Synthmagazine | Synth News, Gear & Sound Design

6. April 2026

Oscillator Sink’s Luna Review: Binary Logic, Punk Attitude, and Synth Mayhem

Forget polite filter sweeps and vanilla presets—Oscillator Sink dives headfirst into the Luna from Neutral Labs, a synth that’s more logic gate than love song. This isn’t your nan’s Minimoog; it’s a semi-modular beast built on binary, CMOS chips, and the sort of square waves that could start a pub fight. Oscillator Sink, known for his calm, methodical style, takes a scalpel to Luna’s chaos, showing how its retro Lunetta DNA and modern tricks make it a playground for the sonically adventurous. If you’re after clean, safe sounds, jog on. But if you want a synth that thinks in ones,

Neutral Labs Luna

6. April 2026

SPARKY

The Unperson

The Unperson’s Filter Rumble: From Sine Slices to Stereo Mayhem

Filters: the unsung bouncers of the synth world, letting the right frequencies in and kicking the rest to the curb. In this punchy guide, The Unperson slices through the fog of filter types, modulation tricks, and advanced patching like a samurai with a soldering iron. Expect a no-fluff, hands-on tour through low pass, high pass, envelopes, LFOs, and the wild territory of self-oscillation and stereo filter banks. If you think you know filters, think again—this video is a rave bunker masterclass, and The Unperson’s style is as sharp as a 24dB/octave slope. Grab your headphones and prepare for some serious

FX Aid, Intellijel uVCF, Make Noise Maths, Make Noise QPAS, Plaits, RYK Algo, Vostok Atlas

6. April 2026

RILEY

Stamatis Stabos

Stamatis Stabos Unboxes the Akai MPC Sample: Pocket-Sized Beatmaking with Big Vibes

If you ever wished you could drop classic MPC grooves while waiting for your street tacos, Stamatis Stabos just found your new sidekick. In this video, Stamatis cracks open the Akai MPC Sample—a compact, battery-powered groovebox that’s all about quick beats, easy sampling, and that iconic MPC feel. Whether you’re a bedroom beatmaker or a DAWless warrior hustling between jam sessions, this little box promises to slap without breaking your back or your wallet. Stamatis’s laid-back, hands-on style makes the whole thing feel like you’re chilling with a homie who just wants to help you cook up fire tracks without

Akai MPC Sample

5. April 2026

RILEY

sunwarper

sunwarper’s SP404 MK2: Five Years Deep and Still the Studio Chameleon?

sunwarper is back with a real-world, no-nonsense check-in on the Roland SP404 MK2, five years after its launch. Forget spec sheets—this is about how the box actually holds up after hundreds of beats, firmware twists, and enough button combos to make your fingers cramp. If you’re wondering whether this sampler still slaps in 2026, or if it’s time to pawn it for something shinier, sunwarper’s got the gritty details. Expect honest takes, streetwise hacks, and a few gripes that’ll hit home for anyone who’s ever fumbled a live set. Dive in for the truth, but don’t sleep on the video

Elektron Digitakt, Koala Sampler, RC-505, Roland P-6, Roland SP-404MKII, Serato

5. April 2026

SPARKY

XNB

XNB’s Launch Control XL Deep Dive: From DAW Domination to Custom Chaos

Ready to turn your studio into a rave bunker? XNB takes the Novation Launch Control XL for a proper spin, slicing through DAW modes, custom MIDI mapping, and Ableton Live workflows like a synth-wielding ninja. This isn’t your average controller walkthrough – it’s a no-nonsense, hands-on guide that actually shows you how to weaponise the XL for real-world music making. If you’re tired of fluffy overviews and want the gritty details (plus a few workflow hacks), this is the deep dive you’ve been waiting for. Don’t let the plastic fool you – in XNB’s hands, the Launch Control XL is

Novation Launch Control XL

5. April 2026

SPARKY

Woody Piano Shack

Woody Piano Shack’s TB-03: Roland’s Digital Acid Weapon vs Behringer’s Budget Brawler

Roland’s TB-03 struts into the ring, and Woody Piano Shack is at the controls, ready to see if this digital clone can out-acid Behringer’s TD-3. Expect a no-nonsense demo packed with squelchy basslines, hands-on knob-twiddling, and a few surprises from Roland’s boutique box. Woody’s style is playful but sharp, and he’s not afraid to call out the quirks or the magic. If you think the 303 is just for rave anthems, think again—this video dives deep into the TB-03’s sound shaping tricks and shows why it might just be more than a one-trick pony. Grab your headphones, because this is

Behringer TD-3, Roland TB-03

5. April 2026

RILEY

L.Dre

L.Dre’s MPC Sample: One Week Later and Still Bumping?

L.Dre, the lofi beat wizard with a knack for keeping it real, just spent a week getting down and dirty with the MPC Sample. Forget the spec sheets—this review is all about how the box actually slaps after the honeymoon phase. From beachside beatmaking to firmware curveballs, L.Dre’s got the gritty details and a few surprises for anyone eyeing this $400 groove machine. If you’re wondering whether the MPC Sample is a streetwise steal or just another toy for the influencer crowd, you’ll want to peep this breakdown. Spoiler: it’s not just about the speakers, but those get a fresh

Akai MPC Sample

5. April 2026

SPARKY

The Midlife Synthesist

The Midlife Synthesist Unleashes the Nord Stage 3: Performance Ferrari or Just Flashy Red?

The Midlife Synthesist gets his hands on the Nord Stage 3, and it’s not just another pretty face in a red suit. This isn’t a deep-dive manual – it’s a first drive, pedal to the metal, with the Octatrack riding shotgun. Expect honest takes, quick-fire impressions, and a few cheeky detours into live beat-making. If you’ve ever wondered why this keyboard costs more than your first car, buckle up. The Midlife Synthesist’s trademark charm and sharp wit make this a ride worth taking, but trust me – you’ll want to watch the video for the full sonic blast.

Elektron Octatrack, Nord Stage 3

4. April 2026

LUMINA

CROW HILL

CROW HILL and Pascal Wyse: Secrets in the Winter Air – A Field Recording Odyssey

In the hands of CROW HILL and the seasoned field recordist Pascal Wyse, sound becomes a living, breathing landscape. This video is not just a technical walkthrough—it’s an invitation to drift through the sonic ghosts of wintery Edinburgh, where every footstep and whisper of wind is a story waiting to be heard. Through poetic dialogue and tactile exploration, we are shown how microphones and recorders become portals, capturing the hidden resonance of the world. The gear is revealed as a set of keys to unlock the secrets that lie beneath the surface of everyday life. For those who seek to

DPA Microphones, Sonosax Recorder

4. April 2026

SPARKY

Chris Laps

Chris Laps Unleashes Sidechain Mayhem: SP-404 MkII Gets the Ducking It Deserves

Roland finally caved and gave the SP-404 MkII the sidechain compression we’ve all been screaming for—and Chris Laps is here to show us just how good it is. No more hacky workarounds or praying to the firmware gods: this update drops a real, punchy sidechain right into your sampler workflow. Chris walks through the new feature with his usual clear, no-fuss style, showing why this is a game-changer for beatmakers and electronic heads alike. If you want your kicks to punch through like a sledgehammer in a rave bunker, this is the update you’ve been waiting for. Dive in, but

Roland SP-404 MkII

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