Showing posts sorted by date for query John L Rice. Sort by relevance Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by date for query John L Rice. Sort by relevance Show all posts
Friday, June 26, 2026
JlR was gifted a Moog The Source Synthesizer!!!!
video upload by John L Rice
"My awesomely generous friend Mike is down sizing to move and gifted me some things he no longer uses! (Besids The Source see what else he gave me at he nd of the video! 🤯) Mike and I were in the prog rock band THEATRE 🎭 in the 80’s and he used the Moog Source in the band. If you go to my main YouTube page you can find my other links and one takes you to the THEATRE page that the bass player Kevin maintains. (I played drums in the band)"
See dealers on the right for pricing and availability on gear.
LABELS/MORE: MATRIXSYNTH Members, MOOG
LABELS/MORE: MATRIXSYNTH Members, MOOG
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Roland Fantom XR Synthesizer Demo
Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
video upload by John L Rice
"A quick simple demo for potential buyers on Reverb. This is not listed yet but I should have it up this week. Please keep an eye on my shop for this and other tasty music gear!
https://reverb.com/shop/johns-boutiqu...
Index:
0:00 - Beginning
0:20 - Power On Sequence
0:46 - Simple Sound Test And Features
4:03 - Factory Demo 1
5:18 - Factory Demo 2
7:07 - Factory Demo 3
8:32 - Factory Demo 4
9:48 - Factory Demo 5
11:03 - Factory Demo 6
12:42 - Factory Demo 7
15:08 - End"
video upload by John L Rice
"A quick simple demo for potential buyers on Reverb. This is not listed yet but I should have it up this week. Please keep an eye on my shop for this and other tasty music gear!
https://reverb.com/shop/johns-boutiqu...
Index:
0:00 - Beginning
0:20 - Power On Sequence
0:46 - Simple Sound Test And Features
4:03 - Factory Demo 1
5:18 - Factory Demo 2
7:07 - Factory Demo 3
8:32 - Factory Demo 4
9:48 - Factory Demo 5
11:03 - Factory Demo 6
12:42 - Factory Demo 7
15:08 - End"
Sunday, June 14, 2026
Alesis NanoSynth - Rare Prototype Demo
video upload by John L Rice
"I thought I would document this prototype example of an Alesis NanoSynth I bought on eBay long ago, before I sell it. I didn't take the time to verify if the sounds are all the same as a production model or not, but I suspect there may be some differences? One thing not working as far as I can tell is the built in factory demo that all production versions of Alesis Nano synthesizers have. And yeah, that's not me talking, I wanted to learn how to use the AI text to voice feature in DaVinci Resolve. (sorry not sorry! 😁)
Index:
0:00 - Introduction
1:57 - Category Piano
4:09 - Category Chromatic
5:38 - Category Organ
7:32 - Category Guitar
8:34 - Category Bass
9:58 - Category Strings
11:35 - Category Ensemble
13:12 - Category Brass
14:16 - Category Reed
15:21 - Category Pipe
16:39 - Category SynthLead
18:29 - Category SynthPad
21:21 - Category SynthFX
23:57 - Category Ethnic
26:13 - Category DrumsPerc
28:37 - Category Effects
30:33 - Category Piano
30:54 - End"
Other Alesis Nano Demonstrations:
Alesis NanoTracker Demo
video upload by John L Rice
"This is a very brief demo of most of what I know how to do with the NanoTracker MIDI recorder. This is just for historical purposes and for when I put it up for sale on Reverb. ;-)"
Alesis NanoBass - Factory Demo
video upload by John L Rice
"I made this quick video for an Alesis NanoBass synth module that I'm going to be selling and decided to make it public just in case anyone is interested. I think all of the Alesis Nano synths are fantastic and very underrated and underestimated. I own a NanoPiano, NanoSynth, and two NanoBass units (that's why I am selling this one)"
See dealers on the right for pricing and availability on gear.
LABELS/MORE: Alesis, MATRIXSYNTH Members
LABELS/MORE: Alesis, MATRIXSYNTH Members
Thursday, February 05, 2026
Mostly Peaceful Synthesizers In The Sea
video upload by John L Rice
"Nine Modcan B modules, three Synthetic Sound Labs modules, Mellotron M4000D, Roland Integra7, and Strymon and Lexicon effects.
So many fishies, left in the sea. So many fishies, and my synthesizers and me . . . 😁
#modularsynth #electronicmusic #synth"
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Complete ROLAND SYSTEM 700 (7 Blocks)
video upload by Ian Nieman
This one is in via John L Rice.
"Here is a short video showing the layout and module configuration of a complete ROLAND SYSTEM 700. Be sure to check out @AlexBallMusic channel for more info on how the 700 functions, and some sound demos. If you are interested in general tutorials on how to use a synthesizer be sure to head over to @anthonymarinellimusic Youtube channel, or check out his "Think Like A Synth" program.
** This video is unedited, no script. One camera, one take, so if there are mistakes sorry for that :)"
ROLAND SYSTEM 700 - what does it sound like??
video upload by Ian Nieman
0:00 - Intro
3:10 - Sequencer Starts
10:20 - Using Keyboard Controller
11:40 - Portamento
22:29 - Mono Phase Shifter
25:15 - Outro
"Just going through some basic routing to illustrate the sound (sonic) of the System 700 Maincab (Block 1). No external FX etc ... direct into Protools. My intent is to let you hear what a 700 actually sounds like. Hopefully you have half decent speakers etc ... I do notice a bit or distortion, mostly caused by the Reverb tank being overdriven!
Because this was a 'live' and do notice I didn't go through all the modules, but again that wasn't my focus.
Thanks~~
Sorry the autofocus was stuck.
** Not intended to be a "performance" in an way or instruction on how to use a 700 :)
#roland #rolandsystem700 #synth #synthesizer #analog #Japan #music #producer #tools"
Quick Look at the Polyfusion Series 2000
video upload by Ian Nieman
"Happy New Year~. Let's start the year off with a Quick Look at my Polyfusion Modular. When I get time I will make a video so you guys can hear it in action. Thanks!"
This one is in via John L Rice.
Friday, November 14, 2025
JLR's Modular Synthesizers - System Breakdown #15
video upload by John L Rice
"This is my fifteenth video breakdown/rundown, this time for my largest system, the mighty 5U "wall"! 🥳 This is likely the last installment of this series.
Index:
0:00 Beginning
2:23 Preface
4:30 Introduction
5:28 Section 1
Friday, October 31, 2025
NEW Mellotron Micro Module - 2025 review and demonstration video
video upload by Now You Know
"Review of the new for 2025, Mellotron Micro Module. Basically a Mellotron Micro without the keyboard. Use your own controller keyboard with the Mellotron Micro Module. Review the micro module for its sound, functions, price point. In 2025, the Mellotron Micro is retailing for around $500 USD. I paid $695 CAD. Thanks @MellotronFactory for this wonderful instrument."
This one is in via John L Rice.
Thursday, October 23, 2025
New CLUB OF THE KNOBS Modules For a Colourful Winter Time
This one was sent my way via John L Rice, via CLUB OF THE KNOBS.
"For a colourful winter time:
CP19 FOUR VOICE MIDI ADAPTER
C921P VOLTAGE CONTROLLED DUAL OSCILLATOR
p.s.
Also NEW in 2025 [not pictured, but mentioned in Dec 2024]
NEW! 2025
NEW! CP18 CHROMATIC TUNER
NEW! C929 VOX HUMANA (in addition to C1610 RESONATORS/FIXED MODIFIERS)"
http://www.cluboftheknobs.com
See dealers on the right for pricing and availability on gear.
LABELS/MORE: 5U, COTK, New Modules, News
LABELS/MORE: 5U, COTK, New Modules, News
Sunday, October 19, 2025
Rest In Peace Jon Andersen
video upload by Jon Andersen
Friday morning classical guitar and strings
video upload by Jon Andersen
This one is in via John L Rice who had the following to say:
"'Just me' on ModWiggler spotted this Facebook post of Jon Andersen’s family seeking help and information on selling his Synthesizers.com modular. They posted a link to a video of his from 5 years ago of a performance he did with his modular and a couple keyboards. He only had one other video where he plays guitar and a keyboard."
Both videos are featured above.
Click through the Facebook link if you'd like to help or just leave your condolensces.
See dealers on the right for pricing and availability on gear.
LABELS/MORE: 5U, RIP, synthesizers.com
LABELS/MORE: 5U, RIP, synthesizers.com
Thursday, October 16, 2025
Hans Zimmer Next Level Giorgio III Monumental 5U Modular System
Hans Zimmer 2025 - Batman Dark Knight - Opening - Cologne / Köln - Next Level Live
video upload by C3|Nik
Pics and details below. First the video description:
"Some thoughts regarding the "Hans Zimmer - The Next Level" concert:
Amazing! Amazing! AMAZING!
I went to all shows of Hans Zimmer, some I've seen even multiple times. The sound quality of "Next Level" blew them all out of the water. It was louder, it was more intense, really top notch sound engineering. That part at 5:50 in the video was extremely intense, I have never experienced that kind of bass before. I sat close to the front, there was a line of subwoofers right in front of me, I would not be surprised if that part causes some anxiety for people, that's how intense it was.
Some pieces were re-arranged which was an interesting touch, it added a nice new dimension to it.
I can recommend it. It is expensive but a one-of-a-kind experience in my opinion."
Update: SynTesla video below added.
GIORGIO III, Hans Zimmer's monumental synthesiser manufactured by SynTesla
video upload by SynTesla
"SynTesla is the manufacturer of the gigantic GIORGIO III modular synthesiser commissioned by Hans Zimmer for his world tour 'Hans Zimmer Live The Next Level'. Discover the unboxing and assembly of this fabulous instrument."


This one is in via John L Rice.
via pidjyman on Mod Wiggler:
"The Giorgio III is a monumental 5U Modular synthesiser created by SynTesla (Pierre-Jean Tardiveau, aka pidjyman on MW) for composer Hans Zimmer for his world tour.
This synthesizer is undoubtedly the largest modular synth in the world, consisting of 12 cabinets measuring 5 x 5U + 1 x 3U in height. Only 10 cabinets are installed on stage, with two others serving as back-up behind the scenes.
This monster represents 10 months of hard work in total. 23 types of modules were designed and produced in large numbers. To give you an example, the synth is composed of 3 separate units of 4 voices each, for a total of 12 voices, with 2 VCOs, 2 DCOS, 2 filters, 6 DADSRs, 6 VCAs, 1 resonator, 4 LFOs, buffered multis, logic, attenuators, attenuverter, mixers, wavefolders, gate delays, summing mixers, etc. etc...
The modules were manufactured in France by Syntesla and designed by Yusynth and SynTesla. They were assembled in Los Angeles at Hans Zimmer's studios and then shipped to Germany for final assembly on the tour stage.
When the synth arrived in Oberhausen, Hans Zimmer had never seen it before (he was rehearsing in London while it was being assembled in LA), and I can promise you that his smile in the photo is not fake (neither is mine).
The electrical part of the cabinets was also designed and built by SynTesla. It includes an oversized power supply with a capacity of 10 amps, an active filter that provides perfectly stable and clean voltage, and a power distribution board in SynTesla and DotCom format, as well as an integrated voltmeter and ammeter. The whole system has several levels of safety.
This made it possible to connect each cabinet to a solid-state relay socket controlled by DMX from the lighting console. The robustness of the device allows the whole or part of the system to be switched on and off in sequence, depending on the pieces being played on stage."
video upload by C3|Nik
Pics and details below. First the video description:
"Some thoughts regarding the "Hans Zimmer - The Next Level" concert:
Amazing! Amazing! AMAZING!
I went to all shows of Hans Zimmer, some I've seen even multiple times. The sound quality of "Next Level" blew them all out of the water. It was louder, it was more intense, really top notch sound engineering. That part at 5:50 in the video was extremely intense, I have never experienced that kind of bass before. I sat close to the front, there was a line of subwoofers right in front of me, I would not be surprised if that part causes some anxiety for people, that's how intense it was.
Some pieces were re-arranged which was an interesting touch, it added a nice new dimension to it.
I can recommend it. It is expensive but a one-of-a-kind experience in my opinion."
Update: SynTesla video below added.
GIORGIO III, Hans Zimmer's monumental synthesiser manufactured by SynTesla
video upload by SynTesla
"SynTesla is the manufacturer of the gigantic GIORGIO III modular synthesiser commissioned by Hans Zimmer for his world tour 'Hans Zimmer Live The Next Level'. Discover the unboxing and assembly of this fabulous instrument."


This one is in via John L Rice.
via pidjyman on Mod Wiggler:
"The Giorgio III is a monumental 5U Modular synthesiser created by SynTesla (Pierre-Jean Tardiveau, aka pidjyman on MW) for composer Hans Zimmer for his world tour.
This synthesizer is undoubtedly the largest modular synth in the world, consisting of 12 cabinets measuring 5 x 5U + 1 x 3U in height. Only 10 cabinets are installed on stage, with two others serving as back-up behind the scenes.
This monster represents 10 months of hard work in total. 23 types of modules were designed and produced in large numbers. To give you an example, the synth is composed of 3 separate units of 4 voices each, for a total of 12 voices, with 2 VCOs, 2 DCOS, 2 filters, 6 DADSRs, 6 VCAs, 1 resonator, 4 LFOs, buffered multis, logic, attenuators, attenuverter, mixers, wavefolders, gate delays, summing mixers, etc. etc...
The modules were manufactured in France by Syntesla and designed by Yusynth and SynTesla. They were assembled in Los Angeles at Hans Zimmer's studios and then shipped to Germany for final assembly on the tour stage.
When the synth arrived in Oberhausen, Hans Zimmer had never seen it before (he was rehearsing in London while it was being assembled in LA), and I can promise you that his smile in the photo is not fake (neither is mine).
The electrical part of the cabinets was also designed and built by SynTesla. It includes an oversized power supply with a capacity of 10 amps, an active filter that provides perfectly stable and clean voltage, and a power distribution board in SynTesla and DotCom format, as well as an integrated voltmeter and ammeter. The whole system has several levels of safety.
This made it possible to connect each cabinet to a solid-state relay socket controlled by DMX from the lighting console. The robustness of the device allows the whole or part of the system to be switched on and off in sequence, depending on the pieces being played on stage."
Sunday, September 28, 2025
Remembering Gert Jalass of MOON MODULAR
John L Rice wrote in to let us know today is the late Gert Jalass' birthday. I met Gert a few times at NAMM, and John would often man the Moon Modular Booth. Gert was a great, kind soul. I miss his smile; I miss his presence.
John mentioned the Moon Modular website has had a few updates since his passing. The About and History pages are worth a look.
You will find the following there:
LUNAR MAGIC | Gert Jalass’ Work of Life
as well as
THE HISTORY OF MOON MODULAR 2002 - 2025.
Friday, September 26, 2025
Steffen Marienberg of Marienberg Devices Has Passed Away
Some sad news in via John L Rice, via the Sequencer.de forums
Google translation of attached funeral notice:
“We are sad that we have lost you. We are grateful that we were able to live with you. Steffen Marienberg *September 30, 1961 +August 19, 2025 In silent mourning: his Sigrid, his brother Holger, and all relatives. Alterode, August 2025. The funeral service, followed by the urn burial, will take place on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Hoym cemetery.”
Marienberg was a maker of 5U modules. You can find the Marienberg website at http://marienbergdevices.de/.
See the Marienberg label for a posts dating back to 2013 featuring their gear.
Tuesday, September 02, 2025
Tube based 5U System Coming in 2026 From Knifonium Maker Jonte Knif
You might recall the Knifonium from previous posts here.
John L Rice wrote in to let us know Jonte Knif is working on a tube based 5U System. Pictured here are a few images John pulled from Facebook.
See dealers on the right for pricing and availability on gear.
LABELS/MORE: 5U, Knif Audio, News, Teasers
LABELS/MORE: 5U, Knif Audio, News, Teasers
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Can You Guess What This Is?
This one is in via John L Rice.
"Wendy Carlos hidden gem in a stereo 35 mm optical Jiffy Test Film for test doby stereo."
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
“Liar, Liar, 960 Denier!” 😅
video upload by John L Rice
"I’ve been getting a bit burnt out doing endless video editing lately so when my friend David (Kindred Lost) made a nice cover/demo of his Moog 960 style sequencer doing the bass sequence from Tangerine Dream’s 'Rubycon' and said 'nothing but the 960 can do this' so I fired up my trusty Moon 569 sequencer to see if I could do it too! 🤓 David’s demo sound much more 'Moogy' that mine and is closer to the original TD track, I mainly just wanted to see if I could recreate similar patterns. Check out David's video 👌😎: • Franke and Ruby [posted here]
I used the following modules:
Moon Modular: 569 sequencer
Oakley: Slim VCO B (as VC clock)
Marienberg: Envelope Generator A, VC Sine Phase Oscillator
Noise Engineering: Cursus Iteritas Magnus VCO
STG Soundlabs: Post-Lawsuit Lowpass Filter
Synthetic Sound Labs: Tube VCA, Quad LFO
Synthesizers.com: Q125 Signal Processor
Also:
Allen & Heath: MixWizard 20S
Lexicon: MX400
Strymon: BigSky, Timeline"
See dealers on the right for pricing and availability on gear.
LABELS/MORE: 5U, Allen and Heath, Lexicon, Marienberg, MATRIXSYNTH Members, Moon Modular, Noise Engineering, Oakley, SSL, STG, strymon, synthesizers.com
LABELS/MORE: 5U, Allen and Heath, Lexicon, Marienberg, MATRIXSYNTH Members, Moon Modular, Noise Engineering, Oakley, SSL, STG, strymon, synthesizers.com
Saturday, May 17, 2025
The “Thing” The Great Seal Bug.
video upload by Behind Designs
This one is in via John L Rice.
"WW2 & Cold war weapons and spy gadgets were truly amazing! Have you ever wondered about the history of RFID and how it works? It was originally developed and first used as a Soviet cold war spying device. The Thing or The Great Seal bug as it was known, sat on the wall of a US ambassadors office for 7 years completely undetected listening into American secrets. The technology behind this revolutionary device now resides in your pocket in the form of Radio Frequency Identification. or RFID. Thank you so much to everyone who has subscribed and supported the channel so far.
Music Credits Lord of the dawn - Jesse Gallagher
Maestro Tlakaelel - Jesse Gallagher
Research, Script, Voice Over, Animations, 3D Modelling, Rendering, Editing. - Me"
Interesing bit of history regarding Leon Theremin.
Friday, May 16, 2025
New GRP A10 Flagship Synthesizer Incoming
These in via John L Rice.
Left: front panel layout.
Below: PDF with full details. Click on each pic to zoom in.
Update: "The Grp A10 will cost €10,000* plus VAT and will be available at the end of 2026."
See dealers on the right for pricing and availability on gear.
LABELS/MORE: GRP, New Synths, News, Updates
LABELS/MORE: GRP, New Synths, News, Updates
Saturday, May 10, 2025
Synthesizers.com Joins synthCube

Some news sent my way via John L Rice
via synthCube on modwiggler:
"We are happy to announce here (first) that Synthesizers.com will be joining our portfolio of synthCube brands here just outside of Boston. We spent the weekend packing all of the assets, inventory, demo units etc into trucks and will be taking the next few weeks to get everything set up again in our shop. We owe much gratitude to Roger Arrick for the initial effort to design and start the company in the first place, to James Allen and others who took on Dotcom when Roger passed it along to them, and to the most recent owners for their stewardship of Dotcom in the interim. If you're a designer / maker of dotcom/MU 5U modules, we hope that this helps re-energize interest in your products too... frankly, the more options that customers have, the better for those customers and for the format itself. Part of how we will measure success is NOT by how many makers we put out of business, rather it will be how many makers will now grow faster, and how many new makers might come in and create more dotcom/MU 5U innovations? We'll post more details about future plans here and in other channels when we have some time, and we look forward to hearing your feedback, ideas, and suggestions on how best to inspire and support the current generations of Dotcom users and how to improve the products and solutions for the next generation as well. We know Dotcom/5U won't ever be as popular as Eurorack, and that's OK; BUT we are equally confident that there will always be a place for high quality, large format, serious synth instruments and modules and 5U will be around for the long haul. How does that saying go? 'We liked the product so much we bought the company.'
Monika and Chris"
See dealers on the right for pricing and availability on gear.
LABELS/MORE: synthCube, synthesizers.com
LABELS/MORE: synthCube, synthesizers.com
Wednesday, May 07, 2025
Moon Modular Joins SYNTH-WERK
Some good news for Moon Modular fans via SYNTH-WERK:
“After long and intensive meetings, discussions and formal obligations we can say today that Moon Modular is now a SYNTH-WERK company. We will continue the legacy of our friend Gert Jalass and will start the work on modules in the near future. We miss you Gert but your legend will live on...”
This one is in via John L Rice who noted: "Also on the 5th they announced a 5U module version pf their Bode Barberpole Phaser and yesterday announced their final version of their keyboard controller." The SW 955-CONTACT picured below.
See dealers on the right for pricing and availability on gear.
LABELS/MORE: Moon Modular, News, SYNTH-WERK
LABELS/MORE: Moon Modular, News, SYNTH-WERK
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MATRIXSYNTH - EVERYTHING SYNTH
© Matrixsynth - All posts are presented here for informative, historical and educative purposes as applicable within fair use.
MATRIXSYNTH is supported by affiliate links that use cookies to track clickthroughs and sales. See the privacy policy for details.
MATRIXSYNTH - EVERYTHING SYNTH
































