📼 '80s reloaded: Roland VP-03 and the allure of the classic vocoder

video upload by SICK FOR SYNTHS

"Discover the Roland Boutique VP-03, the compact vocoder that recreates the legendary Roland VP-330, a key player in electronic music from the '70s and '80s. Used by artists such as Vangelis, Human League, and Laurie Anderson, this instrument defined the sound of an era with its 16-band vocoder, synthetic strings, and ethereal choirs. In this video, we'll explore how the VP-03 works, listen to its vintage sounds, and discover how Roland has captured the magic of a classic in a pocket-sized format.

Perfect for those who love retro synths, cinematic sounds, and the aesthetic of vintage electronics, the VP-03 is a unique instrument for bringing the charm of '70s and '80s productions back to life."

Summon the Darkness - Arp Of Darkness & Seventh Summoner eurorack performanceIMG 5565

video upload by FlatSix Modular

"A one take performance, pairing the Seventh Summoner with the Arp Of Darkness showing how the two used together can turn a small rig into a full featured performance case.

Patch Notes: All clicking duties are handled by Pam’s Pro Workout.

Voice 1 is sequenced by the Seventh Summoner and consists of the vowel patch on Braids through the Ensembles patch on the MFX and then into the retro patch on a Noise Engineering Desmodus Versio with the “MultiVersio” firmware flashed to it. The vowel patch is being modulated by Ebb & LFO patch on the Ornament & Crime running the Phaserville Suite

Voice 2 is a saw wave oscillator from the Disting MK4 processed through a Pittsburgh Modular low pass filter, and being sequenced by Sequence X on an Ornament & Crime module with the Phaserville Suite firmware running.

Voice 3 is being arpeggiated by the Arp Of Darkness, and is made up of a swarm & harm patch on the Neutron Sound Dust of Time running through a ping pong delay on another Disting MK4 by Expert Sleepers.

In-Case Drums are being handled by an Erica Synths Pico Drums module running through A low pass filter on another Disting MK4 and into Data Bender by Qu-Bit for glitching duties.

All outputs run through a Kombucha by WGD for delay send duties and then into a Befaco STMIX for mix down to an Intellijel Headphones output in the 1U row.

Additional drums provided by the K.O. II by Teenage Engineering running my own personal samples."

Ambient | YAMAHA TQ5 FM Synth

video upload by Akihiko Matsumoto

"Raw FM textures for forward-thinking bass music producers
https://akihikomatsumoto.sellfy.store...

This pack captures the unmistakable character of Yamaha’s late 1980s 4-operator FM synths, with all their sharp digital edges and lo-fi charm intact. The TQ5, often hidden in the shadow of its more famous siblings, holds a unique place in synthesis history. It delivers angular, glassy tones that feel both futuristic and retro, with a sound design potential that quietly laid the groundwork for timbres now celebrated in modern club music.

Created for producers who care about texture, this collection offers bass and drum sounds with a distinct edge. Artifacts, aliasing, and resolution quirks are not just preserved but embraced, giving each sample a bite that generic VSTs rarely achieve.

CLICK FOR MORE »

FM Synth Showdown: Kasser Synths DAFM Genesis YM2612 vs Twisted Electrons MegaFM mk2 – Tone Test

video upload by j bowman ALL PROCEEDS TO MEDICAL AID FOR PALESTINE

"🎛️ Time of the Sines | In this deep-dive FM synth comparison, we explore the core tone and sonic character of two standout FM synthesizers: the Kasser Synths DAFM Genesis (featuring the legendary YM2612 chip) and the powerful Twisted Electrons MegaFM mk2. Whether you're into retro game audio, FM sound design, or modern synth tones, this video is a must-watch!

🔊 We'll compare sound design flexibility, core tone differences, and real-world applications in music production. From basses to leads and everything in between, discover how these FM synths stack up against each other in a tone-focused showdown.

🎹 If you’re searching for the best FM synth for your setup or are obsessed with sound design synth workflows, this video delivers the clarity you need to make the right choice.

✅ Perfect for fans of the Kasser Synths DAFM Genesis, Twisted Electrons MegaFM, or anyone diving into FM synthesis with a creative twist. Hit subscribe for more viral synth content and FM deep-dives!"

Teenage Engineering OP-1 w/ Roland P-6: A Series of Quirky Lofi Beats

video upload by goth jocks

"The results of my first couple of weeks with the Teenage Engineering OP-1. It’s a complete 360 from the sequencer heavy workflow of the Elektron boxes. Spiced things up with some FX from the Roland P6 and Source Audio Collider

I remember the first time I saw one of these 10 years ago, I thought it looked like some sort of retro futuristic magic device. I didn’t know anything about synths, but I wanted one so bad. But the price! As I continued to learn more about the synthesizers, the price barrier grew. This thing started to seem like a complete rip off.

Now, thanks to an unexpected trade offer, the Teenage Engineering OP-1 is finally in my possession. My thoughts: worth the wait… and the price"

Cheerful Electronics OPL Studio - First Contact

video upload by j bowman

"🎵 Welcome to Cheerful Electronics OPL Studio - First Contact! 🎛️ In this sound design experiment, we dive deep into the world of FM synthesis using the powerful OPL Studio, exploring retro sounds inspired by classic OPL3 chips. Whether you're a fan of chip music, vintage FM synths, or curious about pushing the limits of sound design, this video is your perfect starting point.

Get ready for rich, textured tones and quirky sonic explorations as we showcase the raw potential of OPL Studio. This first contact session covers live tweaking, patch creation, and modulation — perfect for anyone diving into retro synth workflows or looking for viral FM synthesis content.

If you're into chiptune, retro game soundtracks, or nostalgic hardware-driven music, you'll feel right at home. Watch now and get inspired to experiment with your own OPL3-based synths and plugins!"



via Cheerful Electronics

OPL Studio is the ultimate OPL2 / OPL3 synthesizer! It gives you almost limitless control over what you can do with the OPL3 synthesizer chip.

Features of OPL Studio

OPL Studio has a long list of features. To name a bunch of them:

Integrated patch editor to edit predefined instruments and create your own
Load and save instrument banks from popular formats such as *.BNK, *.SB, *.O3, ect.

Patch linking to layer up to 4 instrument patches for even more complex sounds
Polyphonic sequence editor to create up to 32 drum and 32 melody sequences
Quad sequencer to live play up to four sequences

Composer module that lets you create complete songs from your sequences
Midi channel mixer

CLICK FOR MORE »

Yamaha FB-01 Frequency Modulation Sound Generator w/ Original Box SN 04220

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

via this eBay listing

"Yamaha FB-01 Frequency Modulation Sound Generator w/ Original Box - Classic FM Synthesis

Unleash the sonic brilliance of classic FM synthesis with this Yamaha FB-01 FM Sound Generator. This compact, rack-mountable unit is a treasure trove of retro digital textures, delivering the unmistakable warmth and clarity of Yamaha’s legendary FM technology. Featuring multi-timbral capabilities, it can handle up to 8 parts simultaneously, making it perfect for layering lush pads, snappy basslines, and shimmering keys. Whether you're diving into vintage sounds for your next project or expanding your studio's versatility, the FB-01 is your gateway to timeless tones.

This unit is in good working condition, with all functions and outputs tested and performing beautifully. Cosmetically, there are some surface marks consistent with its age, but nothing that detracts from its reliability or aesthetic charm. The front panel’s buttons and display are intact and fully operational, offering an intuitive way to navigate its impressive 240 preset voices. It’s an excellent choice for producers, sound designers, and performers who appreciate the gritty magic of early digital synths.

With its MIDI connectivity and user-friendly interface, the Yamaha FB-01 integrates seamlessly into any setup, whether hardware or DAW-based. From crystalline electric pianos to growling bass tones, this unit excels in capturing the essence of 80s and 90s FM synthesis. If you're ready to add some authentic vintage flair to your sound arsenal, this Yamaha FB-01 is the perfect addition to your rig!"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Behringer UB-Xa: 64 Vintage Atmospheric Presets. Sound Demo

video upload by Anton Anru

🌅 Retro Tides is a collection of 64 atmospheric presets for the Behringer UB-Xa analog synthesizer. It includes: 13 Pads, 13 Synths, 17 Keys, 8 Strings, and 13 Textures.
Since the UB-Xa is a recreation of a vintage classic, this collection embraces its retro character—highlighting detuning, subtle noise, and analog warmth to evoke the sonic aesthetics of the 70s and 80s.

📦 Get these patches: https://antonanru.sellfy.store/p/ub-x...

The presets are infused with nostalgic charm and are perfect for adding that vintage soul to your tracks.

📼 One of the unique features of the UB-Xa is its Atrophy profiles—emulations of various stages of vintage wear and drift. All presets and audio demos were created using the default Profile 1, but you're encouraged to explore them with other profiles to discover variations in brightness, tuning, and stereo width. This adds another layer of expression and depth to the sounds.

💎 Retro Tides offers a wide sonic palette, from dreamy pads and mellow keys to lush strings and expressive textures. Whether you're producing synthwave, ambient, cinematic, downtempo, or retro-inspired electronic music, these presets will help you capture a timeless analog feel.

🎛 Each preset is performance-ready, with velocity sensitivity and ModWheel assignments mapped for expressive control. The ModWheel introduces additional modulations — such as brightness or movement — offering creative flexibility for both studio production and live performance.

CLICK FOR MORE »

1980 Yamaha SY-22 "Vector Synthesis" Ad

via Retro Synth Ads, where you'll find the full write-up.

"Yamaha SY-22 "Vector Synthesis" advertisement from page 39 in the September 1990 issue of Keyboard Magazine.

In a crowded world of 90s synths, the SY-22 vector synthesizer dared to be different. With FM, sample playback and joy-stick driven sound design, its still loved by a small group of fanatics. I've never owned one... and I still consider myself one of those fanatics."

SPHERICAL SOUND SOCIETY Introduces OMNICYCLONE - A Generative FM Beat Machine

Launching OMNICYCLONE. A Generative FM Beat Machine video upload by SPHERICAL SOUND SOCIETY

"OMNICYCLONE is a unique take on generative synthesizers. It's primarily focused on percussive phrases, but it can also create melodic content.

At its core lies a Yamaha OPL2 emulator that has been extensively modified to achieve things the original chips couldn't – like a fully stereo image and a complete revamp of sonic possibilities.

We've taken some of the most interesting features from WINTERMUTE, expanded the emulator further, and hybridized them with OPERA ROTAS features to birth a new generative beast that sounds surprisingly retro and modern at the same time.

You can order Omnicyclone here:

https://www.tindie.com/products/jc204..."



"OMNICYCLONE is a unique take on generative synthesizers. It's primarily focused on percussive phrases, but it can also create melodic content.

At its core lies an OPL2 emulator that has been extensively modified to achieve things the original Yamaha chips couldn't – like a fully stereo image. Some Yamaha chips of that era only offered hard-panned stereo (just center, left, or right). OMNICYCLONE provides 256 possible stereo positions, which sounds probably awesome.

We've taken some of the most interesting features from WINTERMUTE, expanded the emulator further, and hybridized them with OPERA ROTAS features to birth a new generative beast that sounds surprisingly retro and modern at the same time.

In this new incarnation, we've added volume bars for each channel, providing a clearer visual understanding of what's happening under the hood.

The synth is controlled by 2 banks of parameters, plus a fully-featured global LFO and global parameters for controlling each of the ADSR stages. It also includes a variety of new generative strategies that are explained in the manual.

OMNICYCLONE runs on the Fluorine hardware, meaning you can flash Fluorine's other firmwares (there are 4 different ones to choose from) in addition to the OMNICYCLONE firmware. This gives you multiple synths in one piece of hardware.

There's also a new firmware that turns the Fluorine hardware into a USB MIDI Controller with 2 banks of potentiometers. This means you essentially have multiple synths plus a MIDI controller in one device

The OMNICYCLONE firmware is closed source. Existing Fluorine users can order the digital files to easily switch between their other Fluorine firmwares and the OMNICYCLONE firmware. The USB MIDI Controller firmware is also free for Fluorine users, but the OMNICYCLONE firmware has a small fee to support its development.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Explore the Korg SV-2 - the evolution of a modern classic

video upload by Korg

"Take a hands-on journey through the SV-2 - a stage piano designed for musicians who demand both sonic depth and intuitive control. With instant access to a wide palette of expressive sounds, studio-quality effects, and powerful layering options, SV-2 offers all the flexibility of a modern instrument without sacrificing the simplicity performers love.

Korg SV-2 - First five minutes with Luke from Korg

video upload by Korg

"Just unboxed your Korg SV-2? Luke from Korg walks you through your first five minutes, helping you get up and running quickly and confidently.

From selecting your first sounds to navigating the intuitive panel layout, this quick-start guide shows how easy it is to make music straight away. With powerful onboard effects, seamless layering, and a premium weighted keybed, the SV-2 is built for players who want great sound and feel without the menu-diving."

Whether you're exploring lush EPs, cinematic strings, or rich analogue synth tones, SV-2 delivers inspiring sound and responsive feel - all in a beautifully designed, retro-style chassis built for the stage."

Korg SV-2 - Vintage soul meets modern style

video upload by Korg

"From vintage keys to acoustic pianos, classic synths to orchestral instruments, SV-2 is a performance keyboard that sounds and looks as good as its weighted keyboard feels to play."

Symphony of a Forgotten Sprite (MEGASYSTEM live cover)

video upload by LucaTronico

"A live reinterpretation of Symphony of a Forgotten Sprite, performed using portable synths and real-time CRT glitch visuals.
The visuals are generated through modified retro consoles and analog setups that react to gameplay and music — creating a one-of-a-kind performance experience.

🎮 Music: Cover performed live with Roland MC-101
📺 Visuals: CRT stack + video glitch system reacting to classic game signals

Megasystem Live – June 20 @ El Sótano Analógico
Chiptune & retrowave performanec + real-time glitch visuals powered by CRTs and classic consoles.
Audience gameplay influences both visuals and music. Total chaos, fully live.

🧠 Instruments: Dirtywave M8 · Roland MC-101 · Teenage Engineering OP-Z
🎛️ Visuals: Video Glitch System (Oliver Behrmann)
🎮 Interaction: Classic consoles hacked into the AV chain
Original music theme not owned by me :)"

YAMAHA TQ5 FM Synthesizer

video upload by Akihiko Matsumoto

"Generative Sequencer: Ableton GENE: https://akihikomatsumoto.sellfy.store...
GENE is an innovative MIDI sequencer plugin for Ableton Max for Live, designed to empower music creators across a wide range of genres—from experimental electronic music, ambient, and drone to standard club music. Whether you're crafting intricate textures or rhythmic grooves, GENE streamlines your creative process by generating MIDI sequences without the need for manual piano roll input.

YAMAHA TQ5 FM Synth Sample Pack: https://akihikomatsumoto.sellfy.store...
BD, SD, HiHat, Shaker, Bass, Atmos : YAMAHA TQ5

Raw FM textures for forward-thinking bass music producers
This pack captures the unmistakable character of Yamaha’s late 1980s 4-operator FM synths, with all their sharp digital edges and lo-fi charm intact. The TQ5, often hidden in the shadow of its more famous siblings, holds a unique place in synthesis history. It delivers angular, glassy tones that feel both futuristic and retro, with a sound design potential that quietly laid the groundwork for timbres now celebrated in modern club music."

Future Retro Mobius Sequencer

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

via this Reverb listing

"A little tape residue that I’m going to clean off of the 4/4 and 3/4 scale screenprint… shouldn’t be an issue at all.

The Mobius is very practical little sequencer in my opinion… I also have a Sequentix Cirklon 2 and it was a breath of fresh air with how fast the Mobius simplifies and assists in creating productive limitations for me to commit to.

No menu divey time consuming pages… just start putting notes in immidiatly and choosing between the 2 time signatures that future retro allows.

Super fun making patterns and transposing patterns on this machine

Lots of sweet spots with pattern lengths and DIN Syncing to my drum machines..

The Mobius can also control vintage cv/gate synths ( SH-101 ) and Hz/v synths like yamaha CS-15 / Korg MS20

You can send clock out of Mobius to control your synths internal sequencer or arpeggiator as well

The little red lcd screen protector has come away from the machine

I removed it so it wouldn’t fall inside of the Mobius and get lost"

CLICK FOR MORE »

YAMAHA TQ5 FM Synthesizer

video upload by Akihiko Matsumoto

"Generative Sequencer: Ableton GENE: https://akihikomatsumoto.sellfy.store...
GENE is an innovative MIDI sequencer plugin for Ableton Max for Live, designed to empower music creators across a wide range of genres—from experimental electronic music, ambient, and drone to standard club music. Whether you're crafting intricate textures or rhythmic grooves, GENE streamlines your creative process by generating MIDI sequences without the need for manual piano roll input.

YAMAHA TQ5 FM Synth Sample Pack: https://akihikomatsumoto.sellfy.store...
BD, SD, HiHat, Shaker, Bass, Atmos : YAMAHA TQ5


Raw FM textures for forward-thinking bass music producers
This pack captures the unmistakable character of Yamaha’s late 1980s 4-operator FM synths, with all their sharp digital edges and lo-fi charm intact. The TQ5, often hidden in the shadow of its more famous siblings, holds a unique place in synthesis history. It delivers angular, glassy tones that feel both futuristic and retro, with a sound design potential that quietly laid the groundwork for timbres now celebrated in modern club music."

Roland Zen Core - Back To 90s V2 for JD-800 Model Expansion

video upload by NatLife Sounds

"Product Link: https://natlifesounds.com/product/bac...

Back to 90s V2 – Modern Sound with Vintage Soul
Step into the second chapter of the Back to 90s series – a fresh collection of custom-designed presets & patches for the Roland JD-800 Model Expansion. This sound pack beautifully blends the nostalgic warmth of the 1990s with the clarity and precision of modern sound design.

Compatible with:

This pack works only with instruments supporting the JD-800 Model Expansion. These include:

Roland FANTOM series (FANTOM 6 / 7 / 8 and FANTOM-06 / 07 / 08 – with Expansion installed)
Roland JUPITER-X / JUPITER-Xm
Roland JUNO-X / JUNO-Xi
Roland ZENOLOGY (software plugin)

Therefore, ensure your device has the JD-800 Model Expansion.

Soundbank includes 50 Roland JD-800 Model presets, which are:

CLICK FOR MORE »

Arturia Minifreak: Atmo Noisy Techno & Ambient Presets Demo

video upload by Anton Anru

"🔮 Mystic Alloy is a collection of 64 patches for Arturia Minifreak (+ Analog Lab V).
It consists of: 11 Arps, 11 Basses, 10 Leads, 10 Pads, 11 Synths, and 11 Textures.
The bank spans a broad spectrum of timbres: dark, noisy, lo-fi, retro, atmospheric, detuned, huge, bright, distorted, metallic, amped and others.

📦 Get these presets: https://antonanru.sellfy.store/p/mini...

🧿 The sounds have some kind of magical charm, for example, it is alchemy, where a variety of components are combined to obtain the desired sound.
The patches use granular, FM, wave and other types of synthesis in Minifreak, which interact with each other and give a unique, sometimes experimental sound, but still usable.
👤 The author of the soundset is skendi (Arseniy Pushkov).

The soundset is suitable for many genres: ambient, electronica, IDM, trip-hop, lounge, downtempo, chill out, new age, cinematic, trance, deep, progressive, techno, dub, and others.

CLICK FOR MORE »

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/

Future Retro revolution. (Tb-303 clone).

video upload by David Noise

"The famous TB-303..

CLICK FOR MORE »

Waldorf Blofeld - Retro Dream by NatLife

video upload by NatLife Sounds

Waldorf Blofeld - Retro Dream Presets overview

video upload by NatLife Sounds

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

All sounds in this demo are made with Waldorf Blofeld - Retro Dream sound pack (Except Drums)

Retro Dream is a Synthwave and Cyberpunk soundset designed for both the hardware and software versions of Waldorf Blofeld. This collection brings 50 carefully crafted presets that capture the nostalgic warmth of the past and the futuristic edge of modern electronic music. Inspired by the golden era of analog synths, this pack delivers lush pads, dreamy leads, deep basses, and shimmering arpeggios, perfect for creating atmospheric and cinematic soundscapes. Whether you're producing Synthwave, Retrowave, Cyberpunk, or Ambient, these sounds will instantly add character and depth to your tracks. Step into a neon-lit world of retro-futuristic tones and bring your Blofeld to life with Retro Dream.

Soundbank contains 50 Waldorf Blofeld Presets of which:

10 Leads
8 FX's
8 Synths
8 Bass
10 PAD
1 Brass
4 ARP's
1 Pluck
Mod Wheel programmed.

Compatibility: Waldorf Blofeld keyboard, desktop and VST version."