EDINBURGH, UK: readily representing its first ‘big’ release in over a year (when the temporarily out-of-circulation GLASS STRINGS was effectively re-released with a totally redesigned GUI and added features as the Edinburgh-based enterprise’s workhorse string library for a new era in more human-sounding music and scores, coinciding with rebranding itself with an aesthetic that truly realised company co-founder and composer Christian Henson’s heartfelt dream of encouraging people to make music and help them on their journey, regardless of whatever point they were at and wherever their journey began), The Crow Hill Company is proud to announce availability of ARCANE STRINGS — taking the sampling rule book and ripping it up, ultimately resulting in a string library featuring amateur players in order to achieve an arcane, primitive, dislocated, microtonal, loose, and sometimes savage sound duly designed for media composers wanting to leave a truly characterful imprint on their next drama score, or, indeed, composers who want to gain extra devilish bite out of their existing string collections — as of August 14…
"The Alesis Andromeda A6 has always been one of my dream synthesizers — unfortunately, it was expensive when it was released, and it's definitely not getting any cheaper today!
I did get the chance to spend some time with a real Andromeda many years ago, when a friend and I produced a demo CD featuring some of its sounds. I still remember being seriously impressed by that huge, complex analog machine.
AIR Music Tech Fabric Vintage Andromeda brings the character of the Alesis Andromeda A6 into the Fabric environment using AIR's advanced multi-sample synthesis engine. It features two main multi-sample oscillators, a virtual analog sub oscillator, noise generator, extensive modulation, envelopes, arpeggiator and a comprehensive effects section.
In this No Talking demo, I'll simply play through a selection of presets and sounds so you can hear what Fabric Vintage Andromeda can do without interruptions.
"In this video, I'll try to explore the concept of resonators in electronic music. I am not sure I am correct here, but I guess the first official Resonator was from Serge, followed by the Resonators in the fist PolyMoog. Buchla may have closed the line with the 292 Spectral Processor, which is also a resonant array of filters. Resonant filters is what all these modules have in common. Jurgen Haible revisited the Moog resonator in the 21st century, and Emilie Gillet perfected it with the Rings module. TipTop Audio also made a faithful recreation of the Polymoog resonator quite recently.
My interest in resonators was ignited when I saw a 17 year old low-res video from Kenneth Elhardt running a Jupiter-8 through an isolated Moog resonator unit, turning clearly synthethic sounds in to very convincing voices, brass and woodwinds. I've used a few snippets (transformative / educational) and added a link to the original. Mr. Elhardt also has a few videos on his channel where he recreated 'medieval' music on a Synthesizer.com Moog clone which is an amazing listen and a hidden gem on the tube.
What I did not know, is that this video may have also inspired Haible and Tiptop Audio to recreate the resonator.
But wait. Rings? Yep. When not plucked and using the IN, you'll pass a sound through 48 digitally controlled 'virtual' filters. So don't pluck it. Resonate it."
"A few years ago I restored my childhood Amiga 500, and only recently found a way to use a soft synth, Aegis Sonix V2, with external MIDI control. I saw @magicalsynthadventure3216 video on the topic a while back, and on a whim decided to revisit the idea of using my Amiga as a synth. Thanks to an Amibay.com forum thread, I learned that it's pretty easy to get Aegis Sonix V2 to respond to incoming MIDI, and so I was off to the races. Enjoy!
"A delve into obscure software instruments on the Commodore Amiga. Here I look into both realtime & non-realtime varieties, covering a staggering array of synthesis types!
Additional attributions:
I forgot to give a shout out to uncle Brian! Sorry uncle Brian!
Endless Tunnel Animation: KRITRIMVAULT
Syndicate Intro: BullFrog Productions
Update: An interesting side note is that Sonix was released in 1987 with a beta in 1986. That's 10 years earlier than Dave Smith's Seer Systems Reality, which was released in 1997. Seer Systems Reality is often credited as the world's first soft synth. Curious if the distinction was between an editor/interface for the existing Amiga sound chip vs. a self contained software synthesizer.
I asked Google AI just to see what it would say. Here it is:
The Best Strings Plugin Money CAN'T Buy??? video upload by CROW HILL
Press release follows:
The Crow Hill Company announces availability of popular POCKET STRINGS plug-in for free, bringing broadcast-grade string possibilities to everyone
EDINBURGH, UK: around a year after its initial launch, not long after the Edinburgh-based enterprise effectively rebranded itself with an aesthetic that truly realises company co-founder and composer Christian Henson’s heartfelt dream of encouraging people to make music and help them on their journey, regardless of whatever point they were at and wherever their journey began, The Crow Hill Company is proud to announce that it has made its popular POCKET STRINGS — styled as a never-tried-before strings plug-in that aims to bring broadcast-grade string possibilities to everyone by combining live cinematic orchestral recordings of some of the best musicians working in the UK with some rarefied vintage synth classics made to measure for added body, depth, and character — available for free with no strings attached (but pun intended), as of August 6…
"In this Korg Kronos 3 comparison and patching video, I put the incredible AL-1 synthesis engine to the test by programming it as a virtual analogue synth and comparing it directly with my Korg Prologue analogue synthesizer. Can the Korg Kronos 3 really capture the warmth, character, and punch of a true analogue synth, or does the Korg Prologue still have the edge? Join me as I explore oscillators, filters, envelopes, and detailed sound design techniques to find out.
This video is perfect for anyone interested in the Korg Kronos 3, Korg Prologue, AL-1, Korg Nautilus, virtual analogue synthesis, analogue synth programming, synthesizer reviews, synth comparisons, sound design synth tutorials, keyboard workstations, music production, and synthesis. Whether you're deciding between a workstation and a dedicated analogue synth, or simply want to learn how to make a digital synth sound convincingly analogue, this comparison is packed with practical demonstrations and programming tips.
If you enjoy synth reviews, synth demos, Korg Kronos 3 content, AL-1 tutorials, sound design, and in-depth comparisons of modern synthesizers, be sure to like, subscribe, and share this video. Your support helps the channel grow and helps more synthesizer enthusiasts discover detailed, honest, and educational content."
1. AIR Fabric Vintage Synths Vol. 2 - Iconic Synthesizer Virtual Instruments for MPC and Desktop
"Three Titans of Analog Synthesis, Modernized. https://inmusic.to/5xrs3f24
Discover the sounds of three essential synths in one modern synthesis environment. From cinematic pads and evolving textures to massive basses and eccentric leads, Fabric Vintage Synths, Vol 2 brings three of the most interesting and expressive polysynths ever made to your MPC or DAW-based workflow.
Fabric Vintage Synths, Vol 2 features Fabric Vintage Andromeda, Fabric Vintage CS, and Fabric Vintage Matrix in one unified virtual instrument collection. Each instrument has been reimagined through the AIR Advanced Multi-Sample Synthesis Fabric Engine for how you make music today.
This innovative Fabric engine allows these virtual instruments to retain their unique identity while working seamlessly across MPC hardware and desktop DAWs.
Fabric Vintage Synths Vol. 2 is available for MPC Standalone, MPC Desktop, and all major DAWs."
2. Fabric Vintage Matrix - Walkthrough
"A defining, genre-spanning era of analog synthesis encapsulated in one 12-voice polysynth. Fabric Vintage Matrix honors the iconic 1980s subtractive synthesizer’s design, bringing its depth and flexibility into your current workflow.
With an intuitive interface and a streamlined workflow powered by the AIR Fabric engine, Fabric Vintage Matrix makes it easy to experiment with unique, developing textures and sounds without slowing down your creative process. Like its hardware form, this synth is perfect for rock and electronic music, film scoring, ambient production, and advanced sound design.
Chapters Features introduction :14 Front Panel Macros 2:08 Edit Page 3:31 Effects Page: 7:09 Arpeggiator: 9:22 Factory Presets 10:23
Fabric Vintage Matrix is available for MPC Standalone, MPC Desktop, and all major DAWs."
3. Fabric Vintage Andromeda - Walkthrough
Powerful, immersive, and ready for revival. A 16-voice multitimbral giant known for its sheer depth, the original Alesis Andromeda A6 brought together a fully analog signal path with innovative digital functionality. Fabric Vintage Andromeda takes this timeless polysynth’s monstrous sonic range and puts it right at your fingertips.
With an intuitive interface and a streamlined workflow, Fabric Vintage Andromeda makes it easy to shape polished, powerful sounds quickly, whether you're sketching ideas or refining a final mix. Combining classic analog depth with modern electronic, ambient, and cinematic production, this tool is great for musicians and producers seeking dramatic, bold, attention-grabbing tones.
Chapters Features introduction :29 Front Panel Macros 1:54 Edit Page 3:05 Effects Page: 7:34 Arpeggiator: 9:48 Factory Presets 10:47
Fabric Vintage Andromeda is available for MPC Standalone, MPC Desktop, and all major DAWs.
4. Fabric Vintage CS - Walkthrough
Not a replica, or a replicant, but an homage to a synth that starred in one of the most iconic sci-fi film soundtracks of all time. Fabric Vintage CS brings the warmth, nuance, and deeply expressive character of this legendary late ‘70s and early ‘80s polysynth to your setup today.
Powered by the flexible AIR Fabric engine, Fabric Vintage CS brings vintage polysynth character into a modern environment with enhanced polyphony, integrated effects, and performance-focused controls, giving you immediate access to deeply expressive sound without a complex setup. From timeless analog textures to modern ambient, electronic, and cinematic production, Fabric Vintage CS gives you a whole new sound palette to explore.
Chapters Features introduction :29 Front Panel Macros 1:54 Edit Page 3:05 Effects Page: 7:34 Arpeggiator: 9:48 Factory Presets 10:47
Fabric Vintage Andromeda is available for MPC Standalone, MPC Desktop, and all major DAWs.
5. AIR Fabric Vintage Matrix for MPC | Vintage Synthesizer Virtual Instrument
6. AIR Fabric Vintage Andromeda for MPC | Vintage Synthesizer Virtual Instrument
7. AIR Fabric Vintage CS for MPC | Vintage Synthesizer Virtual Instrument
Ambient Engine https://store.atnr.net/ambient-engine... is designed not just as a tool for “making music,” but as a device that continuously generates sound.
Load your own samples, adjust playback range and density, add organic movement through modulation, and record everything in real time.
Even without performing, the sound keeps evolving autonomously according to your parameter settings.
You can import sounds recorded on your smartphone and start creating your own unique ambient music immediately.
In 1986 Oberheim made a real deep machine Matrx-6 with digitally controlled osc’s & analog filter & lot of synthesizer possibilities.
All the Matrix synthesizers featured Matrix Modulation which allows for extremely wild virtual patching for almost unlimited range of sounds and modulation capabilities!
'Analog Obsession' Soundset contains 50 organic presets suited for cinematic, ambient & electronic music in any genre:
Amy Kelly, wife of Kevin Kelley, wrote in to let me know of her husband Kevin Kelley's passing in 2024. You might remember Kevin Kelley mentioned directly in numerous posts here on MATRIXSYNTH going all the way back to 2007. Kevin ran the Audio Playground aka keyboardmuseum.org which was created back in 2000. (Note keyboardmuseum.org is no longer active, the link takes you to posts referencing the site).
The Audio Playground was a synth museum in Winter Park, Florida. One of the great things I loved about the site was that Kevin hosted samples of the synths featured, including virtual sound sheets, so you could get an idea of what they sounded like. Back then that was actually quite rare.
Included below are some pics of Kevin with his daughters and his cats sent in by his wife Amy.
"He was a wonderful and brilliant man as well as a great dad and husband. His three daughters and I miss him tremendously." - Amy
Amy still has his Technos Acxel and is working on bringing it back to life. I've sent her a few leads, but if anyone out there can help with the following, please feel free to reach out (matrixsynth@gmail.com).
"The system successfully powers on and initializes the Grapher console, but it is currently hanging at the initial splash screen ('Forget Technology, think music'). I suspect the data sectors on the original 3.5" boot floppy have degraded over time. I am looking to write a fresh sector-by-sector image to a healthy 720KB DD disk to isolate the issue.
My hope is that someone out there might have a raw disk image (.img or .hfe format) compatible with this era of the hardware."
"Here's a video of the recording of the A-side for my new single (links to all formats below). It was was recorded on an Yamaha MT-50 four track tape recorder (a solidly underrated recorder, with an advantage over various more popular Portastudio models in that you can record on all 4 tracks simultaneously, rather than just 2 at once) with a Yamaha DX21 (bass, chords and FX), Novation Ultranova (additional chord layers) and Yamaha RX5 (drums). Synchronisation between tape (which had the chord layers bounced down to 2 tracks to free up tracks) and MIDI used to sequence the bass and drums was achieved using a Yamaha YMC10 MIDI clock to tape-synch converter (solid little converter). Reverb was provided by an Alesis MIDIverb II (an FX unit that needs no introduction) and chorus for the bass via a Boss CH-1 Super Chorus - my favourite chorus, to me it just sounds how chorus should sound (this particular one is a vintage ‘made in Japan’ model, so fully analogue compared to later digital CH-1 models, and just sounds super warm). It was mixed on MT-50 but also with a venerable Peavey Unity Series 2000-16 (for submixes and sends etc.), this mixer has a flavour all of it’s own, certainly not high fidelity, but kinda gritty and warm and just kinda ‘Peavey’… The track is out now for stream and download, hope you folks dig the track 🙂
"Taken from my new single - previously unreleased versions of ‘Home3D’ and ‘Basic Microwaving’ recorded on four track tape (FFO: Eyeliner, FM Skyline, Rustie). Out now on Spotify, BandCamp, YouTube and all other digital platforms, all formats here: https://linktr.ee/simeonsoden
This track (the A-side) was recorded on an Yamaha MT-50 four track with DX21 (bass, chords and FX), RX5 (drums) and some bits and pieces from a Novation Ultranova.
I made the video by retexturing the classic win95-98 '3D Maze.scr' screen saver with archetypal win98 desktop wallpapers to create the sensation of the desktop opening as a portal to virtual worlds beyond. Re-filmed from various CRTs and projectors. Hope you folks enjoy :)"
"EMW presents the VPOLY-6X, a new virtual analog synthesizer module designed to deliver inspiring sound with an intuitive workflow.
Featuring innovative technology, a clean and practical interface, and a powerful analog-style sound engine, the VPOLY-6X lets you focus on creating music instead of navigating complex menus.
Simple to use. Fast to program. Big, expressive sound.
👉 / pockettrax
Tutorials + Project Files + Sample Packs + Beat Challenges + Discounts + Giveaways and much more.
Learn more about and purchase the Gamma Mini Synth here: https://thisisnoiseinc.com/pages/gamm...
The Gamma Mini Synth takes a completely different approach to music making. Instead of a traditional keyboard, you get chords on one side, notes on the other, thumbsticks for expression, and an Always in Key workflow that makes it incredibly easy to start playing.
Oh... and it comes with a virtual pet that evolves the more you use it.
Note: I received this unit on the condition that I provide an unbiased unboxing and review, with full independence over my opinions. I do not have an affiliate link for this product."
"More expressive performance can be achieved through various technologies and techniques such as velocity, channel aftertouch (pressure), polyphonic aftertouch, and MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE). These features allow compatible synthesizer instruments and controllers to mimic the subtle dynamics of acoustic instruments.
In this video, musician, producer, and sound designer @AndrewLonghurst demonstrates his approach to expressive sound design, showcased through his collection of presets for Ensoniq ESQ-1 by Cherry Audio. He provides demonstrations of each technique using the new Expressive E Osmose CE MIDI controller and discusses his choices for setting up these advanced modulations in a preset.
These techniques can be widely applied to other Cherry Audio virtual instruments. Be sure to check the product feature listings and documentation to determine which instruments specifically support some or all of these methods. Additionally, consult your MIDI controller documentation, as compatibility for channel aftertouch, polyphonic aftertouch, and especially MPE can vary significantly in this evolving market.
"A textural expedition into modular synthesis This pack is a deep dive into the sonic world of Make Noise, the Asheville-based modular synthesizer company known for redefining how musicians interact with sound. Drawing inspiration from the vision of founder Tony Rolando, who sought to create instruments that invite play, exploration, and complexity, this collection offers sounds you cannot extract from conventional DAWs or virtual synths alone.
All material was produced entirely with Make Noise modular systems, capturing their distinctive tonal character and lively unpredictability. It is designed for electronic music producers who value raw texture, voltage-driven chaos, and intricate sound design rooted in hardware.
That is 1951 oneshots and 1059 loops, each chosen for its uniqueness and modular authenticity. This pack is not static. All purchases include free lifetime updates. Files are continuously added over time, rewarding those who support early and stay involved. If you've already bought the pack, you now have access to the latest additions at no extra cost. If not, this is a perfect moment to jump in. Perfect for those working in experimental club music, ambient, glitch, techno, leftfield bass, or soundtracks that need something unfamiliar yet compelling. This is not just a sample pack. It is a collection of sonic experiments born from voltage and possibility."
"AMYBOARD ( https://www.amyboard.com/ ) is a polyphonic hardware synthesizer eurorack module that also has USB-C and TRS MIDI (so you can use it as a desktop module). This if a spinoff of the Tulip Music Computer that focusses on sound exclusively, and boy, it sounds really good. Table of contents:
00:00 multitrack demo ( generation TikTok repellent )
00:29 hi, what's this?
01:18 hardware overview
01:44 the Amyboard web page
02:32 virtual analog engine walkthrough
02:51 oscillator shapes / PWM
03:33 tuning
03:51 LFO
04:24 effects (chorus, reverb, delay)
04:42 filter
05:50 amp envelope & equalizer
06:20 demo: plucked sound
06:50 some things to consider
07:17 filter sweeping
07:41 Micropython integration: multitimbrality, sequencing, fm
08:39 a multitrack demo (with MPC Live 3)
09:59 conclusion: a no-brainer. really
10:42 do the YouTube thing!
BTW, if you recognized the piece of music that opens the video - welcome to the club. ;-)
"Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world’s most-hated audio tools. After years of turning nostalgia into profit by bringing half-baked reissues to the market there is still one era mostly untouched by the profit maximization of music tech executives.
Today we are going to talk about Waldorf microQ. This virtual analog synth was spawned into existence during the dawn of the DAW revolution of the early 2000s, it was - in a way - itself a half-baked reissue, dated on release and yet there’s no one to take the disposable income of both, sentimental Gen-x ravers and trance revival-obsessed zoomers."
Chapters:
00:00 Intro tune
01:02 Overview micro Q
02:04 Oscillators, Wavetables, Sub OSC
02:25 FM, Sync, Ring Mod
02:49 Filter Section, Difference to Q
03:28 Modulators
03:48 Mod Matrix
04:00 Arpeggiator, FX, Vocoder
04:31 Multitimbrality, Outputs, Drums, Patches
05:00 Pricing, DSP Emulation
05:16 H*te Screen
05:39 Jam 1 ( PresetMaxxing )
06:33 Jam 2 ( Downtempo )
07:33 Finale ( Sleaze House Bass Line )
08:03 VERDICT
Two user videos further below. Press release follows:
"NEW blackbox 2 – Next Generation of a Compact Sampler Classic with 2X the Power
May 7th, 2026: 1010music unveils new blackbox 2 with features fueled by user requests and the development of the flagship bento sampling production lab.
A new high-resolution color touchscreen lets you load up to four Tracks where each Track can host Loop, One-Shot, Slicer, Shredder or Multisample Instruments. Record sequences in real time by using the touchscreen to finger drum on one-shots or play notes using a virtual keyboard with multisampled instruments like pianos. Or quickly create and edit sequences by drawing notes into the Piano Roll. Plus there’s a new Step Sequencer if that’s your preference.
"This is the second, quite relaxing recording with the Modal Skulpt. It is a unique sounding, little 4-voice polyphonic virtual analogue synthesizer. The size of the Modal Skulpt is somewhere between the Korg Volca and the Sonicware Liven.
I used for the recording the following FX pedals:
Boss Slicer SL-2, Hologram Microcosm, Pigtronix Echolution 2 Deluxe, GFI System Specular Reverb 2.
The signal went through a Presonus StudioLive 16.0.2 into the PC via USB for recording. To create the complete song I recorded consecutively several stereo tracks. On some tracks Compressor and EQ where added in Cubase. The final song was then mastered using iZotope Ozone.
Well, I decided to go back to the basics, but at the same time make something useful for the synth community and do a kind of competition (I like competitions;-). What's my best synth for ambient music :-)"
"Welcome to a complete walkthrough of the Ocean Swift - Sound Creator Suite. In this video, we take a high-level tour of the entire application, showing you not just what the tools do, but how they work in concert to provide a centralized host environment for virtual instrument developers, sample pack creators, and sound designers.
Whether you are automating hardware sampling, building custom UI components, or formatting vast preset libraries, this suite handles the heavy lifting so you can focus on the creative process.
What we cover in this walkthrough:
Global Settings & The Log Viewer: A look at the suite's foundation, including audio/MIDI routing, Kontakt developer integration , and the built-in, thread-safe Log Viewer capable of maintaining a 10,000-line history.
Audio Batch Processing & Sampling: How to recursively process thousands of audio files , mathematically align loops using MIR technology , and automate external hardware sampling via MIDI and threshold detection.
The Wavetable Ecosystem: A brief look at building wavetables from scratch with the Creator, extracting them from audio files, and converting formats across various software synthesizers.
MIDI & OSC Routing: Bridging the gap between your hardware, digital audio workstations, and modular environments like TouchDesigner.
UI Generation & NKS Workflow: From rendering 3D knobs into sprite sheets to batch-injecting metadata into Native Instruments NKS presets and standard audio samples."
Build Kontakt Instruments Faster: WYSIWYG UI Editor & Prefabs | Ocean Swift Sound Creator Suite
"In this in-depth walkthrough, we dive into the Kontakt Performance View tool, a powerful standalone WYSIWYG editing environment within the Ocean Swift Sound Creator Suite.
If you build instruments for Native Instruments Kontakt, this tool bridges the gap between technical JSON editing and intuitive visual design.We cover the entire workflow, from initial setup to complex UI layout, showing you how to design without writing a single line of layout code.
What you will learn in this video:Integration & Setup:
How to use the suite's settings to launch Kontakt as an isolated child process.
Automated NKS Creation: Watch the tool automatically generate the strict NKS folder hierarchy and silently execute a Lua script to create your base .nki and .nkr container files.
Live WYSIWYG Editing: Explore the hardware-accelerated preview canvas that provides a near 1:1 visual representation of your
UI.Drag & Drop Design: See how to physically drag controls across the canvas , use grab handles for free-resizing , and utilize the alignment menu to perfectly center, top, or bottom-align multiple UI elements instantly.
Advanced Tree & Property Inspector: Learn how to manage the exact structural hierarchy of your UI. We show you how to use Alt+Click to instantly select a Panel and all nested child controls , and how to edit multiple parameters safely using the dynamic property inspector.
Instant UI Prefabs: Discover how to recursively scan your resources folder to drop complex, pre-configured .nckc UI elements directly into your project in seconds.
"Sound Creator Suite is an all-in-one desktop environment for advanced sound-design and virtual instrument development workflows. Serving as a robust, centralized host, this suite equips producers and developers with an unparalleled arsenal of specialized Ocean Swift tools and utilities.
Generate studio-grade UI components - from photo realistic brushed-metal knobs to glowing LED rings with the GUI Knob Maker, and export complex animations as perfectly stitched sprite sheets in seconds. Seamlessly pair this with the Kontakt Performance View tool, an advanced WYSIWYG editing environment that lets you construct complex Kontakt interfaces using a visual, drag-and-drop real-time workflow, entirely eliminating the need to write tedious layout code.
Process audio in bulk, utilize MIR algorithms to surgically align loops, automate your hardware sampling workflows, and generate algorithmic MIDI patterns. Whether you are building and converting custom wavetables, batch-injecting metadata with the NKS preset and sample taggers, monitoring OSC packets, or accessing instant music-calculation tools, the Sound Creator Suite brings an entire development ecosystem into one powerful interface.
Featuring 30+ sound design and instrument development tools Growing toolkit with an exciting future roadmap – more tools, more assets! Design, Build, Record, Process, Edit, Manipulate, Monitor Automate processes and speed up workflows Innovative, unique, performant and user minded approach"
