The LOST Bad Gear Episode

video upload by AudioPilz

"Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world’s most-hated audio tools. In a time like ours when material needs no longer exist in music production the accumulation of things seems to have become more important than ever.

Today we are going to talk about Novation Drumstation. While today’s synth clones are mostly used for home studio decoration this 1996 drum machine and shameless Roland TR-808 and 909 ripoff was more or less the only affordable way to actually tweak the iconic drum sounds. Simpler times."

Chapters:
00:00 I found the Lost Episode on an old Hard Disk
00:13 Intro tune
01:06 Overview Novation Drum Station V1
01:47 Limitations
02:02 Midi Control
02:24 Analog or Digital???
03:05 Workflow
03:32 Features
04:00 NoIsE iSsUeS
04:29 Audition/Auto-trigger
04:40 What else??? (More Features, Pricing, V2, D-Station ,...)
05:06 H*te Screen
05:35 Jam 1 ( Old School Techhouse )
06:25 Jam 2 ( Old School Trance )
07:28 Finale ( Old School Footwork/Juke )
08:02 VERDICT

Testflight Betas: Vekte and Tresse for iOS

Tresse 1.2.0 for iOS, VST3, AUv3 and Standalone video upload by Våld Labs

"Now TRESSE is a 39-engine, dual-layer polysynth built around 24 Mutable Instruments Plaits engines plus 15 custom engines. It has two independent 8-voice synth layers, three LFOs, two generative modulation lanes, a dual-playhead arpeggiator, delay and shimmer reverb, and a deterministic generative sequencer derived from VEKTE.

Each layer has its own synthesis engine, filter, envelopes and voice mode, so you can combine completely different synthesis methods in one patch and modulate the balance between them. It runs standalone or as an AUv3 in AUM, Drambo, GarageBand, Audiobus and other iOS hosts.

VEKTE is the other side of the idea: a 16-channel generative MIDI sequencer built around 36 deterministic algorithms, ranging from Euclidean rhythms, Fibonacci and random walks to cellular automata, logistic maps, harmonic systems, Tonnetz movement and more.

Each VEKTE channel contains a NOTE lane plus four independent MOD lanes. Those modulation lanes can control MIDI CCs, rhythm, harmony, probability, density, playback direction, algorithm parameters and even other generators, so patterns can evolve structurally rather than simply playing back notes.

A big part of both instruments is that their generative systems are deterministic. The same algorithm and parameters always reproduce the same result, so you can explore without losing something interesting you discover.

They also share a compact patch-sharing system.

With TRESSE, the entire patch, including both synth layers, all three LFOs, delay and reverb, the complete sequencer and both generative MOD lanes, can be encoded into a single TRS2 key of roughly 155 characters. TRESSE can turn that key into a QR code, export it as a 1080 × 1350 social card, or scan a patch directly from another screen or printed QR using the iPad/iPhone camera.

VEKTE uses the same idea for generative MIDI. A complete channel can be represented by a compact VKT2 Base62 key, typically around 43 to 130 characters. Because the patterns are deterministic, VEKTE doesn’t need to store every generated MIDI event in the key. It stores the recipe and reconstructs the exact pattern when it is loaded.

VEKTE can display those keys as QR codes, scan them directly with the iPad camera, and share individual channels or an entire 16-slot rig. It can also create 1080px Share Pattern cards containing the QR, key and caption, ready for the iOS Share Sheet, so patches and generative patterns can be exchanged through Messages, social media, forums or even from a screenshot.

That sharing system is something I’m particularly interested in developing further: instead of presets being files hidden inside an app, a sound or generative pattern becomes something you can post, photograph, print, send to somebody, and reconstruct exactly on another device.

The philosophy behind both instruments is the same: the art of shaping chaos. I’m interested in generative systems that can surprise you without taking control away from you. What you discover can be reproduced, edited, saved, performed and shared rather than disappearing into randomness.

They’re designed to complement each other as well: VEKTE can generate and evolve the musical structure while TRESSE turns that structure into sound, although both are complete instruments in their own right."

https://valdlabs.com

Poly Rave 👾 (Waldorf PROTEIN // Roland TR-6S // JU-06A // Moog DFAM // Squarp HAPAX)

video upload by 2-Minute Warning

"This time, I'm introducing a new instrument to the setup: the Waldorf Protein, used here for the CHORDS 🎹

The rest of the setup is made of a Roland JU-06A for the BASS, a Roland TR-6S for the DRUMS (no samples used, only ACB analog behavior engine with mainly the TR-808 model) and, for some additional percussion, the only analog instrument in the setup: the good Moog DFAM 🤩

Everything is sequenced by the Squarp Hapax, with quite a few things happening behind the scenes as usual.
MIDI LFOs are used to modulate some parameters of the TR-6S, while automation takes care of changing parameters on the JU-06A during the performance.

This time I also decided to use the Hapax's physical MIDI ports rather than relying on USB MIDI:
MIDI A : Roland TR-6S
MIDI B : Roland JU-06A
MIDI D (TRS) : Waldorf PROTEIN

And then there's the DFAM... which, as usual, refuses to speak MIDI. 😄
Since the DFAM doesn't have a MIDI input, I sent very short Gate pulses from the Hapax (Track 11) to simulate an audio clock, allowing its internal sequencer to advance in sync with the rest of the setup.

So, quite a lot going on behind what hopefully sounds like a relatively simple piece of music!

Another little experiment in making several machines behave together without making the whole thing look like a NASA control room 😄

As always, the performance itself was recorded in a single take. I do the mixing and mastering afterwards in Ableton Live."

The Crow Hill Company Announces POCKET STRINGS Plug-in for Free

The Best Strings Plugin Money CAN'T Buy??? video upload by CROW HILL

Press release follows:

The Crow Hill Company announces availability of popular POCKET STRINGS plug-in for free, bringing broadcast-grade string possibilities to everyone

EDINBURGH, UK: around a year after its initial launch, not long after the Edinburgh-based enterprise effectively rebranded itself with an aesthetic that truly realises company co-founder and composer Christian Henson’s heartfelt dream of encouraging people to make music and help them on their journey, regardless of whatever point they were at and wherever their journey began, The Crow Hill Company is proud to announce that it has made its popular POCKET STRINGS — styled as a never-tried-before strings plug-in that aims to bring broadcast-grade string possibilities to everyone by combining live cinematic orchestral recordings of some of the best musicians working in the UK with some rarefied vintage synth classics made to measure for added body, depth, and character — available for free with no strings attached (but pun intended), as of August 6…

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Roland Juno-106 | Custom Sound Bank Demo | 80s Vintage Analog Synth Classics

video upload by RetroSound

"Experience the legendary Roland Juno-106 with a collection of custom-made patches created by RetroSound.

This no talking demo showcases original sounds ranging from warm analog pads and lush strings to punchy basses, expressive leads, classic brass, and atmospheric textures. Every preset was programmed from scratch to highlight the unmistakable character of the Juno-106.

Originally released in 1984, the Roland Juno-106 has become one of the most iconic analog synthesizers ever made. Featuring 6 voices of true analog polyphony, digitally controlled oscillators (DCOs), a rich 24 dB/oct low-pass filter, onboard stereo chorus, and full MIDI implementation, the Juno-106 remains a favorite among musicians and producers around the world.

Roland Juno-106:
• Released in 1984
• 6-voice analog polyphonic synthesizer
• 61 full-size keys
• Digitally Controlled Oscillators (DCOs) for excellent tuning stability
• Classic Roland 24 dB resonant low-pass filter
• Stereo Chorus I & II for the signature Juno sound
• Full MIDI implementation (rare for analog synths of its era)
• 128 patch memories

Every sound in this video was programmed by RETROSOUND.
🎹 No factory presets – only custom patches."

Website ► https://retrosound72.wixsite.com/home

Baloran The River in White SN 00026

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

via this Reverb listing

Additional SYNTH CITY Listings

"This show piece is sure to take the cake when it comes to insane! With 8 Moog inspired voices and on board effects, this synth is going to blow your head off."

Specs From Baloran's Website:

CLICK FOR MORE »

Vaemi Introduces Synterra

video uploads by Vaemi

Playlist:
1. Synterra : Audio Demo : Vaemi
2. Synterra Nedir? : VAEMI’nin Yeni Enstrümanı #synth #generativemusic #sounddesign #synthesizer
3. Synterra : VAEMI’nin Yeni Generatif Enstrümanı : Tüm Özellikleri #Organic #NaturalPatterns #Plants

Click CC in the player controls for subtitles.

"We are delighted to announce Synterra, VAEMI’s new instrument, which many of you have been waiting for. We are truly excited.

Synterra is a unique device designed as a more comprehensive instrument than similar equipment created to date, capable of interacting with organic objects, living organisms, and different surfaces in its surroundings.

Synterra can use changes in the magnetic and electrical fields around it, liquid or solid organic materials, fruits, plants, fungi, trees, light, and the touch-sensitive area on its surface, allowing your own resistance to become part of the music and the patch.

Synterra also determines its initial position during startup by using the magnetic field of its environment as a reference. This allows the device to position itself according to its surroundings each time it is powered on and begin processing incoming signals based on this initial reference.

In addition to these features, the device offers 8 different scale options. Synterra converts signals received from living organisms or other sources into data. It then processes this data through probability and quantizer structures, creating an algorithmic arrangement that generates different notes at different times. In this way, the device establishes a generative synthesis structure within itself.

Synterra features 9 different synth presets. These presets include a variety of synthesis characters based on subtractive synthesis, wavetable, resonator, Karplus–Strong, drums, and noise.

The device can also be used practically without being connected to any living organism, as light and your own resistance can be incorporated into the circuit. In addition, a much wider variety of sensors can be added to the system through the clip cables and the additional sensor input.

Synterra can be powered by either batteries or USB. Battery operation allows you to use the device comfortably on nature walks, in outdoor spaces, and in creative environments outside the studio.

The onboard potentiometers allow you to adjust the output level of the internal sounds, as well as the amount and sensitivity values. This enables you to use the device comfortably across a broader range of applications and receive signals at more suitable levels from different living organisms or organic sources.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Discovering OXI E16 : Dual Destinations, One MIDI Chain

video upload by OXI Instruments

"In this video, we'll show you how to build a powerful single MIDI chain and how to leverage the E16's dual destinations to unlock new possibilities in your setup."

00:00 Introduction
00:02 Midi chain
01:20 E16 scene
02:11 Dual destinations
04:05 Inverting dual destination trick

Minimal Electronica w/ TENORI-ON & MU15 MIDI Electric Piano | Splinkler 2026-08-05 by atnr

video upload by atnr

"A minimal electronica piece where the sounds of the TENORI-ON and a simple MIDI electric piano blur and blend together.

On the TENORI-ON, a sequence is looped and sent into the TX-6 with a small amount of reverb. The signal is then processed through the ‪@HologramElectronics‬ MICROCOSM with additional reverb and layered micro loops. The PHRASE LOOPER is also used to repeat phrases, which are then played back in reverse.

TheYAMAHA MU15 provides a simple electric piano sound that is processed through the MOOD MKII to generate micro loops and add delay. The signal is then passed through the ‪@strymon‬ NIGHTSKY, where filtering and reverb transform it into a more abstract texture."

Introducing Oktopus Synthesizer for Win / Mac / iOS

video uploads by Vyacheslav “Tatreal” Koristov

Playlist:
1. Oktopus Synthesizer Win / Mac / iOS
2. Oktopus Synthesizer VSTi Tutorial
3. Presets Preview - Oktopus Synthesizer VSTi

"Oktopus is a powerful, deep synthesizer and production environment built from the ground up for advanced sound design, live performance, and music creation on Windows/Mac/iOS.

Features:
8-block synth architecture for layered and evolving sounds
MPE and MIDI input support
AUv3 instrument support for compatible hosts
Sample loading, slicing, and playback tools
Built-in recording and sample export workflow
Per-block arpeggiator and sequencing controls
LFOs, modulation routing, and performance macros
Factory presets and factory samples included
Flexible effects chain with EQ, distortion, bitcrusher, compressor, phaser, flanger, chorus, filter, delay, and reverb
Touch-friendly interface for iPhone and iPad music creation

TRY: https://tatreal.pro/oktopus/

Oktopus is made for producers, composers, and experimental musicians who want a powerful synth environment that can move from quick ideas to detailed sound design."

Straight Techno Live Jam // Elektron Tonverk ft. Sequential Take 5 & Oxi E16

video upload by umonox

"Can we do a Straight Techno Track with just one Pattern on the Elektron Tonverk? This Live Jam will answer that Question! Feat. Elektron Tonverk, Sequential Take 5 Desktop and Oxi Instruments E16.

The Tonverk does all the Drums and Sound except for a Drone Background Synth that is played by the Sequential Take 5. The Oxi E16 is controlling a Track on the Tonverk with multiple Parameters at once - a great Setup for a Dawless Live Jam Experience!"

🎵 TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - Intro
00:20 - Live Jam Start (Building things up)
01:52 - Bringing some new Sounds
02:15 - Starting the Sound Transition with the E16
03:09 - Playing through
04:11 - The awesome Take 5 Buildup (that you heard in the Intro)
04:41 - Outro

---

GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO:
• Elektron Tonverk (Polyphonic Multisampler & Audio Processor)
• Oberheim Take 5 Desktop (Analog Polyphonic Synthesizer)
• OXI Instruments E16 (MIDI Controller & Sequencer)


🎧 STREAM / SUPPORT:
Get the High-Quality Version of this Track here:

X1L3 - ALLEYKAT - LAST NINJA 2 - 8580 SID - EURORACK MODULE

video upload by X1L3

"By ear cover of the central park loader and in game music from The Last Ninja 2. Originally written by Matt Gray for the C64 in 1988 📺🕹️🔥

Performed on the Alleykat module loaded with an 8580 SID 🐈🐾🎵

Three yarns modules and a midi to gat module are used for the nine control voltage and thirteen gate signals required to do this in this midi to cv/gate eurorack kind of way. I probably need to make myself a 4x yarns build and a mega midi to gate module one day ⚙️🔧🪛

The real thing doing the real thing. No lazy 'file player' action, and absolutely no "passionate about retro " 'technician ted / just jamie' flavoured AI generated twenty vids a week edge lord fish for clicks shovelware crud that i find myself having to trawl through and ignore on here these days 💀🙈❌

The module has been tested with the 6581, 8580, SwinSID and public domain SID and SIDkick pico to date. The SIDkick pico doesn't seem to want to play nice with it. I've yet to figure out the reason why. But the real SIDs and the PDSID and SwinSID have worked flawlessly 👌👌💯"

New Kawai K3 editor and librarian | And it's FREE to Download

video upload by Espen Kraft

Also see Espen Kraft's Korg DSS-1 editor.

"My sound patches: https://espenkraft.com
Kawai K3 & K3m patch editor and librarian — it runs in your web browser.
A tool I built to edit and organise sounds on the Kawai K3 and K3m hybrid synthesizer.

Tweak every parameter on screen, pull single patches or whole banks off the synth, back them up as sysex files, or load sysex files from your computer and into the hardware.
I added a little on-screen keyboard too, handy if you're using the K3m.

It runs in a web browser (Chrome or Edge — not Firefox or Safari) with a MIDI interface connected to the synth. It works on PC and Mac, and under Linux.

It's my personal tool shared for anyone who wants it. Setup instructions come in a short readme with the file, but I offer no support on this. It's shared 'as is'.

You can find it in my web shop here (it doesn't cost anything): https://espenkraft.com/b/6r5k7

My K3 patch bank can also be picked up from my web shop here: https://espenkraft.com/b/gCvqT"

Doctor Mix C-64 Synth Series

video uploads by Doctor Mix

"👉 🔥 PLAY MY C64 SYNTHESIZER — FREE, IN YOUR BROWSER: https://doctormix.com/doctormix64 🔥 👈 This is the one. My Commodore 64 synthesizer is FINALLY finished — and it came out better than I imagined. 🎹"

"Sam from Look Mum No Computer built me the control panel, but I'd been keeping it in an ugly functional box that was destroying the look of the C64. So in this episode I build it a proper detachable enclosure from scratch — measuring, cutting, gluing, a LOT of sparks, and one or two moments where I call myself an idiot on camera. 🔥

Then the good part. SID chip number one was completely dead — so I repaired it. Which means there are now TWO vintage SID chips running at the same time, one hard left, one hard right. That's not a stereo effect. That's two synthesizers playing together. 🎚️

And somewhere along the way I fell down the electronics rabbit hole — learning the oscilloscope, building my own MIDI tester out of a £12 screen and a microcontroller, and using AI to modify the firmware so the C64 screen now says DOCTOR MIX instead of Cynthcart. Being able to dominate your own electronics is MASSIVE.

Oh — and I built a virtual version of the whole thing that you can play in your browser for free. It's very beta, almost alpha, but it's real and it's yours. Link at the top ⬆️"

"Evolving Solitude" – Live Hardware Synth Performance | Hydrasynth Deluxe, Summit, Reaktor 6, Bitwig

video upload by Paweł Spychała

"'Evolving Solitude' is an original live hardware synthesizer performance featuring the Hydrasynth Deluxe, Novation Summit, Reaktor 6, Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2, and Bitwig Studio.

Recorded completely live Sit back, put on a pair of good headphones, and dive into the sound.
Gear & Software Used in this Video:
Synthesizers: ASM Hydrasynth Deluxe Multi, Novation Summit Multi
MIDI Controller: Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2
Software & Plugins: Native Instruments Reaktor 6- rythm track
DAW: Bitwig Studio (Live Recording & Sequencing)"

Kepra - Circuit-Modeled Rhythm (demo)

video upload by Hügelton Instruments

"Kepra is a rhythm instrument developed through detailed analysis of an original Japanese vintage programmable rhythm machine.

Rather than relying on sampled sounds, Kepra recreates each instrument by studying the original analog circuits, measuring waveforms, analyzing spectral content, and reproducing their behavior in software.

Features

• Circuit-inspired drum synthesis
• 12 drum voices
• 16-step sequencer
• NOTE / FLAM / ACC layers
• 8 pattern banks
• Stereo mixer
• Drive and character section
• Internal, host, and external MIDI clock

Available for macOS (AUv2 / VST3) and Windows (VST3).

https://hugelton.itch.io/kepra"


"Hardware Archaeology

Developing Kepra felt less like sampling a drum machine and more like studying an archaeological artifact.

Every instrument was investigated through circuit analysis, waveform measurements, timing analysis, and spectral comparison to better understand how the original hardware produced its sound.

Rather than reproducing recordings, Kepra attempts to reconstruct the behavior behind them.

The Missing Instrument

One voice in Kepra did not exist on the original hardware.

The Shaker was designed as an 'imaginary expansion'—a voice inspired by the architecture and character of the original instrument.

Instead of adding a modern sample-based shaker, it was developed by asking a simple question:

'If the original designers had decided to include a shaker, how might they have built it using the same technology?'

The result is not a historical reproduction, but a speculative reconstruction that aims to remain faithful to the design philosophy of the original machine.

Not an Emulator

Kepra is not intended to be a museum piece.

It is a modern rhythm instrument built from careful hardware analysis, extending the ideas of a classic Japanese drum machine into new creative territory."

Hideaway Studio Elfin

Hideaway Studio · Introducing The New Family of Elfin Polysynths by Hideaway Studio...

Note the above demos and following description are from March 5, 2025. I spotted the Elfin in Hainbach's A Hundred Suns, posted below. There appears to be two synths, an Elfin-08: 8-Voice Functional Prototype Synthesizer, and an Elfin-04 Polysynth.

[pic from FEBRUARY 18, 2026 via https://hideawaystudio.net]

"Introducing Elfin-04, Hideaway Studio's Compact New 4-Voice Polysynth...

I have been working round the clock for weeks now on my dinky little 8-bit 4-Voice (4 x [2osc+1sub+LFO]) VA Poly Expander with 1960's style transformer-mixed output voicing and finally No's.000 thru 010 are born to the world and receiving very positive feedback from their new owners...... this 4-voice polysynth measuring just 16x12x3cm has full real-time control over her 32 parameters via simple midi ccs and 16 built-in patches.

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Tech Talk | 10 Years of Montage with Kier Darby & John Melas

video upload by Yamaha Synths Official

"Join Yamaha's Nate Tschetter and Hans-Peter Henkel for a special Tech Talk celebrating 10 years of Yamaha Montage.

They're joined by Kier Darby, creator of the KDX Montage Editor, and John Melas, developer of the renowned Yamaha editor and librarian software, for a conversation about the evolution of Montage over the past decade.

Together they discuss the development of the Montage platform, Motion Control, FM-X, AN-X, Polyphonic Aftertouch, MIDI 2.0, favourite features, live performance, sound design, and the software tools that help Montage users get even more from their instruments.

Whether you've been using Montage since its launch or you've recently discovered Montage M, this Tech Talk offers insights and perspectives from people who know the platform inside and out.

What has been your favourite Yamaha Montage feature over the past 10 years? Let us know in the comments."

reFX Tutorial Videos & Upcoming Release

video uploads by reFX



"reFX, known for their Nexus and Vanguard virtual instruments, are releasing their new synth, Rippler, on Thursday morning.

Rippler combines physical modeling synthesis with more traditional synthesizer elements: additional synth oscillators, familiar modulation setup, effects and arpeggiation. With the exciter modules running through two resonators, you can create realistic acoustic sounds or hyper-realistic sounds when pushing the modules further.

Features

Dual-Layer physical modeling synthesizer plus traditional synth oscillators and filters.

441 Presets (Factory Bank July 2026).

Exciter with custom impulse, 32 samples, sample import or sidechain input.

Noise generator feeds into resonators, output, or both.

12 Acoustic-style resonator models: String, Beam, Squared, Bell, Membrane, Plate, Drumhead, Djembe, Vibraphone, Marimba, Open Tube, Closed Tube.

Manual resonator type for custom additive synthesis (change partials in frequency, level, and drag to 'paint' your pattern.

Resonators work in series or parallel, with bi-directional energy coupling.

Dual oscillators with Phase, Fold and Asymmetry.

27 Filter types including vintage, ladder and vowel.

Modulation from four LFOs, four envelopes, random generators, MIDI/MPE controllers, macros.

13 Effects in three chains (Layer A, Layer B, Master): EQ, Distortion, Stereoizer, Phaser, Compressor, Chorus, Magnetic, Tremolo, Delay, Bucket Delay, Reverb, Particle, Limiter.

Vibrato with Rate, Delay and Rise.

Arpeggiator with additional modifiers for pitch and velocity.

Modulation Matrix with custom mapping curves, power curve.

Preset Browser with Favorites and Type tags, random selection.

VST/AU/AAX plugin for Windows and Mac

https://refx.com/rippler/

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Moog Messenge: 64 Retro Leads. No Talk Sound Demo. Live Jam

video upload by Anton Anru

"'Vintage Solo' is a collection of 64 Lead Patches for Moog Messenger.
The bank of presets includes different colors of lead timbres: soft and punchy, dark and bright, clean and noisy/detuned/lo-fi.
🧬 All sounds are very dynamic: they have Velocity, ModWheel, and Aftertouch assignments.
And, of course, you should play with Envelopes, Oscillators and Filter Parameters to get the best experience of the presets.

📦 The download link: https://antonanru.sellfy.store/p/mess...

🧿 The soundset is universal, these leads are suitable for all genres of electronic music, including Synth-Pop, Retrowave, Electronica, Lounge, Downtempo, Funk, Disco, Pop, IDM, Drum'n'Bass, Breaks, Electro, Ambient, and others.

Performed by Pavel Mikaelyan.

💡 Make sure you are using the latest firmware version.
I added drums and pads to the demos to place
the patches in a musical context.
They are not included in the soundset.

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