Osmose Eagan vs. CE comparison – Superbooth 2026

video upload by Let's Play Synths

"So I own the original Osmose – bought it used for slightly over 1000 € – and while it's fantastic, sounds very cinematic, dark (see this video [below] • 35 Expressive-E Osmose Presets – Let's Pla... ) and is nothing like any of my other synths … other than does have some problems. Nearly impossible to connect via MPE (especially over a single USB cable), very obscure settings and a sound engine that you need an engineer's degree to even start to understand. So when the CE was announced, I had a question or two 😁

0:00 What the Osmose CE does
7:18 Eagen vs Control-E
11:08 Who is it for?
12:15 Classical Touch
14:13 Price & Availability
14'42" Eagan Updates"

35 Expressive-E Osmose Presets – Let's Play Synths #50

video upload by Let's Play Synths

"The Osmose always gives me tons of ideas and it sounds very cinematic. While doodling with it the other day, I was thinking a lot about the game 'Inside'. So here are 35 Osmose presets accompanied by some 'Inside' scenes."

Is it a better Blackbox? Or a Bento mini? - Superbooth 2026

video upload by Let's Play Synths

"I already own the Blackbox MK1 (and a Bluebox), I'm a big fan of this and it's an essential part of my studio. So when I saw the new form factor and the functions lend from the Bento, I had a few questions, of course. Blackbox MK2 will be out it about 2 months, costing about $649 & €699."

0:00 Intro
0:48 Sampling
2:52 Instrument Database
3:39 Keyboard Styles
4:58 New Effects & Master EQ
6:38 Difference to Bento
7:18 New Sequencer
8:40 Price
8:50 Blackbox 1 Updates

Implexus smaller brother Compax - Superbooth 2026

video upload by Let's Play Synths

"Majella finished a prototype of the new module 'Compax' – which is smaller than the Implexus, 1000€ cheaper, has a built-in 8 step sequencer, but no internal effects. Should be out in Q4 2026 for 600-700 €."

Best of Show: Plinky 12 – Superbooth 2026

video upload by Let's Play Synths

"The Plinky 12 received the Sonicstate Award "Best of Show" as their little machine is incredibly versatile - it's super flat, has built-in oscillators and can be used a s synth, a sequencer, a mixer or a keyboard. The base model will be available in early Summer for about 500€ and you can exchange the front panel for other ones with different (auto-detected) firmware that will be 50-100€ each. More info (and registration for their newsletter to get notified when it's available) on https://plinky12.com"

Reliq Sequencer / Mixer / Patchbay – Superbooth 2026

video upload by Let's Play Synths

"I love it when you ask the guy at the booth ANY questions and he just goes "of course it can do THAT as well". So that's how the Reliq blew my mind, it's a very comprehensive Sequencer, Mixer, Patchbay, DAW Integration that literally does EVERYTHING. You can register to receive one with the next batch, they're 1899€ in black (incl. VAT) or 1999€ with wooden side panels https://reliq-instruments.com"

No OSC, but BBD? Superbooth 2026

video upload by Let's Play Synths

"The Morphor uses a self-resonating BBD for sound generation to generate 6 voices with a lot of character. It's available now in stores for 2295 € incl. VAT or $2999, check https://echon6.com for more info and links."

GR-2 vs. GR-1 - Tasty Chips granular synth - Superbooth 2026

video upload by Let's Play Synths

"I've been using the GR-1 for a couple of years now and it has its pain points … like no audio in, an (still) obscure and puzzling file system and effects buried in endless menu scrolling. Now the GR-2 does a lot of this better. Which is why we basically went through a very in-depth GR-2 vs. GR-1 comparison. You can pre-order the GR-2 now from the fully funded campaign on https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/... for 849€ / $999, it will ship in September/October."

The biggest thing Polyend ever made – Superbooth 2026

video upload by Let's Play Synths

"Polyend just announced the Drums, an insane drum synth with analogue and digital voices, 8 tracks, 8 independent LFO, loads of internal effects, a 64 step sequencer with polyrhythm, a mixer, individual outputs, 1700 components in the analogue part alone, a CNC'ed body from a single aluminum piece (silver or anodized black. It will be out in 4 months, costs 2699€ incl. VAT and you can reserve one from the 1st batch for a 500€ deposit that is fuklkly refundable: https://polyend.com/drums/"

Smallest DJ Rig in the world? Superbooth 2026

video upload by Let's Play Synths

"The Drift Zero is TINY, but comes with storage for your tracks, a crossfader, pitch shifting and a whole lot of other functions you'd never expect from something that small. More info and preorders on https://driftdj.com"

Erica Synths Bullfrog Drums & Mix

video upload by Let's Play Synths

"After the Bullfrog Synth from 2023, Erica Synths has released on April 29th the Bullfrog Drums in cooperation with Richie Hawtin and announced the Bullfrog Mix to be released in a couple of months. Prices are currently 500€ for the synth and 600 € each for the Drums & Mix (plus VAT).

0:00 Intro & Synth
2:24 Drums
9:18 Mix
15:02 Sound demo"

It only does Melancholy - Superbooth 2026

video upload by Let's Play Synths

"The Melancholytron comes with 300 hand-recorded presets, is now in production and available in June/July from https://melancholytron.com. It's 825! with keys, 625€ for the desktop version (plus VAT) and you get a nice, heavy coffee table book with heavy paper with it (or the other way round 😉)."

Additional Melancholytron posts

5 Oscillator generative ambient synth – Superbooth 2026

video upload by Let's Play Synths

"The Cyma Forma ALT came out late last year and is quite impressive – apart from its 5 oscillators, it comes with an LFO matrix for generative patterns and quite a few possibilities for getting ideas."

The perfect synth mixer – Superbooth 2026

video upload by Let's Play Synths

"The Xcelon SL by Boredbrain left me speechless as it does SO much … with 8 channels, compression per channel, 4 stereo sends and returns, side chain and a lot more. Preorder starts May 14th, it will be shipping in August and it costs $ 1799 or 1899 € (iiicl. VAT)."

Xcelon SL

DYNAMIC ANALOG MIX PERFORMER

Fully analog signal path using pro-grade circuit architectures

Eight stereo channels featuring dual-mode optimized controls

Integrated sidechain offering frequency, threshold, and decay control

Assignable DJ-style performance filter with dual resonance controls

Two additional mix busses, each with stereo insert paths

Two stereo FX sends and sidechain-responsive stereo returns

Balanced master outputs plus independent stereo recording output

Cue monitoring system with high-powered headphone output

Dedicated microphone input assignable to Channel 8

Stereo auxiliary input for external sources

Ergonomic layout in an ultra-compact, portable form factor

CLICK FOR MORE »

A Buchla for $ 999? - Superbooth 2026

video upload by Let's Play Synths

"The new Ziggy is out! Or rather, it has been announced on May 5th and will be available later this year. It's a monophonic synth that can be powered by 5V USB C with 1A, has enough connectors to integrate it with other Buchlas and it sounds WILD."

WHAT IS THIS? – Superbooth 2026

video upload by Let's Play Synths

"Cyma Forma just announced the 'RND' - a four voice synthesizer with a single button created with the French artist Bambounou. for 125 €, it has even MIDI output to control some external synths and is the ideal 'idea machine'"

Is 720 LEDs over-engineered? - Superbooth 2026

video upload by Let's Play Synths

See the announcement post here.

"The Afour fits in a folder, has 35 voices, 720 LEDs, polyphonic aftertouch and an LFO for every knob and keys that measure magnetic fields. Get more info on https://www.apaeron.com for all the craziness that this thing offers 🥳"

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."

CLICK FOR MORE »

EMS Universal Sequencer Playlist

video uploads by analogia pl

A few of these have been featured on the site before. You can use the player controls to skip around.

Playlist:

1. EMS Synthi with Universal Sequencer and RSF Kobol #emssynthi #rsfkobol #rolandph830

It’s a tune done on the Synthi and EMS Universal Sequencer with some help from RSF Kobol processed by Roland PH-830 phaser.

2. 2 x EMS Universal Sequencer with Roland MC-202 #emssynthi #emsuniversalsequencer #mc202

Universal Sequencer is playing a sequence on the Synthi and the 202 - that’s why it’s called “universal” as both sequence and real time layers have CV/gate outputs. No effects other than spring reverb on the Synthi.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Matt Barber - 80's in 80 seconds

video upload by Matt Barber - Sounds from The Sandbox

"Just thought I would try a little something fun...the title says it all. 0 to 80's in 80 seconds. Enjoy. Certified AI free and no traces of softsynths!

Drums - Oberheim DX Stretch, Korg DDD-1 - just a snare on 2 and 4 with mostly just the reverb return from a Roland SDE-330 non-lin setting, Roland TR8S - some perc and a ghost snare from the 707 kit.

Oberheim OB-8

Korg DW-8000

Bass - Roland D-50 patch also triggering a Roland JX8P and Korg Polysix to fatten and double it

Ensoniq ESQ - A nice PPG Wave patch from a sound cartridge I have for it.

Sequential Rev 2 also triggering a bell patch on the Yamaha TG33

Yamaha DX7iiD - nice dual patch one a rhodes type and the other a tine from the many banks on the Hypersynth card to finish it off and play out on."

Matt Barber - 80's in 80 seconds - Episode 2

video upload by Matt Barber - Sounds from The Sandbox

"80's in 80 Seconds Episode 2 has landed! The first one was a bit fun so let's keep the theme going. This one starts off with a nice "groove" and builds with some synths spanning the decade. If you listen past the 80 seconds the Arp Odyssey briefly shows off its duo-phonic capabilities with a few 2 note chords that almost have a vocoder like effect with the phaser on it just after the 2 minute mark.
The following instruments were used and recorded as a 2 track with no editing or overdubs with each part being played into a pair of Arturia Keystep Pro sequencers. As always, AI free and made with real ingredients. Thanks for watching!

Oberheim DX Stretch - main drums
Korg DDD-1 - perc
Roland TR8-S - additional high hats, rim shot, crash
Berhinger - Model D - Bass
Roland Jupiter 4 - Arp
Korg PolySix - Synth Brass Pad 1
Roland Jupiter 6 - Synth layer 2
Yamaha DX7II - Bell 1
Roland D-50 - Bell 2
Arp Solina - Strings
Arp Odyssey Mkii 2810 - Lead"

Matt Barber - 80's in 80 seconds - Episode 3

video upload by Matt Barber - Sounds from The Sandbox

"80's in 80 seconds episode 3 is here to start of the New Year! I thought something "new" should be in 'order' after the busy holiday period. Several familiar sounds in this one that can most likely been dialed in on many synths of the era but this one builds with the hardware listed below. All natural...Certified AI and VST free. Thanks for listening!

Drums -
Korg DDD-1 to start with the first hi-hat
Oberhiem DX Stretch - Main kick, beat kick, snare, additional hi-hat, clap, and rim shot
Roland TR-8S - a little kick for attack, snare ghost notes, and high hat movement

Pad 1 - Oberheim OB-8

BASS - Berhinger Pro 1 and Poly D played with the arpeggio on on the Keystep Pro

Pad 2 - Roland D50 layered with Roland JX-8P and Korg DW8000

Bell - DX 7 ....of course it is!

ARP Chords - Roland Jupiter 4."

EMS Universal Sequencer driving Roland MC-202 and SH-101

video upload by analogia pl

"One 'layer' of Universal Sequencer sequences the MC-202 and the other 'layer' is used to play the SH-101 live.

I don’t know what it is with EMS, but each time you get to play one of their quirky and unusual designs, you get a new kind of feeling — as if these sometimes bulky and obsolete electronics are very much alive.

Let’s be frank: there are a million simpler ways to play an SH-101 or an MC-202. But somehow, using the Universal Sequencer makes those classic synths feel completely different."

EMS Universal Sequencer externally triggered

video upload by analogia pl

"Let’s get nerdier. Someone asked if the Universal Sequencer can be triggered from the outside world. Of course it can! What I did here was a recording a sequence into the Uniseq that would play the MC-202, switched trigger to external, then recorded a sequence into the SH-101 and use gate out from 101 to externally trigger in of the Uniseq. It works like a charm."