Oberheim OB8 with Pyxis Expression System

Published on Jul 11, 2013 New England Analog LLC·17 videos

"This video demonstrates the New England Analog Pyxis Expression System. This adds expressive aftertouch to the keybed as well as a removable pressure sensitive pad that can both control the VCOs, VCF, and VCA in the synth. By pressing down on keys, or by pressing on the pad, players can bend one or both VCOs, swell the volume or open the filter of the synth. The Pyxis also has its own internal triangle/square wave LFO. The LFO is free running, and has the option of being modulated by pressure. The LFO amount can be dialed in to the VCOs, VCF, and VCA, and LFO will only be sent to these if pressure is being applied. The Pyxis LFO runs through 3 voltage controlled attenuators that are controlled by pressure. As the player presses harder on the sensors, more LFO will be sent to the modulation destination. This allows for an amazing array of interesting and organic sounds to be created.
The Pyxis is available as an internal installation or in a separate wood enclosure. It has the option of having aftertouch installed in the keybed of the synth (we must do this at our shop), or the pressure sensor pad. The sensor pad has a magnet underneath it to secure it to metal surfaces. It also sits firmly on any other flat surface. As shown in the video, a synth can have both the pressure pad and keybed aftertouch installed. The installation of the Pyxis varies from synth to synth. Monophonic and Duophonic synthesizers take the least time to install the system in, while polysynths usually take a few hours to do the installation in. The aftertouch installation also varies as well. Small keyboards like the ARP Odyssey, Pro One, Minimoog, Prodigy, Multimoog, etc. will take less time than Jupiters, OBX/OB8, Polysix, Monopoly, etc. We offer custom installations of aftertouch, breath control, and pressure controllers for all analog systems. For more information, please check us out at www.NewEnglandAnalog.com. Thanks for watching!

PS- A note for the haters; This is not intended to be my musical magnum opus. This is just me demonstrating how the Pyxis controller works. If you'd like to see me actually trying to play well, check out my band! http://vimeo.com/35516441"