Echolocator vs the Zen delay (lots of talk)

video upload by Richard DeHove

"Primarily this is a discussion about the various merits and abilities of each delay and how they compare."

"Although this video runs almost half an hour it feels like I was still skating on the surface. I avoided what I thought were completely obvious things or multiple sound comparisons of particular details. Even so a few areas I never got to include winding the delays all the way down and looking at various flanging and chorus effects, and maybe this deserves its own video? Likewise the Echolocator never got to its dirty mode or the alternate filter placement (although I do have no-talk videos which cover these). Nor did I play with the time parameters, long fripperish things, or drums. Ah well, so many wondrous sounds are waiting in the ether eager to be released. I'm trying.

And of course I never get to any conclusion about which delay is 'best' but surely you didn't think that was ever going to happen? Instead we only get to that forum advice favorite of 'use both'.

0:00 Basic specs
0:38 Alternative delays
1:57 Strymon Timeline
2:58 Ergonomics
4:30 More specs
4:58 Delay time
5:49 MIDI
7:05 - Audio begins! --
9:04 Both playing
9:44 Zen as a crunchy filter
12:00 Echolocator basic twiddle
13:10 Echolocator modulation
15:24 Echolocator pitch shift
17:04 Echolocator freeze
18:45 Noise tones test
22:00 Pure tone test
27:25 Cats or dogs?


Many thanks to my kind patrons who keep this channel ad-free
My website: https://richarddehove.com/"

How do you feel about modifying vintage synths?

video upload by Soundgas

"How do you feel about modifying vintage synths?

Just got my EMS Synthi AKS back from a thorough overhaul and with a stack of mods added (it’d already had some historic and less than pretty ones installed).

People often ask whether modifying a synth like this affects value. While there’s no denying it can feel sacrilegious when you’re talking about an exceptionally well preserved example, I am 100% for anything that means old gear will get used more.

One of the worst things you can do with old gear is put it on a shelf and not use it. We regularly get contacted by collectors (or people who no longer use their now valuable vintage synths) expecting top prices for their precious instruments which come ‘serviced’ and ‘working perfectly - last time I used it’. A little digging usually reveals this to have been a decade or more ago and the service work is ancient history.

So if modding that classic synth means you’ll play it more and enjoy it, that to me is a no brainer.

I understand that this puts us at odds with many vintage synth collectors, but the majority of our customers - who want to use them (shock horror) for making music - seem to agree.

What do you think? Modify old gear or not?"

Make Noise Shared System | Atonal Drone

video upload by Akihiko Matsumoto

"Make Noise Modular Synth Sample Pack: https://akihikomatsumoto.sellfy.store...

Inside the pack:
498 DPO Bass Loops
81 0-Coast Bass Loops
36 XPO Bass Loops
100 Spectraphon Bass Loops
4 Bongo Loops
137 FX Loops
45 Acid Multi 303 Loops

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Sinewave Feedback FM | Make Noise Shared System

video upload by Akihiko Matsumoto

"Make Noise Modular Synth (Sample Pack) https://akihikomatsumoto.sellfy.store...

Inside the pack:

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CG-Products XR 22VCO, Delay 1022, Peak + Hold, sound.report (Short explanation + 15 Min sounds only)

video upload by The Green Man(TGM) + sound.report by Heiner Kruse

https://www.cg-products.de/module/

XR22 VCO FT
VCO with Ring Modulation Input and FSK (Frequency Shift Keying)

Amplitude Modulation (AM) Input
Ring modulation
CV controllable sine/triangle volume
Advanced waveform generation by AM
Rgb-LED for optical control
FSK (Frequency Shift Keying)
Pulse and ramp generation
Switching between two different frequency CVs
Advanced waveform generation by FSK
LFO-, Bass-, High- Mode
Switchable Sync-Mode (from Rev.6)

The XR22 VCO FT is a VCO with amplitude modulation option – which can be used for volume control, or ring modulation of the oscillator’s sine/triangle output. The AM-input signal is added to a DC-voltage adjustable by knob ‘Gain’ (between ca. +/-5V) and the sum voltage is being internally multiplied with the sinewave/trianglewave The result is an oscillator amplitude depending on the ‘Gain’-DC plus AM-input signal. The applied AM-input signal can be mixed to the VCO output signal (modulated or unmodulated) too – a kind of ‘dry/wet’ control with the mix provided on the sine/triangle output. With no AM-input, the XR22 VCO FT behaves like a normal sinewave/triangle VCO, then its volume is controlled by knob ‘Gain’. Whereas with the knob ‘Gain’ in center position, the oscillator tone is becoming almost muted, and the input signal on ‘AM in’ controls the amplitude of the wave completely; thus the VCO can be used as a ring modulator.

The FSK (frequency shift keying) option provides two internally switchable different oscillator frequencies F1 and F2; each controllable by the two big-sized knobs (and their respective fine-tuning knobs and CV inputs). Switching between F1 and F2 can be done manually or by a logic signal (e.g. a gate signal) applied on input ‘FSK in‘. Further, it is possible to use the XR22 VCO FT‘s squarewave output for FSK switching. This will result in ramp or sawtooth (on the sine/triangle output) and pulse (on the squarewave output) waveforms. The falling and rising edges of the of the sine/triangle signal and the duty-cycle of the squarewave output are independently adjustable, and/or controllable via CVs of F1 and F2.

Furthermore, there is a switch for linking F1 to F2. In this case, the ratio between F1 and F2 is remaining the same, independently from the frequency, and ensuring properly 1V/oct. CV tracking.

A switch allowes to enable ‘sync mode’: An applied trigger will restart the wave always at the same point, useful for synced LFO applications and more.

For optical control, the XR22VCO FT has a full-color LED for AM visualization and a 2-color LED for FSK control.

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Says (Version)/Nils Frahm - Circuit Tracks Version.

video upload by Guinan

"I was lucky enough to see Nils Frahm on his latest tour and this is my favourite of his compositions. Whilst listening to the track build on his stack of vintage synths and keyboards (notably a Roland Juno for the main arpeggio) it occurred to me (perhaps over-ambitiously) to have an attempt at seeing how this would sound on the Circuit Tracks.

The track may be familiar to some from the 'Ad Astra' movie soundtrack (might be the best thing about the movie?!). • Says - Nils Frahm Scene Part 2 | Ad Astra ... [below]

This time the limit was definitely not the Circuit hardware but more my own musical ability. Without a score, (and discovering that many of the versions online seem to be semi-improvised) I was left with slowing down the track until I could identify individual notes and program them in in step time….add to that the fact that the track has enormous amounts of tape echo which he manipulates in real-time.

I came to the conclusion that at best I could try and create my own ‘version’ inspired by his original. This should be viewed as a reinterpretation and not a strict cover (and I did put a rhythm track on it too). I’ve since found other Youtubers playing versions of these but they mainly go for very simple arpeggios and I was aiming to try and capture some of the complexity of the other ‘layers’ played.

Imagine this composition then as the simplified version Nils might create for his first Café Del Mar set armed only with a Circuit Tracks…..and after someone had removed his ability to play the piano ;)
I hope some of you like it…I loved attempting this electronica classic and hope you enjoy the end result.

Everything you hear is just the Circuit Tracks. No extra synths or effects."

Says - Nils Frahm Scene Part 2 | Ad Astra (1080p)

video upload by Favorite Scenes

Make Noise Modular Jam - Fracture #01 Live Performance

video upload by Anton Anru

"🎆 Fractures is the result of a series of experiments with the Make Noise modular trio: 0-Coast, Strega, and 0-Ctrl. This combination of instruments is perfectly suited for generative ambient music, where hypnotic repetition merges with expression and dynamic movement.

💽 I recorded a 10-track album using only three Make Noise devices and VST effects. All tracks were recorded live in a single take, with no additional editing. Each piece is built around a sequenced pattern and a complex patch that evolves continuously, shaped manually in real time.

The album is available on all streaming platforms.
➕ SoundCloud: / fractures
➕ Bandcamp: https://anru.bandcamp.com/album/fract...

The album explores a wide emotional range — from brighter, more uplifting moments to darker, more noise-driven textures — offering a diverse sonic journey shaped by the raw, living nature of modular synthesis.

📒 I also have patches for Make Noise and other synthesizers: https://antonanru.sellfy.store/

🎛 Lately, I’ve been more interested in working with simpler forms rather than complex arrangements in DAW. Semi-modular synths are perfect for this approach. In this case, the arrangement is the patch itself. If it’s well thought out, you can easily play a full track in a specific genre—like ambient or techno—using just that one patch.

📝 I’m curious to hear your thoughts—does this kind of format immerse you in a certain mood or evoke a specific emotion? Or does the sound feel too experimental and harder to connect with? I’d really appreciate any feedback. Enjoy listening!"

New Waldorf Q Editor by AURA Plugins

video upload by AURA Plugins

"We are setting up Waldorf Q Editor for Waldorf Q Keyboard and going thru the Global Settings that are recommended. This is all done in Ableton Live, so you can follow up how to setup Audio and MIDI tracks and the Editor itself.

Get full license from https://auraplugins.com/product/waldo... Join our Discord community / discord
Support our work with a cup of coffee https://ko-fi.com/auraplugins"



Waldorf Q Editor & Librarian is designed to control your Waldorf Q right from your DAW. With our Editor, you can work with your Waldorf Q by the same way you use your virtual instrument plug-ins. Our Editor will recall your patch settings when you open your project and the data will be sent to your Q automatically once you open your project. Your synthesizer is always synchronized with your session! The only thing you need to worry, is that you power-up your synthesizer. We also added the ability to load in Waldorf Blofeld and microQ patches! (WHAT? Yes!)

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Oberheim Perf/x COMPLETE SET OF 5 Cyclone Navigator Systemizer Strummer Drummer

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

via this Reverb listing

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Roland Jupiter 8 8-voice DCB Analog Synthesizer

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


via this eBay listing

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The Crow Hill Company Introduces POCKET STRING no-barrier-to-entry-styled string library plug-in

video upload by CROW HILL XTRAS

Press release follows:

"The Crow Hill Company creates POCKET STRINGS as no-barrier-to-entry-styled string library plug-in produced without compromise… with added ‘synthy spice’

EDINBURGH, UK: having recently 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 continues its journeying into ‘Season Two’ as a producer of resources and tools to protect, inspire, support, and provide opportunities for music-makers the world over, believing that music is, and should remain, a wholly human experience, one that is by far one of the most powerful forms of expression, escape, comfort, and remembrance, of which its newly-created POCKET STRINGS — styled as a definitive string library plug-in that opens the doors to collaboration between anyone anywhere, creatively combining live cinematic orchestral recordings with some rarefied vintage synth classics made to measure for added body, depth, and character — readily represents the cornerstone of this ethos, as of July 10…

“A string library that’s accessible to all without compromise — a distillation of the last 25, nearly 30, years that I’ve been working as a media composer, which means that I write music for film, TV, and computer games, giving you the very basic necessities to write pro-end string arrangements. Whether that be adding to productions, songs, collaborating with others, or, indeed, creating professional film scores — whether that be to demo for an orchestra to play, or, indeed, to go to broadcast, there’s been no compromises here. But accessibility is the key — not just with the price point, but with usability.” So says Christian Henson himself, perfectly positioned — as The Crow Hill Company’s original founder, forging forward by building upon his extensive experience gained from founding Spitfire Audio to originally offer a palette of sounds he had created for his own use as a professional composer to his film world colleagues by invitation only, though the rest, as they say, is history — to proudly introduce POCKET STRINGS as a never-tried-before strings library plug-in that aims to bring broadcast-grade string possibilities to everyone.

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Album with Make Noise only - Fracture #02 Live Performance

video upload by Anton Anru

"🎆 Fractures is the result of a series of experiments with the Make Noise modular trio: 0-Coast, Strega, and 0-Ctrl. This combination of instruments is perfectly suited for generative ambient music, where hypnotic repetition merges with expression and dynamic movement.
💽 I recorded a 10-track album using only three Make Noise devices and VST effects.
All tracks were recorded live in a single take, with no additional editing. Each piece is built around a sequenced pattern and a complex patch that evolves continuously, shaped manually in real time.

The album is available on all streaming platforms.
➕ SoundCloud: / fractures
➕ Bandcamp:

The album explores a wide emotional range — from brighter, more uplifting moments to darker, more noise-driven textures — offering a diverse sonic journey shaped by the raw, living nature of modular synthesis.

📒 I also have patches for Make Noise and other synthesizers: https://antonanru.sellfy.store/

🎛 Lately, I’ve been more interested in working with simpler forms rather than complex arrangements in DAW. Semi-modular synths are perfect for this approach. In this case, the arrangement is the patch itself. If it’s well thought out, you can easily play a full track in a specific genre—like ambient or techno—using just that one patch.

📝 I’m curious to hear your thoughts—does this kind of format immerse you in a certain mood or evoke a specific emotion? Or does the sound feel too experimental and harder to connect with?
I’d really appreciate any feedback. Enjoy listening!"

EXPLORING THE ELGAM CAROUSEL

video upload by Vintage Audio Institute Italia

"The mythical Elgam Carousel from 1976 - is it a toy or a songwriting tool?
It's at least safe to say it's an analog drum machine and arpeggiator, with 3 chord sounds and a bass line generator that swings real good - here recorded completely dry without effects.

The Groove box that sparked todays hype of the genre - a stunningly well-designed piece of gear with a great analog vibe that stays relevant. Originally, this was the Crazy Hands section from the Elgam Broadway organ.

The Carousel is comprised of 4 sections :
1. Drum Machine
2. Bass Section - generating a choice of two bass-lines
3. Chord section - three sounds (Harpsichord, Honki tonk and Piano)
4. Arpeggio section - one sound with adjustable decay and 2 stackable harmonies.

The melodic sections change depending on the rhythm engaged and follow the tonality of the keyboard. Sonically the sounds gel really nicely, this machine is the sum of all its parts, the rhythms and bass lines are well-programmed, the bass has great lines and the arpeggiator adds that magic.
The drum section offers 15 fixed rhythms of great analog drum sounds. No individual drum sound mute options, but hey - at least you can add maracas.

You have the option to select the tonality with one finger for simple root chords and selecting minor, 7th or diminished with the foot pedal. Or you can choose to operate it in manual mode and potentially play more complicated chords.

In manual mode the bass and arpeggiator only makes sense of chords of three notes while the chord section reads all the notes at the same time. On the back we usually have a single audio output and a pedal switch connector for stop/start and minor and 7th but this one had some other mods added that were disconnected.

This unit was just serviced and will go up for sale next week so holler if you're interested - it's in good condition"

UNBOXING // IK Multimedia UNO SYNTH PRO X // Part 3 // TWEAKING Presests // No Talking

video upload by LESINDES

"UNBOXING // IK Multimedia UNO SYNTH PRO X // Part 2 // TWEAKING Presests // No Talking
Just arrived here. I could not dive deep into the synth. So I am scatchning only the surfice in this video and my short FIRST IMPRESSIONS of the new kid.
Very versatile little machine with paraphonic mode to play triads and program triads in the step sequencer. 2 independet filter. 1 OTA HP/LP, 1 SSM style, parallel or in series.
Now a few shortcomings:
DISTORSION is welcome but has to be that harsh?
Also: A programmable DISTORSION is a good feature but without a programmable overall level BEHIND the DISTORSION it makes the synth almost unsuitable for a live performance as for huge unsustainable loudness gaps between different patches.
DELAY and REVERB are only average and far away industry standard.
Flexible MODULATION ROUTING but it is quite a mess to readjust levels as there are for instance no dedicated attenuaters for LFO mod levels for the VCF. I understand that there is not much space on the panel 1. But LFO WAVE knob could get a 2nd shift function. Main job: LFO amount, shift-job: wave....
AND it does not feature a power switch. That's really bad when you hooked directly on your computer via USB-C. Every time when you'redone you must tear the plug or the UNO sucks your computer batterie empty.
This could be solved. By a hint of a user. Pressing the hold button for a second or two switches the unit off. So at least an OFF SWITCH!
The tune knob for the oscillators is multirange: The first 10 minutes plus and minus it increses and decreases in CT steps and in half tones. So you cannot detune the oscillators when shifted in the halftone range.
The pots controlling plus and minus CVs could better feature a DENTED CENTER POSITION. For the TUNE knob it is not a big problem as it first advances in cents but adjustment FILTER ENV amount is sometimes very delicate and a quick cancelling of the ENV is not possible without a dented center position.
Units with built in sequencer are often hooked up to computers and other machines as via MIDI or USB as slaves. And here this unit badly need a well functioning AUTO MODE so that it switches to slave automatically when an EXTERNAL CLOCK is detected at the input. Most other gear features this.
So these were my fist impressions."

Still Underrated? Prophet X in 2025

video upload by No Time to Play

"The Prophet X was one of the first hybrid synthesizers I got. It combines two VCOs with two sample engines — a structure that was truly groundbreaking. Whether any successors will match it remains to be seen. It’s a fascinating and versatile instrument, though unfortunately it has been discontinued. The tool used for importing samples was developed by a third party, and honestly, it’s quite difficult to use. I think it’s a real shame — the lack of a truly user-friendly software companion held the Prophet X back. Otherwise, I believe it could have continued to sell well.

This video showcases some of the key features of the Prophet X. Hope you find it helpful!"

A $20 MIDI synthesizer based on the SAM2695 chip (#seeed #XIAO-MIDI-Synthesizer)

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"Here's the #seeed 'XIAO MIDI' #synthesizer, a $20 box based on the #SAM2695 synth-on-a-chip and the XIAO ESP32-C3 MCU. You can get it here: https://www.seeedstudio.com/XIAO-MIDI... Table of contents:

00:00 quick sound impression
00:12 hi
00:38 hardware overview
00:57 default firmware
01:50 creating a firmware that actually supports MIDI (shoutout to @SimpleDIYElectroMusicProjects )
03:12 build a 5 pin MIDI in plug
05:23 some sounds: piano
06:20 saw wave pad
06:34 "crystal ep"
07:13 analog pad
07:27 'glass pad'
08:05 synth brass
08:23 drum kit
08:33 on NRPNs and SYSEX using @intechstudio 's GRID controllers
09:13 NRPN explained (Filter cutoff frequency control)
10:54 SYSEX explained (Reverb time control)
11:38 calculating the checksum
12:20 live tweaking demo
13:01 same, but using multiple tracks
14:25 conclusion; some feedback to SEEED

Also check out https://github.com/kinoshita-lab/MIDI... which uses the same chip but already has a MIDI capable firmware. https://www.tindie.com/products/kinos...

HÄLP ZIS CHANNEL

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


Features 1: Zero-Barrier Creation, Perfect for Music Beginners

With three preset modes and plug-and-play functionality, you can dive straight into music creation—no complex setup required. Built-in speaker and four tactile buttons deliver an intuitive, self-contained experience that eliminates external dependencies. Start making music from the very first note, no prior expertise needed.

Features 2: All-in-One MIDI + Metronome – Smarter, Smoother Workflow

XIAO MIDI synthesizer comes with a pre-set Metronome Mode, where you can press the buttons to change your BPM and toggle the drum track to effortlessly sync rhythms and control your entire beats with one single device. No need for extra devices or apps.

Features 3: Pro-Grade Performance for Advanced Players

Open-source hardware/software architecture supports deep customization and advanced sound design. With 64-note polyphony and 128-note capacity, unlock limitless sonic possibilities—craft your own signature sound engine, whether you're a beginner or an audio hacker.

Features 4: Ultra-Portable & Fully Hackable

Pocket-sized design (71mm × 49mm × 28.5mm) lets you capture inspiration anytime, anywhere. The 3D printed enclosure is fully open-source for you to remix and customize—not just an instrument, but your personal music canvas.

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The Most Expressive Arpeggiator Ever Made?

video upload by Expressive E

"What if arpeggiators could feel… alive?

With Osmose’s MPE Arpeggiator, each note in the pattern reacts to your gestures in real time: pressure, pitch bends, slides, aftertouch… Everything is under your fingertips.
Forget rigid sequences: this is expressive arpeggiation.

In this video, we’ll show you how to use Osmose’s unique arpeggiator to add nuance, emotion, and movement to your music. It’s not just about notes, it’s about how you play them.

🎹 No two repetitions are ever the same.
🎛️ Perfect for ambient, techno, scoring, IDM, and beyond.

00:00 Intro
00:17 What is an arpeggiator?
02:32 modes of the arpeggiator
10:22 MPE arp as a mode source
11:33 humanizing the mpe arp
12:50 the old function
15:05 arpeggiating a super-synth
16:45 arpeggiating a piano?"

Kawai / Teisco SX240 with Tauntek OS & New Memory Battery

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

via this Reverb listing

Full Tuantek info & specs below.

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Album with Make Noise only - Fracture #03 Live Performance

video upload by Anton Anru

"🎆 Fractures is the result of a series of experiments with the Make Noise modular trio: 0-Coast, Strega, and 0-Ctrl. This combination of instruments is perfectly suited for generative ambient music, where hypnotic repetition merges with expression and dynamic movement.
💽 I recorded a 10-track album using only three Make Noise devices and VST effects. All tracks were recorded live in a single take, with no additional editing. Each piece is built around a sequenced pattern and a complex patch that evolves continuously, shaped manually in real time.

The album is available on all streaming platforms.
➕ SoundCloud: / fractures
➕ Bandcamp: https://anru.bandcamp.com/album/fract...

The album explores a wide emotional range — from brighter, more uplifting moments to darker, more noise-driven textures — offering a diverse sonic journey shaped by the raw, living nature of modular synthesis.

📒 I also have patches for Make Noise and other synthesizers: https://antonanru.sellfy.store/

🎛 Lately, I’ve been more interested in working with simpler forms rather than complex arrangements in DAW. Semi-modular synths are perfect for this approach. In this case, the arrangement is the patch itself. If it’s well thought out, you can easily play a full track in a specific genre—like ambient or techno—using just that one patch.

📝 I’m curious to hear your thoughts—does this kind of format immerse you in a certain mood or evoke a specific emotion? Or does the sound feel too experimental and harder to connect with? I’d really appreciate any feedback. Enjoy listening!"

Mood Machine | Sonicware Liven Evoke | New Set of 14 Songs

video upload by Sonic Cartography

"Track list and lots of notes below:

0:00 - 1. Dream Machine - With the Sonicware Liven Evoke, I’ve often been playing songs live, without using the sequencer, which I used for almost all of my songs with the Liven Ambient Ø (the two sequencers are very similar). With this song, I use the hold feature to hold some notes of textural sound in a couple of layers, while playing the piano layer live. The piano sound morphs between an acoustic and electronic sound a little bit after I play each note. Around the halfway point, with the chromatic pitch shifting, everything starts to turn into a granular storm (there are no granular effects prior to this), which is helped by the fact that you can cut the dry signal of each track and have a 100% wet mix of the reverb and/or granular sound. Oh, also, I want to give a thank you/shoutout to this video by @BenLevin because I started messing around with the chords that led to this song after watching it: • The secret to EMOTIONAL chords . His channel is one of my favorite music education channels on YouTube, so do check it out!

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