Curves & Membranes - Software Bézier Monosynth w. Orbital Modulators & Membrane Filter

video uploads by Unusable Engineering

Note this is the first post to feature Unusable Engineering. You'll find additional plugins by them below.

Playlist:

1. Curves & Membranes - Software Bézier Monosynth w. Orbital Modulators & Membrane Filter - Walk Through
2. Curves & Membranes - Sound Demo and Patch Ideas - No Talking
3. Curves & Membranes | Synthesizer Patch Creation & Sound Design Walkthrough
4. Curves & Membranes v1.1.0 | New Features and Sound Examples
5. Curves & Membranes Filter Walkthrough | Understanding the Membranes
6. Unusable Engineering Jam | Curves & Membranes in a Different Context
7. Unusable Engineering Update | Curves & Membranes Features and Grain Discharge
8. Unusable Engineering Breakfast Jam | Curves & Membranes + Full Bundle

"Curves & Membranes is a focused mono synth built around a shapeable Bézier oscillator, two visual modulation systems, and a membrane-based filter. In this full walkthrough I go through the core ideas behind the instrument, how the oscillator works, how the preset morphing and orbital modulators create movement, and how the membrane filter shapes the sound.

The goal with Curves & Membranes was not to make a do-everything synth, but to build something more specific: a synth where sound, shape, and motion are tightly connected, and where the structure stays easy to understand while still allowing a lot of character and timbral movement.


More info: https://www.unusable.net/"

And a playlist of addtional plug-ins by Unusable Engineering:



Playlist:

1. Synaptic Resonance | Neural Vocoder Walkthrough

Synaptic Resonance is a neural vocoder-style effect where incoming audio, or an optional sidechain, excites a two-dimensional neural simulation. That simulation is then read back somewhere else and used to animate a bank of forty steep resonant band-pass filters.

In this walkthrough I go through the basic idea behind the plugin, show how the Stim Plane and Read Plane shape the behavior, and explain how the neural controls affect the way the model reacts, spreads, remembers, recovers, and settles.

The core idea is fairly simple: the input excites the model, and the output is affected by reading the model. That is what gives the plugin its character. It can behave like a vocoder, a resonant filter instrument, or something more unstable and alive depending on how it is set up.

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Introducing KOSMOS-ONE by GreyScale

video upload by plantssystem

"Introducing KOSMOS-ONE.

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."

Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave — The COMPLETE Review (Every Feature Explored)

video upload by Scott's Synth Stuff

"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."

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Torso S-4 2.2 Beta: The Revamped MOSAIC Engine (Deep Dive Tutorial & Demo)

video upload by Andre Bregegere

"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!

--

Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction
00:23 - MOSAIC engine overview
01:07 - Granular synthesis explained
01:52 - Scan modes
03:10 - Page 1 parameters
04:31 - Page 2 parameters (randomization)
05:31 - Let's play! (sound demo)"

Hello Darkness My Old Friend - Arp Of Darkness v1.4.0 Free Firmware Update & Features

video upload by FlatSix Modular

"Arp Of Darkness firmware v1.4.0 is here, and it's a significant one. Three new features that change how you interact with the Arp Of Darkness on the fly — here's what's new.

CV Keyboard Mode — Hold the High C (Shift) button at boot and you drop into a full monophonic CV keyboard, complete with gate output and portamento via the pot. No need to swap firmware just to play a few notes. It's the same keyboard mode from Shroud Of Turing, now living inside the Arp Of Darkness.

Remix Buffer — A short dual-tap of Octave Up + Octave Down shuffles your note buffer order on the next clock. The notes themselves stay the same — only the sequence changes. It's a quick, surgical way to break out of a pattern without losing the phrase you built.

Auto-Remix — Want the buffer to shuffle itself? Auto-Remix does exactly that, automatically reshuffling every 2, 4, or 8 loops. Activate it queued (waits for the end of the current loop) or immediate (fires on the next clock) — your call. Deactivate with the same dual-tap that triggers a manual remix.
Together, these features make the Arp Of Darkness significantly more alive in a live performance context. You can let it breathe and evolve without ever stopping the clock.

Full documentation + free firmware download: https://www.flatsixmodular.com/firmware
Each module in the Nocturne Alchemy Platform shares the same hardware — so if you own any FlatSix module, this firmware is already yours. Swap away."

Sinewave Feedback FM | Make Noise Shared System

video upload by Akihiko Matsumoto

"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."




Make Noise Modular Synth (Sample Pack) https://akihikomatsumoto.sellfy.store...

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Meet the Demon Box: The Instrument That Channels the Unknown

video uploads by Eternal Research

"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.

Behold the Unholy Power of the Demon Box

video upload by Metamyther

"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

Pic and details via Perfect Circuit

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.

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JP-8000 vs Nord Lead A1 vs Access Virus B — Which One Do You ACTUALLY Need?

video upload by Marc Renton

"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.

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Sequential Prophet-10 WAV file Sample Pack for any Hardware Software Sampler Rik Marston

video upload by Rik Marston Official

"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..."

Freqport - FT1-EMU Plugin | SUPERBOOTH 26

video upload by Bonedo Synthesizers



"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."

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BEAT GEMS - the new book on drum machines...

video upload by Bjooks

"Soon to launch on Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...

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.

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Introducing RANDOM8: 8 Looping Random Voltages in 8HP

video upload by mylarmelodies and Befacosynth

"**OUT JUNE 15TH - MORE INFO HERE & DEALERS: https://www.befaco.org/random8 ** 🙌 HELLO M8! Please meet the module I've been making with Befaco! 🟠 RANDOM8 is a random voltage generator designed bring a whole modular to life, in the smallest possible space. You get 8 independent random voltage generators, with dedicated per-channel looping buttons and attenuators, in just 8HP(!) It's what I've wished I could have in my live modular for a long time - a stupid amount of per-step modulation in a small space, yet you can control the looping instantly.

RANDOM8 is previewing at the Superbooth 2026 show in Berlin May 7-9 2026, and in dealer hands for sale on June 15th. Visit Befaco's tent at Z180 to give it a squiggle!

There is a limited batch to start with and more will follow. Thank you, M8s."

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Bastl Introduces Kalimba - Physical Modelling & FM Kalimba Synth

video uploads by Bastl

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.

Just play it, you already know it.

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Native Instruments Introduces Komplete 26

video upload by Native Instruments

"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.

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FMS – handheld FM groovebox for GBA [Lo-Bit Club]

video upload by Fors

https://lo-bit.club/fms

"NOTE: this is a software for the Game Boy Advance and requires compatible hardware or an emulator to use.

FMS is a groovebox for the Game Boy Advance handheld video game console. Its focus lies on quick and intuitive programming of sounds and music, for live performance and studio recording - or just having fun.

Lo-Bit Club is a project of the Fors Lab - our extracurricular activities for anything outside of the computer."

FMS - Walkthrough (FM Groovebox for GBA) [Lo-Bit Club]

video upload by Fors

*NEW* Faderpunk — It Does MIDI Too!

video upload by Starsky Carr

"If you've been sleeping on the Faderpunk thinking it's just a fader bank, think again.

Most people see the Faderpunk from ATOV Projects and assume it's just another CV controller for Eurorack. It's not. This thing is a deep, flexible CV and MIDI controller — and after several months of hands-on use, I'm finally giving it a proper in-depth review.

In this video I dig into what makes the Faderpunk genuinely special: its app-based system. Rather than being locked into one function, you load different apps onto the hardware via an online configurator, effectively turning it into multiple different CV and MIDI modules in one compact unit.

I walk through a couple of the more complex apps: FP Grids (Mutable Instruments-style drum pattern generation), and the multi-channel sequencer.

You'll see it in action controlling the Roland CR-78 via MIDI CC (including live kick drum tuning for basslines), the Roland Galaxias for parameter and effects control, the Dreadbox Erebus via CV, the Dreadbox Nyx via MIDI, and the Vermoina DRM1 drum machine.

The sequencer alone — four independent tracks, each with variable step length, gate length, octave range, and rate — is something else. And with 16 save slots for recalling different setups, it's genuinely gig-ready."

Introducing Osmose CE

video uploads by Expressive E

Playlist:

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

video upload by loopop

Press release follows:

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Super Mario Bros. Theme — Reimagined on Vintage Synths

video upload by Anthony Marinelli Music

"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!"\

🎛️ Think Like a Synth Learn the exact method I've used for decades on hit records & films
👉 https://anthonymarinellimusic.com/pro..."

Introducing Plinky 12 Blocks, Chords and Toadstep

video upload by Making Sound Machines

Additional videos below.

"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."

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WMD Cosmic Debris - Crossfade Mode

video upload by WMDevices

"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."