Despite being an extremely small piece of hardware—just a thumb-sized Raspberry Pi Pico + DAC—all parameters can be fully controlled via TouchOSC.
A new minimal generative instrument that lets you enjoy the sound creation of the PRA32-U 'in the palm of your hand.' It's small enough to sit on the edge of your desk, yet it can create 'that sound' just fine."
"The Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave is a 24-voice wavetable synthesizer with real analog filters, three oscillators per voice, and a 6-stage wave envelope that can independently sweep each oscillator through 64-position wavetables. It's built as a modern successor to the PPG Wave 2.2 and 2.3, carrying the original PPG wavetables alongside 56 high-resolution modern wavetables, analog-modeled waveforms, and — as of OS 1.8 — a built-in sampler. In this review, I go through every major feature of the 3rd Wave in detail: the four oscillator types (PPG legacy, modern user wavetables, analog-modeled, and samples), the dual filter architecture (4-pole analog low-pass plus 2-pole zero-delay state-variable), all four envelopes, the four LFOs, the 16-slot modulation matrix, 11 built-in effects, the arpeggiator, the pattern-based sequencer with parameter automation, 4-part multitimbral layering and splits, the Wave Maker custom wavetable tool (including Serum wavetable import), unison with chord memory, MPE support, and more.
Whether you're considering buying one, comparing it to other hardware wavetable synths like the Waldorf Iridium, Modal Cobalt, or ASM Hydrasynth, or just curious what a modern PPG-inspired instrument sounds like in 2025/2026, this is the full picture. I cover every section of the signal chain with sound demos, explain what makes the wave envelope system unique, show how to build patches from scratch, and give my honest take on where the 3rd Wave excels and where it falls short. Timestamps for every section are below — jump to whatever interests you."
"Following up on my previous improvised jam (Torso S-4 Explorations Vol. 30), this video is a dedicated deep-dive tutorial and demonstration of the newly revamped MOSAIC engine introduced in the 2.2 beta firmware update.
The Torso S-4's granular engine has received a massive overhaul, and in this guide, I break down exactly how it works so you can get the most out of your sound design sessions.
What I Cover:
• Detailed Scan Mode and Parameter Walkthrough: An in-depth look at how the different scan modes behave under the 2.2 beta firmware, and at the interface changes and new parameters.
• The 'Fox.wav' Demo: To clearly demonstrate these technical changes, I put the engine to work using a single vocal sample (the legendary 'fox.wav' sample from CSound history), allowing you to clearly hear how each parameter shapes the texturing, time-stretching, and cloud generation.
Whether you're looking to update your hardware or just curious about the direction Torso Electronics is taking the S-4 sampler, I hope this helps guide your workflow!
"A textural expedition into modular synthesis This pack is a deep dive into the sonic world of Make Noise, the Asheville-based modular synthesizer company known for redefining how musicians interact with sound. Drawing inspiration from the vision of founder Tony Rolando, who sought to create instruments that invite play, exploration, and complexity, this collection offers sounds you cannot extract from conventional DAWs or virtual synths alone.
All material was produced entirely with Make Noise modular systems, capturing their distinctive tonal character and lively unpredictability. It is designed for electronic music producers who value raw texture, voltage-driven chaos, and intricate sound design rooted in hardware.
That is 1951 oneshots and 1059 loops, each chosen for its uniqueness and modular authenticity. This pack is not static. All purchases include free lifetime updates. Files are continuously added over time, rewarding those who support early and stay involved. If you've already bought the pack, you now have access to the latest additions at no extra cost. If not, this is a perfect moment to jump in. Perfect for those working in experimental club music, ambient, glitch, techno, leftfield bass, or soundtracks that need something unfamiliar yet compelling. This is not just a sample pack. It is a collection of sonic experiments born from voltage and possibility."
"The Demon Box is more than an instrument. It’s a portal where DMX, MIDI, Eurorack, and built-in lighting converge, transforming hidden energy into real-time sound, light, and motion.
You’ve seen what the Demon Box can do, now it’s time to go deeper.This video shows how to unlock its full potential, bending these forces into a single living entity you can shape, route, and command."
Note the videos above are from 2025. The video below is new. You can find additional demos in previous posts. See dealers on the right for pricing and availability.
"Step into the dark, unpredictable world of the Demon Box — Eternal Research's brutal and experimental hardware synthesizer readymade for industrial techno, noise, drone, and underground electronic music. In this video, we explore the raw sonic power and chaos that make the Demon Box a unique tool for modular synth performers, sound designers, and hardware synth lovers."
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
00:16 - Features
03:17 - Moog Messenger
04:11 - Vhikk X + Lacrima
05:19 - Four Seas + Cosmic Debris
06:45 - Nord Drum
06:58 - Warp Core + Umbra + Desmodus
Eternal Research Demon Box Summon the sounds of electromagnetic oddities with Demon Box from Eternal Research, an innovative instrument that condenses the practice of using EMF for audio and control signals in a unified device. At the top surface of the Demon Box's triangular enclosure, a literal platform for audio experimentation awaits. Here, three channels of EMF inductor pickups are arranged in a nested spiral formation, which can be used to create unique tones and control signals by interacting with any object that produces EMF near the inductors. Power tools, FM radios, eBows, tuning forks, and other personal electronics become diverse sources for synthesizing tones, controlling modular synths, and even producing MIDI signals. Turning the inaudible waves of ambient and ubiquitous electro-ephemera into creative signal sources, the Demon Box offers a deep well of musical meaning-making waiting to be discovered.
"The elephant in the room: Roland JP-8000, Clavia Nord Lead A1, and Access Virus B: Three legendary hardware synths from the late 90s/2000s that still hold up today. But which one is worth your money in 2026?
In this video, I go hands-on with all three machines from my studio, playing patches, presets, and sounds I programmed myself. No script, no BS — just honest thoughts after owning these synths for up to 21 years.
What you'll learn: JP-8000: SuperSaw magic, but what are the real limitations of the filter? Nord Lead A1: Why it's my go-to synth — and why the Moog filter is a game changer Access Virus B: The all-in-one machine with 24-voice polyphony... and where it hits a wall Should you buy hardware or use emulations? (honest take)
These are timeless machines. This knowledge will be valid in 10 or 20 years. Maybe some plugins won't exist by then — but these synths will.
"Here is a quick video demo of the Ahnyxian Sound Design
"Prophet-10 .WAV file Sample Pack" in action!
These are a few of the Prophet-10 .WAV files converted to
Multisamples on the Yamaha MODX M6 using very lite stock Reverb.
No EQ or compression added.
6 samples per Multisample, up to 30 seconds for each .WAV!
These Sequential Prophet-10 .WAV files will work on ANY Hardware
or Software sampler, workstation, groovebox, drum machine, synthesizer
you name it. If it can read .WAV files, these samples will work for you!
Where, Rik?
Ahnyxian Sound Design store on Etsy!
Check it out! So many other titles to choose from!
All sample packs are just $16.99! Buy 3 GET ONE FREE!
Safe, same day digital downloads! https://www.etsy.com/shop/AhnyxianSou..."
"For the first time in history, FreqTube FT1 lets you combine the awe-inspiring tone of real tube saturation with the convenience of digital connectivity in an easy to use, portable solution that will take your productions to the next level.
While analog processors are highly coveted, they often require elaborate setups that complicate your workflow, making it hard to strike while your creative iron is hot. FreqTube solves this problem by giving you full control over its four true-analog vacuum tubes via a simple USB connection. You’ll never again have to choose between convenience and quality.
The FT1 delivers real analog drive and color with all the convenience of a VST. Saturation, heat, drive, harmonics, distortion… whatever you want to call it, the FreqTube FT1 adds true-analog valve tone and color to your digital productions via just a simple USB connection.
Process any sound you like via the FreqTube’s four vacuum tubes and eight multimode hardware filters and – control it all via the, included, proprietary VST interface.
Hook up the FreqTube to your computer and load the control VST into your DAW, and you’ve got instant, recallable, low latency command over a broad palette of analog tones from subtle to savage… all with the ease-of-use you would expect from a digital plugin!
Because FT1 uses two sets of two tubes, you get two gain stages with full attenuation per channel for the ultimate in tone shaping. You can even process two stereo signals simultaneously, or up to four mono signals.
The FreqTube gives you hands-on control via its eight control knobs and bright, responsive color display. Of course, you can also use the included VST to control (and automate) all knob parameters. Once you have a sound you like, store it as a pre-set for instant recall.
FreqTube FT1 is not a pedestrian distortion box. It’s a color box with a broad palette of tonal options suitable for creative musicians, demanding engineers, and world-class producers."
BEAT GEMS is a premium hardcover book from Bjooks that explores this remarkable history through rare and iconic machines, vivid photography, artist stories, technical insight, and the people who turned boxes of circuits into culture. The book explores more than six decades of electronic music history through the drum machines that changed the way music is made, recorded, and performed.
An inspiring and visually rich book for anyone interested in music technology, design, rhythm, and recording culture, this comprehensive work follows the evolution of drum machines from early experiments and preset rhythm companions to programmable icons, studio powerhouses, genre-defining classics, and the hardware revival of recent decades. The project structure already maps that story across eight major stages – from invention and standardization to creative misuse, programmability, studio control, genre definition, and rebirth.
The book presents comprehensive research, writing, editing, photography, and visual development by author Oli Freke and editor Kim Bjørn.
Playlist:
1. Bastl Kalimba: An Expressive Instrument for Intuitive Electronic Music Exploration
2. Bastl Kalimba - Demo Overview
3. Bastl Kalimba is such a fever dream - HAINBACH
4. WTF did they make? Bastl Kalimba! - ANDREW HUANG
Press release follows:
Bastl Instruments are very proud to announce the release of their new instrument - Bastl Kalimba, a unique desktop instrument that combines microphones, touch sensors, and an accelerometer, with a user interface inspired by the traditional kalimba and its main interaction element: the tines.
We believe that this combination of features and physical interface leads to intuitive creativity and easy musical expression.
"Get everything you need to take your music from first idea to finished master, including instruments, effects, and sounds trusted by the pros. Komplete 26 gives you synths, sampled instruments, drums, sound design tools, and studio effects – all in one complete music production bundle.
Whether you're composing, producing, or designing sound, Komplete gives you the tools to follow your ideas wherever they lead."
Press release follows:
Berlin, May 05, 2026 – Native Instruments today released Komplete 26 — everything a music producer needs to take a first idea to a finished, release-ready track. With over 190 premium instruments, professional mixing tools from iZotope and Brainworx, and more than 180,000 sounds, it's the most definitive music production collection NI has ever made.
Trusted by the producers behind the records you know
Komplete is used by millions of producers, composers, and musicians every month — from bedroom studios to Grammy-winning sessions. It's the instrument collection behind some of the most iconic tracks you know, and the ones you're about to make.
"I use Komplete in every single session. It lets me stay focused on the music instead of the tools, and whether I'm writing or tweaking, it's a fast way for me to transform my idea to something that feels finished." — Butch Vig (Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, Sonic Youth)
“Komplete has been part of my production journey since day one. I know I can open it and get exactly what I need, every time.” — Nick Hook (Run The Jewels, Hudson Mohawke)
"Komplete is a must-have for me in my studio. As someone who is always blending genres and pushing the edges of sound design, the versatility of Komplete allows me to have an entire sonic world at my fingertips at all times." — Malibu Babie (Megan Thee Stallion, Shania Twain, Sia)
New additions: sounds for every style and stage
Newly added is the legendary semi-modular synth, Absynth 6, known for its evolving, otherworldly tones. Also included are Noire and Claire – sampled from rare grand pianos – and the ethereal vocal soundscapes of Moments: Vocal Clouds.
1. Introducing Osmose CE — Trailer
2. Osmose CE - The New Generation Of MIDI Controllers
3. Osmose CE — Overview
4. Osmose CE — DAW Control with Ableton Live
5. Osmose CE — DAW Control with Cubase
6. Osmose CE — DAW Control with Logic Pro
Osmose CE // A MIDI Keyboard That Feels Alive // Review & Tutorial
"In this 90-second performance, Anthony Marinelli recreates the legendary melody (originally composed by Koji Kondo) using his collection of rare vintage analog synthesizers in a one-of-a-kind orchestration. No computers, no plugins, just pure hardware (with a touch of bit-crushing) and hands-on performance.
Watch as layers of classic synths bring new life to one of the most recognizable themes in video game history, with quick cuts showcasing the instruments behind the sound.
🎹 100% vintage synths
🎮 Music only, no talking
⏱️ 1 minute 30 seconds of pure analog nostalgia
If you love retro games, classic sound design, or analog gear, this one’s for you!"\
"We are super excited to introduce 3 new instruments today! Plinky 12 is a family of expressive polyphonic touch synthesizers. The three instruments are built around a shared synth engine. Designed by mmalex, it evokes the unmistakable melancholic sounds of the original Plinky. https://plinky12.com
Each instrument is designed in collaboration with a different synth maker, lending each panel a distinct playability and unique character.
Plinky 12 Chords is a harmonic inspiration machine. It lets you improvise melodies and chords, with expressive control over voicings, progressions, and immediate musical play. Created by Making Sound Machines, Chords is the panel for finding beautiful harmonic movement quickly.
Plinky 12 Toadstep is a 4-track step sequencer built for super funky riffs, experimental self-generative melodies, and good ol' Acid. Created by Toadstool Tech, the designer behind the Ectocore Eurorack module, Toadstep is fun, immediate and easy to jam with!
Plinky 12 Blocks is an open panel built for experimentation, with monome-grid compatibility, Plinky style touch synthesis, and a browser-based coding environment just a click away. While it comes with a fully playable design out of the gate, creator mmalex invites you to build your own adventure with this panel. If you can imagine it, you can make it!
In this video, Enrica and Roland from Making Sound Machines explore the three new Plinky 12 instruments: Blocks, Chords and Toadstep from left to right.
The track builds on a repeating loop created with the built-in sequencer on Plinky 12 Toadstep. The short sequence uses rhythmic step repeats, track step length and animated synth parameters to create an ostinato that keeps sonically evolving over the length of the track.
As the piece continues, Roland plays a progression of harmonies from the rainbow chord palette on Plinky 12 Chords, before launching a sequence that reharmonizes the loop heard from Toadstep. Enrica joins in playing sparkling arpeggios with her fingertips on Plinky 12 Blocks, the surface with the sunset colour-fade print.
As the track progresses, Roland plays a melodic line on Chords, then Enrica takes over with a melody on blocks. The Plinky 12 polyphonic play surface reads both play position and pressure of the touch. It enables bends and glides on the horizontal axis, while allowing for discrete arps in the vertical direction.
They end the piece with a tempo transition showcasing the septuplet feature on the internal sequencer."
"Instantly change Time and Spray settings with no artifacts, just a smooth crossfade for subtle transitions to a new sound in your delay or reverb.
WMD designs electronic hardware for musicians longing for a balance of precision and exploration. Our quality control is the absolute finest, with service to match."
Here's to you my "No talking demo" of this FREE emulation of the Kawai K1 synthesizer developed by Nils Schneider, which brings back to life this iconic synthesizer!
The Kawai K1 is a famous japanese classic from 1988 and it was a massive success with both the critics and the public. The company managed to reportedly shift around 50,000 of them. There also was a rackmount version (K1r) and a tabletop option (K1m).
The key to its popularity was certainly down to its sound, which combined single-cycle additive waves with PCM samples. There was another reason though: in the late 80's this D-50-style sample synthesis was out of reach of most musicians, but then the Kawai K1 came along and it was much cheaper than the Roland D-50!
Now you can have it in your DAW with this amazing FREE software emulation!
"Welcome to a complete walkthrough of the Ocean Swift - Sound Creator Suite. In this video, we take a high-level tour of the entire application, showing you not just what the tools do, but how they work in concert to provide a centralized host environment for virtual instrument developers, sample pack creators, and sound designers.
Whether you are automating hardware sampling, building custom UI components, or formatting vast preset libraries, this suite handles the heavy lifting so you can focus on the creative process.
What we cover in this walkthrough:
Global Settings & The Log Viewer: A look at the suite's foundation, including audio/MIDI routing, Kontakt developer integration , and the built-in, thread-safe Log Viewer capable of maintaining a 10,000-line history.
Audio Batch Processing & Sampling: How to recursively process thousands of audio files , mathematically align loops using MIR technology , and automate external hardware sampling via MIDI and threshold detection.
The Wavetable Ecosystem: A brief look at building wavetables from scratch with the Creator, extracting them from audio files, and converting formats across various software synthesizers.
MIDI & OSC Routing: Bridging the gap between your hardware, digital audio workstations, and modular environments like TouchDesigner.
UI Generation & NKS Workflow: From rendering 3D knobs into sprite sheets to batch-injecting metadata into Native Instruments NKS presets and standard audio samples."
Build Kontakt Instruments Faster: WYSIWYG UI Editor & Prefabs | Ocean Swift Sound Creator Suite
"In this in-depth walkthrough, we dive into the Kontakt Performance View tool, a powerful standalone WYSIWYG editing environment within the Ocean Swift Sound Creator Suite.
If you build instruments for Native Instruments Kontakt, this tool bridges the gap between technical JSON editing and intuitive visual design.We cover the entire workflow, from initial setup to complex UI layout, showing you how to design without writing a single line of layout code.
What you will learn in this video:Integration & Setup:
How to use the suite's settings to launch Kontakt as an isolated child process.
Automated NKS Creation: Watch the tool automatically generate the strict NKS folder hierarchy and silently execute a Lua script to create your base .nki and .nkr container files.
Live WYSIWYG Editing: Explore the hardware-accelerated preview canvas that provides a near 1:1 visual representation of your
UI.Drag & Drop Design: See how to physically drag controls across the canvas , use grab handles for free-resizing , and utilize the alignment menu to perfectly center, top, or bottom-align multiple UI elements instantly.
Advanced Tree & Property Inspector: Learn how to manage the exact structural hierarchy of your UI. We show you how to use Alt+Click to instantly select a Panel and all nested child controls , and how to edit multiple parameters safely using the dynamic property inspector.
Instant UI Prefabs: Discover how to recursively scan your resources folder to drop complex, pre-configured .nckc UI elements directly into your project in seconds.
"Sound Creator Suite is an all-in-one desktop environment for advanced sound-design and virtual instrument development workflows. Serving as a robust, centralized host, this suite equips producers and developers with an unparalleled arsenal of specialized Ocean Swift tools and utilities.
Generate studio-grade UI components - from photo realistic brushed-metal knobs to glowing LED rings with the GUI Knob Maker, and export complex animations as perfectly stitched sprite sheets in seconds. Seamlessly pair this with the Kontakt Performance View tool, an advanced WYSIWYG editing environment that lets you construct complex Kontakt interfaces using a visual, drag-and-drop real-time workflow, entirely eliminating the need to write tedious layout code.
Process audio in bulk, utilize MIR algorithms to surgically align loops, automate your hardware sampling workflows, and generate algorithmic MIDI patterns. Whether you are building and converting custom wavetables, batch-injecting metadata with the NKS preset and sample taggers, monitoring OSC packets, or accessing instant music-calculation tools, the Sound Creator Suite brings an entire development ecosystem into one powerful interface.
Featuring 30+ sound design and instrument development tools Growing toolkit with an exciting future roadmap – more tools, more assets! Design, Build, Record, Process, Edit, Manipulate, Monitor Automate processes and speed up workflows Innovative, unique, performant and user minded approach"
"When you sit down with a synth at 1 PM and don't finish until deep into the night... it means you've become a hostage. You've been completely consumed by its world. I'm glad I managed to pull you into my world too. This video was recorded in one continuous shot... no edits. It’s just another proof that when the sound is right, it speaks for itself." – MR X
⚙️ What's inside DYSTOPIA Vol.4:
• 45 experimental, out-of-the-box presets
• Full compatibility: Arturia MiniFreak (Hardware) & MiniFreak V (Software - Update 4.0)
• Focus on dynamics, depth, and a dark sonic character
The Sh*t Synth - Walkthrough video upload by CROW HILL XTRAS
Press release follows:
The Crow Hill Company turns to extensive and rare collection to turn out THE SH*T SYNTH as compendium of 48 circuit-, wave- and sample-bent instruments
EDINBURGH, UK: The Crow Hill Company is proud to turn to its own extensive and rare collection of hardware to turn out THE SH*T SYNTH — available as a compendium of 48 circuit-, wave- and sample-bent instruments inspired by some of the Edinburgh-based enterprise’s eclectic musical favourites (spanning the likes of Aphex Twin, Boards Of Canada, Joe Maus, Jon Brion, Laurie Spiegel, Radiohead, Throbbing Gristle, and Yazoo) to create something that they collectively ask: is it just shit or ‘the shit’? — as of April 7…
Whatever way anyone chooses to read into the titling of THE SH*T SYNTH as the latest entry into The Crow Hill’s ongoing ORIGINS series of sample-based virtual instrument plug-ins, one thing is for sure: it readily represents a broad selection of three categories of 16 workhorse instruments each, effectively wrapped up into a single plug-in designed to bring a cohesive approach to making music more edgy, lo-fi, retro, and — swimming against the technological tide of so-called progress — decidedly AI (Artificial Intelligence) slop-free. From pianos to strings, plucks, beeps, bass, and pads, the compendium that is THE SH*T SYNTH has been lovingly sculpted by the Edinburgh-based enterprise’s media composer and ‘samplist-in-residence’ Christian Henson to take the hassle out of making existing sounds less refined, catering to those looking for an entirely new bank of Mellotron-style sounds as well as synths that have been long forgotten — for good reason, too!
"Using Valhalla Supermassive to make 2 of my Cobalt 8 patches sound even more lush. Just switching the presets using the Modal App.
Sounds available for the Super 6, Waldorf Iridium, Hydrasynth, Novation Peak, Minilogue XD, Digitone 2, Cobalt 8, Dub Techno Stabs, pads & chords
from my hardware synths & a free Dreadbox Artemis sound pack. https://payhip.com/CryboSynthSounds"
