"Greetings to the entire synth enthusiast community.
We have some bad news for you.
Vladimir Kuzmin, creator of the iconic POLIVOKS synthesizer, passed away on June 12th.
Rest and peace our dear friend. Our collaboration was wonderful. Condolences to the family. #polivoks #polyvox #synth #synthesizer #synths"
Vladimir Kuzmin's influence in the world of synths is legendary. You can find endless posts featuring his Polivoks synthesizr here. The Polivoks was often compared to the minimoog, however, it was also known for its agressive sounding filter which has been cloned and/or used by various synth makers, including the Harvestman aka Black Corporation, Analog Craftsman, SOMA's PULSAR-23 1984 edition, AJH Synths Matrix VCF module, and of course Elta Music's implementations of his designs.
"Soviet Analog Synthesizer Ambient (SASA) space launched!
Thanks to our great master Alex Taber for advices,
Repair, midi mods and tuning for this lovely old USSR machines.
Maybe it's a first time in history when these rare machines are collected, restored and played and filmed in one authentic video.
By Nick Klimenko
We want to show that Soviet analog instruments are not odd or noisy unfinished boxes, but perfect and beautiful instruments with its own spirit and history.
This cosmic ambient soundtrack played and recorded with:
"ELTA Music expands the Polivoks legacy with the Polivoks-8, an eight-voice analog synthesizer inspired by the original Soviet design. Featuring dual oscillators per voice, multimode filtering, and extensive modulation options, it brings the distinctive character of the classic instrument into a modern polyphonic format."
"4/17/26 Synthetic Sound Labs 1660 The Matrix Algorithmic Composer + Zerosum Inertia 6550-99 & The Scorpion Tail & Erebus Orifice + Analog Craftsman acVOKS VCF + Møffenzeef Simplify + ALM Pamela’s New Workout + Oakley ADSR/VCA + Paia 6740 + Alesis MIDIVERB II (40) + CXM 1978
The right Synthetic Sound Labs 1660 is clocked by ALM Pamela’s New Workout, but with the triggers interrupted by the Møffenzeef Simplify module. The right SSL 1660 clocks the left 1660 and both of them control the pitch of the Zerosum Inertia 6550-99 oscillator, with the left 1650 serving to transpose the right 1660 notes. The 6550-99 thyratron oscillator runs through the Analog Craftsman acVOKS VCF. That acVOKS Polivoks filter clone is by far the best filter module we have. Anyways, the acVOKS low pass output runs through the left Oakley ADSR/VCA and the bandpass output runs through the Blue Lantern mixer, gated by triggers from Pamela’s and with the wavefolder on (panned left on the Mackie Onyx 1640). The right ADSR/VCA is triggered by Pamela’s and is modulating the amazing acVOKS filter. Spring reverb from the Paia 6740, reversed reverb 40 from the Alesis MIDIVERB II, and stereo reverb blended on the CXM 1978."
"In this video, I take you on a tour through my personal "Best Of" collection of rare Soviet Synths gathered over the past 30 years. These instruments are known for their distinctive sound character, shaped by unconventional engineering and vintage components.
Featured in this collection:
0:00 Rodina Alisa 1377
3:11 Formanta Polivoks
9:52 Elektronika EM-26
11:40 RMIF Opus
Each of these synthesizers offers a unique tonal palette – from raw and aggressive textures to warm analog pads and experimental sound design. Their unpredictable behavior and lo-fi charm make them especially inspiring for electronic music production.
If you're into analog synths, vintage gear, or experimental sounds, this collection showcases some of the most interesting and underrated instruments from the Soviet era.
"Welcome to RetroSound Studio Tour: Analog Monophonic Synthesizers & Duophonic — a deep dive into legendary mono synths from the 1970s and 1980s, including rare East-Bloc classics.
In this new episode, I showcase iconic instruments such as the Minimoog, ARP Odyssey, Roland SH-101, Maxi-Korg, Sequential Circuits Pro-One, alongside Soviet and East German synthesizers like the Polivoks, Alisa 1377 and Vermona mono synths.
These analog monophonic synthesizers defined the sound of electronic music — from the fat Moog and cutting ARP to aggressive Polivoks and raw Eastern European character.
This video explores the sound and architecture of true analog mono synths built around VCO, VCF, and VCA signal paths, highlighting their distinctive basslines, lead sounds, and modulation capabilities. From the Moog basslines to the aggressive Polivoks filter sound and the unique character of East German Vermona synthesizers, each instrument demonstrates why 1970s and 1980s monophonic synthesizers remain highly sought after by collectors, producers, and electronic music enthusiasts."
The Monophonic Analog Synths:
0:07 Maxi-Korg 800DV
3:17 Sequential Pro-One
6:30 ARP Odyssey Mk. III
8:39 Roland SH-101
11:56 Moog Prodigy
15:24 Moog The Source
17:34 Moog Micromoog
18:16 Moog Minimoog
20:56 Moog Taurus
22:21 Formanta Polivoks
24:44 Rodina Alisa 1377
26:48 Vermona Synthesizer
SOMA LABORATORY AND THE MIDIUM® COLLABORATE ON LIMITED EDITION PULSAR-23
New circuits and custom aesthetic introduced, marking first SOMA partnership with US-based engineers STEVENSON RANCH, CALIFORNIA––23 JANUARY 2026––Local online family-run-and-operated synth shop and boutique, The Midium, collaborates with SOMA Laboratory to introduce the SOMA Laboratory PULSAR-23 1984 Edition. New bass drum and bass synth circuitry expand the current PULSAR-23 four-voice drum machine and synthesizer’s functionality, while a custom polished-steel chassis and red LED scheme accompany an all-black carrying case, red-white-and-black alligator clips, and typewritten certificate of authenticity.
“The SOMA Laboratory PULSAR-23 1984 Edition is a marriage of parallel ideas. While having aconversation with SOMA Laboratory US’s Kevin Flynn in early 2025, we forged the concept for a 1984-inspired aesthetic born from the times in which we live, as well as some well-known works of fiction we both enjoy,” says Cami Bitar, who owns and operates The Midium with their wife Erin Bitar and 4-year-old daughter Melody Nightingale Wednesday Bitar. “During that conversation, we decided that a polished-steel chassis and red LEDs would also give the PULSAR-23 1984 Edition an intensely industrial feel as seen in certain sci-fi movies of the 1980s. After its aesthetics were set, Kevin mentioned that he and Noah Jolly of Ground Grown Circuits had been developing prototypes for experimental boards for the PULSAR-23 synthesizer and drum machine. That’s precisely when the ‘1984 Edition’ looked like the perfect platform for their new circuitry. To complete the story and bring the ‘1984’ inspiration full circle, we saw that a stark black case and typewritten certificate of authenticity would round out the idea. Finally, having decided that we would work on this together, it was determined that The Midium and SOMA Laboratory would be the only authorized sellers of the PULSAR-23 1984 Edition.” Bitar adds that only 84 units will be made for the US market, according to SOMA Laboratory.
Kevin Flynn, who heads the SOMA Laboratory US Division, gets into the details. “The SOMA Laboratory PULSAR-23 1984 Edition marks the first time that the company has partnered with US-based engineers. Noah Jolly and I developed new circuit boards for the bass drum and bass synth modules onboard the PULSAR-23 in order to see how far we can push the PULSAR-23 platform.”
Flynn explains what makes the SOMA Laboratory PULSAR-23 1984 Edition’s sound and timbre unique.
“For instance, the bass drum on the PULSAR-23 1984 Edition introduces an oscillator design that produces an asymmetrically clipped triangle wave that can be driven to the point of becoming a square wave, which makes for a more aggressive and harder-hitting bass drum which is perfect for techno and other musical styles. The bass drum on the PULSAR-23 1984 Edition’s tuning range is now also wider than before, which also adds to its flexibility in use, and the “OMG” pin is now an AC-coupled FM input that enhances the bass drum’s sound design potential.” He ends by saying of the second modified module in the PULSAR-23 1984 Edition, the bass module, that it “now features a new filter inspired by the Polivoks, which is a classic analog synth made in the Soviet Union during the 1980s. That’s a key part of the ‘1984’ concept, and the bass module’s new filter has a similarly aggressive nature.”
The SOMA Laboratory PULSAR-23 1984 Edition is available now exclusively at TheMidium.com and EarwormLLC.com.
Very rare synth for sale! only 50 pieces were produced
Fully working condition. The video of the work of this device is included.
The device was made by author of famous Polivoks Synth Vladimir Kuzmin.
Synthesizer Arton VS-34 (Vocal Synthesizer 3-octave 4-voice) is a modification of the Maestro synthesizer, designed specifically to imitate the timbre of the human voice.
Synthesizes the vowel sounds "A", "O", "U", "I" of the male and female voices by the formant method, can create articulatory effects. It has the same arpeggiator as the Maestro, as well as a controllable filter and a choir sound device. The joystick allows you to achieve a special expressiveness of the timbre of the voice."
"The prototype is already in development. An 8-voice polyphonic synthesizer with presets, MPE, and many other features. More details to come. Stay tuned. #polivoks #polyvox #synth #synths #synthesizers #synthesizer #eltamusic #analogsynth"
"Soviet Analog Synthesizer Ambient (SASA) space launched!
Thanks to our great master Alex Taber for advices, Repair, midi mods and tuning for this lovely old USSR machines.
Maybe it's a first time in history when these rare machines are collected, restored and played and filmed in one authentic video.
By Nick Klimenko
We want to show that Soviet analog instruments Are not odd or noisy unfinished boxes, but perfect and beautiful instruments with its own spirit and history.
This cosmic ambient soundtrack played and recorded with:
"Fully serviced, recapped, and upgraded with MIDI and modern jack connections.
A rare Soviet-era preset synthesizer — same analogue filter core as the Polivoks.
Now ready for any studio setup:
🔹 6.3 mm Audio Out
🔹 MIDI In
🔹 Headphones Out (3.5 mm)"
"(c)2007-25 by RetroSound
supported by UVI: http://bit.ly/retrosound-uvi
❤️ Support #RetroSound channel: https://retrosound.creator-spring.com
Do you like Cyberpunk?
Inspired by the Doom Soundtrack by Mick Gordon
Featured with Formanta Polivoks Synthesizer , Made in USSR 1982
This cover song series contains my own recreations of my favourite songs from the last 50 years. The original music from which I take inspiration belong to their respective owners. I recreate tracks only for personal passion and to pay homage to these tracks.
My intention is not to create covers that sound exactly like the original (if you want to hear identical sounds, please listen the original). It's more of an inspiration with my sounds from the old synthesizers from the past and of course the great appreciation for the original performers and producers."
NOISE generator - pink, white and channel balancing.
FILTER 1 and FILTER 2 - CV controls.
LINK switches to control two filters and CV at the same time with one slice knob. SOFT/HARD cutoff control Technical specifications:
Input audio signal level: Max 1.5 V Modulation CV input: - 5 to +5 V or 0 to + 10V
Power supply: universal mains adapter 100-220V / 12V 1A out Filter weight: 0,7kg
Packed weight: 1 kg
Dimensions: 175x135x50mm
WARNING! Before using the device, turn it on for 5-7 minutes and let it stand. The control transistor should warm up. So that in SOFT mode there is no feedback when the FREQ knobs are in zero position. If you overdo it. The UD1208 chips used in the filter are very sensitive and are never the same. Therefore you will not mathematically get two identical filters. Which is an advantage when using the unit in stereo.
"Here's the new Matrix VCF from AJH Synth that presents a pretty wild 32 filter modes (or 16x2) and a hugely versatile tonal range all built on the foundation circuit of the filter section from the Oberheim Matrix 12. Additional modes and features were added and the option to self oscillate everything with an overdrive circuit in the resonance path inspired by the Formanta Polivoks synthesiser. Coupling the 16 modes with the option for two distinct resonance characters, along with all the modulation options and on board VCA offers a wealth of patch potential and we explore plenty of uses cases for unique and more advanced options in the video."
"NEW MODULE! The MATRIX VCF & VCA by AJH SYNTH is a 16-mode filter based on the vintage Oberheim Matrix 12 & Xpander synthesisers of the 1980's. It has all 15 filter types of the original synth filter, plus an additional 4-pole all pass filter mode, AND a switchable resonance and distortion circuit based on the Polivoks synth, which flips the character of the filter on its head. It can go from smooth and crisp, to aggressive overdrive with screaming resonance in an instant.
It is 14hp, and features its own built-in VCA, negating the need for an additional module to amplify its output, saving valuable rack space.
Frequency is controllable by 4 different CV inputs, resonance can also be controlled by CV, naturally the VCA, but also filter Mode can be selected by control voltages, meaning that a huge range of automation is possible, in addition to the physical pots for manual tweaking.
The AJH SYNTH Eurorack range consists of high-end modules, all hand-made in the UK, most of which are based on classic, vintage designs, authentically recreating the circuitry of much sought-after analogue instruments and technologies of the past, whilst greatly expanding them, and bringing them to modern Eurorack levels of convenience, limitless flexibility, and reliability.
"AJH Synth - whom I collaborated with on the Tone Science Triple Cross & Chance Delay modules - have sent me over one of their new Matrix VCF filters. This wonderful sounding filter opened up a lot of new modular synth ideas, some of which I explore in this video."
