Akai Launches MPK Mini Plus II

video uploads by Akai Professional

Check with dealers on the right for pricing and availability.

Playlist:

1. MPK Mini Plus II | Expressive Control, Expanded Possibilities
2. MPK Mini Plus II with Drumma Boy | Akai Professional
3. MPK Mini Plus II | Overview
4. MPK Mini Plus II | MPC Integration

Akai MPK Mini Plus MK2 // What's new, review and tutorial

video upload by

TIMELINE: 0:00 Intro 1:42 Overview 3:09 Keys & pads 4:27 Color screen 5:47 I/O 6:10 Chord modes 7:13 Mutate & strum 8:52 Chord types 10:02 Progressions 10:51 Arpeggiator 13:06 Overdub & follow 14:26 ARP patterns 16:09 DAW control 17:23 Pad modes 18:25 MPC 20:03 NKS plugins 22:08 Kontakt 22:41 Instrument Collection 23:27 User modes 24:18 Pros & cons 27:15 Jams

Press release follows:


AKAI PROFESSIONAL® INTRODUCES MPK® MINI PLUS II, THE NEXT GENERATION OF ITS 37-KEY MIDI KEYBOARD CONTROLLER

Upgraded keys and MPC pads meet new creative tools, deeper MPC and DAW integration, a full-color display, MIDI and CV connectivity in a compact 37-key controller.

CUMBERLAND, R.I. (October 22, 2026) – Akai Professional® today announced MPK® Mini Plus II, the next generation of its compact 37-key MIDI keyboard, designed for creators who want more performance and production control without moving to a full-size keyboard. MPK Mini Plus II combines an upgraded 37-key mini keybed, eight velocity- and pressure-sensitive RGB MPC pads, a new full-color display, and creative tools including Glitch, Mutate, Strum, Freeze, Chords, and Follow. Direct MPC Standalone and MPC Desktop integration brings deeper MPC control to the keyboard, while USB-C, five-pin MIDI, and CV/Gate connectivity allow MPK Mini Plus II to move easily between software instruments, hardware synthesizers, and modular setups.

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Cinematic Ambient with Prophet-10, reface CS, and OP-1 field | Invisible Frost 2026-10-22 by atnr

video upload by atnr

"Cinematic ambient created with the Prophet-10, reface CS, OP-1 field, and CP-88.

On the OP-1 field, detailed glitch beats and sustained synth pad sounds are recorded in advance. The MOTHER effect is used as the master effect to add gated reverb.

On the reface CS, the oscillator is set to FM while synth pads are performed. The output is processed through the MICROCOSM with deep reverb.

The Prophet-10 is connected to the blueSky and used to perform slow-attack synth pads.

The CP-88 is processed in the DAW with reverb from Native Instruments Raum.

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How To P Funk Type Bass ‪@MoogSynthesizers‬ Grandmother

video upload by Dj Puzzle

"You asked for it after 13,000 views and tons of comments here is my P Funk inspired Moog Grandmother patch. Enjoy!"

P Funk type bass Moog Grandmother
video upload by Dj Puzzle

"Working on some funk loops for my Native Instruments Funk and Disco pack. Here's a custom P Funk inspired bass patch that I made for it."

http://www.djpuzzle.com

Korg Wavestate - "Aether" Soundset (40 Exclusive Performances)

video upload by LFOstore

"Step into the light. Aether is a collection of 40 exclusive performances for Korg Wavestate, woven from air, glass and morning sun. Imagine a luminous golden horizon, a sea of clouds drifting far below, crystal spheres floating weightlessly through an endless sky. This is the world these sounds were crafted to build around you.

At its heart are the pads: shimmering, slowly breathing, rising like first light over the clouds. They turn like light through a prism, drift like mist at dawn and bloom into soft harmonic halos. Around them, sequences and arpeggios sparkle in the spirit of the Berlin School and the golden age of 80s electronica, but on its bright side, where every pulse is a ray of sunlight rather than a shadow. Glass bells, silver plucks and tender leads complete the sky.

As a sound designer for Access Music, Native Instruments, and Modal Electronics, OttO K. Schwarz shaped every performance with one aim: sounds that feel weightless but never empty. Many performances are multi-layered, with evolving textures and melodic phrases that invite you to simply hold a chord and listen.

All presets are tuned for real-time expression: the modulation wheel and other assigned parameters open the sound like clouds parting, giving you intuitive control over several parameters at once. Whether you’re scoring a film, composing ambient or electronic music, guiding a meditation session or playing live, “Aether” offers a palette of sounds that are light, luminous and deeply musical.

Please find more details here - https://ottolfo.sellfy.store/wavestate/"

OB-6 Bells | Arpeggio & Improvisation

video upload by Modularis

"A short electronic improvisation built around a bell-like arpeggio on the Sequential OB-6.

From there, the piece gradually opens into synth textures, rhythm and piano, keeping the performance spontaneous and mostly untouched.

Modularis is the electronic music project of Joan Alfaras, created and performed through synthesizers, keyboards and original sound exploration.

#SequentialOB6 #KurzweilPC3K8"

Additional videos:

CLICK FOR MORE »

Korg Multi/Poly - "Meditation" Soundset (40 Performances)

video upload by LFOstore

"Take a deep breath and listen… to find your sonic sanctuary!
Speaking harmoniously, 'Meditation' is a carefully crafted collection of exclusive performances for the Korg multi/poly, created to guide listeners on inner journeys through sound. This soundset immerses you in deep, breathing pads, soft ethereal ARPs, delicate keys, gentle bells, airy leads and subtle evolving textures. The sounds move between light and deeper shades, revealing the quiet richness of inner states and emotional landscapes.

Meditation is always a very subtle tuning and contemplation of one’s inner sound. That is why in this soundset every performance is thoughtfully programmed for expressive real-time control. The modulation wheel and modulation knobs controls are assigned throughout the set of multi-layered presets, allowing the sounds to gently evolve and respond under your hands.

Created with love and attention by OttO K. Schwarz, renowned for collaborations with Access Music, Modal Electronics, Native Instruments and other leading sound companies. “Meditation” is ideal for ambient, new age, meditation & yoga music, cinematic work and any music that invites stillness and presence.

Please find more details here - https://ottolfo.sellfy.store/multi-poly/"

Brooklyn Synth & Pedal Expo Returns with Over 100 Brands to Discover - October ‎17–18

video upload by Sanjay C

Video from last year's show above.

Press release follows:

"BROOKLYN, NY — The Brooklyn Synth & Pedal Expo, perhaps the biggest East Coast event dedicated to electric and electronic gear for musicians with over 100 brands on display, returns to Greenpoint on October ‎17–18, transforming a 7,000-square-foot warehouse into an immersive playground for music creators.

Presented in partnership with the legendary synth store Three Wave Music and local up-and-coming guitar shop Tonewolf, the Expo offers a strictly in-the-headphones experience — letting attendees demo the latest synthesizers, effects pedals, and modular gear from over 100 brands in a noise-friendly environment.

Nestled in one of Brooklyn's most vibrant musical corridors, the show is expected to draw more about 2,000 visitors, a mix of musicians, producers, and gear enthusiasts.

"Intro to Synthesis" Workshops
This year, the Expo expands beyond its large exhibition floor with a new lineup of educational workshops focused on synthesis — from hands-on patch-building sessions to deep dives into modular workflows, led by working artists and builders. A schedule of the workshops will be announced soon.

CLICK FOR MORE »

These Plugins Sound AMAZING… Except One

video upload by Keith Crosley

"Space Age Strings, Traveler 1.1, Arturia MiniFreak V, and Liminal Space 2 RC6: three plugins I'm excited about, and one that's... fine. Your old pal Keith demos vintage strings, custom wavetable import, Bloom and reverse reverb, and gloriously backward shoegaze. Grab your mod wheel for another episode of your favorite talky synthesizer content show!

First up: Authentic Soundware's Space Age Strings, with gorgeous legatos, vintage ribbon-mic character, and serious Mancini energy. We pair those nine violins with Liminal Space 2's new Space Age Scoring Stage preset and compare the library's built-in reverb with some algorithmic spaciousness.

Then we revisit Traveler! Version 1.1 fixes the big wavetable-workflow frustrations from my previous review: now I can point it at my existing KRC Mathwaves folders without duplicating gigabytes of content. Cue polygonal bells, Morlet wavelet vowels, and a much happier Keith. We also try MiniFreak V's new user-wavetable import. It's great to have it, but I've got opinions about the workflow, the effects, and whether the software version floats my boat.

Finally, we explore my Liminal Space 2 RC6 reverb for macOS and Windows: MIDIverb II-inspired Bloom sounds, reverse-style swells, ACTUAL reversed audio, and instant imaginary Cocteau Twins guitar with Native Instruments' Electric Sunburst Deluxe. We build Bloom effects on piano, shape them with curves and wavetables, and explore Reverse Capture's Diffuse and Clear modes. Then we get dark and wobbly with Clockwarp and the new Vulture 224 filter, inspired by Alex at Vulture Culture. Woot!

Disclosure: Authentic Soundware kindly supplied Space Age Strings; this is not paid placement. I purchased Traveler myself. Liminal Space 2 and KRC Mathwaves are my own products. Liminal Space 2 is demonstrated in RC6; the RC7 Follow feature is teased for a future video."

You can find wavetables and additional resources by Keith Crosley available at https://www.wavetables.lol.

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M-Vave FM-1 | Ambient & Dreams soundbank for FM synthesizers

video upload by NatLife Sounds

"Buy Link: https://natlifesounds.com/product/amb...

Ambient & Dreams for M-Vave FM-1 & FM synthesizers, includes Yamaha DX7/DX7 II, Yamaha TX7, TX802, TX816, Korg Opsix 2.0, Korg Volca FM/FM2, Native Instruments FM8, Arturia DX7 V, Dexed, Plogue chipsynth OPS7.

Just imagine the deep, mysterious sound of the taiga forest. Those are the very voices I created using FM operators to achieve a deep, wild sound.

These sounds fully unlock the infinite potential of FM synthesis, the result of meticulous work to craft soft, Melodic tones. Far from being harsh to the ear, they have a soothing effect on the nervous system, stabilizing one’s state into a sense of constant bliss.

Full of deep Ambient atmosphere, this sounds will keep you dreaming endlessly.

This soundbank consists of 32 presets, comprising:

1 AAH
5 Bass
2 FX
2 Leads
5 Pads
10 Plucks
8 Synth sounds

Installation Instruction for presets in FM-1 are included in the download link."

You can find the M-VAVE FM-1 on Amazon.

New Maschine 3.7 update and Expansions | Native Instruments

video upload by Native Instruments

"Maschine is alive and evolving. The latest update packs in a host of fresh features. To celebrate, we’re launching three special Expansions, including Thirty – a Native Instruments 30th birthday addition.

Check it out: https://www.native-instruments.com/pa...

Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:30 New Paris Heat Expansion
00:55 Generate tab
02:45 Melody generation
04:21 Chord generation
05:43 Variation tab
07:33 New Rage Circuit Expansion
07:56 Euclidean generation
10:12 New Thirty Expansion
10:29 Note probability
11:53 Probability lock
12:25 Free update
12:47 Outro"

Update: press release follows:

A MAJOR UPDATE FOR MASCHINE 3

Maschine 3 is Native Instruments' beat-making and music production software, usable on its own or with Maschine hardware. It's built to keep musical ideas flowing at every step, letting producers lay down beats, sample, arrange, and perform with virtual instruments or their own sounds, solo or inside a DAW. Maschine 3.7 adds a set of creative sequencing tools designed to get producers out of a blank grid and into a groove faster than ever.

Key Update Features

RANDOM NOTE GENERATOR: Let Maschine write the notes. Set the odds and start from an idea instead of an empty grid.

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Native Instruments FM8.plus Enhancement Project

via musica.studio

MORPH ROTATE
Map any MIDI CC to sweep a circle through all four morph timbres. Ride the whole morph square from a mod wheel.

ARP MIDI OUT
The built-in arpeggiator can finally drive other instruments. Probably FM8's most requested missing feature.

TEMPO OVERRIDE
Unshackle the arpeggiator from the DAW tempo and run it at its own.

GAIN +10 DB
Extra output gain, for patches that never quite got loud enough.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Waldorf Iridium / Quantum - "Electronica" Soundset (50 Presets)

video upload by LFOstore

"'Electronica' is a refined collection of 50 dynamic layered presets created specifically for the Waldorf Quantum and Iridium. This soundset captures the spirit of classical electronic music — primarily the Berlin School, cosmic ambient and new age — and brings it into the present with the powerful hybrid engine of the Waldorf’s leading devices.

The focus of the soundset lies on multi-layered evolving sequences, deep immersive pads and soaring cosmic leads. Hypnotic rhythmic patterns unfold with organic movement, pads open vast spatial landscapes, and leads cut through with clarity and emotional depth. Alongside the core material you will also find expressive ARPs, delicate plucks, crystalline bells and solid basses — different shades of the classical electronic scene gathered in one cohesive library.

This signature soundset is created by OttO K. Schwarz, renowned for collaborations with Access Music, Modal Electronics, Native Instruments and other market leaders. All presets are carefully programmed with the modulation wheel assigned, giving immediate expressive control. No external samples were used — every sound is generated entirely by the synthesizer’s internal synthesis engine!

For more information please check here - https://ottolfo.sellfy.store/waldorf/"

Brooklyn Synth & Pedal Expo Set for October ‎17–18

Press release follows:

BROOKLYN, NY — The Brooklyn Synth & Pedal Expo returns October ‎17–18, transforming a 7,000-square-foot Greenpoint warehouse into an immersive playground for electronic music creators.

Presented in partnership with the legendary Three Wave Music, the Expo offers a strictly in-the-headphones experience — letting attendees demo the latest synthesizers, effects pedals, and modular gear from over 100 brands in a noise-friendly environment.

Nestled in one of Brooklyn's most vibrant musical corridors, the show is expected to draw more about 2,000 visitors, a mix of musicians, producers, and gear enthusiasts.

"Intro to Synthesis" Workshops
This year, the Expo expands beyond its large exhibition floor with a new lineup of educational workshops focused on synthesis — from hands-on patch-building sessions to deep dives into modular workflows, led by working artists and builders. A schedule of the workshops will be announced soon.

CLICK FOR MORE »

MemoryTone by XILS-Lab

video upload by xilslab

"MemoryTone by XILS-lab unleashes a colossal three-oscillator-per-voice analog architecture—with 16-voice polyphony and up to 18 oscillators in unison—then propels it beyond its 1982 inspiration with expanded modulation, MPE, advanced arpeggiation, integrated effects, and modern sound-design capabilities."

via XILS-Lab

MEMORYTONE: THEY CALLED IT MAGIC.

MemoryTone is XILS-lab’s exploration of one of analogue synthesis’s most ambitious instruments — a sixteen-voice polyphonic architecture built around three oscillators per voice and a 24 dB/octave self-oscillating ladder filter.

With eighteen oscillators across sixteen voices, combinable waveforms, oscillator sync, pulse-width control and a deeply interactive signal path, its character begins long before effects enter the picture. Oscillators interact. Levels influence behaviour. Voices move. The filter responds to everything that came before it.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Introducing Electric Neon Deluxe – pop and EDM guitar | Native Instruments

video uploads by Native Instruments

Playlist:
1. Introducing Electric Neon Deluxe – pop and EDM guitar | Native Instruments
2. Electric Neon Deluxe walkthrough | Native Instruments

"Electric Neon Deluxe builds on the Essentials version to bring more high-impact guitar energy to future hits. From rhythmic pulses that fire up the dancefloor to glossy leads that lift the chorus, it’s perfect for producers who want instant vibe without getting weighed down. Every sound slots cleanly into your mix – no endless tweaking, just polished and punchy parts ready for your next anthem.

Discover Session Guitarist – Electric Neon Deluxe: https://www.native-instruments.com/pr..."

SuperStarSaw: Far beyond conventional supersaws!

video upload by CatSynth TV

"We present SuperStarSaws, a new instrument from Native Instruments and A. G. Cook that expands on the concept of supersaws. It has two supersaw oscillators, or swarms, where the individual sawtooth partials can be spread both in frequency and space beyond the traditional detuning associated with supersaws to create dynamic swarms of sound, strange arpeggios, and more. The graphic morpher in the center allows one to quickly and smoothly change parameters between saved settings.

Please consider supporting this channel to help us bring you more synthesizer tutorials and other content."

Patreon: / catsynth | https://shop.catsynth.com | https://ko-fi.com/catsynth

00:00 Introduction
00:21 What are "supersaws"?
00:49 Overview of the SuperStarSaw interface
02:11 A few factory presets
03:39 Swarm oscillator deep dive
09:38 The morpher
11:49 Filter, amp, and amplitude envelope
16:10 Effects
19:31 Modulation options
22:45 Randomization with the dice controls
24:34 More factory presets
29:25 Conclusion

Photo credits:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi..."

External MIDI Amiga Synth? Wait, what?!

video upload by Jeremy Parker

"A few years ago I restored my childhood Amiga 500, and only recently found a way to use a soft synth, Aegis Sonix V2, with external MIDI control. I saw ‪@magicalsynthadventure3216‬ video on the topic a while back, and on a whim decided to revisit the idea of using my Amiga as a synth. Thanks to an Amibay.com forum thread, I learned that it's pretty easy to get Aegis Sonix V2 to respond to incoming MIDI, and so I was off to the races. Enjoy!

Magical Synth Adventures video: • Commodore Amiga Music Production: Modern S... [below]
Amibay thread: https://www.amibay.com/threads/aegis-...
Stone OakValley Studios info on Aegis Sonix: https://www.stone-oakvalley-studios.c...
OctaMED info: https://chipmusic.org/forums/topic/10...

00:00 Intro
02:28 The Solution
03:33 Sonix Demo
05:31 Sonix & Reaper
07:33 Amiga Groove

Commodore Amiga Music Production: Modern Sound Design on Retro Hardware

video upload by Magical Synth Adventure

"A delve into obscure software instruments on the Commodore Amiga. Here I look into both realtime & non-realtime varieties, covering a staggering array of synthesis types!

Additional attributions:

I forgot to give a shout out to uncle Brian! Sorry uncle Brian!
Endless Tunnel Animation: KRITRIMVAULT
Syndicate Intro: BullFrog Productions

Links:
SOFTWARE
http://old.exotica.org.uk/websites/dr...
http://ftp2.grandis.nu/turransearch/"

Update: An interesting side note is that Sonix was released in 1987 with a beta in 1986. That's 10 years earlier than Dave Smith's Seer Systems Reality, which was released in 1997. Seer Systems Reality is often credited as the world's first soft synth. Curious if the distinction was between an editor/interface for the existing Amiga sound chip vs. a self contained software synthesizer.  

I asked Google AI just to see what it would say. Here it is:

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Ocean Swift Releases New Expansions for Massive X

video upload by Ocean Swift / Faxi Nadu

via Ocean Swift

"We are thrilled to announce our latest expansions for Native Instruments Massive X. The 'Way Finder', and 'Massive In Psy'.

These expansions elevate the standard “Noisetables” section typically reserved for simple sound effects into a comprehensive, dual-layer melodic sampler. By cleverly embedding large, tuned and continuously looped samples directly into the preset files, we’ve transformed these basic noise modules into highly expressive, tuned oscillators. The result delivers 2 extra layers of deep, complex textures to your Massive X workflow!

The 'Way Finder expansion' takes this concept into deep cinematic and ambient territory with over 100 presets, while the 'Massive In Psy' focuses on trance and psychedelic sounds. Both these expansions can be acquired for 14.99€ each, intro offer until 21 August.

Featuring:
.2 Sound banks: Way Finder (103 Presets), Massive In Psy (90 Presets)
.Over 80 seamlessly looped and tuned samples
.NKS support: including audio preview when hosted in Maschine or Komplete Kontrol.
.Bank and presets organized with tags
.Expressive sound design: Full Aftertouch and Modwheel support"

https://oceanswift.net/product/way-finder/
https://oceanswift.net/product/massive-in-psy/
https://oceanswift.net/product-category/presetpacks/massive-x/

"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)"

Tempera Quirks and Foibles by Benge

video upload by Memetune Studio

"I’ve been exploring granular synthesis since around 1997, when Native Instruments brought out Reaktor, because it was the first system I knew of that had a granular synthesis engine built into it

But even before that I was experimenting with certain samplers that could do a sort of proto-granular thing where you could control the loop start and end end points of a sample independently, and use sliders to scroll through the sample by hand (for example on the Fairlight CMI 2X and also the Akai S612)

But nowadays we have it so easy, as there are a whole slew of desktop granular devices coming out, often based on ARM chips, such as the Tasty Chips GR units, the recent Waldorf synths, the Torso S4, Endorphines Evil Pet, not to mention the Mutable Instruments Clouds and its many derivatives

And then there's this little monster, The Beetlecrab Tempera - a strange and tiny box which takes granular synthesis and does something completely unique with it

It’s got 8 stereo granular samplers at its heart, but the way you interact with them is using the 8x8 touch-points. They are called emitters, and you play them either over midi or using some of the touch-points. You can change and trigger emitters in x - y directions, and it's all extremely complex, and things can get really wild very quickly, so as this is my first patch on it, I decided to keep it simple by using just 2 of the 8 grain samplers

I captured the samples myself using the built in mic (sample 1 is just tapping the box with my fingers, and sample 2 is me humming

It also has comprehensive mixing and FX processors, so here is a little ambient sketch done in real time, using just the Tempera

I’m going to have fun exploring this thing - especially when I integrate it into some of my modular systems, once I have got my head round its many quirks and foibles"