"Here we have the new Swell Eurorack filter and valve gain stage from Bartola Instruments. We'll be exploring this in the usual in depth DivKid demo style in the future but wanted to share our literal first patch playing around with saturating, character oozing valve distortion and filtering ... and in doing so, share some modulation tips about how we like to patch modulation, mixing sources and making things feel exciting and dynamic. I hope the patch notes below are useful and let us know what you'd like to see more of with Swell."
"*PATCH NOTES*
The simple bit first - AUDIO PATH - two saw wave oscillators, changing the octaves between them at points, mixed into 'Swell' and then output into some stereo FX for background ambience.
The modulation is where this gets exciting going into the FM input (which modules filter cut off frequency) is my main envelope, a simple decay envelope. Resonance is modulated by a step sequence (external attenuation is the key here). Then the v/oct input is used as a place to input a mix of modulation. The first is an accent envelope, patching a less dense gate rhythm into a second envelope and patching that into a mixer. Then outputting the mixer into the v/oct input of the filter. The second is then the same step sequence as the resonance.
So with the mixer into the v/oct and the FM input I have 3 modulation sources modulating the filter frequency - main envelope, accent envelope & step sequence.
Modules used - Thonk Synth VCO, Joranalogue Cycle 5, TINRS Next Tuesday, Making Sound Machines Multiplikand, Bartola Instruments Swell, WMD + Infrasonic Audio Cosmis Debris, Vostok Instruments Fuji, Apollo View IOU, Thonk Synth dual VCA.
THIS VIDEO IS SPONSORED BY BARTOLA INSTRUMENTS* they have funded the creation of this first patch video and future demo video with Swell. Any questions just ask."
"I've been sitting with this piece for a good few weeks.
It was originally recorded on holiday as audio in a forest in France but I wanted to capture the patch in video form too. The original audio take has more magic than this version to me (perhaps it was the time and place) but the core is still there in this take.
Atrium is using a sub-selection of 31EDO notes with 5 clusters forming the harmonic basis and freqs is also mapped to notes to give another 5 subset of offset chords based on the clusters.
These subsets are controlled by a sustain lower limit control to give an easy access performance control.
The voice is mostly exploring simple use of the Form synth and the overtones/multiphonics give several other harmonies to explore.
Initially the LFO is muted but creeps in mapped to voicing to add movement.
There is some additional reverb from a TX-6 mixer but other than that its all Atrium.
I find this patch incredibly meditative and love journeying through the consonant world it inhabits. Atrium is capable of so much more sonically but this is a place that feels safe and content and I keep returning.
The patch is shared in the Atrium Discord for those interested to try it out."
"We are super excited to introduce 3 new instruments today! Plinky 12 is a family of expressive polyphonic touch synthesizers. The three instruments are built around a shared synth engine. Designed by mmalex, it evokes the unmistakable melancholic sounds of the original Plinky. https://plinky12.com
Each instrument is designed in collaboration with a different synth maker, lending each panel a distinct playability and unique character.
Plinky 12 Chords is a harmonic inspiration machine. It lets you improvise melodies and chords, with expressive control over voicings, progressions, and immediate musical play. Created by Making Sound Machines, Chords is the panel for finding beautiful harmonic movement quickly.
Plinky 12 Toadstep is a 4-track step sequencer built for super funky riffs, experimental self-generative melodies, and good ol' Acid. Created by Toadstool Tech, the designer behind the Ectocore Eurorack module, Toadstep is fun, immediate and easy to jam with!
Plinky 12 Blocks is an open panel built for experimentation, with monome-grid compatibility, Plinky style touch synthesis, and a browser-based coding environment just a click away. While it comes with a fully playable design out of the gate, creator mmalex invites you to build your own adventure with this panel. If you can imagine it, you can make it!
In this video, Enrica and Roland from Making Sound Machines explore the three new Plinky 12 instruments: Blocks, Chords and Toadstep from left to right.
The track builds on a repeating loop created with the built-in sequencer on Plinky 12 Toadstep. The short sequence uses rhythmic step repeats, track step length and animated synth parameters to create an ostinato that keeps sonically evolving over the length of the track.
As the piece continues, Roland plays a progression of harmonies from the rainbow chord palette on Plinky 12 Chords, before launching a sequence that reharmonizes the loop heard from Toadstep. Enrica joins in playing sparkling arpeggios with her fingertips on Plinky 12 Blocks, the surface with the sunset colour-fade print.
As the track progresses, Roland plays a melodic line on Chords, then Enrica takes over with a melody on blocks. The Plinky 12 polyphonic play surface reads both play position and pressure of the touch. It enables bends and glides on the horizontal axis, while allowing for discrete arps in the vertical direction.
They end the piece with a tempo transition showcasing the septuplet feature on the internal sequencer."
"I dive deep into the raw sounds and harmonic richness of the SED-CSM, a complete analog synth voice from Rides in the Storm. With its dual oscillators, sub-octave generator, ring modulator, and a dedicated noise source, this module provides a massive foundation for everything from earth-shaking bass to evolving drones.
SED-CSM has two LFOs which can go into audio-rate, reaching up to 6.6 kHz and a VCF equipped with a dedicated overdrive switch. The SED-CSM offers endless possibilities for aggressive textures and squelchy, acid-inspired leads.
Complementing this is the QSQ; an 8-channel performance sequencer and MIDI-to-CV interface that serves as the brain of the operation. I show how the QSQ’s 16 analog-style rotary encoders allow for intuitive, hands-on melodic creation. Leveraging features like Euclidean rhythms, per-step probability, and integrated LFO/envelope generation, the QSQ compliments SED-CSM’s raw oscillators.
Timeline: 00:00 Sound demo 00:48 Overview of SED-CSM 04:50 Making a gritty bassline 08:11 Dub-techno chords 10:56 Doombient drones 16:46 Percussive sounds and hihats 17:56 Use LFOs to add hihat ratchets 19:23 Metallic tones and wavefolding 24:41 QSQ sequencer overview 25:34 Adding probability to notes 29:34 Using a sequencer for modulation 30:48 Adjusting a track's playback speed 31:28 MODulation amount 32:23 Using nudge to vary melodies 33:37 QSQ as a MIDI to CV converter 35:22 Mapping velocity from keyboard 36:34 QSQ is a MIDI recorder 38:48 Wrapping up"
"What happens when a synthesizer completely breaks the rules? In this video, we explore the Genki KATLA — a truly unique polysynth inspired by Icelandic volcanoes, featuring a rotating voice architecture, hybrid signal path, and some of the most unpredictable sound design possibilities I’ve come across.
This isn’t your typical analog polysynth. Each of the five voices can run independently with different waveforms, octaves, and modulation — creating evolving textures, harmonic movement, and generative-style sounds that feel closer to modular synthesis than traditional keyboards.
🎛️ What makes the KATLA special? • Rotating voice polyphony (round robin-style synthesis) • Independent per-voice oscillators & tuning • Digital oscillators + analog filter signal path • Looping envelopes reaching audio-rate modulation • Phase distortion, wavefolding & multiple distortion types • Tape-style wow, flutter & pitch instability effects • Stereo voice movement & evolving spatial modulation • External inputs for processing other gear
From lush ambient pads to aggressive, evolving sequences — this synth can go places most instruments simply can’t. It’s not about recreating vintage sounds… it’s about discovering entirely new ones.
💸 At around €5000, this is definitely not a beginner synth — but for sound designers, and anyone looking for something truly different, it well worth a look."
Genki Katla Sound Design: Making sounds from scratch and exploring
video upload by MR TUNA Music
Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 0:16 - Init patch 0:44 - Filter sounds 1:26 - Raising 1 voice 1:43 - Creating a basic pluck sound 2:24 - Aftertouch controls 2:45 - Bring in a little reverb 2:56 - LFO to filter cutoff 3:16 - LFO to reverb mix 3:46 - Keyboard cutoff 4:00 - Osc 3 Square wave 4:23 - Sub oscillator 4:54 - KATLA parameters 5:01 - Rústir wavefolder 6:08 - Rökkur stereospreader 6:37 - Skriða envelope randomizer 7:27 - Aska random modulations 7:57 - Glóð tape stops and flutters 8:35 - Skjálfti ??? 9:14 - Kvika slow tape modulations 9:38 - dark pads 10:20 - Móða voice detuning 11:20 - Katla sounds with aftertouch 13:28 - Thanks for watching
"Hey guys! Very very excited to be presenting the Genki Katla to you all... I am truly in awe of the sound of this very unique and powerful instrument.
I thought the best way to get to know the synth is to start from scratch so in this video we'll go full hands-on with the Genki Katla, exploring (almost) every parameter and building sounds from an initialized patch.
From some raw drone layers and gritty textures to evolving pads, rhythmic sequences, and atmospheric beds, we will see just what this instrument can do, discover new sounds, and maybe make some friends along the way 🙏
If you're into sound design, unique synths, or just love discovering new instruments, this one is for you!
HUGE thanks to Genki for letting me a part of this with them and showing off this super cool synth.
No money was paid, no agreements were made... these are my real thoughts on this very premium synthesizer and I will be sharing lots more."
Press release follows:
Genki Instruments announces availability of Katla as Voice Rotating Polyphonic Synthesizer inspired by its natural namesake
REYKJAVIK, ICELAND: having twice blown European musical minds thanks to show-stealing showcases at SUPERBOOTH25, May 8-10, Berlin, Germany and Machina Bristronica 2025, September 27-28, Bristol, UK, before adventuring across the pond for a repeat performance at Buchla & Friends 2026, January 24-25, LA, CA, USA, Reykjavik-based instrument developer Genki Instruments is proud to announce availability of the eagerly-awaited Katla as a Voice Rotating Polyphonic Synthesizer inspired by Iceland’s largest subglacial volcano as its natural namesake — readily representing the company’s first foray into analogue synthesis, albeit one that uniquely utilises a set of wildcard parameters to infuse it with organic, unpredictable behaviour as an instrument that is worthy of that legacy, excelling at generating rich, evolving, multi-layered textures, where each note stirs, swells, and erupts in its own distinct way — as of March 31…
Clearly Katla’s inspiration runs through its ‘volcanic’ veins. After all, it is framed by side panels and knobs forged from authentic Icelandic lava, giving each instrument a tangible connection to the volcanic forces that inspired it. That this synth should surely roar is a given. Genki Instruments inevitably chose, therefore, to kit Katla out with four independent distortion destinations, the most unruly of which is a stereo CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) Drive effect — a characterful saturation stage, pushing tones from warm and rounded to fractured and snarling.
Thephonoloop announces availability of outlines VI, beautifully blending raw acoustic gestures with tape loops and modular-processed tonal experiments
KATOWICE, POLAND: Thephonoloop is proud to announce availability of outlines as its latest NKS (Native Kontrol Standard) ready VI (virtual instrument) for Native Instruments’ Kontakt Player free sample player — beautifully blending raw acoustic gestures with tape loops and modular-processed tonal experiments to spark musical momentum as the sample-based instruments with character-producing Polish two-person team’s approach to a collection of tonal variations designed to be combined and explored, each preset being an outline of a musical idea ready to be expanded and reshaped into something larger — as of March 12…
"Yes, it's a banana shaped synthesizer. It's also a synthesizer that turns bananas and other conductive objects into musical keys you can play. This is both a pocket sized sound machine and a musical science lab that lets you use electricity to play notes and control effects. Whether you're a STEM student or pro musician, there's so much to explore with the Banan-a-Synth.
Custom Sound Engine Packed with Sounds: 12 different instrument sounds, 8 built in sound effects. It's also 4 note polyphonic, so you can play a chord!
Play Conductive Objects: Use the included alligator clips to turn all sorts of conductive objects into keys you can play.
Learn Music and Physics: An intro to both the physics of conductivity and the art of applying filters and effects to synthesizer sounds.
Control Effects with Touch: An analog conductivity sensor to control effects. The harder you press the sensor, the stronger the sound effect.
Take It Anywhere: Super portable, with built in speaker and 2xAA Batteries. Also has a headphone jack and can be powered by a USB-C cable, not included.
No Screen, No Computer: Does not require connection to a computer or anything with a screen. Focus on exploring music without distraction.
No Knobs, No Problem: Change tuning, volume, and sound mode by simultaneously touching a setting touchpad and one of the keyboard keys.
Metronome: Select your beats per minute and rhythm structure.
It's a Banana: Tell your friends you can play the banana."
See the MicroKits label below for additional posts.
"In this video, I keep exploring the Hapax sequencer’s capabilities even more:
Program changes to switch between different presets (TR-6S and Minifreak)
Automation (enabling and disabling MIDI LFOs controlling parameters on the SE-02)
MIDI effects: Arpeggiator, LFO, Randomizer, Output, Scaler, Swing, etc.
Modulation
Fill button used to make drum breaks, mute some tracks etc.
Conditions for notes to play when a certain condition is met...
All 5 instruments in this jam are being sequenced by the Hapax.
The little trick I used here is that, thanks to the Hapax' MIDI Output plugin, the BASS track or the ARP track can sequence the S1, depending on which MIDI Output plugin I've enabled.
⚠️ Heads up: I miswired the Minifreak, so it’s totally out of phase - if you listen in mono, it’ll disappear. 👻"
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."
"'Sunday Excursion' is a relaxed ambient jam built entirely around two sequences from the OXI ONE. No composition. No arrangement. Just hands-on exploration and letting the hardware talk.
🔁 SEQUENCING
The OXI ONE runs two independent sequences:
Sequence 1 – Rhythm / Pulse – Matriceal mode for controlled randomness – Drives a Moog Messenger mono synth – Acts as the rhythmic backbone of the piece
Signal chain: Moog Messenger → Klark Teknik KT76 → Korg DL8000R → TC Electronic Fireworx
Sequence 2 – Melody / Texture – Linear mono mode with probability-based notes – Drives a Vermona Perfourmer in round-robin poly mode – Each voice slightly different for subtle movement and width
FX: Vermona Perfourmer → Eventide Eclipse
🎹 LIVE PLAYING
On top of the sequences, chords and textures are played live on a Dave Smith Instruments Prophet 12. The patch is a slow, restrained pad with a simple overtone structure.
FX: Prophet 12 → Eventide H9 (Blackhole)
This is not a 'track.' It’s a documented session exploring how the OXI ONE interacts with a few quirky synths and late-90s / early-2000s rack FX.
If you’re into hardware sequencing, probability, and letting small variations do the work, you’ll probably find something useful here."
"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."
"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.
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.
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
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.
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 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."
"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.
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…
"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.
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
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.
"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:
"🎵 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!"
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
