Roger Linn: The King of Drum Machines

video upload by Jack Pearson

"This is the story of Roger Linn, a guitarist from Los Angeles whose innovative sample based drum machines changed the sound of music forever.

Special thanks to Roger himself for featuring my video in the September Linnstrument newsletter (https://myemail.constantcontact.com/L...) and on his website (https://www.rogerlinndesign.com).

I first learned about Roger a few years ago while making a film called “The History of Sampling in Music” [below]. While I didn’t know anything about Roger at the time, I was astounded to learn that he had created both the LinnDrum and the MPC, which shaped the punchy robotic drums of 80s pop music and the grungy experimental grooves of 90s hip-hop respectively. I did a quick bit of research about him for my video, but didn’t really dig much deeper than that… However, a few months ago I decided to rewatch my old project, which reignited my interest in Roger’s story and gave me the idea for this video.

Like my previous project, I’d initially planned to write a script and do a voice-over, but after discovering the assortment of recorded interviews that Roger has already appeared in, I realised that I could just chop them up and have Roger tell his own story. I thought 'hey that sounds pretty cool, how hard could it be?'

Well, let’s just say I’m probably never going to do something like this again. I did enjoy making this and I am proud of it, but if I had just done a voice-over not only would it have been easier to make, but I also could’ve included a lot information without it feeling incredibly clunky. The initial cut was about 26 minutes, but I cut out loads of stuff for the sake of pacing and trying to stick to narrative beats. Roger is a fascinating guy with a lot of great anecdotes though, so if you enjoyed this video then I highly recommend you seek out some of the podcasts/interviews he’s done over the years.

I planned on making all the music for this film myself, but decided it would be better to use music that relates to Roger in some way (for example, he co-wrote 'Promises' by Eric Clapton and 'Quittin’ Time' by Mary Chapin Carpenter, and first used the LM-1 Drum Computer on the Leon Russell album 'Life & Love' which featured the track 'One More Love Song'.) I salvaged one of these demo tracks for the credits, but you can listen it and a few more scrapped tracks here:

Jack Pearson · RL:TKODM (Credits Music + Demos)

Since you’ve read this far, here’s a few bonus Roger facts that got cut out of the video:

The LM-1 was featured on the best selling album of all time - 'Thriller' by Micheal Jackson, as well as other early 80s hits like 'Maneater' by Hall & Oates, 'Valerie' by Steve Winwood, and for some reason - the original 1983 Thomas the Tank Engine theme song.

Roger hired his friend, a professional session drummer called Art Wood, to record most of the sounds on the LM-1. They set up the kit in Roger’s closet, recording each of the drums one at a time… then called it a day. Given the popularity of the songs featuring these recordings - Art Wood is technically one of most prominently featured drummers of all time.

And here's two bonus facts about this video:

The title 'The King of Drum Machines' is a quote from the father of MIDI - Dave Smith, when he spoke about Roger and the Tempest drum machine (which they built together) on a Sweetwater panel in 2015. [below]

This video was released on Roger’s 70th birthday.

I hope you enjoy it!" The History of Sampling in Music (2022)

video upload by Jack Pearson

The Inventors of Synth (Roger Linn, Dave Smith & Tom Oberheim) - Sweetwater Gearfest 2015

video upload by Sweetwater

"Join Mitch Gallagher as he moderates 'The Inventors of Synth' panel discussion at Gearfest '15. Featuring industry icons Dave Smith, Tom Oberheim, and Roger Linn discussing their thoughts on the past, present, and future of analog synthesizers and controllers.

Legendary synth designer and Grammy-winner Dave Smith was the founder of Sequential Circuits in the mid-'70s. His Prophet-5, the world's first fully programmable polyphonic synth, was the first musical instrument with an embedded microprocessor. Dave is also known as the driving force behind the development of the MIDI specification. He has continued to innovate, and recently unveiled his latest synth creation, the Sequential Prophet-6.

A pioneer of the synth and MIDI world, Tom Oberheim co-designed the Synthesizer Expansion Module (SEM), a device that allowed musicians to simultaneously combine live playing and sequenced playback - a concept that pre-dated the MIDI revolution. In 1981, he, along with Roland's Ikutaro Kakehashi and Sequential's Dave Smith, developed the MIDI spec, which changed the course of modern music. Tom recently re-released his famed Two Voice synth.

Technical Grammy award-winner Roger Linn invented the LM-1 Drum Computer (the first sample-based drum machine) in 1979. He later designed the Akai MPC60, which combined a sampling drum machine with a real-time MIDI sequencer. His guitar effects unit, AdrenaLinn, has been used on hit recordings by John Mayer and Red Hot Chili Peppers. In 2014 he released the LinnStrument, an expressive MIDI performance controller."

Solar42f Demos & Tutorials

video uploads by Saß

Playlist

1. Making of King's Respite - Patch Design (Elta Music Solar42f)
2. Get Some! - 128bpm DAWless Techno
3. Solar42f Tutorial - Papa Srapa Drone Oscillators
4. King's Respite - Medieval Elta Solar42f Synth Performance
5. Clang Island - Industrial Gamelan Solar42f & DFAM Jam
6. Making of Electric Gamelan - Patch Design (Elta Music Solar42f)
7. Electric Gamelan - Cinematic Elta Music Solar42f Performance
8. Stardance - DAWless Jam (Solar42 & MPCKey 37)
9. Making of Universal Equilibrium - Patch Design (Solar42f)
10. Universal Equilibrium - Cinematic Binaural Experimental Ambiance (Solar42f)
11. Junglebop - Funky DAWless Jam (MPCKey37 & Solar42)
12. Solar42f Tutorial - Dual Effector/FX Card Section
13. Ambient Sandstorm - Experimental Solar42f Drone Improv in Arabian
14. Aquarius - Experimental Ambient DnB Solar42f Improv
15. How to make Ambient Synth Music (No Talking - Solar42f Ambient Drone Machine) #synth #music #howto
16. Machina Meditation - Ambient Solar42 Improv
17. Between Sumatra and Bali - Experimental Ambient Improv in Gamelan
18. DnB Improv with the Solar42f

Buy me a coffee! 🫶 Thanks for your support
https://coff.ee/sass42

🎛️ Welcome to the sonic playground of Saß – where DAWless jams, boombap beats, and experimental ambient soundscapes collide. This channel is all about raw, hands-on music creation, driven by hardware and a deep love for texture, rhythm, and exploration.
Whether you're into electronic, techno, lo-fi hip hop, synthwave, IDM, EDM, Sound design, synth wizardry, and everything in between...
…you’re in the right place."

Yamaha CS6X Control V.A. Synthesizer 1999

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

via this eBay listing, also on Reverb

"Classic 90's / 2000's Mega synth.. this CS6x was the best of all the X series synths.. Cs1x, Cs2x.. the 6 was king! It has a way better build quality, way better, bolder,. cleaner sound and had all the techno / trance basses, leads, pads, arpeggiators and more! This synth is a GREAT addition to any synth lovers rig. It works great.. no operational issues, and it looks good as well."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Oberheim OB-SX 4-Voice Synthesizer W/ MIDI & Controller SN 913511XP

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

via this eBay listing

"Here is a great package for any analog synth lover. It starts with a 1980 Oberheim OB-SX 4 voice that was overhauled by Synthchaser about a year ago... Works like a dream, all voices pass autotune. Has the synth king eprom in it. 56 presets. Comes with Magic Box Midi Editor that connects to the "Computer" Interface on the back. Also comes with a Behringer Controller that has the OBSX template loaded already.. Plug it all up and you now have so many controls to edit the OBSX!!! Synthchaser calibrated th OBSX as well as installed new key bushings. All in all a modern re-do and stable synth to deliver some jaw dropping Obie pads, brass, strings, leads, basses and more! RARE to find a turn key package like this and priced low as well!"

CLICK FOR MORE »

WHY OPEN SOURCE IS KING: 3 New Kits for Our 8‑Bit Eurorack Drum Module

video upload by wgd modular

"In this video, we take another look at UTF-8 SAMPLIFIED – the fully open-source 8-bit Eurorack drum module I released with ASCII Synth. It’s made its way into racks all over the world, and even into DIY workshops like the one run by mzourack at Noise Kitchen in Prague.

Now it’s getting even better:

Thanks to a pull request by community member poetaster, three new kits have been added: 808, Jungle, and Beatbox – plus a handy wav2c.py script that lets you convert your own samples into custom kits!

Check out the GitHub Repository:

🔧 https://github.com/wgd-modular/utf-8-...
📚 Wiki and build instructions: https://github.com/wgd-modular/utf-8-...
🔌 Flash your module online: https://wgd-modular.github.io/ut-flas...

📖 Chapters:

0:00 – Intro
0:05 – Our drum module: The story so far
1:44 – PCBWay Advertisement
2:15 – Demo 1: Jungle kit
4:01 – Demo 2: 808 kit
6:20 – Ending words"

FREE OPEN SOURCE DRUM MACHINE DESIGN! DIY BUILD + DEMO

video upload by wgd modular

"In this video we are building a tiny - almost credit card sized - drum machine called UTF-9 SAMPLIFIED. It is based on the bleep drum. Check out my version on GitHub:

https://github.com/wgd-modular/utf-9-...

Original bleep drum design: https://bleeplabs.com/product/the-ble...
My eurorack footprints: https://github.com/wgd-modular/eurocad

00:00 - Hello!
00:06 - Tiny drum machines?
01:15 - PCBWay Sponsorship
01:31 - Building the Drum Machine
02:17 - Jam 1
03:31 - Jam 2 using MIDI"

Presumable (Digitakt2 + Vermona PerFourMer mk2 + Strega) Performance Version

video upload by Music4screens

"Performance film version of 'Presumable'.

All created and performed on Digitakt 2, Vermona Perfourmer mk2 and MakeNoise Strega.
Digitakt was the sequencer, the glitch drums and texture inspiration.
Vermona PerFourMer the bass king of the track with two bass tracks and the melodic lead.
Strega is the sci-fi synth line abusing on the filter, the activation interference and the pitch knob. This was effected by Hologram Microcosm for space.

I enjoyed so much in the making and performing it for the video."

Yamaha CS 60 & CS70m - like you’ve probably never heard them before

video upload by The Synth King

"Hi,
I’ve really enjoyed playing these great synthesizers (Yamaha CS60 and CS70m). The CS70m has extra long envelopes for VCF and VCA (5x longer than CS50/60/&80) enabling you to play super wide pads and sweeps. The Valhalla super massive reverb helps quite a lot as well. The CS60 expressiveness is amazing !
Enjoy the music!
Bernd"

Bootsy Collins’ Home Studio is a Funk Wonderland

video upload by Reverb

"Bootsy Collins has one of the most distinct bass sounds in all of recorded music and his home studio, the Boot Cave, is where Bootsy workshops his tones and records his records. Whether its the piles of effects pedals, Bernie Worrell's legendary synth setup, or the hordes of priceless memorabilia; Bootsy's Boot Cave is a treasure trove of unbelievably cool gear.

Check out more at https://bit.ly/43di8vS."

Synth spotting comes in at 10:17.

The following drum machines, synths, and a Hammond B3 are featured from 21:25:

KORG Rhythm 55
Kawai R-50
Yamaha RY30
Maestro Rhythm King MRK-2
Moog Minimoog
ARP Pro Soloist
ARP String Ensemble
Hammond B3
Yamaha DJX
Yamaha DX100

SoundToys SpaceBlender Meets Best Analog Synth Moog Sub 37

video upload by Anton Anru

"🖲 Great news from Soundtoys – they’ve released a new plugin that creates stunning, spacey reverbs. It features an excellent interface and sound. With a simple twist, the reverb tail can be flipped into reverse, which sounds especially interesting on short decays synced to the tempo of your track.

🎛 The first thing I wanted to run through this effect was the Moog Subsequent 37 – the king of analog sound. This way, I could blend top-tier analog with digital magic. The result is epic.

📦 The Moog Sub37 presets and patterns used in this demo, along with over 200 preset banks for both hardware and software synths, are available here:
https://antonanru.sellfy.store/"

CLICK FOR MORE »

GS Music Bree6 Simple Small Super Synth

video upload by TJontheRoad

"Here’s a selection of new sounds for the GS Music Bree6 analog synthesizer. These TJontheRoad sounds and more will be available soon for free download via the GS Music website.

The Bree6 was provided to me by GS Music for testing, sound design, and video production. GS Music has no editorial input of the content of this video.

Thanks for watching."

00:00 Slow Pulse
01:51 Call Of The Wild
02:18 Code 4 Chords
03:10 Hi 5
04:08 PI Ann Oh
04:52 Cry Basy
05:58 Stringen
06:56 Wubba Pad
07:55 King Tut
08:55 All A Buzz
10:54 Hollowday
12:12 Harpen Too
12:45 Deep Dream
13:49 Unicorn

KORG TRIDENT - a divine relevation - no talking

video upload by The Synth King

"I had a great time playing my Korg Trident MK2. I would like to share this moment with you in this video.

From wikipedia:
'The Korg Trident is a polyphonic multi-section synthesizer released by Korg in 1980, combining three distinct synthesizers within a single instrument: a polyphonic section with two VCOs, alongside dedicated String and Brass sections. The polyphonic synthesizer section allows for eight-note polyphony with dual oscillators. The String section offers an ensemble effect and simple attack/release envelope controls, whereas the Brass section features an independent filter and a dedicated ADSR envelope. These sections can be assigned to two different regions of the keyboard independently, and the Trident also offers a flanger effect along with a joystick for pitch bending and modulation. In 1982, the enhanced MkII version was introduced, offering additional memory, improved stability, and an extra ADSR envelope.'

Enjoy the music !
Bernd"

J3PO King Korg Neo Presets -- Official Sounds Demo

video upload by J3PO

"You can purchase the preset pack here:
https://www.julianpollack.com/shop
The introductory price is $29.

All FX (chorus, reverbs, delays, etc.) are coming from within the patches themselves i.e. there's no other external processing on this demo save for some slight light leveling/compression for the purpose of uploading to YouTube.

The King Korg Neo is an unexpected gem, challenging assumptions about what a compact, portable, digital synth can be. Its sound is both vibrant and complex, weaving warm, analog-like textures with modern digital tones that feel raw yet polished. With a bold 24-voice polyphony and versatile oscillators, the King Korg Neo manages to feel timeless and forward-looking, carrying an unmistakable authenticity.

I also have patches available for the Prophet Rev 2, Prophet 6, OB-6, OB-X8, Prophet 5/10, Softube Model 84, Model 72, Arturia OB-Xa, Arturia Stage-73 and many others. If you're a Nord Stage 3 user, download my bank from the Nord Keyboards website. I have a sample pack, "J3PO x The Ox" (hip hop and soul keyboard and drum loops) available on Splice.

About the sound designer: Julian “J3PO” Pollack is a Los Angeles-based pianist/keyboardist and producer described by Timeout New York as a musician who “deftly balances virtuosity with tenderness.” Julian is known for his innovative use of keyboards and synthesizers in jazz, fusion, hip-hop, and electronic styles of music. Julian has toured extensively with the legendary artists Marcus Miller and Chris Botti, as well as performing with greats such as Herbie Hancock, Talib Kweli, David Sanborn, Michael League, Eric Harland, and others. Julian has worked closely as a sound designer with keyboard/synth companies Nord Keyboards, Sequential, and Oberheim, and has created factory presets for the Prophet 5, the Oberheim OB-X8, Take 5, Nord Stage 3, Nord Wave 2, and many others. In addition to these hardware keyboard companies, Julian also has done sound design for Universal Audio, Softube, and Cherry Audio.

Currently, Julian works exclusively with Spectrasonics in Pasadena, California."

Roland Juno 2 & Dtronics: King Of The Junos!?

video upload by JimDaneker

"@arcadeorchestra80s Producer & 80s synth nut takes the classic Roland Juno 2 for a spin in the Fortress of Synthetude and throws down a controversial take: the Alpha Junos are the KINGS of the whole Juno series. Yes, even over the Juno 6/60/106."

And the video with TAL-Pha overdubbed:

TAL-Pha intro by Jim Daneker

video upload by TAL Software

"Many thanks to ‪@JimDaneker‬ for making and sharing this video. All sounds from TAL-Pha, except the Hi-Freq Perc.

The sound in this intro video was rendered/played by the TAL-Pha synthesizer plug-in using the original MIDI notes and Sysex data recorded with the Alpha Juno 2 hardware and controller."

Machina Bristronica 2024

video uploads by sonicstate

Playlist:

1. Bristronica 24: MyVolts The Silent Alchemist Nears Shipping

We caught up with Caroline who gave us the latest update to the *Silent Alchemist*, a versatile power hub designed for musicians. Featuring five isolated USB-C outputs and a high-wattage sixth output capable of delivering 100 watts, the device can power a Mac with the remaining outputs providing 20 watts each. Its independent circuits ensure noise-free operation, catering to a variety of devices including the Dreadbox module and Sysmo slope generator.

The Silent Alchemist uses innovative step-up power tips to convert USB-C input to the correct voltage for various devices. There's also new feature: an uninterruptible power supply allowing seamless transition between wall and power bank sources. Also introduced were updated cables, such as silver candy cords and floating ring TRS to TS cables, expanding connection flexibility. The Silent Alchemist is expected to be available in December with a competitive pricing strategy.

More Info:
https://myvolts.com/

2. Bristronica 24: Circuit Happy ML2M Clock Sync module updates

At Bristronica 2024, we caught up with the creator of the *ML2M*, who introduced us to the latest version. The ML2M is a compact Eurorack module with Wi-Fi capabilities, allowing seamless synchronization with Ableton Live, Bitwig Studio, and iOS music apps using Ableton Link without the need for cables. It either connects to an existing network or creates its own, ensuring robust sync even in environments with unreliable Wi-Fi. The module, which retains its 2HP size, now features MIDI integration through TRS jacks. Users can access a web interface to configure each output for different clock divisions and reset triggers, making setup straightforward and flexible.

Alongside the ML2M, there's also the Missing Link Junior. This desktop version offers the same functionality but in a box format, complete with MIDI and CV clock outputs. Both products are now accessible, with a starting price of $250.

3. Bristronica 24: Archaea Exchange Patching Module

At Machina Bristronica 2024, we caught up with Arran from ‪@archaea_modular_synthesis‬ who presented the *Exchange Module*. This programmable patcher, a year in the making, evolved from its early prototype stage to a fully functional module. Arran explained how the Exchange can route synth voices via a beam controller and three exchange modules installed within the skiff, allowing for versatile patching. Operating like a matrix patchbay, it enables users to select inputs and outputs with the push of a button, create presets, and chain multiple modules for synchronized patching.

Communication between the modules occurs over the Eurorack power bus as well as over MIDI via the USB-C connection. The Exchange maintains analog integrity, ensuring there’s no conversion latency. The forthcoming release expected in late November 2024, includes a USB-driven editor for enhanced control capabilities.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Bad Gear - Fail to the King

video upload by AudioPilz

"Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world’s most-hated audio tools. Over the last 30 years Korg has released many iconic products worthy of a reissue: a Prophecy operable without a quantum physics degree, a new Kaoss Pad that actually works and maybe even an Electribe that deserves the name.

However, for reasons completely beyond my comprehension we need to talk about KingKorg Neo. This brand new virtual analog synth is basically identical to a more or less forgotten 2013 Korg instrument by the same name without the Matrix reference and is - just like its predecessor - a prime example for how to mess up both product launch timing and pricing strategy."

Chapters:
00:00 Intro tune
01:03 Overview KingKorg Neo
01:07 Front Panel Analysis
01:56 Comparison Neo vs. Original KingKorg
02:28 Oscillator Section
03:14 Structure, Filter
03:32 Envelopes, LFOs
03:44 Menu Diving, Mod Matrix, Bitimbrality
04:07 FX Section, Vocoder
04:38 What else (Build Quality, Pricing, Thanks)
05:11 Hate
05:37 Jam 1 ( Techno )
06:32 Jam 2 ( SynthWave Stuff )
07:29 Finale ( Drum'n'Bass )
08:01 Verdict
09:18 Patreon Vocoder Shoutout

Introducing UB-Xa Operating System 2 0

video upload by Behringer

Introducing UB-Xa Operating System 2.0.
Free download available at behringer.com
Download of the V2.0 will be available later today.

New firmware update 2.0 ! How the Behringer UB-Xa compares to the Oberheim OB-Xa

video upload by The Synth King

"Hi,
I´ve reconstructed a few sounds from my Oberheim OB-Xa on the Behringer UB-Xa. The UB-Xa has been limited to 8 voices in order to match with the OB-Xa. I´ve adapted the pan settings as well.

The UB-Xa uses the new firmware version 2.0. All sounds you hear in this video will be added as bonus files to my „Synth King Producer Pack“.
Enjoy the music!
Bernd"

"Excalibur" (AlfaVox System A1905 analog synthesizer and Buchla Thunder)

video upload by Stephano Gavilanes

"An experimental piece inspired by the novel of King Arthur 👑 using the AlfaVox System A1905 analog synth, and the Buchla Thunder👌🏽

Headphones or loudspeakers suggested!✨

Performance and recording by Stephano Gavilanes
© Copyright 2024. All Rights Reserved."

Arturia CS-80 V4 - Sound Bank '79

video upload by Polydata

"Drawing from the earliest days of polyphonic synthesizers, Sound Bank ‘79 for the Arturia CS-80 V4 finds its inspiration in synthesizer sounds found in documentaries and library music from the late 70’s and early 80’s.

A bank comprising 30 patches for instant inspiration. The goal was to squeeze as much vintage analog juice out of this plug-in as possible, primarily working within the constraints of the original Yamaha CS-80 analog poly synth.

Sound Bank '79 is a series of vintage tones for different synths and plug-ins, so look out for future releases. Recorded completely dry with no external effects or processing.

** Note: this bank is for the newer "V4" version of the plug-in. These patches will not work on previous versions. **

Store Link: polydata.bigcartel.com

Drop a comment of what other hardware or software sound packs you're interested in.

POLYDATA music
polydata.bandcamp.com"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Hans Zimmer 'RadioPhonic' Synth @ Superbooth 24 w/ AJH Synth

video upload by AJH Synth Official

"Hans Zimmer's 'RadioPhonic' Synth from AJH Synth @ Superbooth 24 - This monster MiniMod Eurorack modular system was commissioned by Hans himself, and he was kind enough to allow us to build a limited number of exact replicas which will be individually built to order by AJHSynth. Full details of the system, along with an interview with Hans Zimmer about his use of the MiniMod system, can be found at https://ajhsynth.com.
We will have one such RadioPhonic system on display in our bungalow at Superbooth 24, along with a MinMod Keyz, a 9U full system, and a huge monster case full of AJH modules.
Richard Quirk, and Wayne Taylor (DreamsOfWires/Tomorrow the cure) will also be there representing AJH with Allan J Hall himself. We'd be glad to chat about the modules and demonstrate some in action, so feel free to pop by.

The AJH SYNTH Eurorack range consists of high-end modules, all hand-made in the UK, most of which are based on classic, vintage designs, authentically recreating the circuitry of much sought-after analogue instruments and technologies of the past, whilst greatly expanding them, and bringing them to modern Eurorack levels of convenience, limitless flexibility, and reliability.
Official website page: https://ajhsynth.com"

Update: press release and pics follow:

CLICK FOR MORE »

Why The King Korg Neo is Special (also let's make a patch from scratch on it)

video upload by Oscillator Sink

"The King Korg Neo is a synthesizer which is special to me.

In this video I’m going to explain why that is, talk about some of the things that I enjoy about this instrument and touch on some things which I think could be better, and then explore the sound and workflow of the synthesis engine by way of making a patch from scratch.

Chapters:
00:00:00 Intro
00:00:40 Why the KKN is special to me
00:04:02 Underestimating the synth
00:05:24 It's multi-timbral and that's good
00:06:33 Exploring the powerful oscillators
00:32:15 The filter is great (but could be even better)
00:36:37 Oscillator drift makes everything better
00:38:06 It's proper stereo
00:40:04 The stuff I don't like
00:40:15 The V-Patch is limited
00:43:07 The reverbs are disappointing
00:46:08 Let's make a patch from scratch
01:03:56 Outro"