High on Modulation: Programming Classic 80s Brass Sounds, Synthesis as a Folk Art, and More

video upload by Keith Crosley

"Let's get inspired by vintage VHS synth nerdery and dig into some modulation mayhem! I accidentally make a reaction video to a wonderfully unhinged 80s Steve Porcaro synth-programming tape, explain Korg multi/poly modulation (hey there @robst247 ), and put some of Steve's ideas into action with a classic Toto-style “Africa” brass with Arturia Pure LoFi. I also talk about how I think about synthesizer programming, answer the question, “What is synthesis?” and talk about synth programming as a folk art. So grab a Coke (or other stimulant of choice) and join me for a MODULATION-A-GO-GO episode of your sniff favorite talky synthesizer content show!"

You can find wavetables and additional resources by Keith Crosley available at https://www.wavetables.lol.

Steve Porcaro videos:

Steve Porcaro - Star Licks Instructional Video [COMPLETE] [60FPS]

video upload by boomer

"This is the complete Steve Porcaro star licks instructional video. I bought this tape from japan (hence the subtitles) and ripped it myself, so its as good quality as i could get it. Because it's from japan, it's technically called "SUPER TECHNICAL APPROACH," but its the same thing as star licks."

porcaro synthesize analog brass

video upload by AlainRaes67

"on ob expander using a spare envelope generator to modulate the pitch of the oscillators with fast attack to simulate brass patches or what he calls achieving 'blip'"

Synthesizing with Moog | Lesson 5: Original Soundtrack

video upload by Moog Music

Synthesizing with Moog

"The soundtrack from the fifth episode of Synthesizing with Moog invites you to dive deep into the basics of modulation, using Low Frequency Oscillators (LFOs) and envelopes to modulate pitch, timbre, and amplitude, and harnessing the power of randomness to add unpredictable elements to our sounds.

We hope you enjoy this music created by Moog electronic musical instrument experts Max Ravitz ( / patriciaaa ) and Gunnar Haslam ( @lasynthesehumaine6932 ).

0:00 - Balearic Winds / Gunnar Haslam
4:30 - Circuits In Order / Max Ravitz
7:58 - Not Land / Max Ravitz
12:08 - Sus VHS / Gunnar Haslam
14:20 - Terl's Turmoil / Max Ravitz"

KONSEQUENCES: 50 Sequencer Patches for Kontrast

video upload by DATABROTH

"Pick up the presets here: https://www.dawesomemusic.com/expansi...

00:00 VHS DELORIAN
00:58 LUNCHBOX
01:48 ENUMERATOR
02:42 BURBON OF TRUTH
03:32 BRAINDANCER
04:29 IMPOUNDED WARP DRIVE
05:14 MYOPIC MYCELIUM
05:56 PETTY FREIGHT MACHINE
06:47 CYBERDRUNK
07:41 IMPACTOR
08:39 MULTIPLEXICON"

R.A. Moog Modular IIIC, 1968

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this Vemia listing

Click the auction link on top when you get there for additional listings.

This appears to be the one previously featured here with additinal pics.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Craig Padilla - JOURNEYS THROUGH SPACE - Live June 1990 FULL CONCERT SHASTA COLLEGE THEATRE

video upload by Craig Padilla

From below:

This music was created without the use of sequencers; all of the background music was recorded in real-time on reel-to-reel tapes. I used a Kawai K1 synthesizer, a Siel DK-80 synthesizer, and a Roland TR-505 drum machine. A Peavey AddVerb II was also used for effects. For this show, I was loaned a portable Casio Midi Controller, which I connected to the Kawaii synth to use for the song "Destiny's Flight."

"Please consider donating a much appreciated monetary tip to:
PayPal.me/CraigPadillaMusic

Notes from Craig Padilla:
This was my first public performance on June 8, 1990. It was at the Shasta College Theatre in Redding, CA, and it was my college final project for my Creative Sound Design class. Many people involved with the theater department helped out with this project.

I came from a theatrical background, and I had been used to facing the audience, which is why I performed while facing the audience during this show. My Uncle Joe saw this video and suggested that I should perform sideways so that the audience can see what I'm playing. Thanks to that advice, I've been performing that way ever since. This concert is the only time that I've performed while facing the audience.

This music was created without the use of sequencers; all of the background music was recorded in real-time on reel-to-reel tapes. I used a Kawaii K1 synthesizer, a Siel DK-80 synthesizer, and a Roland TR-505 drum machine. A Peavey AddVerb II was also used for effects. For this show, I was loaned a portable Casio Midi Controller, which I connected to the Kawaii synth to use for the song "Destiny's Flight."

Please be mindful of the visual quality of this video. It has been remastered from standard definition and upscaled to 1080p HD with audio remastered from a chrome stereo cassette tape. I am fortunate that it looks and sounds as good as it does.

The original broadcast video aired on Redding Community Access TV in 1990 and 1991. It was shot on VHS tapes from two camera angles and edited on a Super VHS tape. Unfortunately, the audio on the broadcast video was recorded from the main onboard camera microphone, which had a muddy sound. (At the time, I thought that it was better to use that audio than to have no publicity for my music.) 35 years later, thanks to current technology, the stereo audio from the master cassette tape has replaced the original audio track. It has been pitch-corrected to sync up with the video, which is something I never thought would be possible! The video was also enhanced to brighten some of the shots.

There is a small black bar on the second camera angle, and that was to cover up a graphic date that was imbedded in the video of that camera. I had decided that the black bar was less distracting than a graphic on the screen whenever I switched to that camera.

I am fortunate that I knew people who would loan me their cameras for this performance, and equally thankful to my friends who offered their time to operate the cameras!

Matt Denton, a long time friend from high school, was the main camera operator. I met Bryan Arnold while attending college. Bryan loaned me his Kawaii synthesizer for the music, and was the second cameraman who had to briefly step away to perform a song. T. Owen Smith designed the light show, and he suggested that I throw a flame out of my hand at the end of the last song. I had known Dwight Husted since high school, and he was the lighting operator who ran the light-show. My college friends, Jeff Yarnell, Karen Wodsack, and Dale Gipp, were the stage crew who also contributed the idea to use actors in body bags and dress as aliens for a song. And Dale Kilpatric helped me produce the show, and he performed with his amazing classical guitar for a song. (More people helped, and their names are listed in the end-credits of the video.)

Over 100 people attended the performance which was a benefit for the Shasta Summer Theatre Festival. I give many thanks to DJ Ron Dare for hugely promoting my music on his radio show, "KCHO's Music for A New Age" in 1989 and 1990 (and years beyond that). Also, thanks to Robert Soffian, the head of the theater department, for allowing me to not only act in his plays, but to also have me record many songs for the various theatrical productions during that time. And many thanks to everybody who helped to make this concert possible so many years ago.

Extra big thanks to everybody who supported my music then and continues to support it now.

Song list:
00:00 - KCHO DJ Ron Dare Announcement
02:30 - Shanda's Song
08:05 - Waltz of the Planets (dedicated to my friend Derrick Guderian)
14:15 - Spanish Journey (featuring Dale Kilpatric on guitar)
19:50 - Destiny's Flight (dedicated to my Grandmother)
30:43 - Path of the Falling Stars (featuring Bryan Arnold)
36:00 - UFO Theme
42:05 - Other Beings (featuring many theater friends)
47:45 - Journeys through Space

A 24-bit download of this performance will be available at www.CraigPadilla.com [https://craigpadilla.bandcamp.com] in November 2025."

Korg minilogue XD - Analogue synth VHS video

video upload by Cosmo Jones Music

"Another compilation of my Minilogue compositions set to VHS video clips.

You can hear my music & dj mashups on Bandcamp:
cosmojones dot bandcamp dot com

You can hear my dj mixes & radio shows on Mixcloud:
mixcloud dot com dot cosmojonesmusic

#korgminilogue #vhs #lofimusic"

Korg Microkorg synth sounds - VHS video

video upload by Cosmo Jones Music

"The Microkorg is an unbelievable wee synth capable of all the sounds you hear.
No external effects. Everything is from the Microkorg.

You can hear my music & mashups on Bandcamp.
You can hear my dj mixes & radio shows on Mixcloud.

#microkorg #synthsounds #vhsvideo"

Korg Minilogue analogue synth sounds - 80s VHS video

video upload by Cosmo Jones Music

"Here are my Minilogue synth creations as the soundtrack to a VHS collage I threw together."

Korg Minilogue XD - Amazing analogue synth sounds
"You may notice I'm not a keyboard player.
I don't have the use of my pinkies, which is a barrier.

You can hear my music & dj mashups on Bandcamp.
https://cosmojones.bandcamp.com

You can hear my mixes & radio shows on Mixcloud.
https://mixcloud.com/cosmojonesmusic

You can hear my Vignettes albums on Spotify & all streaming platforms.

https://instagram.com/cosmojonesmusic"

Quintessential OB-6 Synthesizer Sound Set [Demo 01]

video upload by gstormelectro

"Audio + Video by G-Storm Electro c. 2025

Today I introduce my Quintessential OB-6 Synthesizer Sound Set. This audio demo is a selection from my original Sequential/Oberheim OB6 patches. The bank download includes 100 patches can be purchased at https://gstormelectro.gumroad.com/

The patches come from a variety of influences: Arena Rock, Pop, Trance, Darkwave, Freestyle, Dub, Classic Hits, New Wave, Electro. As well as some funky weird stuff the OB-6 has coaxed from my imagination. Hope you'll enjoy these awe-inspiring sonics coming from the OB-6 as much as I do. Which sounds are your favorite? What sounds did you not care for? Let me know in the comments!

All audio recorded direct to iPhone via Roland GO:MIXER Pro-X. Only on-board synth fx used, no additional effects. Some normalization in post processing."

CLICK FOR MORE »

SYNTHOPHONE - The MIDI Sax, Video Demo Tape

video upload by Patchman Music

"SYNTHOPHONE - The MIDI Sax, Video Demo Tape

I don't know where I acquired it, but I found this old VHS Synthophone demo tape in my collection and digitized and restored it. Some vintage Synthophone footage with inventor Martin Hurni. It also features Steve Coleman playing the Synthophone with his group. Enjoy...

Restored in August 2025, by Matt Traum for Matt's Time Machine:
http://www.mattstimemachine.com"

See the Synthophone label below for additional posts.

Official Demo - Microkorg 2 Soundset by Jexus

video upload by Jexus (sounds-for-synths.com)

"Thoughts & info: https://sounds-for-synths.com/korg-mi...

I did not use any external FX in the demo, no layers, no loopers, etc. All the delays and reverbs are part of the Microkorg-2 engine. My presets are single-timbre so you don’t lose your 8-voice polyphony. The presets come as computer files in “mk2prog” format. Just load them into the Microkorg-2 by using its flash drive feature (boot your Microkorg-2 in “disk mode”, and when it appears as a new disk drive you can just open / explore it and copy + paste the files). You will have the freedom to import my presets into Bank CLASSIC or MODERN or FUTURE or USER on your Microkorg 2."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Akai EVI1000, EWI1000, EWV2000 Video Instruction Manual. HQ Version!

video upload by Patchman Music

"As a gift to the wind controller community, Patchman Music presents this newly restored high quality version of the excellent Video Instruction Manual for the Akai EVI1000, EWI1000, and EWV2000 wind controller system. This wonderful video guide, originally distributed by Akai / IMC Music on VHS tape, is presented by Akai EVI clinician and long time EVI player Sam Zambito and woodwind EWI1000 player J.R. Krisanda. Though released in the late 1980s, this video contains many useful tips that are very much relevant today.

We hope you enjoy this video and will support Patchman Music in return. Since 1985, Patchman Music has been THE top source of everything wind controller related with clients including Michael Brecker, Tom Scott, Bob Mintzer, Jeff Kashiwa, Nyle Steiner, Judd Miller, Steve Tavaglione, and many many others! If you are looking to purchase a new or used wind controller or have yours repaired, or if you are looking for sounds to use with your wind controller, Patchman Music is the best place to go. Patchman Music sells all the major wind controller models and has developed numerous professional sound banks for synths and soft synths specializing in sounds designed for use with wind controllers and breath controllers. For a complete list, visit: https://www.patchmanmusic.com/WindCon..."

"This video was digitized and restored by Matt Traum in July 2025 for Matt's Time Machine
http://www.mattstimemachine.com
If you have recordings or documents that need to be restored and digitized, contact Matt's Time Machine to get the job done right!"

Inspiration is All Around You

video upload by MAKEN0ISE

"Pete from the Make Noise Instagram channel here, filling in this week with a 'hangout' video, in which we go exploring Asheville looking for inspiration to patch with.

Record shops! Movie stores! Waterfalls! This one has it all."

Timestamps:
0:00 - introduction
1:40 - surface noise texture exploration
5:30 - VHS tape ribbon controller
7:18 - waterfall tape loop
11:05 - outro

"Here is the New Music article mentioned in the video: https://newmusicusa.org/nmbx/synthesi...

A note about using VHS tapes as ribbon controllers: at some point, it seems that VHS tapes changed formula and the newer tapes just don't work for this sort of thing. Instead, look for older tapes where one of the sides has more of a matte finish— this is the side you want to have facing up (newer tapes tend to have two shiny sides and neither of them will work for this experiment).

Thanks for watching, and happy patching!"

http://www.makenoisemusic.com

1968 RA Moog Modular IIIC

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this Reverb listing

"A 3-cabinet authentic, period correct all RA Moog modules system that dates from 1968.

This instrument forms a part of the RL Music Vintage Synthesizer Collection. We have managed to keep some of the very best examples of Vintage Synthesizers that have come through our business over the last 22 years which we kept for our pleasure and interest. Whilst having a privileged position as a specialist dealer in this genre of equipment, we managed to hang on to particular instruments that were interesting and inspiring. The RA Moog Modular IIIC is one of 40 instruments we have, but is the oldest and most historically important.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Roland TR-707 , Oberheim Matrix 1000, Digitech Polara.

video upload by David Noise

"Roland TR-707 con un poco de reverb del digitech polara (una joyita de la cual hablare después...)
y el oberheim siendo controlado por el Digitone, con un toque de mod wheel que pareciera como un glitch en el VHS de mi cabeza...."

"Roland TR-707 with a bit of Digitech Polara reverb (a gem I'll talk about later...)
and the Oberheim controlled by the Digitone, with a touch of mod wheel that seems like a glitch on the VHS in my head..."

Yamaha QY10 Music Sequencer w/ VHS Style Case SN HH02266

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this listing

CLICK FOR MORE »

Synth Foundations 2 - Novation Circuit Tracks Pack by Techtronix

video uploads by Isotonik Studios

AVAILABLE HERE: https://isotonikstudios.com/product/s...

"Bringing the beat back!!

Step into a neon dreamscape where retro nostalgia meets futuristic vibes.
Synth Foundations 2 captures the essence of vintage VHS aesthetics and cassette reminisince,
blending them seamlessly with a modern, cutting-edge twist.

With the unmistakable charm of a bygone era, Echo'ing the pulse of the 80s,
Whether you're crafting ambient synthwave, outrun, or retro-futuristic beats,
Synth Foundations 2 is your ticket to a unique and immersive audio experience.

Fully covering all your synthwave needs
Bringing A Modern punch and a Retro Synthwave Sound.

Always wondered how to get that warm analogue tape feel?. With patches that ooze charector and drums that fit the genre like a glove.
Perfectly crafted to make it fun and easy to synthwave masterpeices.

With a 100% synthesized sound Synth Foundations 2 brings that Cassette sound to your Circuit Tracks.
With patches range from VHS sounding leads to dizzying pads and a massive range of bass.
Topped of with in house synthesized Linndrum kicks, snares and toms, this is a pack to remember.
Equiped for modern and retro synthwave alike.
Synth Foundations 2 promises to deliver, in not only a finished tracks but countless.

All Samples have been synthesized using the following

Vital Vst
Ableton Operator
Arturia Minifreak
ASM Hydrasynth

CLICK FOR MORE »

Novation Peak – A Dream Machine for Ambient & Lo-Fi Sounds 🌌🎛️

video upload by Blossom Bisquits

"The Novation Peak is an 8-voice polyphonic synth perfect for creating deep ambient textures, lo-fi warmth, and nostalgic soundscapes. With FPGA-based oscillators, analog filters, and a rich modulation matrix, it delivers lush pads, detuned leads, and evolving drones reminiscent of Boards of Canada and ‘90s electronic atmospheres. Whether you’re sculpting dreamy chords or hazy, VHS-like tones, Peak is a powerhouse for ambient producers and sonic explorers. 🎶✨

🔊 Let the sound take you back in time!"

Xfer Serum Takes Hyperpop to the NEXT LEVEL! 50 Presets Demo

video upload by Anton Anru

"Xfer Serum - Dreamy Decibels is a bank of presets created in the Hyper Pop, EDM, Retrowave, Darkwave, Synthwave genres, inspired by artists such as SOPHIE, A.G. Cook, Bladee and old Charli XCX.
📦 The bank includes 50 Patches: 11 Basses, 7 Leads, 10 Pads, 5 Plucks, 10 Percussion Sounds, 7 Synths.
This set offers you all the necessary tools to create bright, energetic and memorable music that expands the boundaries of traditional genres and immerses the listener in the world of neon sounds.

🌠 Get this soundset: https://antonanru.sellfy.store/p/seru...

Since the genre is quite diverse, the bank contains both metallic overdriven synths, drums and atmospheric pads, which can greatly complement and saturate your track with experiments!

👤 The author of the soundset is skendi (Arseniy Pushkov).

🎛 Macros can change tone, stereo width, modulation depth and rate, noise level, distortion, detuning, space/echo/reverb, effects mix, envelope parameters, and others.
You may control them via MIDI controller, use them for automation, or map the macros to your DAW modulators like LFO, Shaper, and others.
ModWheel adds expressiveness to the timbre.

💡 Ensure that you are using the latest plugin version. Version 1.368 or higher is required.
Installation: Open the Serum menu and click "Show Serum Presets Folder." You will see folders containing different Serum content. Open the "Presets" folder and place the new bank of presets there.
I added drum loops to some demo tracks. They are not included into the soundset.

Contents:
00:00 PD Grace / BS Synthy Shot / LD Chill Saw
01:02 PD Hyper Dreams / LD Cleany / SY Digi / BS Jax Reese
02:47 BS Lazy Active / PD Chopped / SY Digi
03:46 PD Good Times / PD Grace / LD Wavy / BS Friendly Monster / BS Crunchy
05:24 PL Beaty Orbit / LD Acid Glide / BS Synthy Shot / BS Hyper Guitar / BS Mario / PL Nostalgic / LD Chill Saw / PR Dirty Kick / PR Muddy but Metalic / PR Xeon Snare / PR Metalic Hat
07:09 BS Lazy Active / PD Blade Runner / PL Beauty Orbit
08:15 SY Sonic / PL Shadow Metallic / SY Guitar / BS Turn it Up / PR Snow Kick / PR Laser Snare / PR Flangered Hat 09:32 BS Ball / PD Good Times / PL Arcade
10:43 PD Landscape / SY Angel Wave / BS Lazy Active / LD Rhytm / LD Belly Saw / PR Laser Kick
11:48 LD Acid / SY Dirty / PL Nokia / PR Metalic Snare / SY Cosmo / PD VHS Memories / PR Metalic Hat / BS Stomp / PR Hard Kick / BS Gas Reese"

Dan Burns Music - Studio Time - Synthesizers

video upload by Dan Burns Music

"An original composition showcasing some favorite synthesizers in my studio, recorded to cassette on the Tascam 238.

Featured instruments:
Akai AX60
Akai S612 Sampler
Yamaha DX7iiD
Crumar Stratus
Casio CZ101

Music composed, performed and produced by Dan Burns.
Copyright 2022.

All footage filmed by Dan Burns with a Panasonic OmniMovie VHS camcorder.

Contact and Bio:
http://danburns.space"