Synthesizers

Paul White takes us through the history and evolution of guitar synths, from early attempts at creating onboard sounds and audio-to-MIDI pickups, through to using pedals and plug-ins to emulate synth effects.

As part of Japan, Richard Barbieri soon became the thinking person’s synthesist, famous for his rich and textural electronic backings that beautifully complemented the work of other band members to forge what is still a unique sound to this day.

As the man behind the phenomenally successful British developer ALM/Busy Circuits, Matthew Allum speaks all things modular.

Graham Massey talks about his early days with the formation of 808 State and improvising with electronic instruments, through to current collaborations and favourite creative tools.

Based in The Hague, Netherlands, Jan Willem Hagenbeek is best known in the modular world as Ginkosynthese...

Back in November 2020 Don Lewis discussed his time programming the Yamaha DX7’s factory sounds. In the wake of Don’s passing, we decided to publish this excerpt and put on record his important contribution to this iconic synth.

Best known as the keyboardist and co-vocalist for Brit-Funk legends, Level 42, we caught up with Mike Lindup ahead of his new solo release, Changes 2.

Martyn Ware has been at the forefront of the British synth-pop scene since its inception, founding the hugely influential Human League and Heaven 17. This year he released his autobiography, entitled Electronically Yours Vol.1.

Modular Profile: Finlay Shakespeare

The founder of Bristol‑based developer Future Sound Systems, Finlay Shakespeare is a...

For Spike Edney, touring with one of the biggest bands in the world has meant keeping up with the very latest in stage keyboard technology.

This year marks the 30th birthday of one of the world’s leading manufacturers of synths, samplers and hardware controllers. In this podcast, Novation Product Specialist Chris Calcutt looks back over three decades of innovation.

MIDI is the universal language of the studio — and if you use hardware instruments, you need to understand it!

Electric Indigo is an Austrian music producer, Techno DJ and founder of female:pressure, an international network of women in the electronic music industry.

Michael Whalen talks about performing his latest instrumental album ‘Imaginary Trains’ to a live audience at the EMEAPP museum, using their extensive collection of rare vintage synthesizers.

A lauded synthesist and an inspiring educator, Sarah Belle Reid’s techniques are innovative, explorative and experimental in all the right ways.

Is there a way to specify, to a DAW such as Pro Tools, how a note will glide to another note and over what duration of time?

Aimo Scampa designs modules under the moniker of Manifold Research Centre, with an approach that’s as off‑the‑wall as it is fascinatingly clever...

A tribute to the life and works of composer and synth pioneer Peter Zinovieff by James Gardner, featuring interviews with family, co-workers and collaborators.

American synthesist Josh Mason’s latest release, Utility Music, is a rather stunning demonstration of the Doepfer A‑100...

Richard Norris talks about his early break into the music industry, success with The Grid in the 90s, his many collaborations, remixes and unexpected career turns.

Composer, producer and one half of Goldfrapp, Will Gregory opens up about the instruments that mean the most to him — and shows us how great they can sound in the right hands.