Roland Jupiter-4 | The Vintage Analog Synth That Started It All

video upload by RetroSound

"Roland Jupiter-4 Sound Demo
vintage analog synth sounds, arpeggios made by RetroSound with the classic Roland character.

In this video, we take a deep dive into the sound of the legendary Roland JUPITER-4 Compuphonic, one of the most iconic vintage analog polyphonic synthesizers of the late 1970s.

The New Wave synth.

Released in 1978, the Jupiter-4 was the first Roland synthesizer to carry the JUPITER name and helped establish Roland's reputation for powerful analog polyphonic synthesizers. It features four-voice polyphony, analog oscillators, a resonant low-pass filter, an arpeggiator and Roland's early Compuphonic digital control system. Roland also gave the Jupiter-4 the ability to store user presets — an important feature for its time.

Video:
0:06 The Cave
0:33 Filter FM
0:50 Romantic
1:30 Soft Square
1:51 Dark Bass
2:07 The Arrival
2:22 Sunlight
2:38 Favorite Sound
2:54 Sweeping
3:30 Save Your Ears!
4:30 Little Love Song (with TR-808)

In this Jupiter-4 sound demo by RetroSound, you'll hear the character that makes this synthesizer so special: punchy basses, warm pads, aggressive filter sweeps, analog leads, brass-like sounds, arpeggios and fat unison tones.

The Jupiter-4 may have fewer voices and controls than later Roland classics such as the Jupiter-6 and Jupiter-8, but its distinctive combination of fast envelopes, powerful filter, analog warmth and lush ensemble character gives it a sound all of its own.

🔥 Roland Jupiter-4 Facts

• Introduced in 1978
• Four-voice analog polyphonic synthesizer
• First Roland synthesizer in the JUPITER series
• Analog VCO-based synthesis
• Resonant analog VCF
• Built-in arpeggiator
• Eight user preset memories
• Famous for its warm, fat and expressive sound

If you love vintage analog synthesizers, Roland synths, classic synth sounds, synth pop, new wave, electronic music and hardware sound demos, this one is for you"

Website ► https://retrosound72.wixsite.com/home

ASM Leviasynth Custom Patches / No Talking (Analog, Experimental, Oberheim, Vintage, Ambient, Pop)

video upload by Devin Belanger

"A true future flagship synths, the jack-of-all-trades Leviasynth can jump from modern FM to vintage character in a flash. With these 50 Custom Patches, Miles Away has brought together a collection of different sounds from a wide variety of timbres and styles into a collection of expertly-designed custom presets. Miles Away's patches have been sold thousands of times and used on countless records that have garnered millions of streams online. Here you will find everything from heart melting pads, blistering Cyberpunk leads, funk Moog basses, brass that competes with analog classics and more. These presets are suitable for everything from synthwave, pop, ambient, film score, rock, EDM, hip hop and more!

0:00 - Intro patch / what makes the sounds special
2:21 - Dystopian Cinematic sounds
3:04 - Classic Analog sounds
7:33 - Bass sounds
8:27 - Cyberpunk Sequenced sounds
9:15 - FM sounds (with a twist)
12:51 - Experimental & unique sounds
17:28 - Ambient sounds
21:30 - Get these sounds in the video description"

Get https://shop.milesawayofficial.com/pr...

TB-303 vs RE-303 A/B with new BA662a from Analogue Renaissance

video upload by decoder303

"Exciting times, our friends from Analogue Renaissance have developed a new BA662a clone which seems to be 2 levels above known clones. It performs exactly the same as the original chip and you can listen to it in the RE-303 here (this chip is also used in various other Roland synths and drum machines of that time, which makes it even more exciting). The comparison isn't highly scientific just with some extreme settings of the parameters, but you can get the idea that with some more penible pot adjustment they are pretty much indistinguishable. As always with a lovely resonance, which doesn't sound harsh or sibilant but always has this silky nice tone to it, where all the smd clones fail for a reason :)"

Introducing AIR Fabric Vintage Synths Vol. 2

video uploads by AIR Music Tech and Akai Professional

Playlist:

1. AIR Fabric Vintage Synths Vol. 2 - Iconic Synthesizer Virtual Instruments for MPC and Desktop

"Three Titans of Analog Synthesis, Modernized. https://inmusic.to/5xrs3f24 Discover the sounds of three essential synths in one modern synthesis environment. From cinematic pads and evolving textures to massive basses and eccentric leads, Fabric Vintage Synths, Vol 2 brings three of the most interesting and expressive polysynths ever made to your MPC or DAW-based workflow.

Fabric Vintage Synths, Vol 2 features Fabric Vintage Andromeda, Fabric Vintage CS, and Fabric Vintage Matrix in one unified virtual instrument collection. Each instrument has been reimagined through the AIR Advanced Multi-Sample Synthesis Fabric Engine for how you make music today.

This innovative Fabric engine allows these virtual instruments to retain their unique identity while working seamlessly across MPC hardware and desktop DAWs.

Fabric Vintage Synths Vol. 2 is available for MPC Standalone, MPC Desktop, and all major DAWs."

2. Fabric Vintage Matrix - Walkthrough

"A defining, genre-spanning era of analog synthesis encapsulated in one 12-voice polysynth. Fabric Vintage Matrix honors the iconic 1980s subtractive synthesizer’s design, bringing its depth and flexibility into your current workflow.

With an intuitive interface and a streamlined workflow powered by the AIR Fabric engine, Fabric Vintage Matrix makes it easy to experiment with unique, developing textures and sounds without slowing down your creative process. Like its hardware form, this synth is perfect for rock and electronic music, film scoring, ambient production, and advanced sound design.

Chapters
Features introduction :14
Front Panel Macros 2:08
Edit Page 3:31
Effects Page: 7:09
Arpeggiator: 9:22
Factory Presets 10:23

Fabric Vintage Matrix is available for MPC Standalone, MPC Desktop, and all major DAWs."

3. Fabric Vintage Andromeda - Walkthrough

Powerful, immersive, and ready for revival. A 16-voice multitimbral giant known for its sheer depth, the original Alesis Andromeda A6 brought together a fully analog signal path with innovative digital functionality. Fabric Vintage Andromeda takes this timeless polysynth’s monstrous sonic range and puts it right at your fingertips.

With an intuitive interface and a streamlined workflow, Fabric Vintage Andromeda makes it easy to shape polished, powerful sounds quickly, whether you're sketching ideas or refining a final mix. Combining classic analog depth with modern electronic, ambient, and cinematic production, this tool is great for musicians and producers seeking dramatic, bold, attention-grabbing tones.

Chapters
Features introduction :29
Front Panel Macros 1:54
Edit Page 3:05
Effects Page: 7:34
Arpeggiator: 9:48
Factory Presets 10:47

Fabric Vintage Andromeda is available for MPC Standalone, MPC Desktop, and all major DAWs.

4. Fabric Vintage CS - Walkthrough

Not a replica, or a replicant, but an homage to a synth that starred in one of the most iconic sci-fi film soundtracks of all time. Fabric Vintage CS brings the warmth, nuance, and deeply expressive character of this legendary late ‘70s and early ‘80s polysynth to your setup today.

Powered by the flexible AIR Fabric engine, Fabric Vintage CS brings vintage polysynth character into a modern environment with enhanced polyphony, integrated effects, and performance-focused controls, giving you immediate access to deeply expressive sound without a complex setup. From timeless analog textures to modern ambient, electronic, and cinematic production, Fabric Vintage CS gives you a whole new sound palette to explore.

Chapters
Features introduction :29
Front Panel Macros 1:54
Edit Page 3:05
Effects Page: 7:34
Arpeggiator: 9:48
Factory Presets 10:47

Fabric Vintage Andromeda is available for MPC Standalone, MPC Desktop, and all major DAWs.

5. AIR Fabric Vintage Matrix for MPC | Vintage Synthesizer Virtual Instrument
6. AIR Fabric Vintage Andromeda for MPC | Vintage Synthesizer Virtual Instrument
7. AIR Fabric Vintage CS for MPC | Vintage Synthesizer Virtual Instrument

MATRIXSYNTH Turns 21

Yes, MATRIXSYNTH is now old enough to legally have a drink in the US!

Joking aside, MATRIXSYNTH in its current form started on July 20, 2005 with this post. Since then there has been only a single day without a post, which occured back on that dreadful day of August 6, 2005. I can't link to it because there isn't a post to link to. :) Sorry for the bad humor. That said, since then, I haven't missed a single day posting on the site including holidays, vacations, and two bouts of eye surgery due to a retinal tear and detachement in 2025. It was painless, but scary, and now all is good.

For those of you not in the know, MATRIXSYNTH is a one-man operation, run by your host, me, matrix. Every single post has gone up by hand - there is no automation and definitely no AI. Including this post, there have been at least 260,897 posts to date. There have actually been been more but some have been taken down due to either videos or audio dissapearing over the years, which brings me to a point: please don't remove your videos and audio demos off the web. You might think they are no longer relevant or you might even be embarrased by them as you think things have progressed and they no longer meet your standards, but they are relevant. They are part of history and will always be worth a look-back in context. Who you are today isn't defined by what you put up years ago. Trust me, I am often embarrased when I look back at some of my older posts. I'll likely be embarrased by this one. That said, please keep your old content up! It's a bit of synth history, and it's a look back at what you felt worth sharing back when you posted it. It doesn't define you today. It's like throwing away old family photographs because you are now older. That and there is always something interesting to find in older videos. A timbre from a given synth, an experience relevant in time.

That brings me to something I wanted to clarify for those that may be wondering: in general I prefer to keep myself out of posts for fear of influencing or even ruining the experience for others. I feel it is my job to present content w/o bias, and I prefer to post things as they are presented by the person or entity that created the content to begin with. Not influencing how others might or might not experience what goes up is a conscious decision. I realized over time it's akin to talking through music.

What I love about running MATRIXSYNTH is getting to share what's new to me on a daily basis. I have a policy of only posting specific content once. That means out of 260,897+ posts to date, nearly every single one is unique. It's also great to realize that there have been multiple things to actually feature every single day of the year, shared on the day itself, over the past 21 years!!! That's saying something, not about me or the site, but about the community.

The original MATRIXSYNTH actually started back in 1997. Click to see the monstrocity. That site will be 29 this year! The site was my personal portal into the world of synths. On the left were a list of sites I visited back then that would open in the right window frame when clicked on. Unfortunately that functionality is no longer supported in modern browsers; however you can right-click any link and open it in a new window. It's worth a look back at what synth sites were around back in 1997. Remember, YouTube didn't come out until December of 2005. MATRIXSYNTH in its current format, the blog, came out before YouTube. Think about that for a bit. This site has tracked the personal world of synthesis since before YouTube came out! Also, you might notice the old site came out well before The Matrix movies. The alias matrix, and hence MATRIXSYNTH, comes from my first synthesizer, the Oberheim MATRIX-6 which I purchased new in 1986 and still own to this day.

OK, this post is long enough. I want to end it by thanking the supporters of the site, the banner sponsors of the site, and most importantly, you, my readers. This might surprise some people, but I sometimes feel irrelevant, like why am I even doing this? I then remind myself I do it for the sake of doing it. I want to capture a bit of what's out there on a daily basis. I want the site to be a log (a weblog - blog) of synth history. I started back in 2005, and ever since that day I've had something to post, except for that solemn day on August 6, 2005. (P.S. I went on vacation that day and didn't think there would be internet access, let alone that I would be posting every single day after that - imagine not being able to say "I never missed a single day!" for the rest of your life because of one single day! "If it wasn't for that day!..") I think I will be doing this until the day I'm no longer here, and although I know I would be doing this regardless of whether I had an audience or not, knowing I do have an audience makes a world of difference. And thank you to all of you out there sharing your synth content. You are creating SYNTH HISTORY!!!

P.S. I want to give a special shout out to Amanda of CATSYNTH who not only is a supporting member of the site, but was kind enough to remember my anniversary and reach out to me today. Thank you!

P.P.S. It was CATSYNTH's 20th Anniversary yesterday. Happy Anniversary CATSYNTH! :)

Can this synth restore his faith in Monosynths?

video upload by Oscillator Sink

"I must confess, for the past few years I have felt sort of burned out on what you might term “traditional mono-synths”. Not because of the sound or their utility in electronic music, but because…well I guess the fact that I used the word utility sums it up: it had been a while since I had come across a mono-synth which felt like more than a means to a musical end; it had been a while since a mono-synth felt fun.

Which is why I was overjoyed at superbooth this year to come across a number of mono-synths which renewed my faith in the genre - instruments which did something fresh and exciting in their presentation, features and sound, which iterated on traditional ideas in truly interesting and useful ways leading to instruments that felt fresh and playful without being unfamiliar.

One of those instruments was the SWEN2 from Analog Sweden. Based on their earlier, rare and relatively expensive Swenigizer synth, which itself was based on an even rarer and much more expensive synth called the Energizer, the SWEN2 manages both to add new features while also moving to a manufacturing process that makes it a lot more affordable - it feels like a lot of synth for the money.

At its heart SWEN2 is a semi-modular subtractive synth but with so many clever little tweaks to its sound and usability, along with some ideas that I haven’t really seen in other instruments, as well as a very fun and jammable generative sequencer, all of which add up to an instrument that is a joy to use and, yes, extremely fun.

Transparency Notice: Analog Sweden kindly sent me this prototype unit for free after meeting the team at Superbooth, but they haven’t had any editorial oversight of this video."

Chapters:
00:00 Intro
03:01 The Oscillators
07:59 No talking demo: Pseudo Paraphony
08:49 The Filter

CLICK FOR MORE »

I Want to Rock With You, song made with Novation Ultranova

video upload by That Makes Synths

"This is a song Brad made with the Novation Ultranova and Bass Station II.

Vocoder patches can be downloaded from Novation's website: https://downloads.novationmusic.com/n...

Novation Refurbished Gear:
https://us.novationmusic.com/certifie...

That Makes Synth does not own the rights to Battle Star Galactica and is not affiliated with Novation."

And the making of:

That Makes Synths Presents: The Novation Ultranova

video upload by That Makes Synths

"In this episode of "That Makes Synths", Brad takes a look at Novation's Ultranova. This is a fun synth with a great vocoder and arpeggiator. In particular, Brad will show the sound sets Novation released for their 25th anniversary. Unfortunately, he did not see the sounds still on Novation's website. However, the vocoder patches are still on their website:

https://downloads.novationmusic.com/n...

Also, if you want to find great deals on Novation gear, check out their refurbished store:

https://us.novationmusic.com/certifie...

Brad is not affiliated with Novation and does not own the copyright to Battlestar Galactica."

KORG Introduces NTS-4 Compact Performance Mixer Kit for Hardware Setups

Overview video upload by KORG

"The NTS-4 is a compact performance mixer kit designed for modern hardware setups. With six channels (two mono and four stereo), built-in effects, USB-C connectivity, and support for up to 10 audio signals, the NTS-4 makes it easy to bring together volca units, NTS instruments, modular gear, grooveboxes, and desktop synths into one streamlined setup.

In this overview, Fess Grandiose walks through the NTS-4’s flexible channel architecture, Eurorack-compatible mono inputs, dual stereo effects engines, per-channel CUE and MUTE controls, USB-C audio and MIDI connectivity, and the hands-on Nu:Tekt DIY assembly experience.

Features:
• Compact 6-channel performance mixer
• 2 mono + 4 stereo 3.5 mm channels
• Supports up to 10 audio signals
• Eurorack-compatible mono inputs
• Standard 1/4" main outputs
• Per-channel CUE, MUTE, and FX send
• Dual stereo effects engines
• SEND FX + TOTAL FX processing
• Stereo send/return loop
• USB-C audio + MIDI
• Record directly to computers & mobile devices
• Rugged steel chassis
• Nu:Tekt DIY kit assembly

Learn more about the NTS-4: https://bit.ly/4w0QxLQ"

And a user video from supporting member Knobs & Switches:

KORG NTS-4 Performance Mixer Kit
video upload by Knobs & Switches

"Here is my review about the new Korg NTS-4 Performance Mixer Kit together with loads of other Korg gear: MS20m, Drumlogue, SQ-1, 700Sm, Harmonic Distortion, Opsix, Sigma, Minipops-7, ISE-NIN Single Voice, Ryk M185 Sequencer and of course the NTS-4. The Nu:Tekt Mixer will be released today! Have fun

https://www.korg.com/de/

For Pedal Power i used the MyVolts CrazyChain MkII: https://myvolts.com/CrazyChainMKII/?a...

The fancy Audio Cables are the MyVolts Candycords: https://myvolts.com/CandyCords/?a=kas

CV and Clock Cables are MyVolts Halos: https://myvolts.de/Halo/?a=kas

00:00:00 Intro
00:00:037 Title Track (only the NTS-4’s FX were used)
00:03:04 Epilogue
00:04:41 NTS-4 Run Down
00:08:58 NTS-4 Send FX
00:14:56 NTS-4 Send/Return
00:15:58 NTS-4 Total FX
00:21:19 Conclusion
00:22:47 Outro (only the NTS-4’s FX were used)

Used Equipment: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max, Apple iPhone 12, Sony ZV-1, Rode Wireless ME, Universal Audio Apollo Twin Solo, Yamaha MG-06, Steinberg Cubase 15 and Final Cut Pro X"



A compact performance mixer for modern hardware setups

Build the perfect bridge for your music. The NTS-4 brings the flexibility of the Nu:Tekt series to a compact performance mixer kit designed for today’s hardware setups. With six channels (two mono and four stereo minijacks), built-in effects, and USB connectivity, the NTS-4 makes it easy to mix and perform with volca units, NTS instruments, modular gear, and other desktop synths in one place, supporting up to 10 audio signals in a single setup.

From the integrated effects to the steel chassis, every part of the NTS-4 is designed to turn your collection of instruments and gadgets into a professional-grade creative hub.

Small Footprint. Massive Control.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Mettalicum - XOR Logic Percussion Synth

video upload by Sid Rockett

"🔊 Exploring the Mettalicum: a new XOR-based percussion synthesizer built for harsh metallic hits, industrial rhythms, and unpredictable noise. Unlike traditional drum machines, the Mettalicum relies on logic gates to generate complex, inharmonic square-wave clusters that cut right through a mix. In this hardware demo, we run through the raw oscillators, tweak the parameters, and patch it into an experimental setup to hear what it can really do.

⚙️ Sponsored by PCBWay
Huge thanks to PCBWay for sponsoring this video! Whether you are prototyping a chaotic new noise box, building a custom MIDI controller, or ordering high-quality circuit boards for a full production run, PCBWay has you covered. They offer incredibly fast turnaround times on custom PCBs, 3D printing, and CNC machining. Bring your DIY audio projects to life: https://pcbway.com/g/1AhZrq

Ⓜ️ What makes the Mettalicum different?
Traditional subtractive synthesis uses standard waveforms and filters to create drum sounds. The Mettalicum takes a different approach by running multiple square waves through XOR (Exclusive OR) logic chips. When these frequencies interact, they create dense, metallic, and grinding textures perfect for noise music, industrial beats, and lo-fi soundscapes.

⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
00:20 - The Raw Sound of the Mettalicum
00:32 - PCBWay Sponsor Message
00:44 - Demo with Ampero Mini
02:42 - Hardware Jam: Mettalicum + Experimental Setup

🔗 Gear Used in this Video:
Mettalicum XOR Synthesizer
Tempest Kick Synthesizer
Korg Monotron Delay
Bastl Instruments Bestie
Hotone Ampero Mini
MyVolts CandyCords

✌️ I’m Sid Rockett, a designer and explorer of experimental synthesizers and custom noise-machines.

From boutique pocket synths to DIY Eurorack builds, this channel is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of compact hardware. Join me as we navigate through industrial soundscapes, deep cinematic reverbs, and the infinite feedback of outer-space delays.

🎛️ Shop here:
https://sidrockett.bandcamp.com
https://www.tindie.com/stores/sid_roc..."

Yamaha AN1X Editors Suck! He made it simple to bring out the best of Virtual Analog

video upload by Ted murena

"https://prophetic-annie.netlify.app/ go here to try it out. The AN1X was at least inspired by the prophet 5 but kinda missed its mark by being a virtual look alike to the CS1X which was a fun but limited ROMpler - that said the AN1X is really annoying to navigate and the editors available are complex because they cover100% of the synths features - makes sense if you have a lot of time but I don’t…. The prophetic Annie aims to simplify while also giving some of the best features and sounds of the AN1X their place to shine"

Erica Synths Introduces x 112db RAZORNATOR Stereo Effects Unit

video upload by Erica Synths

"Razornator is a unique stereo effects unit developed in collaboration with 112dB, featuring five chromatically tuned resonating delay lines that emulate the resonance of physical objects, spaces, and instruments.

Timeline:
00:02 - Take 1 / Bassline DB-01 through the Razornator with root note transposed via MIDI
00:50 - Take 2 / Error Instruments Ritual processed with Razornator
01:55 - Take 3 / TR-707 through the Razornator with root note transposed via MIDI
03:09 - Take 4 / Lapsteel processed with the Razornator
04:16 - Take 5 / Monotribe through the Razornator with MIDI set to Chord mode
05:27 - Take 6 / Pocket Operator processes with the Razornator with extreme envelope follower settings
06:24 - Take 7 / Sound FX toy making beautiful sounds with Razornator
07:38 - Take 8 / Jam with Razornator ar TR-909"

Erica Synths Razornator: Review and Demo

video upload by Starsky Carr

"Erica Synths Razornator is the 4th 112dB collaboration FX unit and it's a resonator like no other. In this hands-on walkthrough I build an entire track (strings, dubby stabs and thunderous bass) from nothing but short pulses of noise fed into its Karplus-Strong like resonators. If you want to know what the Razornator actually sounds like before you buy, this deep-dive demo is for you.

The Razornator packs 10 resonators (five stereo pairs), a resonant low-pass filter, +24dB of input gain, a built-in compressor and an envelope follower — all fully MIDI controllable. Originally a 1983 Karplus & Strong algorithm for plucked-string and percussive tones, Erica Synths and 112dB have turned it into a wildly flexible tone-generation and sound-mangling machine. I run through the signal path, the root/offset tuning, the gorgeous presets by Eraldo Bernocchi, and push it hard with synths, hi-hats and kicks. Resonator, but not as we know it."

⏱ CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro — all synths made with the Razornator
1:14 How it works: Karplus-Strong resonators explained
2:36 Playing the resonator via MIDI
5:01 Recreating the intro tones — dubby stab & octave bass
9:10 Eraldo Bernocchi presets — the range of sounds
12:35 Percussion: enhancing hi-hats
16:45 Putting kicks through the resonator
19:39 Synth tones, shimmer & spring-reverb textures
23:00 Final Thoughts



"A unique stereo FX unit with an algorithm developed by Dutch company 112dB, the Razornator features 5 chromatically tuned resonating delay lines that can emulate the resonance of physical objects - bodies of instruments, rooms, structures. Chromatic tuning of the resonating delay lines makes the effect particularly musical, because it allows for aligning them in chord-like intervals, while the built-in envelope follower adds dynamics to the processed signal. Featuring 12 parameters for detailed sound design, save/recall functions for all parameters, MIDI control over all parameters and a sleek aluminium case to match our lineup of compact desktop units, the Razornator will let your setup take flight in any live show, studio or sonic experiment.

The Razornator combines several well considered and tuned “modules” for stereo audio processing with the aim of altering the harmonic content of the incoming signal. The signal path starts with an audio GAIN STAGE that boosts signals up to +24dB (it can effectively act as an analogue overdrive), then the signal is fed through the lowpass FILTER with a RESONANCE control and after filter treatment it passes through five chromatically tuned DELAY-BASED RESONATORS that can be manually tuned or controlled by the ENVELOPE FOLLOWER. After the resonators, the signal is summed and limited by the COMPRESSOR, then mixed with the dry signal and passed through the EQUALIZER and finally is sent to BALANCED OUTPUT stage.
PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS
Product Features
5 chromatically tuned resonating delay lines
Chromatic tuning
Built-in envelope follower
Save/recall functions for all 12 parameters
Preset morphing
Resonators tunings playable via MIDI
Configurable footswitch input
True stereo signal path
Premium aluminum enclosure"

The Most Playful Synth Yet? | Gamma Mini Synth - Unboxing & First Jam

video upload by Pocket Trax

"This might be one of the most playful synths I've ever tried. Meet the Gamma Mini Synth.

*SAVE 10% on the Gamma Mini Synth. Only for Patreon members 🔥
/ gamma-mini-synth-162149945

👉 / pockettrax
Tutorials + Project Files + Sample Packs + Beat Challenges + Discounts + Giveaways and much more.

Learn more about and purchase the Gamma Mini Synth here: https://thisisnoiseinc.com/pages/gamm...

The Gamma Mini Synth takes a completely different approach to music making. Instead of a traditional keyboard, you get chords on one side, notes on the other, thumbsticks for expression, and an Always in Key workflow that makes it incredibly easy to start playing.
Oh... and it comes with a virtual pet that evolves the more you use it.

Note: I received this unit on the condition that I provide an unbiased unboxing and review, with full independence over my opinions. I do not have an affiliate link for this product."

Voidcontrol MIDI Releases OB-6 Unofficial Editor: DAW Integration for the Oberheim OB-6

OB-6 Unofficial Editor - VST3 Demo video upload by Voidcontrol MIDI



"Voidcontrol MIDI has released the OB-6 Unofficial Editor, a Windows VST3 plugin that lets you control and automate the Oberheim OB-6 from within a DAW, just like a software instrument.

The OB-6 is a beloved analog polysynth, and the Unofficial Editor makes it straightforward to integrate into a modern DAW session. Every parameter is on screen, organized by section, with real DAW automation on every control rather than just MIDI learn. A standalone version is also included.

Features include:

Full parameter control, organized by section
Real DAW automation lanes for every parameter (VST3 version)
A patch library with naming, categories, search, and sharing
A polyphonic sequencer that plays back on the OB-6 itself
A/B snapshots with an automatable morph slider
Editing of the OB-6's global settings
A resizable interface (50% to 300%)

The editor has been tested in Ableton Live, Bitwig, Cubase, Reaper, Studio One, and Waveform, and works in the Windows 11 MIDI 2.0 environment.

'I built it because I wanted my OB-6 to fit into my DAW the way my soft synths do, and I designed it to be something I'd want to use myself every day,' said Dave of Voidcontrol MIDI.

Voidcontrol MIDI is a small US-based developer making editors for boutique and classic hardware synths. The OB-6 Unofficial Editor is its second release.

The OB-6 Unofficial Editor is available now at voidcontrolmidi.com for an introductory $30 USD through June 16, 2026, after which it returns to its regular price of $40 USD.

For more information: https://voidcontrolmidi.gumroad.com/l/mqbtla

The OB-6 Unofficial Editor is a third-party tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Sequential or Oberheim. 'OB-6' is a trademark of its respective owner."

Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave — The COMPLETE Review (Every Feature Explored)

video upload by Scott's Synth Stuff

"The Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave is a 24-voice wavetable synthesizer with real analog filters, three oscillators per voice, and a 6-stage wave envelope that can independently sweep each oscillator through 64-position wavetables. It's built as a modern successor to the PPG Wave 2.2 and 2.3, carrying the original PPG wavetables alongside 56 high-resolution modern wavetables, analog-modeled waveforms, and — as of OS 1.8 — a built-in sampler. In this review, I go through every major feature of the 3rd Wave in detail: the four oscillator types (PPG legacy, modern user wavetables, analog-modeled, and samples), the dual filter architecture (4-pole analog low-pass plus 2-pole zero-delay state-variable), all four envelopes, the four LFOs, the 16-slot modulation matrix, 11 built-in effects, the arpeggiator, the pattern-based sequencer with parameter automation, 4-part multitimbral layering and splits, the Wave Maker custom wavetable tool (including Serum wavetable import), unison with chord memory, MPE support, and more.

Whether you're considering buying one, comparing it to other hardware wavetable synths like the Waldorf Iridium, Modal Cobalt, or ASM Hydrasynth, or just curious what a modern PPG-inspired instrument sounds like in 2025/2026, this is the full picture. I cover every section of the signal chain with sound demos, explain what makes the wave envelope system unique, show how to build patches from scratch, and give my honest take on where the 3rd Wave excels and where it falls short. Timestamps for every section are below — jump to whatever interests you."

CLICK FOR MORE »

You Only Think Vintage Synths Sound Better

video upload by Noir Et Blanc Vie

"So I was playing my Waldorfs, just making some music and looking for inspiration, and a thought came to me... Am I only using my Waldorf XT because I 'like it' not because it's actually better in anyway? While there are so many videos comparing synths online, I keep wondering....WHY? Like, what's the actual goal with this. I personally wonder if there's psychology behind why some can't just move forward and make sound instead of thinking 'I wonder if X makes sounds like Y' when the shortest answer would easily be 'why not just get the X?'. When I think about music I'm often confused by the idea of all this... so maybe ask yourself this.... 'What's your goal'. When you see life as only one constant stream, you cannot go back, only forward, I think so many of the choices I make to create come from that. Rather than compare, rather than spend my time purchasing, why not be content, why not just create....? A question for you today."

BEAT GEMS - the new book on drum machines...

video upload by Bjooks

"Soon to launch on Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...

BEAT GEMS is a premium hardcover book from Bjooks that explores this remarkable history through rare and iconic machines, vivid photography, artist stories, technical insight, and the people who turned boxes of circuits into culture. The book explores more than six decades of electronic music history through the drum machines that changed the way music is made, recorded, and performed.

An inspiring and visually rich book for anyone interested in music technology, design, rhythm, and recording culture, this comprehensive work follows the evolution of drum machines from early experiments and preset rhythm companions to programmable icons, studio powerhouses, genre-defining classics, and the hardware revival of recent decades. The project structure already maps that story across eight major stages – from invention and standardization to creative misuse, programmability, studio control, genre definition, and rebirth.

The book presents comprehensive research, writing, editing, photography, and visual development by author Oli Freke and editor Kim Bjørn.

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PolyFreq Introduces Phonon Plug-In Debut as Precision Granular Laboratory for Sonic Alchemy

video upload by PolyFreq

Press release follows:

PolyFreq pitches availability of Phonon plug-in debut as precision granular laboratory for sonic alchemy

BRISTOL, UK: boutique musical tools-maker PolyFreq is proud to announce availability of Phonon as its debut plug-in — pitched as a precision laboratory for sonic alchemy, built around a high-quality sample granulation engine with root note detection, four keyboard follow modes, and legato giving it real versatility as a playable instrument — as of May 5…

Acting as a musical synthesiser first and foremost, Phonon is designed for very intentional, controllable reconstruction of one source, leaning into synchronous granular or ‘graintable’ synthesis. Sub-sample grain scheduling and separate grain rate and density controls open new vistas of repeatable, controllable timbre and tempo across macro and micro parameter ranges. Reality dictates that where other granular synths default to randomisation or multiple sources, Phonon provides users with complete control over every grain — from classic textural clouds to malleable ‘grainwave’ synthesis. Indeed, it is equal parts laboratory and playground.

“Phonon’s development was inspired by the great creativity of early granular work from composers such as Wishart and Roads, and the deep listening of Oliveros, with a desire to make this wild, creative territory more accessible to electronic music production and sound design, without stripping away what makes it strange and inspirational.” So says PolyFreq founder Nick Mariette by way of an illuminating introduction. It aims for ease of use, with a simple drag-and-drop workflow for modulation, and most features are immediately visible, with minimal menus or hidden options. And a flexible array of audio-rate modulation sources provide huge scope for patches that respond and evolve, including LFOs (Low Frequency Oscillators), envelopes, sample metadata, sequencers, MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) control data, and various noise flavours.

Features additionally worthy of the edited highlights treatment here include Phonon’s granular engine — eight voices of polyphony with up to 256 grains per voice and sub-sample precision that bridges the gap between classic textures and sharp ‘graintable’ synthesis; effects — shape sounds with a character-driven signal chain, from saturating drive to resonant filtering, as well as a utility reverb for glue or depth; presets — easily capture, export, evolve, and share sonic creations with sample embedding and eight-way snapshots; and drag-and-drop workflow in a resizeable interface for easy enjoyment as a standalone instrument or for plug-in-based DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) production.

Phonon’s uses are almost endless — think time stretching; pitch shifting; sample mangling; sound design; classic textural, granular clouds; synchronous, tuned granular tone creation; creating a synth from any sample; rhythmic grain generation, synced to host; beat retiming and timbre distortion; and more besides. Back to Nick Mariette: “Phonon is intended for reshaping beats and designing synth leads as much as for losing time in ethereal granular atmospheres; I hope it will connect people to listening differently, discovering the sounds within sounds.”

Anyone attending SUPERBOOTH26, May 7-9, FEZ-Berlin, Germany is hereby encouraged to swing by Booth H116 there, where PolyFreq will be showcasing Phonon to the musical masses assembled and Nick Mariette himself will be on hand to personally provide a warm welcome with an open invitation to discover those sounds within sounds. Spanning chaotic clouds to precise synthesis, controllable sonic alchemy is there for the taking so why not take this hands-on opportunity to discover and delight in vibrating matter differently with Phonon!

Phonon is available to buy as a standalone or VST3 plug-in for macOS (10.13 or later) and Windows (10 or later) at a 33% launch discount — duly rising thereafter to its full price of $89.00 USD (excluding tax)/€76.00 EUR (including tax)/£68.00 GBP (including tax) — directly from PolyFreq here: https://www.polyfreq.com/products

For more in-depth information, please visit the PolyFreq products webpage here: https://www.polyfreq.com/products

Morphor ECHON 6 #1 | Winterdagen

video upload by Winterdagen

"I feel like I'm in synth heaven these days. I was lucky enough to get my hands on the new ECHON 6 from Morphor, which is a gorgeous sounding, super unique synth: a 6 voice polyphonic analogue BBD resonator synthesizer. Yep, that's quite the mouth full. In a nutshell it's one part analogue poly synth, one part analogue BBD chip physical modeling synth.

I've been a big fan of physical modeling kind of synths for some time, and Morphor's take on this concept is the most special one I've come across so far. I know this type of synthesis mostly from either quite complex plugins, or Eurorack stuff such as Rings and Surface. Morphor has managed to take this concept into an analogue desktop format and it's super special. In this little sketch I'm exploring quite typical karplus-strong like plucks, but feeding in some sine wave oscillator, having full ADSR control over the the exciter, and having BBD chips as resonators, makes for a super expressive sound.

Apart from its amazing sound, ECHON 6 is also beautifully built. One of the most sturdy, smooth and well built synths I have ever come across. One of its superpowers is that it also has an absolutely amazing and intuitive modulation section, which I'll tell you more about in some following videos (I've been making a lot!). Thanks so much for letting me explore this beauty, Morphor!

Find out more about ECHON 6 at: https://echon6.com/"

The GS Music Bree 6 Keyboard Synthesizer: Super cute and super fat!!!

video upload by Matt Johnson’s Keyspace

See dealers on the right as well as https://www.gsmusic.com/synth-store for availability and price.

"The Bree 6 will surprise you with its massive sound! I would take this over a vintage Juno anyday!"

Matt Johnson GS Music demos

And one from Starsky Carr:

Analog Done Right // GS Music Bree 6 Keyboard

video upload by Starsky Carr

"In this in-depth demo and review, we explore the GS MUSIC Bree 6 keyboard — a 6-voice VCO-based analog synthesizer with a fully analog signal path, built-in chorus, delay, arpeggiator, and sequencer. If you love that vintage-meets-modern sound, this one might surprise you.

From raw oscillator tones to lush stereo pads and punchy basses, I break down what makes this synth special — including its unique double/triple arpeggiator modes, MPE compatibility, and rich, characterful sound that sits somewhere between classic Roland-style synths and something entirely new.

If you’re into synths like the Roland Jupiter-8 or Roland Juno-106, this is one you’ll want to hear.

🔍 What’s Covered
Sound demo (full track made entirely on the Bree 6)
Oscillator section: saw, pulse, sub oscillator
24dB analog low-pass filter with resonance & key tracking
Dual ADSR envelopes & fast modulation
Voice modes: poly, mono, unison & stereo spread
Built-in chorus & analog-style delay
Unique arpeggiator (double & triple note modes)
Sequencer workflow & performance features
MPE support & expressive control

🎛️ This isn’t just another vintage clone. The Bree 6 blends:

Raw VCO tone with modern reliability
Hands-on workflow (minimal menu diving)
A distinct character that feels alive and immediate
A surprising amount of depth for a single-oscillator synth
🎧 Who Is This For?
Analog synth lovers
Producers looking for fat, mix-ready tones
Fans of classic Roland-style sound with modern features
Anyone wanting a hands-on, inspiring instrument"


via GS Music

The day has arrived

We’re proud to present the Bree6 Keyboard, our first synthesizer with an integrated keyboard, designed and produced in Argentina for the world. 💙

Built on a six-voice analog architecture, it delivers a powerful and expressive sound engine capable of everything from solid basses and leads to rich, evolving pads. Now expanded with a built-in sequencer and advanced arpeggiator, it becomes a complete performance and composition tool.

With its one-knob-per-function interface, semi-weighted keybed with velocity and aftertouch, and fully analog signal path, the Bree6 Keyboard is designed for immediate, hands-on control—no menu diving.
Immediate Control. No Menu Diving.

The Bree6 Keyboard version is designed to deliver an immediate and intuitive hands-on experience, eliminating the need for deep menu navigation. Its interface follows a one-knob-per-function philosophy, providing direct access to all key parameters for fast and precise sound shaping.

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Introducing Plinky 12 Blocks, Chords and Toadstep

video upload by Making Sound Machines

Additional videos below.

"We are super excited to introduce 3 new instruments today! Plinky 12 is a family of expressive polyphonic touch synthesizers. The three instruments are built around a shared synth engine. Designed by mmalex, it evokes the unmistakable melancholic sounds of the original Plinky. https://plinky12.com

Each instrument is designed in collaboration with a different synth maker, lending each panel a distinct playability and unique character.

Plinky 12 Chords is a harmonic inspiration machine. It lets you improvise melodies and chords, with expressive control over voicings, progressions, and immediate musical play. Created by Making Sound Machines, Chords is the panel for finding beautiful harmonic movement quickly.

Plinky 12 Toadstep is a 4-track step sequencer built for super funky riffs, experimental self-generative melodies, and good ol' Acid. Created by Toadstool Tech, the designer behind the Ectocore Eurorack module, Toadstep is fun, immediate and easy to jam with!

Plinky 12 Blocks is an open panel built for experimentation, with monome-grid compatibility, Plinky style touch synthesis, and a browser-based coding environment just a click away. While it comes with a fully playable design out of the gate, creator mmalex invites you to build your own adventure with this panel. If you can imagine it, you can make it!

In this video, Enrica and Roland from Making Sound Machines explore the three new Plinky 12 instruments: Blocks, Chords and Toadstep from left to right.

The track builds on a repeating loop created with the built-in sequencer on Plinky 12 Toadstep. The short sequence uses rhythmic step repeats, track step length and animated synth parameters to create an ostinato that keeps sonically evolving over the length of the track.

As the piece continues, Roland plays a progression of harmonies from the rainbow chord palette on Plinky 12 Chords, before launching a sequence that reharmonizes the loop heard from Toadstep. Enrica joins in playing sparkling arpeggios with her fingertips on Plinky 12 Blocks, the surface with the sunset colour-fade print.

As the track progresses, Roland plays a melodic line on Chords, then Enrica takes over with a melody on blocks. The Plinky 12 polyphonic play surface reads both play position and pressure of the touch. It enables bends and glides on the horizontal axis, while allowing for discrete arps in the vertical direction.

They end the piece with a tempo transition showcasing the septuplet feature on the internal sequencer."

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