MATRIXSYNTH

Tuesday, August 26, 2025

Donner L1 vs SH-101: How close can we make it?? Sound design and comparison


video upload by MR TUNA Music

"In this video, we are putting the new Donner L1 analog synthesizer head-to-head with the original legendary Roland SH-101 to see just how close we can get! From pulsewaves to bass patches, we’ll break down the oscillators, filters, envelopes, and modulation to find out whether the Donner L1 can really capture that classic SH-101 sound. (spoiler: it can)

🔊 Expect A/B sound demos, patch design walkthroughs, and my honest thoughts on where the L1 nails it— and where the SH-101 still reigns supreme.

✨ If you’re curious about:

-Donner L1 sound demo
-Roland SH-101 comparison
-Analog synth sound design
-Best affordable SH-101 alternative

…this video is for you!"

Ocean Swift Announces big NKS Update with 50% Off Sale



"Ocean Swift announces a big NKS compatibility update and a 50% Off sale on updated preset packs and preset bundles for Roland JV1080, Roland Juno 60, Plugin Alliance DS Thorn, D16 Lush 2 and more! Discount offer is available until September 10, celebrating their newest NKS update.

The developer quotes:
"We’ve just shipped a major update: every pack below is now fully NKS-compatible - even though these synths aren’t NKS-native, we went through all our packs converting the presets, creating parameter mappings, tagging and inserting audio previews. To mark the occasion, all of them are 50% off right now!"

Offers:
Dreamers Stash (for Roland Cloud JV1080): 12.50€ (reg 25€)
Goa Memoria (for Roland Cloud JUNO-60 and JUNO-106): 13.50€ (reg 27€.)
Mind Benders Collection (for D16 Lush 2): 15€ (reg 30€.)
Thorn Preset Collection (for Plugin Alliance DS Thorn): 48€ (reg 96€.)
Hybrid3 Preset Bundle (for Air Hybrid3): 41€ (reg 82€.)
Triple Cheese Pizza (for U-He Triple Cheese): 5€ (reg 10€.)

LINK: https://oceanswift.net/sales/"

Hyper Arpeggio | Roland JP-8080


video upload by Akihiko Matsumoto



"Roland JP-8000/8080 | A Convergence of Sonic History and Future Innovation

Greetings, fellow sonic architects.

In the relentless pursuit of unparalleled sound, we often find ourselves drawn to the very essence of what makes a waveform resonate with unique character. It is within this spirit of exploration that we wish to share a recent development, an evolution in the very fabric of digital sound design.

Before we delve deeper into the intricacies, allow us to present the coordinates for this journey:

Explore the evolution: JP-8000 - 8080 (Sample Pack) ver.3.5: https://akihikomatsumoto.sellfy.store...

The Genesis of Texture: Reimagining Digital Warmth

For decades, the digital realm has strived to replicate the organic nuances of analog synthesis. Yet, a select few instruments from a pivotal era achieved a distinct warmth, a "softness" that modern software often struggles to emulate. This unique sonic signature, characterized by a rounded edge in its harmonic contours, defines a particular epoch of electronic music. It is a sound that transcends mere emulation, rooted in the very architecture of its digital modeling.

Consider the foundational elements of electronic music: the driving pulse, the atmospheric expanse, the melodic narrative. Each requires a specific textural quality to truly captivate. Our ongoing research and development in this domain have led to a significant refinement of a collection dedicated to these very principles. This material is meticulously curated for beatmakers operating within the intricate landscapes of Neo Trance, Future Garage, Wave, Hardwave, and Witch House, where the precise articulation of sound is paramount.

An Unveiling: Hyper Arpeggio and Beyond"

Our latest iteration, designated as version 3.5, introduces a novel element that pushes the boundaries of rhythmic and atmospheric integration: the Hyper Arpeggio. These are not merely sequences; they are high-velocity, BPM-agnostic drones, meticulously crafted to emphasize the distinct, almost liquid phrasing inherent to the original sound source. This particular characteristic, a unique "rounded edge" in its articulation, is a direct consequence of the original hardware's design, a feature that remains remarkably difficult to replicate with contemporary synthesis methods. It is a testament to the enduring legacy of instruments like the Roland JP-8000 and JP-8080, progenitors of the legendary Super Saw, whose influence continues to shape the sonic landscape.

Yamaha CS-80

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


via this Reverb listing

Dave Smith Prophet Rev 2 8-Voice Keyboard

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


via this Reverb listing

Additional CONTROL Listings

Moog Minimoog Voyager XL Analog Keyboard Synthesizer (40th Anniversary Tolex Edition)

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


via this listing

Additional Perfect Circuit listings

Sound Charts Minimoog Synthesizer by Tom Rhea

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


via this eBay listing

Macbeth Micromac D

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


via this Reverb listing

"3 oscillator semi-modular synth, complex modulation capabilities, MIDI & CV control.

Probably no other monophonic analog synth has this amount of sound-bending capabilities at your fingertips on an ultra-compact footprint. Directly prepatched and switchable are:

VCO2 synchable to VCO1
VCO3 can modulate either VCO2 (only) or VCO1 + 2
VCO3 can modulate the filter
VCO3 can be taken out of the audio path completely, becoming an 'invisible' source for modulation only
the filter envelope (VCF) can modulare VCO2 ('sweep VCO')
VCF has two modes of keytracking
both LFOs can control VCOs AND filter cutoff at the same time and with independent settings
LFO1 can do S&H by sampling LFO2 (making them interdependent) or the noise generator
oh, there actually is an "OSC4" which is white noise (with its own level control), in addition to the white noise setting on VCO3 and the white noise setting on LFO2. That's 3 noise generators in just one synth.
glide function
VCA switchable positive / negative
envelope trigger switch
...
In addition, there are the patch points which add PWM modulation, external audio insert points, individual VCO outs, V-gate in on LFO1 +++

Condition:
Fully functional. Great overall cosmetic condition. Very few signs of use. A very few light marks – see photos."

Roland System 100m module 150 LFO Ring mod noise S&H

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


via this Reverb listing

"Original vintage Roland System 100m modulation generator Module 150; ring modulator, Sample and Hold, noise, and LFO, with cable, excellent condition."

Korg Micro Preset M-500 SN 770606

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


via this eBay listing

"Korg M-500 Micro Preset circa 1978, famously used by Orchestral Maneuvers In The Dark, Portishead, etc. The controls are a bit limited, but it has a huge variety of sounds, does everything from thick basslines to horns, strings, woodwind, and a theremin-type setting. You can combine any 2 sounds together for some really cool tones.

One issue that is common with this model, is that Korg used a certain type of capacitor that over years, eventually leaks, causing failure of the synth and damage to the traces on the circuit board. Many of these M-500s you see for sale are not working or only partially working, due to the failed caps. When I got this synth, I replaced all the electrolytic capacitors with modern panasonic caps and cleaned the whole circuit board, so it's working perfectly and will do for years to come. Everything works exactly as it should with no issues and it sounds amazing! A very cool and unique monosynth capable of some really great sounds."

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