Hexdrums: First Noodle (No talk, no drive)

video upload by Richard DeHove

"You want easy? Hexdrums is easy. The sounds are whatever the knobs are on. There are no hidden extra sound controls. The sequencer is wonderfully straightforward yet has the options to create long and complex passages on a single pattern.

This is my first pattern with Hexdrums and I created it to learn the options, so it contains a little bit of everything. Voices 1, 3 and 6 run for 24 steps; most of the others are 16 or 64; there's shuffle on voices 3 and 4; and about half the steps on voice 4 have some microtiming. Many voices use the 'play once in 4' or similar settings applied to various steps and I activated the option for those to affect the last time around rather than the first. Various voices also have accents on different steps. I replaced the cymbal samples with my own samples which is what you hear on voices 9 and 10.

I used the individual outs on the back to send the snare to the Echolocator and the low boom sample on voice 9 to the Nightverb. MIDI out on the Hexdrums controls the Echolocator clock. By that stage it was all feeling full so I didn't want to artificially squeeze in the hats so I left them for next time. Many people like to immediately apply loads of drive to the sound. I love drive, saturation, dirt, gain and distortion. But there's none here. Another thing for next time. Likewise only a tiny touch of compression. With me applying 'test amounts' of all these options, usually at random, it's a miracle it sounds as coherent as it does. Even so rolls and hits do appear at odd intervals, the result of the 24 vs 16 step interplay and the 1-in-4 steps.

Not surprisingly then I thought it best to leave the knobs alone and concentrate on muting parts to create this little demo. Obviously it's all a single take and has not been enhanced, edited or remixed in the DAW. Stupidly I had a loose cable going into the Echolocator which created a bit of hum which I did try to eliminate in the DAW.

My one sentence review so far: Hexdrums is incredibly easy to use with loads of effortless thump and a deep sequencer.

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

PATCH / STEREO 4 VOICE GENERATIVE CHORDS / Joranalogue Audio Design system

video upload by Joranalogue Audio Design

"'I had a blast creating this patch on a giant Joranalogue eurorack system. I implemented a lot of small tricks, let me write out the main ones down here...'—Simon


Kickdrum
---------------
Filter 8 is getting pinged by a clock pulse (generated with a looping Contour 1), routed through Warp 1. A second Contour 1 is used to modulate the frequency of Filter 8. A Step 8 being clocked with the same pulse from Contour 1 is modulating the exponent parameter on Warp 1 (controlling the amount of distortion/waveshaping). The pattern is 7 steps long. By adjusting the exp knob manually I have additional control over the distortion.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Introducing Absynth 6 – weird by design | Native Instruments

video upload by Native Instruments

"Absynth is back and better than ever. The legendary semi-modular synth built for evolving textures, immersive atmospheres, and expressive sound – now with new presets, a reimagined Mutator, Preset Explorer, surround sound and MPE support, plus much more."

And a few supporting member videos followed by the press release with images:

DATABROTH

video upload by DATABROTH

"Read my full review here: https://www.databroth.com/blog/absynt...
Join me December 12th at 9 AM PT in the Native Instruments discord as I live stream Absynth 6

check out my wavetables and presets at https://gumroad.com/databroth
join my Patreon https://www.patreon.com/databroth"

00:00 First Patch
01:21 Biolumin
02:21 Crystal Pad
03:14 Glitters
04:25 Refractions
05:41 Patch Six
06:33 Aetherized

Absynth 6 Review is Here: The King of Cloudy Pads Returns #absynth6 #absynth #nativeinstruments"

Ocean Swift / Faxi Nadu
video uploads by Ocean Swift / Faxi Nadu

Grab the Ocean Swift Absynth Collective for a huge expansion of over +780 presets! https://oceanswift.net/product/absynt...

Playlist:

1. Absynth 6 Review is Here: The King of Cloudy Pads Returns #absynth6 #absynth #nativeinstruments

"Native Instruments has finally released Absynth 6! In this exclusive first look review, we dive deep into the completely redesigned GUI, the new MPE capabilities, and the massive library of new presets Ocean Swift helped design.

After years of waiting, the legendary semi-modular synthesizer is back. As one of the external sound designers for this release, we've spent months exploring the new engine. In this video, we break down exactly what makes Absynth special and why the new UX modernization changes the game for sound designers and composers.

We cover everything from the new HD Mode and browsing workflow to the advanced envelope shapers that made Absynth famous - now easier to use than ever.

The King of Cloudy Pads Returns? Finally here!

#Absynth6 #absynth #NativeInstruments #SoundDesign #Synthesizer #MusicProduction #VSTPlugin #newgear

00:00:00 Absynth Is Back!
00:01:16 UX and UI Remake
00:03:15 Revamped Macros
00:04:22 MPE and PolyAT
00:06:22 New Synthesis
00:08:00 Browsing
00:08:27 New Presets
00:09:48 Get +780 Presets!
00:11:13 New Samples
00:13:10 In Love"

2. Absynth 6 - Design a Patch From Scratch | Layers, Clouds, Macros & Note FX #absynth6 #sounddesign

Along the way we explore the unique features that make Absynth special: working with all three layers, using per-layer envelopes, dialing in note-aware effects, assigning macros, shaping clouds and filters, and sprinkling in small tricks and workflow tidbits. By the end of the video you’ll have a clear understanding of how to approach your own Absynth 6 patch design - whether you’re after cloudy pads, moving textures or more experimental tones. If you’re just getting into Absynth 6 or want to go deeper than presets, this walkthrough will help you unlock the synth’s semi-modular possibilities and design your own signature sounds.

Press release follows:


Native Instruments makes things “Weird by Design” with the return of fan-favorite soft-synth Absynth 6

The semi-modular powerhouse, overhauled for a new generation of musicians, featuring full MPE polyphonic aftertouch, surround support and an AI-powered browser

CLICK FOR MORE »

Digitakt 2 × AstroLab 37 – A Workflow Sineway Didn’t Expect

video upload by Sineway

"A Digitakt 2 performance built entirely from samples of the AstroLab 37.

Every synth sound in this track started on the AstroLab, then took on a new shape once chopped, pitched, and rebuilt inside the Digitakt 2. The workflow surprised me – the DT2 clicked as soon as I stopped trying to treat it like a sample-based Digitone 2 and leaned into what it really wants to be instead.

More Digitakt 2 content is coming – and more AstroLab-based stuff too. If you want a breakdown of this sample-chopping workflow, let me know in the comments."

Restoring an Instrument You've Never Heard (only 3 left)

video upload by Emma Repairs

The ViVi-Tone Clavier Kalama Zoo!

"This month I undertook quite possibly the rarest restoration I may be able to do, doing a full redo of the first electric piano. Come with me as we discover how important this specific model actually is in relation to it's creator...

SAMPLE PACK:

Below is the download link to the two sample packs, please download the whole folder for the program to work. Once downloaded, click the second link to download the sample pack player--there you can open it in your DAW as a plugin and select either pack options. NOTE: Files have been updated using a better Clavier--these are not from this video's Clavier, but a newer restoration of another.

https://tinyurl.com/2ecx5de5
https://www.tx16wx.com/download/

0:00 - 4:17 The History
4:17 - 11:52 Keybed
11:52 - 14:42 Action
14:42 - 18:35 Signal Path
18:35 - 24:19 Tuning/Voicing
24:19 - 26:43 Demos"

KORG TRIDENT MK1 Analog Synth Demo

video upload by EthanRayMusic

"Here's a brief sample of me playing the Korg Trident MK1 analog polyphonic synth. This is an incredibly lush and beautiful instrument with some of the finest sounding synth strings around.

The synth section alone sounds wonderfully gritty and bright in a way that really cuts through. The filter tone is also really great, with a very starry, twinkly quality.

The built in flanger is quite unique and sounds awesome."

Ambient Improvisation

video upload by Jörg Schaaf

"1,859 / 5,000
It's been quite a while since I produced and uploaded my last live video. With this video, I want to make a fresh start and produce more videos from my studio in the future. Therefore, this improvisation is quite simple. The Prophet X plays two sequences of different lengths using a sound from my Prophet X Sample Library Volume 1, which is available on my website and will be presented in detail here on YouTube soon.

https://www.joergschaaf.de/wordpress/...

The Spectralis plays a deep bass note every two bars and runs unsynchronized at the same tempo as the Prophet X (119 BPM).

I play a few melodies on my Minimoog, which has faithfully accompanied me for almost thirty years. It's a kind of farewell to a beloved synthesizer that I unfortunately have to part with. You can find it on the German online classifieds site Kleinanzeigen.

(https://www.kleinanzeigen.de/s-anzeig...)

The Minimoog is in very good condition. I've maintained it regularly over the years, and it underwent a complete overhaul last week. This Minimoog is equipped with a Lintronics MIDI converter, which includes an additional LFO and other modifications. Thanks to retrofitted precision trimmers, the oscillators are significantly easier to tune and more stable than the original.

The sound of a Minimoog is very organic and majestic. I emphasize the vintage character of this little instrument by using the Valhalla DSP Delay plugin. This plugin produces wonderfully glorious noise and distortion on demand, adding even more life to this session."

Techno Jam with Perkons HD-01 by ‪@EricaSynths‬ 🎛️

video upload by Yan Cook and PLAY VINYL

"I want to thank ‪@playvinylua‬ for lending me this machine for several days, I'll definitely use this opportunity to sample the beast 😃

My first impression — Perkons is BIG, really built like a tank, and feels very different from any drum machine I've used before. Each press of a button and turn of a knob feels significant—like I'm operating a submarine control panel or something. The sheer hands-on joy this instrument delivers is on another level; it's a machine you need to experience in person."

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.

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