Rob Papen announces availability of QUAD-2 virtual instrument plug-in as followup to QUAD, initially introduced as Rack Extension synthesizer for Reason
ECHT, THE NETHERLANDS: Rob Papen Inspiration Soundware is proud to announce availability of QUAD-2 as a followup to QUAD — initially introduced as its first Rack Extension synthesizer built from the ground up for the-then Swedish software company Propellerhead’s popular Reason platform (anchored around a user interface mimicking a rack full of equipment, allowing instruments, effects, and mixers to be linked together in order to create a complete production setup) back in October 2014, before popular demand drove the Dutch virtual instrument and effect plug-in developer into making it more widely available as an AAX-, AU-, and VST-compatible virtual instrument plug-in for Mac and PC in April 2020 — with an updated user interface and added features, as of October 7…
"Here's a quick demo of the new VST from DenverSynthLabs. Showing its wide capabilities as a dual oscillator bass synth, but also much much more. Using MOD notes-- single sounds-- you can even program drum tracks monophonically."
"The Norand Mono mk1 and mk2 were left unfinished — firmware issues that never got solved, a company that went insolvent before it could fix them. MONOv³ finishes the job: updated firmware for your real hardware, plus a full digital twin with infinite patch storage, easier workflow, and near bit-perfect sound. Own a mk2? Load the firmware, run the hardware as a controller sending MIDI CC to the plugin, and pair it with the software for a NORAND DUAL."
AnalogFX announces availability of limited-run LARYNX, an expressive analogue formant synthesizer inspired by the seldom-seen Synton Syrinx
DEVENTER, THE NETHERLANDS: AnalogFX, a Dutch synthesizer manufacturer dedicated to creating expressive electronic instruments for musicians, producers, sound designers, and synthesizer enthusiasts, is pleased to announce availability of LARYNX — proudly presented as a performance-focused analogue synthesizer that combines the vocal character of classic formant synthesis with modern expressive control, Eurorack integration, hands-on playability, and an affectionate analogue nod towards a rare, highly-coveted 1982-vintage monophonic synthesizer built by fellow (defunct) Dutch company Synton — with its first production run limited to 50 units, as of October 1…
By being built upon the proven architecture of AnalogFX’s acclaimed SER-2020, its compact desktop synthesizer inspired by the rare Synton Syrinx, LARYNX evolves that concept into a performance-focused keyboard instrument. Thanks to its premium 37-key aftertouch keyboard, extensive real-time modulation capabilities, and unique triple-filter formant architecture, LARYNX duly delivers an organic and highly-expressive playing experience.
Ultimately — unlike many modern synthesizers that rely on presets and menu-driven workflows, LARYNX puts sound shaping directly under a musician’s fingertips. From subtle pressure-sensitive modulation to aggressive vocal-like filter sweeps, every aspect of the instrument in question has been designed to create a direct connection between performer and sound.
Beating beautifully at the heart of LARYNX’s performance-focused sound are two CEM3340-based voltage-controlled oscillators — VCO 1 and VCO 2; a sub oscillator — SUB 1; a ring modulator — RM; a NOISE generator; and a unique triple CEM3350-based filter architecture — PEAK 1, PEAK 2, and LPF (Low Pass Filter). All combine to enable a wide sonic range — from deep analogue basses and cutting leads to evolving textures and speech-like timbres rarely found in traditional subtractive synthesizers.
Above and beyond that, this latest evolution of the SER-2020 platform introduces Formant MODE, making 16 preprogrammed human voice formants immediately available. As such, musicians can quickly create vocal-inspired sounds, animated basses, and expressive textures — and all without requiring complex programming. It is appropriate to note here that LARYNX also features a digital five-voice oscillator Chord MODE, although analogue monophonic and duophonic operation is always possible.
Placing expression at the core of its design, LARYNX’s 37-key velocity-sensitive keyboard with channel aftertouch is paired with AnalogFX’s Touch’n’Bend controller, allowing performers to shape sound naturally. Needless to say, LARYNX has additional performance features up its sleeve, so to speak, including extensive realtime modulation throughout its VCO, VCF, and VCA architecture; MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) support; a built-in arpeggiator (ARP); a 16-step pattern sequencer (SEQ) — designed for both studio and live use, permitting performers to store patterns and instantly recall variations during a performance; 16 pattern memories; eight scenes, with 16 slots each; and stereo delay effect — DELAY L and DELAY R.
Ready for the modular world, LARYNX is designed to seamlessly integrate into modern electronic music setups with multiple front panel-positioned CV (control voltage) inputs and outputs providing extensive Eurorack connectivity, while flexible routing options allow the synthesizer to function both as a powerful standalone instrument and an expressive modular voice. Arriving at the rear panel, further connectivity conveniently comprises MIDI IN/OUT — standard MIDI DIN-5; USB MIDI — standard USB type B; EXPRESSION/SUSTAIN/HOLD pedal input; stereo line OUTPUT; and HEADPHONE output.
On the face of it, then, LARYNX lives up to its Inspired by a Rare Voice and A voice you can play tag lines with the greatest of ease. Enter AnalogFX Founder and Lead Developer Marc Stroobach, someone suitably qualified to end promotional proceedings on a high note: “With LARYNX, we wanted to create an instrument that feels alive under your hands. It’s inspired by some of the most expressive synthesizers ever made, but designed for today’s musicians who want immediate control, deep sound shaping, and a genuine connection between performance and sound. Every AnalogFX instrument starts from a passion for music and a belief that synthesizers should inspire creativity, not get in the way of it.”
Being built in limited batches in The Netherlands, the first production run of LARYNX — limited to 50 units — is now available for purchase directly from AnalogFX’s online Shop (https://www.analogfx.com/shop/) and select specialist retailers worldwide (https://www.analogfx.com/about/where-to-buy/) at a SRP (Suggested Retail Price) of €1,249.00 EUR (inc. 19% VAT).
"MemoryTone by XILS-lab unleashes a colossal three-oscillator-per-voice analog architecture—with 16-voice polyphony and up to 18 oscillators in unison—then propels it beyond its 1982 inspiration with expanded modulation, MPE, advanced arpeggiation, integrated effects, and modern sound-design capabilities."
MemoryTone is XILS-lab’s exploration of one of analogue synthesis’s most ambitious instruments — a sixteen-voice polyphonic architecture built around three oscillators per voice and a 24 dB/octave self-oscillating ladder filter.
With eighteen oscillators across sixteen voices, combinable waveforms, oscillator sync, pulse-width control and a deeply interactive signal path, its character begins long before effects enter the picture. Oscillators interact. Levels influence behaviour. Voices move. The filter responds to everything that came before it.
"We are delighted to announce Terry Michaels as our esteemed guest of honor. Join us at the annual banquet for his keynote address and to help us honor him.
Terry Michaels, AKA Terry Mikulic, designed the seminal relaxation-core oscillator published in Electronotes 62 by Bernie Hutchins: the highly accurate ENS-76. It is the most influential analogue oscillator design of the modern era. This circuit became the heart of hundreds of synthesisers, including Gene Stopp’s ASM-1, the Synthesizers.com Q106, and the muSonics Vanilla Oscillators. Through his synthesizer work, Terry founded a laser light show company called Laser Artistry in 1976. The company operated as one of America's elite laser show outfits until its final performance on December 31, 1999.
The annual catered banquet will be held Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 7pm in the Sapphire Pavilion. Tickets are available as an add-on to your Knobcon attendance. Seating is limited."
"The Leveling EQ Amplifier (LEQA) is now available and shipping for $349 USD! Add polished compression, musical EQ, and stereo width processing to your Eurorack system with one intuitive end-of-chain processor, built to make great mixes effortless."
"Join us for a dive into EQ, compression and stereo image creation and control with the 4ms LEQA, Levelling EQ Amplifier. Not only is this a demo of this specific module but a deeper look across many musical styles at how these tools work, why you might want or need them and how they sit within a Eurorack modular environment. I hope it highlights these production tools not just as an end of chain bit of a colour but as a creative important tool for music making and sound shaping while highlighting how to listen to what they do."
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:59 Matt Johnson performing on Bree6
01:20 Bree6 - is one oscillator enough?
04:50 e7 presentation - the flagship synth
10:47 From hobby to family business
12:03 The only polysynths from Lating America
12:24 Finding a gap in the market
13:02 From idea to first customer
14:11 Argentina gave us Lionel Messi & GS Music
"GS Music is one of the most interesting boutique synthesizer companies I discovered at Superbooth 2026.
I spoke with Guido Salaya, the founder and lead engineer of GS Music, about how a small family business from Argentina grew into a company designing and manufacturing analog polyphonic synthesizers.
Their main instruments include the 7-voice GS Music e7 and the 6-voice Bree6, available as a desktop and keyboard version. At Superbooth 2026, GS Music also showed the new Bree6 Four Octave Edition - a 49-key, 4-octave version of their analog polysynth.
Featuring fantastic performance of @MattJohnsonskeyspace to show capabilities of Bree6.
In this interview we discuss:
why he built a synth with only one oscillator,
the philosophy behind keeping instruments simple,
how GS Music started as a hobby,
why they chose to build analog polyphonic synthesizers,
how product ideas become finished synthesizers,
the challenges of manufacturing hardware in Argentina,
what makes GS Music different from larger synth manufacturers.
If you enjoy boutique synthesizers and hearing the stories behind the people who build them, I think you’ll enjoy this conversation."
0:00 Quick Overview 1:43 Afterlife Lead 2:28 Dark Wave Bass 3:17 IDM Triangled Lead 4:18 Noisy Arp Cross Mod 5:51 Electro Pulse (short envelopes) 6:51 EBM Bass 7:46 Console Pulse Lead 8:05 Paraphonic Magic 9:34 Killah Bass 9:48 Indie-Cade 10:39 7th Pad 11:36 Psy Alert (FX) 12:06 Kick Bass 12:19 Sonar Noise 13:12 Bubbles 14:20 Paraphonic Outro
____
"Behringer JT-2: My 2 Cents With all the available 'heavily-inspired-but-not-clones' from Behringer, I’m starting to wonder when the company will introduce original synths again. Anyhow... This time, I’m taking a closer look at the Behringer JT-2, a paraphonic synth inspired by Roland’s Jupiter-8. It comes in similar colours but certainly doesn’t carry over the visual aesthetics of the '80s flagship synth. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, as Behringer can keep costs down by using one chassis for a plethora of different models. At a budget-friendly price point, you get a lot of synth in a unit that doesn’t take up too much valuable studio real estate, either. But first things first...
You can find posts on MATRIXSYNTH featuring Jack Hotop here for a look back on his influence in the synthesizer community. The first post was a simple pic back in 2006.
Press release from Korg follows:
Over a 40-Year Career, the Influential Synthesist and Accomplished Touring Keyboardist Shaped the Sonic Architecture of More Than 100 Landmark Instruments, Including the Historic M1 Workstation
MELVILLE, N.Y. - Korg USA announces with deep sadness the passing of longtime employee, celebrated sound designer, and musical instrument industry icon Jack Hotop. Joining Korg USA (then Unicord) in 1983, Hotop started as Senior Voicing Manager and spent over four decades driving the development, sound design, programming, voicing, and product demonstrations for more than 100 Korg products. As a pioneering engineer and exceptionally skilled performer, his extensive contributions helped guide the evolution of synthesizers and digital workstations from the early 1980s through the modern era, leaving an indelible imprint on instruments used by musicians around the world and for generations to come.
Hotop’s foundational expertise was anchored in a rigorous musical and technical background. Raised in a musical family, he began piano lessons at age seven, inspired by his father, a musician featured on several Broadway cast recordings, and numerous pianists on his mother’s side. By age 14, he was actively performing in local bands on a Gibson 101 organ. He pursued formal training at the Berklee College of Music, majoring in arranging, composition, and accompaniment, before expanding into emerging music technology at the Boston School of Electronic Music under Roger Powell. It was there that Hotop established his core synthesis fundamentals using early hardware including the ARP Odyssey, 2600, 2500, and EMS Synthi, building a deep understanding of waveforms, envelopes, low-frequency oscillators, and modulators.
"Finally I had the chance to play with the VHIKK X drone oscillator at Superbooth 2026.The VHIKK X is produced by Australian company Forge Time. In this session I explore its deep drones, unstable textures, and evolving atmospheres. The VHIKK X has a very raw and organic sound that constantly shifts and surprises.
"Buchla have introduced Ziggy, a new compact synthesizer built around the company’s complex oscillator architecture, combining analogue sound generation with digital control in a self-contained, patch-free design."
"Buchla’s Ziggy monosynth aims to bring the brand’s singular style of West Coast synthesis to a wider audience, both by dropping the price – at $999, Ziggy is a fifth of the price of the company’s Music Easel – and repackaging the sound engine in a non-modular, self-contained desktop instrument that’s intended to be more modern and accessible than its previous designs.
The format may have changed, but Ziggy still has the digitally-controlled analogue architecture of a classic Buchla: a complex oscillator with wavefolding, a modulation oscillator for FM and AM, and a low-pass gate in place of a conventional filter and VCA, inviting the kind of unconventional sound design that has earned the brand a place in the hearts of those looking for an experimental alternative to the traditional East Coast approach. What makes Ziggy different, though, are additions like browser-managed patch storage, digital effects, and extensive connectivity: alongside CV inputs for pitch, gate and modulation, you get an external audio input and 5-pin MIDI and USB-C connections, which allow for the kind of external control via the KeyStep that you can see here.
It’s fair to say that most music-makers won’t have had the chance to experiment with a Buchla before, and with Ziggy, the company is hoping to change that. While it’s clearly more approachable than a Music Easel or a Skylab, designing sounds with Ziggy will still take some getting used to, as we found out over at Buchla’s booth – but cycling through the instrument’s presets, which showcase the unique, often chaotic timbres that West Coast synthesis is known for, left us eager to dive deeper into the Buchla universe. Mission accomplished."
"What happens when a synthesizer completely breaks the rules? In this video, we explore the Genki KATLA — a truly unique polysynth inspired by Icelandic volcanoes, featuring a rotating voice architecture, hybrid signal path, and some of the most unpredictable sound design possibilities I’ve come across.
This isn’t your typical analog polysynth. Each of the five voices can run independently with different waveforms, octaves, and modulation — creating evolving textures, harmonic movement, and generative-style sounds that feel closer to modular synthesis than traditional keyboards.
🎛️ What makes the KATLA special? • Rotating voice polyphony (round robin-style synthesis) • Independent per-voice oscillators & tuning • Digital oscillators + analog filter signal path • Looping envelopes reaching audio-rate modulation • Phase distortion, wavefolding & multiple distortion types • Tape-style wow, flutter & pitch instability effects • Stereo voice movement & evolving spatial modulation • External inputs for processing other gear
From lush ambient pads to aggressive, evolving sequences — this synth can go places most instruments simply can’t. It’s not about recreating vintage sounds… it’s about discovering entirely new ones.
💸 At around €5000, this is definitely not a beginner synth — but for sound designers, and anyone looking for something truly different, it well worth a look."
Genki Katla Sound Design: Making sounds from scratch and exploring
video upload by MR TUNA Music
Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 0:16 - Init patch 0:44 - Filter sounds 1:26 - Raising 1 voice 1:43 - Creating a basic pluck sound 2:24 - Aftertouch controls 2:45 - Bring in a little reverb 2:56 - LFO to filter cutoff 3:16 - LFO to reverb mix 3:46 - Keyboard cutoff 4:00 - Osc 3 Square wave 4:23 - Sub oscillator 4:54 - KATLA parameters 5:01 - Rústir wavefolder 6:08 - Rökkur stereospreader 6:37 - Skriða envelope randomizer 7:27 - Aska random modulations 7:57 - Glóð tape stops and flutters 8:35 - Skjálfti ??? 9:14 - Kvika slow tape modulations 9:38 - dark pads 10:20 - Móða voice detuning 11:20 - Katla sounds with aftertouch 13:28 - Thanks for watching
"Hey guys! Very very excited to be presenting the Genki Katla to you all... I am truly in awe of the sound of this very unique and powerful instrument.
I thought the best way to get to know the synth is to start from scratch so in this video we'll go full hands-on with the Genki Katla, exploring (almost) every parameter and building sounds from an initialized patch.
From some raw drone layers and gritty textures to evolving pads, rhythmic sequences, and atmospheric beds, we will see just what this instrument can do, discover new sounds, and maybe make some friends along the way 🙏
If you're into sound design, unique synths, or just love discovering new instruments, this one is for you!
HUGE thanks to Genki for letting me a part of this with them and showing off this super cool synth.
No money was paid, no agreements were made... these are my real thoughts on this very premium synthesizer and I will be sharing lots more."
Press release follows:
Genki Instruments announces availability of Katla as Voice Rotating Polyphonic Synthesizer inspired by its natural namesake
REYKJAVIK, ICELAND: having twice blown European musical minds thanks to show-stealing showcases at SUPERBOOTH25, May 8-10, Berlin, Germany and Machina Bristronica 2025, September 27-28, Bristol, UK, before adventuring across the pond for a repeat performance at Buchla & Friends 2026, January 24-25, LA, CA, USA, Reykjavik-based instrument developer Genki Instruments is proud to announce availability of the eagerly-awaited Katla as a Voice Rotating Polyphonic Synthesizer inspired by Iceland’s largest subglacial volcano as its natural namesake — readily representing the company’s first foray into analogue synthesis, albeit one that uniquely utilises a set of wildcard parameters to infuse it with organic, unpredictable behaviour as an instrument that is worthy of that legacy, excelling at generating rich, evolving, multi-layered textures, where each note stirs, swells, and erupts in its own distinct way — as of March 31…
Clearly Katla’s inspiration runs through its ‘volcanic’ veins. After all, it is framed by side panels and knobs forged from authentic Icelandic lava, giving each instrument a tangible connection to the volcanic forces that inspired it. That this synth should surely roar is a given. Genki Instruments inevitably chose, therefore, to kit Katla out with four independent distortion destinations, the most unruly of which is a stereo CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) Drive effect — a characterful saturation stage, pushing tones from warm and rounded to fractured and snarling.
"We say... A pre-owned Oberheim OB-X8 (Desktop) in very good condition. It comes with original packaging and power cable.
Manufacturer's description NEW functionality now available with OB-X8 OS v2.0 featuring:
Instant binaural mode pans individual voices hard left and right for true stereo operation Simultaneously selectable waveshapes for each oscillator extends timbral variety New 4-Pole low pass filter type with fuller bass at high resonance New VCO 1 and 2 level LFO modulation destinations for independent timbral mixing Arpeggiator clock sync now has selectable note division values for expanded rhythmic control Twice the Split and Double memory locations, including program storage directly in the new banks for 512 more stored sounds Separate MIDI channels for lower/upper split bi-timbral operation Poly chain for up to 32 voices with 4 connected instruments MPE for new levels of expressiveness
SOMA LABORATORY AND THE MIDIUM® COLLABORATE ON LIMITED EDITION PULSAR-23
New circuits and custom aesthetic introduced, marking first SOMA partnership with US-based engineers STEVENSON RANCH, CALIFORNIA––23 JANUARY 2026––Local online family-run-and-operated synth shop and boutique, The Midium, collaborates with SOMA Laboratory to introduce the SOMA Laboratory PULSAR-23 1984 Edition. New bass drum and bass synth circuitry expand the current PULSAR-23 four-voice drum machine and synthesizer’s functionality, while a custom polished-steel chassis and red LED scheme accompany an all-black carrying case, red-white-and-black alligator clips, and typewritten certificate of authenticity.
“The SOMA Laboratory PULSAR-23 1984 Edition is a marriage of parallel ideas. While having aconversation with SOMA Laboratory US’s Kevin Flynn in early 2025, we forged the concept for a 1984-inspired aesthetic born from the times in which we live, as well as some well-known works of fiction we both enjoy,” says Cami Bitar, who owns and operates The Midium with their wife Erin Bitar and 4-year-old daughter Melody Nightingale Wednesday Bitar. “During that conversation, we decided that a polished-steel chassis and red LEDs would also give the PULSAR-23 1984 Edition an intensely industrial feel as seen in certain sci-fi movies of the 1980s. After its aesthetics were set, Kevin mentioned that he and Noah Jolly of Ground Grown Circuits had been developing prototypes for experimental boards for the PULSAR-23 synthesizer and drum machine. That’s precisely when the ‘1984 Edition’ looked like the perfect platform for their new circuitry. To complete the story and bring the ‘1984’ inspiration full circle, we saw that a stark black case and typewritten certificate of authenticity would round out the idea. Finally, having decided that we would work on this together, it was determined that The Midium and SOMA Laboratory would be the only authorized sellers of the PULSAR-23 1984 Edition.” Bitar adds that only 84 units will be made for the US market, according to SOMA Laboratory.
Kevin Flynn, who heads the SOMA Laboratory US Division, gets into the details. “The SOMA Laboratory PULSAR-23 1984 Edition marks the first time that the company has partnered with US-based engineers. Noah Jolly and I developed new circuit boards for the bass drum and bass synth modules onboard the PULSAR-23 in order to see how far we can push the PULSAR-23 platform.”
Flynn explains what makes the SOMA Laboratory PULSAR-23 1984 Edition’s sound and timbre unique.
“For instance, the bass drum on the PULSAR-23 1984 Edition introduces an oscillator design that produces an asymmetrically clipped triangle wave that can be driven to the point of becoming a square wave, which makes for a more aggressive and harder-hitting bass drum which is perfect for techno and other musical styles. The bass drum on the PULSAR-23 1984 Edition’s tuning range is now also wider than before, which also adds to its flexibility in use, and the “OMG” pin is now an AC-coupled FM input that enhances the bass drum’s sound design potential.” He ends by saying of the second modified module in the PULSAR-23 1984 Edition, the bass module, that it “now features a new filter inspired by the Polivoks, which is a classic analog synth made in the Soviet Union during the 1980s. That’s a key part of the ‘1984’ concept, and the bass module’s new filter has a similarly aggressive nature.”
The SOMA Laboratory PULSAR-23 1984 Edition is available now exclusively at TheMidium.com and EarwormLLC.com.
The Thomas Synti 1055 is a" monophonic analog synthesizer produced in the 1970s by the Thomas Organ Company, which in 1973 acquired the rights to produce the Moog Satellite, one of the first synthesizers made by the historic American company.The original design was extended and improved by Thomas engineers, who managed to create an instrument that was more comfortable and simple to use live, while maintaining the same character and sonic depth as its predecessor.The completely analog heart of this instrument consisted of a single relaxation oscillator, capable of generating a single sawtooth (or square) wave, which was then filtered and processed by various downstream circuits to shape its harmonic content and envelope. It's clear that these techniques couldn't achieve "realistic" sounds in the modern sense of the word, but they still managed to create unique timbres, still very interesting today, which inspired much of the music of the time."
"Today, we’re featuring the BassStation - the original, you might say! This was the first synthesiser from a company called Novation - they’ve been rather busy since.
We’ll talk about the story of its development, the market at the time of its release, and comprehensively cover the features of the BassStation from the oscillators, filters, envelopes and utilities. Hopefully by the end of this video you’ll know far more about this synthesiser than you ever wanted to. Thanks for watching :)
My thanks to Keith Littler and Steve Davies for their help in production, as well as Mark for loaning me his synthesiser.
Here is a link to the Novation Bass Station 1 manual. There are separate manuals for both the Bass Station Rack and Super Bass Station: https://www.polynominal.com/novation-...
All music in this video was composed by bucketbrigade Music, 2019-2025, except for the demonstration track of Try Again by Aaliyah recorded by bucketbrigade Music and Beautiful Day by Keith Littler. With the exception of those tracks, they will be available for download in due course.
BucketBrigade Ident sound effects from the BBC Sound Effects Library.
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
02:08 The History
06:35 Demo Track 1 - BassStation Only
09:02 Overview of the unit
10:20 Pre-flight checks, Key’B Util Mode, MIDI
16:08 Tuning
17:11 Patch Memory
19:31 Oscillator 1
20:16 Osc 1 & 2 Modulation
21:57 Oscillator 2
23:52 Filter
27:20 Demo Track 2 - 'Try Again'
28:40 Envelope
34:44 Demo Track 3 - Bass Station Post-rock jam
38:18 Final thoughts
43:23 Credits"
Auction to be held at Musician's Hall of Fame & Museum, Nashville, on November 19
An incredible collection of more than 450 artifacts from the life and career of Florian Schneider, co-founder of the pioneer electronic band Kraftwerk."
Pics and videos featuring some of the gear below, and his Lederhosen for good measure (thanks greg!).
Update: the post has been fully updated with all the synth related gear. This may just well be the longest post to be featured on the site. I wanted to capture all the pics for all of the details including notes, scuffs, and of course serial numbers. It's an interesting look into what he used, the condition he keped his gear, in some cases, how he actually used his gear. Note the phonetics on the keys of the Casio CZ-101 and DX-100. Note the Midi Switch Box with a built-in speaker? What's that about? Note the camouflage key strap on the Korg RK-100 Remote Keyboard. Did he pick it out himself or did the keytar just come with it? Note the repeat midi controllers and the MIDI saxaphones. Wind was his primary instrument. You'll find a ton of the acoustic gear he used in the other listings. This is a fascinating insight into both what and how he used his gear.
Side note: there is no affiliate compensation for this post. The note at the top automatically shows for all posts with the Auction label.
Rack Mount Sennheiser VSM-201 Vocoder
Starting Bid
$5,000
Estimate
$20,000 - $40,000 USD
A late 1970s Sennheiser VSM 201 Vocoder with no serial number from the personal studio and collection of Florian Schneider of Kraftwerk (see images). While it’s said that only a few dozen of these Vocoders were produced, a few examples made it into the hands of forward-thinking musical artists including Herbie Hancock, Daft Punk, and of course, Kraftwerk, who used a VSM-201 like this on their albums Man Machine (1978) and Computerworld (1981). The VSM-201 has an intelligible sound that has not yet been bested by modern gear. Includes power cable. This VSM-201 has been removed from its wooden enclosure (which bears the serial number plate) and modified with a metal rack mount casing, presumably for live use. Requires 240v, IEC power cable not included.
Dimensions: 19 x 9 x 9 inches
Category: Kraftwerk, Equipment
Provenance: PROVENANCE From the Estate of Florian Schneider
Check with dealers on the right on availability and price.
Press release follows:
"Gamechanger Audio Officially Releases the MOTOR Pedal
Electromechanical sound. A gas pedal for your guitar. The ultimate analog noise-machine.
Riga, Latvia – September 29, 2025
After years of development and anticipation, Gamechanger Audio is proud to announce that the MOTOR Pedal is finally available to the public. First teased as a wild experiment back in 2019 and reintroduced earlier this spring as a pre-order, the MOTOR Pedal is now shipping worldwide—bringing a completely new category in sound and performance machines to guitarists, producers, and sonic explorers everywhere.
At its core, the MOTOR Pedal is built on two groundbreaking technical achievements: A fully controllable musical motor oscillator that transforms brushless DC motors into living, breathing sound sources. An proprietary monophonic pitch-tracking engine that follows guitars and virtually any instrument with surgical accuracy. These breakthroughs were forged over years of experimentation. From 2019 to 2022, Gamechanger Audio developed and released the MOTOR Synth MKI and MKII—the world’s first polyphonic synthesizers to use electric motors as vari-speed oscillators. More recently, the company perfected pitch tracking with its acclaimed AUTO Series pedals, released late 2024 The MOTOR Pedal builds directly on these innovations, fusing them into a compact stompbox—creating a powerful, unpredictable, and endlessly fun performance tool.
And in true Gamechanger style, it’s not just about the sound. The MOTOR Pedal introduces a completely new way to control it: a real acceleration foot pedal. This gas-pedal-style controller turns dynamics, pitch bends, and rhythmic sweeps into something you literally drive, delivering an adrenaline-fueled approach to expression that no other stompbox offers.
“Back in 2019, the original MOTOR Pedal was just a spark that set this whole journey in motion - what if we could play MOTORS as Oscillators!?” says Gamechanger Audio founder Ilya Krumins. “Since then, through the MOTOR Synth MKI and MKII and the AUTO Series, we’ve gone deeper and deeper into the world of electromechanical sound. At this point, we feel like we know pretty much everything there is to know about making music with motors and the MOTOR Pedal is the culmination of that knowledge, and the most fun, immediate and accessible way to experience it.”
Key Features: ● Real electromagnetic motor oscillator driven by precision pitch tracking ● Gas-pedal controller with five modes - for dynamic, physical expression ● Hybrid electromechanical + digital signal path for unique textures - five MOTOR engines - each with unique sound ● Compact form factor built for pedalboards, studios, and live rigs ● Replaceable motor block for extended lifetime and serviceability ● Powered by Gamechanger Audio’s MOTOR Synth (MKI & MKII) and AUTO Series technology
The MOTOR Pedal is now shipping worldwide from www.gamechangeraudio.com and with selected dealers world-wide. The MOTOR Pedal is priced at 399 USD and 399 EUR (incl. VAT) respectively. For more details, demos, and ordering information, visit www.gamechangeraudio.com."
"The 1966 Johnson Intonation Trainer is a rare and intriguing instrument developed by the E.F. Johnson Company of Waseca, Minnesota. Originally designed to assess pitch-matching and pitch-discrimination abilities, this device has garnered attention for its unique features and potential applications in modern music production.  
One of the standout characteristics of the Johnson Intonation Trainer is its full polyphony, allowing all 37 keys to be played simultaneously. Each key is associated with its own oscillator, enabling microtonal adjustments and the exploration of unconventional scales and tunings. The instrument offers four distinct voicing options, ranging from basic sine waves to more complex, reedy tones. Additionally, the “Scale Selector” switch provides a choice between standard tempered tuning and a tunable mode, with individual “Tunable Scale Controls” corresponding to each note on the keyboard for precise pitch calibration.    
Housed in a robust fiberglass case, the Intonation Trainer features a built-in speaker, though it can also be connected to external amplifiers or mixers via standard 1/4” outputs. Some units include a vibrato effect, though functionality may vary between models. 
In contemporary settings, the Johnson Intonation Trainer has found a niche among experimental musicians and sound designers. Its ability to produce rich drones and facilitate microtonal exploration makes it a valuable tool for creating unique sonic textures. The instrument’s vintage analog circuitry imparts a distinctive warmth and character that is highly sought after in modern music production.
Due to limited production and the passage of time, functional units of the Johnson Intonation Trainer are exceedingly rare. Finding one in full working condition, complete with original documentation, is a remarkable discovery for collectors and enthusiasts alike. The scarcity of this instrument, combined with its unique capabilities, underscores its status as a treasured piece of audio history."
"Made in 1966 in Waseca, Minnesota by the E. F. Johnson Company. Originally designed as an ear training and intonation device, but in practice it is a unique fully polyphonic analog synthesizer with extensive tuning control. Very few were made, and surviving examples in this condition are vanishingly rare.
