Synthmagazine | Synth News, Gear & Sound Design

29. March 2026

sunwarper vs. the MPC Sample: One Sitting, Zero Manuals, All Groove

Ever wondered what happens when a seasoned SP-404 head dives headfirst into the MPC Sample with no manual and zero MPC experience? sunwarper, LA’s own beat scientist, takes the plunge and tries to wrangle a fresh Akai box into a working groove—all in one sitting. Forget deep dives and spec sheets; this is about getting from box to beat before your coffee gets cold. If you’re coming from the world of Koala or the 404, or just want to see if the MPC Sample slaps or flops, this video’s got you. Spoiler: there are happy accidents, a few facepalms, and

Akai MPC Sample

29. March 2026

LUMINA

Sweetwater

Sweetwater & Denis Kosiak: Sculpting Vocal Stories with the OptoFET

Step into the vocal nebula with Sweetwater and Denis Kosiak, where compression isn’t just a technical tool—it’s the brush that paints emotion into every phrase. In this immersive session, Kosiak, the sonic architect behind artists like Khalid and Tate McRae, reveals how nuanced compression can transform a vocal from mere signal to living narrative. With the Rupert Neve Designs OptoFET at the heart of the process, we witness how saturation, layering, and creative risk-taking breathe depth and character into every word. This isn’t just about making vocals louder—it’s about letting them bloom, shimmer, and haunt the mix with their own

Rupert Neve Designs OptoFET

28. March 2026

SPARKY

Optoproductions

Optoproductions Digs Deep: MIDI Amsterdam’s 30-Year Rave Bunker Legacy

If you’ve ever wondered how a synth shop can shape an entire country’s club culture, Optoproductions just handed you the blueprint. In this episode, we get a backstage pass to MIDI Amsterdam, the gearhead haven that’s been fuelling Dutch electronic music for over three decades. Expect tales of sleepless nights, classic machines, and the kind of community you only find when you mix obsession with a bit of Dutch stubbornness. Tim Niewenhuis, the shop’s founder, spills the beans on surviving tech revolutions, helping lost producers, and why personal touch still trumps online mega-marts. This isn’t just a shop – it’s

Akai S1000, Alesis MMT-8, Apple (early models), Atari (early computers), Bitwig, Nord Lead, Roland MC series

28. March 2026

RILEY

MALO BEATS

MALO BEATS Flips the Script: Why Chopping Samples on One Pad with the MPC Sample Just Hits Different

Ever tried chopping up a sample and ended up with more pads than pizza slices at a house party? MALO BEATS is here to show you why his MPC Sample workflow isn’t just a hack—it’s a whole vibe. In this video, he breaks down his go-to sampling method that keeps things tight, quick, and ready for the next beat battle. If you’re tired of tedious pad-by-pad tweaking and want to keep your groove flowing, this one’s for you. Trust me, you’ll want to see how he keeps it simple, organized, and straight-up efficient.

Akai MPC Sample

28. March 2026

RILEY

Bthelick

Bthelick’s Secret Sauce: Nailing That Elusive Tech/Bass House Lead

Ever chased that squawky, burpy, what-even-is-this lead sound in tech house or bass house? Bthelick’s got you covered, and he’s not holding back on the sauce. In this episode, he breaks down the mysterious vocal-ish synth that’s been haunting club tracks and producer forums alike. Expect practical hacks, a dash of music theory, and enough workflow tips to keep your next beat session spicy. If you want to know why your leads sound like a cheap ringtone instead of a club banger, you’ll want to tune in. Trust me, this one’s got more flavor than a late-night taco truck.

Ableton Live, Delay Lama, Kilohearts Formant Filter, Serum, Vital

28. March 2026

RILEY

L.Dre

L.Dre Flips the Akai MPC Sample: Streetwise First Impressions

L.Dre, the king of lo-fi cookups, just got his hands on the brand new Akai MPC Sample—a $399 pocket-sized beat machine that promises classic MPC vibes without the classic price tag. In true L.Dre style, he dives in headfirst, no manual, no mercy, and gives us the real talk on whether this little box is worth your lunch money. If you’re hunting for a sampler that’s as easy as microwaving ramen and twice as fun, you’ll want to hear what he has to say. Spoiler: this isn’t your dad’s MPC, but it might just be your next street weapon.

Akai MPC Sample

28. March 2026

SPARKY

Starsky Carr

Starsky Carr’s UB-Xa Patch Bank: No-Nonsense Sounds for Real Tracks

Sick of synth presets that sound like a spaceship crash but never fit in your mix? Starsky Carr’s back with a UB-Xa patch bank that actually gets the job done. Forget the usual demo-fodder—this is 128 patches of basses, pads, and leads that don’t just show off, they work. Starsky’s trademark straight-talking style slices through the hype, giving you sounds you’ll actually use. If you want your UB-Xa to stop collecting dust and start punching holes in your tracks, this is the video to watch. Get ready for patches that slap, not just sizzle.

Behringer UB-Xa

27. March 2026

MILES

Arturia

Arturia’s KeyStep 37 mk2: Modular Command and Tactile Control in Maarten Vos’s Studio

In this deep-dive from Arturia’s official channel, Dutch cellist and modular explorer Maarten Vos invites us into his Berlin studio to showcase how the KeyStep 37 mk2 becomes the tactile heart of a hybrid setup. The video walks through integrating the controller with Eurorack, Buchla, and outboard gear, highlighting its role as a nerve centre for both MIDI and CV workflows. Vos demonstrates patching techniques, layering oscillators, and blending his classical cello roots with modular synthesis, all while emphasising the importance of physical interaction. For those curious about how a compact controller can orchestrate a sprawling modular rig, this is

Arturia KeyStep 37 mk2

27. March 2026

SPARKY

AP Mastering

AP Mastering vs. Preset Zombies: Make Noise Modules Unleashed

Sick of scrolling through presets like a lost tourist in Plugin Land? AP Mastering is here to slap you out of your comfort zone. In this no-nonsense video, our favourite techno engineer takes aim at preset-dependence and dives headfirst into the wild world of modular synthesis. With Make Noise’s latest stereo modules on the slab, expect sharp opinions, hands-on patching, and a healthy disrespect for lazy sound design. If you want to stop being a preset loser and start building your own sonic street weapons, this is your wake-up call.

Make Noise DXG, Make Noise Maths, Make Noise NoCoast, Make Noise Strega, Make Noise XPO

27. March 2026

LUMINA

Doctor Mix

Doctor Mix and the Sonic Grail: The Rarest Hammond’s Journey

Step into a world where obsession becomes pilgrimage, and vintage wood breathes with the ghosts of jazz and soul. Doctor Mix, ever the exuberant guide, leads us through a labyrinth of memory and machinery in pursuit of the rarest Hammond organ on Earth. This isn’t just a gear hunt—it’s a love letter to the resonance of dreams, the tactile ache of history, and the magnetic pull of sonic legends. Prepare to drift through reverent warehouses, brush against the pulse of Brian Auger’s legacy, and witness the alchemy that binds musicians, machines, and myth.

Hammond C3, Korg M3

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