"This series is a bit more advanced than usual, but this does not mean 'difficult', it means 'low level'. I will revisit Rob Hordijk's Benjolin and Blippoo Box again, not to recreate them, but to understand its components a bit more so they can be used elsewhere. We'll build a Twin Peak filter with Blades and Blinds (or any duo filter with a polarizer), a Comparator with Maths - which can make amazing new sounds using any two VCO's, I'll revisit the Rungler with Marbles and finally I've been looking for ways to detect equality between two voltages so we can generate a trigger or gate. I am not aware of any comparator that has an '=' output, but I figured out a way to approximate it with Maths.
I've been using ChatGPT as a research tool and it came up with the Twin Peak recipe after scrutinizing documentation on the web. But it also claimed that using Maths for equality detection would not work, because EOC is documented to be 'end of full cycle'. We already figured out in Episode 01 of this series, that EOC is always ON, and off when a RISE is in progress. This is needed to do quadrature functions, bla bla bla, but the point is that AI can be misinformed. Regardless, AI has reached a point where you can actually discuss patches and ChatGPT knows a LOT of modules, options, techniques and alternatives. So how do I know so much? I don't. It's co-creation.
Even though this episode features a lot of chaos, I tried to find the cool textures that make the Blippoo Box so entertaining, and figure out why the Benjolin is so untameable (may I say annoying?)
00:00 Introduction
00:51 Blippoo Box emulation for the Meng-Qi Wingie 2
05:02 Patching a Twin Peak filter with Blades and Blinds
08:03 Patching a Comparator with Maths
12:34 Patching a Rungler with Marbles and any VCO
14:43 Blippoo Box S&H and equality detection with Maths
18:45 Final Thoughs and a dual Benjolin / Marbles (multi-track) Jam."
"This card original circuit was fully developed by DoJoe - J. Fenkes and with the great community of keyboard lovers. HALG modified the mechanical, the circuit, and incorporated couple important changes:
✔ The 3 main slide switches that are on the back of the card are stronger now; ✔ The components placement are fully located inside of plastic cover to protect against ESD (electrostatic discharge) ✔ A card enclosure was designed to protect the card when you need to carry around ✔ A plastic case now fits perfectly to cover components and switches; This memory card is a replacement for Roland’s M-128, M-256 and M-512 cards, as well as the electrically compatible Akai BR-16 and BR-32 cards. Compared to the original cards, this card has two advantages: ✔ It does not require a backup battery. It uses magnetoresistive RAM for storage rather than regular static RAM, which is a type of RAM that can typically keep its data for twenty years before it needs to be refreshed. ✔ A single card actually stores 16 M-128 / M-256 cards or 8 M-512 cards, which can be accessed by a pair of convenient switch sliders at the rear end of the card. ✔ Like the original card, it also comes with a write protect switch.
Note final Vemia listings end today. Click the auction link on top when you get there for additional listings.
"As is usual with these, the high gloss end cheeks are not as beautiful as they once were. This also has one repaired key. But it's a great and fairly rare synth, boosted by the brilliant Tauntek firmware upgrade: http://www.tauntek.com/AX80.htm . Just provide your own IEC mains lead. VEMIA will collect and pack this heavy, fragile synth beautifully: 30GBP."
Note: listings are ending today with a handful extended through Sunday.
Click the auction link on top when you get there for additional listings.
"Selling my Wave Waldorf (the standard 16 voices / 61 keys / blue model), with usual hydraulic cylinder failure, and, sadly, paintwork also started to deteriorate seriously (especially on the right side). Apart from that, Synth is perfectly functional, with fan replaced by a silent one (noctua), floppy drive replace by a HXC floppy simulator."
Click the auction link on top when you get there for additional listings.
"I was always a little surprised by how valuable these Simmons SDS3s are, and put it down to their extreme rarity and the wow factor of owning something from the Musicaid Simmons era. But I've been listening to what this machine can do, and I begin to see there is so much more. It is simply a genius design. The variety of sounds is stunning - it's almost like a fully-featured four-voice synth as well as a great drum synth. FM is brilliant, and the whole design (using permanently running ladder filters for the oscillators?) is mind-blowing.
This example, serial number 0072, is in perfect working order, after literally days of restoration by nLi. Cosmetically, the SDS3 itself looks great. The knobs are not original but look pretty nice, there are some small scrapes and marks on the panel and wood endcheeks, but overall it could be 8/10 especially given its age. The pads are very well used, but have been thoroughly restored and are totally functional and original.
To get more info about the SDS3, check out where Alex Ball has done his usual excellent rundown:" [posted here]
"Unify 2 from PlugInGuru is here, and I'm taking a look at my favorite features of this super-interesting meta-synth plugin and sound design environment! I walk through some cool patches of my own design, showing how I use Unify, abuse the Omnisphere FX rack, take a tour of the new Guru Sampler 2, and demonstrate how to use the "Polybox" MIDI effect to create effects you might have never heard before. Whoa, it's a lot, as usual... So grab your macro knobs and get ready for a PLUGINS-A-GO-GO episode of your favorite talky synthesizer content show!"
"An uncut and unedited video of how I build a full drum machine from scratch using only three BINOME MK3 modules as sound sources.
All drums are generated from the BINOMEs, with additional internal processing from other SOVAGE modules.
As usual, FAILLE TEMPORELLE and BAGARRE are mandatory in all my sound processing, secret sauce oblige!
No external processing"
00:00 INTRO
01:14 KICK-BASSDRUM
03:39 BASS-MELO
06:12 HI-HATZ
07:55 TOMS AND MORE
15:06 EXPERIMENTZ
22:49 SUM UP
26:10 TRIG+GATE TRICK
29:21 FREESTYLE JAM
Click the auction link on top when you get there for additional listings.
"Nice condition vintage analogue 'Symphonic Ensemble' polysynth / string synth / organ with excellent control over tremolo, ensemble and vibrato. With three outputs you can send different parts to different effects. The string volume pedal is also very effective at breathing life into sounds. There is a multi-pin output for a rotary speaker - not checked. But everything else was serviced in 2024. As usual, the massive wood-veneer endcheeks are not in perfect condition, but the control surface and keys are very good. Serial number 8632, switchable voltage, currently with a UK plug. These are solid machines: packing 18GBP."
Click the auction link on top when you get there for additional listings.
"Pretty good condition considering how old it is - the endcheeks have the usual minor damage on the corners but the panel, knobs, keys etc are very good. It needs a litle work* to be 100%: it has probably about 4 duff keys (will need re-coating with the special compound you can get) otherwise works over CV, Internally from what I remember, it has a slight crack on the pcb which had been patched up and resoldered by the previous owner. Few noisy pots etc."
Click the auction link on top when you get there for additional listings.
Pic of the inside back below.
"Rare French synth from 40 50's era : iconic Ondioline by Georges Jenny it is a complete one and will need full service (as usual for original Ondioline) pictures show cosmetics conditions A real great project for people who are looking to this great instrument Can ship all over the world in safe package Tubes will be dissassembled and wrapped in bubble paper, and all part well protected as requested for such iconic and fragile piece of musical instrument Vemia might be able to collect it directly from my studio according to their collect organization"
Click the auction link on top when you get there for additional listings.
Pic of the inside.
"Released in 1977, the Yamaha CS30 is the flagship of their CS Monophonic range. It is as close to a modular synthesiser that Yamaha ever made and its modulation and routing options are extensive. This one plays and sounds great. The synthesiser responds to all the pots and sliders as it should and it's ready to use and create weird and wonderful noises and textures. However, to get it to 100 percent functionality the synth requires a service to fix a few issues. Neither the combined 1+2 audio jack nor headphone output work, though the individual 1 and 2 jacks are fine. The sequencer works when switched to Manual and steps through by pushing the red button. However, the 'Clock' function only works when the synth has been powered on for a while and has 'warmed-up'.
Cosmetically the synth is in pretty good shape with nothing broken or missing. There are lots of very small dots of blistered paint, some with a hint of surface rust. The most noticeable ones are at the top of the control panel but these have not increased in size or number over the past decade-or-so. They don't look too bad, in my opinion. Inside is clean and dry with no signs of damp. One of the C keys has a cigarette burn (WHY??!!!) which has melted the plastic slightly. However, all keys are secure and function correctly. The case has a few marks here and there, but overall it looks good.
The case was designed to make servicing very easy. The front control panel is hinged at the back and can be opened by removing just two screws from each side panel. This then reveals a very neat collection of boards and wiring.
The CS30 can be easily integrated into a modern MIDI studio setup. By using an appropriate converter you can interface various features of the synthesiser via its numerous control inputs and outputs:
Foot Controller (CV) for volume in.
Sequencer CV and Trigger (gate) out.
Key Voltage (pitch CV) in and out.
Trigger (gate) in and out.
External (audio to the filter) in.
It features two voltage controlled oscillators (VCOs), two voltage controlled filters (VCFs - both featuring low-pass, band-pass and high-pass options), two voltage controlled amplifiers (VCAs) and three envelope generators. It also sports a ring modulator and a voltage controlled low-frequency oscillator (LFO).
It is fairly unusual for a hard-wired synthesizer in that it features a variety of switches which allow the user to re-route the signal flow from the usual VCO-VCF-VCA convention. For example, VCO 1 can output a square wave through VCF 1 whilst also outputting a high-pass filtered sawtooth wave through VCO 2. Another example is that the envelope generators can be assigned to any of the VCO, VCF and VCA modules and can also be inverted. Because the LFO is voltage controlled, the oscillating speed can be governed by an envelope generator and different waveforms can be applied to the other modules all at the same time. The CS30 also features an external signal input for filtering other musical instruments and audio sources, which can also be used as a modulation source. It includes an onboard eight-step analogue sequencer."
Click the auction link on top when you get there for additional listings.
"One of very many items from Calum Hunter's superb home studio - and probably the jewel in the crown. This is a rare black version of Tom Oberheim's classic original Two-Voice synth. Cosmetically it looks a bit tatty at first glance - but on closer inspection, the bad areas where the paint has come off in places are all just on the chassis surrounding the SEMs and sequencer. Oberheim's preparation of these areas was obviously not up to their usual standard. Those pieces are usually white, and they simply over-sprayed them without preparing the surface well enough. In contrast, look at the black section immediately above the keyboard, which is really good.
All the modules (the important bit) are actually in extremely good condition - and apart from the sequencer having four little knob caps missing, near mint.
It would be simple to respray the bad chassis bits if you wanted. The tolex, keys and case hardware are pretty good for their age. There is no lid. The mains socket has been replaced with a safer IEC one. Voltage (TBC) is UK /European.
It has been tested by Audiocircus and is sounding great."
"After a comparison with the TIME-SHIFTER (see the last video) [posted here], let's go back to the TRICOMP alown, this time at audio rate.
The basis for creating a square wave signal is to use a comparator, starting from a sawtooth or triangle wave.
Ok, this is in all synths…
But what can you do with 3 comparators, along with a whole logic circuit connecting them?
...not to mention, if you only get pulses…
In short, a few examples of using the TRICOMP to make PWM a bit richer and more complex than usual.
Thanks to the excellent ROSSUM TRIDENT, which served as my sound source.
"🔧 Build a #DIY #FPGA #Synthesizer—No Soldering Needed! Discover how to assemble the XVA1 (aka XFM2) synthesizer—powered by the Artix A7 35T FPGA—entirely on a breadboard. This beginner-friendly, no-solder build is perfect for synth enthusiasts, makers, and curious DIYers.
📋 Chapters & Timecodes 00:00 – Sound demo preview 00:13 – What is the XVA1/XFM2? 01:56 – What you’ll need (parts list) 05:47 – Placing components on the breadboard 09:19 – Wiring (Part 1) 15:08 – What is an FPGA? 16:53 – Wiring (Part 2) 21:50 – Installing the firmware 22:22 – First test run 23:57 – Troubleshooting tips 25:20 – Patch editor & bundled software 26:03 – Sound demo 1 27:16 – Sound demo 2 28:25 – Final thoughts: Was this a good idea?
📌 Keywords for search: DIY FPGA synthesizer, XVA1 synth build, XFM2 breadboard synth, Artix A7 35T, no solder synth, FPGA music hardware, beginner synth project, electronic music DIY
"Step back to 1978 and discover the iconic Roland CR-78, the first programmable drum machine that changed the way artists approached rhythm. Before the 808 and modern drum machines, the CR-78 gave musicians the power to create and store their own drum patterns. In the hands of artists like Phil Collins, Peter Gabriel, and Blondie, it became iconic. For this Vault, we’ve preserved the much-loved character of the CR-78 and expanded its sonic potential with some tasteful effects."
The Crow Hill Company creates …RHYTHM MACHINE as latest free VAULTS… VI, preserving vintage classic’s character while expanding its sonic potential
EDINBURGH, UK: The Crow Hill Company is proud to announce availability of VAULTS - RHYTHM MACHINE as its latest VI (Virtual Instrument) release ready for all to download and make music with for free for the rest of their lives — literally preserving Roland’s 1978-vintage CR-78 CompuRhythm’s classic character as the Japanese giant of electronic musical instrument manufacturing’s first programmable drum machine (that changed the way artists approached rhythm and, in doing so, stamped its musical mark on a number of notable hit records that subsequently secured its iconic status in the annals of music technology history for all eternity), effectively expanding its sonic potential with some tasteful effects as a result — as of October 1…
Far from stretching the boundaries of truth, it is fair to say that the introduction of Roland’s CR-78 CompuRhythm changed the course of history as the first computer-controlled programmable drum machine. Most rhythm machines before its late-1978 introduction were preset-only affairs, forcing their users to pick from the likes of ‘Bossa Nova’, ‘Rock’, and ‘Waltz’ — more in keeping with the home organ-orientated terminology of the time. The CR-78, however, offered something new — namely, an ability to program rhythm patterns and store them in memory using the external WS-1 programmer optionally offered by Roland. Indeed, its 14 onboard instruments include bass drum, cymbals, hi-hats, rimshot, snare drum, and tambourine alongside several Latin-type sounds, such as bongos, claves, and cowbell — all generated using analogue circuits, giving it a distinctly warm, punchy character. Thanks to the CR-78’s analogue nature, though, the tempo control is not exactly surgical, but this foible only adds to its charm. And, as history has borne out, when placed in the creative musical hands of Blondie, Phil Collins, Peter Gabriel, and others, it became an iconic instrument in its own right.
"Even though I’ve got dozens of unfinished projects on my trusty Teenage Engineering OP-XY (some of them almost ready) I felt the need to break the cycle. I had the sense I was starting to repeat myself. So I turned to one of my favorite analog synths, the KORG minilogue xd, looking for a patch that could spark something new. And from that came this track… though I’m still not sure what exactly it is.
As usual, the atmosphere is dark, but halfway through it unexpectedly takes on a rock-inspired twist before returning to its original mood. I even tried reworking the idea on the OP-XY to make it more polished (and complex), but in the end I decided to record it raw—exactly as it came to me.
Hope you enjoy it. I plan to explore this same process on other synths as well. Let me know in the comments if this journey through analog synth sound design intrigues you.
🎧 For the full experience headphones are highly recommended.
Into darkwave, synthwave, ambient vibes, and experimental grooves? Hit subscribe for more KORK Minilogue XD sessions, live jams, and sound design experiments."
KORG MINILOGUE XD: "Dystopia Extended" soundset - NO TALKING DEMO
"SYNTH SQUAD PRESENTS: 'DYSTOPIA EXTENDED', A COLLECTION OF 40 HANDCRAFTED AND HYPER-DETAILED PATCHES FOR YOUR KORG MINILOGUE XD PROVIDED IN STUNNING QUALITY.
'DYSTOPIA EXTENDED' is the sequel of our 'Dystopia' sound library, originally made for the Korg Prologue.
Now we have expanded the collection of sounds and made it compatible for the Korg Minilogue XD.
These brand-new sounds bring to life the truly hybrid nature of the Korg Minilogue XD, unlocking his full potential both in the analogue and in the digital/fx sections.
An amount of 40 brand-new sounds: 12 keys, 11 polysynths, 4 synth basses, 6 pads, 3 arps, 4 leads.
These sounds are perfect for ambient, futuristic, lo-fi, synthwave, retrowave, Sci-Fi, electronica, atmospheric, dark, cyberpunk and any cinematic genres, and many other styles too.
Take advantage of the launch promotion, only €15.00 instead of €30.00, available only for a limited time.
BUY HERE: https://payhip.com/b/kJxNi
There are not any dependencies on user oscillators or effects, everything is programmed with the factory features. In this video you listen to the sounds that you will get, without any external effect or processing. The sounds are played on the keyboard and using the mod joystick, without any knob tweaking.
"The Oberheim DMX is a legendary vintage drum machine known for its punchy, organic 8-bit sampled drum sounds that defined countless hit tracks of the 80s, from New Order to Run-D.M.C. With its iconic swing, individual outputs, and rock-solid build, it delivers the classic analog-meets-digital groove that modern gear can’t replicate.
This DMX is in great condition and includes the factory MIDI and Memory Expansion board. The "Play" button is black instead of the usual white. The DMX includes a flight case that's in good condition.
This DMX was serviced in September 2025 by Synthchaser. Sliders and pushbutton switches were cleaned, and the Synthchaser Battery Eliminator was installed, so songs and sequences are saved without the need for a battery that poses leakage risks and requires periodic changing by a synth tech."
"Well I had an ideas to make famous synthesizer sounds for Hydrasynth and give them away. I’ll drop the link tomorrow, I am falling asleep, as usual it took 5 times longer than I thought to everything done.
I started off with Ben Bohmer and Beyond abeles lead, I though why not to a modern track mixed in with vintage ones.
Then Daft Punk, Europe- the final Countdown, Duran Duran, Axel F Harold Faltemyer and the unison sweep from Rush originally on the OBx I think.
So much nostalgia in these classic synth sound and very happy with the results"
"Another major firmware release for the NerdSEQ ecosystem with many new features!
The free V3.0 update adds improvements and presets for the Dualchord, Table support for all tracktypes, polyphonic ART support and nothing less than a cool and totally integrated video synthesizer (free update for the Video Expander). And as usual of course many other little features.
This update adds another dimension to your already multidimensional NerdSEQ ecosystem!!!
The update is as usual available on the xor website and on the forum.
https://www.xor.eu"
