The YMO Music Computer

video upload by Alex Ball

"A look at the revolutionary Roland MC-8 from 1977 which was one of the earliest microprocessor-controlled digital sequencers. Around 200 of these units were made and they were extremely expensive.

As I've covered the history of this unit several times, I thought it would be interesting to follow in the footsteps of a band that made significant use of the MC-8, which was Yellow Magic Orchestra.

In the video we look at how the MC-8 works and use it to compose a track in the style of YMO using the techniques and (where possible) instruments that they used in the late 70s.

Thank you to my Patrons for their support. The track, stems and MC-8 data are available there.
https://www.patreon.com/AlexBallMusic

You can buy the track on my Bandcamp: https://alexball.bandcamp.com

0:00 Intro
0:47 YMO, Hideki Matsutake and the MC-8
2:25 The MC-8 Interface
5:12 Programming the MC-8
10:43 Transport and Saving
12:20 Overdub and Sync
13:15 MPX Programming
15:10 Summary
15:50 The Feature Track - Lovers in Tokyo"

cars on planet earth

video upload by Jörg Schaaf

"Befaco Rampage & EFFEXX & Valhalla Vintage Reverb at post processing. I recorded 10 minutes of noise and took snippets out of it to arrange them in a kind of collage in Logic. Some of these sounds received a special sonic character by adding some Valhalla reverb effects."

https://joergschaaf.bandcamp.com

Jörg Schaaf is the man behind Radikal Technologies, and previously Quasimidi.

A Sonic Playground! // Dual Harmonic Oscillator by AtoVproject - more sounds & music

video upload by DivKid

You can find the first video previously posted here.

"The Dual Harmonic Oscillator from AtoVproject is one hell of a sonic playground for all sorts of synthesis, sound and musical approaches to working with a dual or 'complex' oscillator. When I made the main demo (watch that first, link above) I ended up making so many patches with it that I wanted to put together a second video that revisited the module. So here it is."

Introducing Vongon: Replay // Polyphonic Synth & Muti-Mode Arpeggiator

video upload by MAS Distro

Update: new demos added below.

"Join us as we embark on a sonic journey with Replay, a new polyphonic synthesizer and multi-mode arpeggiator from Vongon. First up we test its prowess in the realm of synthwave - spoiler alert: it excels! In the latter half, we delve into the interface and its versatile capabilities complete with an immersive sound exploration, unleashing the arpeggiator and tweaking various parameters for a mesmerizing experience. Video and music production crafted by DeadMidi.

Gear Used:
Vongon Replay Polyphonic Synth/Arpeggiator
Vongon Polyphrase Stereo Echo
Vongon Ultrasheer Stereo Pitch Vibrato & Reverb"

Vongon Replay!

video upload by Fireghosting

"Replay is a six-voice polyphonic synthesiser and a little window into synth heaven. Lush pads, tiny plinks, snappy arpeggios, warbling melodies, resonant filters with midi connectivity and a sleek web interface!"

Vongon Replay Virtual Analog Synth | Overview + Exploration

video upload by Sarah Belle Reid

"A demo and walkthrough of the new polysynth Replay, by Vongon. Replay is a 6-voice polyphonic synthesizer with a compact form factor that takes inspiration from classic poly synths from the 1980s, like the Roland Juno series + the Korg Polysix.

This video includes an overview of what Replay is and how it works, along with a number of sound examples demonstrating Replay on its own and in combination with FX pedals, to create a wide range of sounds from classic synth leads, pads, and arpeggios to more experimental textures and noisy sound worlds."

TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Intro
02:45 Replay Overview & Tour
17:03 Musical Demo
19:09 Filter Experiments on Replay
23:50 Exploring the Arpeggiator
28:00 Combining Replay with FX

Vongon Replay: This synth rules!

video upload by Matt Lowery

"Today we take the beautiful Replay by Vongon out for a spin and also have a conversation about synthesis basics in honor of my five year synth-a-versary. Vongon really hit it out of the park with this instrument and--whether it's your first synth or your 10th-- there's a lot here to love."

VONGON REPLAY Polyphonic Synth & Arpeggiator | Can I write a synth-pop track with it?!

video upload by Ambient Endeavors

"Man, I just love gear that makes you approach writing differently. That reminds you how fun it can be to find new sounds and feels, explore new ways of composing. And today, the new Vongon Electronics REPLAY is doing that for me - a super fun, approachable, compact polyphonic synth and arpeggiator."

via Perfect Circuit

"The Replay is the first synthesizer offering from boutique pedal designers Vongon, offering a six-voice virtual analog sound engine with multi-mode arpeggiator. Inspired by beloved keyboard synths of the early 80s like the Roland Juno and Korg Polysix, the Replay faithfully delivers warm and lush vintage timbres in a compact package that drips with modern aesthetics and utility. In Replay, Vongon has struck an impressive balance between scope of features, user experience, and overall sound quality. The result is an instrument that sounds wonderfully rich and nostalgia-laden, with an interface that is easy to understand - perfectly approachable for a beginning synthesist, yet deep enough to inspire veteran wigglers to explore the edges of its capabilities.

Replay's front panel is incredibly straightforward, with simple controls for its primary functions conveniently accessible. Additional options are selected via the "secret menu" alt functions. At the heart of Replay's sound engine are multiple selectable waveforms for its primary oscillator, with ramp, square, triangle, and sine modes. Noise amount, pulse width modulation, and LFO pitch modulation offer further timbral manipulations before passing to the four-pole, low-pass filter. Highly resonant and warm, the filter includes modulation depth controls from the primary envelope, keyboard tracking, and the LFO. The VCA features options for maximum amplitude and modulation source. An organic and responsive ADSR envelope and the on-board LFO round out this straightforward voice, with flexible modulation routing options between the main controls and alt functions.

The multimode arpeggiator on the Replay opens up a variety of fun and engaging options for controlling the synthesizer voice. Latch and keyed modes, in addition to the three poly modes available on the alt functions, offer a variety of ways for creating snappy and spiraling arpeggios and fuzzy, morphing pads. Up/Down, order, and random modes provide further ways to organize pitch material. The alt functions allow the LFO to be clocked by the ARP speed, creating rhythmically modulated phrases that are a joy to get lost in.

All in all, the Vongon Replay delivers a premium virtual analog experience that feels streamlined and purpose-built for getting beautiful analog sounds quickly. With plenty of depth in sound color and just the right amount of tricks up its sleeve to keep you immersed in music making rather than menu diving, the Replay is sure to become a go-to instrument for lush pads and other classic synth timbres. Its physical design is beautifully simple, and the responsive feel of its Cherry MX keys invite playful interaction that is hard to put down. Of course, the Replay is a lovely source for running through Vongon pedals, creating an instant synthwave or soundtrack machine paired with an Ultrasheer or Polyphrase. If you're needing a straightforward synth with limitless sonic charm, the Vongon Replay is a wonderful choice.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Aodyo Instruments Introduces Loom - Multidimensional MPE MIDI Controller

video uploads by Aodyo Instruments

"We're threading a new path in the world of music creation, where every touch lets you weave your own sonic tapestry. It's about crafting music with a more personal touch, where every note is a thread in your unique musical fabric. Something exciting is looming. Get ready to unravel a new way to experience sound.

https://loom.aodyo.com/kickstarter"



Have you ever dreamed of a MIDI controller that could turn your touch into music just like a real instrument? Meet Loom.

Loom is a multidimensional MPE MIDI Controller designed for immediate playability and expressiveness.
MPE synthesizers and virtual instruments offer you rich sounds that respond to the slightest variation, but there are few controllers fit to the task.

At Aodyo Instruments, we have drawn on our previous experience with the Sylphyo and the Anyma synthesizers to offer musicians a versatile and powerful device.

Whether you play live, record in the studio or compose music in your bedroom, Loom will become a flexible and original addition to your setup.

FEATURES
Don't be fooled by its simple appearance: Loom's magic lies in the synergy between its surfaces and sensors, offering you different playing modes that will allow you to play almost any kind of virtual instrument or synthesizer.

PLAYING MODES
Unravel evolving chords, weave intricate melodies, craft expressive rhythms. Any way you choose to approach it, Loom is designed as an extension of your hands.

Loom can function as a MIDI Keyboard, offering access to a two or three-octave range. You can play notes, bend them, nuance your attack, and add expression by sliding along the keys.

But if you want to break free from the keys, Loom can also work as a MIDI Ribbon, allowing for smooth sliding across its surface. Optionally, it can make sure you land on the right note, making it easier to play with others without losing the free-form nature of the ribbon.

If you want to play chords like a guitar, Loom offers a MIDI Strum mode, where you can choose a chord with one hand and strum virtual strings with the other. Or you can play it like a harp, directly sliding your fingers across the chord.

For rhythmic parts, Loom also got you covered. Its MIDI Drumkit mode has been carefully designed to provide you with a unique and efficient layout for finger-drumming. It can sense the way your finger hits the surface, as well as the position of your hit: flick more or less quickly to open the hi-hat, move your finger along the ride cymbal's edge or bell, and obtain subtle variations on your snare sound. It works great with acoustic and synthetic drum sounds.

For rhythmic parts, Loom also got you covered. Its MIDI Drumkit mode has been carefully designed to provide you with a unique and efficient layout for finger-drumming. It can sense the way your finger hits the surface, as well as the position of your hit: flick more or less quickly to open the hi-hat, move your finger along the ride cymbal's edge or bell, and obtain subtle variations on your snare sound. It works great with acoustic and synthetic drum sounds.

ACTION ZONE
To the left of the surface lies a pressure-sensitive squishy square area called the action zone. Press it to have nuanced control over dynamics or effects.
EDITOR
The companion editor allows you to customize every aspect of your Loom: change modes assign zones, map MIDI controls, set thresholds, and adjust response curves.

2 OR 3 OCTAVES
Craft melodies with two octaves. Weave symphonies with three octaves. Loom is designed for portability, while its extended version, Looom, offers a wider playing range.

BUILT FOR MPE AND LEGACY MIDI
MIDI MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) is an extension of the MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) standard that enables more nuanced and expressive performance capabilities for electronic instruments.
Traditional MIDI communication allows for control changes to be applied globally across all notes of an instrument. In contrast, MPE assigns each note its own unique channel, allowing for individual control of pitch, volume, and timbre per note.

This innovation opens up a new realm of expressive possibilities, letting musicians bend, slide, and modulate notes independently, much like on acoustic instruments. By providing detailed control over each note's parameters, MPE enhances the expressiveness of electronic music performances.
Loom is designed from the ground up for MPE, but it also works very well with any non-MPE MIDI instruments, even monophonic ones!

DEVELOPER-FRIENDLY
You're not limited to the modes we've designed. If you know your way around code, you can also take over and create your own. You can send a specific MIDI message to enter developer mode, where every input will be sent as-is, and you'll be able to control the LEDs and display by sending MIDI SysEx messages to the Loom from your own program or script running on your computer. This way, you can entirely control what's happening on your Loom, design new playing modes that you can distribute to others, or use Loom as an experimentation platform.

CONNECTIVITY
Using a USB or MIDI cable, you can easily connect your Loom to all your hardware and software: VSTi, Audio Units, hardware, etc.
Here are a few demos that showcase examples of how Loom can be used and setup.

SYNTHERNET - G3N3 (303-Style Synth, Prototype) with AIF22 (Audio Interface)

video upload by SYNTHERNET

"Sound test of the synthesizer in development, 'G3N3' (No effects)
Directly connected to an audio interface (AIF22) and filmed with an iPhone using Filmic Pro.
This is a compact synthesizer featuring a virtual analog 303 simulation and an editable randomized pattern sequencer. Parameters are selected in the upper section, while values are modified in the middle section."

SYNTHERNET - G3N3 TYPE:Bassline Prototype (NO SOUND)

video upload by SYNTHERNET

"Super Small VA 303-Style Synthesizer"

SYNTHERNET also made a mini 808 style drum machine in the same format. You can find demos in previous posts here.

„live performances“ | 2024/03/16 | gelsenkirchen | eurorack modular synthesizer

video upload by Elinch

"„first part of my performance on 2024/03/16 in gelsenkirchen at readymade.books“

The most used: Tiptop Buchla VCO & Sequencer, Tokio Tape Music Center VCO & Tokio Gate, Buchla LEM 218e, 4MS Looping Delay, Intellijel Sealegs, Clouds, ER-301, OTO Boum

My new album 'Grau' will be released on 2024/04/30 as a tape and as a download on Seil Records/Bandcamp.

#livemusic , #synthesizer, #modular, #buchla"

Launching GLITCH STORM 2025. Bytebeats Morphing and Genetic Algorithms

video upload by SPHERICAL SOUND SOCIETY

"\\GLITCH STORM 2025//

It features synthesis morphing and brand new genetic algoridthms that covers totally new sonic territories

There´s a GLITCH STORM 2025 demo downloable for current Glitch Storm MKII users and sound hackers.

Explore its capabilities for 3 minutes before it falls silent. You can reset it to play another 3 minutes all the times that you desire.

The new firmware and the coming ones are and will ever be free for GLITCH STORM 2025 users

Full synth available in the stores and as updatable kit for MKII customers

https://linktr.ee/sphericalsoundsociety"

GLITCH STORM 2025 Audio Demo. Bytebeats Morphing and Genetic Algorithms

video upload by SPHERICAL SOUND SOCIETY

"We are also raffling 2 Glitch Storm Synths.

We're giving away 2 GLITCH STORMS 2025

In this giveaway, we're picking two winners: one randomly and another
for the most original and viral video.

The draw starts now and ends Monday 25 March at 12:00 (Spanish time).
We'll announce the winners that day

To join the Raffle Category, do these:

1. Follow @spherical_sound_society.
2. Like this post.
3. Share it in your stories

For the VIRAL VIDEO category, just:

1. Follow @spherical_sound_society.
2. Like this post.
3. Share an original video tagging us

You can participate on the following platforms: Instagram / Facebook /
Tiktok. You can participate in both categories. For each
participation, you will earn one raffle ticket. The more platforms you
use, the more chances you'll have to win the prizes"

Links here: https://linktr.ee/sphericalsoundsociety

XLVDEMO 001 - Gotharman's Little Deformer 2

video upload by xlv music

"XLV demos the Little Deformer 2 from Gotharman.
This workstation has been long out of production, handmade by Gotharman's Musical Instruments.
Please visit https://www.gotharman.dk/deformerLD2.htm for more info

The LD2 is XLV's primary piece of gear used in production. If you like what you hear, consider supporting XLV by visiting https://xlvusura.bandcamp.com/ for releases and merch."

Moog DFAM: Modular Grooves Patches/Patterns. No Talk Demo

video upload by Anton Anru

"The new Moog DFAM soundset has been highly requested by my subscribers. The first bank, «Techno Generator», received many positive feedbacks over the past few years.
«Modular Grooves» is a collection of 50 patches + patterns: 17 Percs/Drums, 16 Basses, 17 Synths. It is dedicated to the modular vibe, loved for its analog warm sound, experimental attitude, rich opportunities, unique features and tones, and inspirational workflow.

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

💎 The presets feature various colors: noisy, detuned, distorted, as well as mild, clean, soft, punchy, dark, bright, deep, and airy.
Some timbres are great to play the first role in tracks or jams, while others will work perfectly as additional parts.
You may use the patches as they are, but I strongly recommend tweaking the knobs to develop the timbre during your performance and get an exciting experience.

📚The soundset is presented in the form of PDF-Document. Each page contains notes that explain how the patch works, what parameters are worth tweaking during playback, and how to develop the timbre during a performance. If you make all the settings consciously and try the things mentioned in the notes, you will learn a lot about the synth and discover its true depth.

🎧 There are audio examples of all patches inside the folder with the soundset.
To recreate these patches you need up to 3 patch cords.

💽 The soundset also includes 24/41000 WAV samples, accompanied by BPM and scale information. You can use them as they are, or you're free to resample, edit, and apply effects. These samples offer a versatile material for your experimentation.

🔔 You are listening to demo tracks featuring these presets. I've added other samples, drums and pads, to create a complete musical context. The DFAM sequences can be quite complex, producing various timbres at once, like bass and percussion. To help you distinguish, I've marked the DFAM and ADDITIONAL SOUNDS with different colors.
These ADDITIONAL SOUNDS are not included in the soundset.

CLICK FOR MORE »