Raul's World Of Synths Returns

Synthesizer Content Creators Are Making a Comeback! 

It feels like a blast from the past....suddenly, the synthesizer content creators from the early 2000s and 2010s are roaring back to life! 

The nostalgic wave of synth enthusiasts who shaped the online music tech scene a decade ago seems to be rekindling their passion, and I’m here for it. 

Last month I shared that *Retro Synth Ads*, a beloved blog for synth nerds, started posting again after a nearly four-year hiatus. 

Their return has been a delight for fans of vintage gear and quirky ads from the golden age of synthesizers. If you haven’t checked it out yet, dive into their treasure trove of retro goodness at

https://www.retrosynthads.com/ . 

Now, there’s more exciting news: Raul Pena, the mastermind behind *Raul’s World of Synths*, is back in action! 

Raul recently uploaded a mix of new and archival videos, including a Q&A where he reflects on how his channel began, the reasons behind his break, and his ambitious plans for future content. 

You can catch his latest updates on his YouTube channels

https://www.youtube.com/@raulsworldofsynths

https://www.youtube.com/@modularwild

For those unfamiliar, Raul’s work is a goldmine for synth enthusiasts. Through Raul’s World of Synths (active for 14 years) and Modular Wild (running for 12 years), he combines on-site video recordings and photography from synthesizer events to promote awareness and education about music technology. His content dives deep into the innovations of the music and audio industry, making it a valuable resource for musicians, techies, and enthusiasts of all ages. 

Video:Raul's World Of Synths Q&A

Raul’s return is especially exciting because of his in-depth video series covering Doepfer and other Eurorack modules from various other manufacturers. 

His detailed explorations are perfect for anyone looking to geek out over modular synths. 

Want to support his work? 

Check out his Liberapay page [here]

You can also follow his updates on X [here] 

or explore his projects on GitHub [here]. 

It’s thrilling to see creators like Raul back in the game, sharing their passion for music technology and inspiring a new generation of synth lovers. 

Stay tuned for more updates from the synth world—it’s shaping up to be a vibrant comeback season!

Dtronics DT-303 Distortion/Overdrive

I've had a lot of fun playing with the new Dtronics DT-303 that I bought a few months ago.

The Dtronics DT-303 is a small analog distortion and overdrive desktop unit (non-eurorack) made by Dutch company Dtronics.

It’s not a synthesizer, it’s mainly designed to work with machines like the Roland TB-303 and other bassline synths and offers 3 types of distortion.

The DT-303 changes your sound by adding distortion and overdrive .You can make it sound a little rough, or very dirty and aggressive, depending on the settings. 

If you want your acid lines to sound more dirty, loud, or punchy, this box can help.

The unit itself is small and strong, with it's metal case and rubber feet it sits sturdy on flat surfaces. Mono In- and Output are on the backside. The unit comes with a  9V power supply.

It only has a few knobs and buttons that feel sturdier than the ones on my TB-303.

3 buttons to select types of distortion Classic / Turbo / Overdrive or Bypass. 

1 Bypass button allows you to switch back to the original sound quickly.

It also has 3 knobs for Distortion level, Filter cutoff and Volume 

...al in a very cool looking TB-303 aesthetic 

The sound is warm and full and doesn’t make the bass disappear like some cheaper distortion boxes do. 

My own TB-303/DT-303 Combo

Wifred Pover from DTronics got the idea for the DT-303 in 2023; 
"On a rainy Sunday in January 2023 we were brainstorming about new products.
Until then, we had mainly made programmers for synthesizers. examples of this are the DT7, DT-300 and DT-200.
We thought it would be nice to broaden it and see if we could create a distortion.
While we were talking, we came up with the idea of ​​a distortion that could adjust the nuances and that would fit well with the appearance of the 303.
We were also bothered by variants where the connections were not at the back, causing the wires to run over the instrument.

Step by step the project became clearer and took more shape. We have been busy fine-tuning the parameters so that it matches our expectations as closely as possible.
We also enlisted the help of several good friends who have a lot of knowledge and expertise in the field of distortions and of course experience with the Roland TB-303."

"We started designing the hardware and the casing. An important part was the recognizability and the connection to the Roland TB-303. We used custom buttons and pots for this.

This is how the first prototypes of the DT-303 were created."

Funding was realized within a month via Kickstarter. The first modules were shipped in early 2024

and there are still units available via: SynthCity.NL

Basically the Dtronics DT-303 is a simple but effective box.
If you like acid music or 303-style basslines, it’s a great way to get that extra drive and grit.
It only works in mono, but for what it’s made to do, it does an excellent job.

I didn't have the right state of mind to make an original short video of this FX module, but I will try to feature it in upcoming video's. The Dtronics website has enough interesting videos about it anyway....

There is/was still a free Aux send on my mixing desk, so now I can also send 909 Bassdrums and other synths through this box... I love it!

The Story Behind MIDI Amsterdam by Modulogue

This year, we're celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Eurorack format. It's a great time to reflect on its journey.

When I started with Eurorack in 1998, only a couple of synth shops sold the modules: The Music House in Utrecht and MIDI Amsterdam. The real hype began with a "MIDI and Recording" magazine article on the Doepfer A-100 system around that same time.
I recently spoke with Martijn at The Music House, who was the first official Doepfer dealer. He taught me so much back then, and I'm still a huge Doepfer fan. 

We're planning an interview for later this year.

The team at Modulogue sat down with Tim Nieuwenhuis from MIDI Amsterdam to discuss his store and the early days of Eurorack.
It's a fascinating look at the start of the Eurorack scene in the Netherlands and how it led to a whole new community centered around sound.

I'm definitely looking forward to the next part of this story—if it becomes a series!

Video: The Story Behind MIDI Amsterdam /by/ Modulogue
" We visited Tim Nieuwenhuis' music store: 'MIDI Amsterdam', a staple in the Dutch electronic music scene for almost 30 years. Tim talks about the origin of his store, his passion for electronic music, the famous artists he's encountered over the years, and more! 

MIDI Amsterdam 

https://midiamsterdam.nl/ 

Modulogue 

https://www.modulogue.com/ade25/

/ modulogue.events 

/ modulogue 

/ modulogue

Creating Lush Reverbs and More with Bopp and Steve Video by @RaafModular

The Bopp & Steve Deconstructed Reverb by This is Not Rocket Science (TiNRS) has been on my radar ever since it was first teased at Superbooth Berlin a few years ago. With its unique approach to reverb and its unconventional interface, it immediately stood out among the sea of more traditional effects modules.

Earlier this year, TiNRS finally unveiled the finished version, and it’s been making waves in the modular community ever since. You may have already come across excellent deep-dives by DivKid and SonicState, both highlighting its creative potential and playful sound design possibilities.

But today, a new perspective caught my attention — a fresh video by Dutch modular artist Raaf Modular just popped up in my feed. 

He’s relatively new to creating content, but his style feels personal, musical, and refreshingly unpolished in the best way. 

It’s always exciting to see these modules in the hands of musicians who approach them from a purely creative angle rather than just technical.

Definitely worth checking out — and while you’re at it, give Raaf Modular a follow on your favorite social platforms. Support your local modular heroes!

Video:
Creating lush reverbs and more with Bopp and Steve by TINRS

Source: Raaf Modular

"This is a new kind of video for me.

In this one, I’m focusing on a single module — BOPP and STEVE by This Is Not Rocket Science.
This is not a review. I’m not a reviewer — I’m a musician. (plus a teacher! (red))

So rather than diving into every technical detail, I’m giving you a musical demonstration: how I use this module to patch, play, and make music. 

It’s a new direction I’m exploring, and I’m really enjoying it.
I originally started this channel to share my music, but more and more people have been asking how I create it — how I patch, how I build my sounds, and how I work with modular gear.
So this is the first step in sharing more of that side of my process.
Let me know in the comments if this kind of video speaks to you — 

I’d love your feedback. Thanks for watching

Raaf "

* The date for next year's Superbooth has just been released: May 7- 9 2026

SOMA Laboratory Announces New Colors for LYRA-4 and Limited Edition 'Rusting Soma' Edition

Polish SOMA laboratory was founded by Vlad Kreimer in 2016 after success with the LYRA-8 synthesizer, an interesting concept that he called“Organismic”, meaning that LYRA uses some principles that lie in the base of living organisms.
"The way how LYRA’s modules interact between each other and the behavior of the instrument resembles a live digital conversation."

New colors added to the original white and black versions

While LYRA-8 was based on eight generators, Soma re-launched this as LYRA-4 as a 4-voice version and the latest news is that they added a bunch of flashy colors for the fans...
They now added green, pink, orange, and Zanzibar blue to its cast of colors.

Their design is not like any traditional subtractive synthesis VCO. 

Instead of having a linear or logarithmic dependency on control voltage, they resemble the tone generators in old electric organs. Hence the use of the term “voices” instead of “VCOs”. 

Lyra uses non-linearity a lot, and the voices are constructed in such a way that allows for non-linearity to express itself.

It even comes in pink now! <3

The voices are divided into two pairs (12, 34), creating tree-like structure.

The voices can function either in an electric organ mode or in an FM synthesis mode with each of the voices and its envelope acting as a separate FM operator. The voice’s impact on FM synthesis will decrease along with the decay of its envelope.

LYRA-4 also has the next blocks:

The HYPER LFO is a complex low-frequency generator, whose waveform is synthesized from two simple LFOs by summation or multiplication of their frequencies. It also has a sync mode. The LFO can modulate the selected pairs of voices and the MOD DELAY.

The MOD DELAY consists of delay with feedback. The delay has a unique possibility of self-modulation where the output signal modulates the delay sample rate, creating cool effects.

The DISTORTION is last in the chain, after the delay. It enables the delay to also influence the distortion.

For all its experimental character, LYRA is a professional instrument. Its output dynamics and frequency response are balanced and ready for a live performance or studio recording without any additional processing.

Video: The Power of 2 x LYRA-4 (SOMA labs demo)

Source: https://www.youtube.com/@somasynths

On the other side of the color spectrum, the company is offering a special “Rusting SOMA” limited-edition bundle containing the PULSAR-23, LYRA-8, and COSMOS.
Not just another color, the special bundle's housing utilizes the highest level of production by using a unique technology and not just an artificial aging of each product.

While each product is being offered individually, each order of a complete set of the Rusting SOMA bundle comes with matching serial numbers for each product.

Each new color variant, including Rusting SOMA, is already shipping.
LYRA-4 is priced at €360
The PULSAR-23, LYRA-8, COSMOS bundle is priced at €2,700 (add €300 for Turret version)

To learn more, visit https://somasynths.com/cosmos

Eurorack Modular Make-over

My old Doepfer tower
(click to enlarge)

The final thing that had to be done in the studio after moving to Hilversum was re-organizing and cleaning my modular system.

It's a dirty job... but someone's got to do it...

I recently sold my Doepfer MAQ 16/3 sequencer, that one has mainly been replaced by the BeatStepPro sequencer. 

My Doepfer vocoder modules also found a better home... they took up too much space, and i'm more than happy with the easier to use Roland Boutique VP-03 vocoder... and this one still gives my tracks that retro Electro-Funk vibes.
Some other modules that i hardly ever used were sold too... I still do still have a few Doepfer modules for sale (pm me for a list).

The old layout just didn't make any sense anymore. Some modules were so weirdly placed that patching them always resulted in a whole spaghetti of cables.

I love my knobs
nice and clean

The new tower is now a fully analog, independent 5-Oscillator synth with a plethora of different modulation, calculation and filter options.

The only digital modules in the Eurorack system are the Doepfer Midi-to-CV converter and the RT60 digital multi-effect from the kind people at QuBitElectronix.

The new Eurorack mini-tower, controlled by
the BeatStepPro

After re-organizing the modules I took all the plastic knobs off and soaked them overnight in a jar filled with warm water with a bit of (biologic and bio-degradable) household cleaner added... It seemed to do the job perfect... 

Never use alcohol or other synthetic products because it might damage (the text on) your front-panels.

The next day I rubbed them all clean with a microfiber cloth and let them dry in the sun.

I used a slightly dampt cloth with the same cleaner to clean the front-panels, wiping them dry directly after.

I placed my Novation Drumstation on top of the tower for some of the most authentic TR-808 and TR-909 clone-drumsounds... and all still controlled by the BeatStepPro that I mentioned earlier.

The Drumstation's DIN-SYNC out is going into my TB-303, so this one nicely follows along, while it feeds its CV and a Gate signal back into my Eurorack tower . I can re-use these signals to create a copied version of the loop playing on the TB...and mutate it in any way i want...

I'm soo happy now,

the new workflow has much improved, less of the old cable-spaghetti, and the first soundcheck sounded crisp and clear.

I can't wait to record new sounds soon.

I couldn't find many guidelines for arranging modules on the web, so I made a few notes during the process last time that I did this... 

you can find that full post HERE... 

or click for the tips after the break

SiteTip: RetroSynthAds is Back

Retro Synth Ads is Back!

Just a quick post to share something nice I noticed — the blog Retro Synth Ads has (also) started posting again after being quiet for almost four years!

If you grew up loving synthesizers, you might remember how exciting it was to see new gear in magazines like Future Music, SOS... MIDI Magazine, Interface and even before that Keyboard Magazine or Electronic Musician. 

Back then, those ads were one of the only ways to find out what was new. There were no YouTube videos or websites to check every day. Just printed pages, full of dream machines.

The person behind Retro Synth Ads, based in Canada, clearly loved those ads too. He started blogging at https://retrosynthads.blogspot.com/ in 2019, sharing a lot of cool old synth brochures, advertisements and background stories. His posts are always a fun mix of history and nostalgia.

If you like classic synths or just want to remember the good old days of music gear ads, his blog is definitely worth checking out.

I have spent many hours on this site in the past and will definitely keep an eye on this again.

The archive is impressive, and easy to search through... 

Once more: https://retrosynthads.blogspot.com/

Welcome back, Retro Synth Ads!

You can always find a link to the most recent post in the right sidebar of the web-version of my own blog.... together with my other favorite blogs

Patch into more interesting SiteTips from the PatchPierre ARCHIVE

Doepfer A-149-3 Fluctuating Random Voltages

I am slowly catching up with the Doepfer announcements that they did at SuperBooth earlier this year, but one of them, the long awaited Doepfer A-149-3 Fluctuating Random Voltages seems to be ready for shipping right now.

In an online poll in the old Doepfer Usergroep over ten years ago about 
the earlier A-149 1/2 combo was voted as Users' Favorite Doepfer Modules 

A-149-3 is a new third module of the A-149-x range, based on the "Fluctuating Random Voltages" by Buchla.
Buchla avoided calling it a “noise” or “random” module — he preferred the mystical, poetic “Source of Uncertainty"

Basically it is a random voltage generator that features Quantized Random Voltages (stepped, like a broken sequencer) and Fluctuating Random Voltages (smooth, like a stoned LFO), offering both jagged and fluid unpredictability.

Used by pioneers like Morton Subotnick, the Source of Uncertainty helped shape electronic pieces that felt alive and organic

Compared to the historic original a lot of functions have been added in this module.

The user has access to virtually all internal signals (e.g. Noisy Triangle or S&H) and there are a lot of adjustable parameters which were fixed in the original like the frequency and noisiness of the internal triangle oscillator, the correlation of the S&H and manual or automatic frequency control of the S&H clock oscillator.

A-149 Internal Structure Schematics

The fixed internal connections of the original are wired to sockets in the A-149-3 and can be used also individually as the connections of the original are realized as normalled sockets. 

That way e.g. the S&H or slew unit can be used independent from the other units.

The Source of Uncertainty continues to ripple through modular design today.

Already other options were available to get this typical west-coast-style module into Eurorack.

TipTop clones like 266t, 266e, or modules inspired by its concept like Mutable Instruments Marbles

While I do have other modules on my want-list that I have to get first, this will probably end up in my rack at some point... next to it's precursors A-149-1 and 2.

Those were a lot of fun to experiment with and I expect this will be a lot of fun too.

Source and more info:
https://www.doepfer.de/A1493.htm

About Last Weekend: Solar Vibes Festival @ SuperChill

As soon as i opened my cardoors at arrival and heard the bleeps and chirps from Estroe blown my way by a light breeze I knew it was going te be a good day..

Estroe Live

I had a fun afternoon at the Solar Vibes Festival @SuperChill last saturday. 

The synth-event, organized by Ricardo Verschut (Tectonia), was located in the middle of nowhere on a small and cozy farm just outside Leusden... 

On a small improvised stage under a roof of solarpanels Ricardo presented an interesting lineup, with a good mix of different styles.

There was plenty of room to sit and/or lie down in the dry grass for the small crowd of around 60 spectators/ synth enthousiasts. 

Ron Boots with Harold van der Heijden on drums

Sadly I missed Skoulaman's performance, but I was just in time to see a big part part of Estroe's experimental/ ambient set. 

Synth-legend Ron Boots played some new tracks in his well-known Berlin-inspired style, accompanied by Harold van der Heijden live on drums.

Spectators enjoying the sounds of MAHU's set

After his performance it was time for MaHu's original and inspiring sound-collages.

A crisp and clear solo set by Raaf (RaafModular) on his modular followed.
I found out afterwards that my niece is already a fan of him.

He has a pleasing style, melodic and technical, appealing to most people on the field, from purists to even the random visitors that also stopped by at the festival to have a listen.

The vibe was very picnic-like during the whole afternoon, the location even had decent festival-food for reasonable prices and the people seemed to enjoy themselves a lot.

The Soulmade System and Tectonia (who organized this event) both  delivered solid sets and soundscapes while some darker clouds were getting closer. The swallows even seemed to do a little dance above the captivated crowd but luckily most of the clouds drifted away without leaving much rain.

RobotPoolParty

The day ended surprisingly with an more uptempo and eclectic set from RobotPoolParty.

Some already know Jaïr Darnoud (1998) from his hip-hop act 'Rens, Jaïr & Ome Uncle' and under the name 'Groovegod Jaïr Darnoud'.
Robbert van Zuiden (1988) used to play in bands and has been actively working with modular synthesizers in recent years.
He told me he also designs modules under the name Lucid Modular and working on his first module release 'Hey Bro, help me out!' , a specialized sequencer controller for the Moog DFAM and other 8-step sequencers.

In the past year you could have seen them performing in and around Amsterdam, but it was my first time seeing them.
Jaïr en Robbert have great chemistry on stage and their style is a unique mix of punchy beats, distorted dub, their own alternative groove and influences of Surinamese Kaseko. 

It was good to see how their energy reflected to the audience and finally made quite a few get up and do a little dance...Animistic Beliefs... eat your heart out... this is going to get huge!

It was a perfect way to end the day while the sun was slowly fading away . 

It was a pleasure seeing and meeting some of these artists as well, although I didn't get to speak with everyone. I would like to thank Ricardo for giving some extra info this event at this special location.

There are more modular events like this coming up in the near future.
This next Saturday August the 3rd, for example is Modular On The Spot at an old Bunker/Fort in Maarsseveen

Please follow and support all artists on social media.

__________________

More RobotPoolParty:

Check out their set from last year at Paradiso 

and find them on https://soundcloud.com/robotpoolparty_com

ADDAC System 320 Servo w. demo by Electrum Modular

ADDAC, the Portugese company is known for it's wide range of alternative ways to control synths...

I am a big fan of the concept of their 210 Open Heart Surgery module that they released already over a decade ago.

This one is inspired by Neil Young’s Whizzer (a box with servos that sat on top of his fender amp and allowed him to control the pots from his pedal board. ), 
Using a Servo motor-controlled method they created a 4HP Eurorack module to control any knob that doesn’t have a CV input, while also possible to use for other gear as well (within certain distance constraints).

This motor is controlled by a microcontroller that also receives an incoming CV voltage from 0 to +5v and lineary converts this voltage range to the 270 degree Servo motor range.

Using a spring wire and metal couplers the motor shaft is then attached to the target knob to be controlled which will turn as the Servo turns.

Ranges can be set with 2 knobs [MAXIMUM ANGLE] & [MINIMUM ANGLE] further allow to control the “sweet spot” of the target knob, setting a smaller Servo range. 

Raising the [MIN ANGLE] knob above the [MAX ANGLE] knob inverts the Servo range.

The module is compatible with most common potentiometers used in Eurorack: 6mm shaft’s potentiometers and tall trimmer potentiometers.

For pots using knobs they will need to be removed in order to attach the connection wire coupler. 

Do not use this system with rotary switches, they will cause too much stress on the small motor! 

Video: When modules grow limbs: ADDAC's Servo - by Electrum Modular

Uploaded by Electrum Modular
"Checking out Servo, a unique new module from ADDAC Systems. 

It can turn knobs or trim pots on a modular, synth, pedal, mixer, or anything else that’s small and cylindrical and that lacks a cv input. 

Perfect for when your hands are busy doing other things, or for when you want slow LFO-style modulation, or for when you want super precise stepped adjustments."

Latest Electrum Modular album: https://smallchanges1.bandcamp.com/al...

More info and manual HERE