Roland TB-3 Acid Breakbeats TB-303 Bassline Aira Synthesizer Rik Marston

video upload by Rik Marston Official

"*Watch in HD* *Turn it UP!* *No Talking!!!*

My Etsy store: AhnyxianSoundDesign
https://www.etsy.com/shop/AhnyxianSou...
selling Synthesizer Sample Packs, UP NOW!
Also Jupiter-8 Prophet-6 OB-6 & more in .WAV format
& Exclusive Yamaha Montage / MODX, Korg Kronos / Nautilus
Sample Packs!
Do you like Ambient Chill Zen Electronic Synthesizer Music
like Vangelis, Kitaro, Brian Eno & more?
https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/ri...
Check out my band Earth Empire! ('Best of Earth Empire')
Sounds like a mix of Depeche Mode, Front 242 & Gary Numan!
https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/ri...
on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon & more!

'Roland TB-3 Acid Breakbeats TB-303 Bassline'
This fantastic synthesizer was a gift from my friend David Lovering
of The Pixies! David has given me the POWER OF ACID!
And I shall use it! In abundance!
This "Touch Bassline" is the Roland AIRA version of the
legendary TB-303 Bassline! And you use it with your fingers!
But in this little synthesizer demo I play some preset patterns
linked via Ableton LIVE to a funky Breakbeat at 120BPM."

FALL - Ambient Synth Jam #22 // Pro3, Subharmonicon, Arbhar, Panharmonium

video upload by David Falcon

"I felt like I needed a change in the setup to spice things up a bit, so it was time to learn how to use the CV ins and outs on my Sequential Pro3, since I've never learned to use them.
Here I am sending gates to Arbhar to trigger a sample, as well as clocking the whole system with LFO 3. Nothing crazy so far, taking baby steps. This arrangement arised so I had to hit record and see where it was taking me.
Abrhar goes into the latest addition to my rack which is the Rossum Panharmonium. It is generating synth notes from the sampled strings in Arbhar.

At the begginning I am improvising with the Nord Felt Piano on top of the Arbhar, and then slowly bring the other elements into the mix.

Subharmonicon is doing some long chords, feeding into Meris Polymoon for delay/reverb with some phaser. This pedal is amazing with synths specially.

The Pro3 is doing a sequence that gives the rhythmic context to the rest.

Hope you like it. Looking forward to explore this setup further.

// Patch notes //
Pro 3 - Clock and gates. Pluck sequence.
Subharmonicon - Chords, into Meris Polymoon.
Arbhar - Drone sample, triggered from Pro3. Into Panharmonium for subtle resynthesis.
Nord Electro - Felt Piano and Hammond Organ.

00:00 Intro - Piano Improvisation
03:10 Pro 3 sequence
04:00 Moog Subharmonicon chords
06:10 More piano improv
09:18 Hammond organ improv
11:00 Outro
13:30 Panharmonium resynthesis"

Give Me 7 Minutes - Unbelievable LoFi Track From Scratch with The Kiviak Wofi Sampler

video upload by SYNTH SAMURAI

"⁠The Kiviak Instruments WoFI is a portable Sampler keyboard that connects to the internet via WiFi, and features an innovative effect module called Texturer that combines elements of shimmer and granular synthesis to create unique and fascinating sounds. Its compact size and intuitive interface make it an ideal tool for musicians and producers who are always on the move. In addition, WoFI comes with a rechargeable battery, allowing you to create music anywhere you go without worrying about power. You can also share your patches and access sound banks from other sound designers through the mywo.fi community platform. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned professional, WoFI offers endless possibilities for exploring new sonic territories and creating unique sounds."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Vongon Introduces Solarfaze Stereo 3-band Saturator and Detune/Chorus Pedal

Demo and Sounds Samples video upload by Matt Lowery

"Grab a sample pack and support the cause: https://otakusound.gumroad.com/l/boke...

Today we've got the Solarfaze on the bench, by Vongon. It's a stereo saturation and detune (aka chorus) effect. Here's how it works and what it sounds like.

00:00 Intro
01:43 Chorus
05:23 Saturation
09:45 With Subharmonicon
11:40 With Pulsar 23
14:10 Multiband Guitar Loop"

Burning Softly // Vongon Solarfaze

video upload by OoraMusic

"Warmth. Movement. Glow.
This is the new Vongon SOLARFAZE — a stereo chorus fused with saturation.
Joined by Replay, Ultrasheer, and Polyphrase, here’s how it dreams.
Enjoy."

00:00 Jam
02:36 Intro
03:59 How to support me
04:30 Overview of SOLARFAZE
05:45 Saturate
08:15 Detune
10:04 Bringing in the other pedals
11:15 A different effect chain
15:13 Bonut tip : Transposing arpeggios with Replay
16:10 Solarfaze on Pads
20:05 Conclusions

Vongon Solarfaze is beautiful (harp, guitar, synth, drums)

video upload by Harp Lady



Pics and details via Perfect Circuit

The Solarfaze from Vongon is a stereo 3-band saturator and detune/chorus pedal that gives you exacting control over the frequency landscape of your signal. Whether you're adding a bit of undulatory warmth and saturation or assaulting the frequency spectra of your choice, Solarfaze as you covered, often surprising you with its tonal complexity. The heart of the pedal is a 3-band Bass, Mid, and Treble saturation mixer with each section offering three levels of gain: Soft, Boost, and Hard. Each band can be finetuned to one of five different frequencies, making this pedal as versatile as you are.

The Detune section offers a simple interface for adding movement and interest to your signal, affecting the stereo field, as well for a satisfying binaural experience. Adjust the Amount and Mix to your taste and turn up the Envelope control for dynamic expression that is based on your playing. Size can be adjusted as well to create a smoother or tighter detune effect. Other features include a built-in Noise Gate and an effect rerouting option. Indeed, the Solarfaze is a wonderful addition to the already incredibly Vongon lineup and is sure to find a use in any pedalboard.

SOLARFAZE FEATURES

Stereo multi-band saturator and chorus
Soft-clipping waveshapers for smooth transition from subtle warmth to heavy breakup
Bass, Mid, and Treble drive sliders
Selectable gain level per band: Soft (0dB), Boost (+6dB), Hard (+12dB)
Each band has 5 different frequency options
Stereo detune chorus with independent left/right pitch shifts
Envelope modulation of detune amount for dynamic stereo animation
Route Saturation into Detune and vice versa
Built-in Noise Gate with adjustable threshold
MIDI Input for parameter control and 9 preset storage

CLICK FOR MORE »

Hacking Omnisphere 3: User MULTIsamples are a Thing!

video upload by Keith Crosley

"TLDR: You can make your own multisamples for Omnisphere 3. Why is this hidden? I don't know! But come along with me as we hack Omnisphere to play some of the world's greatest recorded sounds. (Also, my own "Varieties of Noise" sample library.) Grab your XML parser and get ready for a multi-samples-a-go-go episode of your favorite talky synthesizer content show!"

You can find wavetables and additional resources by Keith Crosley available at https://www.wavetables.lol.

When the Spec Becomes Code: Building a Norns Instrument with AI

video upload by Lesjamusic

"Building PolyNexus: A Complete Norns Instrument, using Claude AI

I used to struggle with "vibe coding" - throwing prompts at AI and hoping for working software. Then I discovered the article "When the Spec Becomes the Code," and everything changed.

Spec-driven development (SDD) transformed my workflow. Instead of generating code through endless prompts, I focus on creating clear specifications first. The spec becomes the blueprint, and Claude AI helps compile it into working code.

PolyNexus is the result of this approach - a complete generative polyphonic instrument for Monome Norns that evolved far beyond my initial vision. What started as a chord sequencer grew ambitious: I built PolyVoice, a custom 6-voice synthesizer engine in SuperCollider, based on three Plaits oscillator models with wavefolding, sample rate reduction, and comprehensive modulation.

The best part? Spec-driven development gave me the confidence to tackle SuperCollider synthesis, something I wouldn't have attempted with traditional "vibe coding."

🎹 PolyNexus Features:

PolyVoice Synthesis Engine: • Custom 6-voice polyphonic SuperCollider engine • Three Plaits-inspired oscillator models (morph, waveshaping, wavetable) • Wavefolding for harmonic complexity • Sample rate reduction for lo-fi textures • Independent LFOs and envelope control per voice

Generative Sequencer: • 16-chord harmonic palette (monome Grid row 1) • Probabilistic note retriggering engine • Random chord sequencer for compositional surprises • Bass and sub-bass sequencer for rhythmic foundation • Real-time playable notes (Grid row 5)

Analog-Style Effects Chain: • Tape character: flutter, wow, saturation, tape noise • Tape-style delay with feedback and rate control • Multi-mode filtering for tone shaping

🔗 Resources: • Jean Bovet: "When the Spec Becomes the Code" - / when-the-spec-becomes-the-code • PolyNexus (coming soon to lines community) • monome Norns - https://monome.org • Mutable Instruments Plaits • SuperCollider synthesis language

⏱️ Timeline:
0:00 - Introduction: The Struggle with Vibe Coding
01:51 - Discovery: Spec-Driven Development
04:33 - What is PolyNexus?
12:37 - Live Performance

Want to try spec-driven development? Start by describing what you want to build in clear, detailed language. Iterate on the specification until it's crystal clear. Then let AI help compile it into code. You'll be amazed at what becomes possible."

Büromaschinen | What a single pattern can do | X.12 Firmware exploration

video upload by buromaschinen

"A bit late to the party.

Not a proper song, it's a single pattern first exploration to test the new sound design and manipulation possibilities of the Elektron Machinedrum unofficial Firmware ver. X.12.

It's unbelievably good.
I'm totally shocked/in awe and I think I will go MD X.12 only for a while.
It really feels like that Monomachine/Machinedrum hybrid I have been dreaming about for such a long time.

Next thing I want to do is a pure data midi2CC script that allows me to input notes and chords with a midi keyboard.

A special thank you goes to the developers, you really did an incredible job.
If I could make a little wish for a future addition: I would love to have tonal mode for the ROM machines as well, I have a huge sample library from the Amiga era that is waiting to be loaded in the UW :)

In this exploration I mainly used GND-PU and GND-SW for the melodies, all synthesis, no samples. The pulse bass/pad thing is sidechained with a NFX-CO machine and the main pads use a NFX-EV to achieve long attack/release and double stage filtering.

All the audio is coming from the main AB out, no additional audio outputs were used.

You can find my music on buromaschinen.bandcamp.com
Buromaschinen is part of the Distant Future association, distantfuture.org"

First Jam with Dream Cinematic Synthesizer Solar 42N

video upload by Pipo Ferreira

"What an incredible machine. Had to capture the very first little jam with the new Elta Music Solar 42N. Just got it this week and finally got around to playing with it today. Just scratching the surface of what it can do. Can't wait to learn all its intricacies and develop some techniques with it so I can hopefully take it to a future live performance. Dream synth for me!

Also, can't wait to sample it a bunch into the Elektron Tonverk.

Stick around for future jams with it if you are interested. And, of course, thank you for watching/listening!"

New England Digital Synclavier Brochures

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

New England Digital Synclavier 9600 Polyphonic Sampling System Brochure

via this eBay listing

"RARE! New England Digital Synclavier 9600 Polyphonic Sampling System Brochure

Yes, this is the 9600, and yes, this is in English.

This is THE RAREST and MOST SOUGHT AFTER of the 1989 new system brochures that that fake foreign website scanned the photos from 25+ years ago to show fake systems on the website (instead of real ones like Synclav com has shown for 20+ years). This is the original source of the scan, at least for the Synclavier 9600 model. Those photos show empty boxes. Uhm, what's holding that beige door closed (no locks)? And exactly what software generates that screen image?

This incredibly rare brochure gives all the information, and shows all the specs of the Synclavier 9600. And surprise! The maximum polyphonic sampling memory is not "1.5GB", lulz.

And, lastly, Synhouse has the Synclavier 9600 in stock (two kinds, actually). Nobody else does."

New England Digital Synclavier Brochure VPK Sample-to-Disk VT640

via this eBay listing

"This is an incredibly rare brochure from the summer of 1984 (when NED was working on polyphonic sampling Synclavier to be shown October 1984 and there was no actual system in production, the few shipped were hybrids of the Synclavier V/PK retrofitted to a Synclavier II Control Unit) that shows things that NED didn't exactly make, ever.

This was their first---and last---mention of "The Tapeless Studio" meaning the sequencer (later that meant the Direct-to-Disk system). It describes the SMPTE Reader Option without using that term because it wasn't yet available and they hadn't figured out how it would be done yet (similar to the 1987 discussion of the not-yet-released 3rd party SMPTE reader for the Linn 9000, saying they weren't sure whether or not it would require additional hardware to be added to the Linn 9000....that's the sound of someone who hasn't ever used SMPTE and doesn't know what it is), and it shows a graphical flow chart showing polyphonic sampling and multi-channel outputs (neither available then as building blocks), and is intentionally vague about the "floppy disk system" and "Winchester disks", as they didn't really have the set offering for that (high density Superfloppy, not out until 1985, and 5mb and 10mb IMI MFM Winchester drives being common, neither with SCSI until 9/1985).

It describes the Stereo Option, Sample-to-Disk, SCRIPT/MAX, and different Control Unit enclosures.

Most strangely, it shows a V/PK that never existed, with a back panel that wasn't made, with Synclavier II connectors that were never used and, sadly, an on/off power switch that they never put on this $11,000 machine.

CLICK FOR MORE »

The Sound of Prince with the Oberheim 🎹

video upload by RetroSound

"(c)2007-25 by RetroSound
supported by UVI: http://bit.ly/retrosound-uvi

One of my favorite tracks from the 80s.
When Doves Cry by Prince from the album Purple Rain (1984)

I used the 1010music bento with LM-1 samples and tuned the sound.
The bento works great as sample based drummachine for me.


And I used the Oberheim OB-Xa synthesizer for all synth sounds.
I played the guitar sample with the E-MU Emulator II."

synth tees: https://retrosound.creator-spring.com

The Florian Schneider Collection to Be Auctioned at JULIEN*S November 19

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

via JULIEN*S

"THE FLORIAN SCHNEIDER COLLECTION

Auction to be held at Musician's Hall of Fame & Museum, Nashville, on November 19

An incredible collection of more than 450 artifacts from the life and career of Florian Schneider, co-founder of the pioneer electronic band Kraftwerk."

Pics and videos featuring some of the gear below, and his Lederhosen for good measure (thanks greg!).

Update: the post has been fully updated with all the synth related gear. This may just well be the longest post to be featured on the site. I wanted to capture all the pics for all of the details including notes, scuffs, and of course serial numbers. It's an interesting look into what he used, the condition he keped his gear, in some cases, how he actually used his gear. Note the phonetics on the keys of the Casio CZ-101 and DX-100. Note the Midi Switch Box with a built-in speaker? What's that about? Note the camouflage key strap on the Korg RK-100 Remote Keyboard. Did he pick it out himself or did the keytar just come with it? Note the repeat midi controllers and the MIDI saxaphones. Wind was his primary instrument. You'll find a ton of the acoustic gear he used in the other listings. This is a fascinating insight into both what and how he used his gear.

Side note: there is no affiliate compensation for this post. The note at the top automatically shows for all posts with the Auction label.


Rack Mount Sennheiser VSM-201 Vocoder

Starting Bid $5,000

Estimate $20,000 - $40,000 USD

A late 1970s Sennheiser VSM 201 Vocoder with no serial number from the personal studio and collection of Florian Schneider of Kraftwerk (see images). While it’s said that only a few dozen of these Vocoders were produced, a few examples made it into the hands of forward-thinking musical artists including Herbie Hancock, Daft Punk, and of course, Kraftwerk, who used a VSM-201 like this on their albums Man Machine (1978) and Computerworld (1981). The VSM-201 has an intelligible sound that has not yet been bested by modern gear. Includes power cable. This VSM-201 has been removed from its wooden enclosure (which bears the serial number plate) and modified with a metal rack mount casing, presumably for live use. Requires 240v, IEC power cable not included.

Dimensions: 19 x 9 x 9 inches

Category: Kraftwerk, Equipment

Provenance: PROVENANCE From the Estate of Florian Schneider

CLICK FOR MORE »

NEW Doepfer A-155-2 Mini Analog Sequencer & Friends - First Try of the 12HP #Eurorack Module

video upload by DreamsOfWires

"First play with the new Doepfer A-155-2 Mini Analog Sequencer, with A-111-5 Mini Synthesizer Voice, AJH Synth Tap Tempo VC-LFO and Chance Delay, along with a MiniMod voice for backing drone. The Mini Sequencer is a real 8-stage analogue step-sequencer, but with a few digital tricks up it's sleeve. For example, whilst it doesn't feature an internal clock or quantizer, it does allow you to save and recall step settings (except frequency), so you can switch between multiple behaviours simultaneously - very useful for live use. I've not tried this yet, but maybe in a follow-up video. Aside from that, there's step mute buttons, multiple play directions, 1-8 step pattern lengths, x2/x3/x4 ratcheting on each step, 1V/2V/4V CV range selector, and manual or CV reset. Not bad for 12hp. Here I'm using the Tap Tempo VC-LFO as the master clock, but also to produce random stepped voltages (like sample & hold) to modulate the Mini Synth's filter per step. This clock is then passed to the Chance Delay module, which restricts the probability of a gate or clock pulse passing through it, either manually controlled or by CV - more often this might be placed after the sequencer, so that steps (in this case notes) can be randomly skipped, whilst retaining the length of the sequence. However, I'm using it before the sequencer, so that all steps will be played in order (apart from when the sequencer is in random mode), but will do so across random steps - an effect I find quite satisfying sometimes. The rest of the patch is pretty self-explanatory if you have subtitles enabled. It was just an initial experiment really. More to come.

DISCLAIMER: This is NOT a paid video, I purchased the module myself, and no brand used in this video had any prior involvement or knowledge of me making it.

Find my music at https://tomorrowthecure.bandcamp.com"



The Doepfer A-155-2 is a Miniature Analog Sequencer module that packs huge creative potential in a compact package. Using the A-155-2 is simple, yet a deep set of functionalities make it perfect for all things from basic repeating patterns to unique ratcheting and evolving sequences. Eight step positions each feature a knob for setting CV value, as well as an illuminated button to manually set gates on each step. At the bottom of the panel, outputs for a single pair of CV and gate signals are available, as well as clock and reset inputs. Along with a simple three-position switch for CV range, the A-155-2 offers a streamlined way to create driving patterns in any patch.

Beyond simple and unidirectional patterns, the A-155-2 enables plenty of creative options for crafting unique and lively sequences. Using the programming switch in combination with the step buttons, you can easily set up ratcheting rhythms for multiple gates per step, perfect for extending a melodic idea with stuttering syncopations. Additionally, sequence length and direction can be adjusted, allowing you to create longer patterns, evoke odd-time signatures, and experiment with random step playback. Finally, an eight-slot preset system is onboard, giving you the capability to store and recall your patterns between sessions and shows. Whether implemented as the brain of a small system or ticking along in a grand chorus of clocked control, the Doepfer A-155-2 Mini Analog Sequencer is a small triumph of modulatory movement for any case.

CLICK FOR MORE »

1010music bento ~ The Sampling Synthesizer and Sequencing Workhorse

video upload by RetroSound

"supported by UVI: http://bit.ly/retrosound-uvi

Last week arrived my prize from the Keyboards Synthesizer competition. 🙂 Some of you voted for me. Yes, no vintage synthesizer. :D I promised I would make a demo. And here we are.

Call me crazy, but I couldn't tear myself away from it all weekend. I loaded all my drum machine samples from the last 30 years into the box, along with waveforms from my synthesizers. This thing is a sound and performance monster. Even as a sampling drum machine alone, it's worth its weight in gold. Sampling with extensive editing options such as slicing, chopping up samples, multi-sampling , real-time and step sequencing, granular synthesis, etc. Everything under one roof. Bento works scene-based like Ableton Live, for example, which means you first build the individual components and then put everything together into a song at the end. The advantage of this is that you can rebuild and rearrange the song in real time over and over again.
It's still in the early stages of development and updates are coming out all the time, but even in its current state, Bento is super awesome.

here is the bento:
0:06 Intro
0:18 Sample Processing
1:08 Granular
1:36 Track Programming
2:47 RetroSound Demo Song 1 (Electro)
3:56 RetroSound Demo Song 2 (Synthwave)
5:29 Drum Sample Processing

RetroSound synthesizer demo videos since january 2007.
Everything is free. If you like my work, you can also support me with the purchase of my merchandise stuff or my music.

Shop: https://retrosound.creator-spring.com/
Bandcamp: https://retrosound.bandcamp.com/"

YAMAHA CS1x Synthesizer Factory Demo Tracks

video upload by RetroSound

"(c)2007-25 by RetroSound
supported by UVI: http://bit.ly/retrosound-uvi

❤️ Support #RetroSound​ channel: https://retrosound.creator-spring.com

I had the Yamaha CS1x synthesizer in the mid 90s and programmed a few sounds for the Yamaha user library.

CS1x factory track list:
0:06 AnaLuner
2:13 TRANSIT
3:34 ArpTech
5:14 EASTWEST
6:19 KnobTech
7:53 FRIDGE
9:16 HipHpGrv
10:43 NY BABE

The Yamaha CS1x is a sample ROM synthesizer with AWM2 sound engine especially for 90s dance music styles.
Basic playmode is the performance mode which a maximum of 4 layered PCM patch-samples.
4,5 MB sample ROM.
128 ROM presets
128 RAM user patches

The filter is a digital lowpass 24/oct with resonance.
Arpeggiator with 30 presets.
MIDI.
FX with Reverb, Delay, Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, Distortion and 43 variations

You hear some factory tracks from the CS1x.
All tracks performed and mastered by Yamaha.

RetroSound synthesizer demo videos since january 2007.
Everything is free. If you like my work, you can also support me with the purchase of my merchandise stuff or my music.
Shop: https://retrosound.creator-spring.com/
Bandcamp: https://retrosound.bandcamp.com/"

32 New Meska Presets for Plinky + : Vacuum Space

video upload by Meska (Meska)

"Quick sound demo of the 32 New preset i made on Plinky + , using the Vacuum tube wave table
Plinky website : https://plinkysynth.com/
You can dowload the presets here: https://plinkysynth.com/presets/Meska...

00:52 80sVibe
2:30 Evol
3:49 Ratakses
5:20 Enola
6:40 Spinal (Sample)
7:47 Nostar
9:15 Theycom
10:28 Cov4r

CLICK FOR MORE »

Polyend Tracker Mini Aluminum | Three songs in metal and glass

video upload by Jay Hosking

"Please support my work on Patreon: / jayhosking
Three drum & bass-ish songs performed live with the Polyend Tracker Mini Anniversary edition.

I've been a fan of Polyend's Tracker line for a while, and the newest iterations—with stereo samples and internal synths—have basically everything I want in one package. So when Polyend announced they were making a Tracker Mini out of metal and glass, with vastly improved buttons, I pre-ordered one for myself. The weakest part of the Mini was definitely the build quality, and I loved the idea of a premium portable Tracker.

A little later, Mitch from Polyend reached out and asked if I wanted to get my Tracker Mini Aluminum early, in hopes that I could show it to others. Seemed like a good excuse to create a bunch of music, and hopefully allow others to see what the device was like before launch.

So here are three songs on the Tracker Mini Aluminum. I started by making my own drum breaks and slicing them in the Mini. The drum one-shots and a lot of the melodic content came from Polyend's own Palettes storefront, which has some great sample food for writing. The rest of the melodic ideas came from a recent community sample pack we made for my Patreon, entitled "Loop Food". Altogether, I was up and writing songs very fast.

Once I had the Tracker Mini Aluminum, I started to figure out the arrangements. Song mode is another section where I really appreciate it over other devices; it's got quirks, but it's fast and powerful and helps me get to the finish line.

I could sort of say that about the Polyend Tracker line-up in general: it has quirks, it's occasionally fickle, but the firmware is relatively mature and it has a great combination of sound, power, and performability.

Thanks for listening.

Recorded multitrack via the Tracker Mini's USB output. Some additional sweetening on the internal synths (e.g. chorus on the pads, where noted). EQ, compression, and limiting on the master.

00:00 - Song 1
05:12 - Song 2
09:16 - Song 3

https://jayhosking.bandcamp.com"

Programma 900 2.0 - Dorcrinx Time

video upload by Saß

"Today I just felt like messing around with the first experimental DSP algorithm contained within the Programma 900 2.0: Dorcrinx Time. A quick and simple pattern played into the midi recorder/looper easily turns into an ambient soundscape with just a few adjustments of the knobs and sliders. Feel free to sample or remix any part of this video or let me know your favorite part. I hope you enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed playing! See you in the next one!"

Roger Linn: The King of Drum Machines

video upload by Jack Pearson

"This is the story of Roger Linn, a guitarist from Los Angeles whose innovative sample based drum machines changed the sound of music forever.

Special thanks to Roger himself for featuring my video in the September Linnstrument newsletter (https://myemail.constantcontact.com/L...) and on his website (https://www.rogerlinndesign.com).

I first learned about Roger a few years ago while making a film called “The History of Sampling in Music” [below]. While I didn’t know anything about Roger at the time, I was astounded to learn that he had created both the LinnDrum and the MPC, which shaped the punchy robotic drums of 80s pop music and the grungy experimental grooves of 90s hip-hop respectively. I did a quick bit of research about him for my video, but didn’t really dig much deeper than that… However, a few months ago I decided to rewatch my old project, which reignited my interest in Roger’s story and gave me the idea for this video.

Like my previous project, I’d initially planned to write a script and do a voice-over, but after discovering the assortment of recorded interviews that Roger has already appeared in, I realised that I could just chop them up and have Roger tell his own story. I thought 'hey that sounds pretty cool, how hard could it be?'

Well, let’s just say I’m probably never going to do something like this again. I did enjoy making this and I am proud of it, but if I had just done a voice-over not only would it have been easier to make, but I also could’ve included a lot information without it feeling incredibly clunky. The initial cut was about 26 minutes, but I cut out loads of stuff for the sake of pacing and trying to stick to narrative beats. Roger is a fascinating guy with a lot of great anecdotes though, so if you enjoyed this video then I highly recommend you seek out some of the podcasts/interviews he’s done over the years.

I planned on making all the music for this film myself, but decided it would be better to use music that relates to Roger in some way (for example, he co-wrote 'Promises' by Eric Clapton and 'Quittin’ Time' by Mary Chapin Carpenter, and first used the LM-1 Drum Computer on the Leon Russell album 'Life & Love' which featured the track 'One More Love Song'.) I salvaged one of these demo tracks for the credits, but you can listen it and a few more scrapped tracks here:

Jack Pearson · RL:TKODM (Credits Music + Demos)

Since you’ve read this far, here’s a few bonus Roger facts that got cut out of the video:

The LM-1 was featured on the best selling album of all time - 'Thriller' by Micheal Jackson, as well as other early 80s hits like 'Maneater' by Hall & Oates, 'Valerie' by Steve Winwood, and for some reason - the original 1983 Thomas the Tank Engine theme song.

Roger hired his friend, a professional session drummer called Art Wood, to record most of the sounds on the LM-1. They set up the kit in Roger’s closet, recording each of the drums one at a time… then called it a day. Given the popularity of the songs featuring these recordings - Art Wood is technically one of most prominently featured drummers of all time.

And here's two bonus facts about this video:

The title 'The King of Drum Machines' is a quote from the father of MIDI - Dave Smith, when he spoke about Roger and the Tempest drum machine (which they built together) on a Sweetwater panel in 2015. [below]

This video was released on Roger’s 70th birthday.

I hope you enjoy it!" The History of Sampling in Music (2022)

video upload by Jack Pearson

The Inventors of Synth (Roger Linn, Dave Smith & Tom Oberheim) - Sweetwater Gearfest 2015

video upload by Sweetwater

"Join Mitch Gallagher as he moderates 'The Inventors of Synth' panel discussion at Gearfest '15. Featuring industry icons Dave Smith, Tom Oberheim, and Roger Linn discussing their thoughts on the past, present, and future of analog synthesizers and controllers.

Legendary synth designer and Grammy-winner Dave Smith was the founder of Sequential Circuits in the mid-'70s. His Prophet-5, the world's first fully programmable polyphonic synth, was the first musical instrument with an embedded microprocessor. Dave is also known as the driving force behind the development of the MIDI specification. He has continued to innovate, and recently unveiled his latest synth creation, the Sequential Prophet-6.

A pioneer of the synth and MIDI world, Tom Oberheim co-designed the Synthesizer Expansion Module (SEM), a device that allowed musicians to simultaneously combine live playing and sequenced playback - a concept that pre-dated the MIDI revolution. In 1981, he, along with Roland's Ikutaro Kakehashi and Sequential's Dave Smith, developed the MIDI spec, which changed the course of modern music. Tom recently re-released his famed Two Voice synth.

Technical Grammy award-winner Roger Linn invented the LM-1 Drum Computer (the first sample-based drum machine) in 1979. He later designed the Akai MPC60, which combined a sampling drum machine with a real-time MIDI sequencer. His guitar effects unit, AdrenaLinn, has been used on hit recordings by John Mayer and Red Hot Chili Peppers. In 2014 he released the LinnStrument, an expressive MIDI performance controller."

Stylophone Gen X-2 & Lofi-12 XT Acid Jam - Men Only Want One Thing And It's Disgusting Acid

video upload by ChrisLody

"Full Disclosure: I occasionally take on freelance work at Sonicware and Stylophone on an hourly rate producing synth & sample sound design, beta testing, checking English text, video manuals, promo content etc. This video wasn't paid for directly but as a result of my work with Sonicware and Stylophone it is marked as Paid Promotion

Time for some more weekend acid it seems!

The good people over at Stylophone sent me the Gen X-2 so I can make some promotional work for them, but of course it needs a good test 😁so time for some acid😈

This jam uses the Korg SQ-1 as a sequencer to control it because the new Gen X-2 model has gate and CV inputs meaning I can create a sequence and get it to sync up with other gear where as the Gen X-1 was played by the stylus only. I'm also running the Gen X-2 through an unbranded Vintage Overdrive that my wife found as a freebie on Temu of all things. To my surprise it's actually pretty good and pairs nicely with the Gen X-2. I did have to use an inline isolator between the Gen X-2 and pedal though as it was generating a lot of digital noise otherwise.

The Lofi-12 XT is being used to add delay and reverb to the Gen X-2 and I'm using the new v1.5 feature of being able to sidechain external sources again because it's super useful for letting the kick cut through on things like this."

Weather is FAR TOO NICE for GEAR

video upload by AudioPilz

"Hey everybody, it is August 2025 and the weather here in Vienna is far too nice for gear. However, you wouldn’t be watching videos of me chilling at the local beer garden so I combined a few electronic musical instruments to three different setups for every budget and took them to some of my favorite places around here where there is no power outlet in sight.

The rules are simple: no iPads, no laptops and - most importantly - the setups need to be operable independent from the power grid. Diesel generators and solar cells aside, there are basically three ways to do that and I dedicated a setup to each of these methods.

00:00 Introduction and Beer Garden
00:22 The Rooftop (Rules)
00:39 Setup 1: The Double A
02:06 The Island
03:01 Setup 2: Planned Obsolescence
03:58 The Forest
04:56 Setup 3: The Power Bank
05:54 The Castle
06:45 Outro and Beer Garden 2
07:06 Patreon Shoutout ( Polyend Synth )
08:40 2004 ( Korg Volca Sample 2 )

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