Turning the SUMMIT or PEAK into an Oberheim

video upload by Starsky Carr

"Its remarkably easy to do the Oberheim thing on a Novation SUMMIT or PEAK I attempted to recreate a few of my favourite OB-X8 patches and the SUMMIT sounded amazingly close.

So I've looked a bit deeper and come up with some simple rules to stick within the limitations of the Vintage Oberheim to get those classic tones.

.. and it works a treat :)

Get the pack here:
https://www.starskycarr.com/patches/p..."

Novation Summit Doing that Binaural Thing

video upload by Starsky Carr

"A little track I've made for a SUMMIT deep dive video... every time I use this thing it opens up a couple more secrets.

This time I tried some binaural tones, using my Oberheim sound bank I've been working on.. like having a binaural OB-X8 !!"

Creating Sounds on Oberheim Style Synths/Plugins // OB-X8 Tutorial

video upload by Starsky Carr

https://www.patreon.com/starskycarr

Update: new video due to "COPYRIGHT CLAIM on a section of this... Paul Alexander track Raar at 31:19 minutes?!!! Never heard of him or the track. This can be soooo frustrating. What a shambles the whole copyright nonsense can be. I've disputed, but its upto the claimant to decide if they keep my money!!! Its actually chords from another one of my old tracks, so maybe I should put in a counter claim..."

"The fundamentals of programming any Oberheim style synths or plugins. And if you've got an Oberheim OB-X8 and want more patches... you've found the right place too!! Obvs it works for any subtractive synth as well.

I run through how to create basses, from simple and effective to massive and dirty devils.. lush and beautiful pads, sync leads and basses as well as big unison sounds and huge sweeps. If you watch this you'll be able to tweak presets to your liking, or start from an initial patch.

At almost 2 hours its by far my longest demo ever!! And it will gove you all the tools you need for a head start on any subtractive synth"

0:00 Overview
4:37 Back to Bass...ics
12:37 Rich Dual VCO tones
17:12 P to the W to the M
19:37 Intervals for Instant Harmonics
24:19 Mono Modes for Bass and Leads
30:23 Let's Make Some Pads
36:02 A bit about Brass
37:09 Triangles for Sweetness
38:30 PWM Pads
41:18 BIG BOLD UNISON
27:07 Release the SYNC!!
50:09 Double Patches...2 for 1!!
59:22 THE DEMO SOUNDS - Unison
1:05:18 Intervals
1:11:40 Pads
1:22:28 Basses
1:27:35 Polys and Plucks
1:32:29 Arps
1:37:50 Sync
1:42:00 Doubles

Vintage Classic That's 2 Synths In One // Yamaha CS 15

video upload by Starsky Carr

"A Human League Favourite - You probably never realised you've heard it, but its a super flexible things. The Yamaha CS-15 from 1979 has got 2 state variable VCFs, 2 VCAs, 2 VCOs, 2 ADSR envelopes, 2 Pitch envelopes... and 2 independent routings - you get the gist. The Yamaha CS series isn't as well known as Moogs, Arps and Oberheims, but they can pack quite a punch.

A 12dB filter may have been its future downfall, but its more like a mini modular (like the Kawai 100F I demo'd here ) [posted here]

There's essentially a single 2 VCO monosynth, plus an additional path with noise and one of the VCOs. The additional patch (the upper section) has its own filter, VCA etc. The only real downside is a single LFO for all modulation. The CS30 takes things further but this is a more compact and cheaper unit."

Frap Tools Magnolia - A Bucchla Style Polysynth?.. from a modular manufacturer??

video upload by Starsky Carr

"A demo of the Magnolia from Frap Tools by the lovely Giovanni at‪@superboothberlin‬ 2025
Im, not doing a whole load of demos this year, just things that catch my eye, and this has been one of the stars of the show

It has such easy access to through zero FM and wavefolding, which enables it to go from very pleasant to a screeching maniac with a couple of twists!"

New Keyboard Version of the GS MUSIC BRee6 // Superbooth 2025

video upload by Starsky Carr

"A nice quick demo of the GS Music Bree6* from the man himself! I've isolated the sounds so you can hear it clearly.

Just a single oscillator plus sub, but how nice is this? I've had a little play with it myself and it sounds gorgeous."

This is the first post to feature the keyboard version. You can find additional posts featuring the desktop version here.

https://www.gsmusic.com/

Novation Launch Control XL3 demo and review

video upload by Starsky Carr

"Here's the latest in Novations Launch control Series its the Launch Control XL3

A quick demo from the opening day of Superbooth 2025"

Erica Synths HEXDRUMS from Superbooth 2025

video upload by Starsky Carr

"Erica Synths have just announced this ... the HEXDRUMS a performance drum machine (no parameter locks here) based on their analog Hex modules.

This is their first day at Superbooth first demo!!

Sounds great .. looks cool.. whats not to like."

Groove Synthesis 8M // 8 Voice 3rd Wave Desktopp

video upload by Starsky Carr

"The 3rd WAVE 8M is the latest addition to the Groove Synthesis Family - The 'baby' of the 3rd Wave siblings is essentially an 8 voice 3rd Wave with a smaller form factor, a few less knobs, but a bigger screen with 6 instead of 4 contextual encoders."

See the announcement post here.

Roland SH-4d v2.0 Update: Everything You Need to Know

video upload by RolandChannel

"The free Roland SH-4d v2.0 update expands the desktop synthesizer’s sonic capabilities with new Harmonic and Step Oscillator Models joining the existing eleven OSC models. Plus, smooth out your workflow with Pattern Chaining, system-wide reverb, chorus, and delay effects, a new Quick Overwrite process for saving tones and patterns, new Sub Step options to push sequence timing off the grid, and more.

In this video, Dustin Good walks through the features included in this major SH-4d update.

00:00 Intro
00:25 Step Oscillator Model
02:43 Harmonic Oscillator Model
04:50 Pattern Chain
06:14 Effects
07:25 Sub Step
08:25 Additional Features

To update to version 2.0, please visit: https://www.roland.com/global/product..."

Roland SH-4d V2 Firmware is here!!
video upload by Starsky Carr

0:00 what's this all about?
1:13 New Synth #1 HARMONICS
4:35 New Synth #2 STEP
10:49 Pattern Chaining
13:31 Step Shift Microtiming
15:16 Quick Saving & QUERTY input
16:08 It's got 10 undos
17:09 MIDI & USB

Update: press release follows:

The Roland SH-4d Desktop Synthesizer expands its creative potential with Version 2.0. The free upgrade gives electronic music producers new sonic capabilities with two expressive new OSC Models, pattern chaining for streamlined performances, and serious workflow refinements.

Two new OSC Models

STEP for step-based LFO modulation to produce dynamic movement within tones. From rigid, classic analog step sequencer-inspired phrases locked into the groove, to experimental soundscapes with curves, swells, bleeps and bloops.

HARMONIC for rich, layered sounds with a classic drawbar organ layout. Prime for creating essential house bass tones, bell-like chimes, deep pads, and powerful organ sounds with hands-on control of four harmonically tuned drawbars.

Workflow refinements

PATTERN CHAIN for streamlined hands-free performances and song construction.

SYSTEM-LEVEL FX options for consistent Reverb, Delay, and Chorus settings across all patterns for cohesive mixes in the studio as well as uninterrupted pattern switching while playing live.

QUICK OVERWRITE for saving tone and pattern data with less steps, never breaking creative momentum.

UNDO/REDO function now supported up to 10 times for worry-free experimentation when creating sequences.

New SUB-STEP options for off-grid note entry, shifting synth and drum hits behind-the-beat for looser grooves and greater variations when paired with Probability.

Extended MIDI control with improved program change implementation and new options for which MIDI data is transmitted to external devices.

VCO vs VA // Delia vs Nina - there's more to it than that

video upload by Starsky Carr

"What's the difference sonically? I've not heard these 2 demo'd side by side in depth. We know the specs - Melbourne Instruments Nina has 12 voices, each containing 2 VCOS plus a digital oscillator, and the Melbourne Instruments Delia uses virtual analog to do the same thing with 6 voices - with some 'Paraphonic PLUS' 12 voice modes.

There are other additions in the Delia, like FM, an extra LFO and envelope plus oyu can have dual effects in parallel or serial.

BUT.. what's the consequence of replacing the VCOs with the VA oscillators?"

0:00 Delia Panning Demo
0:31 An Intro to both synths
3:31 Quick Audio Comparison
5:48 Similarities and Differences
6:57 Lovely FM demo
10:46 Let's Go! Sound demos start with Oscillators
15:44 Comparing a Musical Patch
20:11 Delia's Vintage Mode
24:38 LP Analogue Filters
28:49 Delia's HP Sauce
30:20 OVERDRIVE!!
32:06 Rounding Up

https://www.melbourneinstruments.com/

Behringer 2-XM // First Look review and demo

video upload by Starsky Carr

"Here it is... the Behringer 2-XM their take on the Oberheim 2-Voice It's got 2 SEM style modules/clones plus CV connections and MIDI.

This is a quick runthrough - it only arrived yesterday so I'm just trying to give a flavour of what it sounds like and how it works.

Pre-empting questions about MIDI control... the knobs don't send or receive MIDI and no there's no patch saving :)"

0:00 intro demo
2:18 Some Background
6:40 Oscillators - 4 VCOs
12:11 Sync - sounds smooth
13:52 Filter.. it's SEM style!
21:27 VCA Modes
22:00 Control Section
25:26 Split + Duo Modes

The Delay you can Play // Echolocator

video upload by Starsky Carr

"It invites you to play and tweak and is so controllable with so many options for sound design that Erica Synths Echolocator draws you in and opens up a world of infinite tones. ... watch the intro and you'll get what I'm on about :)

So.. this is my demo and review of the Echolocator - I'm really enjoying it. I think its the way its been designed for ultra controllability of the delay chain. Hold that filter, add some feedback, bring in some shimmer, drop the cutoff, add some gentle modulation. .. and before you know it you;'re 10 minutes in."

Vince Clarke's 1st Synth // KAWAI 100F

video upload by Starsky Carr

"A genuine character.. It's fairly rare, and was never a super popular synth - BUT - the Kawai 100F has more than enough tricks up its sleeve to keep things interesting. As well as a wonderful filter its got some weird modulation routings plus a 50Hz LFO which gives us plenty of routes to FM spacey madness.

Most of all though, its got a fabulous raw tone that cuts through a mix and hits you in the chest.

It can't do PWM, in fact you can't even change the pulse shape, it doesn't have pitch or mod wheels, it's pre-MIDI but it has oodles of character.

If you don't want to risk a vintage purchase try the PWM Malevolent or Arturia Minibrute 2"

0:00 Depeche Demo
0:50 Whats this all about?
2:12 Let's Go..
2:53 Filtering a 909
4:12 Just One VCO but the Filter subs as an OSC
5:17 Let's F the M
7:58 It's Got Truly Unique Envelopes
13:00 Some Non-FM stuff
15:46 LFO
21:06 Modern Alternatives

Cre8audio Introduces Boom Chick Analog Drum Machine

video upload by Cre8audio

Timing is Everything // Boom Chick Hatches just before Easter!

video upload by Starsky Carr

SMALL BUT CAPABLE! Cre8Audio Boom Chick analog DRUM MACHINE & Assembler MIXER review

video upload by BoBeats

Press release follows:


April 8, 2025 – Cre8audio proudly introduces Boom Chick, an innovative pure analog drum machine that blends the inspiration of classic drum machines with cutting-edge analog circuitry and fresh design concepts from Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers. Boom Chick fuses expressive percussion voices with an advanced, addictive, and intuitive sequencer, offering deep rhythmic exploration for modern musicians and producers.

Revolutionary Analog Percussion

Inspired by the hands-on playability of legendary drum machines, Boom Chick delivers the warmth and character of classic analog percussion while embracing new, forward-thinking design. Its knob-per-function interface ensures effortless jamming and fine-tuning, making it a truly immersive drum machine for musicians seeking an organic, tactile beat-making experience. Whether crafting intricate grooves or pushing sonic boundaries, Boom Chick delivers raw, dynamic, and powerful sound.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Cre8audio Introduces Assembler Vintage Inspired Analog Mixer

video upload by Cre8audio

BOOM CHICK and ASSEMBLER by Pittsburgh Modular & Cre8Audio // Review & Tutorial

video upload by loopop

Cre8audio Assembler // Give it some Juice - it's a Colour Box Mixer

video upload by Starsky Carr

Cre8audio Assembler Analog Performance Mixer Review

video upload by Molten Music Technology

Press release follows:


April 8, 2025 – Cre8audio, proudly introduces Assembler, a synth-focused analog audio mixer designed to deliver unmatched vintage console sound with intuitive hands-on control. Developed in collaboration with the renowned Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers, Assembler fuses the warmth of classic analog mixers with a modern workflow tailored for contemporary electronic artists, plus a few other fantastic sound sculpting tools.

Vintage Sound, Modern Control
Inspired by the iconic consoles that defined decades of music production, Assembler brings the same sought-after warmth, character, and tonal shaping to today’s producers and performers. Featuring custom-designed Pittsburgh Modular analog circuitry, the mixer utilizes signal contouring and soft compression to unify the overall mix. This process emulates the beloved sonic characteristics of vintage recordings, offering a rich and cohesive sound.

Comprehensive Mixing Power
With ten audio inputs split into three distinct channel types, Assembler seamlessly integrates into any live or studio setup. Key features include:

Powerful preamps with up to 20x gain boost for line-level signals, clarity enhancement, or saturation.

Vintage tape saturation style contouring and soft compression on all channels and auxes

Three assignable aux sends for external effects and sub-mixing.

CLICK FOR MORE »

The Best 'Budget' Synth You've Never Heard

video upload by Starsky Carr

"The Korg DW-8000 & the Retroaktiv DW-8P mk2 MIDI Controller. The DW-8000 is something of a hidden gem, with a fervent following among its fans for good reason. Released in 1985 it was ahead of its time, coming with 16 digital waveforms and Korgs own gorgeous analog filter it is a lovely sounding hybrid. Add to that it came along with the world's first onboard digital delay and cost less than 20% of a PPG this was truly groundbreaking. The Prophet VS didn't arrive until a year later, and the Waldorf Microwave wasn't released until 1989.

It does suffer from 80s minimal interface syndrome, but luckily we have the Retroaktiv DW-8P mk2 which not only brings all the controls to hand but improves on the mk1 with loads of extras like the assignable mod matrix, dual DIN connections, USB MIDI and power, larger screen, improved interface and graphics.

And most of all it brings out the best in the synth as the mod matrix and hands on control really bring it to life."

0:00 Intro
2:12 Interface and Synth Overview
4:27 Ta Dah... the DW-8P
6:13 ADBSSR Envelopes
7:07 Pitch Ramp
7:28 Digital Delay/Chorus
10:59 A Word on the DW-6000
11:58 Closer Look at Some Waveshapes
13:44 A Patch From Scratch
15:29 Arpeggiator + Voice Modes
16:59 Loading and Storing
17:30 Espen's Patch(es)
19:05 Import from the Synth
20:20 Assign/Mod Matrix
23:22 Chord Mode
25:37 Patch Generator

Redshift 6 - Firmware Update 1.2

Press release follows.

"Supercritical Synthesizers have just released the second firmware update for the Redshift 6 and it’s available at our website. The Firmware Update 1.2 brings Clock, LFO clock sync, NRPN support for parameter control, Mod Lock, and also 65 new presets from Gattobus, Starsky Carr, and our team.

VERSION 1.2

Added
Clock that can be synced via MIDI
LFO clock sync
Tap tempo
All parameters can now be controlled with NRPN and some with CC
Velocity to Amp quick modulation on AMP page
Mod lock
Double-tap a mod source to latch mod assignment mode
Hold a source and double-tap another one to latch mod + via assignment
Tap the blinking source or via button or Esc to unlatch
DCO keyfollow setting -400% to 400% on the KEY page
Keyboard octave switching: Up/Down on Key page, or Shift + Up/Down anywhere
Filter keyfollow snap to nominal 1:1, 2:1, 3:1 (these are not super accurate in self oscillation)
65 new presets by Gattobus, Starsky Carr and our team

Changed
New parameter adjustment logic
Default is as previously, except adjustment is more responsive (much smaller “deadzone” when starting to move a knob)
Holding shift now enables parameter fine tuning, allowing for much smaller adjustments (you can for example adjust tune by less than a cent)
Double-tap Shift to latch fine tune mode, tap Shift or Esc to unlatch
Parameter steps are now accessed by holding down a knob while turning
Perform page now shows clock status and incoming MIDI
Clarify a bunch of names around the UI
LFO Reset Phase now has steps at 25%, 50% and 75%
DCO Stack & Detune visualization now more accurately reflects what’s happening in the voice
Short grace period after adjusting modulation to prevent accidentally changing the parameter
Keyfollow now also follows pitch bend and portamento (might change behaviour of some presets)
Minor visual tweaks and fixes

CLICK FOR MORE »

Novation Summit + Peak // Recreating Classic Vintage Patches

video upload by Starsky Carr

"Classics Vintage Patches from The Novation SUMMIT and PEAK Just a bit of fun... not meant to be identical, but I attempted to recreate some of my favourite patches on my Juno 60, Minimoog, Prophet 5, DW-8000 and OB-X8 - and it was going so well I ended up creating a soundbank.

These were selected to give a nice wide range of tones - single, dual and triple, VCO, DCO and digital oscillators

It can't do everything, obviously, but it gets really close on loads of tones - I was not expecting them to be identical but it can get close to the characters.

For this I created a few wavetables for the Summit/Peak from the DW-8000 waves and also the stacked waves from the Prophet 5. You can select multiple waves on the Prophet, but you can't on the Novation's so it was simple enough to create a wavetable to give all options.. saw+sq, saw+sq+triangles etc.

Buy the pack here:
https://www.starskycarr.com/patches/p..."

Behringer RD78 // Review and Demo

video upload by Starsky Carr

"Superbly CHEESY The Behringer RD-78 is their take on the classic *Roland CompuRyhtm CR-78*. The CR78 was famous for having user patterns, you could actually save your own! You've heard it on loads of tracks, and as it was originally designed as an organ accompaniment - like all the OG drum machines - its got some wonderfully cheesy rhythms - who doesn't love a Beguine, Foxtrot, Tango or Mambo?"

0:00 what is it?
0:40 Classic Patterns
6:43 Writing User Patterns
9:22 Some MIDI info