Stylophone CPM DF-8 - What is a "Dynamic Multi-Filter" anyway?

video upload by Oscillator Sink

"The Stylophone CPM DF-8 is the follow up to the well received (and for good reason!) DS-2 drone synth. Rather than being a synth first, the DF-8 is a dual/stereo filter at heart, but it has a good few tricks up its sleeve that might elevate it from being 'just a filter'.

The DF-8 will be released 20th November 2025 and the RRP is: £229 | €269 | $299

Transparency notice: I was sent the DF-8 prototype as a beta-tester, and was allowed to keep the unit to make videos about it. I wasn't otherwise paid, and Dubreq have had no editorial oversight on this video.

Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:19 Feature overview
06:03 Filter mode demo and comparison
14:46 DF-8 as an instrument (+ testing filter tracking)
18:13 The VCA and envelopes.
20:19 Audio Envelope Triggers (compression and transient shaping)
26:57 Building a Stereo Filter patch
37:59 Summing Up"

This Makes Anything Sound Amazing// Stylophone DF-8 Filter / Mutator and then some... Filter Demo

video upload by Starsky Carr

"Ever wondered what happens when Stylophone — the quirky British maker of those pocket synths from the ‘60s — decides to build a serious analogue filter with the remake of the classic Mutronics Mutator filter chip and the screaming madman from the *Stylophone GenR8*? Meet the *Stylophone CPM DF-8*, a gritty, super flexible and occasionally unpredictable beast that turns any signal into pure lo-fi magic.

THE STYLOPHONE CPM DF-8 ANALOG DYNAMIC MULTI-FILTER
RELEASE DATE: 20TH NOV '25
PRICE: £229 | €269 | $299

In this video, I dive into the DF-8 showing how it reacts to drums, synths, and even full mixes. Expect sweeps, growls, distortion, and plenty of Character. This isn’t your average boutique filter — it’s dirty, chaotic, and full of charm.

You’ll hear:

The raw filter tone and resonance range
How it shapes synths and drum machines
Drive, envelope and modulation tricks
Whether it’s worth adding to your studio or live setup

If you love sound design, modular gear, or just discovering weird musical devices, this one’s for you."

Additional Stylophone CPM DF-8 posts

SONICWARE Meets Waldorf — The ELZ_1 play V2 Is Here

video upload by SONICWARE

ELZ_1 play V2 [Preset Jam by Yu Endo]
video upload by SONICWARE

User videos:


Playlist: (you can use the player controls to skip around)

1. ELZ_1 play V2 (version 2.0) Quick Guide - Waldorf Wavetables, Layering, New Effects + More - ChrisLody
2. Wavetables, Layers & Total Transformation // Sonicware ELZ-1 Play Just Went PRO - Starsky Carr
3. NEW SONICWARE ELZ_1 play V2 synth!! (WALDORF wavetables and 18 engines) - sound demos - FutureMusic.es

via SONICWARE

"Pack. Play. Perform.

Wavetable power, to go

We are accepting preorders for shipment in mid-November.

V2 Launch Edition with Special Case (limited to the first 300 units)

Sound – Power – Portability

■ Wavetable × Layer Mode
Spark experimentation, and transform sound beyond limits.
Featuring Original Waldorf Wavetables!

■ Creative Arsenal
18 distinctive synth engines, 48 diverse effects, a flexible 4-track looper, and a sequencer for limitless sound creation.

■ Carry Your Creativity
From spark to sound everywhere you go."

ARP Axxe Gold MkI model 2312 sn 2312 !

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

via this Vemia listing

Click the auction link on top when you get there for additional listings.

"Another item from the ARP collection: Here's the original vintage Black and Gold-finished Mk I ARP AXXE model 2312 - with unit's serial number 2312 ! - at an affordable entry-level point. It has original ARP upgrade PPC kit yet installed replacing the rotary pitch bend knob. A white overlay is provided for the signal flow diagram (see pictures). Optionally, as the original front panel graphics are gone, we’ve given it a nice touch with hand-painted gold detailing. Like its sibling the Odyssey, the AXXE has its own unique voice: while you’ll get that unmistakable ARP analog character, it also can opens the door to a variety of sounds — from thick, punchy basses to bright, sizzling leads — all for a fraction of the cost. Plus, it’s got a few fun tricks up its sleeve that you can appreciate on this explicit video from Starsky Carr: https://youtu.be/-6NHVLVJgpA?feature=shared . In working condition overall, though there’s a bit of crackling here and there, so a good cleaning is recommended - sold as is. As a great bonus are the connections on the back allowing an external synth or signal to be processed along with CV, Gate and Trigger inputs and outputs plus a control pedal input for the filter. Standard IEC power lead not included. [ If you’re purchasing from outside the EU, please be ready to provide any details that might be needed — thanks for understanding! ] Will be packed thoughtfully."

CLICK FOR MORE »

QU-Bit Bloom V2 – The Eurorack Sequencer That Grows on You

video upload by Starsky Carr

"The QU-Bit Bloom V2 Eurorack Sequencer takes generative sequencing to the next level — with three independent channels, expanded modulation options, and up to 64 steps per pattern. In this deep dive, I explore how each channel (Blue, Green, and Red) works, show how to program sequences, use the modulation output creatively, and reveal some of Bloom’s new tricks for melodic and rhythmic variation.

If you’re into modular synthesis, this update is a big deal — flexible, musical, and seriously fun to use."

0:00 Overview
0:52 Per Step Parameters
2:37 Shift Functions
5:43 Branch Path and Mutate
9:28 Knob Modes
13:31 Modulation
18:28 Config Settings & Narwhal

Iconic British OSCar Synth is Reborn

video upload by Starsky Carr

Guestimate price (just after 6:50) of £2.5k GBP which comes to $3371 USD.

"The legendary OSCar synthesizer is back! In this video, I'm joined by Paul from PWM Instruments, who recently acquired the rights to the Oxford Synth Company. In this he talks us through their new synth - a modern recreation of the iconic OSCar - a secret weapon for artists like Jean-Michel Jarre, Ultravox, Stevie Wonder, Orbital, and Underworld - and explains how the new OSCar stays true to the original’s gritty charm while adding modern upgrades for today’s producers.

Its currently at prototype stage - but the proof of concept has been demonstrated, so the next stage is to mould it into a commercial product.

Whether you’re a synth enthusiast, a producer hunting for that British synth grit, or just curious about iconic electronic instruments, this deep-dive demo will show you why the OSCar still inspires decades later.

Hear a short demo of the unmistakable OSCar growl, discover its quirks, and see why this rebirth matters for synth lovers everywhere."

The Only Drum Machine to be a Member of the Band // Minipops Junior

video upload by Starsky Carr

"The Minipops Junior was Echo & the Bunnymen’s first drummer. Quirky, lo-fi, and never on time — this 1970s rhythm box proves that imperfection is pure magic.

The Korg Minipops Junior is one of the quirkiest drum machines of the 1970s — best known as the original drummer for Echo & the Bunnymen on their debut single Pictures on My Wall. In this demo I run through its preset patterns, explain its place in the history of the MiniPops series, and show how its loose, drifting timing creates a swing that no DAW quantizer can reproduce.

I’ll sample into Logic to show how far the hits fall from the grid, how it drifts over several bars, and why those imperfections make it so special. It’s limited in tones, but every hit has tiny circuit variations that give it a unique feel.

I’ve also created a sample pack with all 10 patterns plus MIDI files, available on my Patreon."

This is why it's so popular // OXI ONE MKII quick start guide and tutorial

video upload by Starsky Carr

"The Oxi One MKII is one of the most powerful and creative hardware sequencers available — here’s how to build full tracks and perform live with it.

Perfect for synth lovers, modular fans, and electronic producers of all styles.

Discover the full creative power of the Oxi One MKII in this hands-on tutorial and quick start guide. Even if you’ve never used an Oxi before, this walkthrough will show you how to build tracks from scratch, sequence melodies and beats, and perform live — all from one incredibly powerful, portable sequencer.

We’ll cover all the core modes, from step sequencing and chord programming to the advanced Matriceal mode for complex multi-track arrangements.

Whether you make techno, ambient, modular jams or synth-pop, the Oxi One MKII can become the heart of your setup — and this video will help you get started fast."

0:00 Track #1 WONDERFUL! and intro
2:44 back to basics .. overview
9:03 Track #2 FABULOUS! Big EDM style Generated Lead
11:08 The Interface
14:49 LFOs & Modulation
18:23 Track #3 AMAZING! changing key in performance mode
20:00 OXI PIPE & SPLIT
20:49 Track #4 RIP-OFF! First Steps Hunter Rip
21:02 Mono Mode (and a note on Mutes)
23:38 Poly Mode (and setting up a sequencer track)
26:54 Matriceal Mode .. concentrate!
30:30 Chord Mode.. easy
31:25 Stochastic Mode... super easy
34:10 Multitrack Mode... very handy
37:34 Randomisation and Euclidean Modes ... simple and amazing
41:13 Wrapping Up + Track#5 BEAUTIFUL! putting it together

Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave 8M Review & Demo | Compact Synth Powerhouse

video upload by Starsky Carr

0:00 All 3rd Wave intro (not drums or vocals!)
2:13 Doing that PPG Thing
4:07 It's SOOOO much more than a PPG
6:33 Creating the Different Styles of Tones
14:00 Putting Them All Together
16:15 Demo Track - Rain or Shine

"The Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave 8M is here – the compact desktop module with huge power. From classic PPG tones to modern wavetable magic, this demo shows why it could be your next dream synth.

In this video I put it through its paces with a full demo and review, showing how it stacks up against the bigger 3rd Wave keyboard and even the Behringer Wave – a clone of the classic PPG 2.2.

With 24 voices, wavetable creation, sample import, and a deep sequencer, the 8M delivers the lush PPG tones we know and love – but it also goes far beyond, opening up new creative possibilities for sound design and performance.

If you’ve seen my earlier videos on the 3rd Wave , you’ll know how close they get to that classic PPG sound. But the 8M adds serious flexibility: multi-timbrality, modern workflow, and the ability to create wavetables from audio. This isn’t just a clone – it’s a synth that pushes forward while staying true to the heritage.

Whether you’re a fan of vintage digital synths, wavetable synthesis, or just looking for an inspiring new instrument for your studio, the 8M is a fascinating option.

👉 Check out my 3rd Wave Playlist - everything you could ever want to know!"

Going Dark and Moody with the Hologram Chroma Console Matte Black Edition

video upload by Starsky Carr

"The Hologram Chroma Console has had a gothic makeover with the brand-new Black Edition. It’s the same inspiring multi-effects pedal, but dressed in black — and I had to see if the darker look matches the moody, atmospheric sounds it creates.

In this demo I build tones step by step: starting from a simple sawtooth and layering drive, pitch modulation, drift, reverb, and interference. Before long, the Chroma Console takes us into gorgeous, complex, and sometimes unsettling soundscapes."

0:00 Watch out for Vampires.. This is what it does...
2:39 Why Lo-Fi is Soooo vibey & atmospheric
4:24 Quick Intro
8:28 Secondary Functions
11:06 Recording Automations (Gestures)
13:13 Changing Module Order
14:05 Sonic Experiments - putting it all togegther
18:35 Demo Track

Classic Jupiter 8 using the Novation SUMMIT

video upload by Starsky Carr

See How to Make Your Synth Sound Like a Roland Jupiter-8 (Summit & Peak Tutorial and patch bank)

How to Make Your Synth Sound Like a Roland Jupiter-8 (Summit & Peak Tutorial and patch bank)

video upload by Starsky Carr

"Ever wished your synth could sound like the legendary *Roland Jupiter-8*? In this video, I’ll show you how I built over 80 authentic Jupiter-8 style patches—from lush pads to classic leads and basses —and how you can design your own vintage synth tones step by step.

In this I use the Novation Summit*, and my patches also work on the *Peak
Get the Patches here:
https://www.starskycarr.com/patches/p...

*What you’ll learn in this video*:
How to create Jupiter-8 inspired patches on Novation Summit & Peak
Tips for getting authentic vintage analog tones
Tricks to restrict modern features for a true retro sound
Ways to shape oscillators, LFOs & envelopes for classic synth vibes"

0:00 Intro - taking things a little futher
1:23 You don't need a clone clones
4:01 Cross Mod/FM - They're not the same Linear vs Exponential
5:25 PWM - Check the LFO range
7:54 Sync - The SUMMIT & Peak are unique here
9:59 LFO - Don't go too fast!
12:58 Don't worry about the Cross Mod
13:48 Keep the filter within limits and you'll be fine
20:50 A Patch Form Scratch
22:16 A Word on the Envelopes
24:32 Adding Performance Features
30:15 Some Thouhgts
31:54 A QUICK JAM

Trying the Novation Launch Control XL3 as a Hardware Hub in a Dawless Setup

video upload by Starsky Carr

"Discover the power of the Novation Launch Control XL3 — the ultimate Ableton Live controller and a flexible standalone MIDI controller for the Arturia AudioFuse 16 In this video, I’ll show you how to use the XL3 in a hybrid studio setup including the Dreadbox Nymphes and *Erica Synths LXR02*, giving you full hardware mixer control over up to 24 channels and a synth.

✅ Seamless integration with Ableton – plug it in via USB and Live recognises it instantly.
✅ Control up to 24 channels on the AudioFuse Rig 16 + X8 setup.
✅ Flexible setup options: USB or MIDI DIN for a fully computer-free rig.
✅ Real-world mixing example: faders, pans, sends, and mute/solo control at your fingertips.

Whether you’re a producer, live performer, or looking for hands-on hardware control in your hybrid studio, the Launch Control XL3 is a compact powerhouse."

⏱️ Chapters / Timestamps

0:00 – Intro: What is the Launch Control XL3?
2:23 – Quick Ableton setup demo
5:00 – Intro Demo Hardware Setup Explained
9:05 – Setting up MIDI Control
14:03 – Minor Niggles
15:21 – Hardware Connections
17:38 – Final thoughts

https://us.novationmusic.com/products/launch-control-xl

Classic House on Hardware (TR-909, Dreadbox, Nymphes) // Cirklon Demo and Tutorial

video upload by Starsky Carr

"Making a Live Jam using 2 dreadbox synths and a drum machine sequenced by the sequentix Cirklon

In this video, we dive deep into the legendary Sequentix Cirklon sequencer and show how to build a classic house track on hardware step by step. From programming kicks, bass, and synths to using advanced Cirklon features like probability, accumulators, and aux events, you’ll see how to create a live jammable house groove with real gear.

Gear Used in This Demo
Sequentix Cirklon Sequencer
Roland TR-909 (drums)
Dreadbox Nymphes & Nyx (synths)
OTO BIM delay
Arturia Keystep (for note input)

What You’ll Learn in This Video:
How to set up the Cirklon with multiple hardware instruments
Creating patterns, muting parts, and arranging sections
Using probability & fills for dynamic grooves
Deep-dive into exotic Cirklon functions (accumulator, aux events)
Building a classic house track for live jamming"

I hope they're not all like this! // Behringer vs Moog MuRF

video upload by Starsky Carr

"No prizes for guessing what's going on here.. a comparison of the Behringer BM-15 MURF BOX and the classic MoogerFooger MIDI MuRF

How does the Behringer stack up against the Moog? ... there's only one way to find out :)"

Never Expected This... Jupiter 8 vs System 8 (Roland Cloud & JP08 Boutique) Deep Dive

video upload by Starsky Carr

"Just how close is the Roland System-8 to the classic *Jupiter-8 * - I'm finally able to take a look at them side by side.

The System 8 uses Roland's ACB technology - analog circuit behaviour - it's component level modelling that creates the sounds based on what the voltages electrons would be doing bouncing around those old circuits. It's the same as used in the Boutique JP8 and in the Roland Cloud VST plugins. ... so if you've got either of those this shows how they all stack up versus the real thing.

0:00 Demo Track
1:00 About the System 8
5:07 Pacific 8
5:38 Matching Patches
11:21 Oscillators
15:25 Circuit Mod/Detune/Slop
18:11 Binaural Demo 16 Voices of Jupiter
19:32 Sync
20:43 Filters
28:02 An Interesting Thing
29:45 A bit on the LFO
31:29 And... what do I think?"

Analog Multitimbral Marvel - 6 Synths... Simultaneously

video upload by Starsky Carr

"In the V1.3 update we can have upto 6 different synths in the same machine

The Redshift 6 is based on the Supercritical Demon Core Oscillator and Neutron Flux Filter eurorack modules.. both of which offer a huge amount of flexibility for analog oscillators and filters. Supercritical have been able to do this through designing a system where they can control the character of the filters and oscillators under digital control."

0:00 Getting Into the Groove
0:30 What's So Special About the Redshift?
3:55 Multitimbral Modes
4:39 Demo Track Set-Up
5:50 Paraphonic - lots of oscillators in ONE oscillator
7:24 Binaural - Poly & Unison Combined
9:02 6 Monosynths - with 6 Outputs

TR-808 Shootout // Can they live up to the LEGEND??

video upload by Starsky Carr

"The legendary Roland TR80*8 up against the *Roland TR-8S and the Behringer RD-8 Looking only at the sounds - or listening to them! - do they come anywhere close?

The TR-8S uses Roland's ACB technology, which is the same as the TR-8, Roland Cloud plugins and the Boutique TR-08 - so this has you covered for all of those. I'm using the RD-8 Mk2 - you cna tell because its got the black buttons, Mk1 had white.

I've gone through all the sounds (forgot the maracas in the demo bit) and showed how they differ. Taking into consideration no 2 808s will be identical I think they both stand up very well to the orginal TR808.

But if you want the exact sounds...

Buy my 495 samples here - every position on every knob!
https://www.starskycarr.com/patches/p..."

Polyend Pedals // MESS Step and Press

video upload by Starsky Carr

"Some things ooze quality ... welcome to the Polyend MESS, Step and Press guitar pedals. But just like my MoogerFoogers I'm not going to be stomping on them any time soon!

The MESS is a Multi Effect Step Sequencer with 4 tracks containing one of 74 on-board FX and sequenced in 16 steps.

The Step is a beats machine. Filled with 50 kits and 2000 samples and room for 1000 songs. With per step parameter setting and onboard FX, limiter and saturation it's much more than a simple drum machine.

Press is an ANALOG stereo VCA compressor (everything else I've used from Polyend has been digital), with a sidechain input, LP and HP for the sidechain plus a dry/wet mix knob and a tilt EQ. A super little desktop/stompbox compressor."

0:00 What's all this then?
1:10 Demo - under PRESSure
1:27 Press... it's a comPRESSor
6:14 Step .. it's a beats machine
8:38 Demo - Musical Interlude
9:18 Back to the Step
15:06 Demo - time for a miniCHILL
15:58 Per STEP parameters
19:51 MESS Demo - Getting Glitchy
20:55 MESS.. it's a Multi Effects Step Sequencer
24:49 Demo - Huge and Spacey
25:34 MESSing it up from scratch
30:08 Demo - More Glitches
30:21 In a Nutshell...

Novation SUMMIT // A 2025 Synth from 2019... and beyond!!

video upload by Starsky Carr

"Sonically we're in control iykyk :) .... Coming out of Leftfield - was the market ready for the Novation SUMMIT and PEAK FPGA oscillators back in 2018? Did we really understand what they were? .. digital .. yes, but not as we knew it, not old school tech type of digital.

Get my SUMMIT and Peak Patches here:
Vintage Classics https://www.starskycarr.com/patches/p...
Oberheim https://www.starskycarr.com/patches/p...

Clocking at 24MHz these were something new. Bringing out a hybrid when everyone was going analog crazy was a brave move, but one that's still paying dividends.

Building on ideas from vintage classics, it seems to have come from the future... well ahead of it's time - it's always been a 2025 synth but was originally released in 2019.

AND - it's packed full of features...

In this I look at some of the more overlooked features, and the flexibility.In my previous demos i've showed how it can emulate the functions of loads of classic synths, so in this i take it a little further. Looking at binaural mode, complex modulation, 3 distortions, dual filter modes and wavetables.

... and a big thanks to ‪@AlexBallMusic‬ for his cameo :)"

Donner Essential L1 vs Roland SH101

video upload by Starsky Carr

"Well this was a surprise... and what a pleasant surprise it is!! The DonnerMusic Essential L1 is an analog synth based around the vintage Roland SH101 with a few modern extras and additional functions, like an extra ADSR envelope, triangle wave, syncable LFO and storage for 128 64 step sequences.

Here I demo it paired with the Donner KB 32M magnetic keyboard which simply clips on and works a treat. So you have the option of a desktop unit or a full synth.

I put it up against my vintage Roland SH101"