A quick Caladan update: current state of UI

video upload by Isla Instruments

"As a follow up to the update I gave on our forum a couple of weeks back
https://forum.islainstruments.com/t/a...

I will not be around for the next 4-5 weeks and so just wanted to leave a progress update here, since I am doing the UI firmware for the Caladan myself now.

The populating of synth parameter data is now complete for the front panel, with automatic, dynamic parameter mapping. Menus and general machine navigation is now in place.
I've been working on a dynamic, automatic GUI that allows synth panels for cards, plugins and even external midi instruments to be created and edited, shared etc.
In the future this panel feature can import graphics, different knob styles etc to create nice GUIs for anything on the synth.

more to follow as soon as I can. thanks for your patience.
Big love
Brad!"

PopuPiano’s LED Keys: Smart Learning Meets MIDI Control in a Colorful Portable Keyboard

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"#popupiano ( https://go.sjv.io/MA7Ld3 or https://www.popumusic.com ) is a battery-powered, multicolored keyboard that teaches piano lessons with an app available for IOS and Android. It's also a MIDI device with detachable left-hand devices, a chord pad and another 2 octave keyboard. Please watch the video before setting the comments section on fire. ;-)

Table of contents:

00:00 hello
00:22 what's this / what's in the box
01:32 hardware features
02:48 the chord pad (plus demo)
03:39 the app - overview and piano sound
04:47 the piano course and color sync
06:21 play & sing mode with licensed music
07:21 free play mode / chord pad customisation
08:06 AI mode (loop generator)
08:37 using it with a DAW
09:51 some internet controversy (or maybe not)
11:01 conclusion: the good ...
11:35 the mid ...
12:08 ... and some improvements that would be very nice to have
12:46 it's good!
13:05 used with a hardware synthesiser (Zynthian 5.1)
14:03 do the youtube thing :-)

Blog post links: https://www.popumusic.com/blogs/news/... and https://roli.com/blog/best-smart-keyb...

HÄLP ZIS CHANNEL
https://www.patreon.com/floyd_steinberg
https://floydsteinberg.gumroad.com/
https://floydsteinberg.bandcamp.com/"

Erik Norlander's Roland Rhodes MK80 Digital Electric Piano

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
video upload by moogfoundation

via this Reverb listing

"The Rhodes MK-80 (released by Roland) is a late-era digital stage piano offering high-quality sampled Rhodes tones in a solid, weighted-key format. Designed in the mid-’80s with input from Harold Rhodes himself, it combines responsive feel with versatile electric piano voices and MIDI integration, making it ideal for studio and live use.

This unit is in excellent condition, with all functions working properly, and includes a rugged SKB flight case for protection and transport. The size and weight of this piano and case is rather imposing. A local pickup is highly recommended; Freight shipping may be arranged by the buyer (please contact us prior to purchase if you intend to have the item shipped). Note that freight shipping may end up rivaling the price of the unit itself!

Key Features:

76 weighted keys with velocity sensitivity
Sample-based electric piano sounds with adjustable EQ and dynamics
Onboard effects including tremolo, chorus and phaser
Full MIDI implementation for control and sequencing
Includes SKB hard flight case
Condition Notes:

Fully functional with no dead keys or display issues
Flight case included, in good condition
Clean cosmetic shape with only minor signs of use
While not a mechanical Rhodes, the MK-80 offers the feel and tonal characteristics of the classic instruments in a more portable, low-maintenance format. A solid studio option or roadworthy workhorse.

30% of proceeds benefit the Bob Moog Foundation."

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Erik Norlander's Waldorf Pulse 2 Analog Synthesizer Module

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
video upload by moogfoundation

via this Reverb listing

"The Waldorf Pulse 2 is a desktop monophonic analog synthesizer module known for its aggressive tone, three VCOs, and deep modulation options. Built with classic subtractive architecture and German precision, the Pulse 2 delivers rich basses, snarling leads, and gritty analog textures perfect for techno, industrial, and vintage-inspired sound design.

This unit is in excellent condition, clean and working great.

Key Features:

3 analog VCOs with sync and FM
24 dB/oct analog low-pass filter
Extensive modulation with LFO and envelope routing
Arpeggiator, MIDI clock sync
Condition Notes:

Fully tested and working
All knobs, buttons, and display in excellent shape
A favorite of artists like Nitzer Ebb, Orbital, and Fluke, the Waldorf Pulse is a deep and powerful monosynth that holds its own in any modern hybrid setup: gritty, punchy, and unapologetically analog.

30% of proceeds support the Bob Moog Foundation."

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Erik Norlander's Roland JX-3P Synthesizer with PG-200 Programmer SN 301533

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
video upload by moogfoundation



via this Reverb listing

"The Roland JX-3P is a powerful, versatile analog polysynth that blends vintage warmth with early digital control. This unit includes the essential PG-200 programmer (with cable) for full hands-on access to the synth’s architecture, bringing out the instrument’s real potential for sound design.

This example is in excellent condition, includes the original Roland cases specifically designed for the keyboard (hardshell carrying case with Roland logo) and the programmer (original vinyl slipcover with logo), and has been professionally converted to US voltage internally. Everything functions as it should, with a clean panel and smooth operation.

Key Features:

6-voice analog polyphony with 2 DCOs per voice
Classic Roland chorus effect
Oscillator sync, cross-mod, and LFO modulation
Built-in 128-step sequencer
Includes PG-200 programmer for real-time control
MIDI input/output
Condition Notes:

Converted to US voltage
PG-200 and synth are both fully functional
Cosmetic condition is excellent
Original Roland case included
The JX-3P was one of Roland’s first MIDI-equipped analog synths, used by artists like The Future Sound of London, Astral Projection, and Orbital. With the PG-200, it transforms from a preset machine into a true performance synth, with rich modulation, powerful sync tones, and that unmistakable Roland polish.

30% of proceeds benefit the Bob Moog Foundation."

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PeacockMedia Announcement of e-ther 'Advance', plus re-recording of a track using the new instrument

video upload by MIDI IN

"in which I talk about the features of the new e-ther, including quantisation, its own screen with selection of options on the device, display of the nearest note. As per the original e-ther it has MIDI out over USB or TRS (adaptable to traditional 5-pin DIN) and audio with selectable waveform.

0:00 Intro and announcement
0:25 quantisation
1:06 screen and on-device menu system
1:23 compatibility with classic e-ther - continuous mode
1:55 demo of quantisation to chromatic scale
2:42 display of nearest or target note
3:09 range
3:27 vibrato
3:45 scales / modes
4:16 connectivity
5:20 the track

e-ther's home page (for classic e-ther and the new Advance):
https://peacockmedia.software/e-ther"

Whimsical Raps: Atrium

video upload by Whimsical Raps

"Atrium is a new instrument, where playful gestures meet dynamic systems.

new ways to compose
 new ways to express
  new ways to play

https://atrium.whimsicalraps.com/

five voices of analogue synthesis, controlled and modulated polytimbrally. we’ve taken ideas from our decade of modular exploration, and rethought how we reach into polyphony.

each voice is shaped by its harmonic energy while three core timbre modes push into richer territory. from simple suboctave and noise waves, through frequency modulation, and landing in formant synthesis reimagined. all squeezed through a lowpass/gate combination, providing balance and occasionally emphasis.

no digital multi-effects here, just spectres in the machine. a novel configuration of three filters, two delays, and feedback. front and almost centre — this resonant body is meant to be played. sequenceable, modulatable, while feeding back not just sound, but shape for unfolding cybernetics.

and to modulate! everything mappable to everything else, tactile input extended on the fly, mapping as a performance in itself. sources are dynamically phased across voices, and stretched in relative duration. gestures captured into five recorders, extending play rather than overriding it, all twisted in time at your whim.

Atrium is deeply learnable, and for those moments of quick change, instantly recallable. extensible with usb and midi and cv input.

//

a series of improvisations, exploring but a few edges of this new instrument.

performed by Trent Gill
recorded by Dani Derks
projections from Sean Hellfritsch"

Twisted Electrons HapiNES L Chiptune Synth SN HNL0303 w/ Original Box

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

via this Reverb listing

You can find demos in previous posts here.

"Comes with power and original box. This is a multitrack chiptune synthesizer inspired by the RP2A07 sound chip found in the NES games console. The 4 voices allow you to create authentic sounding tunes in real time! The L(arge) version offers the same features as its slimsynth counterpart, with the addition of hardware MIDI (MIDI Type A) and analog sync in and out connectivity and packed in a rugged metal case."

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Elka Synthex (w/Midi Kit, Sliders, and Case) 1982 SN 1270

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

via this Reverb listing

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Büromaschinen | What a single pattern can do | X.12 Firmware exploration

video upload by buromaschinen

"A bit late to the party.

Not a proper song, it's a single pattern first exploration to test the new sound design and manipulation possibilities of the Elektron Machinedrum unofficial Firmware ver. X.12.

It's unbelievably good.
I'm totally shocked/in awe and I think I will go MD X.12 only for a while.
It really feels like that Monomachine/Machinedrum hybrid I have been dreaming about for such a long time.

Next thing I want to do is a pure data midi2CC script that allows me to input notes and chords with a midi keyboard.

A special thank you goes to the developers, you really did an incredible job.
If I could make a little wish for a future addition: I would love to have tonal mode for the ROM machines as well, I have a huge sample library from the Amiga era that is waiting to be loaded in the UW :)

In this exploration I mainly used GND-PU and GND-SW for the melodies, all synthesis, no samples. The pulse bass/pad thing is sidechained with a NFX-CO machine and the main pads use a NFX-EV to achieve long attack/release and double stage filtering.

All the audio is coming from the main AB out, no additional audio outputs were used.

You can find my music on buromaschinen.bandcamp.com
Buromaschinen is part of the Distant Future association, distantfuture.org"

filament ~ cosm

video upload by Ebotronix

Intellijel Designs,
Multigrain,Sealegs,Flurry, 4x Planar 2 , SVF 1U, Quadratt 1u,104 ~ 4U Case,
Strymon Big Sky MX, in Dual Mono Mode controlled with
Midi CC ( 16 channels) by, 16n Faderbank, AtoVproject ,
24.10.2025
video# 2575

Erik Norlander's Korg Mono/Poly Analog Synthesizer, serviced, with case SN 378257

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
video upload by moogfoundation

via this Reverb listing

"Very good condition, serviced by Rosen Sound, and includes a light-duty Tuff Case for easy transport!

Cosmetic notes: small chip in wood veneer edge under keybed, and the mod wheel shows a bit of wear. Both of these issues are shown in the images.

Released in 1981, the Korg Mono/Poly is known for its four VCOs, flexible modulation options, and unique mono/polyphonic switching, making it a versatile beast for both fat unison leads and unique, syncopated arpeggios. Its cross-modulation, oscillator sync, and deep routing options open the door to wild textures and sound design experimentation.

Specs & Highlights:

4 analog VCOs with independent tuning
Mono, Poly, and Unison modes
Crossmod, oscillator sync, and flexible LFO routing
Built-in arpeggiator and chord memory
Classic Korg 24dB/octave low-pass filter
Full MIDI retrofit kits available (not included, but easily added)
Used by artists like MGMT, Chromeo, and Jimmy Edgar, the Mono/Poly is a staple of vintage synth setups and prized for its unique voice architecture and beefy tone.

This unit was serviced by Rosen Sound, a trusted name in analog synth repair, so it’s running great and ready for action. Includes a Tuff Case (light-duty) to keep it safe during travel or storage.

30% of proceeds will benefit the Bob Moog Foundation, helping inspire future synth pioneers and preserve electronic music history."

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Korg PS-3200 Polyphonic Synthesizer SN 210231

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

via this Reverb listing

This one was listed back in 2011 and 2010.

"This PS-3200 was fully functional until about two years ago, but it has not been tested recently as I do not currently have the power cable and keyboard. (It should be possible to operate the unit by connecting a compatible power cable and installing a Kenton MIDI kit.) All internal components and parts remain original, as shown in the photos. Therefore, it is being sold as-is, with the understanding that some adjustment or servicing may be required after delivery."

Pics of the inside below.

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New CLUB OF THE KNOBS Modules For a Colourful Winter Time

This one was sent my way via John L Rice, via CLUB OF THE KNOBS.

"For a colourful winter time:

CP19 FOUR VOICE MIDI ADAPTER

C921P VOLTAGE CONTROLLED DUAL OSCILLATOR

p.s.

Also NEW in 2025 [not pictured, but mentioned in Dec 2024]

NEW! 2025
NEW! CP18 CHROMATIC TUNER
NEW! C929 VOX HUMANA (in addition to C1610 RESONATORS/FIXED MODIFIERS)"

http://www.cluboftheknobs.com

Morphor ECHON 6 BBD Resonator Synth Now Open for Pre-Orders

Morphor's ECHON 6 pre-orders are now open at Perfect Circuit

Press release follows:

Morphor marks upcoming availability of ECHON 6 as world’s first polysynth based around analogue BBD resonators by announcing opening of pre-orders

GHENT, BELGIUM: having twice turned heads and opened ears thanks to show-stealing showcases at SUPERBOOTH25, May 8-10, FEZ-Berlin, Germany and Machina Bristronica 2025, September 27-28, Bristol, UK, Morphor marks upcoming availability of its eagerly-awaited ECHON 6 — being billed as the world’s first polyphonic synthesizer based around BBD (Bucket-Brigade Delay) resonators, building upon the Belgium-based collective of artists, engineers, and musicians with a passion for creative sound experience and radical acoustic ideas’ illustrious Eurorack expertise in that area as its inaugural standalone (rack-mountable) desktop design — by announcing the opening of pre-orders as of October 23…

As an ANALOGUE POLYPHONIC MULTI-TIMBRAL BBD SYNTHESIZER — helpfully highlighted by the on point wording worked tastefully into its fitting front panel design’s execution, ECHON 6 brings the principals of modal synthesis into the analogue domain. Far from reimagining a digital concept with modern analogue circuitry, it readily redefines how resonance and excitation can interact. And as the world’s first polyphonic synthesizer based around BBD resonators, no less, each of its six voices features a discrete BBD RESONATOR that tracks the keyboard, producing organic overtones and complex harmonic depth. Duly allowing its users to excite those resonators in creative ways, ECHON 6 can generate anything from plucked and bowed strings over leads and basses to big pads and evolving soundscapes. Combining comprehensive multi-timbral capabilities, a 9 x 32 modulation matrix, a full analogue signal path, and a one-knob-per-function approach, ECHON 6 ultimately unites experimental sound design with classic polyphony. Indeed, its architecture invites exploration at every stage of that analogue signal path.

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Bastl CITADEL - FX WIZARD Multi-effect processor & WAVE BARD Stereo Sample Player

video upload by Bastl Instruments

User videos:



Playlist:

1. Bastl Citadel Breakbeat Party - Stazma and Bastl Instruments
2. BASTL CITADEL! FX Wizard and Wave Bard Sampler comes to Eurorack! - The Unperson and Bastl Instruments
3. Bastl Citadel: A TWO-FACED friend with Samples + FX - Turbo Tambourine and Bastl Instruments

Check with dealers on the right for availability and price.

"Bastl CITADEL - Fortress of Modular Magic - is a Eurorack reimagination of the popular Kastle 2 semi-modular desktop device. The CITADEL comes with a full 3.5mm patch bay that offers the flexibility needed in the Eurorack format while maintaining the strengths of the Kastle 2 allowing it to stand on its own, and yet let it truly shine when patched with other modules. We’ve also added switches
for hands-on control of the pattern generator. The Citadel provides the basic infrastructure needed to integrate Eurorack systems within the context of electronic music making: headphone output, TRS MIDI input and sync, tempo generator with divider/multiplier, USB MIDI (from the back of the module), stereo mixing, integrated LFO and Pattern generator and effects. All that makes it the perfect module for smaller and beginner systems while the fun and unique creativity of the Kastle 2 firmwares:
the FX WIZARD multi-effect processor and WAVE BARD sample player will earn its place in
larger setups.

🛠️ Get Wave Bard & FX Wizard at the same time 🔃
The Citadel comes equipped with a reversible front panel with WAVE BARD on one side
and FX WIZARD on the other side. It also comes with our custom designed tool to make
the panel switching as seamless as possible. You can load and try different Citadel/Kastle 2
present and future firmwares and updates with a USB port (on the back).

The Citadel might break a few rules of standard Eurorack design, but it does so in the name
of instant musicality, fun, and effortless integration of Eurorack with other gear. The PITCH
inputs on the WAVE BARD track 1V/Oct, are factory-calibrated, and there’s even dedicated
calibration software to ensure a perfect match with your source."

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Vintage Oberheim Two Voice

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

via this Reverb listing

"VINTAGE Oberheim Two Voice. Item was recently serviced by ROSEN SOUND in July of 2025! and is MIDI capable.

This Two Voice is a piece of synthesizer history and sounds incredible.

This Two Voice has minor Tolex wear on the left side of the synth (see attached photos)which is easily replaceable. Otherwise, this synth is in EXCELLENT physical condition and absolutely mint in performance."

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New England Digital Synclavier Brochures

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

New England Digital Synclavier 9600 Polyphonic Sampling System Brochure

via this eBay listing

"RARE! New England Digital Synclavier 9600 Polyphonic Sampling System Brochure

Yes, this is the 9600, and yes, this is in English.

This is THE RAREST and MOST SOUGHT AFTER of the 1989 new system brochures that that fake foreign website scanned the photos from 25+ years ago to show fake systems on the website (instead of real ones like Synclav com has shown for 20+ years). This is the original source of the scan, at least for the Synclavier 9600 model. Those photos show empty boxes. Uhm, what's holding that beige door closed (no locks)? And exactly what software generates that screen image?

This incredibly rare brochure gives all the information, and shows all the specs of the Synclavier 9600. And surprise! The maximum polyphonic sampling memory is not "1.5GB", lulz.

And, lastly, Synhouse has the Synclavier 9600 in stock (two kinds, actually). Nobody else does."

New England Digital Synclavier Brochure VPK Sample-to-Disk VT640

via this eBay listing

"This is an incredibly rare brochure from the summer of 1984 (when NED was working on polyphonic sampling Synclavier to be shown October 1984 and there was no actual system in production, the few shipped were hybrids of the Synclavier V/PK retrofitted to a Synclavier II Control Unit) that shows things that NED didn't exactly make, ever.

This was their first---and last---mention of "The Tapeless Studio" meaning the sequencer (later that meant the Direct-to-Disk system). It describes the SMPTE Reader Option without using that term because it wasn't yet available and they hadn't figured out how it would be done yet (similar to the 1987 discussion of the not-yet-released 3rd party SMPTE reader for the Linn 9000, saying they weren't sure whether or not it would require additional hardware to be added to the Linn 9000....that's the sound of someone who hasn't ever used SMPTE and doesn't know what it is), and it shows a graphical flow chart showing polyphonic sampling and multi-channel outputs (neither available then as building blocks), and is intentionally vague about the "floppy disk system" and "Winchester disks", as they didn't really have the set offering for that (high density Superfloppy, not out until 1985, and 5mb and 10mb IMI MFM Winchester drives being common, neither with SCSI until 9/1985).

It describes the Stereo Option, Sample-to-Disk, SCRIPT/MAX, and different Control Unit enclosures.

Most strangely, it shows a V/PK that never existed, with a back panel that wasn't made, with Synclavier II connectors that were never used and, sadly, an on/off power switch that they never put on this $11,000 machine.

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The Florian Schneider Collection to Be Auctioned at JULIEN*S November 19

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

via JULIEN*S

"THE FLORIAN SCHNEIDER COLLECTION

Auction to be held at Musician's Hall of Fame & Museum, Nashville, on November 19

An incredible collection of more than 450 artifacts from the life and career of Florian Schneider, co-founder of the pioneer electronic band Kraftwerk."

Pics and videos featuring some of the gear below, and his Lederhosen for good measure (thanks greg!).

Update: the post has been fully updated with all the synth related gear. This may just well be the longest post to be featured on the site. I wanted to capture all the pics for all of the details including notes, scuffs, and of course serial numbers. It's an interesting look into what he used, the condition he keped his gear, in some cases, how he actually used his gear. Note the phonetics on the keys of the Casio CZ-101 and DX-100. Note the Midi Switch Box with a built-in speaker? What's that about? Note the camouflage key strap on the Korg RK-100 Remote Keyboard. Did he pick it out himself or did the keytar just come with it? Note the repeat midi controllers and the MIDI saxaphones. Wind was his primary instrument. You'll find a ton of the acoustic gear he used in the other listings. This is a fascinating insight into both what and how he used his gear.

Side note: there is no affiliate compensation for this post. The note at the top automatically shows for all posts with the Auction label.


Rack Mount Sennheiser VSM-201 Vocoder

Starting Bid $5,000

Estimate $20,000 - $40,000 USD

A late 1970s Sennheiser VSM 201 Vocoder with no serial number from the personal studio and collection of Florian Schneider of Kraftwerk (see images). While it’s said that only a few dozen of these Vocoders were produced, a few examples made it into the hands of forward-thinking musical artists including Herbie Hancock, Daft Punk, and of course, Kraftwerk, who used a VSM-201 like this on their albums Man Machine (1978) and Computerworld (1981). The VSM-201 has an intelligible sound that has not yet been bested by modern gear. Includes power cable. This VSM-201 has been removed from its wooden enclosure (which bears the serial number plate) and modified with a metal rack mount casing, presumably for live use. Requires 240v, IEC power cable not included.

Dimensions: 19 x 9 x 9 inches

Category: Kraftwerk, Equipment

Provenance: PROVENANCE From the Estate of Florian Schneider

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Oberheim Xpander 6-Voice Synthesizer SN 770244

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

via this Reverb listing

"We are delighted to present this Oberheim Xpander, a superb example of one of the most sophisticated analogue polysynths ever created.

Designed by Tom Oberheim’s team during the golden era of American analogue innovation, the Xpander represents the pinnacle of Oberheim engineering — a true hybrid masterpiece that marries the lush, organic depth of analogue oscillators with one of the most flexible modulation architectures ever implemented in a MIDI-equipped synthesizer.

Released in 1984, the Xpander was a technological tour de force, featuring six discrete voices, each effectively a complete monosynth, coupled to an extensive modulation matrix and multi-mode filters. Its sound palette remains legendary — capable of producing rich, evolving textures, weighty basses, and intricate soundscapes that continue to inspire composers, producers, and collectors alike."

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