voyager % Sub37
• Sequential Prophet synths
• Oberheim OBX8 and OB6
• UDO Super 8
• Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave
• Waldorf M
• Arturia PolyBrute
• Roland System-8
• TR-808 / TR-909 drum machines
• Analog Solutions Leipzig & Fusebox
• Modular & Eurorack gear"
[Note: although DiscoDSP gives credit to The Usual Suspects, it's my understanding TUS is not happy about it. From a forum:
"He basically took our source, put his own wrapper on it and is trying to sell it and use it to promote his own business. Can't prevent it, but frankly this is reprehensible IMHO.
Yes. He knows he cannot legally "sell" it due to the licensing model our code is published under. Therefore he sells "support" of "his development efforts" to include difficult things like "git clone" and other Arcane and extremely difficult stuff. sigh... I'd strongly advise anyone using it not to actually pay him for it, but that is just my opinion.]
What isn't clear is whether the UI is just the player above or includes the full editors by The Usual Suspects. I'm hearing it's just the player, which in effect might be an upsell for the full editors by The Usual Suspects.
That said:
"Retromulator brings legendary hardware cores back to life through authentic low-level emulation. The virtual analog synths are powered by a faithful recreation of the Motorola DSP 56300 processor, the Yamaha DX7 runs a full emulation of its original chip set, and the Akai S1000 sampler plays your SF2, SFZ, and Bliss sample banks with studio-quality interpolation. Each core runs its actual firmware or sample data — delivering the unmistakable character of hardware that defined electronic music from the early 80s through the 2000s.
Unlike traditional software emulations that recreate synthesizer behavior by approximation, Retromulator emulates the original integrated circuits at the hardware level. The virtual analog synths run on a cycle-accurate Motorola DSP 56300, the Yamaha DX7 runs a full emulation of its Hitachi HD6303R sub-CPU and Yamaha YM21280/YM21290 EGS/OPS chip set, and the Akai S1000 sampler runs on the SFZero v3.0.0 engine with 8-point sinc interpolation supporting SF2, SFZ, ZBP, and ZBB sample banks. Each core executes its authentic firmware or sample data exactly as intended.
Load the ROM firmware from your own hardware or sample banks from your library, place them in the designated folder, and Retromulator takes care of the rest. The result is not an approximation — it is the real hardware running inside your DAW.
Retromulator is built on Gearmulator, an open-source synthesizer emulation project by the dsp56300 team. We are grateful for their extraordinary work in bringing these classic instruments back to life."
0:00 Jungle Massiiive
3:09 Super 8 Superpowers
9:07 Analog Drift
13:41 Playing round with some tones
19:21 Filter modulation
21:13 Envelopes
21:50 Making a nice pad
24:18 Cross Mod
26:11 Sync
"Is the UDO Super 8 the modern equivalent of the legendary Roland Jupiter-8? Or does the original analog icon still reign supreme? Or was this just an elaborate excuse for me to get the Jupiter 8 on camera :)
In this video I put the UDO Super 8 and Roland Jupiter-8 head-to-head to see how close modern synth design can get to one of the most iconic polysynths ever made. Forget nostalgia for a moment — what happens when you simply listen to them as two instruments?
We explore the sound, architecture, features, modulation, oscillators, filters, and overall character of both synths to answer the question many synth players are asking:
Can a modern hybrid synth compete with one of the greatest analog synths ever built?
The Super 8 clearly takes inspiration from the Jupiter-8, but it also introduces modern features and flexibility that vintage synths simply didn’t have. So which one would you choose in your studio?
By the end of the video we compare:
Raw sound and tone
Oscillator character
Filters and modulation
Modern workflow vs vintage simplicity
Features and flexibility
And finally… the price difference that might surprise you
Whether you're into vintage synths, modern analog hybrids, classic Roland gear, or cutting-edge instruments like the UDO Super 8, this comparison will give you a clear idea of what each synth does best."
"RetroSound Studio Tour: Classic Hardware Sampler from the 1980s
In this episode of RetroSound Studio, I explore legendary vintage hardware samplers that shaped early digital music production. From professional 8-bit and 12-bit studio machines to iconic toy sampling keyboards, these instruments defined the sound of 1980s electronic music, hip-hop, experimental, and synth-based production.
The E-mu Emulator II became one of the most iconic 8-bit samplers ever produced, known for its warm analog filters and unmistakable character. The E-mu Emax brought professional sampling to more studios with its gritty 12-bit sound. The PPG Waveterm, paired with the PPG Wave system, represents one of the earliest digital sampling and wavetable workstations in synthesizer history.
On the experimental side, the Casio SK-1 and Yamaha VSS-200 introduced affordable lo-fi sampling to a generation of musicians, becoming cult classics for their crunchy digital tone and creative limitations.
These vintage samplers shaped genres such as synth-pop, early hip-hop, industrial, experimental electronic music, ambient, and film scoring. Today, they remain highly sought after by producers and collectors researching vintage hardware samplers, 80s sampling technology, Emulator II sound, Emax workflow, PPG Waveterm history, and lo-fi sampling keyboards.
If you are interested in classic digital sampling, early electronic music production, or rare retro studio gear, this RetroSound Studio episode offers an in-depth look at some of the most influential samplers ever built."
The Vintage Sampler:
0:07 E-MU Emulator II
4:43 E-MU Emax SE
8:38 PPG Waveterm A
11:20 KORG DSS-1
11:57 CASIO SK-1
13:03 YAMAHA VSS-200
1. Introducing Definitive Electric Keys Collection | Native Instruments
Definitive Electric Keys Collection brings together six colourful instruments, each with its own character, feel, and legacy. From bell-like sparkle to gritty funk bite, these expressive keys shaped decades of sound, and now they’re ready to be shaped by you.
2. Definitive Electric Keys Collection walkthrough | Native Instruments
Join Uli from Galaxy Instruments as he explores the Definitive Electric Keys Collection, featuring six iconic electric keyboards: Diamond, Phoenix, Jade, Moonshell, Teak, and Ember. Hear their distinctive tones, key features, and built-in effects, and discover how these expressive instruments bring authentic electric key sounds to any style of production.
3. Discover Electric Keys – Timber Duo | Native Instruments
Discover Electric Keys – Timber Duo with Uli from Galaxy Instruments. Meet Teak and Ember and explore the wide tonal range of these two classic electric pianos.
"In this video I revisit the legendary Korg MicroKorg — a synth that has remained one of the best-selling hardware instruments for over two decades.
Released in 2002, this compact virtual-analog powerhouse has appeared in countless studios, stages, and bedrooms around the world… but does it actually hold up today?
I explore the sound engine, presets, vocoder, arpeggiator, and hands-on controls, and put it through its paces in a modern setup to see whether the MicroKorg still deserves its iconic status — or whether nostalgia is doing the heavy lifting.
If you’ve ever wondered why this little synth refuses to disappear, this video should answer that question.
I have to admit that I was really blown away with the depth and quality of the MicroKorg. I think it's absolutely amazing! :D"
"In this video, we’re diving into the Waldorf Attack 3 Plugin — Version 3 of that classic Drum Synthesizer PlugIn!"
Attack is back.
And it’s more powerful than ever.
We are proud to unveil Attack 3, the next evolution of one of Waldorf Music’s most iconic and longest-running instruments. A true classic reborn, Attack 3 redefines what a modern percussion synthesizer can be.
At its heart lies a mighty analogue-style synthesis engine, delivering 24 individual sounds per kit, with 12 sounds playable polyphonically as pitched instruments. From punchy kicks to melodic percussion, Attack 3 is built for rhythm that moves both bodies and speakers.
Attack 3 captures the unmistakable spirit of legendary 1980s analogue drum machines and the driving electronic club sound of the 1990s — and propels it boldly into today’s productions. It’s a future-ready instrument designed to shape the drum sounds of the next decade.
Every sound is alive Every parameter can be tweaked in real time and fully automated in your DAW, inviting hands-on exploration and deep expression. While sampling capabilities have been expanded, Attack stays true to its philosophy: pure synthesis first, allowing you to create unique percussion sounds from scratch.
Redesigned for Faster Drum Creation With a completely redesigned, scalable interface and a vastly expanded synthesis engine, Attack 3 proves that after more than 25 years, it remains the go-to tool for producers who want total control over their drums.
The new user interface adapts effortlessly to any screen size, while enhanced MIDI Learn lets you define minimum and maximum parameter ranges for expressive performance. Dedicated browsers for kits, sounds, samples, and MIDI mappings keep inspiration flowing without interruption.
Advanced Sample Playback The oscillator section has been refined for absolute precision, featuring accurate phase control for synthetic waveformsand powerful sample playback options, including user samples, velocity mapping, round-robin playback, and flexible start positions. Whether you want surgical accuracy or organic variation, Attack 3 delivers.
"Welcome to RetroSound Studio Tour: Analog Monophonic Synthesizers & Duophonic — a deep dive into legendary mono synths from the 1970s and 1980s, including rare East-Bloc classics.
In this new episode, I showcase iconic instruments such as the Minimoog, ARP Odyssey, Roland SH-101, Maxi-Korg, Sequential Circuits Pro-One, alongside Soviet and East German synthesizers like the Polivoks, Alisa 1377 and Vermona mono synths.
These analog monophonic synthesizers defined the sound of electronic music — from the fat Moog and cutting ARP to aggressive Polivoks and raw Eastern European character.
This video explores the sound and architecture of true analog mono synths built around VCO, VCF, and VCA signal paths, highlighting their distinctive basslines, lead sounds, and modulation capabilities. From the Moog basslines to the aggressive Polivoks filter sound and the unique character of East German Vermona synthesizers, each instrument demonstrates why 1970s and 1980s monophonic synthesizers remain highly sought after by collectors, producers, and electronic music enthusiasts."
The Monophonic Analog Synths:
0:07 Maxi-Korg 800DV
3:17 Sequential Pro-One
6:30 ARP Odyssey Mk. III
8:39 Roland SH-101
11:56 Moog Prodigy
15:24 Moog The Source
17:34 Moog Micromoog
18:16 Moog Minimoog
20:56 Moog Taurus
22:21 Formanta Polivoks
24:44 Rodina Alisa 1377
26:48 Vermona Synthesizer
"Step inside RetroSound Studio for an in-depth studio tour focused on classic analog string machines from the golden era of the 70s and 80s.
In this video, I showcase my collection of vintage string synthesizers, legendary analog ensemble keyboards that shaped the sound of disco, prog rock, synth-pop, ambient, and early electronic music. These iconic instruments are known for their lush chorus effects, warm analog tone, and unmistakable vintage character.
From rare string machines to well-loved classics, this studio tour is a deep dive into the history, sound, and vibe of analog synth technology that continues to inspire modern music production today.
Whether you’re a synth enthusiast, producer, collector, or just love retro sounds, this tour of RetroSound Studio highlights why analog string machines remain timeless.
Stringmachine list:
0:07 Logan String Melody 2
1:30 Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus Mk2
4:38 Crumar Performer B
7:53 Korg EPS-1
10:03 ARP Quadra
13:50 Rmif Opus
15:29 Elektronika EM-26
"We visited Dutch synth legend Allert Aalders in his studio in the woods near Utrecht. Part of iconic synthesizer act 'Human Beings' and founder of Modular Synth event: 'Modulation' and part of the Dutch Modular Fest crew.
Under the name of Sonar Traffic, Allert creates presets for both hardware and software synthesizers such as Arturia, Native Instruments, Korg, Steinberg, Fabfilter and Kilohearts.
"Designed for performers who demand expressive sound, immediate control, and rock-solid reliability, the SP8 Stage Keyboard delivers Kurzweil’s legendary performance DNA in a powerful, streamlined instrument built for the modern stage. Built on Kurzweil’s legendary V.A.S.T. engine, the SP8 combines authentic acoustic realism, deep synthesis, and intuitive hands-on control—giving you everything you need to command the moment."
88-key fully weighted hammer-action keyboard 2 GB of factory sounds powered by FlashPlay® technology 1000 factory programs organized into 10 intuitive categories Over 200 factory Multis for complex splits and layers More than 4000 user locations to store your own Programs and Multis 256 Voice Polyphony German D and Triple Strike Pianos KSR – Kurzweil String Resonance, for rich, realistic piano response KB3 ToneReal™ organ modeling, with front-panel knobs acting as drawbars Classic 6-operator FM synthesis Classic tine electric pianos, clavinets, harpsichords, and celeste Bells, glockenspiel, bowed and hit crotales Vector Synthesis waveforms and classic Kurzweil textures Updated sounds drawn from the K2700, K2088/61, PC4, and iconic Kurzweil instruments 5 assignable knobs with 3-position Shift (15 virtual knobs total) 5 assignable buttons with 3-position Shift (15 virtual buttons total) Programmable Variation button Pitch wheel and assignable modulation wheel Tap Tempo with programmable tempo control Dedicated Transpose buttons (semitone or octave) 5-zone MIDI controller in Multi Mode for splits and layers Arpeggiator, CC Sequencers, and Riffs, with dedicated front-panel buttons Up to 5 simultaneous arpeggiators or CC sequences in Multi Mode Built-in Riff and Metronome—always ready when you are Audio input with FX for line, instrument, or mic sources Two assignable switch pedal jacks, supporting up to four switch pedals Half-damper pedal support for expressive piano techniques One assignable continuous (CC) pedal jack for volume, wah, and more More info coming soon!
"The Roland CR-78 CompuRhythm is one of the most iconic drum machines ever made — and now it’s back as a stunningly accurate ACB emulation inside Roland Cloud. In this video I take a deep dive into the CR-78 plugin, exploring its legendary analog sound, programmable patterns, classic rhythms, and all the powerful new features that go far beyond the original 1978 hardware.
The original CR-78 was the world’s first programmable drum machine and became famous for its warm analog voices, signature presets and musical groove. It appeared on countless classic records — from Phil Collins and Blondie to early synth-pop, post-punk and electronic pioneers.
Sound shaping with decay, tuning, gain and metallic tone
MIDI CC control and DAW automation
Live performance workflow and pattern programming
Why this is so much more than just a retro drum machine
If you love vintage drum machines, classic analog rhythms, synthwave, post-punk, electronic music production or hardware-accurate software instruments, this is one you don’t want to miss.
🎛 Classic analog warmth
🥁 Programmable rhythms & fills
🎚 Deep sound design
🎹 Full MIDI control
🔥 Perfect for synthwave, electro, indie, pop & film scoring
The CR-78 may look simple — but it’s a seriously powerful creative tool once you start digging in."
KORG Introduces KAOSS PAD V: A Touch Evolution for Modern Performance and Production
MELVILLE, NY - Korg announces the new KAOSS PAD V, a reimagined evolution of its expressive touch-based effects platform, designed for the way musicians, producers, performers, and content creators work today. Building on the iconic KAOSS approach, the new unit arrives as a powerful real-time sound manipulation tool for vocalists, instrumentalists, producers, and performers delivering an advanced dual-touch control surface with expanded effects and sampling on stage, in the studio, and in streaming environments today by reacting instantly to gestures, shaping sound through intuitive touch interaction, and integrating seamlessly into contemporary setups. The KAOSS PAD V centers on a redesigned touch interface capable of responding to two simultaneous gestures, allowing users to control paired parameters at once and create evolving textures, layered movement, and dynamic transitions in real time. Filter and delay, pitch and reverb, modulation and feedback, and many other combinations become fluid, tactile musical expressions rather than static settings, helping performances feel more alive and interactive. Connectivity and integration play a key role in this new generation. KAOSS PAD V supports MIC, LINE, and USB inputs simultaneously, enabling vocals, instruments, and computer audio to blend into a unified performance system. A balanced microphone preamp ensures clean vocal input, while a dedicated high-impedance input allows electric guitars and basses to connect directly without added hardware. An integrated USB audio interface streamlines recording, processing, and streaming, making it equally suited to DAW workflows, livestream setups, and headphone monitoring. A newly designed power circuit and refined audio path support low-noise, stable operation whether used in performance venues, studios, or creative spaces anywhere music is made.
Vocal creativity takes a significant step forward with the new Voice FX engine, providing harmonies, vocoder-style layers, pitch-morphed tonal shaping, and expressive textures applied in real time. The platform even allows users to control external MIDI equipment with their voice, opening distinctive performance possibilities that extend beyond traditional effects processing. Guitarists and bassists also gain a powerful new performance partner. With direct connection via the dedicated high-impedance input, KAOSS PAD V offers fingertip-controlled ambient swells, rhythmic modulation, time-based glitch elements, atmospheric reverbs, and other expressive textures, all shaped by movement across the pad rather than menu navigation or fixed parameter adjustment.
Sampling and looping are built directly into the creative workflow. Users can capture up to eight bars depending on tempo, overdub layers as they perform, keep precise loop positioning during playback, and keep performances rhythmically grounded through BPM-synced Step Hold operation. Multiple playback and slicing options support creative rearrangement, making KAOSS PAD V a capable tool for remixing, live improvisation, and evolving pattern creation. Honoring its lineage while expanding its scope, KAOSS PAD V provides access to a curated range of classic KAOSS effects alongside refreshed modern processing, from filters, delays, reverbs, and modulation to advanced voice shaping and contemporary textures. Users can further refine their sound using onboard editing tools, tailoring parameters, creating customized variations, saving personal presets directly to the device, and even adjusting pad-LED color and program behavior to suit their workflow. With 300 total programs available - 200 factory presets and 100 user location - plus support for external SD or SDHC cards, the platform balances immediacy with depth.
Compact, robust, and designed for real-time expression, KAOSS PAD V measures 210 mm wide by 226 mm deep by 49 mm high and weighs approximately 1.3 kg (excluding power supply). It includes RCA line input and output connections, balanced/unbalanced MIC/GUITAR input, headphone output, MIDI In/Out, USB connectivity, and ships with an AC adapter and Quick Start Guide. Operating stability from 0 to +40°C ensures reliability across environments. With KAOSS PAD V, Korg advances the KAOSS concept into a new era, keeping the immediacy and visual interaction that made the series a staple while deepening control, expanding sonic capability, and aligning the platform with today’s creative demands. For more information, please visit NAMM Booth #6802 or online at www.korg.com.
By combining faithfully modelled classic filters with newly developed modern designs, and giving you powerful ways to combine and modulate them, Filter Ark becomes a deep, expressive environment for contemporary sound design."
"A new world of classic and modern filter design
For decades, the KORG Collection series has recreated KORG’s most iconic instruments using CMT (Component Modeling Technology), preserving the sound and character that shaped generations of synthesis. Filter Ark builds on that foundation and takes it further, placing the filter at the centre of the creative process. By combining faithfully modelled classic filters with newly developed modern designs, and giving you powerful ways to combine and modulate them, Filter Ark becomes a deep, expressive environment for contemporary sound design.
Combine up to four legendary filters at once to unlock sound design possibilities that were previously out of reach. Stack multiple iconic filters, blend vintage character with newly designed filter types, and build complex signal paths that evolve over time. With a powerful modulation system including LFOs, an Envelope Follower, and a Step Sequencer, Filter Ark gives you the tools to create movement, depth, and expression far beyond traditional filtering.
Faithfully modeled legendary filters
At the heart of Filter Ark are the filters that helped define the sound of synthesizer history. From the raw drive of the MS-20 and the smooth sweeps of the Polysix, to the warm thickness of the miniKORG 700s and the sharp resonance of the ARP ODYSSEY, these iconic designs are faithfully recreated with exceptional accuracy.
Each filter features its original user interface, allowing you to shape classic tones intuitively while preserving the distinctive character and response of the instruments that made them legendary.
Innovative modern filter types
Filter Ark also introduces a new generation of modern filter designs. Newly developed types include physically modelled resonators and a vowel filter that simulates human vocal formants, expanding the creative possibilities far beyond classic approaches. These filters invite experimentation and open up distinctive new ways to shape sound, from subtle tonal colour to highly expressive and unconventional textures.
Flexible routing with up to four filters
Flexible routing sits at the core of Filter Ark’s design. Combine up to four filters in series, parallel, feedback, and other configurations to build signal paths that simply aren’t possible with conventional filter plug-ins. Whether you’re shaping subtle tonal detail or creating complex, evolving effects, the routing architecture encourages exploration and rewards experimentation. Ready-made routing templates are also included, providing a clear starting point while still leaving room to go deep.
A unique and powerful modulation system
Filter Ark features a flexible modulation system designed to bring movement and expression to your sound. It includes a morphable LFO, an Envelope Follower with side-chain input, a customisable Step Sequencer with adjustable steps and playback modes, and a Random Generator. Together, these modulation sources make it easy to create evolving textures, rhythmic motion, and dynamic response that go far beyond static filtering."
Click CC at the bottom of the player for subtitles, followed by the gear icon and and your language of choice if needed.
"ITALIAN In questo video mostro come suonare contemporaneamente due sintetizzatori KETRON-SOLTON PROGRAMMER 24 sincronizzati tra loro e poi come far suonare la linea di basso di un PROGRAMMER 24 da un sintetizzatore MINIMOOG DODEL D
Il Solton Programmer 24, lanciato nel 1985, è riconosciuto come uno dei primissimi strumenti a introdurre il concetto di arranger automatico nel mercato delle tastiere, tanto da essere spesso definito 'l'apripista' dell'intero settore. Questo strumento, prodotto dall'azienda italiana Ketron (con il marchio Solton), è considerato una pietra miliare nell'evoluzione delle tastiere arranger.
Impatto Culturale: è stato soprannominato 'Italian Disco Machine' per il suo ruolo nel plasmare il suono della musica Italo Disco. Il Programmer 24 non è solo un pezzo di storia per gli appassionati, ma è anche al centro di iniziative come 'Arranger Legacy', un progetto web che mira a preservare la memoria di questi strumenti iconici e dei loro creatori.
Il Solton Programmer 24 è una workstation analogica italiana del 1985, famosa per il suo suono Italo Disco, che combina una sezione ritmica PCM a 8 bit (con uscite separate), bassi analogici, arrangiamenti automatici e sequencer, offrendo un suono vintage caldo e funzionale per produzione musicale. Include funzionalità avanzate per l'arrangiamento, sequencer polifonici e monofonici, MIDI, e interfaccia a nastro, rendendolo un pezzo da collezione apprezzato per il suo 'carattere anni '80'.
"Coaxing saturated sequences from @C74connect Max 9 + the Pin Electronics Portabella — a modern take on the iconic EMS Synthi A 😍
We recently got a used Portabella in the shop and couldn't resist the opportunity to make some noise! But it's not the only rad used synth in our shop ... check out our inventory of THOUSANDS of used, rare, and vintage instruments on our site"
"In this episode, I hang with Steve Porcaro for an up-close, hands-on look at the secrets behind his sound, with Toto and much more! Discover the musical thinking that shaped some of the most iconic synthesizer moments in pop history.
You’ll watch Steve perform on the legendary Yamaha CS-80, and demonstrate exactly why its polyphonic aftertouch changed everything. He shows how touch, phrasing, and pressure become part of the music itself, then recreates the iconic Africa brass sound, breaking down how it was programmed and performing it right before our eyes.
We also pause to honor David L. Abell and Clark Spangler, two essential figures in synthesizer history whose whose work helped bring instruments like the CS-80 into the spotlight
Along the way, Steve shares stories from working with David Paich and David Foster, and how his collaborations shaped their sound. You’ll also see a beautiful portamento and glissando demonstration tied to "After the Love Has Gone" by Earth, Wind & Fire and 'Serious Music' by Hall & Oates, revealing how Steve approached expressive movement on the keyboard.
Steve then breaks open his 'go-to' CS-80 panel settings and shows how he used them on 'Rosanna' and 'Mama' by Toto, offering a rare look at the real-world musical decisions behind those songs.
Finally, Steve and I talk about the true secret sauce behind so many signature songs from the ’80s and ’90s, from Toto and beyond—the attention to detail, musical sensitivity, and collaboration between specialists, all working selflessly in service of a great song.
This is a rare, in-the-room masterclass with one of the great musical minds of our time."
