Best Music Gear of 2025: Artist + Creator Picks - Perfect Circuit

video upload by Perfect Circuit

"2025 is drawing to a close, so we returned to a time-honored tradition: we asked some of our pals + some of our favorite artists/content creators to tell us about THEIR favorite gear acquisition of the year. We heard about new Make Noise modules, Elektron's fresh takes on sampling, and even about — gasp! — an AUDIO INTERFACE!

Just some fun times talkin' about fun gear :)

Scope it out and read all about the gear in question on our blog, Signal.

Special thanks to all of our pals — links & timestamps below:
0:05 ‪@sarahbellereid‬ & the Make Noise PoliMaths
2:50 ‪@soffter‬ & the BASTL Citadel Wave Bard
5:24 ‪@AudioPilz‬ & the SSL18
7:37 ‪@MidlifeSynthesist‬ & the Akai MPC Live III
10:49 ‪@SONWU‬ & the Ableton Move
13:50 ‪@BennJordan‬ & the SOMA Terra
16:43 ‪@JorbLovesGear‬ & the Michigan Synth Works MSW-810
18:51 ‪@EZBOT_‬ & the Elektron Tonverk


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Perfect Circuit is an independent electronic instrument shop with an online store at https://www.perfectcircuit.com/ and a Burbank, California showroom at 2405 Empire Ave. We're open seven days a week, 12-8 PM, and our entire inventory is available to try out in person. Get your hands on the most excellent analog and digital synthesizers, effect pedals, Eurorack modular synths, drum machines, recording gear, and more!

Learn about electronic music, techniques, and gear on our blog, Signal: https://www.perfectcircuit.com/signal"

Kasser Synths DAFM Synth Blaster Desktop 4-Operator FM 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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OXI Artist Feature : Eraldo Bernocchi

video upload by OXI Instruments

"Italian composer, producer, guitarist, and sound designer Eraldo Bernocchi explores a fluid, experimental workflow using OXI One MKII to sequence Polyend Synth, 1010music Blackbox, and iPad—blending hardware and software into a single expressive system.

With a career spanning from late ’70s punk roots to seminal projects like Sigillum-S, and collaborations with artists such as Bill Laswell, Harold Budd, Nils Petter Molvær, Merzbow, and many others, Eraldo is widely regarded as a master sonic sculptor. Founder of RareNoise Records and a renowned sound designer for brands including Elektron, Erica Synths, and Polyend, he brings decades of deep musical vision to this performance—showing how OXI One MKII becomes a powerful hub for contemporary composition and live sequencing.

Read the full interview here : https://oxiinstruments.com/blog/erald..."

BOSS SDE-3 Dual Delay Demo with Synths (no talking)

video upload by Bonedo Synthesizers

"In this video we check out the BOSS SDE-3 Dual Delay — a classic digital delay pedal that’s equally useful for synth rigs as it is for guitars. With two independent delay lines and intuitive controls, it lets you craft everything from tight slapbacks and dotted rhythms to lush, ambient repeats that enhance your synth textures.

We take a look at how its routing options and flexible timing settings can add depth and movement to pads, leads and sequences, making it a great creative tool for sound designers and live performers alike."

GS Music e7 Analogsynth Demo (no talking) with 30 custom presets

video upload by Limbic Bits

0:00 Pads
6:58 Leads
10:30 Basses
11:50 FX

▶ Sound Packs for Synths: https://limbicbits.com

▶ Book "Electronic Music Production": https://limbicbits.com/book-electroni...

Nopia Update 3

video upload by Martin Grieco

"The pieces start coming together.

After 2+ years of development. Meet Nopia MK1

We’re super grateful for living the dream of engineering this instrument to the highest level possible. Fascinated by the thought of each of you playing it.

Nopia is a semi-modular harmony generator. It features an onboard multitimbral sound engine, a hybrid of sampled instruments and onboard virtual analog synths. A 5 step effects chain, dedicated per module MIDI outs, multitouch strum plate, the list goes on! You’re welcome to visit our refreshed website nopia.io and check out the final spec sheet if this is something you’re curious about.

Muchas gracias amigues!"

The destructive charm of tubes - With Fusion System II

video upload by Monotrail Tech Talk

"Sound design is all about adding detail, flavor, and texture. The Erica Synths Fusion system II is a rather unique synth voice with a lot of interesting ways to add gain and drive, using tubes. In this video I share some personal thoughts about the system, and go over the modules to explore their options."

Timetable:
00:00 – Intro
04:46 – VCO 2
14:20 – VCF 3
18:05 – Modulator
23:19 – VCA-Waveshaper
28:40 – Ensemble FX

Pērkons HD-01 Kit Pack 03 by Pijus Džiugas Meižis

video upload by Erica Synths

"This pack is an exploration of PĒRKONS tempoharmonic capabilities.
Sequences are best experienced chained in couples or fourths or more.
Changing tempo, playing with mod speed/level - highly encouraged.
When familiar with sequences - disable bank link and explore further.

More from Pijus: https://pijusdziugas.bandcamp.com/
Download pack: https://www.ericasynths.lv"

Toto’s Steve Porcaro Shows How He Created the Synth Sounds on Africa, Human Nature, Rosanna, ...

video upload by Anthony Marinelli Music

"In this monumental video, I’m sitting down in Steve Porcaro’s studio for a rare, up-close demonstartions at how one of the true synth legends created some of the most iconic sounds in music history.

What makes this so special is that Steve takes us step by step through the exact synthesizer techniques he used on massive hit records — including Michael Jackson’s 'Human Nature,' Toto’s 'Africa' and 'Rosanna,' as well as classic tracks for Hall & Oates, Don Henley, Donna Summer, and more. He also recreates these sounds on the same model vintage synthesizers he used on the original recordings.

As we dig in, Steve shares his personal approach to synthesis, how he builds multi-dimensional sounds, thinks about atmosphere and texture, and shapes parts so they serve the song emotionally, not just sonically. He also reveals how he writes out synthesizer parts on score paper, treating synths like orchestral instruments and arranging them with real intention.

This isn’t a preset rundown or surface-level demo. It’s a candid, in-studio conversation about process, musical thinking, with hands-on demonstrations from someone who helped define the sound of an era. If you’ve ever wondered how these legendary synth parts were truly made, now you can get it straight from the source, this is a moment you don’t want to miss!"

E.T. | With vintage synths and a Commodore 64

video upload by Espen Kraft

"Gear used:
Commodore 64 (Yes, this is played live, hands on, just as you see it in the video)
Roland S-10, JX-8P, Alpha Juno 2
Yamaha DX7s
Kontakt Orch.samples
Custom drum samples"

Erica Synths LXR-02 Drum 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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Dtronics DT-7 Yamaha DX7 Programmer

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

via this Reverb listing

"Dtronics DT7 – controller for Yamaha FM synths such as DX-7, DX-5, TX-7, TX-802 & TX-816.

Functions and layout are modelled after the legendary 1980s Jellinghaus controller.

This unit is new, tested years ago and not used (studio activities stopped) Complete original set. Comes with its PSU."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Korg Prophecy VST Plugin (Korg Collection 6) - No talking demo

video upload by ADL-MusicLab

"Hi, everyone!

In the 1990s, PCM synths were at their peak, but club scene artists were already searching for a more flexible, analog sound, hinting at the coming analog revival of the 2000s.

It was in this context that the Prophecy was announced in 1995, offering more flexibility and timbral capabilities than ever before heard. Defined by the cutting edge digital signal processing technology and a DSP chip formerly used exclusively for effects processing, the Prophecy Solo Synthesizer is now available as a software plugin, with the ease of use, polyphony, and modern features necessary for today’s music production.

KORG Collection - Prophecy, a legendary physical modeling synthesizer developed with the aim of offering freedom of expression beyond analog synthesizers and unprecedented sound creation possibilities, has evolved even further in its expressive capabilities. In version 1.5, the quirks of the hardware Prophecy can now be expressed even more precisely thanks to deeper creative input from the brilliant minds in the original Prophecy development team.

Version 1.5 also adds 180 new programs. This unique sound collection brings out the individuality of the Prophecy, ranging from fresh, software-only sounds to those that pay homage to the original Prophecy and pushes monophonic sound design to all new levels.

Prophecy for Mac/Win uses software to fully reproduce the original Prophecy’s MOSS (Multi-Oscillator Synthesis System) and is equipped with five of the seven total oscillator types:

Standard Oscillator for Analog Synth Sounds
Noise + Comb Filtering
VPM (Variable Phase Modulation)
Cross / Ring / Modulation and Sync
Physical Modeling (Brass Model Oscillator, Reed Model Oscillator and Plucked String Oscillator)


The sounds from each oscillator model can be processed using a nonlinear wave shaper. In addition to the oscillator and wave shaper sections, there is also a sub oscillator and noise generator.

Grab it! You won't be disappointed.

More info here:
https://www.korg.com/us/products/soft..."

TMP-3-06 Vintage Synth TV Series from Benge

video upload by Memetune Studio

00:00 Opening Titles
00:17 Introduction
01:27 Switched On 80s
12:54 Little Black Boxes
17:29 Commercial Break
19:58 Patching Today
29:19 Synthesiser Club
31:59 Video Lab
36:07 Outro

"////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Sixth and final episode of the third series of the TV program from Benge, made at his Memetune Electronic Music Studio

The series explores his passion for vintage synthesiser instruments and studio gear and how he uses them in his productions and collaborations

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

It is divided into the following sections:

SWITCHED ON 80s - This third series takes an in-depth look into six classic 80s synthesisers, selected because of their interesting and unique attributes

LITTLE BLACK BOXES - A further look at some classic rack mount studio gear of the 80s and 90s

COMMERCIAL BREAK - Some shameless Memetune shilling

PATCHING TODAY - A deep-dive into vintage modular systems and how to set up a patch on them, starting from scratch, this time using Cybersynthesis techniques to bring an element of surprise to the patches

SYNTHESISER CLUB - A short musical demonstration of a synthesiser classic or three, concentrating on 'families' of synths

VIDEO LAB - A look at old video equipment and how to create experimental visuals, concentrating on a specific device in each episode

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

In THIS episode:

SWITCHED ON 80s - A look at Roland's first fully digital keyboard the D50 Linear Synthesiser from 1987

LITTLE BLACK BOXES - A look at the unique Kawai K5m additive synth

COMMERCIAL BREAK - Some adverts for Memetune-related goodies, including a new Benge album and the range of Memetune merchandise

PATCHING TODAY - Today is a bit special - Benge sets up a mega-patch using a Modcan A Series, an Emu 2000 modular, a Serge Paperface and an ARP 2500

SYNTHESISER CLUB - In todays episode, Benge makes some elevator muzak on Ensoniq synths: an ESQ1, an SD1, an ASR-X and a Fizmo

VIDEO LAB - In this episode we take a brief glance at the editing platform, DaVinci Resolve from Blackmagic Design

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

LINKS:

Memetune Studio Instagram: @memetunestudio

Benge & Memetune Merch on Bandcamp: https://zackdagoba.bandcamp.com

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

The MemeTune Programme Credits:
Everything in this video was created by B D Edwards (Benge)
All music, design, writing, filming and production completed at Memetune Studios, UK, 2025"

Additional Vintage Synth TV Series episodes from Benge

Sequential OB-6/ Classic Synths & More sound set

video upload by Arty Party

"Sequential OB-6/ Classic Synths & More it's a sound pack that includes versatile Pads, Synths, Brass, FX sounds for different styles like Pop, Soul, R&B, Funk, Synthwave, Electronic music and others. The patches will load to 350-396 on your OB-6."

Analogue Solutions Ample Desktop Monophonic Synthesizer

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

via this Reverb listing

"Mint condition...... And heck if a lot of fun and sounds awesome.

comes with all accessories (matrix pins/cables/power)

In perfect condition, everything works like it should. 2 to3 day shipping...

Ample combines the best elements of several of our recent products.

The sound elements of Fusebox
Jack patch points of Concussor Eurorack
Patch pin matrix of Vostok
Echo from Dr Strangelove
Sequencer and CV touch pads of Generator
It shares all this yet still has its own sound!"

Ample can be as complex or as simple as you want it to be

We have given this synth a large and diverse number of controls, that along side the patch sockets, will give even the best and experienced synthesist endless possibilities.

We have presented the controls in a user friendly and familiar synth layout that, together with this manual and other resources, enable even the new guy to get great sounds.

SYNTH – PERCUSSION – AUDIO PROCESSOR

Ample is a compact analogue synthesizer. Analogue - as in really analogue. Aside from the MIDI chip (which has to be digital), everything else is totally analogue using real transistors and op-amps. There are no CPU stabilised and quantised circuits, no DCOs, no digital LFOs and no digital EGs, as found on other so called analogue synths. The circuitry is based on designs dating back to the mid-1970s. So Ample has a genuine old sound.

CLICK FOR MORE »

ARP Solus Monophonic Analog Synthesizer SN 2353473

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

via this Reverb listing

"The ARP Solus is often considered the "little brother" to the ARP Odyssey, but that does not really capture what is best about this synth. For one, the filter is considerably brighter than the other ARP synths that were made in the years before this modal was released. Please check out the attached video by Alex Ball for an explanation and a great demo.

This particular Solus is a great shape, with everything working extremely well. It looks and sounds great! The built in case/lid is also in excellent condition. It is hard to believe that this synth is 45 years old."

CLICK FOR MORE »

7 patches with Black Stereo Delay

video upload by Erica Synths

"Black Stereo Delay is a hi-fi stereo delay with tape, digital, and ping-pong modes, CV/trigger control, and overdub hold—powerful enough to be both an effect and an instrument.

Now available for a special price! € 150.00 down from € 250.00 [note this is not the mk2 model - see dealers on the right for that]

Timeline:
00:01 - Patch 1 / True stereo patch where hard panned signal is fed into the Delay
01:10 - Patch 2 / Sample looping with layering with the HOLD and ADD fuctions on the Delay
03:45 - Patch 3 / Breaks and Bass through 2x Delays on which DRY/WET mix and DELAY time are sequenced with the Black Sequencer
04:51 - Patch 4 / Sample through Delay with Time and Feedback modulated with same S&H signal
05:29 - Patch 5 / Synth line processes through two Delays in Digital mode creating Reverb like effect
06:13 - Patch 6 / Sample played through Delay and stereo spread parameter adjusted with ADD + TIME
07:26 - Patch 7 / Single VCO layered with the HOLD & ADD function on the delay"

Alisa 1377: The Rare Soviet Synthesizer from the mid-80s

video upload by RetroSound

"(c)2007-25 by RetroSound
supported by UVI: http://bit.ly/retrosound-uvi

Rodina Alisa 1377 - Soviet Analog Synthesizer (1985)
The Alisa 1377 is a rare monophonic analog synthesizer built in the Soviet Union during the mid-1980s.
Manufactured at the Lyubertsy Military Radioplant 'Rodina' near Moscow.
A lead synthesizer intended not for mainstream pop, but for experimental electronic music, sound design, film work and research.
Produced in small numbers, making surviving the units rare.
The Alisa 1377 is fully analog. All waveforms can be used individually or in combination. Frequency modulation (FM) available for all waves.
Pulse width modulation (PWM) with adjustable width and depth.
Octave switches (+1 / +2) and portamento. The sound character is warm, raw and a bit instable. Unconventional compared to western synths. The self-oscillating filter and the FM options allow for metallic, droning, and very experimental tones.



The video sequences are made by Natalja Smirnowa in Dec 2025 in Sankt Pertersburg (Russia)

RetroSound synthesizer demo videos since january 2007.
Everything is free. If you like my work, you can also support me with the purchase of my merchandise stuff or my music.
Shop: https://retrosound.creator-spring.com/
Bandcamp: https://retrosound.bandcamp.com/"

Valhalla's New FutureVerb

Demo video upload by Stazma

"The lovely folks at Valhalla DSP have released a new plugin called FutureVerb.
As you know I'm a big fan and I had the honor to also be part of the beta testing crew for that one and here is a bunch of test with it (with synths and breakbeats mostly).

Oh and here are some presets I've made during the demos (those tested with Seashell).
https://bit.ly/ftvrbprst

Have fun!!!"

00:00 Intro
02:15 A bit of history about 'pre-delay'
06:57 FutureVerb walk through w/ Tiptop 200t System
18:10 Bonus Supermassive 'Sirius' test
20:14 Breakbeat Torture
23:12 Playing with some preset I've made w/ Instruo Seashell

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.

We are excited to introduce our brand new reverb/echo plugin: Valhalla FutureVerb™!

FutureVerb was designed from the ground up to give you the most transparent and realistic reverbs we’ve ever made. 8 years of research and development have gone into creating new and innovative algorithmic reverb topologies. The FutureVerb reverb modes are as close to perfect as we have ever heard.

And, since we don’t actually believe in perfection, we added a colorful and powerful Echo section that can add color and warmth, or keep things as clean as you wanna be.

With 8 original Reverb modes and 12 flexible Echo modes, FutureVerb gives you the sonic power you need to create your own future."

https://valhalladsp.com/shop/reverb/valhallafutureverb/