WTF is bitmask synthesis? How to use this unique feature of the Kodamo Mask1

video upload by j bowman

"Welcome to the wild world of bitmask synthesis! In this video, we dive deep into the unique and powerful bitmask feature of the Kodamo Mask1 synthesizer, breaking it down for sound designers, synth nerds, and anyone chasing truly original tones. If you've ever wondered how to push your sound design synth skills further or unlock new layers of expression, this is the guide for you.

Learn how bitmask synthesis works, why it’s different from traditional synthesis methods, and how to start creating viral-worthy sound design using the Kodamo Mask1. We push the Mask1 beyond virtual analogue tones into uncharted territory. Whether you're a beginner exploring advanced synthesis techniques or a seasoned sound designer looking to expand your sonic palette, this tutorial has you covered.

We’ll cover:
What bitmask synthesis is and how it functions
How to shape sound with the Mask1’s advanced engine
Real sound design examples using hands on patching on the Kodamo Mask1

00:00 Intro
04:55 Explanation of the 1st dimension - static bitmasks
17:20 Demonstration of 1 dimensional bitmask synthesis - creating a virtual analogue type tone
18:53 Explanation of the 2nd dimension - transition between bitmasks
27:40 Demonstration of 2 dimensional bitmask synthesis - looping bitmask delta envelopes
37:30 Explanation of the 3rd dimension - changing the start point and speed of the delta envelope
42:27 Demonstration of 3 dimensional bitmask synthesis - using the Expressive E Touché"

Sinevibes Cache 1.1 for NTS-3 - preview of upcoming major update

video upload by Sinevibes

"Sinevibes Cache update 1.1 is coming soon with real-time Reverse, Rewind and Scratch effects for your KORG NTS-3 kaoss pad"

Korg Electribe-M EM-1 PCM Groovebox

video upload by ghostradioshow

"Nice 90's vibes. Enjoy :)"

PPG "BACK TO THE ROOTS" SUPERBOOTH Teaser

Note the Native Instruments BOOTH H130 on the bottom right.

What's under that sheet?

Is the teaser for a new hardware synth or a new collaborative NI synth? Both?

Note "PPG® is a trademark of the Native Instruments Group, used under license" per PPG's recent announcement for the W2.2x4 eurorack module.

How Elektron design Instruments: Product Designer Interview

video upload by mylarmelodies

"I got a chance to sit down with Jean-Michel Pepin - a product designer at Elektron who worked on Syntakt, Digitakt II, Digitone II, Analog Heat+FX, Overbridge and much more - about how Elektron design & update products, his work there, and lessons learned.

This was recorded at the London Synth & Pedal Expo 2025!"

Mellotron XD by Love Hultén

video upload by Love Hultén

"Custom setup for a client

Incl:
Mellotron m400d
Minilogue XD
Tape Echo
Microcosm
Chroma Console
Big Sky"

Take 5 At the Beach - Jam #2 5/4/2025 - Sequential Take 5, Walrus Qi Etherealizer

video upload by I Love Cats and Synths

"Another jam at the Surfside Beach Hotel in Surfside, SC using my Sequential Take 5 and Walrus Qi Etherealizer pedal. Includes video and audio footage of the surf."

Sonicware LoFi-6, Make Noise Strega & Ableton MODE

video upload by Akihiko Matsumoto

DIY eurorack modular synth | MOD2 Kick Drum : RP2350 based drum module

video upload by HAGIWO

"Thanks to AI-friendly hardware design, it's easy to create software variations using generative AI. With general-purpose components and a simple circuit, this module is affordable and DIY-friendly.

Kick:
Sin wave base , 6 parameters kick drum.
Pressing the button will change the assigned parameter.

working documents
https://note.com/solder_state/n/nce8f...
https://note.com/solder_state/n/nbdea..."

Frap Tools Magnolia, 8-voice analog thru-zero FM polyphonic synthesizer | Project update

video upload by Frap Tools

Click CC at the bottom of the player for subtitles.

"Magnolia will be an 8-voice analog through-zero FM synthesizer, which we built to create sounds from the modular world through a classic keyboard interface.

Waveshapers, wavefolders, and, most importantly, analog linear through-zero FM unlock every sound associated with the 'West Coast' synthesis world. But that's not all! Fat resonant filters and powerful analog oscillators allow more traditional subtractive synthesis sounds as well.

A vast and flexible modulation section encourages complex patches with the twist of a knob, but it is always easy to keep track of what's going on thanks to LEDs on every source and destination. An arpeggiator and a sequencer complement the machine.

We are announcing and showcasing two pre-production units. We aim to release the final version at the end of summer, and it will show some differences. It may have a more refined interface, it will feature digital effects, and some of the features currently under evaluation may disappear.

We've been working on it for the last year, and we're eager to show it to the world!"

Follow-up to this post where you'll find additonal pics.

Update: press release follows:

Frap Tools to take on high-end keyboard synthesizer market with ‘West Coast’ MAGNOLIA making its public debut at SUPERBOOTH25

MEDOLLA, ITALY: Frap Tools, hitherto known as a manufacturer of Eurorack modules and accessories alongside professional audio compressors in the 500-Series format, is proud to venture into the world of high-end keyboard synthesizers with its introduction of MAGNOLIA — announced as an 8-VOICE ANALOG THRU-ZERO FM SYNTHESIZER built to unlock every sound associated with ‘West Coast’ modular synthesis through a classic keyboard interface — anchored around showcasing two pre-production units at SUPERBOOTH25, May 8-10, FEZ-Berlin, Germany…

As an 8-VOICE ANALOG THRU-ZERO FM SYNTHESIZER, MAGNOLIA unlocks every sound associated with the so-called ‘West Coast’ modular synthesis world with waveshapers, wavefolders, and, most importantly, analog linear TZFM (Through-Zero Frequency Modulation) Indeed, its intentions are made clear from the outset by the on point wording worked tastefully into its (initial) top panel design. No need to necessarily remain there, though, for fat resonant filters and powerful analogue oscillators also allow for more traditional subtractive synthesis sounds. And although a deep and flexible modulation section encourages complex patches with the push of a button and twist of a knob, switching modulations on and off with the TOGGLE function, it is always easy to keep track of what is going on thanks to the inclusion of LEDs (Light-Emitting Diodes) on every source and destination.

Digging deeper, MAGNOLIA features eight analogue voices with two oscillators — carrier and modulator — and 24 dB/oct resonant HIGH-PASS and LOW-PASS filters; the carrier oscillator has a through-zero core for precise, sideband-rich analogue FM (Frequency Modulation) sounds, so crystal-like pads to growling basses are available to all with the greatest of ease, while FM can be applied to the filters. Furthermore, sculpting sounds that have not been heard before on analogue polysynths are now perfectly possible, thanks to MAGNOLIA’s unique signal flow — think continuously variable waveform shapes and a wavefolder circuit per voice!

Those two oscillators are derived from Frap Tools’ BRENSO (https://frap.tools/products/brenso/), a Euroack module readily representing its creator’s primary analogue source of articulated waveforms whose degree of entanglement can be precisely set by the musician. MAGNOLIA’s Oscillator 1 is the ‘West Coast’ one with TZFM, wavefolder, and FLIP SYNC, while Oscillator 2 is the ‘East Coast’ one, with PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) and fine-tune. Whether wanting experimental FM sounds or punchy synth brass, they are always at anyone’s service. Speaking of Frap Tools’ unique modular soul, MAGNOLIA’s filter section is derived from CUNSA (https://frap.tools/products/cunsa/) — itself a quadruple analogue ping-able multimode resonant filter, saturator, mixer, and oscillator, no less!

Musically, MAGNOLIA sports a keyboard from fellow Italians FATAR, with polyphonic aftertouch capabilities for enhanced expressiveness, while a per-part ARPEGGIATOR and per-part 16-step SEQ (sequencer) serve to creatively complement the synthesizer still further. Features briefly worth drawing attention to here by way of ending on some more high notes include MAGNOLIA’s bi-timbral programs (with SINGLE, MORPH, DUAL, and SPLIT MODES); all-analogue signal path; three loop-able DAHDSR (DELAY, ATTACK, HOLD, DECAY, SUSTAIN, and RELEASE) envelopes; three digital LFOs (Low Frequency Oscillators); and 512 preset memory slots.

Anyone attending SUPERBOOTH25, May 8-10, FEZ-Berlin, Germany can get up close and personal with two MAGNOLIA pre-production units by swinging by Booth B049 there. Their creators will be showcasing them personally, eager to show the results of their hard work, while providing a passionate warm welcome. Frap Tools aim to release MAGNOLIA as a production product by the end of summer, albeit with some differences evident by then. The interface will likely be more refined, featuring digital effects, while some features currently under evaluation could conceivably be removed."