Starsky Carr's Studio: Vintage & Modern Synth Setup Explained

video upload by Starsky Carr

"Welcome to a full synth studio tour — a look inside my hardware setup featuring vintage analog synths, modern wavetable instruments, modular gear and classic drum machines.

See how a mix of vintage synths, modern instruments, modular gear and drum machines all come together in one integrated setup. In this video I walk through the studio, explain how everything is connected, and show some of the instruments that regularly appear on the channel.

The studio is constantly evolving as new synths arrive, others get repaired, and different setups are tested for videos. In this walkthrough you'll see how classic gear like the Juno-60, Prophet series, Minimoog, TR-808, TR-909 and Jupiter synths sit alongside modern instruments such as the UDO Super 8, Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave, Waldorf M, Arturia PolyBrute and Roland System-8.

I also explain how everything is routed through the studio — from CV-controlled vintage synths integrated with MIDI, to the AudioFuse interface and Neve summing mixer that handle the audio side of things.

If you've ever wondered how to organise a hardware synth studio, integrate vintage CV instruments with modern DAWs, or just want to see a room full of iconic synths and drum machines, this video gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the setup behind the channel.

You’ll also hear a few stories along the way — including the slightly ridiculous “six degrees of separation” link from my studio gear to Charlize Theron and Kevin Bacon through the Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels soundtrack.

Whether you're into analog synthesis, wavetable synths, modular gear, or classic drum machines, this studio tour is packed with gear, ideas and inspiration.

Gear featured (selection)

• Roland Juno-60
• Roland Jupiter series
• Moog Minimoog, Voyager % Sub37
• Sequential Prophet synths
• Oberheim OBX8 and OB6
• UDO Super 8
• Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave
• Waldorf M
• Arturia PolyBrute
• Roland System-8
• TR-808 / TR-909 drum machines
• Analog Solutions Leipzig & Fusebox
• Modular & Eurorack gear"

DiscoDSP Releases Retromulator Based on The Usual Suspects dsp56300 Engine

via DiscoDSP

[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."

You can find demos of the dsp56300 engines in previous posts here.

Featured synths:

CLICK FOR MORE »

Tone2 Releases Icarus 3.2

video upload by Tone2 Audiosoftware

"Timeline:

0:00 The most powerful synthesizer on the market
0:22 3D Wavetable synthesis
0:50 Resynthesis
1:40 Granular synthesis
2:18 Vocoder
2:53 Additive synthesis
3:36 Supersaw / Hypersaw
4:21 FM synthesis
5:01 Samples
5:33 Subtractive 7 Analog
6:12 Physical modeling
6:39 Waveshaping
7:02 PWM
7:32 Phase Distorion


Icarus is the most powerful synthesizer on the market. The award-winning audio engine offers a huge sonic range, true high-end sound quality, and the ability to create sounds that are impossible with other synths. The exceptionally versatile audio engine is capable of creating all important synthesizer sounds in high-end quality. Icarus is capable of over 30 (!) different synthesis methods, which can be combined:

3D Wavetables

3D Wavetable Synthesis cn create sounds impossible with other synthesizers and opens up a new level of dynamic expression. Classic wavetable synthesis only allows you to cross-fade waveforms. We have extended it with an extra 'morph dimension'. You can use 54 morph modes to further shape and modulate the sound. The morph modes are not limited to traditional waveshaping methods. We have also included a wide range of innovative and exclusive modes that are not available from other companies. This results in a wide range of unique sounds that cannot be produced by other synthesizers.

Resynthesis

Icarus comes with the most powerful and advanced re-synthesis engine on the market. Unlike competing products, it always delivers good results. With Icarus, anyone can create amazing sounds quickly and easily. Icarus' innovative resynthesis can rebuild sounds with a single mouse click! Just click this button, select a wav file, and Icarus will automatically create a patch that sounds like the original. You can further shape your sound with morphing, time-stretching, filters, effects, or any other module.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Serge ResEQ | No Input Feedback

video upload by Akihiko Matsumoto

"Serge Modular Synth (Sample Pack) https://akihikomatsumoto.sellfy.store...
Created entirely with the unique sonic character of Serge modular systems

About this Pack
Serge Tcherepnin once described his instruments not as tools but as open systems for discovering relationships between sound and control. The Serge Modular Synth is built on this principle. It does not simulate acoustic behavior; it generates its own logic of vibration. Each circuit is an experiment in how voltage can behave as if it were alive. 　

This sample pack captures that principle through Random Source’s modern Serge system, combining the GTO, GTS, and Res EQ with the reissued 50th Anniversary Paperface. The recordings move fluidly between the precise tension of Eurorack signals and the raw, physical tone of classic 4U banana systems. Every patch was shaped through direct voltage interaction rather than digital post-processing, preserving the unpredictable complexity that defines the Serge approach. 　

Why Serge Matters
Serge Modular was designed in the 1970s by Serge Tcherepnin. It was created as an open-ended tool for sonic experimentation. Influenced by cybernetics and avant-garde composition, this system rejects musical hierarchies and embraces uncertainty.
In Serge, control voltages and audio signals are treated as equals. The circuits invite exploration through feedback, cross-modulation, and unpredictable interactions. Every patch is a process of discovery rather than reproduction.
This makes Serge a powerful choice for artists seeking sounds that are not pre-shaped or confined by rules. The textures you will find in this pack are unstable, alive, and deeply human. 　

Inside the Pack
The collection includes loops, one-shots, and drones. It extends from tonal minimalism to complex, evolving noise structures. You will find FM and AM modulations, unstable oscillations, and dark ambient layers that drift beyond equal temperament. There are moments of feedback that verge on collapse, SSG circuits running into chaotic self-modulation, and subtle rhythmic patterns that carry the unmistakable texture of analog uncertainty.
Each sound maintains the distinctive grain of Serge synthesis: harmonic richness without symmetry, motion that arises from interaction rather than programming. This is material for artists who value the tactile quality of electricity, who hear circuits as compositional partners rather than instruments. 　

Who This Pack Is For
Ideal for producers working in experimental electronic music, sound design, ambient, noise, or techno.
This pack suits those who are not satisfied with polished libraries and are looking for materials that add edge, texture, and risk to their work. 　

Continuous Evolution
This library is a growing archive. New sounds are added through regular updates at no additional cost for existing users. If you already own the pack, simply log in to your Sellfy account and new files will appear automatically. For those new to the collection, this is an invitation to enter a sonic environment that is never fixed but always evolving. 　

Not Just a Sample Pack
Some of the included tracks were originally composed as complete works. These can be experienced as finished drone pieces or used as inspiring source material. The lines between sample and sound art are intentionally blurred."

Introducing Luna: A Lunetta style groovebox & eurorack synth module

video upload by mylarmelodies

Check with dealers on the right on pricing and availability.

"This is your official introduction to the Neutral Labs Luna - a new lunetta-style “groovebox” desktop & eurorack compatible synth. It’s patch programmable, letting you both create tones and rhythms from 5 oscillators (2 with step sequencers inside), logic and pattern generators, all at the same time. Three 'LPG's take the raw tones and let you gate and filter them. 13 effects in 2 blocks effect and shape sounds further.

Enormous thanks to Martin at Neutral Labs for commissioning me to make a vid of this. The world needs more shift registers. Note: I used my own red Tiptop Audio Stackcables in the video, but the desktop module comes with 12 braided patch cables."

Neutral Labs Luna – the first serious Lunetta synthesizer

video upload by nyppy

"Available as a DIY kit or assembled desktop synth or 42 HP Eurorack module.

Video by the amazing ‪ / ginko.ltd

#synthesizer #eurorack #diy"

Update:

What's a Lunetta synthesizer and why should you care? // LUNA from Neutral Labs

video upload by DivKid

"Join us for an exploration of what Lunetta Synthesizers are, what the new Luna from Neutral Labs is and why you should care.

The short answer is that it’s an interesting series of raw digital building blocks from a sonic sculptor (Stanley Lunetta) with lots of modern quality of life features that allow you to approach timbre as rhythm, rhythm as timbre then round that out with low pass gates and FX.

More info at https://neutral-labs.com"

*TIMING INDEX // CHAPTERS*

INTRO
00:00 Hello & previews
02:13 What is a Lunetta synthesizer?
02:54 What is Luna?
04:07 Luna feature run down
06:14 How this video is a bit different

PATCHES & SOUNDS
07:05 Comb filter drones for dark industrial soundtracks
07:55 Hypnotic drones & dual oscillator lead lines
11:20 Bouncing bass & low end swells
11:55 New rhythms from AND & XOR logic
16:05 Fireside crackles & sputtering motorbike engines
16:35 Characterful lo fi LPGs & FX for modular synth voices
19:04 Ambient gritty echoes for happy synth blips
19:29 Shift register rhythms - gate delayed musical canons for your rhythms
23:25 Metallic bass hits & interactive rhythms
23:56 Modulation ‘hooks’ from binary counter clock dividing
26:39 Experimental expressive noise wrangling
27:05 Binary counter sub octaves & external modulation of filter FX
29:12 Alien critters clashing into ambient space
29:48 Monstrous sounds from multiplexing
33:13 Metallic synthesis & bell like tones & swells
33:49 Metallic synthesis for cymbals + dynamic LPG modulation



"Logic, Unbound. Meet Luna. The first serious Lunetta synthesizer.

Look beyond clean waveforms and predictable polyphony. Luna will take you back to a time when digital didn’t mean perfect. It meant raw. Inspired by the subterranean DIY culture of the 70s and 80s, Luna is a love letter to the Lunetta machines of old: Living, breathing organisms built from CMOS logic chips. But where those machines were fragile experiments, Luna is a weaponized instrument of sonic confusion.

The Nervous System Exposed. True to the Neutral Labs philosophy, we don’t believe in hiding the magic behind an opaque face plate. Luna features exposed CMOS inputs and outputs right on the front panel. You're not just patching cables, you are rewiring the brain of the synthesizer itself. Combine signals, bend logic, and physically intervene in the computation to create sounds that shouldn't exist.

Rhythm is Timbre. Timbre is Rhythm. In the world of Luna, there is no difference between a sequencer and an oscillator. The same digital pulse that drives a bass line can be accelerated into a screeching lead or folded into a metallic drone.

5 oscillators provide the raw material. A chaotic array of logic blocks (XOR, NOT, AND, shift registers, counters, multiplexer) will chew up those signals and spit out complex, evolving mathematical noise.

Taming the Digital Mess. Raw logic can be harsh. To turn this binary chaos into music, Luna feeds its digital soul through 3 organic low-pass gates. These analog circuits impart a natural decay and percussive punch to the madness, transforming mathematical errors into bongos, plucks, and thumping basslines.

Drench it in Atmosphere. Once you’ve constructed your signal, destroy it again. Luna comes equipped with a suite of effects — distortion, delay, reverb, chorus, bitcrusher, phaser and more — to smear your logic into a wash of ambient bliss or gritty industrial texture.

5 oscillators
logic gates (2 XOR, 2 NOT, 2 AND)
5 logic blocks (5-step ring counter,4-bit binary counter, 2 shift registers, 4-channel multiplexer)
3 touchpads that generate logic signals
3 channels for audio manipulation (low-pass gates with adjustable decay and switchable trigger mode, gain, tilt EQ)
13 audio effects that can be freely assigned to 2 effect slots running in series (drive, delay, reverb, 6 filter types, bitcrusher, phaser, chorus, comb filter)
CV control for effects and 2 oscillators
MIDI control over 2 oscillators, all 3 low-pass gates, and 3 logic outputs (MIDI TRS A socket)
2 sequencers with up to 64 steps, syncable to clock or MIDI
audio output is headphone compatible
available as a desktop synth or 42 HP Eurorack module (desktop version comes with a 12-pack of black/gold braided patch cables)
See more videos and photos on Instagram.

Note: For sustainability reasons, the desktop version does not come with a USB power supply, just a USB-A to USB-C cable. You will need a 5V supply, such as a phone charger, power bank or laptop.

Note: The desktop version has a Eurorack power header and can be placed into a Eurorack. The desktop case however has 5V USB power and no Eurorack rails, you cannot use it as a 42 HP rack without modifications."

Introducing NOX by Acustica Audio - Melodic Tension. Techno Power.

video upload by Acustica Audio

"Built on the ALICE-9 architecture and powered by MUST technology, NOX is a focused electronic synthesizer designed for EDM and Melodic Techno producers who want impact, movement, and mix-ready results without distractions.

Rather than aiming for endless flexibility, NOX delivers a streamlined workflow built around immediacy — combining high-resolution sampling, analog-modeled filters, and dynamic modulation inside a unified hybrid engine.

🎛 SLIM-first interface for instant, performance-driven shaping
🌀 Central Morph control for fast, expressive tonal movement
🎚 EXTENDED view for full synthesis architecture when needed
🎧 127 curated presets built on 61 signature SCO oscillators
🔥 Integrated studio-grade FX with OTT-style dynamics
🔁 Expansion Pack for seamless integration inside ALICE-9

👉🏻 https://www.acustica-audio.com/shop/p..."

Våld Labs Tresse: a multiengine synthesizer based on Plaits, for desktop.

video upload by Våld Labs

This one was sent my way via Meska who had the following to say: "It's 'basicaly' a standalone MI Plait with 3voice and extended oscilator models."

Video description follows:

"Tresse — 3-voice polyphonic desktop synth, 38 engines

Hey all,

Been working on this for a while and it's finally at a point where I want to share it.

*Tresse* is a standalone polyphonic synthesizer built around Mutable Instruments' Plaits DSP code, running on an ESP32-S3 with a custom PCB. Three voices of polyphony, 38 synthesis engines, USB, DIN/TRS and Bluetooth MIDI, and perhaps Ableton Link and our upcoming stack (VMB) Våld Modular Bus, expected to ship this summer, and which will a new wireless comms protocol with negligible latency, auto discovery and machine mesh capabilities (to be released soon).
Also enough knobs and encoders to actually play the thing without menu-diving, and a battery for when you're bored outside of your studio.

*The core idea:* take the full Plaits engine library — all 24 algorithms — and make it polyphonic in a self-contained hardware instrument. Then keep going and add 14 more custom engines on top.
There are hundreds of options similar to this in modular systems and i thought why not bring all these god-level creative tools to bedroom, desktop producers who don't have the money or the space (or will) to mingle in the modular space, and bring them one contained box with all they need.

What's inside

*ESP32-S3* doing all the DSP across both cores (voices 0+1 on Core 1, voice 2 on Core 0, parallel render)
**PCM5102A DAC**, 24-bit output, 32kHz sample rate
*4 pots + 4 rotary encoders* through CD74HC4067 mux and MCP23017 I2C expander
*OLED display* (128×64) for patch info, engine select, preset browsing
*USB MIDI + BLE MIDI* — works with everything, no adapter needed for wireless
Custom PCB, all through-hole friendly

38 engines

The first 24 are straight from Plaits — East Coast, Phase Distortion, all three DX7 variants, Terrain, String/Chords, Chiptune, Wavetable, Speech, Swarm, Particle, the Rings modes, the three drum engines, etc.

Then 14 custom engines built from scratch:

*Karplus-Strong* — proper physical string modeling with excitation morphing (noise → impulse → tonal)
*ByteBeat* — 8 classic formulas with pitch-tracked rate, gets wild
*CZ Phase Distortion* — Casio CZ-style, three distortion shapes
*Supersaw* — up to 7 detuned saws with PWM, the obvious one but it needed to exist
*Formant* — vowel synthesis with 3 bandpass resonators, gender shift control
*2-Op FM* — clean FM with 13 ratios and operator feedback
*Wavefolder* — sine/tri/saw/square source into a proper folder with bias
*Noise Drums* — SVF-based with pitch envelope, covers kicks through metallic hits
*Modal Resonator* — 8 tuned bandpass partials, morphs from harmonic → bell → bar inharmonicity, with a bowed excitation mode
*Sympathetic Strings* — 3 coupled Karplus delay lines with controllable coupling and interval ratios
*Comb Resonator* — 4 parallel comb filters with spread control
*Drawbars* — organ-style additive with 8 Hammond-ratio partials
*Complex Oscillator* — FM into wavefolder, Buchla-adjacent territory
*Grain Noise* — granular noise with smoothing, good for textures and pads

Controls

Three parameter layers accessible via toggle buttons:

*Normal* — Timbre, Morph, Harmonics, Color on pots; Attack, Decay, FM, LFO Depth on encoders
*MOD* — Fold, Detune, Ring Mod, Chorus on pots; LFO destination/shape/speed/sync on encoders
*SHIFT* — Filter Cutoff/Reso/Env/Type on pots; Portamento, Octave, Vibrato depth/speed on encoders

Hold both buttons → engine select overlay. Double-tap MOD → system menu (randomizer, MIDI config, play mode). Double-tap SHIFT → preset browser across three banks (own patches, generated, branches).

Play modes: Poly, Mono, and chord modes (Major, Minor, 7th, Sus4, Power, Octave).

The randomizer is one of my favorite things — it generates random patches with procedural names (stuff like "Velvet Moth" or "Iron Shard"), you scroll through them with the encoder, and save the ones you like to a generated preset bank. 512 slots each for generated and branch presets, 128 for your own.

What it sounds like

Honestly covers a lot of ground. The Plaits engines already span everything from classic analog to FM to physical modeling to noise, and the custom engines fill in some gaps I wanted — proper supersaw, real Karplus-Strong, the modal/sympathetic stuff for metallic and evolving tones, and the ByteBeat engine for when you want to go full chaos. The global FX chain (filter, wavefolder, ring mod, chorus) ties everything together.

The project should be available from April 2026, in kit or assembled units! Price to be discolsed once i have the final FINAL prototype, but shouldn't hurt the wallet.

This is a *Våld Labs* project from Lisbon Portugal. Much more to come.

Would love to hear what people think, and happy to answer questions about the build or the DSP. Be aware that this is a pretty advenced prototype, but still a prototype"

https://valdlabs.com

Note they also have the Consequencer pictured left but no additional info aside from the following on it yet.

"A portable, desktop-first sequencer with modular DNA — built for the art of shaping chaos."

CubuSynth also has a Consequencer announced back in 2024, but they appear to be unrelated.

Thomas Dolby signs a Minimoog Voyager XL! Enter BMF Raffle to Win This One-of-a-Kind Synthesizer!

video upload by moogfoundation

"Enter to win a rare Minimoog Voyager XL signed by Thomas Dolby: https://bit.ly/ThomasDolbyVoyagerXL

Step inside the world of analog synthesis as we sit down with legendary electronic musician and sound designer Thomas Dolby, exploring the power and personality of Moog instruments.

A gorgeous Minimoog Voyager XL synthesizer is the grand prize for the Bob Moog Foundation's 2026 winter raffle which ends February 23. It bears Thomas Dolby's signature near the Minimoog 40th Anniversary name plate, a value of $7,500.

Help us carry Bob's legacy forward to inspire future generations through the intersection of science, music, history, and innovation."

🌐 Visit the Bob Moog Foundation: https://www.moogfoundation.org

CLICK FOR MORE »

FM Drift Demo - Ableton Move/Live Sound Pack by A Force Truly Evil

video upload by A Force Truly Evil

"Available here: https://sci-fiaudio.com/?product=fm-d...

FM DRIFT IS A DEEP EXPLORATION OF FM SYNTHESIS INSIDE ABLETON DRIFT, DELIVERING FOUR NEW POWERFUL FM INSTRUMENTS THAT RIVAL — AND SOMETIMES SURPASS — SYNTHS LIKE OPERATOR

FM Drift is a sound pack focused exclusively on FM synthesis within Ableton Drift, and designed to demonstrate that Drift’s FM engine is powerful, flexible, and very expressive.

Fully compatible with Ableton Live and Push.

FM Drift delivers four complete FM instruments, each built on a clear FM architecture and fully controlled via eight carefully designed macros. All the sounds in the pack have been created exclusively using these FM instruments (Ableton Instrument Racks built with Drift).

Drift’s FM capabilities are on par with classic synthesizers like Operator, and even surpass it in certain aspects.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Frap Tools MAGNOLIA – 8-voice analog thru-zero FM synthesizer – OUT NOW

video upload by Frap Tools

Check with dealers on the right for price and availability.

"Magnolia is an eight-voice analog through-zero linear FM synthesizer. Besides the classic analog polysynth sounds, its design allows programming some less conventional timbres closer to the world of modular synthesizers, and especially of the so-called “complex oscillators.”

Magnolia allows to bring modular synthesis techniques in the world of analog polysynths, with all the known advantages of the latter: polyphony, immediacy of use, powerful sound, and those little unpredictable details generally known as “analog warmth.”

Magnolia is a highly playable instrument thanks to its expressive Fatar keyboard with polyphonic aftertouch and encourages sound exploration through its large and relaxing front panel.

CLICK FOR MORE »

700 Function Processor Update: New Pattern_Seq App Walkthrough

video upload by Gm Xe

"*700 Function Processor is now officially released.*
This video showcases the latest *Pattern_Seq* app included in the production version.

This is a quick walkthrough of the main features and functions of Pattern_Seq.
For other functions, please check the related demo videos：" [posted here]

700 Function Processor Patch #1 | One Module, More Patch Space
video upload by Gm Xe

CLICK FOR MORE »

Nymira, by Terraphones

video uploads by Terraphones

"Nymira is a standalone harmony instrument designed around the circle of fifths. Its sonic engine draws from the overtone series, offering detailed timbral control across seven individual partials. Two distinct models explore different synthesis methods; one rooted in additive FM synthesis, the other in classic subtractive design. Together, they provide a new, expressive way to shape rich and complex harmonic textures."

Playlist:

1. Introducing Nymira
2. Nymira, by Terraphones
3. what we don't say... (ambient wooden electronic musical instrument performance)

Cheat Code for Chord Progressions • The Circle of Fifths with Terraphones Nymira

video upload by Lightbath and Terraphones

"Terraphones shows me Nymira, a new synthesizer and MIDI controller based on the Circle of Fifths that makes playing chords and advanced harmony feel like cheating." ✶ CHAPTERS ✶

00:00 – Intro 00:32 – Overview 01:22 – Learning Nymira 01:46 – Harmonic Map 02:40 – Combining Chords 03:37 – Open Voicings 03:58 – Terraphones Concept 04:19 – Additive Mode 04:53 – Subtractive Mode 05:33 – Sus Chords 06:16 – Granular Mode 06:56 – Latching Chords 07:14 – Granular Mode Jitter 07:46 – The Circle as a Path 08:27 – Resolving Chords 08:50 – Nymira as a MIDI Controller 10:22 – Relative Movement 11:21 – Free Play 11:42 – Advanced Harmonic Moves 12:47 – The Zones 17:03 – Eureka! 17:35 – Thank you 18:14 – Outro"



"Nymira is a standalone harmony instrument designed around the circle of fifths. Its sonic engine draws from the overtone series, offering detailed timbral control across seven individual partials. Three distinct models explore different synthesis methods; one rooted in additive FM synthesis, another in classic subtractive design, and one based on granular synthesis. Together, they provide a new, expressive way to shape rich and complex harmonic textures.

Nymira is the only instrument in the world that maps the Circle of Fifths to a physical interface. Nymira is designed with Western harmonic theory at the core, allowing you to discover beautiful chord progressions that are much harder to play on other instruments.

Like all Terraphones, Nymira is assembled by hand, and is housed in solid walnut. Underneath Nymira’s keys are Cherry MX Silent Red keyswitches that offer a clean, tactile experience. With the ability to run on four rechargeable AA batteries, Nymira lets you play anywhere. Inside Nymira are two surface transducers that turn the walnut enclosure into a speaker of its own. Playing Nymira in this mode allows you to hear its warm sonic engine played through the walls of its walnut housing. Nymira also excels in the studio. It is equipped with USB MIDI out, and a stereo 1/4" audio output. If you don’t want to use batteries, Nymira can be powered via USB-C with any device that supplies 4-17 volts.

~~~
Nymira is made by Thomas Adam Billings, the sole creator of Terraphones. Every part of Nymira is ethically sourced, assembled by hand, with solid walnut sourced and milled in the United States of America. By purchasing Nymira, you are directly funding the ongoing research and development of a new wave of natural, electroacoustic musical instruments.
– $1200 –
50 units available for pre-order. Expected lead time : 6-10 weeks
Shipping to North America, South America, the UK, the EU, and Australia."

https://terraphones.com/Nymira.html

Korg Phase8 Review: What happens when Physical Resonators meet Synthesis?

video upload by loopop

"Explore Phase8 at home with my multisamples on Patreon: ► / loopop"

TIMELINE: 0:00 Intro 1:45 Overview 3:15 Vel & env 3:55 Buttons 5:30 Air fader 6:00 Shift 6:20 Pluck 6:50 Drones 7:20 Drone jam 7:50 Build & IO 8:15 In the box 8:35 Mod left 8:55 Mod right 10:25 Mod center 10:50 Settings 11:25 Center #2 11:45 Step seq 12:35 Live seq 13:55 Automation 15:25 MIDI 15:45 Pros & cons 19:00 Three jams

The Phase8 has finally made it to market. Check with dealers on the right for availability.

Press release follows:

KORG Introduces phase8, an Eight-Voice Acoustic Synthesizer

MELVILLE, NY - KORG announces the phase8, an eight-voice acoustic synthesizer designed for musicians and creators who want sound that feels alive, immediate, and deeply responsive. Using Acoustic Synthesis technology developed at KORG, phase8 merges physically vibrating steel resonators with precise electronic control to deliver an instrument that behaves like an acoustic object while offering the creative flexibility of a synthesizer. It answers the need for a new kind of expressive electronic instrument by generating sound in the physical world, responding to touch and interaction, and integrating seamlessly into today’s creative setups through MIDI, USB-MIDI, Sync, and CV connectivity.

At the heart of phase8 are eight independent electromechanical voices driving steel resonators to produce genuinely acoustic vibration. KORG supplies 13 chromatically tuned resonators with the instrument, eight of which can be installed at a time, allowing players to customize the tuning, scale, and character of their setup. Through envelope control, these resonators can move from short, percussive hits to long, sustained tones, encouraging hands-on exploration and performance. The resonators are easily swappable and tunable, making the instrument adaptable to individual playing approaches and musical environments.

phase8 has been designed not only to sound organic, but to feel interactive in use. Players are invited to shape sound directly, touching, plucking, strumming, or tapping the resonators, or even experimenting with found objects to introduce new textures. An AIR slider lets users boost or quiet the acoustic response of what they bring into contact with the instrument, enhancing its tactile, haptic character and underscoring its role as a physical instrument as much as an electronic device.

For structured creativity, phase8 features an intuitive sequencer that supports both step programming and unquantized live recording, with step skip available per voice to enable complex polymetric rhythms. Sequences can be stored and recalled across eight memory slots, while all front-panel parameters can be automated using the record function, allowing evolving passages and detailed motion to be captured directly into performance. Three modulation modes are available, including tremolo and two pitch-dependent audio-rate modulation types, with the final mode offering optional harmonic quantization. A trigger delay, controllable via the instrument’s shift knob, allows delayed resonator triggers relative to the selected or synchronized tempo, further expanding rhythmic expression. phase8 is designed to integrate effortlessly into modern creative workflows. External MIDI devices can trigger the Acoustic Synth, while the phase8 sequencer can, in turn, trigger external MIDI instruments over MIDI or USB-MIDI. Tempo synchronization is available over MIDI, USB-MIDI, and Sync, and CV input (±5V) allows parameter control from compatible analogue hardware. The instrument provides MIDI TRS-A In/Out, USB-C for USB-MIDI and firmware, Sync In/Out, a ¼-inch line audio output, and a 3.5mm headphone output.

Practical considerations match the innovation inside. phase8 runs on a 12V AC adaptor and consumes 4.8W of power. It measures 231 x 236.5 x 46 mm, weighs 1.71 kg, and ships with an AC adaptor, hex key, Quick Start Guide, Precautions Sheet, and five more resonators alongside the included chromatically tuned set. phase8 is a new chapter in expressive instrument design, bringing together acoustic behavior, electronic precision, real-time interaction, and deep sequencing control in a compact, performance-ready form. For more information, please visit NAMM Booth #6802 or online at www.korg.com.

Street Price: $1149.99 USD

Bastl Introduces CITADEL Alchemist Eurorack Module

video upload by Bastl Instruments

Check with dealers on the right for availability and price.

Playlist:

1. CITADEL ALCHEMIST & Kastle 2+Citadel DIY Kits & more NEWS from Bastl!

We built a fantasy world of magical music machines with the FX Wizard multi-effect, the Wave Bard sample player and the Alchemist synth that live in battery powered Kastle 2 format and the Citadel eurorack version. We are excited to not only announce the late arrival of the Citadel Alchemist Eurorack module to the party, but to let everyone know that all the instruments are now available as DIY kits and that we are partially open-sourcing it so the world we started could be expanded by many others."

2. Bastl CITADEL Alchemist - All Synth Modes preview

"A complete preview of Alchemist's Synth Modes with a quick preview of the Dual FX and a small jam."

Chapters:
00:00 Filter
00:44 FM
01:32 Supersaw
02:25 Hypersine
03:24 GlitchNoise
03:41 Dual FX
04:27 Small Jam and patching

3. Hello Alchemist ! Bastl Citadel synth engine rave to experimental - Stazma and Bastl Instruments

Alchemist is now EURORACK... into the CITADEL!!!!!
So here we go checking out how this synth engine will play out with his other citadel friend the Wave Bard in breakbeat torture mode.
Also a cool oportunity to play around the Diktaat from Mzourack to trigger both units in a performative way.

Citadel Alchemist is a patchable hybrid-synthesis based eurorack module that empowers you in discovering melodies and even harmonies despite being monophonic.
Patch programmable sequencing via the control signals into the two PITCH MOD inputs opens up a world of melodic inspiration beyond classic arpeggios while staying in your preferred SCALE.

5 synthesis modes
The Alchemist has a carefully tuned wide timbral range spanning across 5 synthesis modes (FILTER, FM, HYPERSINE, SUPERSAW and GLITCHNOISE) accessed by main TIMBRE sweep that is refined by the RATIO control.

The ENV macro knob affects different parts of the synth and sequencing engine to maximize musicality and it even lets you continually morph between the synthesis modes and access truly unique sounds.
The timbral palette is further extended by the dual FX section which offers either a wide delay that will smear the arpeggios into echoed harmonies or a chorus-flanger-distortion-combfilter macro custom tuned for each synth mode.
You can also access gliding rubber textures with the PITCH SLIDE macro that applies pitch envelope and portamento.
You can customize its rhythms and scales with the web-based editor.
Modulate anything
All main parameters can be modulated and tightly sequenced by the surprisingly powerful CV and GATE pattern generator. Create groovy off-grid beats using the built-in LFO, which can be synced, reset, or left to run freely.

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‪@PlantWave‬ Meets the “Plantasia” Moog Modular | Live Jam

video upload by Anthony Marinelli Music and PlantWave

"Join me for a one-of-a-kind musical experience filmed inside the iconic Mickey Hargitay Plants in Hollywood. In this special session, I’m improvising on the legendary 1969 Moog IIIc “Plantasia” Modular Synthesizer—the same model used on Mort Garson’s Mother Earth's Plantasia—along with my Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave, while the plants themselves generate melodies through PlantWave.

How PlantWave Works
PlantWave is a bio-music device that connects to a plant’s leaves and measures subtle changes in electrical conductivity. Those fluctuations are translated into MIDI data, which then becomes musical notes, rhythms, and patterns. It’s not “the plant playing an instrument” in the human sense—it's more like the plant’s natural signals being converted into music we can hear and respond to.

The Jam
As PlantWave transforms real-time electrical signals from the plants into beautiful, evolving musical patterns, I’m tuning in, responding, and improvising on the Moog IIIc and 3rd Wave—matching their phrases with my own melodies and rhythms. Every moment emerges organically, completely unique, and impossible to recreate the same way twice.

About the Location
Mickey Hargitay Plants has been an LA landmark for decades, and creating this performance surrounded by their lush greenery made the experience even more magical.

This is a rare combination of vintage analog synthesis, modern wavetable power, plant-generated musical data, and real-time human improvisation. I hope you enjoy this unique collaboration between nature and machines."

Roland Introduces ZENOLOGY GX - Next-gen ZEN

Overview video upload by RolandChannel

"ZENOLOGY GX brings the full power of Roland’s ZEN-Core Synthesis System into GALAXIAS, giving you access to over 11,000 tones—from iconic vintage synths to cutting-edge hybrids. Explore the massive library of sounds or build your own from scratch using the same engine found in flagship instruments like FANTOM and JUPITER-X.

ZENOLOGY GX also includes a powerful browser to help you stay organized. Search, rate, and recall presets with ease. Each tone is built from up to four partials, each with its own oscillator, filter, amplifier, dual LFOs, and effects. Shape your sound with over 90 effects, including spacious reverbs, classic Roland choruses, and more.

Inside GALAXIAS, ZENOLOGY GX becomes a super instrument. Layer up to four instances, assign key ranges, apply per-layer effects, and use creative tools like ARPS and CHORDS to build massive Scenes. You can also export your sounds to ZENOLOGY Pro or compatible ZEN-Core hardware."

00:00 Intro Overview
00:44 Immersive Mode
00:58 Sounds View for Presets
01:15 Auditioning Sounds
01:28 Tweaking Presets
02:05 Synth Engine
02:33 Filter Section
02:50 Mix Section
03:10 Step Editor and Step LFOs
03:40 Mod Tab
04:04 FX Section
04:51 GALAXIAS Capabilities
05:36 Chord Sequencer
06:31 Try ZENOLOGY GX



Additional details from Roland:

WELCOME TO THE MOTHERSHIP.

GALAXIAS brings 50 years of legendary Roland synths and drum machines together into one powerful Super Instrument. Access thousands of iconic sounds and freely combine authentic Roland instruments from vintage to modern. Explore supermassive GALAXIAS Scenes filled with intricate layers and deep macro controls. And discover exciting new worlds with infinite creative possibilities.

Legendary instruments. Iconic sounds.

Roland has been a pioneer in music technology for over half a century, delivering a continuous stream of influential instruments and effects that have fueled countless hits, defined genres, and driven cultural trends. With GALAXIAS, you can now explore and experience them all in one creative environment. From historic icons such as the JUPITER-8, TR-808, and D-50 to modern instruments like ZENOLOGY GX and SYSTEM-8, GALAXIAS harnesses Roland’s evolving sonic legacy within a single intuitive workflow.

A voyage of discovery.

Choose from your favorite Roland synths and drum machines, search specific sound types, or mine the ever-expanding collection of over 25,000 sounds to spark new ideas and build compelling tracks. GALAXIAS puts unlimited albums’ worth of inspiration at your command—from vintage sounds to futuristic hybrid tones—with more added each month.

Roland Super Instrument.

GALAXIAS lets you layer up to four instruments to create massive sonic superclusters called Scenes. Build an intricate setup of your favorite Roland instruments, such as a full stack of JUPITER and JUNO synths, or multiple eras of TR drum machines locked in perfect sync. Dial in an arpeggiator pattern (or four), quickly define key ranges and macro controls, and then play the whole thing as a single instrument in the studio or on stage.

Next-gen ZEN.

Seamlessly integrated into GALAXIAS, ZENOLOGY GX delivers over 11,000 genre-defining Roland sounds in one powerful instrument. Layer up to four instances with definable key ranges, sophisticated macro controls, per-layer effects, and creative tools like ARPS and CHORDS. Explore the vast collection of presets or craft your own using 23 authentic oscillator and filter models, over 7,000 PCM waveforms, 11 LFO shapes—including a versatile Step LFO for rhythmic movement—and 90+ effects. From studio to stage, ZENOLOGY GX puts limitless sonic potential at your fingertips.

Effectively awesome.

In addition to the formidable effects within each individual instrument, GALAXIAS gives you two insert effects per layer and two global send effects. Choose from the growing collection of authentic Roland and BOSS effects and take your sounds to new frontiers. You can also route layers to external outputs or channels in your DAW for further processing.

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Make Noise Shared System | Ambient

video upload by Akihiko Matsumoto

"The Unpredictable Logic of Sound: Inside the Make Noise Sample Pack

Every patch on a Make Noise system is a small act of discovery. It does not begin with a plan, but with curiosity. The machine invites you to think in voltages, to listen to circuits as if they were alive. Out of that dialogue between control and chance, something unmistakably organic emerges.

Product link:
https://akihikomatsumoto.sellfy.store...

The Make Noise Modular Synth Sample Pack ver.7.5 was recorded entirely with the Shared System, Strega, and 0-Coast. Every waveform was shaped by hand, without presets, without automation. Each modulation, cross-feedback, and timing drift was allowed to evolve freely until it found its own balance.

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Elektron Machinedrum: Synthetic Percussion Sample Pack | Audio demo

video upload by A Force Truly Evil

"Available here: https://sci-fiaudio.com/?product=elek...

THE ELEKTRON MACHINEDRUM EXPERIENCE IN SAMPLE FORM: FROM IDM TO TECHNO

A vast collection of 987 kicks, snares, percussive elements, glitches, and synth sounds crafted from the Elektron Machinedrum. Inspired by IDM and avant-garde sound experimentation, this pack blends factory selections, TR-808/909-inspired kits, and deep explorations of the TRX, FM, PI, and E12 synthesis engines. Perfect for producers of IDM, techno, and forward-thinking electronic music.

This collection is a tribute to sound experimentation and the IDM / avant-garde electronic aesthetic, fully exploring the creative potential of the Elektron Machinedrum.

It’s divided into two main sections:

1️⃣ Kits Section – Includes a diverse range of IDM-style kits, factory kits, and TR-808/909-inspired sets, offering a balance between experimental rhythm design and classics. Inside you’ll find a massive range of kicks, snares, percussive hits, glitch elements and synhts, all processed with the Machinedrum’s distinctive digital character.

2️⃣ Synth Engines Section – Focuses on the instrument’s synthesis engines (TRX, FM, PI, and E12) to generate not only percussion but also synthesizer-style tones, textures, and FX. Each engine contributes its own flavor — from punchy analog-style hits and metallic FM tones to physical-modeled resonances and lo-fi 12-bit grit.

Altogether, this 987-sound library pushes the Machinedrum beyond its traditional role, becoming a source of innovative percussion and evolving sonic textures ideal for experimental, IDM, and modern electronic production.

All samples are provided in 44.1 kHz / 16-bit mono format, fully compatible with any DAW or sampler"

Footwork Beat | Elektron Machinedrum

video upload by Akihiko Matsumoto

"MDJK808 Drumkit: https://akihikomatsumoto.sellfy.store...

Machinedrum Sample Pack
The Elektron Machinedrum, first introduced in the early 2000s, was not simply a drum machine. It was a digital architecture built to generate percussion with surgical precision and metallic sharpness. Its synthesis models produced results that went beyond drum programming, moving into the territory of sound design. Even today, no software plugin has managed to fully replicate its distinctive texture.
This collection captures that uniqueness. Every sample was recorded directly from the Machinedrum itself. No external processing, no layering. What you hear is the circuitry of early Elektron design, distilled into one-shots that highlight the instrument’s raw identity.

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Ciat Lonbarde Peterlin & Plumbutter 2

video upload by Akihiko Matsumoto

"Sound: https://akihikomatsumoto.sellfy.store...
116 Oneshots
30 Drones
Crafted from the Unpredictable
This evolving sample pack is a curated collection of sounds generated entirely with the eccentric modular instruments of Ciat Lonbarde. Featuring raw sessions recorded with Peterlin and Plumbutter 2, it offers a unique sonic palette ranging from fractured noise textures to rich ambient drones and abstract one-shots.

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