"knob.monster is a modern, zero-driver web application designed to backup, edit, and organize patches on vintage hardware synthesizers directly from a web browser. Leveraging the Web MIDI API, the platform eliminates the need for legacy desktop software, custom USB-MIDI drivers, or manual command-line SysEx utilities.
Key Features:
Zero Installation: Runs directly in any Chromium-based browser (Chrome, Edge, Opera).
Instant Cloud Backup: Safely store your custom patch banks in a secure cloud vault.
Automatic Parsing: Upload SysEx files to instantly view, rename, and sort individual patches inside the bank.
Supported Hardware: Launching with full support for the Yamaha DX7, Roland Juno-106, and Korg M1, with Casio CZ, Prophet-5, and Matrix-1000 in active beta."
FM-1 Features: ● Built-in speaker: No external speakers needed, turn on and play instantly, your stage anytime, anywhere. ● Built-in arpeggio: Rich rhythmic layers, giving you endless possibilities for musical performance. ● Built-in sequencer: Supports saving 16 preset sequences. ● Built-in 6-band integrated effects chain. ● Built-in rechargeable lithium battery with power indicator: Ready to use anytime, anywhere – on the street, in a cafe, or in your bedroom. ● Built-in 145-parameter FM tone editing system: Supports importing original DX7 SysEx tone files, and batch loading of single tones and entire tone sets. ● Built-in sound source: This device features a built-in sound source (FM synthesizer engine) that emulates the classic Yamaha DX-7 FM synthesizer, fully replicating 6 operators and 32 algorithms. ● BT audio function: Wirelessly stream backing tracks from your mobile phone to the FM-1 for improvisation using the built-in speakers or headphones. ● 27-key silicone keyboard, covering two octaves, offering a supple touch and rapid rebound for a comfortable playing experience. ● 1.54-inch color display screen, providing real-time display of tone, parameters, and spectrum information. ● Backlit silicone buttons for silent operation and sensitive feedback. ● 7 sets of 360-degree rotary encoders for precise and intuitive control. ● 12 function keys for one-touch access to core functions. ● OCT± octave/transposition switch, covering the full range even on narrow keys. ● 3.5mm headphone jack with automatic speaker mute when headphones are plugged in, ensuring undisturbed creative work and immersive monitoring of every detail of the tone. ● 3.5mm MIDI input jack for supporting external MIDI device control. ● USB-C interface: USB Audio + USB MIDI composite device, automatically recognized upon connection to a computer.
user video:
M‑VAVE FM‑1 Review & Sound Demo – Fun Pocket FM Synth
"How does this under‑$70 FM synthesizer perform? Check out this video for a full feature walkthrough, sound demos, and my honest thoughts.
I first spotted the M‑VAVE FM‑1 at this year's Guangzhou Musical Instrument Fair, and picked one up shortly after for about 300 RMB (around $60). The packaging is minimal, the unit itself is compact (16×9 cm), yet it packs everything you'd need. Connectivity is surprisingly generous, with both wired and wireless MIDI and audio support – really well‑equipped for its size.
Inside, you get a 6‑operator FM engine, essentially a recreation of a classic 1980s Japanese synth. It comes with 128 preset sounds, plus an effects chain, a 16‑step sequencer, an arpeggiator, and deeper editing tools. Pair it with an external MIDI keyboard and the playability expands even further.
Are there minor software quirks? Sure. But at this price, they're hardly worth mentioning. Compared to other portable sound gadgets in its class, the FM‑1 is just plain fun. And for the money, the build quality and feature set far exceeded my expectations."
"B67 ZEN FM" synthesis engine (4 operators with linear FM + 4 wave shapes) for all Roland instruments that support the ZEN-Core standard: new editor and sound collection.
The new ZEN-Core Editor Librarian V2.0 (PC and MAC) is now available for Roland synthesizers from the Fantom, AX-Edge, and Jupiter-X/Xm.
Among many new features, it allows editing of a new synthesis engine, fully compatible with the ZEN-Core standard, which uses linear FM synthesis (4 operators) and 4 modulable operator waveshapes
The "B67 ZEN FM" synthesis engine is achieved through a special implementation of a ZEN-Core tone that allows access to only a limited number of synthesis parameters, leaving the others predefined and inaccessible (e.g., Structure 1-2/3-4 = XMOD2, Osc Type = VA).
Specifically, the modulation matrix is "locked" with predefined Source and Destination parameters to ensure correct modulations that operate on the main FM synthesis parameters.
Real-time editing is performed on a new page containing all the synthesis parameters, the operator frequencies settable via the freq. ratio parameter (0.25, 0.5, 0.78, 1, 1.5, 1.57, 1.78, 2, 3, 3.5, 4.5, etc.), the waveforms (SIN, SIN2, TRI, TRI2, TRI3, SAW, SQR, RAMP, JUNO), the graphic display of the 8 envelopes (4 for FM and 4 for shapes), a dedicated librarian (2048 sounds), 20 tone presets, 8 ENV presets, a clipboard, and the ability to copy and paste synthesis parameters.
Each sound is associated with one of the 93 MFX multi-effects, which can be edited in the dedicated section.
By applying waveshaping to the 4 operators' waveforms (via the FAT and PW parameters) and modulating them with 4 dedicated ENVs, the synthesis engine can replicate the phase distortion (PD) synthesis famous in Casio CZ synths.
When using sine wave oscillators and modulating their PW with the dedicated ADSR ENVs, the overall synthesis structure becomes similar to that of an 8-operator FM algorithm, as shown in the image: 4 operators (1, 2, 3, and 4) can have their frequencies freely configured, while the other 4 modulate the corresponding carriers and modulators with a 1:1 ratio.
Polyphony is 22 voices for all synthesizers, pianos, keyboards, wind instruments, guitar synths, and virtual instruments compatible with the ZEN-Core standard. This is reduced to 11 voices for the MC-101, MC-707, and VERSELAB MV-1 grooveboxes.
Simplified graphical editing of all parameters, sound management via the librarian, and parameter recall for subsequent editing is only possible with the ZEN-Core Editor Librarian V2.0.
The new B67 ZEN-Core Collection 3 (197 ZEN-Core tones in total) is also available, including 112 tones created with the "B67 ZEN-FM" synthesis engine.
Thanks to full compatibility with the ZEN-Core standard, these sounds can be used on all compatible instruments and virtual instruments: Zenology Pro, Zenbeats (ZC-1), FP-E50, RD-88, RD-08, Juno-D, Juno-X, V-Stage, MC-101, MC-707, Verselab MV-1, GM-800, Aerophone AE-20 Pro AE-30, GO:KEYS 5, GO:KEYS 3.
Along with the collection, the sounds with the B67 ZEN-FM synthesis engine also come with a proprietary file format that can be edited and managed within the Editor/Librarian V2.0 section, available for Fantom, AX-Edge, and Jupiter-X/Xm.
Among the various sounds in the collection, created with this synthesis, are emulations of some "classic" Yamaha DX7 sounds (Marimba, Vibe, Celesta, Bakket, Jazz Guitar, Tubular Bell, EPiano, Bowed Strings, Brass, Synth Bass, Metal, etc.) and original sounds that use FM and Wave Shape synthesis for new sounds with complex and evolving harmonic spectra.
The upgrade to version 2.0 of the ZEN-Core Editor Librarian for Fantom, AX-Edge, and Jupiter-X is free (it can be found in the Gumroad repository or through the paywall of those who purchased it).
Collection 3 (197 ZEN-Core tones, including 112 created with the B67 ZEN-FM synthesis engine) is available individually, in the "best of" version, and bundled with other collections and editors.
"A piano and synth cover of 'The Process' by the legendary Boards of Canada, from their incredible new album, 'Inferno'.
I've been captivated by the 'Inferno' album since its release and wanted to share my interpretation of this beautifully soothing and melancholic track. If you enjoy this, let me know in the comments! I'm planning to cover more from the album soon, with 'Naraka,' 'Hydrogen Helium Lithium Leviathan,' and 'Blood in the Labyrinth' being next on my list.
"Hey everybody, as frequent viewers of this channel will know Ableton Move was an instabuy for me when it was released in 2024. Seamless integration into Live, tried and tested instruments and FX and a slick form factor turned my gear acquisition syndrome up to 11.
Unfortunately, the little groovebox had been collecting dust ever since - mostly because of a lack of essential features we will talk about in a bit.
However, not only did Ableton iron out major flaws in firmware 2.0 - Move also got hacked in the most beautiful way possible and is now capable of running classic synths right on the machine.
Move got HACKED!!!
Classic Synths on Move
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:40 What is Ableton Move??? (Official Update)
02:04 What's New???
02:20 Schwung (formerly Move Everything) Hack Installation
03:23 How to use Schwung
03:46 Schwung Structure
04:44 Additional LFOs
04:57 Legal Disclaimer
05:16 Instruments ( Yamaha DX7 , Access Virus , Roland JV-880 ,...)
06:58 Schwung Effects
07:28 Schwung Jam
07:56 Workflow Improvements ( Stem Separation , Autosampler ,...)
09:01 Outro"
"In this new video I recreate the sound of “Train of Thought” by a-ha from the album Hunting High and Low.
Written by PÃ¥l Waaktaar, this track is one of the standout examples of 1980s synth-pop production, combining melodic hooks, layered textures, and distinctive Scandinavian pop atmosphere.
For this vintage synth recreation I focused on capturing the character, tone, and arrangement of the original recording using classic hardware synthesizers and samplers. My setup includes the Yamaha DX7 II FD and the Roland Juno-106 for the main synth parts and signature textures.
The bass, flute sound (Fairlight) and selected drum sounds were created with the E-mu Emulator II.
I also used the PPG Wave 2.2 for additional digital bass layers, digital textures, and atmospheric effects.
My goal was to explore how the classic a-ha sound was built — from analog warmth and FM synthesis to early digital sampling and wavetable synthesis.
If you enjoy vintage synthesizers, 80s synth-pop, classic a-ha productions, and deep dives into iconic keyboard sounds, this recreation is for you."
"Ambient/drone with a Yamaha DX7s FM synthesizer and a Qantec Yardstick 2402/F reverb effect.
On this DX7 the battery was low, but i could use the Hypersynth Hcard-702 for presets and sound creation/storage.
Direct recording with soft mastering."
"In this video, we explore in depth the Yamaha DX-1—one of the rarest synthesizers of all time.
Considered the most exclusive model in the DX series, the Yamaha DX-1 was designed as a true masterpiece of FM synthesis. With premium build quality, weighted keys, and an architecture based on the legendary Yamaha DX7, this instrument represented the pinnacle of technological luxury in its era."
And one on the CS80:
Programando el Yamaha CS-80: el sintetizador más expresivo de la historia
"En este video exploramos en profundidad el Yamaha CS-80, uno de los sintetizadores más expresivos y mÃticos de todos los tiempos.
Considerado por muchos como el sintetizador más expresivo de la historia, el CS-80 revolucionó la forma de tocar sintetizadores gracias a su aftertouch polifónico, su ribbon controller y su enorme capacidad para moldear el sonido en tiempo real.
"In this video, we take an in-depth look at the Yamaha CS-80—one of the most expressive and legendary synthesizers of all time.
Considered by many to be the most expressive synthesizer in history, the CS-80 revolutionized the way synthesizers are played, thanks to its polyphonic aftertouch, ribbon controller, and immense capacity for real-time sound shaping.
In this walkthrough, we program sounds step-by-step and explore the expressive possibilities that made the Yamaha CS-80 a truly unique instrument—one capable of responding to the performer in a way that few other synthesizers in history ever could."
00:00 Demo song
00:50 What is this bank?
02:30 Demo of patches in more detail
"Get my new DX7 Patch Bank now — a premium collection of 32 of my best Electric Piano voices for the Yamaha DX7, DX7II and TX802, and for software or hardware that can import or load original Yamaha DX7 / DX7II voice data.
Price is only $12USD for the bank. You can get the bank from me directly through email here: espenkraft69@gmail.com
You can also get the bank here:
This is not a random bank put together overnight. These sounds have been with me for decades — some of them all the way back to the 1980s. They have been carefully selected, edited and refined over many years, and used by me on my own albums as well as in commercial music productions. Every sound in this collection earned its place. There is not a single filler patch here.
All 32 voices are Electric Piano based, but they sound much more varied than that. The have a wide musical range inside their category: some are glassy, some bell-like, some harder and more cutting, some soft and smooth, and some have that extra glossy, polished sheen that makes a part instantly sit right in a track. Some are more like pads, while others can be used as leads or bass depending on where you play it on the keys.
They are polished for maximum musicality and usability, and they work especially well either on their own, layered with other voices from this bank, or combined with other sounds in a full arrangement.
A collection of some of the most famous synth sounds ever made, recreated using the synths I currently own From the iconic DX7 electric piano to classic sounds from the D-50, M1, Minimoog and more — these are the tones that shaped countless records. All sounds were played and recorded live. Some patches include a bit of reverb and delay.
0:00 Yamaha DX7 E.PIANO1 0:15. Roland JUNO60 0:26. Korg M1 Piano 0:43. Roland D50 Pizzagogo 0:54. Moog Minimoog Bass 1:01. Yamaha DX7 Full Tines 1:11. Roland JX8P Stab Brass 1:24. Korg M1 Organ 2 1:33. Roland D50 Staccato Heaven 1:49. Roland D50 Fantasia 2:07. Korg M1 Universe 2:24. Roland D50 OK Chorale 2:35. Roland D50 Shakuhachi 2:47. Yamaha DX7 Harmonica 2:55. Yamaha DX7 TUB BELLS 3:03. Yamaha DX7 Marimba 3:08. Moog Minimoog West Coast Whistle 3:19. Moog Minimoog Lead 3:30. Roland JX8P Sync Lead 3:37. Moog Minimoog Pop Corn 3:46. Yamaha Dx7 Bass 1 3:52. Roland D50 Afterthought 4:02. OB6 Jump brass 4:16. OB6 Sawyer Bass"
"🎹 The Yamaha DX7 is one of the most iconic synthesizers of all time—and the sound of the entire 1980s. In this video, we break down the most famous DX7 presets like E. Piano 1, Marimba, and Bass, and the legendary songs that made them unforgettable, from Toto to The Police. If you want to know why the DX7 changed music forever and why its sounds are still everywhere today, this video is for you. The Yamaha DX7 shaped the sound of the 80s like no other synthesizer. These sounds defined pop, rock, R&B, and film music.
The DX7 song list:
0:06 Dire Straits
0:22 The Police
0:36 The Commodores
0:50 Bryan Adams
1:05 Chaka Khan
1:20 Toto
1:33 Kenny Loggins
1:42 H. Faltermeyer
1:55 Chris Rea
2:06 Dirk Michaelis
"The third track on my EP, made almost exclusively with Yamaha DX7 (for the synthesizer part) and a handful of drum machines. As mentioned, this track also features an electric guitar solo, played by Sharad Shakya, which fits perfectly with this unmistakably '80s vibe. Stay tuned."
Yamaha DX7 - the best (arguable) digital synth ever! Part IV
"And here's another snippet of the track, created entirely with the Yamaha DX7 and the TX802 FM Tone Generator (a rack-module version of the DX7mkII with full 8-part multi-timbral operation). It also includes the electric guitar solo played by Sharad that enriches the second part of the song."
[Note: although DiscoDSP gives credit to The Usual Suspects, it's my understanding TUS is not happy about it. From a forum:
"He basically took our source, put his own wrapper on it and is trying to sell it and use it to promote his own business. Can't prevent it, but frankly this is reprehensible IMHO.
Yes. He knows he cannot legally "sell" it due to the licensing model our code is published under. Therefore he sells "support" of "his development efforts" to include difficult things like "git clone" and other Arcane and extremely difficult stuff. sigh... I'd strongly advise anyone using it not to actually pay him for it, but that is just my opinion.]
What isn't clear is whether the UI is just the player above or includes the full editors by The Usual Suspects. I'm hearing it's just the player, which in effect might be an upsell for the full editors by The Usual Suspects.
That said:
"Retromulator brings legendary hardware cores back to life through authentic low-level emulation. The virtual analog synths are powered by a faithful recreation of the Motorola DSP 56300 processor, the Yamaha DX7 runs a full emulation of its original chip set, and the Akai S1000 sampler plays your SF2, SFZ, and Bliss sample banks with studio-quality interpolation. Each core runs its actual firmware or sample data — delivering the unmistakable character of hardware that defined electronic music from the early 80s through the 2000s.
Unlike traditional software emulations that recreate synthesizer behavior by approximation, Retromulator emulates the original integrated circuits at the hardware level. The virtual analog synths run on a cycle-accurate Motorola DSP 56300, the Yamaha DX7 runs a full emulation of its Hitachi HD6303R sub-CPU and Yamaha YM21280/YM21290 EGS/OPS chip set, and the Akai S1000 sampler runs on the SFZero v3.0.0 engine with 8-point sinc interpolation supporting SF2, SFZ, ZBP, and ZBB sample banks. Each core executes its authentic firmware or sample data exactly as intended.
Load the ROM firmware from your own hardware or sample banks from your library, place them in the designated folder, and Retromulator takes care of the rest. The result is not an approximation — it is the real hardware running inside your DAW.
Retromulator is built on Gearmulator, an open-source synthesizer emulation project by the dsp56300 team. We are grateful for their extraordinary work in bringing these classic instruments back to life."
"RetroSound Studio Tour:
Legendary Vintage Digital & Hybrid Synthesizers of the 80s and early 90s
In this episode of RetroSound Studio, I explore classic digital synthesizers that revolutionized electronic music production during the 80s and early 90s.
From FM synthesis and wavetable synthesis to vector synthesis, PD synthesis, vitual analog and Roland’s LA synthesis, these instruments introduced a new generation of sound design and defined the sonic identity of an era.
The Yamaha DX7 became one of the best-selling synthesizers of all time, defining FM electric pianos and metallic digital textures. The PPG Wave pioneered wavetable synthesis, laying the foundation for modern digital sound engines. The Sequential Prophet VS introduced vector synthesis, allowing dynamic blending between digital waveforms. The Roland D-50 shaped late-80s pop and film scoring with its LA synthesis architecture, while the Roland JD-800 brought hands-on control back to digital synthesis in the 1990s.
These digital synthesizers shaped genres such as synth-pop, new wave, ambient, house, techno, trance, and film music. Today, they remain highly sought after by producers, collectors, and sound designers researching vintage digital synthesizers, 80s keyboard sounds, virtual analog, classic FM synthesis, and wavetable history."
The Digital & Hybrid Synths:
0:07 Sequential Prophet VS
4:39 PPG wave 2.2
10:36 Yamaha DX7 II FD
14:56 Yamaha DX11
16:39 Casio CZ-101
19:29 Casio VZ-1
21:21 Roland JD-800
26:40 Roland D-50 / D-550
28:00 Korg Wavestation EX / SR
31:24 Korg DW-8000 / EX-8000
32:42 Roland M-VS1
35:57 Kawai K5000R
38:57 Waldorf Microwave
39:44 Waldorf Microwave II XT
41:15 Clavia Nord Modular
41:59 Yamaha AN1x
44:36 Roland JV-1080
45:33 Ensoniq SQ-80
46:23 Quasimidi Raven Max
47:42 Korg Z1
"‘Bizarre Love Triangle’ from 1986 is first off the rank for my ‘New Order February’ recreations.
I love this perfect slice of dance-synth-pop and I was keen to get the DX7 bass intro as close as I could. Earlier this week I’ve been showing the tiny $75 Raspberry Pi synth, MiniDEXED, that I built to add this vital ingredient. If you are interested check out the video showing more details,
• I made a synth for $75* ! (*excluding tar... [posted here]
A couple of very clever folk identified what I was cooking up!
The MiniDEXED was sequenced from the MIDI tracks on the Circuit Tracks and routed into the audio in to add effects from the Tracks. All that you hear was programmed into the single Circuit Tracks and no further additional synths or processing were done to the sound – it’s straight audio out recorded direct into a Zoom L6.
The arrangement was taken from several versions posted on Musescore and compressed into the 4 melodic tracks and rhythm. Thanks to everyone who posts their transcriptions there.
I hope you enjoy the track as much as I did making it. Stay tuned for more New Order recreations and reworkings for the rest of this month.
(Ableton Move version coming in just a couple of days...I'll post a link here when it's live).
"Set-(2) of Yamaha DX-7 Synthesizer cartridges. . . 1-ROM / 1-RAM . . . RAM is the super rare "4-Bank" other is a ROM. . . . Please VIEW All photos & ASK Questions before purchase. Both are in "LIKE NEW" Condition"
