Welcome to RetroSound – your destination for vintage synthesizers, classic keyboards and legendary electronic sounds.

On YouTube since january 2007 as one of the very first synthesizer channels.

• Vintage synthesizer demos
• Analog synth sound exploration
• 80s synth sounds and retro electronic music
• Classic keyboard reviews
• Synth history and rare instruments

Founder Marko Ettlich create the RetroSound project for sound-design in 1998. RetroSound developed several sound-sets for synthesizers and is vintage synth sample sound supplier for UVI (String Machines II, Synth Anthology series, OB Legacy, Vintage Vault series, Emulation II+ and many more).

You can support me.💝

➡️My studio stuff @Thomann store: www.thomann.de/de/thlpg_h9izhzc4wh.html

➡️RetroSound Merch Shop: teespring.com/de/stores/retrosound

➡️Bandcamp: retrosound.bandcamp.com/album/zeitreise-album

➡️ PayPal Donation: www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/9N5PN37C9SQZY

Thank you!



RetroSound

20 Years RetroSound on YouTube — Thank You for Being Part of the Journey! 🎹

When I started uploading videos to YouTube 20 years ago, the platform was still a very small place compared to what it is today. Back then, I simply wanted to share my passion for vintage synthesizers, electronic music, and the amazing instruments that have fascinated me for so many years.
Over the past two decades, countless synthesizers have found their way into my studio. Some arrived, some left, and others stayed and became part of my personal musical journey. Every instrument had its own character, its own story, and sometimes a few surprises along the way!

But the most important part of these 20 years has been you — the people who have watched my videos, shared my passion, left comments, and stayed with RetroSound throughout this journey.
Many of you have been here for years, and some have been following me almost from the very beginning. Your loyalty, kindness, and continued support mean more to me than I can adequately express. I never take any of it for granted, and I am truly grateful that you have been part of this adventure.

The new video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2QEJ...

3 days ago |[YT] | 212

RetroSound

Discover the Korg EPS-1, a rare and often overlooked analog string synthesizer from the early 1980s. In this video, I explore its massive, deep and atmospheric string sounds and show why the EPS-1 deserves more attention among vintage analog string machines.
The Korg EPS-1 appeared on the market toward the end of the development of classic analog string synthesizers. While instruments from brands such as Solina, ARP, Roland and Korg are better known today, the EPS-1 remains relatively uncommon and can be difficult to find.

The new video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0rN6...

1 week ago |[YT] | 108

RetroSound

A synthesizer tribute to Tangerine Dream’s iconic “Love on a Real Train”, recreated using original vintage equipment including the legendary PPG Wave 2.2 synthesizer and PPG Waveterm A.

This cover explores the distinctive digital-analog sound of the PPG system and its role in creating the atmospheric, hypnotic textures associated with the classic Tangerine Dream sound. The performance is inspired by the original recording while using the character, limitations, and unique sonic qualities of vintage PPG hardware.

The new video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oG-2x...

2 weeks ago |[YT] | 156

RetroSound

The legendary Moog Taurus Bass Pedals played a huge role in the powerful low-end sound of progressive rock — and Genesis used that sound in some truly iconic songs.
In this video, we take a closer look at the Moog Taurus bass pedal and its role in the Genesis and the Phil Collins, Steve Hackett solo works, exploring those deep, massive bass frequencies that became a signature of progressive rock.

The new video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qicN...

3 weeks ago |[YT] | 85

RetroSound

Step back into the golden era of synthesizers with the legendary Roland JD-800! 🎹

In this sound demo, I’m playing several of my favorite sounds on this beautiful early-90s synthesizer, showcasing the unmistakable character and atmosphere of the Roland JD-800.

Released in 1991, the Roland JD-800 quickly became one of the most iconic digital synthesizers of its era. With its hands-on controls, powerful PCM sounds and unmistakable 90s character, it remains a favorite among synth enthusiasts, musicians and producers today.

The new video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaTCJ...

1 month ago |[YT] | 196

RetroSound

1970s analog synthesis + 1980s digital sampling
The massive analog low end of the Moog Taurus meets the gritty, unmistakable character of the E-mu Emulator II to create a new interpretation of Sting’s “Russians”.
The bass foundation was created with the legendary Moog Taurus bass pedal synthesizer, known for its massive, deep and powerful low-end sound. The Taurus has become one of the most iconic bass synthesizers of the 1970s and is especially famous for its thunderous sub-bass character.

The new video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nk-6f...

1 month ago |[YT] | 120

RetroSound

Korg Polysix + Korg KR-55B = pure vintage cosmic electronics
Take a journey into the cosmic side of early-1980s analog synthesis.
In this demo, I'm using only two classic Korg machines: the legendary Korg Polysix analog synthesizer and the Korg KR-55B rhythm machine.

The new video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjm7K...

1 month ago |[YT] | 174

RetroSound

Moog Prodigy and Oberheim OB-Xa in a great track by the Cars.
The new video: https://youtu.be/aelMoWx1ukI?is=W2Gfs...

1 month ago |[YT] | 115

RetroSound

The Roland Jupiter-4 (1979)

In this video, we take a deep dive into the sound of the legendary Roland JUPITER-4 Compuphonic, one of the most iconic vintage analog polyphonic synthesizers of the late 1970s.

Released in 1978, the Jupiter-4 was the first Roland synthesizer to carry the JUPITER name and helped establish Roland's reputation for powerful analog polyphonic synthesizers. It features four-voice polyphony, analog oscillators, a resonant low-pass filter, an arpeggiator and Roland's early Compuphonic digital control system. Roland also gave the Jupiter-4 the ability to store user presets — an important feature for its time.

The new video:
https://youtu.be/6zCcc9OSy9w?is=1S-El...

1 month ago |[YT] | 166

RetroSound

Tainted Love – Soft Cell | 80s Synthpop Cover
My cover of the iconic 1981 Soft Cell synthpop classic “Tainted Love”, recreated with Maxi-Korg 800DV, PPG wave and Emulator.
Soft Cell’s version became a major international hit and helped define the sound of early-1980s electronic pop, with synthesizers, electronic rhythms and a distinctive minimalist arrangement.
For me, recreating this track with vintage hardware is also a journey back to the analog and early digital sound of the 1980s — before modern software instruments became the standard. Dave Ball wrote me he used the Korg Bass and the Synclavier in the original song.

new video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MTyq...

2 months ago |[YT] | 128