How Honeysmack jams live techno — 303, 808, modular & more

video upload by Noisegate and Honeysmack

"David Haberfeld — better known as Honeysmack — is a live techno improviser. That means the tracks in his sets are built and arranged in real time in front of an audience rather than pre-sequenced in a DAW. In this studio tour he walks through the hardware he performs with and puts a track together from scratch on the spot.

The rig spans vintage and modern boxes: the Roland TB-303 (the synth-with-a-sequencer that anchors a lot of his sound), Roland's TR-808 and TR-909 drum machines, a Mackie 16-channel mixer, a DJ mixer he's come to use as a performance instrument, Behringer's RD-8 MKII and RD-9 (clones of the 808 and 909, both of which he beta tested), the Behringer Syncussion SY1, a Pro-1 synth and a modular system. Along the way he gets into why the 808 and 909 ended up defining whole genres — and argues it had less to do with how they sounded and more to do with what was simply available at the time.

Honeysmack has a new Live Techno Masterclass coming up on Sunday 26 July at Collingwood Yards, Melbourne:

https://events.humanitix.com/honeysma...
/ dz1kazpuoma

CHAPTERS
0:00 live techno improvisation
0:36 studio reveal
0:59 Roland TB-303
1:42 building a track from scratch
3:47 808/909
5:43 Performance
7:08 Synths, modular & sequencers
8:45 jam

GEAR FEATURED
Roland TB-303 · Roland TR-808 · Roland TR-909 · Behringer RD-8 MKII · Behringer RD-9 · Behringer Syncussion SY1 · Pro-1 · Mackie 16-channel mixer · DJ mixer · modular synthesizer

https://noisegate.com.au/

Noisegate is an Australian based collective of working musicians, producers, DJs, and live audio professionals dedicated to bringing you the latest music gear news, tutorials, interviews and more. We cover a range of categories including guitars, bass, synths, keyboards, pro-audio, DJ gear, live audio, industry news and all the ways we make and interact with music and sound."

6/6-12/26 (130bpm) Roland TR-606 + Narco Biofeedback System + 1613 + 2a76 + HD 1000 + 1564-A + (…)

video upload by Cfpp0

"6/6-12/26 (130bpm) Roland TR-606 + Narco Biofeedback System + Brüel & Kjaer 1613 + Ibanez HD 1000 + Peavey 1300 & DDL-3 + Dukane 2a76 + General Radio 1654-A + DSP 808 + Simmons SDS-1 + Roland System 100m + Zerosum Inertia 5654 + MFB dual ADSR + Alesis MIDIVERB II + Waveform LPG + CXM 1978

I tend to leave ALM Pamela’s New Workout (the clock) at the same bpm for long periods of time. And since the videos all have the same tempo, I’ll sometimes drop them on top of each other to hear if they work together. Depending on the top layer video, this can result in ugly videos, but iMovie only allows two videos with audio and three audio-only files in the timeline. This video is a composite of several recent unrelated videos, plus a bass drum synthesized for this video to tie it all together. The Roland TR-606 toms are distorted by the Dukane 2a76, and bandpass filtered by the Brüel & Kjaer 1613. The quarter note hat and shaker sound are from the DSP 808 through the Peavey 1300 delay. The snare is distorted by the General Radio 1564-A, and the additional snare sound is the Simmons SDS-1. The hats are from the TR-606. The bass drum is the Roland System 100m 121 VCF, with the resonance maxed, modulated by an envelope from the 140 module, externally triggered by ALM Pamela’s New Workout, then it runs through the Zerosum Inertia 5654 left channel into the right channel, modulated by the MFB dual ADSR, and a reversed reverb from the Alesis MIDIVERB II. The melodic gated element is the Narco Biofeedback System through the Ibanez HD 1000 through the Waveform LPG, gated by the MFB dual ADSR, and then delayed by the Peavey DDL-3. The drone towards the end is also the Narco Biofeedback System through the Ibanez HD 1000, through the DDL-3, and with significant amount of reverb blended on the CXM 1978. Two Alesis MIDIVERB II units are used for the reverbs."

606/26 Happy 606 Day! Roland TR-606 & RE-301 & System 100m + Brüel & Kjaer 1613 + (…)

video upload by Cfpp0

"606/26 Roland TR-606 & RE-301 + Brüel & Kjaer 1613 + Simmons SDS1 & Clap Trap + MFB OSC-2 + Waveform LPG + Soundforce S-LD + General Radio 1564-A + DSP 808 + Metasonix R-55 + Alesis MIDIVERB II + CXM 1978

For 606 day in 2026, the TR-606 is being used as a drum machine and to trigger several other things. This particular 606 was modified with individual outputs. The toms are running through the Peavey 1300 in flanger mode, the Ace Tone MP-4 mixer with feedback and spring reverb, the Metasonix R-55, and through the Brüel & Kjaer 1613 Bandpass filter. The snare is processed by the Roland RE-301. The bass drum is running through the General Radio 1564-A waveform analyzer. The tom pattern trigger output is triggering the DSP 808. It’s also triggering the Soundforce S-LD tambourine, and the Ladik S-143 sequencer, which is modulating the pitch on the MFB OSC-2 (ring mod output), which runs through the Waveform LPG, gated by ALM Pamela’s New Workout. The clap is the Simmons Clap Trap and there is an additional snare sound from the Simmons SDS1, triggered by the 606 high tom. There are reverbs from the Alesis MIDIVERB II and the CXM 1978."

Thomas Dolby Demonstrates synthesizers (1982)

video upload by electrozaps

"Thomas Dolby Demonstrates synthesizers (1982) clip from BBC Riverside."

Roland System 100m, Roland TR-808, PPG Wave, Casio VL-1, Moog Micromoog, ARP Solina, Roland Junpiter-4, and Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus.

Bargain Basement 808 Drum Machines

video upload by Woody Piano Shack

"Demo of the most popular Roland TR-808 sample libraries and emulations.

ABLETON LIVE 808 CORE KIT
FREE 808 FROM MARS CLEANCUT
FREE 808 FROM MARS HEAVY SATURATION
MARS AMPEG 808 KIT
ROLAND CLOUD TR-808

Lesson packs available for one-time purchase on Patreon.

MORE WOODY PIANO SHACK: https://woodypianoshack.com

BEAT GEMS - the new book on drum machines...

video upload by Bjooks

"Soon to launch on Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...

BEAT GEMS is a premium hardcover book from Bjooks that explores this remarkable history through rare and iconic machines, vivid photography, artist stories, technical insight, and the people who turned boxes of circuits into culture. The book explores more than six decades of electronic music history through the drum machines that changed the way music is made, recorded, and performed.

An inspiring and visually rich book for anyone interested in music technology, design, rhythm, and recording culture, this comprehensive work follows the evolution of drum machines from early experiments and preset rhythm companions to programmable icons, studio powerhouses, genre-defining classics, and the hardware revival of recent decades. The project structure already maps that story across eight major stages – from invention and standardization to creative misuse, programmability, studio control, genre definition, and rebirth.

The book presents comprehensive research, writing, editing, photography, and visual development by author Oli Freke and editor Kim Bjørn.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Roland TR-1000 Rhythm Creator | Version 1.20 Update

video upload by RolandChannel

"The TR-1000 continues to evolve with Version 1.20, expanding its sound design and performance capabilities.

New MFX include SP-303 and SP-404 Vinyl Sims, Cassette Sim, and DJFX Delay, adding new ways to shape and texture your patterns. LFO functionality has also been enhanced, with new modes for more controlled, rhythmic modulation.

Version 1.20 introduces new ACB sound generators for powerful 808 and 909 bass tones, alongside workflow improvements like independent layer panning, updated gain staging, and expanded MIDI control.

In this video, we break down the key updates and show you how to get the most out of Version 1.20.

Chapter breakdown:
00:00 Intro
00:21 New MFX
03:10 Locked-In LFOs
05:55 Kit LFO
07:25 LFO Sample and Hold
08:42 808 and 909 Bass Lines
09:56 Independent Panning and IFX Switch
11:19 Gain Staging and MIDI
12:06 Final Thoughts"

Roland TR 606 / TR 608 / TR 808 Mod

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

via this eBay listing

This one was spotted and sent in via
M Me.

One was previously listed on Vemia.

"Modified Roland TR-606 / by Filippo Samore / TR-608 > as used by Hainbach on YT [posted here].
The TR-606 in 808 territory and beyond, with tuning, decay and tone mods.

' This Drummachine is on a another level and is a lot of fun (you become very creative) '

' The mod is high-quality and truly enhances the sound engine of the 606
without compromising its handy form factor. It is almost like a TR-808 now,
except maybe a little more interesting, because it is still a charmingly shuffling 606 at its core.'

Examples:
Visit the phunkydesk dot com Domain / > the files after the slash (/) are as follows:
608_BD.wav, Loop1.wav, Loop2.wav
(there is no distortion/overdrive or clipping converters!)

The main modification in this revisited classic is the complete redesign of the kick drum circuit
with a lot of borrowed technology from the 808!

+ Kick: Tune, env Control, tone and decay.
You can also send the kick through the second output separately!
+ The Kick can also have "almost infinite" decay

+ Snare: same borrowed technology from the 808 but with an improved decay length.
It gives access to tune, snappy and decay.

+ L.H Toms: Tune independent from each other and cuts out the annoying noise present in their circuit.

+ Hi-Hats: Tune and decay, separate for both open and closed hats


++ Original Roland TR 606 carrying case
++ Device is serviced (while Mod)

++ Device checked in endurance test
(Batteries or the 9V TR-606 power supply)"

CLICK FOR MORE »

The early 90s Genesis Sound with Roland JD-800 & Korg Wavestation Synthesizers

video upload by RetroSound

"Experience the early 90s sound by Genesis’ “Hold On My Heart,” from the album We Can’t Dance (1992) recreated using two of the most powerful synths of the era:

The Roland JD-800 and Korg Wavestation.
Drums: Roland TR-808

This video dives into lush digital textures, warm pads, and expressive atmospheric layers that defined a generation of pop and progressive rock. From shimmering soundscapes to evolving cinematic tones, you’ll hear the unique character of these classic synths—known for their rich sound design capabilities and emotional depth.

Whether you're a fan of vintage gear, a producer chasing that authentic retro sound, or a Genesis enthusiast, this performance captures the essence of timeless synth artistry."

4/23-26/26 Metasonix S-1000 + Ladik S-143 + DSP 808 + Roland TR-606 + Simmons SDS1 + (…)

video upload by Cfpp0

Dub Techno sketch 36 (MPC Sample & Roland TR-1000)

video upload by Olu Ondas Studio

"BPM 115; MPC master midi synced to Roland.
MPC Sample: Sequencing Dub Chords, vox sample, atmos
Roland TR-1000: Drums
909 Kick
808 CHH1
606 CHH2
707 Rim-cow
Perc 2
Perc1"

PROKRASTINATION (Elektron Monomachine SFX-6, Machinedrum, Analog4)

video upload by Acid Gray

"Trippy melodic IDM ride on the classic Elektrons.

Live recorded in a single take on 1010 BlueBox.
Delay and reverb added here."

MOVEMENTS (Roland TR-808, Roland RE-201 Space Echo, Elektron Analog4)

video upload by Acid Gray

"Dreamy Dub.Techno take on the Roland TR-808 (my favorite Kick of all times), the Roland RE-201 Space Echo and the Analog 4.

Additional field recordings done on Zoom H1e (also sounds much better than expected).

Live recorded in one take on 1010 BlueBox.
Sorry - got lost in dubchord filtering / space-echoing - so the track got much longer than I initially intended."

Dub Techno sketch 27 (Roland TR-1000)

video upload by Olu Ondas Studio

"BPM 118

Kick: 808, light saturation
Vocal sample- high pass filter
Chord 1-delay/reverb
Pad -delay/reverb
Sub bass sample
Clap: 909 reverb
CHH: 707
CHH2: 808
Perc sample-delay/reverb"

Starsky Carr's Studio: Vintage & Modern Synth Setup Explained

video upload by Starsky Carr

"Welcome to a full synth studio tour — a look inside my hardware setup featuring vintage analog synths, modern wavetable instruments, modular gear and classic drum machines.

See how a mix of vintage synths, modern instruments, modular gear and drum machines all come together in one integrated setup. In this video I walk through the studio, explain how everything is connected, and show some of the instruments that regularly appear on the channel.

The studio is constantly evolving as new synths arrive, others get repaired, and different setups are tested for videos. In this walkthrough you'll see how classic gear like the Juno-60, Prophet series, Minimoog, TR-808, TR-909 and Jupiter synths sit alongside modern instruments such as the UDO Super 8, Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave, Waldorf M, Arturia PolyBrute and Roland System-8.

I also explain how everything is routed through the studio — from CV-controlled vintage synths integrated with MIDI, to the AudioFuse interface and Neve summing mixer that handle the audio side of things.

If you've ever wondered how to organise a hardware synth studio, integrate vintage CV instruments with modern DAWs, or just want to see a room full of iconic synths and drum machines, this video gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the setup behind the channel.

You’ll also hear a few stories along the way — including the slightly ridiculous “six degrees of separation” link from my studio gear to Charlize Theron and Kevin Bacon through the Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels soundtrack.

Whether you're into analog synthesis, wavetable synths, modular gear, or classic drum machines, this studio tour is packed with gear, ideas and inspiration.

Gear featured (selection)

• Roland Juno-60
• Roland Jupiter series
• Moog Minimoog, Voyager % Sub37
• Sequential Prophet synths
• Oberheim OBX8 and OB6
• UDO Super 8
• Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave
• Waldorf M
• Arturia PolyBrute
• Roland System-8
• TR-808 / TR-909 drum machines
• Analog Solutions Leipzig & Fusebox
• Modular & Eurorack gear"

SubBass ToolKit by GoldbabySamples

video upload by GoldbabySamples

"Window rattling sub bass. SubBass ToolKit is available now: www.goldbaby.co.nz/subbass.html"

"Sub bass is a mainstay of many electronic music genres. Drum & Bass, Dub, Hip Hop, Dub Step, Techno, Trap, etc. It’s a sound that you feel as well as hear. This pack contains a wide range of floor-shaking, window-rattling sub-bass sounds.

Made with vintage and modern synths and drum machines. Recorded and processed with tasty high-end outboard.

With patches for Logic Pro, Ableton Live, and TAL-Sampler, MPC/Force. Well-organised and labelled files also make it easy to use in other software and hardware.

Some of the gear used: Roland SH-101, Roland Juno 6, Roland MKH-80, Korg MS-20, Roland TR-808, 8Raw8, Elektron Syntakt, Moog GrandMother, Thermionic Fat Bustard II Valve mixer, Empirical Labs Fatso, Electrodyne 511, ez1073-500."

Minimal Techno sketch 21 (Roland TR-1000)

video upload by Olu Ondas Studio

"Experimenting a bit with layers.

kick: 909
ohh: 909
crackle/ride 909
modular atonal sample
mid tom 808x
perc fx13
triangle
fm cymbal
808 ch
mg888trrim

#rolandtr1000
#tr1000
#minimaltechno"

Roland TR-1000 w/ 808 Skin / Accents on Unit: E - Mbali Mbrace (Jam Version)

video upload by Unit: E

"This is a quick jam of the song I'm working on, Mbali Mbrace. Testing out the fx and recording levels. All percussion in this song was sequenced on the ‪@rolandglobal‬ TR-1000. The vocal samples were imported, chopped, transposed, and layered in with the percussion, all within the 1000. The pads and keys were recorded live from the SH-4D, and in through the Ext In of the 1000. All FX are from within the TR-1000."

Dub Techno sketch 19 (Roland TR-1000 & Samples)

video upload by Olu Ondas Studio

Kick: 808x
CHH: sample
CHH2: 808 X
Tom: 808 mid tom
Brush: Brush SR
Rim: 707 highpassed
Chords: Sample
Vocal: Sample
Perc4: Sample snare roll
Noise: Crackle

Soft compression: Attack 30ms; Release 170ms; Threshold -3; Ratio 2:1; Gain 3db

#rolandtr1000
#tr1000
#dubtechno

Breakbeat sketch 17 (Roland TR-1000 & ES Bassline & Digitone2)

video upload by Olu Ondas Studio

Kick: 909
Snare: Clap&finger
OHH: 909x
CHH: 808 CHH
Shaker: 8xmaracas
Tom: 808 high tom
Conga: Sample
Crackle: Crackle
ST_Metallic

Digitone:
FM tone
Swarmer

Bassline, drive, detune, lfo 10 o clock

MSTRBLSTR - Pattern Clear Pattern Write

video upload by MSTRBLSTR

"MSTRBLSTR - Pattern Clear Pattern Write.
124 BPM machine-driven acid house - negative space, dub handoffs, tape delay + spring reverb. Brief clears, then a new polymetric logic takes over."

https://open.spotify.com/track/4dNO60... https://mstrblstr.bandcamp.com/track/...

"Machine-driven acid house at 124 BPM: transient-forward percussion with hollow-bodied punch, a constant bass groove that shifts in intensity, and an arrangement built on negative space and dub-style handoffs.

Tape delay and spring reverb open wide. Brief breaks wipe the grid just long enough for the pattern to snap back into focus. Then the momentum clears and a new polymetric logic takes over. Modulated melodic drifts change the room without abandoning the floor, leaving you somewhere familiar but newly yours.

Hardware: Din Sync RE-808, Roland TR-606, Roland/Tubbutec MC-2oh2, Cyclone TT-303, Alice 1228 mixer, Boss KM-60 mixer, Boss RCL-10 compressor, RE-201 Space Echo, Jeff Rubin Mu-tant Fly Phase, edited in Ableton Live.

iLL ACiD Cat. No. ILL015

iLL ACiD is 5 years old, so this one’s a free Bandcamp download + available on all platforms"

https://mstrblstr.bandcamp.com/track/pattern-clear-pattern-write