"This is the big boy 8-voice Maximus. It's in superb condition and includes everything it would if you purchased it new. Analogue Solutions makes the most 70's sounding synths in the modern era IMO. Raw, present, fat, but with all the modern accoutrement (modern MIDI, connectivity, etc). I have owned all the legendary vintage big boy polys at some point or another and the Maximus is on another level. Most would agree the 8-voice Oberheim is (EVS) is one of the greatest vintage polys of all time. The Maximus is essentially the modern equivalent but with a dedicated sequencer per voice, more global controls, built in delay per voice, and a superior mixer section. This is unit 15, but serial #22 by special request. I suspect no one will ever build an analog synth like this again as it's a labor of love and costly.
I recommend local pick-up here in Vegas, but I have the original crate it shipped in from England. These rarely come up for sale, especially Stateside, and now with tariffs the way they are you're gonna get hammered buying a high ticket import like this. If you were considering a Maximus, here's your chance.
"Mercury-8 synthesizer builds on Cherry Audio's renowned Mercury legacy with a passionate focus on detail and modern technical advancements. Every aspect of the original hardware has been carefully modeled to capture the sound and behavior that made the JP-8 so legendary. Furthermore, Mercury-8 goes "beyond Jupiter" by offering expanded polyphony, versatile modulation options, studio-quality effects, and expressive performance capabilities. It not only captures the distinctive essence of a JP-8 but can even exchange SysEx data with MIDI-modified hardware.
Cherry Audio and @TimShoebridge have collaborated once again to share an in-depth introductory video for Mercury-8. This comprehensive guide demonstrates how simple it is to create powerful sounds from scratch, maximize the modulation matrix, and get the most out of splits and dual layers. Additionally, the video highlights the new effects and Mercury-8's remarkable capability to import original JP-8 patch bank SysEx data via a drag-and-drop feature.
00:00 - Mission Mercury! by Mal Meehan, James Terris, and Robert Saint John
01:16 - Introducing Mercury-8 with Tim Shoebridge
02:48 - A Little Experiment
05:20 - Music: "From Scratch"
07:26 - Front Panel: VCOs and LFO
11:45 - Music: "Two Notes"
12:05 - Filters and Envelopes
15:00 - Music: "Plucks"
15:20 - Mod Matrix
16:35 - Layers, Dual and Split
18:05 - Effects
25:45 - Music: "Lo-Fi"
26:27 - Quick Tour: Sequencer, Arp, Performance, Assign Mode, and the Digital Display
27:43 - Digital Display and Expanded Settings
34:41 - Mercury-8 and JP-8: Factory Presets and SysEx Data Exchange
37:37 - Conclusion and Music: 'Timeline'"
Playlist of videos (note the desciption above is for the first video):
1. Cherry Audio | Introduction to Mercury-8 with Tim Shoebridge
2. Cherry Audio | Mercury-8 Synthesizer - NEW! - Cherry Audio and Michael Oakley Official
3. Cherry Audio | The Grid Preset Pack for Mercury-8 by Michael Oakley
4. Cherry Audio | Mercury-8: A Tour of the Presets with Mike Martin
5. Cherry Audio | JUPITER-8 x MERCURY-8 - Factory Presets Compared
6. Cherry Audio Mercury-8: Artist Demo - James Dyson
7. Cherry Audio Mercury-8: Artist Demo - Jezz Woodroffe
And two user videos:
Cherry Audio Mercury-8 Jupiter-8 Strings Pads FX VST Virtual Analog Synthesizer Rik Marston
Check with dealers on the right for availability and pricing.
"Imagine a compact keyboard uniting the most iconic sounds in a single instrument. Engineered for liftoff, AstroLab 37 redefines what a compact performance keyboard can be, combining an unrivalled sound palette, intuitive controls, and a seamless studio-to-stage workflow – play and create beyond limits."
Playlist:
1. AstroLab 37 | Avant-garde stage keyboard | ARTURIA
2. Overview | AstroLab 37
3. Is the Arturia AstroLab 37 the Best Compact Stage Keyboard? - Reverb (available here)
4. Arturia Astrolab 37 vs 61/88 // and a cheat to give it more hands-on control // Review, tutorial - loopop
5. Arturia AstroLab 37 Review – After 6 Weeks of Real Use - Sineway
6. Arturia Astrolab 37 Review - Molten Music Technology
7. Is this the Ultimate Portable Performance Synth? Arturia AstroLab 37 Review & Demo - Starsky Carr
"Arturia releases AstroLab 37, a compact stage keyboard that brings the full power of the AstroLab ecosystem into a portable, performance-ready format.
Completing the AstroLab line-up, it delivers the same deep sound engines, streamlined workflow, and studio-to-stage continuity as the 61- and 88-key models - now in a 37-key, road-ready design that makes it the ultimate creative companion on the move.
_Ignite your inspiration
Engineered for liftoff, AstroLab 37 redefines what a compact performance keyboard can be. Combining an unrivalled sound palette with intuitive controls and a seamless studio-to-stage experience - perform with confidence and limitless sonic freedom.
Featuring a 37-key slim keybed with aftertouch, a vocoder, and powerful creative tools, turn any idea into fast-moving solos, dynamic leads, and unforgettable hooks."
AstroLab 37 packs the power of the AstroLab range into a compact format.
Engineered for liftoff, AstroLab 37 redefines what a compact performance keyboard can be. Combining an unrivaled sound palette with intuitive controls and a seamless studio-to-stage experience, it empowers musicians to perform with confidence and limitless sonic freedom.
Built on 25 years of innovation, it frees keyboardists from constraints with 11 advanced sound engines, seamless workflow, and a playing experience that’s intuitive, expressive, and fearless.
This isn’t just a new keyboard. It’s a new era.
Ignite your inspiration.
Instantly access a universe of reference synths, classic keyboards, acoustic instruments, and cinematic hybrids - all deeply customizable via onboard controls. The 37 slim-key slim keyboard with aftertouch, vocoder, and performance modes turns ideas into fast-moving solos, dynamic leads, and unforgettable hooks.
Own the stage.
Purpose-built for live: rugged, responsive, and completely standalone. Power up, pick a sound, shape it in real-time and deliver pure musical expression wherever you play - ultra-low latency.
Compact by design.
From studios and stages to bedrooms and DJ booths, AstroLab 37 adapts to every space. Road-ready construction, expressive keys, and instant sound recall make it the ultimate creative companion on the move.
Made to explore.
Edit your presets on-the-fly or dive deeper with Analog Lab on desktop or AstroLab Connect on mobile. Seamlessly transition between studio and stage and let your creativity flow uninterrupted, exactly the way you want it.
AstroLab 37 is a versatile, lightweight companion for musicians who move between studio, stage, and multi-instrument setups — ideal as a second keyboard for band members, a flexible live instrument, or a portable tool for producers on the go.
● 44 instruments, 11 sound engines, 1.800+ presets ● 37 slim keys with aftertouch ● 10 instant-access preset buttons ● 4 macro knobs with LED feedback ● 4 FX knobs, including dedicated Delay & Reverb ● Vocoder-ready mono input ● Color screen + navigation encoder for fast browsing ● Software ecosystem: Analog Lab Pro + AstroLab Connect ● Extensive connectivity: MIDI I/O, USB-C, USB-A host, balanced mono I/O, mic input, Bluetooth audio, WiFi, pedal input
Here are my Midi Editor for the Moog Messenger Synth.
The Messenger Editor gives you direct access from the DAW to the Moog Messenger parameters,
allowing you to integrate it into the DAW project.
In the PlugIn VST version you can record the controller movements and so the sound change can be saved.
Editor Features:
Complex sound changes can be made easily and quickly.
Change Messenger Sounds directly from Editor.
The Controllers can be automated.
X-Y modulation of all parameters.
You can random the Controllers of the Moog Messenger Synth to produce new sounds
Each area has its own random function.
You can use your Moog Messenger as a sound module in your DAW.
A Editor sound bank with 30 new sounds is included.
The Editor are available for:
PC: As VST2 and Standalone for 32bit and VST2, VST3 and Standalone for 64bit Windows.
MAC: As VST2, VST3, AU and Standalone, compatible with MAC Intel and Silicon."
"Join me for a one-of-a-kind musical experience filmed inside the iconic Mickey Hargitay Plants in Hollywood. In this special session, I’m improvising on the legendary 1969 Moog IIIc “Plantasia” Modular Synthesizer—the same model used on Mort Garson’s Mother Earth's Plantasia—along with my Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave, while the plants themselves generate melodies through PlantWave.
How PlantWave Works
PlantWave is a bio-music device that connects to a plant’s leaves and measures subtle changes in electrical conductivity. Those fluctuations are translated into MIDI data, which then becomes musical notes, rhythms, and patterns. It’s not “the plant playing an instrument” in the human sense—it's more like the plant’s natural signals being converted into music we can hear and respond to.
The Jam
As PlantWave transforms real-time electrical signals from the plants into beautiful, evolving musical patterns, I’m tuning in, responding, and improvising on the Moog IIIc and 3rd Wave—matching their phrases with my own melodies and rhythms. Every moment emerges organically, completely unique, and impossible to recreate the same way twice.
About the Location
Mickey Hargitay Plants has been an LA landmark for decades, and creating this performance surrounded by their lush greenery made the experience even more magical.
This is a rare combination of vintage analog synthesis, modern wavetable power, plant-generated musical data, and real-time human improvisation. I hope you enjoy this unique collaboration between nature and machines."
"This video is about making music with biofeedback from living organisms like plants, animals and humans. I made a video about Instruo Scion five years ago, and I couldn't resist getting the small PocketScion.
I don't know how to explain this, it's a brilliant design with huge potential, but it doesn't come out on its own. Sonically it's a bit tame with the inevitable additive 'organ-ish' sounds, the pluck, a subtractive voice and a very cool noise preset - which sounds amazing, but doesn't really match the mood of plant music. Most presets use a 5 or 6 note scale to avoid dissonants, so it sounds a bit like musical wallpaper.
Its main goal is to take it outside and capture the secret life of plants translated to ambient music, but it can't possibly survive a rainy day in the forest without a cover (or in the pocket).
So is it any good?
YES!
The Controller app allows you to change scales, ranges, midi channels and a control channel (default CC1 - ModWheel) you can route to other destinations (e.g. expression). Since you have five channels, you can make breathtaking generative music in the DAW, controlling five different CC's. It's brilliance is revealed when you hook it up to your DAW and drive 5 midi channels with an ambient VST for each channel (or VCV Rack?). It's truly amazing as a generative midi controller. On it's own, I'd say it's a 6 of 10. With MIDI, it's an 11 (strictly personal opinion)."
"Waldorf Music has released the Protein, a new 8-voice polyphonic wavetable synthesizer. The instrument combines the technology of earlier Waldorf instruments with modern features in a compact and portable design.
The Protein utilizes the original ASIC oscillators of the Microwave 1, reproducing its characteristic digital vintage sound at a 250 kHz sample rate and retaining the original 8-bit quantization and aliasing characteristics. Its design and architecture are particularly noteworthy. The Protein boasts a new, portable form factor. Measuring 252 x 170 x 48 mm and weighing just 0.9 kg, it is designed for both studio and mobile use.
The user interface is designed for intuitive operation and direct access. At its core, the Protein offers 8 voices and a flexible 4-layer concept that enables complex sound layering, round-robin modes, and polytimbral operation via MIDI. The Load Layer function allows for quick recombination of existing layers from the library. The device stores over 150 factory presets and up to 250 user presets. Each layer has access to an 8-slot modulation matrix for sound design, complemented by modern support for polyphonic aftertouch. A special feature is the "Flavor" control, which adds organic micro-fluctuations to digital sounds.
Modern features from the Iridium family are also integrated, including an arpeggiator, step sequencer, and various effects. The Protein aims to offer an affordable entry into the world of classic Waldorf wavetable synthesis. The official launch of the Protein will take place on November 27, 2025, at 8 p.m. in Berlin. Following the launch, the artist Zavoloka will perform a 30-minute live set using the Protein."
1. Kastle 2 Alchemist 🧪 Compact Hybrid-Synthesis Instrument
2. No talking, just sounds - Kastle 2 Alchemist Hybrid-Synthesis Instrument
3. The most fun I've had making a video - Oscillator Sink and Bastl Instruments
4. ALCHEMIST: Bastl's super fun Kastle synth - Turbo Tambourine and Bastl Instruments
5. Bastl Alchemist Beginner’s Guide – How to Get Started - Shimmery.mp3 and Bastl Instruments
"We are stoked to introduce the Kastle 2 Alchemist – a patchable, hybrid-synthesis
instrument that empowers you to explore melodies and even harmonic textures, despite
being monophonic.
The Alchemist offers a range of Bastl-brewed Synth Modes – Filter, FM, Supersaw,
Hypersine, and GlitchNoise – which can be combined with its internal effects and the
versatile Pattern Generator. Rhythms and scales are fully customizable via the web-based
app, and expanded MIDI USB compatibility adds even more flexibility.
The Kastle 2 Alchemist is the third firmware release for the Kastle 2 hardware platform,
joining the FX Wizard multi-effects processor and the Wave Bard stereo sample player. The
firmware is fully cross-compatible across all devices in the Kastle 2 Series – meaning the
Alchemist firmware can be loaded onto previous Kastle 2 units and Citadel modules, and
vice versa.
The Kastle 2 Alchemist is the spiritual successor to the original and widely popular Kastle
Synth, introduced in the fall of 2016 and later updated to Kastle 1.5 in late 2017. It also
inherits the DNA of the Kastle Arp from 2023, resulting in expanded musicality.
The Kastle 2 Series is often described as experimental and funky — and while the Alchemist
certainly carries that spirit, this third medieval-themed instrument pushes the platform further.
With carefully crafted synth modes and intuitive controls, the Alchemist expands the musical
range, making it valuable in both beginner setups and complex studio environments."
"In this video, we’re building a Teensy-powered synth inspired by the iconic Minimoog Model D, and exploring what made the original design so legendary. We’ll walk through all-the-things: oscillators, mixer, filter, envelopes, hidden features, presets, the Teensy’s USB audio setup, and how Bob Moog’s Minimoog helped shape modern subtractive synthesis.
This is my biggest project to date, and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out! The Teensy 4.1’s built-in USB audio is sending power, MIDI, and audio over a single cable. What a time to be alive, haha! All code and build files are available on GitHub if you want to make your own. Cheers!
A 6-voice polyphonic virtual analog synthesizer built with the Teensy 4.1 microcontroller, inspired by the classic Minimoog. Features comprehensive synthesis with USB audio/MIDI and intuitive menu control.
Key Features: 6-voice polyphony with 3 oscillators per voice (18 total) 6 waveforms per oscillator Noise shared white/pink noise 24dB Moog-style ladder filter with ADSR envelopes Independent LFO with pitch/filter/amp targets Macro knob system - remap filter knobs to LFO controls USB Audio + MIDI - single cable to computer 20 hardware encoders + LCD for real-time control 20 Presets - 80s Brass, Saw Keys, Bass sounds, Pads, and more Multiple play modes - Mono, Poly, Legato with glide
"Pianoteq 9 has arrived and it’s time to show you my favourite virtual instrument together with my favourite plugin controller in a little jam. Yes, and I also like Stranger Things and as the end approaches now, I’m currently rewatching all the seasons 😉
Gear: Modartt Pianoteq 9 Pro with Ableton Live 11 and MP MIDI Controller, drums from Forever 89 VISCO."
"Only a handful made. Tobinski mono Synth (formerly Danny sound). Sounds incredible. Everything works accept 1 led needs changing. Comes in its own carry case. Cables included.
Modules overview:
OSC 1- Electronotes EN129 Linear Through Zero Oscillator
OSC 2 -Buchla 258 Oscillator
ENVELOPE 1 - Roland M140 Envelope Generator
ENVELOPE 2 - Electronic Dream Plant (EDP) Wasp Filter Control Envelope
ENVELOPE 2 Electronic Dream Plant (EDP) Wasp Filter Control Envelope
ENVELOPE 3 Electronic Dream Plant (EDP) Wasp VCA Envelope
TIMBRE (TMBR) Buchla 259 Timbre Generator Module
LOW PASS GATE (LPG) Buchla 292 Low Pass Gate Module
LOW PASS FILTER (LPF) Moog MiniMoog Low Pass Filter Module
VOLTAGE CONTROLLED AMPLIFIER (VCA) Moog MiniMoog Voltage Controlled Amplifier
MIDI TO CV Oakleysound 3031 midi to CV"
Note this appears to be the first post to feature Tobinksi.
"Testing last software update for Heritage Modular.
Tuning for extended support of ERAE 2 in MPE and legacy MIDI modes.
All sounds are coming from the synth, configured for 4 timbres over 32 voices. 2 timbres in MPE mode.
https://www.heritagesynthesizers.fr/"
"You can find my devices here:
https://distropolisgoods.com/
Prismatic Spray II should be released VERY soon.
In this video, I take a look at the stereo bytebeat engines of the Prismatic Spray II and some features such as the filter and various visualizations.
I'm using a little mini PC to view the visualizations via Web Serial from the Prismatic Spray II via USB. There is NO video output from the synth - it is sending serial data that a compatible browser is interpreting and displaying.
I'm also using an OMX-27 MIDI keyboard from @nevetsokyeron to show that the synth can be played chromatically from an external MIDI keyboard."
You might recall muSonics Lyle featured in previous video posts here on MATRIXSYNTH.
The following are some addtional details and pics of the system in via muSonics.
Lyle is a four voice Vanilla Synthesizer with a polyphonic envelope generator system, four voice mixer, MIDI allocation, and utility modules. It is the first polyphonic modular synthesizer with master control of time and timbre since the Oberheim Four Voice, whose circuits it is based on.
Anyone can throw four voices in a box and call it a polyphonic synthesiser, so what makes Lyle so special?
The Polyphonic Envelopes network has its own set of 8 envelope generators, bringing the system total to 16. Its EGs are normaled to the filters, oscillators, and output amplifiers of the system. The Vanilla Envelopes are still available and can be patched to interrupt the Polyphonic Envelopes.
The Polyphonic Envelopes control module is the only one of 7 in the network which is on the front panel. It gives you attack, decay, and sustain control for the VCF and VCA EGs, amount controls to route the VCF EG to the VCF and VCO modulation inputs, and an offset control for the VCF EG to the VCF modulation input (think global filter cutoff.)
There have been a few stabs at aggregate polyphony since Tom Oberheim built Lyle Mays and Pete Namlook their favourite synthesizer, but no one has done this.
Another nice feature of this instrument is the Vanilla Stereo Mixer, which not only gives you level and pan for each voice but also an additioinal gain stage to overdrive if you wish, bringing the total number of manageable gain stages (and potential distortions) to four per voice.
The instrument can be operated without any patch cables on the front panel. MIDI control and audio output happens on the back of the instrument. Patch points are for timbre authoring beyond the default patch, similar to an ARP 2600.
"Dev Demo of my super arpeggiator Chord Wave Theory for Plug/Pure Data (any platform). No GUI yet
'Chord Wave Theory' (prototyping name) is a 'one finger' performance/composition super arpeggiator driven by Wavetables, like the old PPG Wave. It's made to control external MIDI/CV sound generators/synthesisers. Each key is assigned a scale or chord and arpeggiator. The arpeggios use wavetable shapes, which are automatically morphed. The arpeggio morphing rate, note's order, direction, octave, spread etc can be manipulated and stored. It has a huge built in library of chords, scales and musical shapes, which can be endlessly expanded
Original inspired by the Korg Monopoly's one finger chord mode and the Casiotone keyboard's one finger chord function.
Release is scheduled for the first quarter of 2026. Any questions, please ask."
Check with dealers on the right for availability. Pics and additional details below.
"Fantastically fun, feature packed, powerful yet simple to use Venus Instruments have brought a tonne of flexibility to Eurorack sampling and looping with the VENO ORBIT.
There's multiple bonus patch from scratch uncut videos exclusive to / divkid supporters - head there to join the community and gain access."
"Mystrix is an open-source, smart controller that has a lot of features. Our website is https://203.io/ , and more detailed information is in https://matrix.203.io
We just recently launched an OS 3.0 update for the device and are planning to release a Mystrix 2 soon. It would be great if you could help us and spread the word! I can’t appreciate that enough!
With Matrix OS 3.0, Mystrix got the following features:
Note App V2 with New Layouts, Control Bar, Pitchbend, Custom Scale, Modern Diatonic Scale, Arpeggiator, Chord, Note Latch, and more.
Python User Application Support
And a lot of QoL updates
On top of a suite of existing powerful features like
Customizable Control Map with advanced MIDI command, keyboard, and gamepad
Computer Software Integration
Chord Strumming
For Mystrix 2. It’s currently still under development, and we expect to launch it by the end of the year. It will have a few improvements on the existing one, like MPE surface, 6-axis gyro, new design, more IO options, etc.
