Unlock the secrets of electronic music with our video series, offering a closer look at the instruments, techniques, and artistry behind the sounds.
Buchla 200
Made out of 200, 200e and clone modules, this Buchla based system will give you a taste of why people adore Buchla instruments.
Transaudio Procase 6
A super rare Australian-made synth from 1976. There were only 3 ever produced, and we’re lucky to have one!
Polivoks
A classic Soviet synthesiser, popular for its unique sounds and aesthetics. Manufactured between 1982-1990.
Moog System 55
This system is one of 55 that were re-issued by Moog. Used by artists such as Wendy Carlos in the soundtrack for Clockwork Orange.
EMS SYNTHI AKS
A legendary and idiosyncratic synth, used extensively by famous artists such as Brian Eno. Known for its pin matrix. Released in 1971.
Korg MS-20
Famous for the sound of its filters, the Korg MS-20 is a great machine to learn subtractive synthesis on, and incredibly versatile as a sound processor thanks to its patch field. Released in 1978.
Roland TR-707
A staple of early house, particularly acid house. Released in 1985.
Roland TR-808
Attracted a cult following in the ’80s, particularly for its deep bass drum. A cornerstone of the emerging electronic, dance and hip hop genres. Released in 1980.
Roland TR-909
Roland’s first drum machine to host pre-recorded samples & use MIDI. An essential in the house and techno movements, popularised by producers from Jeff Mills to Derrick May & Daft Punk. Released in 1983.
GRP A8
One of the largest synthesisers ever made. Only 23 were ever produced. Released in 2009.
Akai S950
A successor to the S900, used by many hip hop and electronic artists including Dr. Dre, The Prodigy and Moby. Released in 1988.
Roland SBX-1 (standalone)
Sync box used as a standalone to sync the Roland TR-606 and Roland SH-101.
Roland System 100
The Synthesiser 101 is at the heart of this system. A great vintage tone, and machine to learn the basics of subtractive synthesis on. Released in 1975.
Steiner-Parker Synthacon
Famous for its filter, whose circuit can be found in contemporary modular synthesiser designs. Released in 1975.
JMT Sequencer & JMT Drum Machine.
Sync box used as a standalone to sync the Roland TR-606 and Roland SH-101.
MESS Recipe: Roland SH-5 x TR-808 using SBX-1 & Korg SQ-1
A classic combo of analog machines, and a great way to change up melodic phrasing. Combining the Roland TR-808 and SH-5, using the Roland SBX-1 for clocking the 808, and the Korg SQ-1 to run a sequence for the SH-5.
MESS Recipe: Roland TR-909 triggering the ProCase Sequencer
Using the Roland TR-909 machine to trigger the sequencer in the Transaudio ProCase-6 Synthesiser.
MESS Set-ups: Biscotti
Biscotti talks about her creative process and gives a few insights on how she gets past creative blocks or inspires herself to create new material.
MESS Set-up: Justin Ashworth
In this video made during lockdown, Justin shows us his isolation set-up mostly consisting of modular instruments. “Sounds and musical materials such as riffs, phrases, and note sequences, become objects one can juggle and shuffle and play with in different ways — the form constantly in flux, even if some elements are predetermined”.
MESS Set-up: Baséput
Baséput (aka Rayhan Sudrajat) walks us through a recent patch he made on his home set-up.
MESS Set-ups: Oz Kesik
Oz Kesik takes us through their home set-up based on generative techniques and improvisation.Here using the Behringer Neutron, and MIDI controller to trigger multiple instruments in the DAW.
MESS Set-up: Ben Carey
Ben Carey takes us through a patch on his modular set-up at home. 1/2 of duo Sumn Conduit, Ben plays with feedback, basic oscillators processed in interesting ways, tactile control such as tapping and contact mics and stereo-panning — building them into an interwoven texture.
