RetroSound’s Analog Monos: A Rave Bunker Tour of Synth Legends

Into the Analog Jungle

RetroSound doesn’t mess about—this studio tour dives headfirst into the golden age of analog monophonic synths, where every knob twist could start a riot. The opening barrage is a parade of legends: Maxi-Korg, Pro-One, ARP Odyssey, and more, each flexing their VCO muscles in a haze of nostalgia and voltage. No fluff, no filler—just pure, uncut synth heritage.

What you get here isn’t a museum tour with velvet ropes. It’s a gritty, hands-on showcase of the gear that shaped the sound of entire genres. RetroSound’s style is all about letting the synths speak for themselves, and trust me, they’re not whispering. The vibe is less history lesson, more rave bunker—exactly how we like it.

Legends with Attitude: Minimoog, Odyssey & Friends

The Minimoog struts in with that unmistakable bass—fat, round, and ready to flatten your speakers. The ARP Odyssey, meanwhile, brings its own brand of snarl, showing why it’s been the secret sauce in countless classic tracks. RetroSound gives each synth a moment to shine, letting the quirks and strengths bleed through the speakers. These aren’t just instruments; they’re personalities with more attitude than a warehouse full of punks.

It’s not just about the big names, either. The Sequential Pro-One and Roland SH-101 get their due, proving you don’t need a five-figure price tag to deliver knockout sounds. RetroSound’s approach is refreshingly direct—no endless menus or digital faff, just hands-on tweaking and instant gratification. If you want to know what made these machines iconic, you’ll hear it in every squelch and growl.

"The Roland SH-101 is one of the most popular monophonic synthesizers of the 80s."

© Screenshot/Quote: Retrosound72 (YouTube)

East Bloc Mayhem: Polivoks, Alisa & Vermona

"The Polivoks is a real beast, very aggressive and raw sounding."

© Screenshot/Quote: Retrosound72 (YouTube)

Now for the real wildcards—the Eastern Bloc synths. The Polivoks storms in like it’s been built from leftover tank parts, all aggression and raw power. Its filter doesn’t just bite; it takes a chunk out of your mix and spits it back with attitude. RetroSound doesn’t sugarcoat it: these Soviet machines are unpredictable, sometimes crude, but always full of character.

The Alisa 1377 and Vermona bring their own flavour, showing that East German and Soviet synth design wasn’t just about copying the West. There’s a rawness here that’s impossible to fake—perfect for anyone who wants their sound to stand out in a world of polite, digital clones. If you’re after something that sounds like it survived a toaster-fight, this is where you look.

Sound Demos: Proof in the Pudding

You can read specs all day, but nothing beats hearing these beasts in action. RetroSound drops sound examples throughout, from thunderous Moog basslines to the razor-sharp leads of the Odyssey and the snarling chaos of the Polivoks. Each clip is a reminder why these synths are still coveted by collectors and producers alike. Want to know how they really sound? Don’t just take my word for it—your ears will do the judging.

Don’t Just Read—Watch the Mayhem

Honestly, no article can do justice to the grit and vibe of this studio tour. RetroSound’s video is a full-on experience—seeing these machines in their natural habitat, hearing them roar, and catching the little details that make each one unique. If you’re serious about classic synths or just want to see a collection that would make any gear nerd drool, go watch the full tour. Trust me, your next patch will thank you.