Roland Rleases ZENOLOGY GX for iPad

video upload by RolandChannel

"ZENOLOGY GX for iPad brings Roland’s most advanced synthesizer technology into a powerful mobile format. Designed for modern music creation, it delivers the full expressive capabilities of the ZEN-Core Synthesis System with a touch-friendly interface and deep sound design tools.

Built on the same engine as its desktop counterpart, ZENOLOGY GX for iPad offers a massive, ever-expanding library of sounds along with advanced editing features."

Press release follows:

The Acclaimed ZEN-Core Synthesis System Captured in a Powerful Standalone Instrument for iPad

Roland announces ZENOLOGY GX for iPad, a fully-featured ZEN-Core software synthesizer designed for a touch-based interface, via the Apple App Store starting May 12. This robust musical instrument includes thousands of classic and modern tones paired with accessible sound design capabilities, making it an ideal entry point into Roland’s sonic ecosystem.

Boasting the same powerful synth engine and inspiring sound shaping tools as its desktop sibling, ZENOLOGY GX for iPad has been rebuilt and carefully considered for a tablet-first experience. New sounds and integration features will continue to roll out for ZENOLOGY GX for iPad in the future, offering an expanding musical experience suitable for everyone from the most demanding synthesists to those creating with an iPad for the first time.

Best of all, for a limited time, ZENOLOGY GX for iPad is a free experience with the full feature-set unlocked for all users. This allows musicians at all levels to go hands-on and try it for themselves on Apple’s ubiquitous iPad platform.

---

You can find a NAMM demo and the initial announcement for ZENOLOGY GX for iPad in previous posts.

JP-8000 vs Nord Lead A1 vs Access Virus B — Which One Do You ACTUALLY Need?

video upload by Marc Renton

"The elephant in the room: Roland JP-8000, Clavia Nord Lead A1, and Access Virus B: Three legendary hardware synths from the late 90s/2000s that still hold up today. But which one is worth your money in 2026?

In this video, I go hands-on with all three machines from my studio, playing patches, presets, and sounds I programmed myself. No script, no BS — just honest thoughts after owning these synths for up to 21 years.

What you'll learn:
JP-8000: SuperSaw magic, but what are the real limitations of the filter?
Nord Lead A1: Why it's my go-to synth — and why the Moog filter is a game changer
Access Virus B: The all-in-one machine with 24-voice polyphony... and where it hits a wall
Should you buy hardware or use emulations? (honest take)

These are timeless machines. This knowledge will be valid in 10 or 20 years. Maybe some plugins won't exist by then — but these synths will.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Access Virus A - "Cinematic Landscapes"

video upload by LFOstore

"Welcome to the most vintage sounding famous red synthesizer - Access Virus A!
The most fat & tactile sounds among all Viruses.

And our soundset 'Cinematic Landscapes' with 128 organic presets!

BUY: https://lfo.sellfy.store/p/access-vir...

This soundset working with VIRUS A,B,C, Osirus & Ostirus and based on previously released "Best Atmospheric Soundset" minus reverb & unison options cause there are no reverb in Virus A.

This unique soundset – contains 128 atmospheric sounds.
Over 120 pads & strings. 18 plucks, arps & bells.

It’s the first time you can get so many useful atmospheric sounds for your production collected in one soundset.

By Nick Klimenko aka Chronos, a creator of 'Organica' for Waldorf Blofeld & 'WS Universe' for Korg Wavestation.

Powerful unison strings, stunning unusual arps, deep pads & polys great for soundtrack atmosphere, synth-pop & retro wave music, dancefloor music.

Great for soundtrack atmosphere, synth-pop & retro wave music, dance floor music.

Categories:
Polys
Leads
Plucks
Strings/Pads
Drones

Rediscover & Enjoy The Virus Legacy!"

Morphor ECHON 6 #3 | Winterdagen

video upload by Winterdagen

"Huge congratulations to Morphor for having their ECHON 6 win the Innovation Award from Sonic State during Superbooth last week! It's such a special synth and it fully deserves the recognition ❤️

Time for another patch! For this one I made use of ECHON 6's looping envelopes and I dialed in a lot of movement in the mod matrix. One of the four polyphonic lfos is changing the decay times of the envelopes per voice. The decay times, lfo speeds and lfos that I routed to panning are keytracked, which results in unique rhythms and stereo movement for each voice. Sounds quite complex, but it really is so easy to dial in modulation like this on the super intuitive mod matrix.

Hope you like the patch and the music!"

Yamaha CS-5 - dawless jam

video upload by Telantas Changxo

"I got the most wonderful birthday present: a Yamaha CS-5 analogue synthesizer (1979-1982). This video shows my first few minutes with it in a completely unrehearsed, improvised jam accompanied only by a fixed drone provided by a Behringer Crave (during the first minute I also had a repeating sequence played by another Crave).

Martin Gore's first synthesizer was a CS-5. Aphex Twin also used one. But what do I care? I only want to know how it sounds and how it handles. And my first impression is this: the synth is amazing! It has an extremely beautiful, musical tone, and the panel couldn't be more intuitive or immediate. The synth-action keybaord is superb. It is a simple machine: a single-oscillator, monophonic synthesizer with only one envelope generator. However, the controls available are very flexible and there are a few really neat and unique features (I will show some of those in subsequent videos).

The similarity of the white-over-black design in the Yamaha CS-5, CS-10, CS-15 and CS-30 to the Korg MS-10 and MS-20 is not coincidental. These were head-on competitors in production during 1977-1982. In fact, the first synths to sport it were Yamaha's: the CS-10 and CS-30, both released during 1977 (one year before the MS-10 and MS_20). This sober look was a break form the wooden cheeks and coloured buttons of earlier Japanese and American synthesizers (including Yamaha's own CS-80, in production during the same period).

In terms of playability and sonic character, I think it is fair to say that the Yamaha CS-5/10/15/30 occupy a space somewhere between a Minimoog, which sounds great in almost any setting, and an MS-20, which enourages experimentation. However, my interactions with my CS-5 so far indicate that this is a simplification. It has its own character warm, precise, musical. I am really loving it so far.

ABOUT THIS CHANNEL:

Telantas Changxo is the musical side project of quantum physicist Jorge Quintanilla. It features DAWless music made using hardware synthesizers, ranging widely from experimental drone pieces to original synth-pop songs."

Melodic Techno V3 for Korg Minilogue XD by NatLife

video upload by NatLife Sounds

"Product Link: https://natlifesounds.com/product/mel...

Melodic Techno V3 is literally new creation of unique sequences, using only Korg Minilogue XD possibility, without external engines.

25 Presets with a 25 Sequences(MIDI) includes all sequencer possibility, where every patch have own history and deeply thought out motion sequences. From piercing Lead and Bass sequences to deep Pad atmospheres and non-standard synth sounds.

You will find the sounds in style of Ben Böhmer, Deadmau5, Trillucid, Martin Roth and to name a few. But it still has its own NatLife style.

Soundbank contains:

25 Minilogue XD Presets & Patches
25 Minilogue XD Sequences

mportant notes = Presets based in 24-49 slots."

Best Ambient Synth Shootout #151: SammichFM - Song 3

video upload by Christian's Sonic Spaces

"This is the third recording with the SammichFM. It is a streamlined, compact version of the MIDIbox FM synthesizer DIY kit. Designed around the OPL3 chip YMF262 (4-Operators with 4 different waves), which was a famous sound chip from the 8 bit computer era (e.g. Sound Blaster 16 soundcard), it can play 4-sounds with 6-voice polyphony each.

I used for the recording the following FX pedals:
Red Panda Raster 2, Pigtronix Echolution 2 Deluxe, GFI System Specular Reverb 2.

The signal went through a Presonus StudioLive 16.0.2 into the PC via USB for recording. To create the complete song I recorded consecutively several stereo tracks. On some tracks Compressor and EQ where added in Cubase 13. The final song was then mastered using iZotope Ozone.

Well, I decided to go back to the basics, but at the same time make something useful for the synth community and do a kind of competition (I like competitions;-). What's my best synth for ambient music :-)"

Sequential Prophet 5 - Synth Plugins still can’t do this?

video upload by Tenalock Audio

"There's something about the Sequential Prophet-5 that feels alive. The slight movement in the oscillators, the warmth in the chords, the way even simple patches seem to carry emotion without needing much processing.

Plugins have come so far and modern analog synthesizers have gone backwards without so much of their own character as they used to have.

I spent some time exploring softer pads, worn-out bass tones, drifting analog textures and a few more cinematic sounds in this session. Some patches lean into that classic late-70s / early-80s character, while others feel surprisingly modern.

It's easy to understand why the Prophet-5 became such an important synthesizer. A lot of newer synths can sound bigger or cleaner, but this has a character that sits differently in a mix.

Headphones recommended for this one."

MCO - Tonesum

video upload by ALM TV

See the ALM MCO announcement post here.

"「 MCO ToneSum 」🍃 Soft ambient tones with the MCO (mkII)’s ToneSum additive synth voice, a distinct voice that can produce anything from bright, glassy sounds to woody plucks or eerie inharmonic sweeps.

The MCO is triggered by a ‘Ramp Up’ gate sequence from Pamela’s PRO Workout, producing spontaneous ‘off the grid’ plucks from the ‘Warm 1’ preset of the ToneSum voice. A vocal pad sample from the Squid is mixed in to complement the MCO. The ToneSum’s various parameters are adjusted to alter the levels and dispersion of twelve sine waves that combine to produce the final sound. The Notch parameters have a particularly strong effect on the overall sound, acting like a parametric EQ band. Here the notch frequency is modulated by LFO 2, producing a subtle sweeping motion in the mellow tones. Finally, the ratio is changed to only Odd frequency bands, producing a more hollow and woody tonality. The ToneSum is a versatile and distinct voice that can produce a range of physical and organic sounding tones."

Redshift 6 DCO First Look — Supercritical’s Wild New Analog DCO feature

video upload by FutureMusic.es

"Recorded at Superbooth Berlin 2026, this video takes a closer look at the Supercritical Redshift 6, one of the most original analog synth designs on the show floor. The Redshift 6 is a six-voice desktop synthesizer built around Supercritical’s Demon Core technology, with each voice using a digitally controlled analog oscillator architecture that can generate up to 16 simultaneous analog oscillators per voice.

What makes this instrument stand out is Supercritical’s MDCO concept, or Multiperiod Digitally Controlled Oscillator, which goes beyond the usual idea of a classic DCO by allowing multiple analog waves with pitch and phase control from a single analog oscillator core. In practice, that gives the Redshift 6 a huge sonic range, from vintage-style poly textures and wide supersaw stacks to flanging, phase-based movement, and dense unison sounds across a fully analog dry signal path.

In this Superbooth 2026 video, we explore the synth’s sound, interface, and performance potential, while talking through the features that make it one of the most forward-thinking hybrid-controlled analog instruments available today. With six voices, an analog 4-pole multimode filter, and a design that can evolve through firmware-based engine expansion, the Redshift 6 is aimed at producers and sound designers who want a modern polysynth with a distinctive technical identity.

If you are into advanced synthesis, bold analog tone, and new approaches to oscillator design, this is one of the most interesting synthesizers to watch from Superbooth Berlin 2026."

Access Virus rack , beautiful Synth

video upload by itramtal

"Exploring the sounds of the Access Virus rack. A sonic journey through the possibilities of the Access Virus synthesizer in rack format, exploring textures, sequences, and unique atmospheres."

Modal Electronics Introduces Element One

video upload by Davide Puxeddu

"Put on your headphones 🎧. This is a pure, no-talking sound demo of the brand new Modal Electronics ELEMENT ONE synthesizer, an 8-voice virtual analog powerhouse.

I had the incredible honor of participating in the development and sound design of the Element One (created alongside the Hartmann Design team). In this video, I am jamming with the factory presets—which are actually the very patches I designed for this synth! I’m exploring random sounds, tweaking them on the fly to show you the true sonic potential of its 64 oscillators, morphable filters, and stereo FX. Everything is played live using the 37-key aftertouch keyboard and 4-axis joystick."

Modal Element One: a sophisticated synth 'repackaged' in an accessible keyboard – Sound demo

video upload by MusicRadar Tech



THE SYNTH FOR PEOPLE WHO JUST WANT TO PLAY

You’re a musician, not a computer programmer. Whether you’re a keyboard player who wants to fire up a searing solo, a guitarist looking for that perfect atmospheric pad, a drummer wanting to trigger massive electronic textures, or a vocalist needing a lush harmonic bed, you shouldn’t have to learn “synth science” just to get a great sound. Meet ELEMENT One—the 8-voice virtual-analog synthesizer designed to feel like an instrument, not a science project.

CLICK FOR MORE »

The Classic 80s Sound of a-ha - Train of Thought | Vintage Synth Recreation

video upload by RetroSound

"In this new video I recreate the sound of “Train of Thought” by a-ha from the album Hunting High and Low. Written by Pål Waaktaar, this track is one of the standout examples of 1980s synth-pop production, combining melodic hooks, layered textures, and distinctive Scandinavian pop atmosphere.

For this vintage synth recreation I focused on capturing the character, tone, and arrangement of the original recording using classic hardware synthesizers and samplers. My setup includes the Yamaha DX7 II FD and the Roland Juno-106 for the main synth parts and signature textures.

The bass, flute sound (Fairlight) and selected drum sounds were created with the E-mu Emulator II. I also used the PPG Wave 2.2 for additional digital bass layers, digital textures, and atmospheric effects.

My goal was to explore how the classic a-ha sound was built — from analog warmth and FM synthesis to early digital sampling and wavetable synthesis.

If you enjoy vintage synthesizers, 80s synth-pop, classic a-ha productions, and deep dives into iconic keyboard sounds, this recreation is for you."

Nonlinear Labs - C25 | SUPERBOOTH 26

video upload by Bonedo Synthesizers

"The C25 is our new performance synthesizer. Building on the expertise from the C15, it combines outstanding playability, an intuitive user interface and advanced signal processing.

The sound engine responds to every playing nuance with high expressiveness and has access to the huge preset library of the C15.

With the touring musician in mind, the C25 comes in a compact, lightweight and robust housing. Most of the components are manufactured in Europe with a passionate focus on durability and sustainability.

The C25 is designed to serve as a platform for future developments and will also support synthesis or effect engines from third-party developers. Therefore it remains adaptable and up-to-date in the long term.

Features

Expression
The high-quality Fatar TP/8S keybed is combined with continuous sensors developed by Nonlinear Labs. The keys become polyphonic modulation sources, offering control by the vertical position of the key, its velocity or the aftertouch pressure.

CLICK FOR MORE »

New Polyend Drums Analog / Digital Drum Machine Incoming

video upload by Polyend

"Drums is an analog and digital drum machine built for immediacy, depth, and performance."

Features.

Analog voices.
Four analog voices built on modern SSI chips create a dense, classic tone with modern flexibility. Each stacks dual analog VCOs, a dedicated noise source, and additional digital oscillator for hybrid layering or precise FM modulation. Each shaped through a multimode analog filter and VCA, giving you everything from tight percussion to evolving synth textures.

Instruments.
Multiple analog and digital synthesis methods, sample-based instruments, and eight independent LFOs give you the core tools for creating and modulating drum sounds. With over forty instruments, each containing its own sub-mode mutations, you get hundreds of options to choose from.

Live performance.
Drums is designed for real-time control. Use the X0Y fader to morph kits, trigger fills instantly, and switch between patterns or sound kits without stopping playback. Key parameters stay close, so changes can be made while the pattern is running.

Effects.
Drums includes three dedicated effects groups. Send effects for shared processing. Insert effects for individual tracks. A master chain for the final mix. Inserts can be sequenced per track, so effects become part of the rhythm rather than something added at the end.

Power
The device runs on a dual-core main CPU, with auxiliary processors handling peripherals and analog control. Internal audio processing is done in 32-bit floating point at 96kHz, with 24-bit/96 kHz DAC and ADC conversion for audio input and output.

Ins & Outs.
2 × 1/4” audio out jacks
8 × 1/4” individual track output jacks
1 × 1/4” stereo headphone jack
2 × 1/4” audio in jacks

1 x 1/8” MIDI In jack
1 x 1/8” MIDI Out jack
1 x 1/8” MIDI Thru jack

USB C

Size and Weight.
Height (w/ knob): 1.69 inches (4.3 cm)
Width: 17.56 inches (44.6 cm)
Depth: 11.50 inches (29.2 cm)

CLICK FOR MORE »

SONICWARE Introduces deconstruct MINIMAL | Hypnotic Groove Machine — LESS IS MORE

Playlist:

1. deconstruct MINIMAL | Hypnotic Groove Machine — LESS IS MORE - SONICWARE
2. deconstruct MINIMAL | Hypnotic Groove Machine [Official Demo Jam] - SONICWARE
3. Sonicware deconstruct MINIMAL - Factory Patterns (no talking) - Bonedo Synthesizers
4. SONICWARE deconstruct MINIMAL: Ambient Techno Jam - Freaky Tweaky
5. Sonicware deconstruct MINIMAL - Sound Demo (no talking) with custom patterns for Electronic Music - Limbic Bits




"The deconstruct series has arrived — redefining musical structure.
Limited introductory offer: $299 for the first 1,000 units. [see dealers on the right]

deconstruct MINIMAL is a groovebox combining a sampler-integrated drum machine and analog-modeling bass synthesizer, built for the hypnotic grooves of minimal techno and minimal house.

● Legendary Groove DNA
● Deep 10-Track Drum Machine
● Sonic Expansion Sampler
● Elastic Bass Synth
● Live-Boosting Effects

● Legendary Groove DNA

Built on the rhythmic and pitch drift of the legendary drum machines — designed to create hypnotic minimal grooves

● Deep 10-Track Drum Machine

Intuitive, deep groove editing with fully per-track accents, random velocity, swing, sub-steps, and phrase rotation

● Sonic Expansion Sampler

Drum machine–integrated 4-track sampler with a 4-bar loop track — beyond drums through textures and phrases

● Elastic Bass Synth

Fluid analog-modeling bass synth delivering acid bass lines and driving techno leads

● Live-Boosting Effects

Live-focused real-time effects for dynamic groove control and performance intensity

Specifications
Drum machine with sampler and bass synthesizer featuring 11-track construction

[Drum Machine]
• Recreates the distinctive groove of legendary drum machines, shaped by subtle rhythmic and pitch drift
• 9 tracks
• 16 drum kits
• Instruments: 10 banks - 130 sounds
• Sample-based engine with dedicated edit parameters for each bank
• BD1 and SD each feature dedicated synthesis engines
• HH recreates the characteristic sound variations of analog drum machines
• Diverse groove edits: Accent, random velocity, swing, sub-steps, etc. can be set per track
• Supports real-time recording via pads, alongside fast step input
• Equipped with an isolator for bold boosts/cuts and delicate tonal adjustment

[Sampler]
• Supports sample import/export and sampling via LINE IN or USB
• 4 tracks: sample selection on drum machine tracks 7–9, plus dedicated loop track 10
• Preset samples: 3 banks - 48 sounds
Track 7–9

CLICK FOR MORE »

The synth that shapes SCALER’s sound

video upload by Novation

"*This video contains flashing images that may affect photosensitive viewers.*

We caught up with Bristol-based band ‪@SCALERBAND‬ to find out more about their sound and the workflow behind their live session.

We collaborated with SCALER to bring you performances of Broken Entry, Mirage, and Cold Storage from their latest record; watch via the link below.
But after the band’s live session, we spoke with Alex Hill and James Rushforth about their live electronic setup. In this video, the band explain in depth how they brought together this live setup and how it all works in unison, blending electronics, metal inspired guitars, and dreamy vocals. Featuring Peak as the beating heart of their live synth sounds, alongside the Launch Control and Launch Control XL they take you through their unique live session setup.

Watch the live session here: • Scaler - Endlessly Live Session" [below]

Discover the Peak: https://novationmusic.com/products/pe...
Explore our Launch Control range: https://novationmusic.com/launch-cont..."

Chapters:
0:00 - Introducing SCALER
0:23 - Alex from SCALER's Electronics rig
1:57 - Cold Storage Synth Sound
3:38 - How the Cold Storage arpeggiator line is made
4:46 - How the Novation Peak's Animate drives the performance in Broken Entry
6:47 - Using the Peak's oscillators and effects for Mirage's sound
8:47 - Blending the Peak with the Oberheim TEO-5
10:10 - Building SCALER's live rig

Scaler - Endlessly Live Session

video upload by SCALER

"This video contains flashing images that may affect photosensitive viewers.

Scaler live in session performing tracks from their second full length, Endlessly.

Tracklist:
00:00 Cold Storage
05:08 Mirage
08:46 Broken Entry"

Morphor ECHON 6 #2 | Winterdagen

video upload by Winterdagen

"This is one of the most beautiful synth sounds I've ever heard.

For this patch on the amazing ECHON 6 synthesizer by Morphor, I'm not using its exciter/synth section at all. The sound comes from its 6 BBD delay lines feedbacking indefinitely. The fact that the people at Morphor got to make BBD delay chips track pitch this well is already wild, but how they also managed to implement the super special glide you're hearing in this patch is beyond me. It sounds so alive!

I made use of ECHON 6's super intuitive and extensive mod section to give this patch some movement; with some LFOs I'm slowly opening and closing the filter in the feedback path and moving the voices in the stereo field. I applied keytracking to the LFO speeds making sure that each voice has different movements and a different place in the stereo field. I love that you can route keytracking to anything on ECHON 6.

I did use a fair bit of Valhalla Vintage Verb for this patch as the synth doesn't have an internal reverb. A gliding patch like this really benefits from some time based effects.

Every time I sit down with ECHON 6 for a bit, a new sound that I've never made on any other synth arises, it's so cool! I've made a lot more music with it and I'm super exited to show you.

I'm off to Superbooth now, I''ll be back with a new video next week! If you happen to be at Superbooth as well and want to say hi, feel free to shoot me a message on Instagram."

Plinky 12 Chords: Ramp Arpeggios

video upload by Making Sound Machines

"On our way to #Superbooth 2026! Really excited to see all our friends and fellow makers again!

This year, we will be showing the Plinky 12 family of expressive polyphonic touch synthesizers.

In this video, Enrica, engineer and musician of Düsseldorf-based synth maker Making Sound Machines, explores the new Plinky 12 Chords play surface.

The built-in sequencer produces a calm pulse, triggering an Arpeggio ramp at the beginning of each bar. With her left hand, Enrica selects which harmonies to arpeggiate from the rainbow chord palette at the bottom of the instrument.

With her right hand, she plays an expressive melody on the polyphonic play surface. The notes in this view are arranged in a tetrachord layout and adapt automatically to each harmony selected.

All sounds are produced with Plinky 12's internal synth engine."

Native Instruments Introduces Komplete 26

video upload by Native Instruments

"Get everything you need to take your music from first idea to finished master, including instruments, effects, and sounds trusted by the pros. Komplete 26 gives you synths, sampled instruments, drums, sound design tools, and studio effects – all in one complete music production bundle.

Whether you're composing, producing, or designing sound, Komplete gives you the tools to follow your ideas wherever they lead."

Press release follows:


Berlin, May 05, 2026 – Native Instruments today released Komplete 26 — everything a music producer needs to take a first idea to a finished, release-ready track. With over 190 premium instruments, professional mixing tools from iZotope and Brainworx, and more than 180,000 sounds, it's the most definitive music production collection NI has ever made.

Trusted by the producers behind the records you know Komplete is used by millions of producers, composers, and musicians every month — from bedroom studios to Grammy-winning sessions. It's the instrument collection behind some of the most iconic tracks you know, and the ones you're about to make.

"I use Komplete in every single session. It lets me stay focused on the music instead of the tools, and whether I'm writing or tweaking, it's a fast way for me to transform my idea to something that feels finished." — Butch Vig (Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, Sonic Youth)

“Komplete has been part of my production journey since day one. I know I can open it and get exactly what I need, every time.” — Nick Hook (Run The Jewels, Hudson Mohawke)

"Komplete is a must-have for me in my studio. As someone who is always blending genres and pushing the edges of sound design, the versatility of Komplete allows me to have an entire sonic world at my fingertips at all times." — Malibu Babie (Megan Thee Stallion, Shania Twain, Sia)

New additions: sounds for every style and stage Newly added is the legendary semi-modular synth, Absynth 6, known for its evolving, otherworldly tones. Also included are Noire and Claire – sampled from rare grand pianos – and the ethereal vocal soundscapes of Moments: Vocal Clouds.

CLICK FOR MORE »