Voltage Labs
The Origin & History of IDM | Voltage Labs
updated
In this video, we explore how artists build legends around themselves, why fans are drawn to secrets and larger-than-life personas, and how myth turns music into something bigger than sound.
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Gear used:
Sequential Fourm thmn.to/thoprod/622033?offid=1&affid=1555
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Highlights included Cousin, whose unique interpretation of dub techno stood out as one of the most original voices of the moment, and All Wootton with a hypnotic DJ set full of organic, percussive selections. Upsammy and Valentina Magaletti delivered a mesmerizing collaboration where live drums and electronic textures merged seamlessly. Shackleton, Wacław Zimpel, and Siddhartha Belmannu joined forces for an expansive long-form performance, weaving modular electronics, clarinet, reed textures, and Carnatic vocals into a journey oscillating between meditative calm and rhythmic intensity.
At the Société des arts technologiques (SAT), audiences encountered immersive experiences inside the venue’s signature dome, while Esplanade Tranquille hosted the open-air Experience program with installations such as Omnipresence by Irregular and DJ sets including Nicola Cruz. The festival also introduced ReVerie: Sense, a generative audiovisual installation inviting audience members to whisper their dreams into a microphone, which an AI system then transformed into moving images and ambient soundscapes.
Parallel to the performances, the MUTEK Forum connected artists, labels, and industry professionals from Canada and abroad through studio visits, networking sessions, and collaborative projects. With its strong emphasis on innovation, community, and artistic quality, MUTEK Montreal continues to be a vital window into the future of electronic music and digital art.
Interesting bits and pieces:
00:00 Intro
00:41 Arriving in Montreal, Nicola Cruz
01:14 Cousin & Al Wootton
02:21 Record Shopping
03:29 MUTEK Forum
03:57 Ableton Spaces
04:12 Shackleton, Wacław Zimpel, and Siddhartha Belmannu
04:55 Upsammy & Valentina Maga at SAT
06:18 ReVerie: Sense
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Webshop: https://www.thomann.de
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Webshop: https://www.thomann.de
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Webshop: https://www.thomann.de
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Voiski has been a leading figure in techno music for more than a decade. Becoming, since his debut, a very interesting and respected artist around the world, he succeeded in keeping his huge musical aura and sound through the years and fashions. From an Iranian background, he has always been very connected to spiritual music and trance in particular. The element of repetition is ongoing through his catalog, creating a direct link to his beloved minimalistic classical composers and his Iranian roots.
Experienced live performer, Voiski is also an amazing DJ. His love for classic electro gets space to shine here, together with segments of underestimated beatless material, breaking up the steady pattern of the kick drum.
Appearing around the world under his own name, Homāyun Kheradmand goes under many guises and is part of several constellations aside from his main alias. Famous for being the other part of the very popular Polar Inertia, you can also meet him as Vrilski (with Vril), Superski (with Eliott Litrowski), Wav (with Wata Igarashi), Kartei (with Crysta Patterson) or with Hadone on their recent collaboration.
On the production side, Voiski is a very prolific musician. With more than 200 tracks and 20 EP’s, his compositions are released on the creme de la creme of labels including Bassiani, Mama told Ya, L.I.E.S, Dekmantel, ARA and Delsin.
In a time when the techno world often can give the impression of “the harder, the better”, Voiski is not afraid to admit he wants his music and DJ- sets to contain groove and is all about proposing an alternative sound for a deeply charismatic techno which can speak to everyone.
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Gear used:
Korg NanoKontrol II Midi Controller:
thmn.to/thoprod/268267?offid=1&affid=1555
Webshop: https://www.thomann.de
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Gear used:
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII: thmn.to/thoprod/601698?offid=1&affid=1555
Beyerdynamnics DT 770: thmn.to/thoprod/174334?offid=1&affid=1555
Mic thmn.to/thoprod/613133?offid=1&affid=1555
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Interesting bits and pieces:
Webshop: https://www.thomann.de
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Gear used:
Moog thmn.to/thoprod/419761?offid=1&affid=1555
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In this video, we explore the story behind the Monomachine, from its controversial 2004 release to its status as a modern-day classic among experimental producers like SOPHIE, Actress, Autechre or even the UK duo Overmono.
Gear used:
https://www.thomann.de/de/elektron.html
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A staple in the world-wide techno scene for more than a decade; the French artist’s name is easily recognizable to fans the world over, having produced a string of highly-acclaimed releases on well- known labels over the years, such as Ovum, Missile and U-TRAX to name a few.
Her distinct production style is heavily influenced by the raw, hardware-based sounds of the 90s, citing acid legends like Josh Wink, DJ Pierre, Freddy Fresh, Tim Taylor, Hardfloor & Thomas P. Heckmann as some of her biggest influences during her formative years. Fast forward to today, and it’s these exact producers she can be found regularly featuring alongside on the same vinyl releases.
It’s therefore no surprise that she’s often called upon to share her knowledge and expertise around the world. Whether it’s being invited by the Goethe Institute to give production workshops in Mongolia, or being hand-picked by Roland to talk about their illustrious 303 at ADE in Amsterdam, her unique approach to music making and years of experience spent honing her craft have allowed her to constantly travel the globe for over a decade.
Gear used:
Adam Audio T5V: thmn.to/thoprod/431376?offid=1&affid=1555
Eventide H9 Max Harmonizer: thmn.to/thoprod/353802?offid=1&affid=1555
Allen & Heath Xone:92: thmn.to/thoprod/598442?offid=1&affid=1555
Roland TR8: thmn.to/thoprod/434284?offid=1&affid=1555
Elektron Analog Drive
Pioneer DJ TORAIZ SP-16
Modemachines Xoxbox
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From his early days as a resident at Concrete Paris to running his own label XX Lab, François X has carved out a distinct space in the global techno scene with his functional yet atmospheric sound. Known for releases on MDR or Dement3d, he's a key figure in shaping the modern Parisian underground.
Interesting bits and pieces:
00:00 Intro
00:10 Creativity & Workflow
01:20 Studio Visit + Track Breakdown
05:00 DJing
06:37 Harmony & Amplification of Beauty
Gear used:
Prophet thmn.to/thoprod/406556?offid=1&affid=1555
Minilogue thmn.to/thoprod/379052?offid=1&affid=1555
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Come and joy the ride with some additional bts moments. As ever the the full length features will follow soon. Thanks for watching!
Interesting bits and pieces:
00:00 Intro
00:20 Bambounou
01:37 Yoyaku Record Store
03:00 Rinse Fr
04:20 Francois X
06:50 Voiski
08:25 Djebali
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00:00 Intro
02:46 Studio Tour & Live Performance
16:45 Geneva
18:28 Audio Club & DJing
20:08 Mémoire du Présent EP
Gear used:
Bitwig Studio: thmn.to/thoprod/525373?offid=1&affid=1555
Make Noise 0-Coast: thmn.to/thoprod/415476?offid=1&affid=1555
Strymon El Capistan: thmn.to/thoprod/546736?offid=1&affid=1555
Vermona Kick Lancet: thmn.to/thoprod/250718?offid=1&affid=1555
Elektron Monomachine
Cwejman S1 Modular
Sequentix Circlon Sequencer
Roland RE-501 Chorus Echo Tape Delay
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Interesting bits and pieces:
00:31 Dark & Aggressive Pad
02:20 Soft Breathing Pad
04:37 Washed Out Melancholic Pad
Gear used:
Teo-5 thmn.to/thoprod/589778?offid=1&affid=1555
Studio Set Up
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII: thmn.to/thoprod/601698?offid=1&affid=1555
Beyerdynamnics DT 770: thmn.to/thoprod/174334?offid=1&affid=1555
Korg Nano Kontrol 2: thmn.to/thoprod/268267?offid=1&affid=1555
Super 6 thmn.to/thoprod/471402?offid=1&affid=1555
Elektron Octatrack: thmn.to/thoprod/509423?offid=1&affid=1555
OB 6 thmn.to/thoprod/379718?offid=1&affid=1555
Deckards Dream MKII: thmn.to/thoprod/499251?offid=1&affid=1555
Nord Drum 3P: thmn.to/thoprod/386116?offid=1&affid=1555
Eurorack Case thmn.to/thoprod/469640?offid=1&affid=1555
VCO thmn.to/thoprod/594148?offid=1&affid=1555
Delay thmn.to/thoprod/470620?offid=1&affid=1555
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Studio Set Up
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII: thmn.to/thoprod/601698?offid=1&affid=1555
Beyerdynamnics DT 770: thmn.to/thoprod/174334?offid=1&affid=1555
Korg Nano Kontrol 2: thmn.to/thoprod/268267?offid=1&affid=1555
Super 6 thmn.to/thoprod/471402?offid=1&affid=1555
Elektron Octatrack: thmn.to/thoprod/509423?offid=1&affid=1555
OB 6 thmn.to/thoprod/379718?offid=1&affid=1555
Deckards Dream MKII: thmn.to/thoprod/499251?offid=1&affid=1555
Nord Drum 3P: thmn.to/thoprod/386116?offid=1&affid=1555
Eurorack Case thmn.to/thoprod/469640?offid=1&affid=1555
VCO thmn.to/thoprod/594148?offid=1&affid=1555
Delay thmn.to/thoprod/470620?offid=1&affid=1555
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Sweely is a French producer and live performer known for his genre-blending sound that fuses elements of house, electro and jazz. Equally comfortable behind drum machines and keyboards, he brings a playful yet refined energy to his tracks, often characterized by swung rhythms, warm basslines and intricate percussion. Whether he’s jamming in the studio or playing live, Sweely’s music always feels alive, spontaneous and unmistakably his own.
Gear used:
Ableton Live: thmn.to/thoprod/587435?offid=1&affid=1555
KRK Rokit Monitors: thmn.to/thoprod/575642?offid=1&affid=1555
Akai MPC 1000
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Over time, the scope expanded. What started with product insights grew to include artist stories, documentaries, studio visits and cultural video essays. The goal has always been to connect the dots between Music, Culture & Technology. With our growing Voltage Labs community on Instagram, this rebrand brings both platforms under one name.
The mission remains the same.
The team remains the same.
The content continues to evolve.
And all still powered by Thomann.
Thanks for being with us on this journey so far and thanks for sticking around for what’s to come.
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Interesting bits and pieces:
00:00 Intro
00:20 Pastiche Listening Bar
02:20 DJ Spit
04:00 Bloody Mary
05:00 Superbooth
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The Boom Chick is a five-voice analog drum machine featuring kick, snare, hi-hat, and two versatile percussion voices capable of FM synthesis and wave shaping. Its six-track sequencer offers step and live modes, polyrhythms, Euclidean pattern generation, and performance tools like swing, humanize, and probability. Connectivity includes individual trigger inputs and outputs, MIDI I/O, clock sync, and reset, with output levels suitable for Eurorack systems. 
The Assembler is a 10-channel analog mixer with six mono and two stereo inputs, each equipped with preamps offering up to 20x gain, soft compression, and signal contouring. It features three post-fader aux sends with corresponding returns, a dedicated headphone cue output, and compatibility with both line-level and Eurorack signals. The mixer can function as a standalone desktop unit or be mounted in a 40HP Eurorack space.
Both devices are expected to be available in mid-May 2025.
Gear used:
Cre8 Audio Boom Chick: thmn.to/thoprod/615151?offid=1&affid=1555
Cre8 Audio Assembler: thmn.to/thoprod/615157?offid=1&affid=1555
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Gear used:
https://www.thomann.de/de/oxi_instruments.html
Webshop: https://www.thomann.de
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Frap Tools just might have dropped the polysynth of the year. Intellijel surprised us with a stunning desktop mixer. Haken Audio & La Voix Du Luthier’s resonator turns any synth into an acoustic instrument—and Korg’s Phase 8 is finally production-ready. Superbooth 2025 came through!”
Interesting bits and pieces:
00:07 Intellijel
02:01 Frap Tools
03:59 Haken Audio & La Voix Du Luthier
06:45 Korg
08:55 Make Noise
10:40 Polyend
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An acoustic resonator can replace a traditional loudspeaker by using wooden soundboards instead of a membrane. It works with all kinds of electric instruments and sound sources. More compact than previous models, La Voile resembles a small guitar amp and features two freely suspended spruce plates. It has no real resonating body, which, according to the maker, results in a more precise sound, though with lower volume and bass response compared to the Onde and Pyramid.
To compensate, an optional preamp is available, offering a volume boost and a 3-band EQ. The preamp works only with the line/instrument input, not with Bluetooth and is required when using the resonator with a guitar.
The curved back plate of La Voile (“the sail” in French) was custom-developed to complement the front round soundboard. Designed as a portable “speaker,” La Voile can run on batteries for easy mobility.
Gear Used:
Haken Audio Continuum: thmn.to/thoprod/492165?offid=1&affid=1555
Webshop: https://www.thomann.de
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Gear used:
Korg miniKORG 700Sm: thmn.to/thoprod/609201?offid=1&affid=1555
Webshop: https://www.thomann.de
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Gear used:
https://www.thomann.de/de/polyend.html
Webshop: https://www.thomann.de
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The Phase8 offers advanced sound-shaping capabilities, including envelope control, waveshaping, tremolo, and audio modulation. A built-in sequencer with polyrhythmic capabilities enables complex rhythmic patterns and evolving sequences. Connectivity options include MIDI in/out (via mini jacks), CV input, sync in/out, USB, and a single audio output, ensuring compatibility with various setups
Webshop: https://www.thomann.de
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Gear used:
Moog Messenger: thmn.to/thoprod/614034?offid=1&affid=1555
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII: thmn.to/thoprod/601698?offid=1&affid=1555
Studio Setup:
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII: thmn.to/thoprod/601698?offid=1&affid=1555
Arturia Audiofuse 16 Rig: thmn.to/thoprod/577287?offid=1&affid=1555
Roland TR8S: thmn.to/thoprod/434284?offid=1&affid=1555
Korg Nano Kontrol 2: thmn.to/thoprod/268267?offid=1&affid=1555
Elektron Octatrack: thmn.to/thoprod/509423?offid=1&affid=1555
Deckards Dream MKII: thmn.to/thoprod/499251?offid=1&affid=1555
Nord Drum 3P: thmn.to/thoprod/386116?offid=1&affid=1555
Buchla Easel Command 208c
MAM ADX1
Arturia CS80 VST: thmn.to/thoprod/581819?offid=1&affid=1555
Ableton Live Suite: thmn.to/thoprod/587435?offid=1&affid=1555
Moog Grandmother: thmn.to/thoprod/439985?offid=1&affid=1555
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The Field System is designed for seamless integration and mobility, offering a modular setup for musicians and producers who need flexibility on the move. All devices are battery-powered and use USB-C connectivity, allowing them to function both independently and together. The new black editions maintain the same technical specifications as their predecessors, now with a consistent visual identity across most of the range.
Gear used:
Teenage Engineering TX-6: thmn.to/thoprod/542726?offid=1&affid=1555
Teenage Engineering OP-XY: thmn.to/thoprod/604536?offid=1&affid=1555
Teenage Engineering CM-15: thmn.to/thoprod/566072?offid=1&affid=1555
Teenage Engineering TP-7: thmn.to/thoprod/567357?offid=1&affid=1555
Webshop: https://www.thomann.de
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Webshop: https://www.thomann.de
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Available Soon
Webshop: https://www.thomann.de
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Interesting bits and pieces:
00:00 Intro & Channel Update
01:01 Overview
02:10 Oscillators
06:19 Filter
09:34 Live Jam
Gear used:
Moog Messenger: thmn.to/thoprod/614034?offid=1&affid=1555
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII: thmn.to/thoprod/601698?offid=1&affid=1555
Studio Setup:
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII: thmn.to/thoprod/601698?offid=1&affid=1555
Arturia Audiofuse 16 Rig: thmn.to/thoprod/577287?offid=1&affid=1555
Roland TR8S: thmn.to/thoprod/434284?offid=1&affid=1555
Korg Nano Kontrol 2: thmn.to/thoprod/268267?offid=1&affid=1555
Elektron Octatrack: thmn.to/thoprod/509423?offid=1&affid=1555
Deckards Dream MKII: thmn.to/thoprod/499251?offid=1&affid=1555
Nord Drum 3P: thmn.to/thoprod/386116?offid=1&affid=1555
Buchla Easel Command 208c
MAM ADX1
Arturia CS80 VST: thmn.to/thoprod/581819?offid=1&affid=1555
Ableton Live Suite: thmn.to/thoprod/587435?offid=1&affid=1555
Moog Grandmother: thmn.to/thoprod/439985?offid=1&affid=1555
Webshop: https://www.thomann.de
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Together with Erica Synth we are giving away one unit. To participate please check out our Voltage Labs IG Page:
instagram.com/voltage.labs
Interesting bits and pieces:
00:00 Intro
00:40 Drums
04:10 Pad
05:40 Vocals
Gear used:
https://www.thomann.de/de/erica_synths_echolocator.htm
Studio Set Up
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII: thmn.to/thoprod/601698?offid=1&affid=1555
Beyerdynamnics DT 770: thmn.to/thoprod/174334?offid=1&affid=1555
Korg Nano Kontrol 2: thmn.to/thoprod/268267?offid=1&affid=1555
Super 6 thmn.to/thoprod/471402?offid=1&affid=1555
Elektron Octatrack: thmn.to/thoprod/509423?offid=1&affid=1555
OB 6 thmn.to/thoprod/379718?offid=1&affid=1555
Deckards Dream MKII: thmn.to/thoprod/499251?offid=1&affid=1555
Nord Drum 3P: thmn.to/thoprod/386116?offid=1&affid=1555
Eurorack Case thmn.to/thoprod/469640?offid=1&affid=1555
VCO thmn.to/thoprod/594148?offid=1&affid=1555
Delay thmn.to/thoprod/470620?offid=1&affid=1555
Webshop: https://www.thomann.de
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Gear used:
Headphones: beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII
Webshop: https://www.thomann.de
Instagram: instagram.com/voltage.labs
Facebook: facebook.com/thomanninternational
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Acetate Dubplates Service: instagram.com/acetate_dubplates_service
Long before digital files and USB sticks took over DJ booths, the dubplate was king. Born in Jamaican sound system culture in the late 1960s, dubplates are custom-cut vinyl records—usually acetate—that allowed selectors to play exclusive, unreleased tracks. Originally used to test mixes or showcase an artist’s latest riddim before mass pressing, dubplates became prized weapons in musical clashes, especially in reggae and dancehall.
The process of cutting a dubplate is as tactile as it is technical. A lathe engraves the audio directly onto a soft, lacquer-coated disc in real time, often with the engineer adjusting EQ and levels on the fly.
While rooted in Jamaican traditions, dubplate culture expanded globally, influencing genres like jungle, drum & bass, UK garage, and later dubstep and grime. In these scenes, dubplates became symbols of authenticity and underground credibility, allowing producers to test unreleased tracks on dancefloors or gift them to trusted DJs.
Today, as vinyl experiences a renaissance and niche scenes seek out physical artifacts of sound, dubplate cutting has found new life among DJs.. Whether as a throwback to a golden era or a statement of sonic identity, the dubplate remains a powerful emblem of music as both craft and culture.
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