It's 30 years since I released my first album. This is a a kind of follow up
In 1995, I decided to set up a small home studio and record an album, using a combination of acoustic and electronic instruments. The result was my debut solo record Electro-Orgoustic Music, which was also the first release on my label Expanding Records
It was the beginning of a lifelong journey, a sonic adventure in which I explored my musical passions, combining old and new equipment, trying to discover my own unique voice with these fascinating instruments. I have followed my instincts and expanded my toolbox, but kept true to my original vision: to surround myself with inspirational tools and live amongst them, using them daily in my work and play
Here, I present to you an album made 30 years on from that debut recording, using a similar cast of instrumental characters, in fact many of the same ones which appeared on the first album
This album was made on the following equipment (asterisk denotes an appearance on the 1995 album):
A modular synthesiser performance recorded on my terrace in Porto, built around the 4MS Spectral Multiband Resonator and the Serge Random Source Triple Waveshaper [with Play all Day's PlayFader].
This patch became something to play rather than explain, with dense cross modulation and unstable feedback paths.
Watch the companion video looking at the underlying patch structure here:"
Patch Memory #3 | Chaotic cross modulation with 4MS SMR and R*S Triple Waveshaper
"Another patch exploration video, this time focusing on chaotic cross modulation between the 4MS Spectral Multiband Resonator and the Serge Random Source Triple Waveshaper.
This is a short overview of the patch logic rather than a full performance or a repeatable recipe. The sounds are unstable by design and difficult to reproduce exactly.
Performance audio available on Bandcamp, alongside an additional piece here:
"On November 20, 2025, This Is Not Rocket Science (TiNRS) visited our showroom in Berlin. In this recording of the evening, Priscilla and Stijn Haring-Kuipers present their latest Eurorack modules, the legendary Fenix IV, and provide insights into their creative applications for experimental sound design.
Special attention is given to modules such as BOPP & STEVE, which beautifully demonstrate how far reverb and effects processing can be taken in a modular context. The presentation is complemented by a live performance by Serge Jansen, Priscilla, and Stijn, who use TiNRS modules in a hardware-based modular live set and demonstrate their strengths in a stage context.
Recorded at the SchneidersLaden showroom, Berlin-Neukölln."
"Experience a complex web of audio feedback with three powerful modular systems: the Serge Paperface 50 Helios, Paris Flash, and Tempo di Roma. This video showcases their unpredictable, nonlinear behavior, producing textures and sounds that evolve in surprising ways.
All sounds featured in this video are included in the latest release of my Serge Modular Synth Sample Pack, giving you full access to these unique modular tones for your own productions.
Get the sample pack here: Serge Modular Synth (Sample Pack) https://akihikomatsumoto.sellfy.store..."
"A tour of a small selection of the 250 presets included with Polarity | Modular. These were created by Ian Boddy, Nigel Mullaney, James Thompson & Dan Powell.
What you hear in the video is the direct output of a single preset, with no additional effects or processing."
"Polarity | Modular is a dual-layer granular engine loaded with 250 custom waveforms crafted by Ian Boddy,
utilising his extensive collection of modular gear - including a Roland System 100M, Serge Modular, Buchla Sound Easel and much, much more.
Featuring a sound design library of 250 presets, NKS2 compatibility and the ability to load your own samples,
Polarity | Modular redefines the sound of analogue synthesis."
00:00 Opening Titles
00:17 Introduction
01:27 Switched On 80s
12:54 Little Black Boxes
17:29 Commercial Break
19:58 Patching Today
29:19 Synthesiser Club
31:59 Video Lab
36:07 Outro
SWITCHED ON 80s - This third series takes an in-depth look into six classic 80s synthesisers, selected because of their interesting and unique attributes
LITTLE BLACK BOXES - A further look at some classic rack mount studio gear of the 80s and 90s
COMMERCIAL BREAK - Some shameless Memetune shilling
PATCHING TODAY - A deep-dive into vintage modular systems and how to set up a patch on them, starting from scratch, this time using Cybersynthesis techniques to bring an element of surprise to the patches
SYNTHESISER CLUB - A short musical demonstration of a synthesiser classic or three, concentrating on 'families' of synths
VIDEO LAB - A look at old video equipment and how to create experimental visuals, concentrating on a specific device in each episode
The MemeTune Programme Credits:
Everything in this video was created by B D Edwards (Benge)
All music, design, writing, filming and production completed at Memetune Studios, UK, 2025"
"Following up on Part 1 - • From DIY to Cult Legend: The Serge Synthes... [posted here] - here's a closer look at two of the R*S Serge 50th Anniversary Paperface panels. If you've not seen the first part yet, please do since it gives a decent background on where these came from. Any corrections or questions, please comment below: I've tried my best but there's always going to be an omission or mistake.
All the background music was made on the Serge - if I get the chance I'll upload it somewhere. It's genuinely the most productive six weeks I've ever had with one synth.
These new versions are a re-work in collaboration with Serge himself, to update and improve his original Paperface circuits. As such the oscillators track nicely over the full range, everything is stable, and overall it's better suited to life in a modern studio.
As before, an enormous thanks to @serge-modular for the loan of this beast.
"Most people know the sound of a Moog or a Roland, but the Serge is a different beast entirely.
In this video (Part 1 of 2), I’m diving into the history of the 'West Coast' synthesis revolution. California, hippies, tape loops, Buchla, Moog and how Serge Tcherepnin created a synthesizer legend.
Huge thanks to @serge-modular for the loan of this glorious beast, and keep and eye out for Part 2!
"Soniccouture is pleased to announce the next in the Polarity series: a collaboration with Ian Boddy, UK synthesist and DiN label boss.
Polarity is a series of instruments exploring granular synthesis with different artists and sound designers.
Polarity | Modular is a dual-layer granular engine loaded with 250 custom waveforms crafted by Ian Boddy, utilizing his extensive collection of modular gear, including a Roland System 100M, Serge Modular, Buchla Sound Easel and much, much more.
Featuring a sound design library of 250 presets, NKS2 compatibility and the ability to load your own samples, Polarity | Modular aims to 'redefine the sound of analogue synthesis’.
"I bought the #Serge #NCOM in the blind because a) it's the work of a living legend, b) I had no idea what it did, and c) after reading the manual and looking on YouTube I still had no idea how to use it in real life music.
The ÷NCOM is short for pulse divider (by N steps), a comparator (gate goes high where +IN is higher than -IN) and last but not least, a staircase CV is raised one semitone when the compare goes high and the max steps N is not reached. So now you know, and just like me, it still remains a mystery how it can play a role in modular music.
÷NCOM is from 1979, and quantized CV was rare, especially when it's derived from any two compared voltages. It's using two CMOS chips, but only 5 of 8 bits were used (step 0 to 31 = 32 values). So is it early digital? Yes, but without a CPU or code and state of the art precision - for 1979. Is it still relevant in 2025? I am not sure how many voltage comparators are around in eurorack, and you probably never needed one. A staircase CV waveform is simply a matter of running a ramp through a quantizer, and you may be able to use an END of RAMP event on a Maths clone. The ÷NCOM circuit is often used for rhythmic patches, and the staircase is super useful to make synchronized ramps you can use to open a filter or wavefolder. Not to mention arpeggios. It's the opposite of high-tech, it's low tech. A circuit you need to learn, discover and find use for. It was special in 1979, and today it's part of the joy of owning a true Serge module that can always do more than you think."
"Tri-Core sine out into wave multiplier into q filter.
Tri-Core 2 Square out to Tri-Core oscillator Sync input.
Dual Rise/Falls both cycling for modulation of Wave folding, and Q filter cutoff frequency."
Router/Toggle first life - Low-gain Electronics | 4U Serge Modular
"Firing up the first Router/Toggle module! The module consists of two different function blocks. On top, a dual bidirectional switch with manual or external CV control. On the bottom, a set of toggling flip-flops. With external CV control or manual push button.
At its core, MAP features three powerful oscillators, a dual-filter architecture, and a deep modulation system with MPE support. Every sound invites hands-on discovery—from shimmering tones and gritty textures to sprawling ambient soundscapes.
Credits
Audio Tracks - Reverb Machine and K/V
Produced and Directed by AWD - All We Do
Creative Lead Team @allwedonow www.allwedonow.com
Note: During development, MAP’s design team studied historical modular systems, including those created by Serge Tcherepnin, Random*Source, and Buchla USA. MAP is an independent product and has no affiliation with, sponsorship from, or endorsement by these parties. Any references are made solely for historical and educational context."
"Modcan and Cyndustries four panel Serge/Banana modular synth owned by Rich Costey, used on albums by Muse, Deathcab For Cutie, many others. contains the following modules:
"Now available as a double CD with an 8-page booklet & download
Tone Science sub-label, from DiN records, concludes it’s exploration of the world of modular synth music.
Since the first volume in the Tone Science series was released in 2018, seventy-two musicians in total have joined in with this celebration of the musical possibilities of modular synthesis. These artists have been from a huge range of backgrounds but have all shared the unifying purpose of showcasing the incredible variety of sonic possibilities these instruments can offer.
Tone Science sub-label, from DiN records, concludes its exploration of the world of modular synth music.
Since the first volume in the Tone Science series was released in 2018, seventy-two musicians in total have joined in with this celebration of the musical possibilities of modular synthesis. These artists have been from a huge range of backgrounds but have all shared the unifying purpose of showcasing the incredible variety of sonic possibilities these instruments can offer.
The intervening seven years have seen the modular synth world expanding at an exponential rate and whilst one wouldn’t go so far as to say these synths are mainstream, they are certainly far more prevalent than in the past. It’s especially gratifying to see so many musicians now either play solo sets with them or to include them in their onstage arsenal.
Thus we come to this, the final instalment in the Tone Science series. Nothing lasts forever and certainly stopping at this nice round number of ten seems like a good way to not only end the series but to release the Final Patch, a real celebration of what has gone before and perhaps to hint at what is possible for the future. A beautifully packaged double CD featuring twenty artists who have appeared on previous iterations of the series, it really is a who’s who of modular synth musicians. The release is accompanied by an eight-page booklet with an essay by Neil Mason and some final words from the guiding force behind the whole project, Ian Boddy, label boss at DiN. And as Boddy so succinctly puts it in his liner notes, “for me, despite the technological nature of the equipment, the emotional quality of the music is the single most important factor”. The Final Patch certainly delivers on that ethos.
Discover the raw power of Serge Modular with this exclusive sample pack. Featuring organic noise textures, complex rhythms, analog drones, and punchy one-shots, each sound embodies the unpredictable, evolving nature of modular synthesis. Currently in beta, this pack offers a limited selection of sounds at an early price, with free lifetime updates as new material is added.
Akihiko Matsumoto"
