Torso S-4 | Pure inspiration (walkthrough)

video upload by Jay Hosking

"A walkthrough of how I'm making songs on the Torso S-4.

00:00 - Song
02:24 - Intro, tape machine
04:38 - Granular
07:36 - Resonator
11:45 - Drive, noise, colour
13:11 - Delay and reverb
15:32 - Drums and performance effects
19:18 - The magic of TEMP
19:56 - Pitched drums
22:43 - Making a pad
27:24 - Fourth track
28:56 - Performing with four tracks
31:14 - Concluding thoughts, USB multitrack out

I bought the Torso S-4 last month, thinking it would be an interesting device for playing with granular ideas with a few loops. As soon as I started playing with it, it was clear I had underestimated just how much more the S-4 is, and how inspiring it is. In fact, I basically never use it as a granular device!

This is probably the single most inspiring piece of hardware I've tried since I discovered the Octatrack. It transforms sounds, it is incredible for performing, and it has that perfect feedback loop between musician and instrument. In just a couple of weeks, I've recorded a whole album with it, which I'll release soon.

This is a walkthrough of how I'm making full songs on the S-4. In reality, four tracks is not quite enough for me to be making full songs, and in the final performances I add extra layers. But as a device to create new sounds, glue tracks together, sketch out a song arrangement, and perform some interesting parameter changes, the S-4 is nothing short of an epiphany for me.

Note that I'm using the 2.0 firmware beta, which is largely the same as the recently released 2.0 firmware. I'm well aware of the internet conversation on the previous firmware of the device, of hardware buttons not having any function and triggering a "coming soon" message, etc. I'm also aware of some quality/build concerns from some S-4 owners. I don't want to discredit any of those complaints, and I'm sure they are valid; but I can only tell you about my individual experience, which was largely flawless aside from a few bugs along the way.

Please also note that this isn't my usual sort of video, but rather one I originally recorded for my Patreon community. I'm having such a good time with the S-4, though, that I really wanted to share it more broadly. I hope you find it useful.

I look forward to sharing the album soon!

https://jayhosking.bandcamp.com"

Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer [SN 10580]

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

via this Reverb listing

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OB-6 soundset by Jexus : unique textures + creative sequences (150 custom presets).

video upload by Jexus (sounds-for-synths.com)

"Read more about this synth / soundpack: https://sounds-for-synths.com/sequent...

All sounds come from the 'Jexus OB-6 Soundset' with 150 custom presets / patches & all the sequences that you hear. I did not use any external FX in the demo; all the delays, reverbs, noises & sound deformations are part of the OB-6 engine / intentional sound design."

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Voodoo Ray/A Guy Called Gerald - Novation Circuit version

video upload by Guinan

"Time for the first British acid house hit and another Hacienda favourite. The Manchester act A Guy Called Gerald blew up the Manchester music scene with his 808 and 303 tour-de-force. He's still making excellent music ‪@AGuyCalledGeraldTV‬ #voodooray

Everything you hear was programmed into the Novation Circuit and played ‘live’ straight out of the headphone jack into my phone. No extra effects or outboard gear are used during playback.

The ‪@IsotonikStudios‬ sound pack RB 303 by Yves Big City got me thinking about how capable the Novation Circuit could be for a blast of acid house. I hope this attempt gets close to the flavour of the original. • DEMO - RB 303 - Novation Circuit Pack by Y... [posted here]

‪@GyuBeats‬ has done some great video breakdowns of the track and is obviously a fan. Big thanks as he helped me track down some of the original samples. • Why Does VOODOO RAY Still Sound Fresh Today?

I also found the following website which is a fantastic resource of patterns for 303-soundalikes. It just had to be called Acid Tabs….. https://acid-tabs.com/303_patterns.ph...

I hope you like the track – drop a comment if there is an 80’s or 90’s track you’d like to see a version of.

Synth nerd details;
The 808 sounds are a mix of samples from Isotonik and a pack that is sometimes free called 808 From Mars.

The vocal samples are from a surprising source of an old comedy routine from Peter Cook and Dudley Moore. The ‘voodoo ray’ sample is actually cut from a snatch of Peter Cook saying 'voodoo rage'.

A key part of the track is the excellent singing of Nicola Collier. I didn’t have a singer to hand and I wasn’t going to impose my dulcet tones on the world. The ‘singing’ is therefore played on the Arturia plug-in ‘Augmented Voices’.

I hope it fills the gap for now and doesn’t detract from the overall track.

All samples are edited and positioned on drum pads then sequenced/played on the Drum 4 track of the circuit."

Voodoo Ray/A Guy Called Gerald (Circuit Tracks & Rolands Version )

video upload by Guinan

"'Say Hello To My Little Friends'…..

Something a little different again. This is a reworking of one of my earlier videos but with an 'acidic' twist. At the time there were comments wondering how it would sound with Roland synths rather than my attempts at recreating the sound using the internal synth engine.

I couldn’t resist the challenge, so the Circuit Tracks has some company in the form of a Roland T-8 and S-1 Aira. The T-8 is a drum machine based on a selection of classic Roland sounds, but it has the added bonus of a very good TB303 emulation.

The Roland S-1 on the other hand is a 4-voice recreation of the classic 80’s synth, the SH-101. An awesome synth in it's own right it's a great partner for the Tracks to use with one of the external MIDI tracks.

Both of these Roland originals were an essential part of the classic Acid House sound and the track, ‘Voodoo Ray’ so this seemed a natural Circuit Tracks project to rework. I’ll keep a separate playlist of any tracks with external gear to keep my main playlist Tracks only.

For this video I’ve copied the patterns across to the Midi 1 & 2 tracks, hooked up both of the Roland individually to the MIDI Out and Thru (setup in Advanced Setup to be individual MIDI Outs). Each of the Roland boxes are then fed into each of the Audio Inputs so they can be panned, level altered and have effects applied individually. Each of the Roland boxes are not using their own sequencers but are just being used as slave MIDI synths playing the patterns sent via MIDI from the Circuit Tracks. T-8 bass was set to MIDI Ch3 and S-1 to Ch4 to match the default channels for these tracks."

Roland PMA-5 Portable Sequencer with Stylus Case Power Supply and Owner's Manual

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

via this eBay listing

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Amiteque AR-110 Analog Drum Synth

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"Sound demo of the Amiteque AR-110 in a sort of song context... well it's one pattern going round and round that I fiddle with a little bit. The important thing is whether the drums sound any good to you."

Amiteque AR-110 Analog Drum Synthesizer Review

video upload by Molten Music Technology

video uploads by Amiteque Electronics

The AR-110 is a compact analog drum synthesizer with classic Roland-like sounds, separate outputs, and volume controls for each instrument. Its ease of use and affordability make it a great addition to both amateur and professional studios.

Compact & Affordable
Ideal for low-budget studios while providing high-quality sound for professionals.

5 Separate Outputs
Process each instrument separately on an external console or record individually.

Adjustable Levels
Fine-tune single instrument volumes and master output for perfect balance.

True 6-Note Polyphony
Bass drum, snare drum, hi-hats, cymbals, and claps—play them all at once.

Power & MIDI Indicators
Visual feedback ensures easy monitoring of power and MIDI activity.

Plug & Play
No complex settings—just connect and start playing instantly.

Technical Specifications
Sound Engine
Bass and Snare
Self Oscillating Circuit
HH, Cymbal and Claps
QR Noise Generator
Contour Envelope
5x VCA
Polyphony
6 Voices
Connectivity and Control
Audio Outputs
6x 1/8” Jack, 2 Vpp max
Level Control
5x Individual and Main
MIDI IN
DIN 5 pin, Channel #10
Power
9~12 VDC, Center (+)

Currently seeking funding on Kickstarter.

Moog Subharmonicon + Boss DM101 // Analog does it better.

video upload by Dexba

"Moog, Roland: YES, please, more of THIS.
Blablabla limitations, blablabla the future.
I – DON'T – CARE. This sounds so good, it reminds me of the amazing Matriarch, which has the gorgeous delay built in, and that characterful Moog sound. Boy, I miss that keyboard.
Anyway, this is why I fiddle with hardware synthesizers: living these moments of bliss when everything aligns, the chord strikes perfectly and the BBD provide you with that nostalgia of times and places you've never visited. Lovely.
I hope you'll get to experience the same, both here watching this video and in your sonic explorations!"

TITAN Patch Bank: A Yamaha SY77/TG77 soundbank of 64 patches

video upload by MIDERA

"It has taken me years to publish this sound set. Mostly - I did not think it was that good, but I was asked repeatedly to release it. So that is what I am doing. I am quite horrible at showcasing bass sounds, of which I had quite a few here. I believe my original goal was to make either SH-101 or Minimoog type sounds and get that sweet sweet Lately Bass patch so I could sell my TX81z. I think I succeeded, at least a little bit there.

My playing was not rehearsed, as it already takes a lot of time to showcase each sound. This will, of course, be obvious when you listen, because it will not sound particularly good or refined. Plus, there are no external FX, which I personally like to use, but won't on a soundbank or patchbank video because I want to make sure you are hearing exactly what you will get when purchasing the patches.

These patches span the years from 2017 when I got the SY77, until today. I honestly can't believe I've had the thing that long. That's 8 years I've owned this. It's still one of my favorites.

If you'd like to purchase my soundset, please go to my webpage and shoot me an email: https://www.midera-artist.com/synthes..."

DualWavebank Overlay for Osmose and Electra One MK2 Controller Features Summary

video upload by EaganMatrix Programming

"A video describing the features of the soon to be released Beta version of the Dual WaveBank Overlay for Electra One (MK2) controller - that abstracts EaganMatrix programming and lets you concentrate on configuring sounds using controls you are used to (in fact you could never program these features into a single EaganMatrix preset on the Osmose as only six Macros are available for on-board presets. But Overlays ex[pand that greatly allowing for complex synths to be created from a single EaganMatrix preset. Sorry - it's the video's here sound but I think you still get a good idea of the feature set. This describes the version that will run on the Expressive E Osmose.

Note: This only runs on the EL1 and only on the MK2 version due to resource limitations of MK1. It cannot be ported easily to any other platform as the Lua code uses many EL1 specific calls, though the EaganMatrix Overlay preset (dualwaveosmose.mod) used by the Overlay could be reused by another application that could add a similar feature set. All these features come from one single Osmose preset running on the Osmose - controlled by the EL1 Overlay application."

Only 16 Samples?! This Minimal Eurorack Techno Slaps!

video upload by Electronisounds Audio

"I wanted to see what I could create using ONLY 16 samples.

This is a really basic setup with triggers and modulation only, no pitch sequencing.

This setup also does not allow for any velocity programming, every sound triggers at 100% max velocity - making it almost impossible to program build ups to help with the ebb and flow of the track.

I also did not have any room for riser or impact sounds which really help with keeping the intensity level a bit higher.

All things considered though, it's not a half bad track - just a little basic, perhaps... ;)

-----------------------

Whatever kind of music you are making - KEEP IT UP, Friends!
Don't stop making *YOUR MUSIC*!!

---

▼CONNECT with me / SUPPORT creativity and good content▼

WEBSTORE ► https://www.electronisounds.com/

PATREON ► https://www.patreon.com/DeanDaughters"

Roland Super JD-990 SN ZF03049 w/ SR-JV80-04 Vintage Synth Card & Extras

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

via this Reverb listing

"Good condition. A few scratches here and there. Works 100% with no issues. The screen is replaced with a negative color. Will also include the original. Has the Vintage Synth card installed. Also including a custom data card and Jupiter Textures voice card with lots of presets. Lots of great sounds ready to go."

Vintage Synth MRAM Card SN F108576

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Vongon Replay | Seven Synth Sketches

video upload by Jay Hosking

"Please support my work on Patreon: / jayhosking
Exploring the Vongon Replay with... another Vongon Replay.

00:00 - Galloping and ghosts
02:34 - Solo, dry then wet
04:18 - Solo, cascading weird arp
05:07 - Solo, sentimental nostalgia
07:15 - High arp, low chords
10:49 - Slow arp, bass notes
15:28 - Rolling bassline, major-minor

I bought a Replay with my own money, a year or so ago. I find it useful to have around, and to travel with: it's small, what-you-see-is-what-you-get, sounds good, has a keyboard, and generally fits into a variety of setups.

Recently, MAS Distribution asked me if they could send over the new black Replay for me to play with. It's the exact same synth, but I thought it might be fun to get two Replays up on the table and just explore.

So that's what this is: seven improvisations or written-on-the-spot ideas using two Replays. For effects, I tried out the Ultrasheer (Vongon's reverb/vibrato combo) and my trusty Chroma Console (for colour/saturation/delay). The performance was recorded live to a stereo output with extremely gentle EQ & compression, plus limiting on the master.

I think it showcases why I like this synth: you sit down and noodle on it and you come up with ideas. It evokes nostalgic, sentimental sounds that are uncomplicated but pretty. I know there's a whole world of internet discourse about this synth, but ultimately what matters to me is how something works as an instrument. I think the Replay does its job pretty well.

Thanks for listening."

ARTEMIS, un polifónico ANALÓGICO compacto y completo

video upload by Hispasonic

"El buen sabor que acostumbra a dejar Dreadbox con sus analógicos está presente en el sintetizador polifónico Artemis, que ofrece seis voces sustractivas y las completa con 4 efectos para llegar, pese a lo compacto del formato en módulo, a sonidos a través sus salidas estéreo.

No habíamos traído a Hispasonic este modelo que recientemente ha pasado a estar disponible en tiendas, así que hemos aprovechado la visita a Superbooth 2025 para daros a conocer sus características y mostrároslo en acción en varios de los primeros presets de los hasta 512 que puede alojar internamente.

00:00 Intro y presentación
00:50 Demo de sonido
06:50 Arquitectura"

Googlish:

"The good taste that Dreadbox usually leaves with its analog synthesizers is present in the Artemis polyphonic synthesizer, which offers six subtractive voices and complements them with four effects to achieve sounds through its stereo outputs, despite the compactness of its module format.

We hadn't brought this model to Hispasonic, which has recently become available in stores, so we took advantage of our visit to Superbooth 2025 to introduce you to its features and show it in action with several of the first presets of the up to 512 it can store internally.

00:00 Intro and presentation
00:50 Sound demo
06:50 Architecture"

Korg/Univox Poly Ensemble S PE2000/K5 Polyphonic String Synthesizer

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

via this Reverb listing

"Fully polyphonic 48 key analog string synth. Classic 70's string/ensemble synth sounds. Amazingly thick, and warm sounding- sounds huge and dreamy. Used by Jean-Michel Jarre, Tangerine Dream, Vangelis, Hawkwind.

Works great. Voice selection buttons/switch contacts recently cleaned, and working well. Built in case has new latches installed.

Treble eq control is very scratchy, but works once set. Some of the other pots may be slightly scratchy, but all work. Light on power button does not light up- power switch is functional- unit powers on/off, but light doesn't work. Scratches/nicks on top (top is great for stacking other gear on).

I've had the pleasure of owning this beast for 20 years- it's gotten a good amount of use, but has been well taken care of, and rarely taken out of the house.

Stacks 3 oscillators per key/voice in octaves- you can also turn two of the oscillators on or off to use two or one oscillator per key/voice. Can also detune two of the oscillators separately to create a thicker, layered sound. Buttons/switches for selecting sounds can be simultaneously pressed to stack sounds. Built in phazer sounds excellent."

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Novation Peak | Oxi one | ambient arpeggio using oscillators tunes. How good this synth sounds?

video upload by Onyx_track

The Kingdom of Ice | Contemplative downtempo ambient soundscape with DSI Poly Evolver and Virus TI

video upload by MIDERA

"Yesterday was my mom’s birthday. Today is Mother’s Day… crazy for me to think that she hasn’t been here for two of either of these. It is hard to be without her. I think about her often. I had planned to watch her favorite Indian movie last night… but I couldn’t bring myself to watch it (it’s not exactly my kind of movie), so instead my wife and I picked a movie we’d never seen. Fire and Ice. It was pretty bad. I had thought since I loved the Lord of the Rings by the same director, this would be as good, but I was mistaken. So, I didn’t really do anything to honor my mom, but I guess she’d have been just as happy knowing I was enjoying myself.

Poly Evolver for arpeggiated sounds.
Off camera, I used my Virus TI for pads.

Everything went through the Fractal Audio FM3"

Sunday Jam #78 : Chilled Groove for MIDI Tracker on RC2014

video upload by MIDI IN

"Last week on the second channel I revealed a project that I've been working on for a long time, my tracker for RC2014, an 8-bit Z80-based computer. [videos below]

It should sound very similar. In that case I was using MT32 mode on the MT32-Pi, and I've made a few changes as I've transcribed it. RC2014: https://z80kits.com"

Project reveal : Tracker software for RC2014

video upload by MIDI IN

"this is a terminal-based MIDI Tracker for RC2014 (an 8-bit Z80 computer).
I like making music as well as programming, trackers are a traditional method of creating chiptunes and I want to make some more serious software to supply with my MIDI module.
As well as MIDI output, a MIDI keyboard can be used to input notes. You can copy and paste a note, or you can mark a range and copy and paste a block of notes to repeat a phrase, copy to a different track, or even a different pattern.

My Mk2 MIDI Module:
https://www.tindie.com/products/29868/"

Chilled groove - Amiga + MT32-Pi

video upload by MIDI IN

"Something a bit different musically - I wanted to try to capture the chilled groove of a couple of Groove Armada songs.

I composed this in Logic, and then keyed it note-by-note into Octamed (took hours). Octamed is sending the notes as MIDI to my MT32-Pi (details about the setup at the end of the video). I'm really happy with the result. Some of the instruments sound very realistic but some not so good (sampled brass always sounds dodgy!)

0:00 Play song
3:11 A quick word about the setup

A thread about the MIDI adaptor:
/ 1598632711349993472"

Vanilla Synth by muSonics – Boutique Analog Beauty at Superbooth 2025

video upload by Jonathan Knightsnare

"At Superbooth 2025, I had one of those “stop in your tracks” moments when I stumbled across muSonics' Vanilla Synthesizer — and luckily, got to hang out with the incredibly thoughtful creator, Amos, who walked me through the philosophy and craftsmanship behind this stunning instrument.

The Vanilla Synthesizer is a 5U modular analog synth, but don’t let the minimalist look fool you — under the hood, this thing is loaded with sonic personality and beautifully engineered references to vintage legends:

🎛️ The filter takes inspiration from the SEM/Oberheim lineage, offering that sweet, musical, slightly gritty character that feels alive at every knob turn.

🎚️ The mixer section is modeled after a vintage Moog CP3, giving your waveforms a subtle analog saturation that glues sounds together in a way no plugin can touch.

🔁 Normalized patching means you can play without any cables, but every section can still be overridden, so it's flexible for both beginners and modular veterans.

🌰 All of this is housed in a gorgeous solid walnut enclosure, handcrafted and finished in Illinois — it’s a tactile joy that looks like a piece of mid-century art as much as a synth.

What struck me most wasn’t just how good it sounds — which it does — but how thoughtful the whole instrument feels. It’s clear that Amos isn’t just an engineer, but a true musician and synth lover who’s building tools meant to inspire.

This isn’t mass-market gear. It’s boutique, handcrafted, analog music woodwork. And if you’ve ever wanted a synth that feels like an heirloom, this is it."

Thorny - Live Sound x Light x Movement 006, Somerville, MA, 3.15.25 - complete set

video upload by Witherwillow Sounds

"On March 15, 2025, I had the good fortune to play an event, Sound X Light X Movement 006, a show produced by fels and with visuals by VJ Zombie and Emma Lucille, and movement by Lucca Lux

audio release of this performance available at https://witherwillow.bandcamp.com/alb..., available in 24bit/48k.

00:00 Waking the God
07:57 Eclipse
15:01 A Long Dusk
23:42 Reclination

Copyright 2025 JD Ryan, all rights reserved."

Some additional info via Thorny: "I wanted to let you know that there is quite a vibrant synth scene going on in Boston, MA! In addition to the New England Synth Fest that happens a few times a year, there are groups putting on some amazing events, backed up by some amazing visual artists. I had the opportunity to participate in one by a production group called fels, at their Sound X Light X Movement series. I'd like to share the video of my performance, it was such an amazing thing to be a part of. They integrated a dancer there in the space into the visuals in parts that was quite the sight to see."

Welson Super-Matic S12

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

via this Reverb listing

You can demos in previous posts here.

"The unit is fully working and in good cosmetical condition for its age with some cosmetical traces of use in the wood case. The only thing to report is that the on/off switch button in this unit is not working. So, to turn the drum machine on and off you simply have to unplug the drum machine! Inside the drum machine there is something that moves (a screw or something else), but - since the drum machine works well - we never decided to remove it. Real vintage gem from Italy: grab a bargain!

DESCRIPTION: The Welson Super-Matic S12 is a vintage Italian analog rhythm box drum machine with 12 preset rhythms. Produced in early 70's, it has 4 pads to trigger 4 sounds: Roll Drum, Claves, Tom 1 and Tom 2. Then it has 12 different rythms: Waltz, Tango, Western, March, Samba, Mambo, Bossa Nova, Swing, Shake, Slow Rock, Rythm and Blues and Metronome.

It has a potentiometer to control the volume and another to control the tempo.

It has 4 push buttons (pads trigger) that allow you to play 4 different types of percussions at any time (Roll drum, Clave, Tom1 and Tom2).

It has a START/STOP and an ON/OFF switch (IMPORTANT: in this unit the ON/OFF button is NOT working: so, to turn the drum machine on and off you simply have to unplug it!).

It also has a light that turns on when you turn on the Super-Matic and that flashes with the frequency of the rhythm (set by the tempo potentiometer).

It also has a tone and impedance control potentiometers in the back!

Welson was the Italian brand that produced many legendary instruments. The Company was based in Castelfidardo (Marche, Italy), in the same area where Eko, Elka, Elgam, Farfisa, Crumar, Jen, Siel, Solton, CRB, etc. were born."

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