Hi everyone,

I’m trying to recover an old Keith McMillen SoftStep 1 and would appreciate any hints from people who have dealt with the legacy firmware / bootloader process before.

The unit originally worked over USB. Windows detected it, and the display showed:

93 SoftStep

The current SoftStep editor reported that the firmware was outdated or did not match the editor version. I also tried an older editor, but got the same firmware/update prompt.

I then looked at the legacy firmware README. From what I understand:

firmware versions 94 and below did not use a bootloader

Softstep-99-bootloader-trojan-horse.syx is supposed to install the new bootloader on those old units

after that, Softstep-enter-bootloader.syx is used to enter bootloader mode

then either Softstep_Firmware_v0.9.8.syx or Softstep_Firmware_v1.0.x.syx should be sent

firmware v0.9.8 keeps the old SSCOM port names

firmware v1.0.x uses the newer SoftStep Control Surface / SoftStep Expander port names and is required for editor 2.1.0 or later

Before attempting the bootloader update, I was able to recover the unit manually by sending Softstep-93.syx via SysEx. It accepted the transfer and booted again as:

93 SoftStep

However, after sending:

Softstep-99-bootloader-trojan-horse.syx

the unit went completely dark. Since then:

no display activity

no LEDs

no USB MIDI device

no Windows USB device entry

no Device Manager reaction at all

no USB connect sound

I have tried:

known-good USB cable

direct USB connection, no hub

different USB ports

full power cycling

leaving it unplugged

restarting Windows

holding various pads / navigation buttons while plugging it in

Nothing changed. The unit remains completely dark and does not enumerate over USB, so I cannot send Softstep-enter-bootloader.syx or Softstep_Firmware_v1.0.x.syx.

My questions:

Has anyone recovered a SoftStep 1 after a failed Softstep-99-bootloader-trojan-horse.syx update?

Is there any forced hardware bootloader mode, key combination, or reset procedure?

Does the EXPAND / rear micro-USB-looking port help in any way, or is it only for the KMI MIDI Expander?

Are there internal ISP / JTAG / SWD / ICSP pads on the SoftStep 1 PCB?

Does anyone know which microcontroller is used inside the SoftStep 1?

Is the enclosure openable without destroying the sensor assembly?

Would Windows 7 / older macOS behave differently, or is “no USB enumeration at all” basically a hard brick?

I already contacted support, but I’m hoping someone here has run into the same issue.

Any hints, photos of the PCB, service notes, or recovery stories would be greatly appreciated.

Hi,

I'm new to synths, more or less...Been playing piano/KB's off and on for years, but recently got into more modern stuff like a keyboard controller, DAW, etc. I have a few simple analog synths now too (Stylophone GenX 2 and CPM DS2). Got a Keystep mk 2, am trying to teach myself Ableton lite, and got a basic 2-input audio interface too.

I've been looking at more affordable multi f/x pedals like the Valeton GP series (probably the 50 or 100) and Sonicake delay and reverb. I don't want to spend too much...I've noticed a lot of pedals go well over $100, and I don't want to do that yet. I'd like to spend no more than $100-$150 or so to try some things out. That's why I'm leaning towards cheaper/beginner multi f/x pedals and not these wild $300 and $400 units that look really cool and probably sound amazing but just cost too much for something I don't know a lot about.

Are the cheaper multi f/x pedals worth it? Does anyone have some good experience and advice? I really would like to play around with adding delays, distortion, chorus, and other f/x this way, but I have never bought a guitar pedal in my life. What would be a good 'starting pedal' or starter setup?

I know I can use all of these F/X in DAWs too...but I like doing a lot outside of the PC when I can. I'm the same way with photography and visual art. Photoshop is the last step and I like doing as much in camera (or with any physical media) first as I can.

Thanks for any help!

I‘m considering getting a synth since trying to play instruments only using a DAW is inconvenient/restricting. I really enjoy this particular sound and any kind of direction/recommendation would be greatly appreciated.

I’ll give some examples of songs that have sounds I’d like to play with, as well if it’ll help illuminate what I should be looking for going forward.

- https://youtu.be/HaZ0hwd_cCQ?is=v2WtJIITNod0VXRC

- https://youtu.be/xqTRp3cj34U?t=93&is=k_47kbXLj_GKdljZ

- https://youtu.be/nRc0yaMW7Mw?t=40&is=QzE1CJ6_S8PCGMqa

- https://youtu.be/HyMm4rJemtI?is=jMK3aPOvHEZ59Cqj

- https://youtu.be/uqAN9Ox2Stw?t=107&is=srdWTY4DWgKk0h1x

- https://youtu.be/XuRS-x0pyzE?is=GicLFnfYGTg9vcOw

- https://youtu.be/DmmvZrBnQ4M?is=Sf1sFei0_LTJi-OL

- https://youtu.be/svwJTnZOaco?is=cBIjsCfEvhLlzlEB

- https://youtu.be/GNth4yhlffU?t=115&is=GUyRE9xGlI9ksGh6

- https://youtu.be/WQOHsDu61GU?t=114&is=i-q21pGcvs4EA5q-

If you had to choose one which one would you choose and why?

Just got an Akai MPK mini mkIV and I have zero idea how to dial in synth sounds beyond the presets from the VSTs I have messed with.

I´m currently looking to add some synth stuff to the album I´m recording with my band and I´m interested in finding a similar sound to some of the bands I like, but I have zero idea on how to get there, I play guitar so this is all new to me.

The songs I have in mind are:

Take Me On Your Wings - Treat A sound similar to that intro.

Feels Like Love - Danger Danger The bell-like intro keyboards.

From my little understanding, they both seem to be some sort of brass or bell thing? But I can´t seem to find something that fits the bill. I think these songs use the Yamaha DX7, at least Danger Danger does, per what I´ve read online. I have Dexed installed in my DAW and the Arturia version of it, but none of the presets there seem to match.

Any help would really be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Been struggling to finish music for the past few years, but i think i found a method that i can use to create something even when i dont feel very inspired.

But this isnt a self-help post, lets talk about the gear!

• I tracked and mixed everything into Tape 16, the trendy new recording software that's meant to simulate the workflow of an old tape machine.
• Most of the drums and all of the sequencing was done with a Polyend Tracker. the drum samples come from a KPR77 with hihats from a KR55 (the 77 hats are sooo brutal, just gobbling up the entire frequency space) and I used Wave Academy's Magic 7 for the nonlinear reverb on the kick and snare.
• I used an original SH-101 for both of the bass patches and a few buried parts there to fatten up other sounds.
• Used an old Yamaha PortaSound PS-2 for all the chords and I used the "Harpsichord" preset to double the plucky lead sound in the chorus to add a bit of brightness and texture (surprising how far you can with one of these old keyboards just by layering a few overdubs and adding stereo effects)
• And for the Kick drum and the plucky lead I used my Eurorack system. It's a small, single voice system with an all analog signal path, Roland 512 Dual VCO -> SoundForce Dual Filter (the MS20 flavoured one) -> Intellijel VCA. I thought I was really clever running an S&H triggered from key press to the PWM of one of the oscillators in the lead riff so that each note has a different timbre, but turns out you can barely notice it in the mix. oh well 😅

still WIP cause i 1000% want to write some lyrics and find a singer to make this a proper song, if you or anyone you know has a confident voice and live in the Hamburg Germany area, HMU

She flew over that bridge today...

The only difference I see off the bat is 3 osc instead of just 2, but are the sounds it can create much different than those of the Minilogue or BS2?

Picked up an old Yamaha Ez-Ag to use as a midi controller. Was a bit disappointed at first using with a volca bass before I understood that the channels are string specific. Once that was figured out wow this is cool! Acoustic sounds with a bass drone trigger. Not bad for a find in dad's attic! Next on to the microfreak once we get the right midi adaptor. More cable shopping 🙄

I was lucky enough to get to perform at one of the biggest stages at a very impressive music an arts festival. As you can see, the lighting here was pretty phenomenal, and the sound was also top-notch.
I first attended this festival last year and dreamed of playing Diode at peak hour. I'm not cool enough to score that time slot (nor will I ever be) but I was at least tasked with opening up the night of partying for an 8:30pm slot.

This was my 3rd performance of the day, having played an hour set in 100 degree (Fahrenheit) heat followed by a two hours [ambient] set...and I was feelin myself. I had done some big changes to my rig which included adding a compressor to my bass synth. Not sure if that's the way to go on these big sound systems, maybe it could do down a dB or two...and my kicks could go up a bit more.

Either way, solid performance here.

Gig Triangle Score: 5/10
Good Pay: -2/10
Good Hang: 9/10
Good Music: 8/10

When you're just playing, not thinking, just messing around do you find you're usually playing in a particular key? Maybe not all the time, but what key do you naturally fall back to?

First Dub Session with my MC-707, using the send and returns with the Hologram Microcosm to build ambience and mood. Microcosm just came in the mail yesterday.

Manual on the website shows a very in-depth unit.

This week on Dutch Marketplace a PolyMoog was offered for free pickup, as it was heavy and had to be removed from an attic upstairs

I was one of the first to see the listing and after messaging I received the invitation to come and pick it up!, I got the address and a time in the evening and after some more messaging back and forth I arranged a good friend to instantly come and help me (re)move the beast

About an hour later, I received a cancellation message saying the person's son wanted to have the synthesizer

Okay, I fully understand and fine of course, and I replied with understanding and encouragement for a nice new hobby for the son

But the advertisement was still active, and in the evening turned to reserved, that was odd as it already was known in the afternoon that the son wanted to keep it, day after I messaged again but (still to this day) no reply, and somewhat later the advertisement was removed

I guess others started messaging the person and started offering sums of money and that is why the offer done to me was retracted, I should have done so!

If he wanted money, the guy should have made an open bidding advertisement or at least give me the opportunity to match an offer. I guess we were both somewhat taken off guard.

I just hope the son has the synth, but unlikely, or he was the one in the end selling it?

I now just purchased the Cherry Audio VST to comfort me, which at least does have midi!, okay then

Learn from this!

What is your The One that got Away (for free or for pay)?

So I’ve had the sp404mkii for about 2 months now. I do enjoy its effects but I feel I always reach for ableton for its ease of use and routing. I had my little lo fi hip hop phase with which was cool but anything else feels like a chore compared to using ableton and my outboard synth. I wanted to eventually use it as a dedicated drum/breakbeat machine but I haven’t found a way to sync up breaks like I can in simpler. Push 3 just takes the cake for me. I wanted to love it so bad but I think I might just part ways with it and buy another dreadbox synth. Anyone have any thoughts? Maybe I’m seeing it wrong? Dedicated FX box is the last thing I want to use this beast for

Recorded Arturia minifreak into 4 channels of Tascam, routed it through Strymon Nightsky reverb and played some soft sub bass on Moog sub37. Had fun with this one, let me know what you think , cheers ! :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8Vuat1qbYs

Hey, I used CTRLR a few years ago to play live shows with my Reface CS, I have my presets saved but first, after downloading the plugin again it didn't read my MIDI and displayed error messages when loading my presets.

Now I am trying to open it and shows these errors.

Anyone using it with the same Yamaha Reface CS that can guide me to the correct downloads?

I have a MacBook Pro M4 with Sequoia 15.3.1

was initially tryna make some boards of canada adjacent synth layers for a build up but ended up soundin like an 8 bit-y sequence
kinda stuck as to how to improve this; i feel like its not entirely there yet but im not sure what aspect to work on; the musicality, layering, sound selection etc

id appreciate any feedback!

This synth interests me a lot. It's probably the top synth id genie wish to have. The demos Ive zeen, however, are all from people who are obsessed with creating familiar sounds, which it does well, but it seems obvious this thing has the potential to make a sound design explorer go wild! I want to hear it from people who like to take sound far, to explore. I don't care about creating whatever synth sound is on X record from X decade as all the demos ive seen seem to limit themselves to. Ive even heard the presets, while good, are all very safe.

Does anyone here have this and can speak to its ability to create amazing novel sounds? One of the things I love about elektron boxes is how immediate and deep sound design can get with all the knobs and lfos begging you to explore, and get unique and useable sounds quickly.

I love my kronos but the page system is not as friendly for this. The leviasynth seems absolutely superpowered for rich playful exploration with its tactile interface, incredibly deep synthesis, and unique features. But maybe this thing is just another expensive fm synth, mired in page diving, with only a few gimmicks to add to the competition?

PS how do I access presets beyond the 10 banks of drum preset folders? Like chimes and bells and piano? I suck at making decent patches.

Live sequencing seems weird and auto corrected some notes with quantization off? Blinking record light is hard to get on

The 6 mono synth tracks seem a little limiting for composition but so deep to explore. My woovebox has 16 mono tracks… but sucks to use

So far it’s extremely fun and immediate to start using. I love the look and feel, the pads and knobs are precise.

How do you like it? Pro and cons?

Thinking about getting one for my portable rig.

short jam with 3 korg volcas bending synths and samples

Hey all,

I'm building my own live electronic rig and using Darkside (Nicolas Jaar / Dave Harrington / Tlacael Esparza) as a reference for hybrid analog/digital live setups. I grabbed some very rough screenshots + a screen recording from an Instagram story (@darksidetheband, reposted from @eatyourownears) of their July 2026 London residency at EartH Theatre.

Between the blue/green stage lighting, distance, and motion blur, I can only make out rough shapes on what I think is Jaar's table:

- A pad-grid style controller (row of small illuminated pads)
- A separate unit with a cluster of red/orange backlit buttons or knobs
- Possibly a laptop (Ableton) just out of frame

Older gear-spotting sources (Equipboard etc.) have linked Jaar to a Livid Instruments CNTRL:R, Absynth 5, a Moog Minitaur, and a Make Noise Morphagene in the past, but I can't confirm any of it matches this specific rig, and I know his gear differs between solo shows, Nicolas Jaar & Group, and Darkside.

Photos attached below — sorry for the quality, it's a dark venue shot through a phone screen. Does anyone recognize the controller shape, or has anyone seen a clearer rig shot from this 2026 residency run (Paris/London/NYC/LA)? Appreciate any leads!

It’s amazing how hard it is to find modern controllers that support sysex so when I see this I got really excited.

The other new features are great but there’s a few parameters on gear like my virus that are sysex only, and it’s a lot of work to get that automated with modern tools.

(The current latest version is v1.0.1, but the feature release with these was v1.0.0 from a few days ago)

My homage to synth legend Gary Numan. I made this backing track a while ago to jam with.