E-mu Emax II Rack: Why He Bought a Vintage Sampler

video upload by Ian Dixon

"The E-mu Emax II Rack is a 1990 vintage sampler with 16-bit sampling, digital resonant filters, 16 voices and that classic E-mu sample-library character.

In this video I explain why I bought an Emax II Rack, how it fits into the E-mu Emulator family, and what makes this 2MB version with a Gotek drive interesting today. I look at the history from the original Emulator through to the Emax II, load sounds from the Gotek/sample library, play through factory-style patches, explore the filter and envelope controls, and talk about why vintage samplers still feel different from modern software.

This is partly a first look, partly a vintage sampler demo, and partly the start of a new Emax II journey: building a usable sound library, tagging useful sounds, sampling my own material and finding out what this classic rack sampler can add to modern tracks.

Timestamps
00:00 Intro and music
00:15 E-mu Emax II Rack overview
00:39 Emax and Emulator history
01:03 Emax II specs and 16-bit sampling
02:06 Front panel and loading sounds
02:37 Gotek drive workflow
03:30 Sampling rates, filters, SCSI and MIDI
04:23 Exploring the sample library
05:08 Loading Grey Sounds Volume 1
06:45 Brass sounds and loading workflow
07:10 Emulator library sounds and synth-style editing
07:55 Digital resonant filter and Q
08:34 Filter envelope experiments
09:50 Synth-style modulation and envelopes
10:14 Sampling, looping and editing options
10:57 Piano, guitar, vocal and classic library sounds
14:26 Building a personal Emax library
15:08 Tagging sounds and using the library tool
15:48 Reflections on vintage digital samplers
16:26 Comments, resources and wrap-up"

Katla Field Notes: Moss

video upload by Genki

"Fifteen minutes with Katla, unedited.

Katla Field Notes is a series of long-form improvisations on Katla, a polyphonic synthesizer inspired by its namesake, Iceland's largest subglacial volcano.

Recorded at Kleifarvatn, August 2026. Direct out from Katla into Zoom H6, no processing beyond a touch of limiting."

Yamaha RM1x Demo

video upload by Panu M Savolainen

"Multitracked demo of the Yamaha RM1x. No internal sequencer was used, so this is more of a sound demo than a demonstration of the unit's sequencing capabilities. All sounds are based on internal presets, tweaked to my own taste. External reverb from an Eventide Space was used on some patches.

Demo at the Bandcamp:"

why ASM Leviasynth was made for ebm

video upload by Tonepusher

"In this video, I’m taking a look at the ASM Leviasynth, an algorithmic synthesizer and exploring why it might be one of the perfect modern synths for creating classic EBM sounds!"

Live with 3 SOMA ENIGMA + TERRA + PULSAR-23

video upload by SOMA Laboratory

"Have you wondered what your lucky charm sounds like? That old key, a metal ring (or a pendant) you never take off: with ENIGMA, you can find out. It’s a synthesizer that reacts to metal objects, so you can give a voice to something you’ve carried for years.

You can still join the first 'Family & Friends' release before the mass release, at a special NET price of 590 EUR (excl. VAT, shipping, customs, transfer fees) instead of the regular net price of 680 EUR.

Performance: Tim Kroker.
Video by @maks.alokhin (Inst)"

Monster Man: Riding The Rails

video upload by John L Rice

"This started as just a sequencer experiment on my large 5U modular and eventually I tuned it into another low effort installment for my 'Monster Man' series [previuos post] since the vibe was mostly there.

Using two Moon Modular 569 sequencers in 4x8 mode I patched all 8 CV outputs into a Modcan Scanner 69B set to switch mode and patched the Scanner's mono output to a Modcan Quantizer 55B. An Oakley/Krisp1 Slim VCO is the master clock with a SSL V-Gates divider providing a divide by 8 pulse to switch the Scanner to move to the next sequencer row and also reset both sequencers to ensure synchronization. This created a 64 step sequence but unfortunately I didn't take the time to create a recognizable melody so it just sounds random! 🙄🤦‍♂️😅 The patch is still up, maybe I will work out a better demo?

The output of the quantizer goes to a somewhat basic voice: a Noise Engineering Cursus Iteritas Magnus VCO to a Grove Audio LP VCF to a Synthesizers.com VCA2++. A Marienberg Devices VC Envelope Generator modulates both the VCF and VCF with a Marienberg Sine Phase Oscillator modulating both the VCO and the EG.

I played an Expressive-E Osmose keyboard along with the sequencer track, and then later added a second Osmose track fir the very low notes that you might not be able to hear unless you have a sub woofer or very good headphones or monitors?

Everything went through my Allen & Heath MixWizard and used Strymon BigSky and timeline effects pedals and a Roland RSP-550 rack effects unit.

Thanks for watching, liking, and commenting! 😎💖🤗

#modularsynth #modularsynthesizers #electronicmusic"

Master Your Modular Rhythms! // SIGMA from Vostok Instruments

video upload by DivKid

"Sigma from Vostok Instruments takes clocks, triggers, gates, even audio (good destructive fun) and turns them into gates you can control and modulate the length of. Sounds simple, but the ability to control gate length, add NOT outputs as gate delays and the logic section which takes Sigma to a whopping 23 outputs is fantastic!"

"Sigma is a multi-channel gate processor with a strong focus on rhythm and time-event manipulation.

The module generates up to 23 simultaneous gate signals directly related to the four gate inputs, allowing you to fire an entire array of synced events in your patch by just moving pots and connecting cables.

The core of the module is composed of four identical CV-controlled gate-length processors that create exact copies of your gate signals with adjustable length.

The Logic section creates new events from each length-processed pair using analog Boolean circuits.

Pair Sigma with a trigger sequencer or clock generator, and a bunch of drum modules or voices to get a vast amount of new rhythmical patterns on the fly.

- Four CV-controlled Gate Length Processors.

- Fully adjustable Length from 1ms to infinite.

- Dedicated NOT Output per channel.

- Dedicated Logic section adding 15 extra gate outputs with AND, NAND, OR, NOR and XOR operations for each pair of channels.

- Hybrid design combining a digital length processor with fully analog logic circuits to ensure minimal latency."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Norand Mono v3 from DenverSynthLabs

video upload by manmade madman

"Here's a quick demo of the new VST from DenverSynthLabs. Showing its wide capabilities as a dual oscillator bass synth, but also much much more. Using MOD notes-- single sounds-- you can even program drum tracks monophonically."

via DenverSynthLabs

"The Norand Mono mk1 and mk2 were left unfinished — firmware issues that never got solved, a company that went insolvent before it could fix them. MONOv³ finishes the job: updated firmware for your real hardware, plus a full digital twin with infinite patch storage, easier workflow, and near bit-perfect sound. Own a mk2? Load the firmware, run the hardware as a controller sending MIDI CC to the plugin, and pair it with the software for a NORAND DUAL."

CLICK FOR MORE »

AnalogFX Announces Availability of Limited-Run LARYNX

AnalogFX's LARYNX has arrived. You might remember the announcment post, and SUPERBOOTH demos here, and here. You can find additional AnalogFX posts here. And of course AnalogFX's official website here.

Press release follows:

AnalogFX announces availability of limited-run LARYNX, an expressive analogue formant synthesizer inspired by the seldom-seen Synton Syrinx

DEVENTER, THE NETHERLANDS: AnalogFX, a Dutch synthesizer manufacturer dedicated to creating expressive electronic instruments for musicians, producers, sound designers, and synthesizer enthusiasts, is pleased to announce availability of LARYNX — proudly presented as a performance-focused analogue synthesizer that combines the vocal character of classic formant synthesis with modern expressive control, Eurorack integration, hands-on playability, and an affectionate analogue nod towards a rare, highly-coveted 1982-vintage monophonic synthesizer built by fellow (defunct) Dutch company Synton — with its first production run limited to 50 units, as of October 1…

By being built upon the proven architecture of AnalogFX’s acclaimed SER-2020, its compact desktop synthesizer inspired by the rare Synton Syrinx, LARYNX evolves that concept into a performance-focused keyboard instrument. Thanks to its premium 37-key aftertouch keyboard, extensive real-time modulation capabilities, and unique triple-filter formant architecture, LARYNX duly delivers an organic and highly-expressive playing experience.

Ultimately — unlike many modern synthesizers that rely on presets and menu-driven workflows, LARYNX puts sound shaping directly under a musician’s fingertips. From subtle pressure-sensitive modulation to aggressive vocal-like filter sweeps, every aspect of the instrument in question has been designed to create a direct connection between performer and sound.

Beating beautifully at the heart of LARYNX’s performance-focused sound are two CEM3340-based voltage-controlled oscillators — VCO 1 and VCO 2; a sub oscillator — SUB 1; a ring modulator — RM; a NOISE generator; and a unique triple CEM3350-based filter architecture — PEAK 1, PEAK 2, and LPF (Low Pass Filter). All combine to enable a wide sonic range — from deep analogue basses and cutting leads to evolving textures and speech-like timbres rarely found in traditional subtractive synthesizers.

Above and beyond that, this latest evolution of the SER-2020 platform introduces Formant MODE, making 16 preprogrammed human voice formants immediately available. As such, musicians can quickly create vocal-inspired sounds, animated basses, and expressive textures — and all without requiring complex programming. It is appropriate to note here that LARYNX also features a digital five-voice oscillator Chord MODE, although analogue monophonic and duophonic operation is always possible.

Placing expression at the core of its design, LARYNX’s 37-key velocity-sensitive keyboard with channel aftertouch is paired with AnalogFX’s Touch’n’Bend controller, allowing performers to shape sound naturally. Needless to say, LARYNX has additional performance features up its sleeve, so to speak, including extensive realtime modulation throughout its VCO, VCF, and VCA architecture; MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) support; a built-in arpeggiator (ARP); a 16-step pattern sequencer (SEQ) — designed for both studio and live use, permitting performers to store patterns and instantly recall variations during a performance; 16 pattern memories; eight scenes, with 16 slots each; and stereo delay effect — DELAY L and DELAY R.

Ready for the modular world, LARYNX is designed to seamlessly integrate into modern electronic music setups with multiple front panel-positioned CV (control voltage) inputs and outputs providing extensive Eurorack connectivity, while flexible routing options allow the synthesizer to function both as a powerful standalone instrument and an expressive modular voice. Arriving at the rear panel, further connectivity conveniently comprises MIDI IN/OUT — standard MIDI DIN-5; USB MIDI — standard USB type B; EXPRESSION/SUSTAIN/HOLD pedal input; stereo line OUTPUT; and HEADPHONE output.

On the face of it, then, LARYNX lives up to its Inspired by a Rare Voice and A voice you can play tag lines with the greatest of ease. Enter AnalogFX Founder and Lead Developer Marc Stroobach, someone suitably qualified to end promotional proceedings on a high note: “With LARYNX, we wanted to create an instrument that feels alive under your hands. It’s inspired by some of the most expressive synthesizers ever made, but designed for today’s musicians who want immediate control, deep sound shaping, and a genuine connection between performance and sound. Every AnalogFX instrument starts from a passion for music and a belief that synthesizers should inspire creativity, not get in the way of it.”

Being built in limited batches in The Netherlands, the first production run of LARYNX — limited to 50 units — is now available for purchase directly from AnalogFX’s online Shop (https://www.analogfx.com/shop/) and select specialist retailers worldwide (https://www.analogfx.com/about/where-to-buy/) at a SRP (Suggested Retail Price) of €1,249.00 EUR (inc. 19% VAT).

For more in-depth information, please visit the dedicated LARYNX webpage here: https://www.analogfx.com/products/larynx/

Just Can't Get Enough - Depeche Mode - synthesizer parts on prophet 6

video upload by jami.m