YOUTUBER: The Midlife Synthesist

The Midlife Synthesist Unleashes the Oxi E16: MIDI Mayhem for the Masses

The Midlife Synthesist is back in the bunker, this time with Oxi Instruments’ E16—a MIDI controller that’s here to slap your DAW and hardware rig into submission. Forget plastic toys and overpriced knob farms: the E16 lands right in the sweet spot between budget and bloat, promising hands-on control without the faff. The Midlife Synthesist’s signature blend of sharp wit and practical insight slices through the hype, giving us a no-nonsense look at a controller that’s all about performance, customisation, and road-ready build. If you’re after a controller that actually keeps up with your live jams, this one’s worth a

Oxi Instruments E16

21. December 2025

The Midlife Synthesist Unleashes the PolyBrute 12: One Year In, Still a Sonic Street Weapon

The Midlife Synthesist is back in the rave bunker, this time with a year-long verdict on the Arturia PolyBrute 12. Forget spec sheets and marketing fluff—this is a real-world, sweat-soaked review from someone who’s hammered the keys for twelve months straight. Expect sharp opinions, a few side-eyes at the synth’s bulk, and plenty of praise for its monstrous sound and tactile keybed. If you want to know whether this flagship analog beast is worth the studio space, strap in. The PolyBrute 12 gets the full, no-nonsense treatment—warts, wonders, and all.

Arturia Polybrute 12

14. December 2025

Arturia AstroLab 37, HX Stomp XL, MPC Live 3

The Midlife Synthesist Unleashes a Portable Powerhouse: MPC Live 3 + Astrolab 37

Ever wondered if you could pack a stadium-sized sound into your rucksack? The Midlife Synthesist is back, pairing the MPC Live 3 with the Arturia Astrolab 37 for a cover of Coldplay’s ‘Fix You’ that’s equal parts heart and hardware. Expect slick workflow hacks, lush organ tones, and a few honest gripes about clackety keys and MIDI quirks. This isn’t your average polite gear demo – it’s a deep dive into portable production with a creator who knows his way around a groovebox and isn’t afraid to call out the rough edges. If you want to see a portable rig

5. December 2025

Ableton Push 3, Akai MPC Live 3

The Midlife Synthesist Throws Down: MPC Live 3 vs Ableton Push 3 – Who’s the Standalone King?

Ready for a proper synth slugfest? The Midlife Synthesist isn’t messing about – he’s pitting the Akai MPC Live 3 against Ableton’s Push 3 in a no-holds-barred workstation shootout. Forget the spec sheets and marketing fluff; this is a real-world, hands-on brawl to see which box deserves a spot in your gig bag. Expect sharp insights, a few brutal truths, and enough GAS to power a small rave. If you’re after the ultimate standalone groove weapon, you’ll want to see who comes out swinging.

26. November 2025

The Midlife Synthesist Shrinks the Studio: Astrolab 37 in the Spotlight

Arturia’s Astrolab 37 just crash-landed in the compact synth arena, and The Midlife Synthesist is here to see if this pint-sized powerhouse can actually hold its own. Forget the 61-key behemoth—this is all about squeezing big sounds into a tiny footprint, with just enough controls to keep your live set from turning into a menu-diving nightmare. The Midlife Synthesist’s trademark wit and honesty slice through the marketing fluff, asking the real questions: Who’s this for, and does it actually slap, or is it just another MIDI controller in disguise? If you’re after a no-nonsense take on Arturia’s latest, buckle up.

Arturia AstroLab 37

14. November 2025

OXI One MK2, Polyend Play+

MidlifeSynthesist Unveils the Groove After Firmware 1.3

MidlifeSynthesist dives into the Polyend Play+ firmware 1.3 update, revealing a host of exciting new features that promise to elevate your sound design game. Get ready for USB connectivity that’s as slick as your favorite beat and a brand-new DIRT synth engine that’ll have you exploring wild sonic territories. If you’re all about that hands-on tweakability and kicking it old school with improved drum sounds, this one’s for you.

28. October 2025

MidlifeSynthesist Knows Your MPC Needs

Breaking down the beatdown between the MPC Live 3 and the older MPC siblings, MidlifeSynthesist gives us the lowdown on whether that upgrade’s worth your bucks. With wit and wisdom, he navigates through CPUs and RAM, revealing which gear slaps and which might need a leg up.

MPC Live 3, MPC X SE

24. October 2025

MidlifeSynthesist Drops A Synth Bombshell With IONA

MidlifeSynthesist just dropped a bombshell with the new IONA plugin, a virtual recreation of the iconic Roland SH-101! This new gem breaks into the scene with sweet sounds and some cool upgrades. Curious to find out if it slaps harder than grandma’s spoon? Join the ride as MidlifeSynthesist puts IONA to the test, exploring its features and dropping beats like it’s hot. One thing’s for sure, this new addition to the MPC universe is here to make some serious street noise.

IONA Plugin

18. October 2025