Secrets to Steve Porcaro’s Sound: The CS-80 & More

video upload by Anthony Marinelli Music

"In this episode, I hang with Steve Porcaro for an up-close, hands-on look at the secrets behind his sound, with Toto and much more! Discover the musical thinking that shaped some of the most iconic synthesizer moments in pop history.
You’ll watch Steve perform on the legendary Yamaha CS-80, and demonstrate exactly why its polyphonic aftertouch changed everything. He shows how touch, phrasing, and pressure become part of the music itself, then recreates the iconic Africa brass sound, breaking down how it was programmed and performing it right before our eyes. We also pause to honor David L. Abell and Clark Spangler, two essential figures in synthesizer history whose whose work helped bring instruments like the CS-80 into the spotlight
Along the way, Steve shares stories from working with David Paich and David Foster, and how his collaborations shaped their sound. You’ll also see a beautiful portamento and glissando demonstration tied to "After the Love Has Gone" by Earth, Wind & Fire and 'Serious Music' by Hall & Oates, revealing how Steve approached expressive movement on the keyboard.
Steve then breaks open his 'go-to' CS-80 panel settings and shows how he used them on 'Rosanna' and 'Mama' by Toto, offering a rare look at the real-world musical decisions behind those songs.
Finally, Steve and I talk about the true secret sauce behind so many signature songs from the ’80s and ’90s, from Toto and beyond—the attention to detail, musical sensitivity, and collaboration between specialists, all working selflessly in service of a great song.
This is a rare, in-the-room masterclass with one of the great musical minds of our time."

KORG MS-03 SIGNAL PROCESSOR MS-Series w/ Original Box SN 181437

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

via this Reverb listing

"Features and Specifications:

Input: 1/4" Input

Input Sensitivity: 3 volts peak-to-peak maximum

Portamento: Minimum to maximum travel time

Output: CV Out Hertz/Volt Analog Pitch Control (0 ~ +8V)

Output: CV Out Octave/Volt Analog Pitch Control (+1 ~ +5V)

Output: Trigger High to Ground

Output: Trigger Ground to High (+15v)

Modes: 3 Levels of Tracking Response

Range: High and Low range of operation

Output: Envelope Control Voltage

Dimensions: 283 mm (W) x 195 mm (D) x 110 mm (H)

Weight: 2.4 kg, 4W


In the late nineteen seventies, Korg was apparently determined to open the world of synthesizers to more than just keyboard players.

Introduced in 1979 just a year after the classic MS-10 and MS-20 the MS-03 converts incoming audio signals into a range of control voltage signals. The MS-03 can drive just about any monophonic analog synthesizer, with outputs that support both the Moog/Arp/Eurorack standard of one volt per octave, and the less common Korg/Yamaha standard of hertz to volts. The unit also has two different types of gate outputs.

For users of the Moog/Arp/Eurorack standard there is a tuning and width control. The tune control is used to "tune" the MS-20 to the attached synth, and the "width" control adjust the precise range of one octave.

Korg MS-20: The circuitry of the MS-03 is similar to the Pitch to Voltage circuit in the Korg MS-20, but a comparison of the two converters shows the MS-03 is faster and more accurate than the MS-20.

Korg MS-03: The MS-03 has many of the same controls as found on the Korg X911 Guitar Synthesizer without the synthesizer components. Features found on both units include footswitch-operated Portamento, Synthesizer "Hold" and "Cancel" functions.

[Condition]

This MS-03 is in perfect working condition and in Very Good condition.
This unit was checked by professional technician.

with box and foot pedal, paper work(copy)"

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PAiA 4783 Joystick Controller

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


via this eBay listing

"The PAiA 4783 Joystick Controller is a vintage synthesizer control interface from 1977, designed by the renowned brand PAiA. This analog joystick controller offers a unique and creative way to control various parameters of a synthesizer, providing musicians with a dynamic and expressive tool for their performances and recordings. With its retro design and classic functionality, the PAiA 4783 Joystick Controller is a sought-after piece of pro audio equipment for synthesizer enthusiasts and musicians looking to expand their creative capabilities.

In beautiful, almost new condition. See photos. Will ship with care."

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Slow Rays at the end of the day

video upload by Sleepy Eye

#whimsicalraps #atrium #synthesizer #whimsicalraps #atrium #synthesizer #fun

Additional Atrium videos

Apparatus Mini - Starting new project

video upload by Eternal Engine EMI

"First start of the Apparatus Subminiature Tube Synthesizer.
More on https://apparatus.su"

PlantsSystem - Official Short Playlist 2

video uploads by plantssystem

Playlist:

1. PlantsSystem-Chroma2 #chroma2 #plantssystem #prophet5 #techno #mpc #electronicmusic #synthesizer
2. PlantsSystem-WaveHunter #wavestate #plantssystem #electronicmusic #techno #ipad
3. PlantsSystem-AfterAPlans #renoise #plantssystem #electronicmusic #synth #techno #dtm #sounddesign
4. PlantsSystem-ThirdEmotion #third #emotion #plantssystem #synth #electronicmusic #techno #motiondive
5. PlantsSystem-Circulation #circulation #plantssystem #synth #electronicmusic #prophet5 #techno
6. PlantsSystem-CircuitKoto #koto #plantssystem #synth #electronicmusic #techno #prophet5
7. PlantsSystem-Diminish #diminish #plantssystem #synth #electronicmusic #techno #prophet5 #dr55 #cs10
8. PlantsSystem-PlantsEcho #plantsecho #plantssystem #synth #electronicmusic #prophet5 #techno
9. PlantsSystem-XOver #crossover #plantssystem #techno #electronicmusic #synth #ipad #sounddesign

Rhodes Chroma Synthesizer, Restored & Upgraded

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

via this Reverb listing

Video in the listing previously posted here.

"This Rhodes Chromas is in perfect working order, sounds absolutely great, and has been thoroughly updated & reconditioned:

• CC+ Kit Installed – The original CPU board has been removed and replaced with the fabulous CC+ kit. The Chroma CC+ Kit (CPU Plus) significantly upgrades the original Rhodes Chroma synthesizer by adding essential modern features like integrated MIDI, much more program storage (200 programs in 4 banks) instead of the original's limited space, better control over parameters, and expanded MIDI functionality. It essentially modernizes the vintage keyboard, making it fully controllable via MIDI and allowing for complex patch management. It also replaces the original battery-backed memory with non-volatile RAM, eliminating the need to replace the batteries, and removing the danger of battery acid damage.

• MIDI Adapter Included – The Chroma can now send and receive MIDI. With its wooden, velocity-sensitive keyboard, it becomes a fantastic MIDI controller.

• New Power Supply Installed – The original power supply included a large, heavy transformer, and generated a lot of heat. The new switching power supply, designed in Italy specifically for the Chroma, is energy-efficient, reliable, and regulated, ensuring that the Chroma will be stable and noise-free.

• Serviced – All voice cards have had new capacitors installed. All faulty 4000-series logic chips have been replaced, along with several faulty op-amps. Faulty traces and connectors have been replaced.


All voices pass auto-tune test and play perfectly. We’ve burned in the Chroma for 8+ hours and it works perfectly and stays in tune. All keys have been removed and cleaned, and the action feels great. All key contacts have been cleaned and work correctly, with good velocity response.

Cosmetically, the Chroma has some scratches and marks from its 40+ years of use, but overall it’s quite presentable as you can see in the photos.

The Chroma includes the original flight case – however, the foam has gone bad, and has been removed. The flight case would need to be re-foamed to be used to transport the instrument.

The Chroma is available for pickup in Las Vegas, Nevada. We can also personally deliver the Chroma to the Los Angeles, Phoenix, or St. George areas for $150.

The attached video demonstrates the Chroma playing three of the factory preset sounds.

I also have a video showing all 8 voice cards (16 oscillators, 16 filters, 16 VCAs) passing auto-tune without any errors that I can send upon request."

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JMT Synth DNVO-1A - Beatsville Edition w/ Original Box

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

via this Reverb listing

"This tabletop noise synth has been used only a few times for specific recordings and remains in
perfect physical and working condition. The item pictured is the actual item you will receive.

Beatsville (Japan) Exclusive Model

Beatsville description (Japanese to English Translation)

JMTSYNTH, known for its popular creative noise drone synths, has released the DNVO-1a , offering even more flexibility and excellent integration with modular synths! This exclusive Beatsville model features a white acrylic panel and an additional Gate In jack, adding a touch of glamour. It's modulated by the voltage control of a BASTL INSTRUMENTS modular. Five modulation options are applied to the main VCO, which is then output via a brutal noise filter. Each sub-oscillator, SUB1 through SUB3, has its own on/off switch, is set to a different frequency range, and the modulation frequency can be adjusted with a knob. Each one distorts the sound intensely, creating a deluge of organic noise. Additionally, the NOISE knob allows you to apply noise modulation to the main VCO, adjusting the peak point with the knob. The fifth modulator is the WAVE GENERATOR, which can be enabled with the WAVE ON switch. The "WAVE GENERATOR" allows you to adjust the frequency with the WAVE LEVEL knob, while the ATTACK and RELEASE knobs, trigger switch, and Trigger 1 through Trigger 3 knobs allow you to create periodic, rhythmic vibrato and pitch bend. Random, rhythmic bends and long-period ups and downs can also be freely adjusted. This is a very practical technique, as it can be combined with noisy sounds to create noise synth sounds that add rhythmic elements without becoming monotonous. The DNVO-1a (Deluxe Edition) offers three types of trigger type switches. The top position, MIX, mixes the timing determined by the Trigger 1 through Trigger 3 knobs and sends it to the VCO. The bottom position, REPEAT, creates a regular rhythm and rhythmically modulates the VCO. The center position, GATE (OFF), is a special mode that allows the built-in envelope generator-type LFO to be generated from an external gate signal input to the Gate In jack (Trigger 1 through Trigger 3 are turned off, and the trigger is generated from the gate signal input to the Gate In jack). For example, if a gate signal is input from an external sequencer module, you can adjust its waveform with the ATTACK and RELEASE knobs before sending it to the oscillator. The additional CV IN jack also allows you to connect the CV OUT from an external modular or other device to modulate the VCO with an external CV! Everything is intuitive, allowing you to create even the most complex sounds. Furthermore, by connecting to external modular synths, you can explore the variety of analog synth sounds colored by JMTSYNTH's organic noise. This is an outstanding desktop synthesizer with a wide range of synth sounds."

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The Anti Drum Machine

video upload by Oscillator Sink

"Back in May at Superbooth one instrument that absolutely gripped me as one of my highlights of the show was the Manifold Research Centre Antilope. It’s a semi-modular, Eurorack compatible instrument that sits somewhere at the crossroads of being a drum machine, a groovebox, a percussion synthesizer, an FX processor, an experimental noise synth all tied together through an exploration of feedback and resonance.

In this video I’ll be exploring each aspect of the Antilope section by section to understand how they work and what they can do. We’ll take a look at how it operates as an instrument in its own right, but also various different ways that you can integrate it with other gear.

Transparency Notice: Manifold Research Centre kindly sent over the Antilope for me to make videos about; I haven't otherwise been paid but I do get to keep the unit sent to me. Manifold Research Centre have not asked nor been given any editorial oversight into the video's content.

Chapters:
00:00:00 Intro
00:01:17 Introducing the Architecture
00:04:01 Interlude 1
00:04:23 The Filter
00:10:36 Interlude 2
00:11:27 Overdrive
00:18:55 Interlude 3
00:19:32 The FX
00:33:27 Interlude 4
00:34:15 The "Core" (Sequencer and Modulation)
00:45:09 Interlude 5
00:46:13 External Sequencing
00:49:58 Melodic Sequencing
00:51:57 External Clocking and Reset
00:56:40 Antilope Processing Audio
01:06:59 Final Thoughts"

FARFISA POLYCHROME (1979)

video upload by Vintage Audio Institute Italia

"Chapters
..................
00:00 Musical Interlude 1
01:29 description
02:08 Vocal Chorus (Chor) section
04:00 Strings section
04:45 Musical Interlude 2
05:11 Ensemble (polyphonic Synth / Brass) section
05:51 Modulation (chorus)
06:12 Phaser
07:40 Musical Interlude 3
08:40 General Controls (double octave, white noise and after touch)
10:48 Percussive (Piano) section
12:15 Muscial Interlude 4

FARFISA POLYCHROME - 1979
A gigantic instrument with an equally huge sound - was this the ultimate string machine of the era? With 4 independent sections of Divide Down-based instruments with lots of modulation capabilities - our bets are in. The Polychrome uses octave-divider technology to achieve full polyphony meaning you can effectively play a 61 note chord.

It's a big-boned piece of gear, wide and surprisingly deep - it shares the same measurements as the ELKA SYNTHEX but adds a couple of kilos of weight - this to comfortably fit all the circuit boards inside.

We have an additional unit available for purchase - in excellent condition with the original carrying bag included - if you're interested please don't hesitate to contact us for more info, price and photos.

Most of the Farfisa Polychrome specifications are in the video as text already but a quick spec sheet would look like this :

There are four main instrument groups with individual preset sounds that are selectable one at a time

1. Percussive - 6 presets in. all (Piano, Harpsichord, Clavichord and the latest in modern piano emulation - Honky Tonk). This section is equipped with a dedicated filter with Brilliance, Decay and Emphasis parameters, effectively it doubles as a polyphonic synthesizer section.

2. Strings - 1 single preset with 3 octaves selectable simultaneously to form a massively huge string section.

3. Ensemble - 3 Brass preset sounds with an expanded filter section of brilliance and emphasis filter as well as attack and decay controls. There's an error in the video text here : all presets are "free" - meaning you can adjust the parameters of all sounds. You can get a wide variety of sounds here, from synth leads to basses, brassy chords, you name it.

4. Vocal Chorus - Now this is special : 3 haunting choir preset sounds with an additional free mode, with access to Resonance and Cutoff parameters."

ASTROGENIC HALLUCINAUTING - late night noiz for late night fiends

video upload by thenoiztemple

"ASTROGENIC HALLUCINAUTING - late night noiz for late night fiends - for more noiz: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/as...
website: http://manipulate.net
This is a series of live noiz and video noiz performances. A continuation of improvisational noiz sessions during the persistence of The Human Plague and now war.
#isolation #electronicmusic #synthesizer #blackambient #drone #noiz #noisemusic #percussion #spike #ukraine #war #standwithukraine"

Red Roland Boutique SH-01A Virtual Analog Synthesizer Sound Module

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

via this listing

Additional Perfect Circuit listings

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White Roland MKS-7 Super Quartet Synthesizer Module (Juno 106, TR-707)

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

via this Reverb listing

Additional SYNTH CITY Listings

"The Roland MKS-7, also known as the "Super Quartet" is a vintage, multi-timbral rackmount synthesizer module from the '80s that packs a lot into one unit: combines sounds and architecture from the Juno-106 (for melody, chord, bass parts) with drum sounds from the Roland TR-707, all in a single 2U box.

Features four separate MIDI-controllable sections (Melody, Chord, Bass, Rhythm), allowing you to play drums, bass, pads, and leads simultaneously, making it a versatile, all-in-one vintage sound source for MIDI setups.

This unit has been serviced and voice chips have been refurbished. Includes AC power cable."

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Analogue Solutions COLOSSUS Modular Synthesizer SN 014

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

via this Reverb listing

"Flagship Hand built 5U System | Rare | Museum-Grade Instrument

Analogue Solutions COLOSSUS Modular Synthesizer. One of the most ambitious large-format analog modular systems ever produced.

The Colossus is a hand-built, flagship 5U (Moog-format) modular instrument by Analogue Solutions, designed as a modern continuation of the classic Moog-era modular tradition—expanded with contemporary routing, performance control, and system-level integration."

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Felix Visser, the Man Behind Synton Has Passed Away

Some sad news in. Felix Visser, the man behind Synton and such synth clasics as the Syrinx, Fenix, 3000 series modular, and more, has passed away. He recently worked with This Is Not Rocket Science on their Fenix synthesizer as well as the inspiration behind the AnalogFX SER-2020. We lost one of the greats, a synth pioneer.

via Wikipedia:

"Synton was a manufacturer and distributor of high-end electronic music equipment in the Netherlands. They were one of the principal importers of music equipment from E-Mu, Ensoniq, and Fairlight in Europe. Felix Visser, the founder of Synton began the company in 1973 after purchasing an EMS Synthi AKS and setting out to produce similar equipment with more of the functionality that he was looking for in an analog synth. Eventually, the company developed Synton Syntovox vocoders as well as the System 2000 and System 3000 modular synthesizers that were sold to Karlheinz Stockhausen and distributed in the United States by Bob Moog's Big Briar Inc. In 1983, Felix Visser, product specialist Marc Paping, and designer Bert Vermeulen created the Synton Syrinx, a monophonic analog synthesizer that contained unique features such as a metal touchplate for manipulating sound as well as a formant filter."

The image on the left is a screenshot from an interview with him at the 2018 Soundmit synth event (embedded below and previously featured here).

See the Synton label for numerous posts featuring his creations.


video upload by Soundmit

Novation Mininova Ambient with loop station

video upload by Blossom Bisquits

"The Novation MiniNova is a powerful, compact synthesizer known for its surprisingly deep sound engine—the same one found in the larger UltraNova. It is particularly famous for its vocal processing and "Animate" performance buttons.

Here is a breakdown of its key features in English:

Core Sound Engine
Powerful Synth Engine: A versatile engine capable of up to 18-note polyphony and 5 effects per patch.

Oscillators: Features 3 oscillators per voice, including classic analog waveforms, 36 wavetables, and 20 digital waveforms.

Filters: 14 different filter types, including low-pass, high-pass, and band-pass, with various slope settings.

Modulation: 20 modulation slots to link synth modules together, plus 3 LFOs and 6 envelope generators.

Vocal Processing (VocalTune & Vocoder)
VocalTune: Includes a built-in pitch correction effect to achieve that "auto-tuned" vocal sound.

12-band Vocoder: Comes with a dedicated gooseneck microphone to create classic robotic voice effects.

Voice Processor: You can also run external instruments through its filters and effects via the audio input.

Performance Controls
Animate Buttons: 8 backlit "Animate" buttons that allow you to "warp" and trigger modulation in real-time.

Pitch & Mod Wheels: Tactile wheels for expressive playing.

Large Filter Knob: A dedicated, oversized cutoff knob for instant sonic control.

Arpeggiator: A built-in 33-pattern arpeggiator with real-time editing.

Hardware & Connectivity
Mini-Keys: 37 velocity-sensitive mini-keys for a compact footprint.

Patch Storage: Space for 384 onboard patches (256 factory sounds included) and additional storage via computer software.

I/O Ports: * 1/4" Jack output (Stereo)

1/4" Mono input (to process external gear)

Headphone output

MIDI In/Out

USB port (for MIDI and patch management)

XLR input (for the gooseneck mic)"

Fors Introduces Junior 4-bit Wavetable Synth 【 VST + AU + CLAP 】

video upload by Fors

"Get Junior: https://fors.fm/junior

VST3 + CLAP + AUv2 for macOS, Windows & Linux

Junior is a 4-bit wavetable synthesizer based on the soundchip of our favorite vintage handheld video game console, bringing the raw and primitive tones of the original into present day.

All sounds in this video are 100% made with Junior without effects."

Junior – Walkthrough

video upload by Fors

"Junior is a 4-bit wavetable synthesizer based on the soundchip of our favorite vintage handheld video game console, bringing the raw and primitive tones of the original into present day.

Not only is Junior the perfect lo-bit playground but also a completely unapologetic synthesizer with a unique palette that holds a very special place in many of our hearts. Perhaps it can find its way into yours too.

Based on the limitations and characteristics of the Nintendo Game Boy™ soundchip, Junior emits raw and harmonically rich 4-bit values that will cut through anything. From 0 to 15, there is nothing more and nothing less.

The tone generator in Junior plays back a custom wave buffer of 32 4-bit values which gets transformed by different sound shaping controls. Paired with a 7-bit LFSR noise generator, they form the perfect lo-bit palette.

Junior has four flexible modulators inspired by modulation sequencers often used in trackers (LSDj, Defmon, M8 ..) called Tables. The 16-step modulation table in Junior can be configured as an LFO, envelope, arpeggiator, MIDI input mapper and more.

While Junior simulates the Game Boy™ sound, it's not a strict emulation by design. It expands upon the original capabilities with a modern feature-set and control while staying true to the original. The balance between accuracy and fun is just right.

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Nick Klimenko - Synthesizer Museum Live (full album)

video upload by LFOstore

"LISTEN: https://cosmicleaf.gr/releases/1136/s...

Welcome to the 25th full-length album by Chronos. With this release, Nick Klimenko celebrates the opening of his personal synth museum!

In this unique space, you’ll find 190 hardware and 160 virtual instruments spanning the years 1978–2025. Chronos returns with a third live-played album, exploring the full depth of both analog and digital synthesizers. Everything was performed and recorded live in one take, inside the new museum space - https://nksynthmuseum.com/en/

Nick devoted countless hours practicing live playing, sequencing patterns and harmonies, and shaping rhythms and atmospheres for every single piece on this release.

When the time came, he simply hit the 'record' button — and played each track straight through.
This approach echoes the spirit of the 1970s, when Klaus Schulze and Tangerine Dream performed concerts entirely without computers or music software.

Musically, this album overflows with ambient and cosmic atmospheres, cinematic movements, and unique soundscapes

Tracklist:
001. Chronos - Soviet Analog Synthesizer Ambient
002. Chronos - Silentium Universi
003. Chronos - Inner Odyssey
004. Chronos - Summer Trio
005. Chronos - Alien Lights Above My Head
006. Chronos - Gamma Tauri
007. Chronos - Stellar Vector
008. Chronos - Interlude
009. Chronos - Velvet Trip

Mixed and mastered by Nick Klimenko
Cover art: Nick Klimenko / Cosmicleaf"

Monolit + Aelita //

video upload by Sasha DZA

"Aelita is a Soviet analog monophonic synthesizer from the late 1980s. Simple in architecture, it is known for its raw, unstable tone and distinctive analog drift, valued for character rather than precision.

Paired with Monolit, Aelita gains entirely new possibilities. Precise MIDI automation, sequencing, LFOs, and probability-based control extend far beyond its original interface, transforming a classic Soviet instrument into a flexible and contemporary sound source for studio and live performance."

Pin Electronics Portabella MKIII Suitcase Modular Synthesizer

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

via this listing

Additional Perfect Circuit listings

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