Hexdrums and friends

video upload by Richard DeHove

"Noodle the second. Hexdrums plus effects. The routing here has BD1 going to Gallows for a little dirt and reverb; BD2 going to the Boss DM-2w; the machine voice 3 to the Zen delay; and everything else to the Xeno filth machine. A six-minute drum machine solo is a challenge. You're essentially making an 'accompaniment' instrument take the lead.

Here I again use the mute/unmute to create variations. That's reasonably easy on machine with ten voices. I've often thought that four voices is plenty for me. So is ten voices with mutes better than two patterns with four voices; or four voices one pattern and parameter locks? Is one more efficient than another? Is there any way to quantify such things? Just for laughs I asked Grok this exact question. Predictably (just like any forum) it started with "It really depends...". Later it said that: "In the drum machine world, parameter locks (p-locks) on a single pattern are generally considered far more powerful and creative than having multiple patterns or more voices." Hmmm. maybe. P-locks might allow more voice variation on a single pattern but then you have to program that in. With multiple voice and muting you can create multiple 'scenes'. Of course AI isn't going to tell you anything profound, it's just scraping forums.

What really strikes me with Hexdrums is that it hits hard. It's easy to get a very solid bass drum in all sorts of flavors. Why can't cheap drum machines do that? Ah, so many questions...

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

Fizmosphere by BENGE

video upload by Memetune Studio

"Here's a little end-of-year ambient composition made on the Ensoniq Fizmo. I love this synth - it's my new favourite ambient pad machine

I am recording two stereo loops into the Concrete Machine and adding extra reverb from the FX Aid Spin Chip device

I made the visuals myself - I love doing this sort of thing as you can probably tell

Happy New Year everyone!"

Kodamo Essence FM MKII Digital FM Synthesizer Module SN 633

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via this Reverb listing

Additional Three Wave Music Listings

"Kodamo Essence FM MKII in excellent condition. Tested and confirmed to function. Includes rack ears and manual(see photos)"

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Korg PolySix Vintage Synth w/ Kiwisix Mod and Rare Original Korg Case SN 460475

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via this Reverb listing

"This beautiful 80’s vintage synth, the Korg Polysix, had been previously upgraded with the Kiwisix Mod and a Kiwisix Power Supply. So basically, classic Polysix sounds with a modern touch! Will be packaged very securely for shipment.

Also comes with a very rare vintage Korg hard case that was designed specifically for the Polysix.

— Kiwisix Mod & PSU Upgrade —

Eliminates voltage inconsistencies, noise, and the infamous leaked battery issues that plague the classic Polysix. Adds MIDI in/out, master clock control, key transpose, built-in sequencer, enhanced arpeggiator, etc. Comes preinstalled with Korg’s original 64 stock presets. The mod now allows you to store a total of 512 total presets."

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Hillwood SY-1800 Synth

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via this Reverb listing

"Rare find! HILLWOOD SY-1800 vintage synth.

Made in Japan. Please see photos & video for item's condition. Missing volume knob (as shown in photos) but fader is still functional. Missing 'Lip Reed' colored selector button.

There is no stand or music rack included. The bottom frame is missing one leg attachment as shown in photos. Three are still attached. No legs included."

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Game Boy Phrases and RX17 Beats in Synth-Pop | Pi 2025-12-30 by atnr

video upload by atnr

"It is a synth-pop track where RX17 beats are layered with melodic phrases from the Game Boy and phaser-processed electric piano sounds from the OP-1 field.

The Game Boy plays sequences created in LSDj, routed through the ‪@KORG_INC‬ NTS-3 looper.

On the OP-1 field, an electric piano sound is played via the sampler. The sequence is triggered by MIDI sent from Ableton.

The RX17 is also sequenced via MIDI from Ableton, with a light touch of reverb applied using the ‪@strymon‬ blueSky."

Oberheim Xpander Desktop 6-Voice Synthesizer G50218

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via this Reverb listing

"Near perfect condition. Passes all tuning. Latest firmware. Comes with heavy duty flight case."

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Oberheim OB-X 6-Voice (1979) – Fully Restored SN T92612

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via this Reverb listing

"1979 Oberheim OB-X 6-voice analog polyphonic synthesizer in excellent cosmetic and functional condition. This unit has been fully professionally restored and is stable, reliable, and ready for daily studio use.

This is not a project or a fixer — it has been properly serviced and maintained.

Restoration

Recently (late 2024) fully restored by a Retro Pro Audio in Belmon CA. Complete restoration documentation included.

Work includes:

Power supply unit (PSU): Replaced voltage regulators (including failed LM337), bridge rectifiers, PSU filter caps. Replaced battery and added removeable battery holder. Calibrated
Full calibration of all 6 voice cards
Replacement of aging components where required
Keybed complete service and test
Control boards were removed and cleaned along with the front panel. All button contacts were cleaned and pots lubricated.
Installed a dedicated 5.6V power supply for the CV S&H circuit
Full functional testing and burn-in
All voices tune correctly and respond evenly across the keyboard.
Factory patches restored
Much more was done. Full details with photos available upon request. Comes with (unrestored) Oberheim factory volume pedal.

Condition

Very clean front panel with clear lettering
Excellent wood end cheeks
Clean rear panel and jacks
Only light wear. This instrument does not look 45 years old.
Overall, a very well-preserved OB-X.

Specs

6-voice configuration
No MIDI (original configuration)
Pratt-Read keybed
Approx. weight: 65–70 lb"

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Roland System 100 Model 102 Expander Restored by Rosen Sound

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via this Reverb listing

"Restored by Rosen Sound out in LA 2 yrs ago. Recapped, functionality confirmed and all circuits calibrated. Works and sounds great.

Note that I have this listed together with the 101 and 104 as well [listed here & pics captured here]. Happy to sell all 3 units together or any of the 3 separately."

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Vintage ELKA OMB5 + Original Bag, RAM Card & Manual

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via this Reverb listing

"A vintage Elka OMB 5, the programmable arranger / rhythm unit specifically designed for Italo Disco, in perfect working condition and in mint cosmetic shape. The deal includes its ultra-cool original bag, owner’s manual, and a Song RAM cartridge. UPS fast delivery and professional packing guaranteed.

Released in the mid-'80s by the Italian manufacturer Elka, the OMB-5 (One Man Band) is a powerful yet easy-to-program arranger featuring a rhythm unit, a bass channel, and two accompaniment tracks.

RHYTHM UNIT

The OMB-5 comes with 20 preset rhythms (Disco, Funk..), each with four variations, one of which is fully programmable by the user — for a total of 20 storable custom drum sequences. Each preset rhythm also includes two fill-ins, an intro/ending, and a dedicated break.

The 32 drum sounds are the same as those found in the iconic Elka Drumstar 80: a cool selection 8-bit PCM drum samples, a perfect mirror of that unmistakable '80s aesthetic. The rhythm section is extremely easy and intuitive to program, and the ability to edit individual drum sounds within a recorded sequence using a single 'cancel' button is simply brilliant. A true example of vintage Italian clever design.

SOUND SECTION

The Elka OMB-5 features a powerful and flexible sound section totally based on FM synthesis and divided into three blocks:

Bass (6 voices)
Presets 1 (12 voices, 5-note polyphony)
Presets 2 (12 voices, 5-note polyphony)
Each block supports 6 arrangements per preset rhythm, with Arrangement 6 fully programmable, allowing up to 20 custom sequences to be stored per block (Bass, Presets 1, Presets 2).

Bass sounds : STRING BASS, BASS FLUTE, BASS GUITAR, ELECTRIC BASS, FUNK BASS, TUBA

Presets 1 sounds : STRINGS, BRASS, ELECTRIC GUITAR, BANJO, JAZZ GUITAR, MARIMBA, VIBRAPHONE, CLAVINET, ORGAN 1, PIANO 1, SYNTH 1, SYNTH 2

Presets 1 sounds : STRINGS 2, STRINGS 3, BRASS 2, PIANO 2, HARPSICHORD, ELECTRIC PIANO, ORGAN 2, CLASSIC GUITAR, CELESTE, HARP, SYNTH 3, SYNTH 4

COMMON FEATURES (All Sections)

Volume and sustain length adjustable via dedicated sliders
Usable in manual play or as part of the automatic accompaniment
Custom sequences storable in Arrangement 6 for each preset rhythm"

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12/28/25 ARP 1623 + ElectroComp EML 200 + Peavey DDL-3 + CXM 1978

video upload by Cfpp0

"I think this is the first time I sequenced the EML 200 with the ARP 1623. The sequencer is 1 volt per octave and the synthesizer is 1.2 volts per octave, but it still works. Here the gate bus 1 on the ARP is triggering the envelope on the EML, which controls the VCA both VCOs are running through. That signal then runs through the EML spring reverb into the Peavey DDL-3 delay to the Mackie Onyx 1640 mixer, where the dry is panned left and the wet is panned center. Both have stereo reverb blended on the CXM 1978."

Layered Synth Resonance in Cinematic Ambient Space | Geological Survey 2025-12-29 by atnr

video upload by atnr

"This piece was created using the ‪@YamahaSynthsOfficial‬ CS01.
It is a cinematic ambient composition built from layered, hand-played synthesizer tones that resonate and expand over time.

The CS01 is connected to the ‪@ChaseBlissAudio‬ MOOD MKII and blueSky.
On the MOOD MKII, delay is applied and micro-loop textures are generated, while the ‪@strymon‬ blueSky adds spacious reverb.

The performance is shaped in real time by manually adjusting the filter on the CS01 as it is played."

Iwatsu ITF-011,012,013,014 [Electronics Trainer]

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

via this Reverb listing

"So I don't know much about this thing. I haven't even tried to power it up. Would probably be fun in noise sets or for learning electronics.

I have no reason to think it doesn't work but I have not had time to order an adapter to power it on. I was thinking to retrofit a more normal IEC plug on the back. Since it's 100v it will need a step down transformer (probably about $80 on amazon).

As far as shipping, the quote you're seeing is for me taking the panels off the rails and packing them more easily into a smaller box, but then mailing the rails to you. It might be possible for a similar price to keep it all together. I'm friendly, we'll work something out if this is destined to be yours."

This appears to be the first post to feature Iwatsu.

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Dr. Böhm Solist 78 – Red Version

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via this Reverb listing

"For sale is a Dr. Böhm Solist 78 in the rare red version, in excellent overall condition. This legendary vintage unit combines analog sound generation, automatic accompaniment, rhythm section, and extensive real-time performance controls.

The Solist 78 delivers a warm, characterful analog sound and offers an exceptionally deep feature set that invites experimentation. With its many switches, variations, and interactive controls, it feels almost modular and provides endless creative possibilities.

Key Features & Functions

Automatic Accompaniment & Harmonic Control

Intelligent chord recognition (major, minor, dominant 7th)
Automatic bass and accompaniment voices
Multiple accompaniment styles and variations
Rhythm & Groove Section

Built-in analog rhythm generator
Multiple rhythm patterns and variations
Fill-ins and rhythmic accents
Very playable and responsive, ideal for live performance and improvisation
Sound Shaping & Performance Controls

Extensive tone shaping via dedicated buttons and switches
Real-time control over accompaniment density and character
Dynamic interaction between rhythm, bass, and harmonic voices
Creative Potential

Ranges from classic vintage accompaniment sounds to experimental and abstract textures
Well suited for retro productions, ambient music, experimental electronics, krautrock, library music, and sound design
A unique machine that rewards exploration and creative misuse
Condition & Technical Details

Excellent cosmetic and technical condition
All buttons and functions are fully operational
The “Böhmat” button is the only exception; it is intended for use in combination with a Böhm organ and therefore not functional as a standalone feature
220V version
Sounds fantastic and is fully playable
Included in the Sale

DIN-to-jack adapter
Handcrafted wooden case, built by the previous owner
Complete original construction manual (German)
Summary

The Dr. Böhm Solist 78 is a rare and inspiring vintage instrument with a deep feature set and unmistakable analog character. Ideal for collectors, vintage synth enthusiasts, and adventurous musicians looking for a truly unique piece of electronic music history."

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Roland System 100 model 101 102 104

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

via this Reverb listing

"Sale includes all 3 units pictured. 101, 102, 104. Restored by Rosen Sound in LA 2 yrs ago. Power supplies all Recapped and all units calibrated and confirmed as working well. Only issue I know of is that the LFO shape button on the 103 is very tight and hard to change but it still works fine. I’m asking what I paid."

100 and 101 have matching serial numbers.

100 SN 592298
101 SN 592298
104 SN 490471

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Linn LinnDrum LM2 SN 3859

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via this Reverb listing

"Cosmetically, it’s very clean overall. There are some normal marks on the bottom from typical use (see photos).

This unit has lived in a smoke-free, climate-controlled private studio in NYC.

Serial: 3859"

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Studiologic / Waldorf Sledge Quick Demo

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video upload by Roland Perez

via this eBay listing, also on Reverb

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Waldorf Micro Q Quick Demo

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video upload by Roland Perez

Studiologic Sledge w/ same engine for the controller.

via this eBay listing, also on Reverb

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Korg ARP Odyssey Slim Key Quick Demo

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video upload by Roland Perez

via this eBay listing, also on Reverb

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Black Corporation Xerxes MK2 :: Building a Pad from Scratch :: Sound Design

video upload by Harry van Mierloo

"Little sound design session on the Black Corporation Xerxes MK2 to test a lightweight recording setup directly to my phone.

No fancy post-processing, maximizing, review, just me building a pad from scratch on the wonderful Xerxes and exploring various variations of it, to give you an idea of the sound design freedom. The patch is initialized from a basic single saw wave patch and I play around with low pass and band pass filtering for the pads. Later in the recording I add some reverb from the @Strymon BigSky, which always helps on a pad.

Like most synths, a basic patch like this might not immediately sound '5K expensive' without effects, refinement and post-processing. Fortunately this versatile machine can do a lot more and is a real joy to use with all its hands-on control. Some typical Elka-features like Pulse Amplitude Modulation (PAM), sync phase control and oscillator self resonance, add to the unique character of this synth. It's a really enjoyable synth and I feel it's going to be one of my main workhorses.

I love how good a DCO-based synths can sound, and they are usually great for pads. Like on the Matrix-1000 and JX-8P, DCOs are super stable by nature, so imperfections need to be added manually. Apart from tuning tweaks/modulation, the Xerxes has a nice drift control for this.

Enjoy, and next time I'll clean the camera lens, I promise! 😅"