Genki KATLA - THE VOLCANO SYNTH!! Now Available

video upload by Starsky Carr

"What happens when a synthesizer completely breaks the rules?
In this video, we explore the Genki KATLA — a truly unique polysynth inspired by Icelandic volcanoes, featuring a rotating voice architecture, hybrid signal path, and some of the most unpredictable sound design possibilities I’ve come across.

This isn’t your typical analog polysynth. Each of the five voices can run independently with different waveforms, octaves, and modulation — creating evolving textures, harmonic movement, and generative-style sounds that feel closer to modular synthesis than traditional keyboards.

🎛️ What makes the KATLA special?
• Rotating voice polyphony (round robin-style synthesis)
• Independent per-voice oscillators & tuning
• Digital oscillators + analog filter signal path
• Looping envelopes reaching audio-rate modulation
• Phase distortion, wavefolding & multiple distortion types
• Tape-style wow, flutter & pitch instability effects
• Stereo voice movement & evolving spatial modulation
• External inputs for processing other gear

From lush ambient pads to aggressive, evolving sequences — this synth can go places most instruments simply can’t. It’s not about recreating vintage sounds… it’s about discovering entirely new ones.

💸 At around €5000, this is definitely not a beginner synth — but for sound designers, and anyone looking for something truly different, it well worth a look."

Genki Katla Sound Design: Making sounds from scratch and exploring
video upload by MR TUNA Music

Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 0:16 - Init patch 0:44 - Filter sounds 1:26 - Raising 1 voice 1:43 - Creating a basic pluck sound 2:24 - Aftertouch controls 2:45 - Bring in a little reverb 2:56 - LFO to filter cutoff 3:16 - LFO to reverb mix 3:46 - Keyboard cutoff 4:00 - Osc 3 Square wave 4:23 - Sub oscillator 4:54 - KATLA parameters 5:01 - Rústir wavefolder 6:08 - Rökkur stereospreader 6:37 - Skriða envelope randomizer 7:27 - Aska random modulations 7:57 - Glóð tape stops and flutters 8:35 - Skjálfti ??? 9:14 - Kvika slow tape modulations 9:38 - dark pads 10:20 - Móða voice detuning 11:20 - Katla sounds with aftertouch 13:28 - Thanks for watching

"Hey guys! Very very excited to be presenting the Genki Katla to you all... I am truly in awe of the sound of this very unique and powerful instrument.

I thought the best way to get to know the synth is to start from scratch so in this video we'll go full hands-on with the Genki Katla, exploring (almost) every parameter and building sounds from an initialized patch.

From some raw drone layers and gritty textures to evolving pads, rhythmic sequences, and atmospheric beds, we will see just what this instrument can do, discover new sounds, and maybe make some friends along the way 🙏

If you're into sound design, unique synths, or just love discovering new instruments, this one is for you!

HUGE thanks to Genki for letting me a part of this with them and showing off this super cool synth.

No money was paid, no agreements were made... these are my real thoughts on this very premium synthesizer and I will be sharing lots more."

Press release follows:


Genki Instruments announces availability of Katla as Voice Rotating Polyphonic Synthesizer inspired by its natural namesake

REYKJAVIK, ICELAND: having twice blown European musical minds thanks to show-stealing showcases at SUPERBOOTH25, May 8-10, Berlin, Germany and Machina Bristronica 2025, September 27-28, Bristol, UK, before adventuring across the pond for a repeat performance at Buchla & Friends 2026, January 24-25, LA, CA, USA, Reykjavik-based instrument developer Genki Instruments is proud to announce availability of the eagerly-awaited Katla as a Voice Rotating Polyphonic Synthesizer inspired by Iceland’s largest subglacial volcano as its natural namesake — readily representing the company’s first foray into analogue synthesis, albeit one that uniquely utilises a set of wildcard parameters to infuse it with organic, unpredictable behaviour as an instrument that is worthy of that legacy, excelling at generating rich, evolving, multi-layered textures, where each note stirs, swells, and erupts in its own distinct way — as of March 31…

Clearly Katla’s inspiration runs through its ‘volcanic’ veins. After all, it is framed by side panels and knobs forged from authentic Icelandic lava, giving each instrument a tangible connection to the volcanic forces that inspired it. That this synth should surely roar is a given. Genki Instruments inevitably chose, therefore, to kit Katla out with four independent distortion destinations, the most unruly of which is a stereo CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) Drive effect — a characterful saturation stage, pushing tones from warm and rounded to fractured and snarling.

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Waldorf Iridium / Quantum - "Harmony of the Spheres" (50 Presets)

video upload by LFOstore

"'Harmony of the Spheres' is a truly remarkable soundset for the Waldorf Iridium and Quantum synthesizers with 50 exclusive presets created by the well-known sound designer, film composer and sound therapist, Otto K. Schwarz. Whether you are composing ambient journeys, cinematic soundtracks, meditative music, experimental electronica or simply seeking moments of cosmic resonance, “Harmony of the Spheres” invites you to become part of this eternal harmony!

As the name suggests, this soundbank is dedicated to the ancient philosophical concept of the harmony of the spheres, also known as Musica universalis. The ancients spoke of the musical and mathematical structure of the cosmos. They believed that the movement of heavenly bodies gives rise to a perfect harmony, expressed through distances equal to the consonant musical proportions — a celestial symphony that resonates through the universe itself.

On the powerful wavetable, granular and sampling engines of the Iridium and Quantum, this philosophy comes vividly to life. Here you will find multi-layered pads that dissolve into infinite cosmic depths, evolving sequences that mirror the the cosmic cycles and events, hypnotic arpeggios that echo the orbital dance of planets and moons, cosmic leads that pierce the veil of unseen, and ethereal keys bathed in the radiant frequencies of starlight.

Otto K. Schwarz, with over 12 years of experience and collaborations with leading manufacturers such as Access Music, Modal Electronics and Native Instruments, brings his signature blend of psychoacoustic depth, emotional intelligence and therapeutic insight to this library. Each preset is meticulously sculpted to evoke not just sound, but a sense of universal connection — a sonic meditation on the hidden music that binds all existence! Experience the Journey!"

Keep an eye on the following links for the soundset:

https://lfo.store/product-category/hardware-synths/waldorf-iridium/

https://lfo.store/product-category/hardware-synths/waldorf-quantum/

Cherry Audio Introduces Crumar DS-2 Software Synthesizer

video upload by Cherry Audio

Cherry Audio Crumar DS-2: Full tutorial by CatSynth TV

Patreon: / catsynth | https://shop.catsynth.com | https://ko-fi.com/catsynth

Playlist:

1. Cherry Audio's DS-2 Part 1 | DCOs, Polyphonic Engine & Factory Presets
2. Cherry Audio's Crumar DS-2 Part 2 | VCF, VCA, voice modes
3. Cherry Audio's Crumar DS-2 Part 3 | Effects, Arpeggiator, Presets

Press release follows:


Cherry Audio Launches Crumar DS-2 Synthesizer

Based on the original 1978 hardware, this value-packed emulation revives the digital control and analog soul of an often forgotten landmark in synth history.

(March 31) Cherry Audio is excited to announce the release of the Crumar DS-2 synthesizer, a virtual instrument that faithfully replicates and significantly enhances the original 1978 hardware synth that was ahead of its time. This release marks the latest collaboration with Crumar Instruments, following last year’s acclaimed Spirit synthesizer, revisiting a groundbreaking Italian synth and infusing it with Cherry Audio’s signature style.

Crumar DS-2 by Cherry Audio is available now for only $59 at cherryaudio.com and through authorized resellers, bringing its rare and legendary “vintage digital” sound to the modern production environment at an exceptionally low price.

The Crumar DS-2 was a unique synthesizer that combined a monophonic Synth engine alongside a fully paraphonic Poly section. The “DS” in its name stood for “Digital Synthesizer,” and it featured two Digitally Controlled Oscillators (DCOs) designed to prevent tuning drift. However, the resulting waveforms were completely stair-stepped, giving the instrument a gritty character and wild harmonics. Together, the two sections provided the DS-2 with a distinct sound that set it apart from both early digital synthesizers and classic analog models.

Building upon the foundation of the vintage hardware, Cherry Audio’s virtual Crumar DS-2 introduces several powerful modern enhancements to expand its creative potential. The monophonic Synth section now includes unison and multi-voice modes, providing panning and tuning options, as well as polyphonic functionality with 4, 8, or 16 voices. The Poly section supports full 32-note polyphony, and DS-2 now features a keyboard split mode in addition to the layered mode.

The Synth section now includes a stair-stepped sine waveform option, and oscillator sync has been added. A third LFO has been introduced, and LFO options now include discrete delays, sync, retrigger, reverse wave, and one-shot capabilities. The five-part LFO Mixer, previously hardwired to specific destinations, now offers six assignable destinations with 33 options each, providing unparalleled modulation flexibility.

The envelopes have been enhanced with an initial delay stage (DADSR) and velocity sensitivity, and now include looping functionality. Additionally, the Poly section now features VCA release control, making it better suited to powerful string-synth sonics. Touch control has been added with four slots and simple click-to-assign functionality, supporting both channel and polyphonic aftertouch with compatible MIDI controllers.

The VCF has been upgraded to include a 12dB 2-pole in addition to the original 24dB 4-pole option, along with polarity and key-follow adjustments. Other enhancements include an assignable bend range, a dedicated mod wheel, and a dynamic arpeggiator that can be applied to either or both sections. DS-2 also offers three customizable effects chains with 20 studio-quality effects, allowing users to arrange, save, and recall their settings. Over 300 professionally designed presets are organized into 14 categories to inspire instant creativity.

Cherry Audio is also offering the Deep Space Preset Pack for DS-2 for only $9.99. This pack includes an extra 100 presets that provide an in-depth exploration of DS-2's sophisticated modulation routing, expressive performance features, layers and splits, arpeggiator, and studio-quality effects.

Crumar DS-2 reflects Cherry Audio’s ongoing dedication to delivering high-quality sound at an unbeatable price, even in uncertain times. Priced at just $59, the DS-2 is an ideal choice for synth enthusiasts who value both exceptional tone and affordability. Furthermore, until April 13th, producers can purchase the Crumar DS-2 as part of Cherry Audio’s “Build Your Own Bundle” options. Customers can select a Pick 3 bundle for $99 (regularly $119) or a Pick 6 bundle for only $149 (regularly $169), allowing you to mix and match any of their award-winning instruments for as little as $25 per plugin.

Cherry Audio’s Crumar DS-2 synthesizer is available for macOS (10.13 or later) and Windows (7 or later) in AU, VST, VST3, AAX, and standalone formats. A free 30-day demo is available. Visit cherryaudio.com for additional product details, a deep-dive introductory video, system requirements, and an extensive collection of awe-inspiring sound demos.

Roland to Celebrate 404 Day with SP‑404MKII Update & Worldwide Events

Press release follows:

Roland Celebrates 404 Day and Global Beat Culture with Worldwide Events, Partnerships, and a Major SP‑404MKII Update

Los Angeles, CA, March 30, 2026 — Roland is celebrating 404 Day, the annual global moment honoring the creators, communities, and cultural movements shaped by the SP‑404 and its modern successor, the SP‑404MKII. For nearly two decades, the SP series has been the engine of the underground beat scene. What began as a subculture has evolved into a worldwide force through sonic experimentation and community‑driven expression.

The SP lineage has shaped scenes across Los Angeles, Tokyo, London, Berlin, Melbourne, and beyond. Producers including Dibia$e, Knxwledge, MNDSGN, and the late Ras G have expanded the sampler’s creative vocabulary, inspiring generations of beatmakers to develop their own voices through sample‑based music.

404 Day 2026 Around the World

SP-404 celebrations are building around 404 Day, with partner activations, events, and creator-led moments across the global beat scene. This year’s celebration is anchored by a cornerstone collaboration with Berklee College of Music, and a 404 Day livestream at the Roland Studio in California, alongside workshops and performances.For more information on worldwide events: https://articles.roland.com/ultimate-guide-404-day-2026

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OBERHEIM OB-X8 POLYPHONIC ANALOGUE SYNTHESISER (DESKTOP)

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

via this listing

Additional Signal Sounds listings

"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

CLICK FOR MORE »

Minimal Electronica with Softball MIDI and Digitone | Extra Ball 2026-03-20 by atnr

video upload by atnr

"A minimal electronica piece where MIDI from ‪@noine-giron‬ Softball https://store.noine.net/softball.html is sent to Digitone for sound generation.

Softball by noine runs on a Mac and sends MIDI sequences to the Digitone via USB MIDI, triggering the sound.

On the Digitone, the knobs are used to shape and modify the sound of each track in real time."

Some info on Softball, Google translated:

"A macOS MIDI sequencer that is simply fun to use—featuring the playful motion of a bouncing ball. It is currently available for purchase on Payhip.

・Simple ・Highly expressive ・Fun to use
These three principles form the core of its design. While I do plan to add more features in the future, I intend to remain steadfast in upholding these three fundamental pillars.
DAWs like Ableton Live consolidate almost every conceivable function into a single package, allowing you to do just about anything; I rely on them heavily myself.
However, isn't there also a unique joy in treating individual applications on your computer as distinct modules—combining them in various ways to create something new? This very concept is why I chose to handle MIDI directly rather than developing this as a standard plugin. And, of course, sending MIDI signals out to trigger external hardware instruments is a delight in its own right!
I have intentionally designed the interface to avoid the need for precise note-by-note (Do-Re-Mi) input via a traditional piano roll. Instead, I encourage you to experiment with different keys and scales to find the perfect musical balance that feels right to you. My hope is that you will feel free to create and play sounds in a way that feels natural and accessible.
But why the bouncing ball?
Aren't you a little tired of watching static step sequencers or piano rolls scroll endlessly across the screen?
I felt that the dynamic motion of a bouncing ball had a wonderful synergy with musical rhythm and beat. Plus—let's be honest—it just looks adorable as it bounces along!"

Korg DW-8000 | 3 brand new patch banks for the price of 1

video upload by Espen Kraft

"3 brand new patch banks for the Korg DW-8000/EX-8000 and FB-7999 plugin.
Contact me on email and I'll even give you a little discount if you buy directly from me.
Or get them here: https://thepatchbay.io/product/korg-d...

Price is $15USD for all three banks which is a pretty sweet deal.

3 full banks of 64 patches each are included in the download. P11-88
Bank 1 Luxury Vanilla Bank - 64 different pads, strings, bells and other glossy and slick sounds
Bank 2 Bass Bang Bank - 64 different bass patches, many of them really cuts through a track
Bank 3 Adventurous Bank - 64 different many patches suited for more experimental electronica

The download comes with 3 sysex banks you can import straight into your DW-8000/EX-8000 and also the Full Bucket FB-7999 free plugin emulation of the DW-8000.
If you're using the FB-7999 exclusively I've also included the banks as *.FXB so you can have the benefit of the STEREO tweak parameter not present in the hardware. I have adjusted many of the patches for the FB-7999 to take advantage of just that. In the demo you hear only the patches coming out of the FB-7999 plugin, played from the DSS-1. All banks have been tested and verified on the hardware.
In the demo I also use some external effects, mostly so in the demo song in the beginning.
The drums (and NASA talking) in the demo song are of course not part of the download. All other patches/sounds are.
I have a video on my channel about how to get your sysex banks into a hardware DW-8000 and EX-8000.

Finally, as an arranger and producer, I make patches that are mostly meant to be used together with other sounds. How a sound or patch sound in isolation is rarely relevant. It's how they build up texture when combined with other sounds that is important to me.
Like in the Bass bank, many of the bass patches are meant to be part of the low end, together with a kick. That's why many of them might seem bland or plain in isolation, but put them into a production and layer them correctly and they'll give you a solid low end with definition, like the demo track. I use 3 different bass patches from this download to have that solid, slick yet defined bottom end."

Deep Focus — 1 Hour Analog Synth Session (No Talking)

video upload by Caught In Joy

"Sometimes the best ideas appear when the mind slows down and distractions fade away.

This one-hour analog synth session was recorded live in the studio using hardware synthesizers and slowly evolving sequences — a quiet space for thinking, working, reading, or simply drifting for a while.

Inspired by the spirit of classic analog pioneers like Vangelis, Tangerine Dream, and Jean-Michel Jarre — composed live in one take using hardware synthesizers, no timeline, just performance.

Let the sound move gently in the background while thoughts begin to organize themselves.

Best used for:
• deep focus
• coding or writing
• studying
• late night thinking
• quiet creative work

Full albums:
https://caughtinjoy.bandcamp.com

Long listening environments and extended sessions:
https://caughtinjoy24.bandcamp.com


— Karol / Caught In Joy"

Lese TEURI

video upload by DATABROTH

"Read my full review here: https://www.databroth.com/blog/teuri-...

00:00 Pads
01:03 Kicks
03:24 Noise


video uploads by Lese Audio Technologies

Teuri is for Distortion Morphing.

Teuri’s “Cellular Distortion” system puts multiple distortion models at different points on an XY pad and lets you live in the tension between them. Drag through the grid and blend through textures that were never meant to coexist. ragged fuzz bleeding into clinical overdrive, soft saturation collapsing into bitcrush.

No snapping, no quantizing, just continuous, organic layers of deterioration.

Since the different models can produce sound at different levels, Teuri internally handles these differences to give you a smooth morphing experience.

Highlights
Model Selection

Teuri comes with a broad palette of distortion characters; from analog circuit models to experimental processes that have no hardware counterpart.

Whether you’re reaching for the warmth of a pushed tube stage, the grind of a germanium fuzz distortion, or something that treats your audio less like a signal and more like a material to be torn apart, Teuri’s model selection is built to cover the full range of what distortion can mean.

Distortion Cells

Different distortion models are added on an XY pad, and the internal “Positional Blending” system handles smooth blending between them, regardless of model. The “blender” also attempts to balance between the gain differences that the models have in real-time.

Modulate More

Teuri has a modulation system, similar to the one in Glow and Smear. Offering up to four modulators which can be optionally synchronized to the DAW’s BPM & retriggered by the DAW’s playback state.

https://lese.io/plugin/teuri

Loop Samples Without Clicks on Syntakt 1.40, Digitakt & Every Sampler

video upload by Sineway

"Loop points that click are one of the most frustrating things in sampling - and one of the easiest to fix once you know how. In this video I show you a simple crossfade technique in Audacity that produces seamless, click-free loops every single time. No plugins, no special tools - just a free tool and a workflow that works.

I record the source sound straight from the Novation Peak into Audacity, build the loop, and then export in the right format for each device - mono/16-bit/48kHz for Syntakt 1.40 and the original Digitakt, and stereo/24-bit/48kHz for Digitakt II. The difference in the final result is exactly what you'd expect - and worth hearing.

The technique itself is sampler-agnostic. Whether you're on an Elektron box, an SP-404, an MPC, or anything else, the principle is the same: get the loop right before it ever reaches the hardware.

Chapters:
0:00 The problem
0:27 Recording the source on Novation Peak
2:00 Finding the loop region
3:17 The crossfade technique in Audacity
4:49 Don't forget to normalize the audio
5:28 Exporting .wav files for Syntakt, Digitakt & Digitakt II
6:05 Importing via Transfer + playback on Syntakt 1.40
6:38 Digitakt II - stereo playback

The two sample files used in this video (mono and stereo version) are available for free download on my Patreon."

DiscoDSP Releases Retromulator Based on The Usual Suspects dsp56300 Engine

via DiscoDSP

[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."

You can find demos of the dsp56300 engines in previous posts here.

Featured synths:

CLICK FOR MORE »

Acid - Novation Circuit Tracks Sound Pack by A Force Truly Evil

video upload by A Force Truly Evil

"Available here: https://sci-fiaudio.com/product/acid/

YOUR NOVATION CIRCUIT TRACKS — REBORN AS A MODERN ACID MACHINE. FROM TIMELESS ACID HOUSE TO RAVE TECHNO

ACID transforms your Novation Circuit Tracks into a modern Acid machine, designed for genres such as Classic Acid, Acid House, Techno, Detroit Techno, Acid Techno, Hard Techno and Rave genres.

Roland TB-303 behaviour emulated — with a more modern sound, yet fully capable of delivering the classic tone. Modernised and expanded.

The pack includes 128 patches in total:
96 authentic 303-style Acid sounds plus 32 additional sounds, including a strong selection of polyphonic material such as chords and classic genre sounds to expand your productions beyond classic monophonic Acid lines.

All patches respond to velocity where appropriate, allowing expressive control and dynamic performances directly from the Circuit Tracks pads.

The 303-style patches are programmed to recreate the behaviour and response of the original machine — from timeless Acid House to harder Acid Techno and underground rave territories — featuring velocity-based accent behaviour, glide response, LFO modulation for evolving movement, and powerful modern distortion algorithms with delay and reverb send effects.

Completed with 64 drum samples (House, Techno, Hard Techno, 707, 808, 909 and more), ACID becomes a complete production toolkit — effectively turning Circuit Tracks into a purpose-built Acid production machine."

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Bad Gear - He tried his best to HATE IT

video upload by AudioPilz

[Funny side note: I just saw that episode of Myth Busters with the truck plowing through cars, just yesterday.]

"Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world’s most-hated audio tools. There are a few learnings to be taken from years of ploughing through music production gear like an 80s rock band shopping in a liquor store: don’t believe the hype, everything has been done before and never trust a stylish instrument sold with the promise to give you all you need in a compact form factor without compromising sound quality and usability.

Today we are going to talk about Dirtywave M8. This hardware tracker and mini DAW comes with more red flags than the average dating app experience like a cult-like following, a Game Boy-inspired workflow and believe me - I tried my best to hate it.

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Roland MC-303 | 160BPM DNB

video upload by Akihiko Matsumoto

"In modern production, the most interesting results often come not from layers of weight and power but from the spaces in between. The Roland MC-303, released in the late 1990s, carried this idea into the hands of producers worldwide. Its tones are not always fat or saturated. Instead, they are brittle, sometimes almost hollow. Yet when placed inside today’s dense arrangements, these sounds can cut through with surprising precision and rhythmic character.
MC-303 Sample Pack Link: https://akihikomatsumoto.sellfy.store...
#303day

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Waldorf Protein in the hands of a beginner makes "Bang!"

video upload by Nicolai

"I just bought the Waldorf Protein. They said it is their entry level, so I unboxed it, did a test drive, created some own patches and guess what: "Bang!" a tight techno track was born.

🎧 Original "Bang!" track (the one born from frustration): [below]


It is a lovely wavetable synth: portable (fits my setup perfectly), flexible and most importantly: accessible! Sure, there are menus and a shift button for deeper tweaks, but most of the time you just coast on the sound, dialing it in directly with the tons of hands-on knobs. How cool is that?

Watch the full video: unboxing, preset demos and evolution, honest critique, Nicolai patch building which lead to the 'Bang!' track."

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Marcus Dunn aka lonesoulsurfer DIY Modules

video uploads by Marcus Dunn

Playlist:

1. 7 Channel Mixer For My Modular Synth.
2. Medusa - Sound Effects for Modular Synths
3. Buffered Multi for Modular Synths. Powered by Arduino
4. Digital Delay Module - Powered by Arduino
5. Bleep - Modular Drum Synth - powered by Arduino
6. Solar - A Modular Synth, Powered by Arduino
7. Groove Box Modular Synth - Arduino Nano
8. Freaq FM Synth. My Take on the Awesome MeeBleeps Synth
9. Mutant Generative Synth - Powered by Arduino

Additional details on each:

CLICK FOR MORE »

Cherry Audio Fuses Three Classic Synths into New SH-MAX Powerhouse

video uploads by Cherry Audio

Playlist: [Use the player controls to skip around.]


1. Cherry Audio | SH-MAX Synthesizer - NEW!
2. Cherry Audio | Preset Walkthrough with Andrew Longhurst
3. Cherry Audio | MAXIMUM OVERDRIVE Preset Pack for SH-MAX Synthesizer by James Dyson
4. NEW! Cherry Audio LIVE PREMIERE Tuesday, February 10 at 10 AM PST
5. Cherry Audio SH-MAX - Roland's SH series reimagined! (Demo / Tutorial) - CatSynth TV

Press release follows:


Cherry Audio has announced SH-MAX, an innovative software synthesizer that integrates three legendary SH-series synths from the '70s: the SH-5, SH-7, and SH-3A.

Cherry Audio has announced the launch of SH-MAX, an innovative software synthesizer that integrates three legendary SH-series synthesizers from the 1970s: the SH-5, SH-7, and SH-3A. SH-MAX captures the bold sound of the SH-5 while incorporating features and aesthetics from the other models, enhancing the original designs with greater power, versatility, and essential tools for modern music production. Musicians and vintage synth enthusiasts can start using SH-MAX today for the incredibly low price of just $59, available at cherryaudio.com and authorized resellers worldwide.

SH-MAX faithfully recreates the vibrant tones and workflow of the original SH hardware. It features powerful dual oscillators, two LFOs and ADSR envelopes, the dual-parallel multimode and bandpass filter sections, and the five-channel mixer of the SH-5 (1976), plus a ring modulator and sample/hold capability. Also included are autobend, duophony, filter FM, and the syncable VCOs with additional waveforms found in the SH-7 (1978). The extra additive-style oscillator from the SH-3A (1975) further enhances sound design flexibility. Moreover, SH-MAX incorporates and expands upon the expressive touch performance of the SH-2000 (1973) and features an onboard sequencer inspired by the Model 104 of the legendary System 100 semi-modular synthesizer from 1975.

SH-MAX honors its lineage while taking full advantage of modern software capabilities, supporting mono, duophonic, and 16-voice polyphonic operation for rich chords as well as earthshaking unison timbres. It features three unique retro interface themes that pay homage to the aesthetic of the SH-3A, SH-5, and SH-7, providing a visually immersive experience for true vintage synth enthusiasts. Additionally, optional drift and slop controls for the oscillators, filters, amp, and dual envelope generators introduce authentic analog character and warmth to every sound patch.

The highly flexible SH-style stereo mixer and its varied workflow options allow for modular-style signal routing. Each sound source -- VCO-1, VCO-2A, VCO-2B, the ring modulator, and noise -- can be independently routed to the VCF, BPF, or VCA, with each path enhanced with its own chain of studio-quality effects. With 20 effects available to arrange and reuse within its four chains, SH-MAX provides an exceptionally wide sonic palette. Additional features include a four-channel step sequencer capable of parallel playback or extended chaining, along with a touch effects panel that supports channel and polyphonic aftertouch with compatible MIDI controllers.

SH-MAX's legacy traces back to over five decades of synthesizer and electronic music innovation. The SH-series synthesizers have been used by a diverse range of artists, including Kraftwerk, Tangerine Dream, Jean-Michel Jarre, Brian Eno, Gary Numan, Throbbing Gristle, Skinny Puppy, Aphex Twin, Orbital, Mathew Jonson, Pink Floyd, Nine Inch Nails, Kitaro, MGMT, Vangelis, The Human League, Blondie, Yello, and more.

With SH-MAX, users can create everything from massive leads and thick basses to lush pads and exceptional sound effects, making it a true synthesis powerhouse at their fingertips. To inspire musicians right out of the box, SH-MAX includes over 300 expertly crafted presets that showcase its broad capabilities. For those wanting even more, the Maximum Overdrive Preset Pack by sound designer James Dyson is available from Cherry Audio for $9.99, offering 100 additional presets that highlight SH-MAX's raw analog tone, advanced modulation, four-channel step sequencer, and abundant effects.

Furthermore, until February 22nd, customers can take advantage of Cherry Audio's "Build Your Own Bundle" promotion at cherryaudio.com. Choose the Pick 3 bundle for $99 (regularly $129) or the Pick 6 bundle for $149 (regularly $169) to mix and match any of Cherry Audio's award-winning instruments for as low as $25 per plugin.

Cherry Audio's SH-MAX synthesizer is now available for $59 at cherryaudio.com and authorized resellers worldwide. SH-MAX is a virtual instrument for macOS (10.13 and later) and Windows (7 and later), provided as AU, VST, VST3, and AAX plugins, as well as a standalone application. A free 30-day demo is available. For in-depth product details, an introductory video, extensive demos, and system requirements, visit cherryaudio.com.

The "Easel" Spirit in 3U - A West Coast Eurorack Deep Dive

video upload by Sean Graves

The following is in via Sean Graves, who had the following to say:

"The piece, 'The 'Easel' Spirit in 3U: Rebuilding a Buchla Soul in Eurorack,' documents my five-year journey to replicate the specific workflow and 'soul' of the Buchla Music Easel using a curated Eurorack system."

"This post explores the creative power of 5-step sequencing (the 'migrating downbeat'), the 'origami' of wavefolding via the Verbos Complex Oscillator, and the organic harmonic dampening of vactrol-based Low Pass Gates. It’s a technical yet accessible look at why the West Coast workflow remains the 'holy grail' for performance - based synthesis."

The full write-up follows, with a demonstration of the system in the video above.

The “Easel” Spirit in 3U: Rebuilding a Buchla Soul in Eurorack

The Buchla Music Easel is legendary. It isn’t just a synthesizer. It’s a self-contained performance ecosystem. For many of us, the “Easel” workflow is the holy grail of synthesis. However, instead of chasing original hardware, I’ve spent the past five years rebuilding its specific soul within the Eurorack format. Because everyone deserves a hobby, right?

The Chef vs. The Sculptor
Most East Coast synthesizers work like a sculptor. You start with a massive block of harmonic noise (Sawtooth or Square waves) and carve it away with a filter. The Buchla workflow is different. It’s like being a chef in your own Hell’s Kitchen. You start with basic, “bland” ingredients (sine waves) and spice them up with Frequency Modulation (FM), Amplitude Modulation (AM), your choice, and then fold until the sound sizzles.

My current rig recreates this spirit by focusing on three pillars: Uncertainty, Complex Oscillation, and the iconic Sequential Voltage Source.

Part One: The Modulators (The Brain)
In a true Easel style setup, the Tokyo Tape Music Center 5-Step Sequencer acts as the brain. While most modern sequencers favor 4-8-16-32 steps, the 5-step limitation is actually a creative superpower.

CLICK FOR MORE »

A Love Story - Roland Cloud CR-78 First Look

video upload by Starsky Carr

"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.

In this demo I explore:

Roland’s ACB (Analog Circuit Behaviour) modelling technology

How the CR-78 patterns, fills and variations work

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."

FREE SYNTH: OSIRUS (Access Virus A/B/C Emulator) - No talking demo

video upload by ADL-MusicLab

"Hello, everyone!

Here's to you my 'No talking demo' of the amazing OSIRUS, a FREE software emulation of the Access Virus A/B/C by 'The Usual Suspects', which brings back to life these iconic synthesizers!

'The Usual Suspects' is a group of people who are currently Reverse Engineering and Emulating the DSP chip from original historic hardware synthesizers, which, in this case, is the Motorola DSP56300.

As is usual with The Usual Suspects releases, you’ll need to provide the original ROM, legally acquired, of course.

The architecture, signal flow, and character closely follow the original hardware, making this an absolutely faithful Access Virus A/B/C recreation in software form.

More info here:
https://dsp56300.wordpress.com/osirus/

In this demo I will just let you hear what some amazing sound designers have made for this stunning plugin simply by scrolling and playing some beautiful sounds."