Ableton Air & Ciat Lonbarde Plumbutter 2

video upload by Akihiko Matsumoto

Sequencer: Ableton Air https://akihikomatsumoto.sellfy.store...
Delay: Shoegazer Reverse Gate https://akihikomatsumoto.sellfy.store...
Ciat Lonbarde Modular Synth (Sample Pack) https://akihikomatsumoto.sellfy.store...

"Ableton Air
Inspired by Timeless Techniques
'Air' draws its inspiration from Brian Eno's Music for Airports and the concept of overlapping tape loops. This Ableton Max for Live plugin translates these ideas into a modern generative sequencer, enabling you to explore infinite musical possibilities without repetitive programming.

Effortless Note Generation
Forget the constraints of the piano roll. "Air" generates notes autonomously, creating endless variations of melodies, rhythms, and harmonies. Your music becomes a living, breathing entity that evolves over time, making each moment unique.

Perfect for Experimental and Ambient Music
Whether you're crafting immersive ambient soundscapes, exploring experimental electronica, or composing intricate minimal music, "Air" provides the tools to elevate your creativity. Its generative approach ensures that no two performances are ever the same, offering a fresh perspective with every playback.

Features Designed for Limitless Inspiration
Evolving Sequences: Generate infinitely unique patterns that never repeat.
Customizable Settings: Fine-tune parameters to align with your artistic vision.
Seamless Integration: Designed for Ableton Live users who value creativity and experimentation.

Create Music That Breathes
'Air' is more than a plugin—it's a partner in creation, designed for musicians who embrace unpredictability and seek to push boundaries. Unleash the power of generative composition and let your music take flight."

Sid Station driven by Lightreft Monolit exploring SID textures and grit

video upload by HANJŌ

"Afternoon exploration session with 3 silver boxes, the Elektron Machinedrum handling the beat and the classic SID Station led by the Lightreft Monolit on the 2.0β firmware.

Machinedrum keeps things tight and mechanical while the SID Station focuses on texture. Bit-grit, noise edges, and shifting timbres.

Just experimenting, seeing how far the monolit can take Midi Automation over an IDM groove. #machinedrum #sidstation #idm"

####

The LightReft Monolit made its first appearance on the site earlier this month in another video by HANJŌ.

The following is a playlist featuring dditional demos, followed by some pics and details further below.

Lightreft Monolit Sequencer Demos

video uploads by Sasha DZA

Playlist (in most recent order - video 7 is from one year ago):

1. Monolit Sequencer

2. Machinedrum + Monolit : Simple Setup

3. MONOLIT x DECKARD'S DREAM MK2

4. Monolit: Quick Tips for Hardware Users

In this video, we demonstrate how Monolit connects seamlessly with synths, grooveboxes, and samplers — no computer needed.
No deep menus, no distractions — just a clean interface and immediate control.

We explore different scenarios where Monolit shines: real-time MIDI control, clock generation, note and CC mapping, automation, and even gamepad integration.
Hand-built in Japan, Monolit is a minimal yet powerful tool for artists seeking intuitive, hands-on control.

Chapters:
00:00 — Intro
00:23 — Octatrack MK2 DJ setup ideas
02:42 — Scratching on Octatrack MK2
03:07 — Note-sliders / Quantisation
03:56 — Monomachine Drone
04:45 — External controller macros setup
05:08 — Double Monolit setup
05:47 — Retro game controller
06:36 — Advanced Game controller

5. Monolit Firmware 1.2.0: Unlocking New MIDI Control Features!

In this video, we dive into the new features introduced in Monolit firmware v1.2.0. From advanced MIDI routing to external slider control and dynamic button functions — Monolit just got a serious upgrade. We’re showcasing a dual-Monolit setup, where one unit controls the other, which is connected to an Elektron Monomachine.

6. Monolit × Octatrack — Live Performance Control Demo | LightReft

7. LightReft - MONOLIT v.1.0.0

00:00 - INTRODUCTION
04:36 - EDIT MENU
07:22 - CC MODE
13:12 - NOTES MODE
17:26 - LFO MODE
20:33 - MOTION MODE
23:07 - SETTINGS
24:53 - PRESET MANAGER
26:13 - MAX/MSP
30:26 - TOUCHDESIGNER
33:29 - EURORACK MODULAR
41:29 - MODEL:SAMPLES
45:02 - CONCLUSION

Welcome to the first tutorial on the MONOLIT device! In this 40+ minute video, you’ll get acquainted with the essential settings, programming, and MIDI control on MONOLIT, while exploring the device’s unique capabilities. This session covers the key aspects of working with MONOLIT, making it an ideal guide for musicians and producers who want to master its full potential.

Main topics covered:
Initial setup and connecting MONOLIT
Programming and MIDI control
Using functions and operational modes

Dive into the world of sound with this introduction to MONOLIT! Tutorial by Tim Shatny.

"MONOLIT by Light Reft

A smart, modular MIDI computer built for live performance and smooth integration with any setup. ​

Monolit is not a controller you map once to forget.
It is a playable instrument - a physical interface that lets you shape sound through motion, record gestures as automation, and turn parameters into something alive. ​

Designed for those who don’t just adjust sound, but perform it.

WHY MONOLIT?

A motion driven MIDI instrument for live sound shaping, expressive sequencing, and gestural automation.
​
8 banks with 64 controls per preset
Real-time MIDI automation and parameter morphing
Seamless DAW + hardware integration
USB, TRS-MIDI, external device support
​
Customizable, minimal, and fast.
​
MEET MONOLIT, YOUR NEW MULTIFUNCTIONAL MIDI COMPANION!
​
MONOLIT by Light Reft is a cutting-edge, multifunctional MIDI-computer that transforms your music production experience. Designed for musicians who seek precision and flexibility, MONOLIT offers seamless integration with all DAWs and hardware devices, customizable presets, and an intuitive interface for effortless control and creativity.
​
Whether you're diving into your DAW or jamming out with external hardware instruments, MONOLIT has you covered. An endless library of presets at your fingertips—each one offering 8 banks, with 8 sliders and 8 buttons per bank. That's a whole lot of control!

For each slider and button, we present a range of versatile options. You can record MIDI automation, set delay times for slider movements, send notes and LFOs, and adjust various parameters directly within the device. This flexibility ensures that you have complete control over every detail of your setup.
​
But it doesn't stop there. MONOLIT is as versatile as you are, allowing you to connect other devices like Gamepads, Keyboards, Monome Grid , or any MIDI device you fancy. This means you can take command of your entire setup, all through one sleek, powerful interface. Whether you're crafting the perfect beat, tweaking synths, or anything in between, MONOLIT is the tool that brings your musical ideas to life with ease and style.
​
Designed and assembled in Japan, MONOLIT is ready to be shipped worldwide.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Ambient Generative Music | Ableton Air & Roland JP-8080

video upload by Akihiko Matsumoto

"Generative Sequencer: Ableton Air https://akihikomatsumoto.sellfy.store...

Inspired by Timeless Techniques
"Air" draws its inspiration from Brian Eno's Music for Airports and the concept of overlapping tape loops. This Ableton Max for Live plugin translates these ideas into a modern generative sequencer, enabling you to explore infinite musical possibilities without repetitive programming.
Effortless Note Generation
Forget the constraints of the piano roll. "Air" generates notes autonomously, creating endless variations of melodies, rhythms, and harmonies. Your music becomes a living, breathing entity that evolves over time, making each moment unique.
Perfect for Experimental and Ambient Music
Whether you're crafting immersive ambient soundscapes, exploring experimental electronica, or composing intricate minimal music, "Air" provides the tools to elevate your creativity. Its generative approach ensures that no two performances are ever the same, offering a fresh perspective with every playback.
Features Designed for Limitless Inspiration
Evolving Sequences: Generate infinitely unique patterns that never repeat.
Customizable Settings: Fine-tune parameters to align with your artistic vision.
Seamless Integration: Designed for Ableton Live users who value creativity and experimentation.
Create Music That Breathes
"Air" is more than a plugin—it's a partner in creation, designed for musicians who embrace unpredictability and seek to push boundaries. Unleash the power of generative composition and let your music take flight."

Give Me 7 Minutes - Unbelievable LoFi Track From Scratch with The Kiviak Wofi Sampler

video upload by SYNTH SAMURAI

"⁠The Kiviak Instruments WoFI is a portable Sampler keyboard that connects to the internet via WiFi, and features an innovative effect module called Texturer that combines elements of shimmer and granular synthesis to create unique and fascinating sounds. Its compact size and intuitive interface make it an ideal tool for musicians and producers who are always on the move. In addition, WoFI comes with a rechargeable battery, allowing you to create music anywhere you go without worrying about power. You can also share your patches and access sound banks from other sound designers through the mywo.fi community platform. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned professional, WoFI offers endless possibilities for exploring new sonic territories and creating unique sounds."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Erik Norlander's Yamaha SY35 Dynamic Vector Synthesizer Keyboard

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
video upload by moogfoundation

Note his is the last listing to be captured on the site.

via this Reverb listing

"The Yamaha SY35 is a digital vector synthesizer from the early ’90s that combines FM and sample-based AWM synthesis into an expressive, performance-friendly keyboard. With its real-time vector joystick, players can dynamically blend between four sound sources to create rich, evolving textures, perfect for ambient, synth pop, or cinematic soundscapes.

This unit is in excellent condition, fully functional, and cosmetically clean.

Key Features:

61-note velocity-sensitive keyboard
2 FM + 2 AWM sound source layers per patch
Real-time vector joystick for dynamic blending
Built-in effects including chorus and reverb
32-note polyphony
MIDI I/O and data storage via cartridge
Condition Notes:

All keys, buttons, and the vector joystick function perfectly
Display is bright and clear
Cosmetic condition is excellent with minimal wear
Though sometimes overshadowed by its more complex relatives, the SY35 has a sound all its own - glassy, shifting, and rich with movement. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone exploring digital synthesis with a hands-on twist.

30% of proceeds benefit the Bob Moog Foundation."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Thephonoloop's themkI

video uploads by THEPHONOLOOP

Playlist:

1. themkI | An exploration of a 70s classic
2. themkI | Overview
3. themkI | Presets playthrough

Press release follows:


Thephonoloop tweaks themkI as deeply-sampled, expressive VI exploring electromechanical keyboard classic’s imperfections with colourful Version 1.1 update


KATOWICE, POLAND: Thephonoloop is proud to announce that it has tweaked themkI — already available as a deeply-sampled, expressive VI (virtual instrument) for Native Instruments’ KONTAKT PLAYER platform housed in an MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) compatible engine built for discovery and experimentation, exploring the beautiful imperfections of a Seventies-vintage electromechanical keyboard classic — with a colourful Version 1.1 update introducing sharper contrast for better visibility alongside new GUI (Graphical User Interface) colour options for customising its look, as of October 7…

CLICK FOR MORE »

Tone Science Module No.10 The Final Patch (DiN:TS10)

"Now available as a double CD with an 8-page booklet & download

Tone Science sub-label, from DiN records, concludes it’s exploration of the world of modular synth music.

Since the first volume in the Tone Science series was released in 2018, seventy-two musicians in total have joined in with this celebration of the musical possibilities of modular synthesis. These artists have been from a huge range of backgrounds but have all shared the unifying purpose of showcasing the incredible variety of sonic possibilities these instruments can offer.

Tone Science sub-label, from DiN records, concludes its exploration of the world of modular synth music.

Since the first volume in the Tone Science series was released in 2018, seventy-two musicians in total have joined in with this celebration of the musical possibilities of modular synthesis. These artists have been from a huge range of backgrounds but have all shared the unifying purpose of showcasing the incredible variety of sonic possibilities these instruments can offer.

The intervening seven years have seen the modular synth world expanding at an exponential rate and whilst one wouldn’t go so far as to say these synths are mainstream, they are certainly far more prevalent than in the past. It’s especially gratifying to see so many musicians now either play solo sets with them or to include them in their onstage arsenal.

Thus we come to this, the final instalment in the Tone Science series. Nothing lasts forever and certainly stopping at this nice round number of ten seems like a good way to not only end the series but to release the Final Patch, a real celebration of what has gone before and perhaps to hint at what is possible for the future. A beautifully packaged double CD featuring twenty artists who have appeared on previous iterations of the series, it really is a who’s who of modular synth musicians. The release is accompanied by an eight-page booklet with an essay by Neil Mason and some final words from the guiding force behind the whole project, Ian Boddy, label boss at DiN. And as Boddy so succinctly puts it in his liner notes, “for me, despite the technological nature of the equipment, the emotional quality of the music is the single most important factor”. The Final Patch certainly delivers on that ethos.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Ocean Swift FREE Legacy Synthesizers Part 2 - Re-Released and Updated

Follow-up to this post.

Press release follows:

Ocean Swift announces the second part of the return of the Ocean Swift legacy synthesizers, now available again as free downloads!

From the developer: "For the last two years, these plugins have been unavailable as we restructured our brand and website. With the release of this second part of the collection, all the legacy plugins are now available and more future proof with VST3 support."
All plugins have now been updated to include VST3 versions.
All preset packs and extra downloadable content included


Download everything here: https://oceanswift.net/freebies/#legacy-vst

Included Releases
Polyphenom 1+2 - Exploring additive, wavetable, and fm synthesis.
Defiant WT - Compact but packs a punch and a host of advanced features.
QuirQuiQ - Kick synth that fits your pocket.
Wavetabler - Our first play into wavetable sewing machines.
Shruti Box Kontakt 6 Full - Kontakt rendition of the Indian instrument.
Important Notes
These plugins are Windows-only and provided as-is with no guarantees or support.
The VST2 versions remain unchanged from the last available release.
The VST3 versions are newly built but functionally identical to the VST2 versions.
No AAX, CLAP, or additional plugin formats are available.

Knobula - Monumatic. Epic Modular Eurorack Poly Synth!

video upload by The Unperson

"In today's video I am exploring a new module from Knobula called Monumatic. Monumatic is the successor the Poly Cinematic which was one of the first modules to bring polyphony to eurorack. Monumatic is a significant upgrade in pretty much every way. There are more waveforms, more filters, more effects, and most importantly more modulation! Another of my favourite features is that notes will overlap even using using gate and CV to control the module. This means you're not dependant on MIDI to access polyphony. If you'd like more info on this fully polyphonic synthesizer then head on over to:

https://www.knobula.com/product-page/...

CONTENT
0:00 - Intro
1:31 - Overview
6:32 - Gate/CV Jam
11:43 - Mono Jam
15:22 - Vocal Filter Jam
17:44 - Poly Jam
20:00 - Final Thoughts/Outro

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 »

EXPLORING THE ELGAM CAROUSEL

video upload by Vintage Audio Institute Italia

"The mythical Elgam Carousel from 1976 - is it a toy or a songwriting tool?
It's at least safe to say it's an analog drum machine and arpeggiator, with 3 chord sounds and a bass line generator that swings real good - here recorded completely dry without effects.

The Groove box that sparked todays hype of the genre - a stunningly well-designed piece of gear with a great analog vibe that stays relevant. Originally, this was the Crazy Hands section from the Elgam Broadway organ.

The Carousel is comprised of 4 sections :
1. Drum Machine
2. Bass Section - generating a choice of two bass-lines
3. Chord section - three sounds (Harpsichord, Honki tonk and Piano)
4. Arpeggio section - one sound with adjustable decay and 2 stackable harmonies.

The melodic sections change depending on the rhythm engaged and follow the tonality of the keyboard. Sonically the sounds gel really nicely, this machine is the sum of all its parts, the rhythms and bass lines are well-programmed, the bass has great lines and the arpeggiator adds that magic.
The drum section offers 15 fixed rhythms of great analog drum sounds. No individual drum sound mute options, but hey - at least you can add maracas.

You have the option to select the tonality with one finger for simple root chords and selecting minor, 7th or diminished with the foot pedal. Or you can choose to operate it in manual mode and potentially play more complicated chords.

In manual mode the bass and arpeggiator only makes sense of chords of three notes while the chord section reads all the notes at the same time. On the back we usually have a single audio output and a pedal switch connector for stop/start and minor and 7th but this one had some other mods added that were disconnected.

This unit was just serviced and will go up for sale next week so holler if you're interested - it's in good condition"

Ambient Generative Music | Ableton Air & Roland JP-8080

video upload by Akihiko Matsumoto

"Generative Sequencer: Ableton Air https://akihikomatsumoto.sellfy.store...

Inspired by Timeless Techniques
"Air" draws its inspiration from Brian Eno's Music for Airports and the concept of overlapping tape loops. This Ableton Max for Live plugin translates these ideas into a modern generative sequencer, enabling you to explore infinite musical possibilities without repetitive programming.
Effortless Note Generation
Forget the constraints of the piano roll. 'Air' generates notes autonomously, creating endless variations of melodies, rhythms, and harmonies. Your music becomes a living, breathing entity that evolves over time, making each moment unique.
Perfect for Experimental and Ambient Music
Whether you're crafting immersive ambient soundscapes, exploring experimental electronica, or composing intricate minimal music, "Air" provides the tools to elevate your creativity. Its generative approach ensures that no two performances are ever the same, offering a fresh perspective with every playback.
Features Designed for Limitless Inspiration
Evolving Sequences: Generate infinitely unique patterns that never repeat.
Customizable Settings: Fine-tune parameters to align with your artistic vision.
Seamless Integration: Designed for Ableton Live users who value creativity and experimentation.
Create Music That Breathes
'Air' is more than a plugin—it's a partner in creation, designed for musicians who embrace unpredictability and seek to push boundaries. Unleash the power of generative composition and let your music take flight."

Stylophone CPM DS-2: Dark Atmospheric Sounds. No Talk Demo

video upload by Anton Anru

"Obsidian is a collection of 50 custom presets for the analog synthesizer Stylophone CPM DS-2. In this pack, you’ll find drones, textures, FXs, rhythmical patterns and sequences, and immersive soundscapes.
🔮 I was fascinated by exploring this drone machine, and in this collection, I share the results of that journey. My goal was to extract a broad variety of timbres— dark, noisy, vintage/retro, cold, dull, distorted, metallic, tense, as well as atonal, non-harmonic, FX-like, evolving, moving, and sweeping sounds.

📦 Get the soundset: https://antonanru.sellfy.store/p/cpm-...

📺 The soundset draws inspiration from sci-fi movies, soundtracks, dystopian narratives, urban landscapes, noise ambient albums, experimental modern art, and innovative sound design.

📻 Perfect for genres such as Dark, Noise, Ambient, Cinematic, IDM, Electronica, Dub, Deep, Techno, Industrial, Minimal, Garage, Experimental, and more. These timbres also work exceptionally well for movie soundtracks, games, apps, digital art, live sound art performances, and VR landscapes—anywhere a dark, atmospheric vibe is needed.

📓 The soundset is presented in a PDF document. Each page contains notes explaining how each patch works, which parameters to tweak during playback, and techniques to further develop the timbre during performance. By following these instructions and experimenting with the suggested settings, you’ll deepen your understanding of the synth and unlock its true potential.
🎧 Each patch also includes an audio example to help you grasp the intended sound.

💾 The collection additionally includes 24/41000 WAV samples. You can use these samples as they are, or feel free to resample, edit, and apply effects in your DAW, sampler, or granular synth. They provide versatile material for your sonic experimentation.

🖲 The Stylophone CPM DS-2 is an analog synthesizer highly sensitive to both settings and performance. I’ve done my best to document all parameters precisely; however, expect slight variations, as this is a truly alive, analog instrument. This is especially true for pitch, tuning, and FM settings—and in some cases, on the delay. The PITCH/RATE and LFO DEPTH knobs are extremely responsive— even a slight movement can shift the pitch significantly.
Many presets don’t adhere to a strict tonal center, so feel free to experiment with frequency settings. If you need to hit specific notes, I recommend using a tuner when adjusting pitch and FM."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Vongon Replay | Seven Synth Sketches

video upload by Jay Hosking

"Please support my work on Patreon: / jayhosking
Exploring the Vongon Replay with... another Vongon Replay.

00:00 - Galloping and ghosts
02:34 - Solo, dry then wet
04:18 - Solo, cascading weird arp
05:07 - Solo, sentimental nostalgia
07:15 - High arp, low chords
10:49 - Slow arp, bass notes
15:28 - Rolling bassline, major-minor

I bought a Replay with my own money, a year or so ago. I find it useful to have around, and to travel with: it's small, what-you-see-is-what-you-get, sounds good, has a keyboard, and generally fits into a variety of setups.

Recently, MAS Distribution asked me if they could send over the new black Replay for me to play with. It's the exact same synth, but I thought it might be fun to get two Replays up on the table and just explore.

So that's what this is: seven improvisations or written-on-the-spot ideas using two Replays. For effects, I tried out the Ultrasheer (Vongon's reverb/vibrato combo) and my trusty Chroma Console (for colour/saturation/delay). The performance was recorded live to a stereo output with extremely gentle EQ & compression, plus limiting on the master.

I think it showcases why I like this synth: you sit down and noodle on it and you come up with ideas. It evokes nostalgic, sentimental sounds that are uncomplicated but pretty. I know there's a whole world of internet discourse about this synth, but ultimately what matters to me is how something works as an instrument. I think the Replay does its job pretty well.

Thanks for listening."

Soma Lyra-8 Sounds: Dark Ambient Texture Pad FX No Talk Demo

video upload by Anton Anru

"Oblivion Glow is a collection of 50 patches for the analog synthesizer Soma Lyra-8, dedicated to dark, deep, and atmospheric sound.
🎆 Lyra-8 is one of the most unique synthesizers of our time, both in terms of functionality and sonic character. It offers a radically different approach to sound design and performance.
Its true power lies in its dynamics and expressiveness—the instrument, its parameters, and controllers are highly sensitive to settings and playing technique, making its sound incredibly alive and constantly evolving.
💎 This quality has made Lyra-8 a beloved and almost essential tool for genres like ambient, techno, cinematic, IDM, industrial, and beyond—anywhere a blend of liveliness and innovation is required.

📦 Get these presets: https://antonanru.sellfy.store/p/lyra...

🎛 Exploring this instrument was a truly inspiring experience, and in this soundset, I share the results of that journey. My goal was to extract the broadest possible palette of timbres: warm and cold, soft and harsh, harmonic and distorted, modern and vintage, clean and noisy, smooth and rhythmic.
🕹 I also explored different performance techniques, aiming to strike a balance between the experimental and the musical.

📦 This pack includes drones, pads, textures, leads, FXs, strings, rhythmic patterns, and soundscapes.
🎙 Some patches are designed to take the lead in a track or jam session, while others serve perfectly as supporting layers. While each sound is ready to use as-is, I highly recommend interacting with the controls during performance—modulating parameters in real-time reveals new sonic depths and greatly enhances expressiveness.

📔 The soundset is presented as a PDF document. Each page contains detailed notes explaining how the patch works, which parameters are key for real-time manipulation, and how to evolve the timbre while playing. Following these suggestions will not only expand your sound palette but also deepen your understanding of the instrument.

📀 Each patch comes with an audio example to guide you in understanding how it is intended to sound.

💾 The collection also includes 24/41000 WAV samples. These can be used directly in your projects, or freely resampled, edited, and processed—offering a versatile library of material for further experimentation."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Of cyclotrons and sequencers: recreating a 1974 “probability controller” in Eurorack

video upload by Electrum Modular

"This is the first video in a new series exploring the University of Iowa’s Electronic Music Studio. In addition to presenting its historic instruments (including a 1968 Moog IIIP with custom-made modules), and the famous musicians who have used them, these videos will extrapolate ideas to use in your own modular systems. This episode examines a unique random sequencer that was developed in 1974 by Paul Dingman, an electrical engineering student at Iowa. It then shows how it might be recreated using the third lane ('time') on Make Noise’s 0-Ctrl. NOTE: several other Eurorack sequencers also have this feature, as indeed does the Moog’s own 960 sequential controller; alternatively, use an LFO to clock any sequencer and patch the sequencer’s second lane/channel (if it has one) back into that LFO’s frequency input.

0:00 University of Iowa's Electronic Music Studio
0:42 Introducing Dingman's Probability Controller
1:58 Demonstrating the Probability Controller
3:50 Recreating the Probability Controller in Eurorack

My new album:



CREDITS

Thanks to Paul Dingman for answering my questions over Zoom.

Film sequences:
'Atom Smashers' (Encyclopaedia Britannica Films in collaboration with the Division of the Physical Sciences and the Institute of Nuclear Studies at the University of Chicago, 1952)

'The Meaning of Time In Science' (Encyclopaedia Britannica Films, d. Kent Smith, 1973); both archive.org

Portrait of Peter Tod Lewis: https://composers.com/collections/pet...

Music: Peter Tod Lewis, 'Gestes II' (1974), from the Mnemothèque Internationale des Arts Electroacoustiques (University of North Texas Music Library). Program notes for an EMS concert on April 13, 1979, described “Gestes II” as “the generation of musical gestures through coordinated operation of sequential controllers programmed to produce a large but finite collection of voltages, controlling variously oscillators, amplifiers, and filters” (University of Iowa Music Library)."

Ableton Air & Ciat Lonbarde Plumbutter 2

video upload by Akihiko Matsumoto

Sequencer: Ableton Air https://akihikomatsumoto.sellfy.store...
Delay: Shoegazer Reverse Gate https://akihikomatsumoto.sellfy.store... "Ableton Air
Inspired by Timeless Techniques
'Air' draws its inspiration from Brian Eno's Music for Airports and the concept of overlapping tape loops. This Ableton Max for Live plugin translates these ideas into a modern generative sequencer, enabling you to explore infinite musical possibilities without repetitive programming.

Effortless Note Generation
Forget the constraints of the piano roll. 'Air' generates notes autonomously, creating endless variations of melodies, rhythms, and harmonies. Your music becomes a living, breathing entity that evolves over time, making each moment unique.

Perfect for Experimental and Ambient Music
Whether you're crafting immersive ambient soundscapes, exploring experimental electronica, or composing intricate minimal music, 'Air' provides the tools to elevate your creativity. Its generative approach ensures that no two performances are ever the same, offering a fresh perspective with every playback.

Features Designed for Limitless Inspiration
Evolving Sequences: Generate infinitely unique patterns that never repeat.
Customizable Settings: Fine-tune parameters to align with your artistic vision.
Seamless Integration: Designed for Ableton Live users who value creativity and experimentation.

Create Music That Breathes
'Air' is more than a plugin—it's a partner in creation, designed for musicians who embrace unpredictability and seek to push boundaries. Unleash the power of generative composition and let your music take flight."

The World's First Programmable Synthesizer and its Pulitzer Prize Winning Music

video upload by ITSPmagazine

"This synthesizer is the world's first programmable music synthesizer. The first piece of electronic music to win the Pulitzer Prize was made on it.

basically a two voice synthesizer with tone generation and composing in the left hand side and processing on the right hand side, including manual binary for the, uh, ordering of the effects processes. Um, which for its time, uh, essentially like a uh, touring computer. Um, uh, was it You know, one and a half tons, seven feet tall, 14 feet wide, it's quite a behemoth, but now it's a very large paperweight.

Watch the full video:" [The above comes in at 22:41 - vintage Buchla, Serge & more follow. See this post for the red Buchla LSD module]

How Technology is Changing the Way We Make Music | A Conversation with Seth Cluett

video upload by ITSPmagazine

"Guest: Seth Cluett, Director of Columbia University’s Computer Music Center | On LinkedIn: / seth-cluett-7631065 | Columbia University Computer Music Center Bio: https://cmc.music.columbia.edu/bios/s...

Host: Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast & Music Evolves Podcast | Website: https://www.seanmartin.com/

Show Notes

Music and technology have always shaped each other, and few places embody that relationship as deeply as the Computer Music Center (CMC) at Columbia University. In this episode of Music Evolves, Sean Martin sits down with Seth Cluett, Director of the Computer Music Center and Assistant Director of the Sound Art MFA program at Columbia, to explore the center’s rich history, its role in advancing music technology, and how it continues to shape the future of sound.

The Legacy and Mission of the Computer Music Center

The CMC is housed in the same 6,000-square-foot space as the original Columbia-Princeton Electronic Music Center, which dates back to 1951 and is one of the world’s oldest university-based electronic music research facilities. This was the birthplace of early electronic music, where pioneers learned to use cutting-edge technology to create new sounds. Many of those musicians went on to establish their own studios around the world, from Egypt to Japan.

The center has played a role in major milestones in music history, including the work of Wendy Carlos, a former student known for Switched-On Bach, the score for Tron, and The Shining. The first piece of electronic music to win a Pulitzer Prize was also composed here. Today, under Cluett’s leadership, the focus remains on creativity-driven technological innovation—allowing composers and artists to explore technology freely and push the boundaries of what’s possible in sound and music.

One of the center’s guiding principles is accessibility. Cluett emphasizes the importance of lowering barriers to entry for students who may not have had prior access to music technology. The goal is to make sure that anyone, regardless of background, can walk into the studio and begin working with 80% of its capabilities within the first 20 minutes.

Exploring the Labs and Studios

The episode also includes a tour of the labs and studios, showcasing some of the center’s groundbreaking equipment. One highlight is the RCA Mark II Synthesizer, the world’s first programmable music synthesizer. Built in the late 1950s, this massive machine—seven feet tall and weighing over a ton—was instrumental in shaping the sound of early electronic music. The system worked by punching holes into paper to control sound generation, similar to a player piano. While no longer in use, the CMC has collaborated with iZotope to model some of its effects digitally.

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Stylophone DS-2: Seven Fun Patch Ideas to Spark Your Dronespiration!

video upload by Oscillator Sink

"From the comments on my last DS-2 video it seems that a lot of folks are having fun exploring sounds on this little box - me too! Because I'm a nerd, I've been making notes on some of the fun things I've found and I'll share seven with you in this video to try out on your DS-2!

Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:52 Beautiful Sines
04:20 Filthy Filter Self Modulation
09:21 Stoopid Arcade Sound Patch
11:07 More LFO Shapes
14:00 Always Be Pingin'
19:11 Delay Pitch Shifter Sequencer Thing
24:01 The Inevitable Groovebox Patch"

Ambient | MEGA SYNTHESIS(Y.BR2) & Ableton Air

video upload by Akihiko Matsumoto

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Inspired by Timeless Techniques
'Air' draws its inspiration from Brian Eno's Music for Airports and the concept of overlapping tape loops. This Ableton Max for Live plugin translates these ideas into a modern generative sequencer, enabling you to explore infinite musical possibilities without repetitive programming.

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Features Designed for Limitless Inspiration
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