Buchla 200 and 2HP Loop

video upload by Memetune Studio

"Here is another Buchla exploration with the Sputnik 289 and also a set of 2hp modules - the Loop and the Pitch which are a really great way of capturing audio (up to 5 mins) and then messing with it

In this patch I have got 2 channels going through the 289, 2 channels coming from the VRS23 and one from the 2hp modules, all being mixed and recorded through the Teenage Engineering TX-6

The result sounds something like me tuning a radio while falling down a mine shaft into an underground cavern filled with wasps"

Remember

video upload by The Way Up
Oberheim TEO-5

I hope they're not all like this! // Behringer vs Moog MuRF

video upload by Starsky Carr

"No prizes for guessing what's going on here.. a comparison of the Behringer BM-15 MURF BOX and the classic MoogerFooger MIDI MuRF

How does the Behringer stack up against the Moog? ... there's only one way to find out :)"

Emulator II purportedly played by Brent Mydland of the Grateful Dead

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

via this Reverb listing

"This Emulator II has been lovingly refurbished and brought back from the Dead (quite literally!)

This particular unit has a storied alleged past that I would implore you to read up on the Mystery Circuits webpage.

I purchased this off eBay about 7 years ago in non-working condition from a seller who had bought it locally from an estate sale in California some years before. I had missed the chance to buy one while they were still somewhat affordable, and this was my chance to get my hands on one. There were a couple of low quality photos included in the listing, but from what I saw it was an Emulator II unit being sold for parts/non-working that I thought there might be a possible chance we could get it up and working again.

I received the unit and it absolutely had seen better days. There was partially disintegrated black foam from a touring case scattered in openings, it was missing it's floppy drive. That's when I notice a Dead Head sticker on the back of the unit. My immediate reaction was to remove it, as my synth heroes all played these: Depeche, Pet Shop, New Order, etc. Why would anyone associate an Emulator sampler with the Grateful Dead? Before I proceeded to remove the sticker I did a quick online search. Faamous Emulator II players...Brent Mydland of the Grateful Dead!? And there was a photo...NO WAY! I stared at that photo, it was awfully close. The sticker placement, the serial number placement. This is way too close of a resemblance. Long story short my tech Mike Walters out of Chapel Hill NC reached out to the Dead's synth tech and did as much research as we could. The conclusion was ultimately inconclusive with a wink wink from Bob and the rest of the Dead crew.

Fast forward to 2021 and there is an auction for Dead memorabilia and instruments. Brent's Stage Used Emulator II is now up for auction. This should dispel any questions, we must not have the unit. But wait! After closer examination- there's some odd sticker placements and the serial number and FCC sticker are considerably further away then the photos of Brent playing his stage used Emulator. My working opinion is the auctioned off unit was likely a backup unit.

Modernized and retrofitted with a SD floppy emulator and new LCD backlight. We kept the original overlay (which is starting to peel in flake in certain areas) but can include a replacement overlay if you so desire. The outer casing has seen life outside of a studio and does show some wear."

CLICK FOR MORE »

MIRRORPLEX - circuit bent CCTV multiplexer

video upload by LoFiFuture

Note this is a video processing device and not an audio synth. LoFiFuture is a supporting member of the site.

Details follow:


"I only made one of these units and it is available to order here: https://lofifuturestore.square.site/p...

The MIRRORPLEX is based on a 4 channel CCTV multiplexer, a device used to view up to 4 CCTV camera feeds on one screen. In this configuration all 4 inputs are fed the same composite video signal and the user can adjust the settings to create crude mirror effects and adjust brightness, contrast and saturation on each of the 4 video feeds.

10 different circuit bends can be combined in various way via 10 potentiometers. This one is capable of some very complex digital artifacting and posterization effects as well as some rather cliché scrambled analog signal glitches.

Things can be dialled in so things are subtle and detailed or they can be pushed into full chaos. The different arrangements of multiplexed screens come off as quite artistic, you can select what type of border (if any) each feed has and name the feeds via an onscreen title.

The enclosure for this device has been printed on a multi colour 3D printer in PLA. The enclosure was sanded and then polished on all 4 sides to smooth out any layer lines and create a beautiful finish. The text on the front and back has a very fine inlayed look to it.

Specifications:

-Composite video In/out
-NTSC/PAL Compatible
-5-12V DC input (2.1mm Centre Positive) - PSU INCLUDED
-Dimensions 160mm x 100mm x 45mm"

Linn LM-1 LinnDrum Computer SN 00035 Built In Roger Linn's Home

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

via this Reverb listing

"RARE piece of Linn Drum LM-1 history. This machine has been updated by the one and only Bruce Forat from Forat Electronics. Bruce is THE repairman for these machines and he has this one cleaned up oh so nice.

Debuting in 1980, these first LM-1 were $5,000 then! During my research, I found that Roger Linn created the first 35 of the machines in a room in his house.This gem is #00035 meaning this was the last one built by Roger before mass production!

This comes with a custom made dust cover and I'm guessing an original manual in a cool shade of Chevy Chase pool blue 80s folder! It will be shipped in a SKB 24x24 case built like a tank.

I've held onto this machine for 25 years and had Bruce tweak it along the way. Now it's time for me to purchase a vehicle so I hope someone else can love it as much as I have. I had Bruce to add the exact signature Prince clap sound as heard on the Purple Rain album. I can also give the winner Bruce's contact information as he is a tremendous resource."

Additional resources: Linn LM-1 page on Culture Wikia

Roger Linn on Sessiondays

CLICK FOR MORE »

NAMM Museum of Making Music ARP: The Innovator, The Instruments, The Impact. Update

This is a follow-up to this post.

Additonal details on the upcoming two day event via The Alan R Pearlman Foundation follows:

ARP: The Innovator, The Instruments, The Impact Opening August 9

We invite you to step into the world of innovation with our new exhibition "ARP: The Innovator, The Instruments, The Impact." The impact of ARP synthesizers and the legacy of their innovator Alan R. Pearlman (1925-2019) was vast and deeply influential. From progressive rock and jazz to pop, film, and experimental music, ARP instruments helped shape the sound of a generation and inspired countless artists.

Curated by Brian Kehew, the exhibition brings together a stunning array of instruments, vintage media, and behind-the-scenes insights.

Guest Curator: Brian Kehew

Brian Kehew is a Los Angeles-based producer, engineer, and co-author of Recording The Beatles. Kehew’s deep expertise as a synthesizer programmer and performer with artists such as The Who and The Moog Cookbook brings a uniquely informed perspective to this presentation.

Exhibition Events
Day 1: Opening Reception and Concert Celebration
Saturday, August 9 @ 6 pm
Join guest curator Brian Kehew and Dina Pearlman-Ifil, daughter of Alan R. Pearlman, for an in-depth look at the exhibition. Stay for special performances by renowned synth artists Rupert Greenall, Robin Hatch, and Steve McQuarry. This event is free for museum members, and $30 for non-members.

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AURA Plugins Waldorf Pulse 2 Editor - Setup and Configure

video upload by AURA Plugins

"We are setting up Waldorf Pulse 2 Editor for Waldorf Pulse 2 and going thru the Global Settings that are recommended. This is all done in Ableton Live, so you can follow up how to setup Audio and MIDI tracks and the Editor itself.

Get full license from https://auraplugins.com/product/waldo..."

CLICK FOR MORE »

ICONIC Conversation with Jeff Blenkinsopp of The Analog Lab

video upload by Iconic Instruments

"This is a conversation with synthesizer genius, Jeff Blenkinsopp, from The Analog Lab (www.theanaloglab.com)."

CONTROl with co-founder Daren Ho makes an appearance at the end.

The video above comes in via an article on Jeff Blenkinsopp recently written up on Hell Gate. You can also find in on The Analog Lab's blog on their website here. Jeff is the man behind The Analog Lab which provides various resources for synth repair. The site is well worth a look.

From the intro to the article on Hell Gate, written by Adwait Patil:

Below: "Jeff Blenkinsopp after repairing the Beatles' VOX Continental organ, last used at their 1966 Shea Stadium show (The Analog Lab)"

"Jeff Blenkinsopp toured with Pink Floyd and Vengelis, repaired instruments for the Smiths and the Beastie Boys, but his greatest legacy might be his willingness to share his craft.

As one of New York's most meticulous and beloved vintage gear technicians, Jeff Blenkinsopp's legend precedes him. A North England native, he began repairing synthesizers in the late 1960s, worked his way into London’s disco scene as a live stage technician, and later took his talents on world tours with English rock giants Sweet and Pink Floyd, and Greek composer Vangelis. In 1978, he moved to New York, quickly gaining the trust and fixing synthesizers for bands like the Beastie Boys and the Smiths, and carved out a home for the nerds whose vintage gear obsessions were about to peak at the turn of the millennium with his workshop Expert Audio Repair Services, or EARS. At EARS, he devised hands-on methods to pass on his knowledge to some of the city’s most beloved musicians, all of whom came to learn from the guy who became Pink Floyd's synth technician at the age of 21.

Blenkinsopp’s career first took off in 1974, when he was working in London as an instrument repairman for General Electro Music. There he was introduced to Pink Floyd, who were looking for a technician, and met the criteria to join the band's French tour: he knew how to take care of a Hammond, and he had a passport. Blenkinsopp had never toured with a band, and now was in charge of setting up Richard Wright and Floyd's organs and synthesizers on a nightly basis. From then, he became a constant fixture for British bands who toured with a hefty load of keyboards, and that’s what initially brought him to New York City in 1978, touring with British glam rockers Sweet. A tour that changed his life."

Introducing Soundtoys 5.5 & SpaceBlender!

video upload by soundtoys

"The Soundtoys V5.5 bundle has arrived, and there’s a lot to cover! From the new SpaceBlender experimental reverb in Effect Rack to resizable plug-in interfaces, our latest upgrade offers both enhanced creative possibilities and an improved user experience. This video walks you through the new features and shows off a handful of the 67 inspiring presets we’ve added to Effect Rack. Save 50% on bundle purchases and upgrades through August 5.

Learn more about resizable UIs: https://www.soundtoys.com/resizable-u..."

0:00 - Introducing Soundtoys 5.5
0:17 - The Soundtoys 5.5 Bundle
0:43 - SpaceBlender in Effect Rack
1:46 - New Presets in Effect Rack
2:41 - Resizable User Interfaces
3:05 - Upgrading from 5.3
3:26 - Thank You

Introducing Soundtoys SpaceBlender

video upload by soundtoys

"Meet SpaceBlender, a new imaginary space machine from Soundtoys. It's an experimental reverb that create shapes, textures, and tones that don’t exist in the natural world.

In this video, we’ll walk you through SpaceBlender’s interface and demonstrate some cool ways to get started with the plug-in. From ambient soundscapes to reverse gated verbs, from skittering delays to wild pitch shifting– this deceptively simple plug-in has much to offer.

Learn more at www.soundtoys.com/product/spaceblender/

0:00 - Introduction
1:46 - Time Display
3:25 - Warp Button
4:28 - Color Knob
4:54 - Texture Knob
5:16 - Mod Knob
5:43 - Mix Knob
6:30 - Freeze Button
7:08 - Preset Management"

Press release follows:


Soundtoys Releases Version 5.5 Bundle Featuring SpaceBlender, New Presets, and Resizable GUIs

July 22, 2025 (BURLINGTON, VT): Soundtoys is proud to announce the release of Soundtoys 5.5, a major update to its flagship effects bundle. The update introduces the new SpaceBlender plug-in, a suite of new factory presets, and resizable user interfaces across the collection of Soundtoys plug-ins.

In the Soundtoys V5.5 bundle, the new SpaceBlender experimental reverb integrates seamlessly into Effect Rack, giving users powerful possibilities to create multi-effect chains. This update adds a wide selection of 67 curated presets that showcase the creative potential of the full suite.

Effect Rack plug-in owners can now add SpaceBlender to Effect Rack by purchasing a SpaceBlender license and downloading the latest Effect Rack installer in their Soundtoys user account.

"Our latest plug-in, SpaceBlender, lets users explore experimental spaces and ambient effects in a fun, but musical way," said Ken Bogdanowicz, CEO and founder of Soundtoys.

"But when you drop SpaceBlender into Effect Rack, it opens up a whole new world – like using Tremolator to add pulsing rhythms to SpaceBlender’s long ambient swells, creating out-of-this-world psychedelic spaces with FilterFreak and PhaseMistress, or adding analog vibes with EchoBoy, Decapitator, and Radiator. Sound designers, producers, mixers, or anyone looking to push their sound in new directions will love this."

Soundtoys users who want to update their plug-ins with resizable UIs can do so (for free) to the V5 products they already own by downloading the installers from the My Products tab in their Soundtoys user accounts.

Soundtoys 5.5 bundle is available now at an introductory price of $599 $299, with 50% off upgrades for existing users. The Soundtoys 5.5 Academic bundle includes the same updates and is priced at $299 $149 for qualified students and educators.

The release of V5.5 also kicks off the Soundtoys Summer Sale, offering up to 75% off individual plug-ins for a limited time – including Little AlterBoy $99 $49, Decapitator $199 $69, and the creative standard, EchoBoy $199 $69. More deals are available at www.soundtoys.com. Intro and sale prices end August 5.

Current version 5 plug-in owners can unlock resizable UIs with the free 5.5 update, available now in Soundtoys user accounts. Log in to upgrade to the full Soundtoys 5.5 bundle.

Learn more and download the update at soundtoys.com.

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XTRIKE - intuitive musical and cultural experience

video upload by Mad Synth Engineer

"XTRIKE's flexible musical architecture is complete with an auto-tuning and micro-tuning engine. Play the instrument in the most intuitive way and instantly create traditional and exotic melodies.

XTRIKE is now in pre-launch phase on Indiegogo. Sign-up with your email to secure a 200€ super-early-bird discount! Sign-up here: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/xt..."

See the X-Audio label below for more.

NINA Multi Track Sequencer 2.1 Firmware Update: Melbourne Instruments Analog Polysynth Groovebox

video upload by Melbourne Instruments

"NINA's multi track sequencer firmware 2.1 is out now, NINA is no longer just a synthesizer — Unlock a standalone groovebox for beatmakers, producers, performers and sound designers. A groovebox for dynamic and expressive performance anywhere - studio or stage. Great for generating quick new ideas or work some amazing complexity into your music. This is all powered by NINA's raw analog oscillators, ladder filter and wavetable oscillator. Not forgetting the revolutionary motorized knobs that snap to life for hands-on, tactile interactive control, now you can feel your sound. Whether you’re crafting beats or complex melodic patterns, this next-gen groovebox workflow unlocks a completely new way to create.

All sounds and patterns in this video were created solely using NINA.

Key Features of the Multi-Track Sequencer:
• 4-Tracks—up to 64 steps with independent length per track, for polyrhythmic sequencing.
• Per-step Automation—front panel parameters can be locked per step.
• Polyphonic Sequencing — up to 12 voices available spread across 4 tracks.
• 64 Noise types — percussive hits, metallic textures, buzzes and digital percussion.
• Motorized Automation— you can see the front panel move, turn automation on/off.
• Time-based features —shuffle, micro-timing, clock multiplication, variable gate lengths, and probability.
• Perform patterns—recall and chain up to 16 patterns.
• Internal Storage for more than 4,000 patterns.
• Save a pattern with all sound and sequencer data in save into a single file.
• Standalone operation— no other gear required. Of course NINA works well with other gear too!
• New features include: timing quantization, clear notes and clear steps.

Thanks to all the artists who contributed to this video, follow them here:
00:42 The Unperson @TheUnperson
01:28 Oora @OoraMusic
01:57 Tom Hall / tomhallsonics
02:33 Honeysmack / _honeysmack_
03:23 Tomo in der Muhlen / tomo.raw
03:59 Jonti / jontidanimals

Download 2.1 firmware here:
https://www.melbourneinstruments.com/...
NINA owners can request their free magnetic overlay from:
https://www.melbourneinstruments.com/...

Discover more at Melbourne Instruments

https://www.melbourneinstruments.com/"

Rob Papen WirePluck Introduction

video upload by Rob Papen

"New plugin synthesizer for PC and PC.
Please note that this product is part of the eXplorer-10 bundle!"

via Rob Papen

"WirePluck is a new synthesizer created in the tradition of the Rob Papen brand, which is known for thinking outside the box with innovative musical instruments. These are all possible now due to the amazing power of today's computers!

At the heart of WirePluck are the three layers made up from four selectable source synthesis types, which allow you to create new synthesizer pluck sounds! And nope... the focus is not in recreating real acoustic instruments, but creating new inspirational sounds!

The user interface has been laid out in the Main screen in a way that allows for fast editing using the most important parameters, selecting different ARP presets, and selecting the ‘Advance’ screen on which all available parameters can be tweaked.


The 1st source synthesis type for each layer is ‘Wire’, a newly developed sound source that sounds a bit like hitting a wire.

The 2nd source synthesis type available is ‘String’, which uses a custom Karplus physical modelling synthesis.

The 3rd source synthesis type is ‘FM’, which is a 3-Operator FM (phase modulation) synthesizer. A unique addition is that each Oscillator also has a Pitch Envelope Decay control, which is uncommon in classic FM synthesis, but great to add extra pluck to the sound.

The 4th source synthesis type is ‘Wave’, which is a 1 Oscillator subtractive synthesizer lineup featuring an array of various Filter types.

All of these different sources can be combined in the 3 layers of course and each layer has its output routing.

The included FX inside WirePluck are ‘Distortion’ with various types, ‘Modulation FX’ which are Chorus, Flanger and so on, a Stereo Delay, and our top-notch Reverb!

WirePluck also features a fully featured ARP, an extensive Chord Memory section, Modulation Matrix and of course our cool ‘Ribbon Controller’.

Last but not least, we have added a bank manager, including many great presets by Rob himself and other sound designers!"

AURA Plugins Waldorf Blofeld Editor

Setup and Configure video upload by AURA Plugins



via AURA Plugins

"Waldorf Blofeld Editor & Librarian is designed to control your Waldorf Blofeld right from your DAW. With our Editor, you can work with your Waldorf Blofeld by the same way you use your virtual instrument plug-ins. Our Editor will recall your patch settings when you open your project and the data will be sent to your Blofeld automatically once you open your project. Your synthesizer is always synchronized with your session! The only thing you need to worry, is that you power-up your synthesizer. We also added the ability to load in Waldorf microQ and Q patches! (WHAT? Yes!)

Faster workflow

Waldorf Blofeld Editor brings hardware integration to modern Digital Audio Workstation environments. Waldorf Blofeld Editor & Librarian plug-in works seamlessly with all Waldorf Blofeld Keyboard / Waldorf Blofeld Desktop synthesizers.

It is now much faster to scroll thru sounds and make tweaks within your DAW. Automate parameters with real hardware control names. The best part is, our Editor saves all the data within the project and when you reopen the project, all of the used data gets sent to your hardware, automatically! No more waiting with loading or transferring hardware data. Save time – welcome Total Recall.

Control Waldorf Blofeld desktop / Blofeld Keyboard synthesizer directly from your DAW.

Automate almost every parameter directly from your DAW.

No need to remember CC’s for each knobs / per synthesizer. Goodbye sticky notes!

Load, Edit and Store patches into hardware memory or in your HDD personal library.

Store any Waldorf microQ / Q / Blofeld compatible soundset in your HDD library folder and browse it from our plugin.

Send banks or individual patches from librarian to hardware.

Request banks or individual patches from hardware to librarian.

Total Recall: When you reopen your project, all of the data used in it, will be sent to the hardware, automatically!"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Plasma Voice: An Electro and an Industrial noodle (no talk)

video upload by Richard DeHove

"As my grandmother used to advise: 'They can't shoot you for asking'. So I asked GamechangerAudio if they might send me a Plasma Voice module - and here it is.

It's easy to get started - just send it a trigger or a MIDI sequence (MIDI adaptor cable is included). From there you can get as complex as you like. In the first noodle the DB-01 is sending it a basic pattern and the Plasma Voice and DB-01 are doubled up playing it. Some synced LFO CV is switching voices in the bass and lead category. My daughter pulled a face when she heard me editing this and said it sounded 'loose', so I added some drums in the DAW. And then a few extra vocal samples for seasoning.

CV comes from the SPC Neptune 8-LFO module (currently in development). This is an early prototype but is just the thing for sending lots of synced modulation. The Plasma Voice loves being fed.

The second piece is pure Plasma Voice fed into the Nightverb. Quotes are from the original 1938 Halloween broadcast of The War of the Worlds. Again lots of CV tweaking the core sounds.

As usual the sound is not subsequently modified, EQed or processed in any way in the DAW (except the added drums in Noodle 1).

0:00 Electro noodle
2:01 Industrial noodle

Many thanks to my kind patrons who keep this channel ad-free
My website: https://richarddehove.com/"

Cheerful Electronics OPL Studio - First Contact

video upload by j bowman

"🎵 Welcome to Cheerful Electronics OPL Studio - First Contact! 🎛️ In this sound design experiment, we dive deep into the world of FM synthesis using the powerful OPL Studio, exploring retro sounds inspired by classic OPL3 chips. Whether you're a fan of chip music, vintage FM synths, or curious about pushing the limits of sound design, this video is your perfect starting point.

Get ready for rich, textured tones and quirky sonic explorations as we showcase the raw potential of OPL Studio. This first contact session covers live tweaking, patch creation, and modulation — perfect for anyone diving into retro synth workflows or looking for viral FM synthesis content.

If you're into chiptune, retro game soundtracks, or nostalgic hardware-driven music, you'll feel right at home. Watch now and get inspired to experiment with your own OPL3-based synths and plugins!"



via Cheerful Electronics

OPL Studio is the ultimate OPL2 / OPL3 synthesizer! It gives you almost limitless control over what you can do with the OPL3 synthesizer chip.

Features of OPL Studio

OPL Studio has a long list of features. To name a bunch of them:

Integrated patch editor to edit predefined instruments and create your own
Load and save instrument banks from popular formats such as *.BNK, *.SB, *.O3, ect.

Patch linking to layer up to 4 instrument patches for even more complex sounds
Polyphonic sequence editor to create up to 32 drum and 32 melody sequences
Quad sequencer to live play up to four sequences

Composer module that lets you create complete songs from your sequences
Midi channel mixer

CLICK FOR MORE »

Yamaha FB-01 Frequency Modulation Sound Generator w/ Original Box SN 04220

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

via this eBay listing

"Yamaha FB-01 Frequency Modulation Sound Generator w/ Original Box - Classic FM Synthesis

Unleash the sonic brilliance of classic FM synthesis with this Yamaha FB-01 FM Sound Generator. This compact, rack-mountable unit is a treasure trove of retro digital textures, delivering the unmistakable warmth and clarity of Yamaha’s legendary FM technology. Featuring multi-timbral capabilities, it can handle up to 8 parts simultaneously, making it perfect for layering lush pads, snappy basslines, and shimmering keys. Whether you're diving into vintage sounds for your next project or expanding your studio's versatility, the FB-01 is your gateway to timeless tones.

This unit is in good working condition, with all functions and outputs tested and performing beautifully. Cosmetically, there are some surface marks consistent with its age, but nothing that detracts from its reliability or aesthetic charm. The front panel’s buttons and display are intact and fully operational, offering an intuitive way to navigate its impressive 240 preset voices. It’s an excellent choice for producers, sound designers, and performers who appreciate the gritty magic of early digital synths.

With its MIDI connectivity and user-friendly interface, the Yamaha FB-01 integrates seamlessly into any setup, whether hardware or DAW-based. From crystalline electric pianos to growling bass tones, this unit excels in capturing the essence of 80s and 90s FM synthesis. If you're ready to add some authentic vintage flair to your sound arsenal, this Yamaha FB-01 is the perfect addition to your rig!"

CLICK FOR MORE »

OBLIQUENCER VIDEO MANUAL PART 1 - MODULES EXPLAINED

video upload by A Magic Pulsewave

"In this video, we cover the sub-modules that make up the Obliquencer Sequencing System, with basic patching examples.

CHAPTERS:
1. INPUTS AND OUTPUTS
2. GATE OUTPUT MATRICES
3. CONTROL VOLTAGE TUNERS/HARMONY REGISTERS
4. CLOCKS
5. DECADE RINGS
6. RIPPLE GATE SEQUENCERS
7. RIPPLE MELODY SEQUENCER
8. MELODY INVERSION MATRIX

*NOTE: THE OBLIQUENCER USED IN THIS VIDEO IS MY GREASY DUSTY PROTOTYPE. YOUR OBLIQUENCER WILL BE CLEAN AND BEAUTIFUL AND YOU WILL KEEP IT THAT WAY."

See the announcement post here.

Whimsical Patching

video uploads by Whimsical Raps

Playlist:

1. Whimsical Patching // 1. Audio-Rate Modulation

from Dani:
"One of my favorite aspects of modular synthesis is that signals we can hear are made of the same basic building block as signals which provide control and modulation -- they're all just voltage moving at different rates!

When we use an audio signal in the place of control voltage, we're touching into a technique broadly known as audio-rate modulation. Using audio-rate modulation in the Whimsical Raps ecosystem is incredibly rewarding, as it can unlock unexpected behaviors in familiar and new modules alike.

Here, Mangrove (our formant oscillator) modulates Silhouette's (our new 'signal combiner') SPOT, which is mixing six audio channels from Just Friends (our six-voice digital oscillator). I noticed that sending Mangrove into SPOT bleeds Mangrove's audio signal into the mix, so I tuned Mangrove to harmonize with Just Friends. This endowed FORMANT changes with new power, adding harmonic depth to the chaotic modulation -- notice the sizzle around 0:30 as FORMANT is cranked up.

Once INTONE adds distance between the ratios of Just Friends' oscillations, I reduce FORMANT to a low-frequency grumble -- I particularly enjoyed Silhouette's delayed vocalizations of these changes across the stereo field. Manually scanning SPOT offsets the input channels we're highlighting, which reveals the new INTONE-spread pitches. Increasing FORMANT introduces audible discontinuities as Mangrove regains its pitch, which are unique in the left and right channels. A final INTONE adjustment is added for performative spice, which is caught by the bucket-brigade device for a muted splash of stereo color."

2. Whimsical Patching // 2. Self-Patch Feedback

from Dani:
"One of the most exciting facets of Silhouette's design is how the sound palette changes and, really _unlocks_, via self-patching. For example, patching SHADOW back to the various INPUTS allows for SPOT-controlled regeneration.

In this video, a chord from Just Friends and a 'kick' from Mangrove is spread across the INPUTS. SHADOW is patched into the sixth input, which makes SPOT's modulator act as a temperamental levee -- just as the level of the signal's feedback seems to overtake the output from LIGHT and RIGHT, a small nudge engages the strange attractor and SPOT surveys an ever-changing landscape of pulses and tones.

I'm particularly enthralled by the way that SPOT and its modulator become a macro control -- panning and voice distribution are linked to the depth of the self-patch's influence. This becomes apparent when SHADOW is patched into the third input, which creates a different stereo terrain.

Self-patching is very rewarding across the entire Mannequins lineup -- eg. a channel from Just Friends patched back to its own INTONE will create a wonderfully complex undercurrent to its otherwise predictable movement."

3. Whimsical Patching // 3. V/8 Beyond Pitch + Cross-Modulation

from Dani:
"I love multing signals used for pitch to other elements of a patch. As notes jump octaves, other parameters change in-kind, which creates a lot of interrelated surprises.

In this video, crow is translating a randomized arpeggio via monome's Max for Live devices: pitch is sent to output 1 and note-on events are sent to output 2. Pitch is patched to Mangrove's V/8 input, and that same note sequence is multed over to Silhouette's SPOT modulator. This means that the pitches we hear are also affecting the position of SPOT, which controls the spread of our inputs in the stereo field.

Just Friends is working as a grouped envelope generator, taking the note-on events from crow output 2 via 6N's input (which pulses all the channels). We also self-patched 3N's output to JF's TIME parameter, which creates a nice ebb-and-flow of note durations. 5N and 6N are patched to Meng Qi's DPLPG to gate Mangrove's PPM SINE and PWM outputs, which are respectively sent into Silhouette's fifth and second inputs.

We also add some cross-modulation by using Silhouette's SHADOW audio signal to control JF's CURVE parameter, which builds an organic volatility into our patch -- as audio is filtered through SHADOW, it tickles its own envelope shape. We additionally mult SHADOW and feed it back into Silhouette's ALL jack, completing our patch with a bit of feedback.

Throughout the video, I hand-play SPOT's sweet spots, which really showcases the sheer width the module can imbue. 9:00 adds a brighter hard-left delay to our hard-right melody. Moving from 12:00 to 3:00 brings the melody center and adds a softer timbre to our delayed signal. 3:00 gives just the right amount of swelling feedback, while jaunts down to 6:00 invert the spread with sharp bursts of our PWM into the delay with every clockwise scan.

Though it's the most patch cables we've used in this series, I wanted to showcase how Silhouette can really shine in a small system. Regardless of whether you've got Silhouette in your arsenal, have fun multing V/8 into anything + everything and try cross-modulating envelopes with the audio signals they're shaping!"

New Waldorf Q Editor by AURA Plugins

video upload by AURA Plugins

"We are setting up Waldorf Q Editor for Waldorf Q Keyboard and going thru the Global Settings that are recommended. This is all done in Ableton Live, so you can follow up how to setup Audio and MIDI tracks and the Editor itself.

Get full license from https://auraplugins.com/product/waldo... Join our Discord community / discord
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Waldorf Q Editor & Librarian is designed to control your Waldorf Q right from your DAW. With our Editor, you can work with your Waldorf Q by the same way you use your virtual instrument plug-ins. Our Editor will recall your patch settings when you open your project and the data will be sent to your Q automatically once you open your project. Your synthesizer is always synchronized with your session! The only thing you need to worry, is that you power-up your synthesizer. We also added the ability to load in Waldorf Blofeld and microQ patches! (WHAT? Yes!)

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