BLTN – spaceJam14 (Live Electronic Session)

video upload by Patrick Pattern

"A fully live, improvised hardware set by BLTN, a duo (Lucile Dacia & Patrick Pattern(me)). Everything is sequenced and played live on hardware — no DAW, no overdubs. Gear used in this session:

- Sequentix Cirklon (sequencing)
- SOMA Pulsar-23
- SOMA Lyra-8
- Polivoks"

When a legendary synth designer shows up in the comments | In Memory of Vladimir Kuzmin

video upload by HAINBACH

"To commemorate the passing of Vladimir Kuzmin, the renown inventor of the Formanta Polivoks synthesizer, and to raise funds for his family, an independent group of musicians and instrument makers held a memorial event in Moscow. They asked me to contribute a video message about his legacy. Since Vladimir Kuzmin had previously commented on my videos, which was mind-blowing to me, I decided to tell that story. It is a bit embarrassing, since I got a few things wrong in my videos that he corrected me on. But at least I enjoyed my errors tremendously, and he did not seem to be mad about them.

Here is the live stream of the event:"

Вечер памяти Владимира Кузьмина 07.07.2026

video upload by mnnscene

"On June 12, Vladimir Kuzmin—the creator of the Polivoks and one of Russia's most influential figures in synthesizer design—passed away. We have decided to organize a charity memorial evening in Moscow to honor him (https://t.me/Kuzmin_memorium).

The loss of such a significant historical figure in the world of audio equipment came as a great shock to us all, and we wish to share our sentiments—as well as the legacy left by the Polivoks' creator—with everyone who cares. We want everyone to be able to join us; admission is free, and any donations collected will be given to Vladimir Mikhailovich’s family.

We have invited leading sound artists and key figures from the synthesizer world who had direct ties to Vladimir to participate in this memorial event. They will give lectures and perform compositions using instruments developed by the Formanta factory.

Participants include:
Vlad Kreimer (Soma) (https://vk.com/somasynths)
Vladimir Kabanov (PRIBOR) (https://t.me/priborpedals?ref=vc.ru)
Sergey Letov (https://t.me/SergeyLetov)
E-Nitra (https://vk.com/e_nitra)
Spiralnix (https://vk.com/necrostellar)
Chronos (https://vk.com/away.php?to=https%3A%2...)

There will also be an exhibition area featuring a museum of Formanta instruments alongside modern designs from domestic manufacturers that will be available for purchase. Proceeds from instrument sales will also go to Vladimir Kuzmin’s family.

If you would like to show your support and honor the memory of the deceased’s family, you can make a contribution via this link (https://pay.cloudtips.ru/p/390a62ff). The funds will be transferred to his widow after the memorial evening takes place."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Subtle Expressions: Squarp Instruments Hapax Performance

video upload by MKustomAudio

"With recently obtaining the Squarp Instruments Hapax to act as my main standalone sequencer, I've been diving deep into all the functions it offers. This is the first track I've made putting together a number of items such as automation, assign controls, creative MIDI effects (register, arpoly, etc.), BPM elasticity, and adjustable start/stop loop lengths. I've added notes in the video explaining some key points for the track and additional equipment used, but below is a more detailed list of the sound sources:

Korg Arp 2600 M
Novation Peak
Novation Bass Station II
Korg Opsix
Sequential OB-6 Desktop
Elektron Digitakt II
Befaco Oneiroi
Soma Lyra-8, Erica Synths Black 3109 VCF/VCA, Qu-Bit Mojave
Make Noise STO + Schlappi Engineering Angle Grinder, Make Noise QPAS, Intellijel Sealegs
Moog Mother 32, Ritual Electronics Miasma (Erica Synths Black Polivoks VCF in feedback loop), Erica Synths Blackhole DSP2"

MARS Vacuum-Tube Synthesizer: The Most Aggressive Modern Synth I've Ever Tested

video upload by Vulture Culture

0:00 Intro Jam
2:17 Mono Mode & Basic Oscillator Shapes
4:16 The Vacuum Tube Filter
7:49 Duo Mode / Polivoks-Style Duophony
8:47 Poly 1 Mode / Korg Mono/Poly Behavior
10:47 Ensemble Mode & Supersaw Sounds
14:14 LFO Shapes, Retrigger & One-Shot Mode
17:31 Sample & Hold Filter Modulation
20:16 FM Synthesis Overview
29:00 Pros & Cons
37:43 Closing Thoughts

"What happens when you build a vacuum tube-based hybrid synthesizer in a Soviet space lab and send it back from the future? Today we’re demoing, reviewing, and explaining MARS from Eternal Engine Electronic Musical Instruments — one of the strangest, most beautiful, and most aggressive modern synthesizers I’ve ever played.

MARS is often described as a four-voice polyphonic tube synthesizer, but architecturally it’s more accurately a paraphonic synthesizer. The four digital oscillator voices can be played across multiple notes, but they all share the same tube-based filter and vactrol-based amplifier. That puts MARS more in the tradition of instruments like the Korg Mono/Poly and Formanta Polivoks than a conventional analog polysynth.

In this video, I walk through the full architecture of the Eternal Engine MARS: the digital oscillator section, mono / duo / poly voice modes, pulse-width modulation, ensemble mode, FM synthesis, modulation matrix, envelopes, LFO, sample & hold, the gorgeous Nixie lamp interface, the resonant vacuum tube filter, and the asymmetric tube overdrive that gives this synth its raw, snarling character.

This is not a safe, polite, modern analog synth. MARS is boutique, unusual, heavy, beautifully built, and absolutely vicious when pushed. The tube filter and drive section give it a sound that feels alive in a way most modern synthesizers don’t — somewhere between vintage analog synth, industrial bass machine, experimental sound design box, and Soviet sci-fi artifact.

If you’re into industrial music, EBM, darkwave, synthwave, experimental electronic music, vintage synthesizers, boutique synths, tube distortion, paraphonic synthesis, analog filters, FM basses, PWM pads, or Polivoks-style aggression, MARS is worth hearing.

I also talk through who I think this synth is actually for — and who should probably pass on it. Because while I absolutely adore the sound, MARS is not a cheap “do everything” synth, and it’s not trying to compete with mass-market analog polysynths. It’s a character instrument. A monster. A special machine for people who want something truly different."

Polivoks Synthesizer | Vladimir Kuzmin Tribute

video upload by RetroSound

"Vladimir Kuzmin, the creator and designer of the legendary Polivoks synthesizer, passed away last week.✨

I had the privilege of communicating with Vladimir several times, and I always experienced him as a very kind, helpful, and incredibly humble person. Behind one of the most unique synthesizers ever created was not only a talented engineer, but also a warm and generous human being.
This video is dedicated to Vladimir.

For this tribute, I created a cover version of “Summer” (“Лето”) by Kino, a Russian band whose music I deeply appreciate. The entire arrangement was made using only the Polivoks synthesizer — every sound, melody, texture, and atmosphere comes from this unique instrument.

The Polivoks was developed in the Soviet Union in the early 1980s and became famous for its aggressive character, distinctive multimode filter, and raw analog sound. Originally designed as a compact alternative to Western synthesizers, it later became a cult instrument among musicians and synthesizer enthusiasts around the world.

Thank you, Vladimir, for creating an instrument with such a powerful voice and for leaving a lasting mark on electronic music history.
Rest in peace.✨"

Кузьмин Артаура 2016

video upload by VG-Line

"Продолжим дело Владимира Кузьмина. Навечно в памяти. Сказавший Слово Мастер. Пусть земля ему будет пухом. Спасибо, Владимир Михайлович!

#polivoks #maestro #quintet #analogsynth #synth #synthesizer #synthmods #sovietsynth"

"Kuzmin Artaura 2016

Let us carry on the work of Vladimir Kuzmin. Forever in our memories. A Master who spoke the Word. May he rest in peace. Thank you, Vladimir Mikhailovich!

#polivoks #maestro #quintet #analogsynth #synth #synthesizer #synthmods #sovietsynth"

Vladimir Kuzmin, Creator of the Legendary Soviet Polivoks Synthesizer has Passed Away

Some sad news in via @elta_music

"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.


The following is an interview with Vladimir Kuzmin from Soundmit 2020.


SOUNDMIT

"We interviewed Vladimir Kuzmin together with Giulio Curiel of New Musical Instruments. Inventor of the Polivoks and other Russian synthesizers in the 70s and 80s, we hear from his voice the story of those incredible years"

Formanta Polivoks - Soviet Analog Synthesizer Ambient (SASA) #2

video upload by LFOstore

"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:

Formanta Polivoks (main drone)
Electronica EM-25 (lead sound)
Murom Aelita (reso sweep)
TOM 1501 (lead sound)
Ritm-2 (s&h solo)
Maestro (unique internal arp)
Alisa (lead sound)

Recorded with Zoom LiveTrack L6 - a perfect portable mixer.
FX by Zoom H9 Max"

Elta Music Polivoks-8 | Superbooth 2026 | Voltage Labs

video upload by Voltage Labs

"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."

ELTA music - POLIVOKS 8 | SUPERBOOTH 26

video upload by Bonedo Synthesizers

Previously: ELTA Music POLYVOX 8 Incoming

Mutable Instruments Ambika (polivoks) Demo

video upload by Panu M Savolainen

"Multitracked demo of Mutable Instruments Ambika with 6 x polivoks filters. Reverb is from Eventide Space."

Demo at Bandcamp:

4/18/26 SSL 1660 + Zerosum Inertia 6550-99 & Scorpion Tail & Erebus Orifice + acVOKS VCF + (…)

video upload by Cfpp0

"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."

Inside a Soviet Synth Collection – Rare Analog Sounds You’ve Never Heard

video upload by RetroSound

"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.

(c)2007-26 by RetroSound
supported by UVI: http://bit.ly/retrosound-uvi

synth tees: https://retrosound.creator-spring.com
Donation: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/9N..."

East Block Synths playlist:

RetroSound Studio Tour: Analog Monophonic Synthesizers

video upload by RetroSound

"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 announce PULSAR-23 1984 Edition

Press release follows:

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.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Formanta Arton VS-34 ultrarare USSR Vokoder synthesizer | Синтезатор Артон ВС 34

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
video upload by Red Star Melodies

"For sale on Reverb!

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."

via this Reverb listing

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ELTA Music POLYVOX 8 Incoming

via ELTA Music

"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"

Formanta Polivoks - Soviet Analog Synthesizer Ambient (SASA)

video upload by LFOstore

"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:

Formanta Polivoks (main drone)
Electronica EM-25 (strings)
Murom Aelita (big cs-like lead)
Electronica EM-04 (second strings)
Ritm-2 (glorious lead)
Maestro (Prophet-like brass)
Alisa (sine lead)

Recorded with Zoom LiveTrack L6 - a perfect portable mixer.

FX by Zoom H9 Max"

Formanta Maestro Synth SERVICED & MIDIfied at VG Line

video upload by VG-Line

"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)"

Formanta Polivoks w/ MIDI

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

via this Reverb listing

CLICK FOR MORE »