Oberheim has BIG SOUND !

video upload by No Time to Play

Luma-mu - Introduction and complete overview

video upload by DeftAudio

Luma-mu - Tutorials

video uploads by DeftAudio

Playlist:
1. Luma-mu - Tutorial 01 - Basic Patching
2. Luma-mu - Tutorial 02 - Creating own sounds with Luma.tools

"Making your own sounds for Luma-mu with https://luma.tools/ - Web-based sound editor for Luma-1 and Luma-mu."

"After launching the successful Luma-1 project, which is a precise recreation of the legendary Linn LM-1 with extended feature set, we’re announcing the beginning of shipping Luma-mu.

Luma-mu is a 10HP Eurorack module, essentially a single drum channel of Luma-1 which holds multiple sounds in its ROM. It plays samples digitally without microcontroller or software used, which guarantees the lowest latency and highest response of its 8-bit mu-Law DAC. It’s perfect for Luma-1 expansion or standalone operation.

Luma-mu feature set:
8-bit mu-law EPROM playback, exact copy of LM-1/Luma-1 channel
Removable EPROMs with 8 sounds on each, 16KB each (~1.5sec/ea)
True digital playback with no microcontroller or software involved, order of nanoseconds response time to the first sample
CV control for sound select allows playing various sounds at each step
CV control for Pitch and Dynamics
Gate control for Reset, Pause and sample Trigger
Can be clocked externally
Ability to play one shot samples or looped sounds to use it with perfectly looped waveforms as a wave oscillator
Comes with a software to make your own EPROMs
EPROM is accessible from the front with optional Luma-mu Reacharound extender module
Eurorack 10HP, 50mm depth

Luma-mu is available at https://www.deftaudio.com/
MSRP is $279."

Custom Red / Silver Roland SH-101

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

via this eBay listing

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Clever Mutating Melodic Patterns with Patience // PROTEUS from Seaside Modular (Generative Eurorack)

video upload by DivKid

"Here we have the fantastically musical, generative Eurorack pattern maker PROTEUS. It’s the first module from Seaside Modular and is an impressive melody maker with lots of controls to go from simple rhythmic riffs and hooks through to complex melodies. With unique parameters like sleep and patience Proteus offers lots of ways to make, store, recall and vary patterns. Proteus has been fun as a smart band mate (that doesn’t turn up late and hungover) and as the centrepiece and main element on a patch or in a more supporting role. Loads of patches, loads of music, ace!"



Check with dealers on the right for availability.

Priced at $325.00

"Proteus is an algorithmic sequencer with a short attention span.

Proteus creates a melody, then repeats that melody over and over again. Each time the melody is played, there’s some chance that Proteus will get bored and scrap the melody in favor of a brand new one. How fast it gets bored is up to you, and depends upon the PATIENCE parameter.

Proteus’s melodies aren’t simply random; they are generated by an algorithm designed to make sequences that are more humanlike and musical. You can save and recall melodies that you like using the Pattern Bank.

Play with Proteus to explore the balance between repetition and variation, to inspire you and accompany you in your own musical improvisations."

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EssenceFM v7.0

video upload by Kodamo

"Discover the new features in this v7.0 firmware for your EssenceFM MK1/MKII.
Full list and download here: https://kodamo.org/firmwares?synth=efm"

v7.0 Contents

Two LFOs: Expand your sound design possibilities with a second LFO for all voices. It works like the first LFO except that it does not have Attack or Delay parameters. It has no hardwired AM/FM mod on the operator, so it should be used in the mod matrix.

UI Improvement: Volumes for all 6 operators can now be edited at the same time. When you are on the Base tab, operators become color-matched to the encoders that control their volume.

Global > Display > Startup Bank: allows to choose which Patch or Voice bank you want to load on startup.

Mod Matrix: Added each slot's ratio as modulation destination. To produce the intended effect modulations have to be put in the right order (eg. slot 1 modulates slot 2 that modulates another parameter), otherwise modulations will occur across voices (which can be used for more complex effects).

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Inside Shakmat Modular at Superbooth 2025 | Belgian Eurorack Brilliance Unleashed

video upload by Jonathan Knightsnare

"In this episode from Superbooth 2025, I explore the world of Shakmat Modular—one of the most inventive and musically forward-thinking modular synth makers in the Eurorack scene.

Hailing from Brussels, Belgium, Shakmat isn’t just another modular brand. They're a collective of engineers, designers, and musicians with one mission: to build Eurorack tools that are both technically innovative and artistically expressive. Their modules are crafted to inspire creativity—whether you’re making complex generative patches or crafting tight grooves for live performance.

In this video, I dive hands-on with some of their latest and most exciting modules—from smart sequencers to playful clock tools and creative modulation sources. What I love most is how everything they make feels immediately usable yet deeply explorable. No menu-diving, just powerful musical interaction.

Whether you’re into micro-timing madness, live patching, or experimental sequencing, Shakmat gives you the kind of gear that asks you to play—not just program.

Big shoutout to the Shakmat team for taking time to chat and share their passion. If you’re into next-gen modular tools with a deep musical heart, keep these folks on your radar."

New KOMA Sensei, Kassiopeia & More Superbooth!

Via KOMA

"Dear synthusiasts,

long time no hear!

First of all, big THANKS to everyone who made it to our KOMAPARTY 2.0 some weeks ago! We had great fun and were happy to hang out with friends and our community <3

 
Big ups Bertolt Meyer, Teslator, Cate Hops with FridaY and Echosisters!

Here's a few snaps for the vibes:

KOMA BOOTH AT SUPERBOOTH

What's all this??? We're excited to share what we've been working on during the Superbooth preparations, including a few mysterious surprises! You will find us at Booth O400 - same as last year. Just walk up the main big stairs and turn left until you see a bunch of nerds in black dungarees playing weird looking instruments… Probably our best SB drip yet!

This year, we will showcase a handful of brand new designs of upcoming modules to be released later this year including Monoplex - a smaller version of the Komplex sequencer, Bürste - a noise burst generator, a Wavefolder, a Dual Envelope and a KOMA VCO!
Sensei and Kassiopeia, which are both available for pre-order, will also have their space in special installations we’ve prepared especially for this year.

One of them is using your movements or even your heartbeat to generate cool shapes with our new VCO and Sensei sensor modules. You'll be
able to print out the results as a sticker!

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Introducing MESS - Multi-Effect Step Sequencer Pedal From Polyend

video uploads by Polyend

Polyend MESS: A sequenceable multi effects pedal

video upload by David Hilowitz Music




"MESS combines a powerful multi-track step sequencer with effects brimming with Polyend character – from classic modulation, delay or reverb to experimental effects never before seen in pedal form. With four fully customizable effect tracks, craft ambient soundcapes, intricate glitch sequences or even a familiar four effect chain – all moving in sync.

4 Effect Tracks
Combine four effects for every preset to create your own unique multi-effect. No limits are placed on what effect each track contains. Run a reverb into a delay or a spectralizer into two bitcrushers and create vibrant tones, suitable for any instrument.

125 Stereo Effects
Want a specralized micro-looping effect with randomized repeats? A time-shifting chorus into a reverb that slowly gets darker over time or simply a traditional modulation, delay, and Reverb chain? With over 120 effects to assign to the four tracks, MESS opens the door to the unexpected.

Why Sequence?
MESS has the sequencer power expected from a Polyend instrument. Control per-track speed and length to create polyrhythmic or polymetric sequences or use chance options to easily create complex generative effects that never sound the same twice. Instantly add movement and musicality to any effect. Reverbs bloom, delays evolve rhythmically, and modulations shift in sync with your tempo.

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Intellijel MultiGrain |The Grainmakers Playlist | Episode 14

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"I did not expect this playlist to grow with yet another grainmaker. I am quite happy with the ones I already have and my Intellijel stealth case is already completely full. So when you already have plenty of options and no room, what better excuse is there to just get it? So here we are.

I can't just objectively use MultiGrain on its own, without considering the alternatives and Arbhar as a reference module. Is it even fair to compare it with what's already around? I think so. Objectively, MultiGrain covers a lot of ground. It's versatile and musical, but it can also do microsound adventures. However, I had to go back and forth between manual and module to find out how typical granular techniques are implemented. For instance, there's no spray, no panning, no dubbing, etc, etc. Well, it's there, but it's implemented in a completely different way. If you're familiar with granular synthesis, MultiGrain is simply not intuitive to use, even though the user interface is amazing. If you want a spray, you'll need to randomize start and length. If you want panning, you'll need to randomize level and tone. Need a threshold to start your recording? You'll need to go to the advanced sampling page which complements the main and ALT pages.

Still, MultiGrain is in my favorite top 3, but Arbhar and Morphagene are 1 and 2 respectively. I think Arbhar is more suited for musical adventures, and the Morph still wins when it comes down to splicing virtual tape and making weird sounds. MultiGrain provides a lot of both, but it will take time and patience to find what you're looking for.

I hope Intellijel will listen to their end users and work on firmware updates to streamline the experience. It would be great to splice a drum loop over the eight sounds using transient detection. It would be great if two or more sounds could play together, and it should be able to dub over a sound to make layers. MultiGrain has the potential to become the best granular module in eurorack, but not today. Not yet."

Neuzeit Instruments Introduces DROP - Snapshot-based MIDI Control Center for Live Performance

Details follow:

"Which live performer doesn't know this situation: You build the tension to immeasurable heights, add another filter here, three more effects there, hands go up in the air, everyone's waiting for the big drop... and then you realize: You can't find your way out of the chaos you've created!

The sweat on your forehead drips onto your equipment, and in a firework of spraying sparks, your devices and your fans say goodbye forever...

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Introducing Oberheim TVS Pro by GForce Software

video upload by GForce Software

"More info at https://www.gforcesoftware.com/produc...

In 1975, Tom Oberheim revolutionised synthesiser design with the original TVS – Two Voice Synthesizer. By combining two SEMs and a keyboard, he introduced true duophony to the world—enabling musicians to play two independent voices simultaneously and explore harmonically rich, evolving soundscapes. It was a bold step forward, embraced by visionaries including Martin Gore, Adrian Utley, Peter Baumann, Lorn, The Prodigy, and Nils Frahm.

Decades later, the TVS Pro modernised that vision, adding a built-in sequencer, extended modulation, and refined controls—all while staying true to its unmistakable sonic DNA.

Now, with the GForce Oberheim TVS Pro plugin, this landmark instrument enters a new era. Developed in collaboration with Oberheim, this recreation captures not only the depth, warmth and character of the original, but also the spirit of innovation that made it extraordinary.

Credits
Alex Ball - audio & video production and narration
Çağatay Çetin - 3D animation"

Oberheim TVS Pro by GForce Walkthrough

video upload by GForce Software

00:00 - Intro
00:45 - Overview
03:30 - SEMS 1 & 2
10:13 - Output Mixer
10:57 - Keyboard Modes
17:21 - Sequencers A & B
22:04 - Keyboard Controls
23:44 - Effects
27:02 - Saving A Patch
28:33 - Patch Browser
31:10 - Collections
31:56 - Settings
32:41 - CC Mappings
33:19 Undo/Redo

GForce Software Oberheim TVS Pro Review

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"GForce pulls the two-voice, duelling SEM, sequence and keyboard-driven TVS Pro into the software realm. It's effortlessly retro, sumptuously old fashioned and plays very differently to regular synths." Oberheim TVS Pro Synthesizer by GForce Software (No Talking)

video upload by Elektronick Musick

"In 1975, Tom Oberheim revolutionised synthesiser design with the original TVS – Two Voice Synthesizer. By combining two SEMs and a keyboard, he introduced true duophony to the world—enabling musicians to play two independent voices simultaneously and explore harmonically rich, evolving soundscapes. It was a bold step forward, embraced by visionaries including Martin Gore, Adrian Utley, Peter Baumann, Lorn, The Prodigy, and Nils Frahm.

Decades later, the TVS Pro modernised that vision, adding a built-in sequencer, extended modulation, and refined controls—all while staying true to its unmistakable sonic DNA.

Now, with the GForce Oberheim TVS Pro plugin, this landmark instrument enters a new era. Developed in collaboration with Oberheim, this recreation captures not only the depth, warmth and character of the original, but also the spirit of innovation that made it extraordinary.

Whether you’re a long-time Oberheim fan or new to SEM-based synthesis, TVS Pro is a tool you’ll return to again and again—for its tone, flexibility, and sheer playability.

Key Features

The most authentic duophonic TVS Pro experience available

The most playable SEM ever – full of character, now with an additional 3rd VCO

Over 635 patches, with 220+ new sounds and 400+ adapted SEM patches

Powerful dual 16-step sequencer

Stereo delay, phaser, reverb, undo/redo, extend & flip modes

SEM presets can be exported to and imported from OB-E and SEM

Extensive velocity and aftertouch modulation

Categorised patch librarian

Designed in collaboration with Oberheim"

https://www.gforcesoftware.com/products/tvs-pro/

New Eurorack Modules Coming From Doepfer

Doepfer will be showcasing the above new modules at SUPERBOOTH25. Details on each follow.
Check with dealers on the right for upcoming availability.

Module A-119-2 is kind of a dual version of module A-119 without envelope follower. Instead two amplifiers are available and the module width is 4 HP only.

The module contains two amplifiers with separately adjustable amplification levels. Each channel is equipped with an overload display. The module can be used also for stereo signals, e.g. the stereo output of a smartphone.

Controls and displays:

Level 1/2: manual control of the amplification in the range 0 - about 45.

Overload 1/2: overload LED, begins to light up for output levels beyond about 10Vpp (+/-5V)

In 1: audio input 1 (monophonic or stereophonic, see technical details)

In 2: audio input 2 (monophonic)

Out 1/2: audio output (monophonic)

Technical details:

for higher amplifications the two amplifiers can be daisy-chained

normalling options: the signal applied to socket In 1 can be normalled to socket In 2 in different ways by means of a jumper on the pc board:

socket In 1 is connected via a mono patch cable (standard patch cable) to a monophonic signal and this signal is normalled to socket In 2 (i.e. the same input signal for both sub-units): jumper on pin header JP2 in upper position

socket In 1 is connected via a 3.5 mm stereo TRS cable to a stereophonic signal and the second channel of the stereo signal is normalled to socket In 2: jumper on pin header JP2 in lower position

no normalling: jumper is removed from pin header JP2

all inputs and outputs are DC coupled. Thus the module can be used also for the amplifications of control voltages.

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Modor DR-2: A solo jam @180bpm

video upload by Richard DeHove

"Some drum machines are built for real-time tweaking, others you program and hit 'play' while you tweak something else. The Perkons drum machine is a real-time tweaker; the LXR-02 is more a playback machine. Where does the DR-2 sit? It certainly has enough knobs and if you can remember some of the (many) shortcuts then there's lots of available functions on the front panel. Then there's the six little knobs above the faders that can be assigned to any parameter per voice. Yet I've never come up with a parameter that I can't immediately access by the front panel anyway so I've never used them.

Here I'm doing pretty basic stuff. There's a single four-bar pattern and two drumkits. I swap between kits, mute various voices and change the overall bar length. It's also very easy to change the step length per voice (just hold down the voice letter and press the step number) but I didn't want to get too tricky since you can't just reload the pattern to reset the length. The pitch drifting synth sounds come from the portamento amount.

In terms of functionality it all works very smoothly. The only thing I find troublesome is that any drumkit or pattern above the first 16 can only be accessed by holding down the 17-32 button and then pressing the step number. That makes fast changes outside the first 16 patterns and kits much more prone to error. It would be much more logical imo if just selecting the number grouping (eg 17-32) meant that's what you automatically get.

If it all sounds a little gritty to you then good! I used plenty of distortion on most of the voices and even applied some compressor which can be quite vicious and I'm not even sure how to turn it off once it's on!

As usual there's absolutely no other processing than what you see. No compression, EQ or any other DAW effect.

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

AJH SYNTH MiniMod + SSL BiG SiX + VERMONA DSR-3 + BOSS DM-2W - First Play Session #eurorack

video upload by AJH Synth Official

"First experiment running the MiniMod through an ‪@solidstatelogic‬ BiG SiX mixer, with ‪@vermonagear‬ DSR-3 Stereo Spring Reverb and the humble little Boss DM-2W analog delay for external FX.
There are so many great options out there for mixing and effects nowadays, even within Eurorack itself. All have their strengths, but this time I'm going to have a play with a full-size mixer and external effects with a modest 6U 84hp AJH Synth system.

Modular: It's divided into two voices, based around 3 Vintage Transistor Core VCO's, Ring SM for sub-bass/sub-octave, Transistor Ladder Filter, and Sonic XV Diode Ladder Filter. Both VCF's are modulated by a Dual RVG Random Event Generator, and a Tap-Tempo VC-LFO is used as a clock divider. Dual Contours is the only envelope generator used here, and they're controlling filter frequency, rather than VCA level, which are both open.

Mixer: The SSL Big Six probably needs no introduction, but most useful here is that it features 2 stereo cues that can be used as effect sends, EQ and compressor per channel, and it functions as a USB-C audio interface, with every channel/output available as a separate input in a DAW.

Reverb: The Vermona DSR-3 is a stereo spring reverb, something that is very unique, as they are generally mono. However, it has two matching springs which can be used in 3 modes - stereo, dual mono (separate reverbs), or series (reverb A is past into reverb B for a much bigger mono reverb). In all modes it sound truly lovely - old-school analogue goodness, but with a clarity not normally found in spring reverbs.

Delay: The Boss DM-2W is an excellent re-issue of a classic. This modern version features a 'Custom' mode with longer, clearer delay (800ms), and a wet output, allowing it to be used as a send effect in a mixer setup such as this. Yeah, it's a guitar pedal, but it sounds great on synths too.

Video & Performance by @DreamsOfWires"

Novation Summit semi-generated meditative ambient music

video upload by No Lake

"'Creativity is the ability to introduce order in the randomness of nature'. (Eric Hoffer)

Heaphones on, eyes closed.

Little reminder of how I do this: I created several self-generating patches that play simultaneously and several sequences with modulation frequencies. The three LFOs of the Summit are playing ping-pong with each other. Of course, everything follows predefined rules to avoid a complete mess, it is NOT AI music. The LFO's just "modulate together" in harmony. It's basically FM synthesis. But FM can be hazardous, eventful or even crazy. It takes time to reach something pleasant and relaxing.

The Novation Summit and the Novation Peak do have a strong FM engine and these synths can be turned into a modular synthesizer. Then I just had to add some real-time effects on everything and off we go."

https://nolake.bandcamp.com/

Roland SP-404MKII Version 5 Update Overview

video upload by RolandChannel

"Thanks to the free V5 update, the SP-404MKII is now more powerful than ever. Native Serato DJ Lite and Studio support offer seamless plug-and-play functionality that fuses the SP-404MKII with the most popular tools in DJ and beat culture. Users can level up with even more advanced features with a paid upgrade to Serato DJ Pro.

In this video, you’ll learn about the variety of features included in the V5 update that enhance the SP-404MKII for DJs and producers.

00:00 Intro

SERATO DJ
00:38 Connection
01:21 Controls
05:34 SP FX
06:42 Sampler Modes
07:27 Stems
09:22 Hot Cue
09:59 Auto Loop
10:27 Beat Roll/Beat Jump

SERATO STUDIO
11:30 Connectivity
11:47 Creating a Pattern
14:36 Mute Mode
15:06 Other Controls
15:56 SP Controls
16:47 Skipback

Seamlessly integrate the SP-404MKII’s signature effects and hands-on workflow with Serato DJ, enabling DJs to mix songs, trigger samples, and enhance transitions with real-time control in bold new ways. Manipulate Serato’s Stems alongside SP’s performance effects using hands-on controls, unlocking different ways to mix and manipulate tracks live. Access essential DJ functions like Hot Cues, Auto Loop, and sample triggering for immediate creative control and additional controls for Beat Jump and Key Sync for DJ Pro and Pitch ‘n Time owners.

Using Serato Studio, producers can access pre-mapped controls directly from the SP-404MKII, use the sampler as a MIDI controller and USB audio interface, and route Serato Studio audio through the SP’s FX for real-time processing. Make beats with newfound hands-on control, using the sixteen performance pads to trigger samples, loops, and one-shots directly—no mouse and keyboard required. Plus, so much more.

To update to Version 5, please visit: https://www.roland.com/global/support..."

Introducing Samarkanda 1953 Resampling Delay Performance Station by Xaoc Devices

video upload by Xaoc Devices



"Meet the lovely Samarkanda - a monster of a delay with unlimited potential

Xaoc Devices Samarkanda is a digital quad delay module with extensive patching capabilities and a lot of flexibility for signal mangling. It can be used as four entirely independent delays, a dual stereo delay, a complex/multi-tap or multi-channel delay, a quad/polyphonic resonator, a dual chorus, a dual flanger reverb, a looper (with sound on sound!), and a granulator, or any combination of those. You can reverse the delayed signal, hold it, squeeze and stretch it beyond all recognition and still go back to the original piece of audio captured in the buffer! The internal lossless normalization (the signal doesn't leave the digital domain) combined with top-notch components (including 24-bit AKM converters and 32-bit internal processing) are responsible for high sound quality. Samarkanda has been conceived in the truly modular spirit. Not only can you control almost all its features remotely with CV/gates, but the external feedback path gives you the opportunity to process the delayed signal with other modules.

Samarkanda offers a wide range of delay times beginning at a mere 0.5ms and reaching up to 15 seconds per channel. That means that, by stacking its four channels, you can achieve up to one minute delay! There are two operating modes switchable individually for each channel. Analog delivers pitch changes that resemble classic analog tape and BBD delays. When you combine it with the looping Hold function, you can play Samarkanda with any 1v/octave CV source - using the Sync function you can even loop single wave cycles. The Digital mode gives you a granular buffer-scrubbing effect (no pitch change) across the whole delay time range. You can seamlessly switch back and forth between modes without losing any information. You can use Samarkanda for multiple tasks at the same time - from four independent delay lines through any combination of channels processing the same signal up to a quad behemoth. You can also use the linking feature for ease of operation (the first channel in the chain acts as the main control source for the others).

As most settings operate on a per-channel basis, you can freely combine different features (such as analog/digital behaviour, delay time range, reverse and hold functions, etc.) in a configuration of your choosing. You can synchronize each of its channels separately to a different source, either via the Sync input, or by using the tap-tempo functionality (with multiplication and division galore). Should you ever get lost, the Purge button comes in handy when/if things start to spiral out of control!

Notable features:
Quadruple resampling delay
Lossless chaining of sections
Delay range of 0.5ms to 15 seconds per channel for a total of 60 seconds when stacked
Analog (tape-like) and digital (granular) sweep behaviours
Continuous, synced, and tap-tempo operation
Clock division and multiplication from 1:8 to 8:1
Buffer freezing and 1V/oct loop playback control
Reverse delay effect
Multiple options for coupling channels

width 42HP
depth 40mm (including cable bracket)
+230mA/-90mA

PRICE: 620 EUR MSRP, available now!"

Check with dealers on the right on availability.

CLICK FOR MORE »

ACID SYNTH - Our Homage To A Classic That Launched A Genre

video upload by The Crow Hill Company

Press release follows:

The Crow Hill Company creates VAULTS - ACID SYNTH as an homage to the revered Roland TB-303 Bass Line synth and associated Acid House genre

EDINBURGH, UK: music-making community tools-maker The Crow Hill Company is proud to announce availability of VAULTS - ACID SYNTH as the latest entry into its lengthening line of free and accessible virtual instruments arising from company co-founder and composer Christian Henson effectively opening his ‘vaults’ for everyone to enjoy — this time creating an homage to the revered Roland TB-303 Bass Line, launched with high hopes in 1981 as a so-called Computer Controlled bass synth by the Japanese giant of electronic musical instrument manufacturing responsible for its creation before being deemed a commercial failure and discontinued quite quickly thereafter, though it was later instrumental in driving Acid House into the musical mainstream as a whole new EDM (Electronic Dance Music) genre and associated cultural movement, the popularity of which triggered a dramatic rise in the price of used units — as of March 19…

It is fair to say that when Roland released its TB-303 Bass Line in 1981 as a so-called Computer Controlled bass synth with the intention of mimicking the characteristics of an electric bass guitar, there were far fewer tools to create electronic music available. But buyers of the TB-303 Bass Line were possibly swayed by the fact that it could be time-synced — using Roland’s proprietary five-pin DIN sync interface (later superseded by MIDI) — to its contemporarily-released Computer Controlled sibling, the TR-606 Drumatix drum machine, making for an affordable rhythm section that could conceivably fit into a small briefcase as a beautiful backing combination for the solo gigging musician, further helped by both devices being battery operated as an attractive alternative to their (included) AC adapters… or so Roland had hoped.

Though the engineers involved tried their best to imitate the sound of an electric bass guitar with the technology of the time, the TB-303 Bass Line fell short in capturing its subtleties as an instrument, sadly, so it was discontinued within a couple of years, with Roland cheaply selling off the last of the 10,000 units manufactured. Now, normally this would be the end of the story, yet something incredible happened…

Helpfully, for the benefit of anyone not already in the know, The Crow Hill Company’s Theo Le Derf picks up what is an incredible story in itself: “DJ Pierre and his band called Phuture found a used TB-303 in a music shop in Chicago for a bargain price. They started experimenting with the bass sequencer and a drum machine while playing about randomly with the filter and resonance knobs. The sound they produced was so unique and, frankly, weird that they decided to commit the jam session to tape. With the release of this experiment on Trax Records in 1987, they unwittingly birthed a new genre: Acid House. This slimy, hypnotic, subversive sound subsequently built a cultural movement, and was the soundtrack to many illegal warehouse parties of the late Eighties — all of this from a tiny synth that was used ‘incorrectly’.”

Thanks to VAULTS - ACID SYNTH’s GUI (Graphical User Interface) being as intuitive as always, correct — or ‘incorrect’ — usage of the virtual instrument in question comes quickly. “The first large dial — CUT OFF — is a 24dB lowpass filter that controls what high frequencies you cut out, and it is automatically assigned to MIDI CC1.” So starts Theo Le Derf by way of an appropriately quick guided tour, before continuing: “RESONANCE determines the peak of the filter as it opens and closes, which creates that characteristically ‘squelchy’ sound that the synth is known for. The small dials are more concentrated effects — MOD controls how much voltage is being sent to the filter, so you can get some really interesting sounds by adjusting the CUT OFF dial and MOD simultaneously; DECAY controls the decay for all the envelopes; and, of course, there is also our standard ECHO and SPLOSH, with the SPLOSH being an algorithmic imitation of a cave, which suits this synth so brilliantly.”

It is as easy as that, though Theo Le Derf is keen to add: “Another thing to mention is that you can obviously play staccato, but when you play legato — MIDI notes overlapping with one another, you get a glide between the notes. This glide effect is another characteristic that the ’303 is renowned for.”

No need, necessarily, then, to risk dropping a bank-balance-busting four-figure sum on a decades-old Roland TB-303 Bass Line when The Crow Hill Company’s ‘tribute’ truly captures the essence of its distinctive sound for all to enjoy for literally nothing. Notes Theo Le Derf, ending on a high note: “The story arc of this synth is so amazing — from its unpromising beginning to completely defining a genre and an era, it’s so
exciting to have this celebrated instrument at my fingertips for free!”

VAULTS - ACID SYNTH is free for everyone — as are all VAULTS… releases from The Crow Hill Company — from here: https://thecrowhillcompany.com/vaults/

JamCorder - record all your MIDI data, all the time

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"JamCorder ( https://www.jamcorder.com/ ) is a 'blackbox' or #midi #backup solution for your studio. Just add it to the end of your MIDI chain and it will capture all your MIDI data - or the improvisations / jams you play on your #synthesizer or piano #keyboard , all the time, so you'll never ever loose an idea or arrangement again. (No table of contents needed this time)

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

Introducing Jamcorder

video upload by Jamcorder

"Jamcorder is a new transformative way to record your digital piano. truly set & forget, you never need to hit record. instead, just open the app to rewind & listen to any moment in time, ever. and we really mean ever, because jamcorder's included 16GB sd card can store 25,000 hours of music. that's 3 straight years of 24/7 playing – a lifetime's worth. jamcorder's unique hands-off approach & ease of use makes it perfect for reviewing practice sessions, tracking how many hours you've practiced, and effortlessly capturing your fresh new jams. it's the ultimate companion for every piano musician at every level."

New Room ☮️ (Vermona Perfourmer + H90 + Pill // Make Noise 0 Coast + Timeline // Squarp Hapax)

video upload by 2-Minute Warning

"In this jam, I didn't really want to set a time limit 😊 It's actually quite a simple setup with 2 synths (Perfourmer and 0-Coast) playing in monophonic and the TR-6S taking care of the DRUM parts (no samples used here, only the Roland's - ACB Analog Circuit Behavior - analog modeling engine).

I've used the individual outputs of the Perfourmer where the main outputs are playing voices 1&2 (BASS) and outputs of voices 3&4 are going into the H90 and Pill pedals. Even though the 4 voices are playing the same notes, voices 3&4 seems to play like a PAD especially when I enable the PITCHFUZZ effect of the H90!

As for the 0-Coast which is taking care of the PLUCKS, I did some patching mainly to add some variations (modulation of some parameters using the S&H LFO) on the sound."