Roland JX-10: Super JX Flash Module with Vecoven 3.22 Firmware and Soundboard ROM Install

video by thesrabbit

"This video documents my own experience with installing the Super JX Flash Module with Vecoven 3.22 firmware in my Roland JX-10. While there are other great videos about the Vecoven firmware, I wanted to make a video that showed the physical removal of all the old chips and installation of the new ones. Let me first say that I am a total amateur at DIY anything, as the video clearly demonstrates. I am not responsible if you try this and break your gear, hurt yourself, or die. For what it's worth, I did all but the latter. Fortunately the thing that I broke was the thing that I was replacing. That said, I'm hoping that the video gives you a clear understanding of what needs to be done if you decide to do this yourself. As for the actual tools and techniques, that's up for discussion. But this is the way. Or at least it's a way.

Background:
Shortly after purchasing the JX-10, I knew I needed to get the Vecoven firmware, just to have a proper MIDI implementation. I didn't realize there was a flash module option that allows future firmware updates over MIDI and provides an internal memory of 16 banks of patch storage. That's the equivalent of 16 M-64C cartridges, for a total of 1024 sounds. I contacted Fred Vecoven to inquire about my options and he recommend that I get the flash module with firmware 3.x and also the 2 optional sound board roms, so that's exactly what I did. Note: I don't have the PWM hardware mod, nor do I intend to get it in the future, so it's firmware version 3.x for me.

The idea of removing IC's from sockets and replacing them with new ones seemed on the surface to be a trivial task. But after watching one video, I was a bit intimidated, especially by the need to disconnect the flat white ribbon cable that obscures the firmware chip. This is not your average ribbon cable that is simply plugged into a socket. In fact, I don't even know if it is a ribbon cable at all, though that's what I call it in the video.

As it turns out, disconnecting the flat white cable wasn't too bad, though it was very scary when it came time to do it. I found that the best way was to gently wiggle it side to side while pulling (gently) backward. It came out pretty easy.

Far worse than anything was the removal of the IC's. Maybe the removal tool I have is not the appropriate size. It's possible that the one I have is made for small IC's only. It just feels like I couldn't get a grip on the chip at all. Like there was not enough tension. Looking back, I think a better technique would be to gently loosen the IC on each end from underneath with a small flathead screwdriver, and then use the IC removal tool to grab a hold of it and pull it out. But I'm not confident enough to actually recommend that approach. I would love to know if anyone knows the proper technique!

MIDI Mod: The Open MIDI RTC Schema didn't support the way in which the Vecoven firmware reads MIDI CC sequences. I made changes to the schema to support that and bumped its version up to 0.1.1, where it currently is at the time of this publication. I then just needed to make a couple small tweaks to MIDI Mod to support the new schema. MIDI Mod version 1.5.1 does that and therefore works with a JX-10 or MKS-70 that has the Vecoven 3.x or 4.x firmware installed.

Vecoven Super JX Flash Module: https://www.vecoven.com/superjx/flash...

A JX-10 Vecoven 3.x firmware and soundboard rom installation video that I used for reference:"

Roland JX-10 firmware upgrade

video by Simo Sainio

Here's a video that features the physical installation of the flash module in an MKS-70:

DIY INSTALL Vecoven 3.x SuperJX Flash Module for the Roland MKS-70/JX-10

video by #hardwareonly The MIDI Maniac

See the Vecoven label below for more.

ARP 2600 Sequence Jam

video by O.Z. Hall

"ARP 2600 provides the lead.
Z506 Swiss Daisy DSP provides the 'pluck'.
Intellijel Metropolis sequencer drives the Swiss Daisy DSP.
Frequency Central MethAmp provides overdrive as well as a voltage controlled tone with "regen"eration (resonance/Q).
ES FV-1 modules provide digital delay and reverb.
This module is based on the Electro-Smith.com FV-1 submodule. RecklessExperimentationAudio.com provided the prototype PCBs and panels. Thanks Mikhail!

I hope you enjoy this jam."

See additional posts below, here.

Multivox MX-3000

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction, also on Reverb

Note the larger keys in the bass section.

"MX3000 partially working but that needs servicing. Check the video here or on Youtube to see what's working, it covers pretty much everything.
But basically this is the state:
Channel 1 / Bass: everything is working properly
Channel 2 / Polyphonic:
All the preset sounds are working, as long as the "ensemble" fx and the "full rotor" fx. Filter, enveloppe and LFO mainly also. Velocity too.
What is not working correctly: all keys are working but a few notes (3 or 4) have a distorded sound. Lfo delay, glide and release are not working.
Channel 3 / Mono: oscillator is not sounding. From what I can tell VCF, VCA, LFO and noise generator are working.

In the mixer the Ch 2 direct is not working (but it's basically the Ch2 dry sound so it's probably nothing).
Overall condition is quite good: the panel is very clean. Case has some wear but still in good shape and complete with lid. Keyboard is not so great, lower part (bass part) keys are different from upper part, this is not original.

There may be some other minor things I forgot to mention but again check the video and you'll have a good idea of what you get."

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Tiracon 6V + Vermona Synthesizer + Vermona SK 86

video by Najvrtson

"Three wonders from East Germany, three keyboard instruments unique in their era: The only monophonic synthesizer, the only polyphonic synthesizer and the only arranger keyboard made in GDR together in one a little bit strange composition! This composition has been already used in my older video, but then I played it on Electronica EM-25, Delicia HT-61-BD and Vermona SK-86 (you can watch and listen here:)"

1984 Microcar Bonny Drive and Description

video by Najvrtson

"Here you can see my Microcar Bonny (by Jeanneau, France, 1984) in detail. Enjoy!"

Hec Est Mater: Trope de Benedicamus (Vermona '14)

video by Kris Lennox

"From the Engelberg Codex. Wonderful piece - and a wonderful tone from the Vermona. OSC 2 on the Vermona is locked, hence the (distant) low drone. Very poignant piece when heard in the upper register; very Scottish with the addition of grace notes.

Best
Kris"

Source of Uncetain Beat

video by Todd Barton

"Do Not Listen This without Headphones or Speaker with Sub!!!
I'm always amazed at the punch and power of the Buchla 200.
Modules in play: The Source of Uncertainty, Triple Envelope Follower, MARF, LPG . . ."

multi arp

video by zack dagoba

"For some reason I have never set up my ARP Odyssey and matching 1601 sequencer alongside the ARP2500, until now

They are very different sounding beasts. The 2500 is much sharper and more precise than the Odyssey, which feels noticeably soft and squidgy in comparison. Good combo though, especially with additional 16 step sequencer (which has quantised outputs). There is much to explore combining all the sequencing and gating options in the two systems"

Oberheim Matrix-12 Demos by Tim Mantle / Psalm37patches

Oberheim Matrix 12 - My sounds...So far. video by Tim Mantle / Psalm37patches

"I've had just over two weeks with this thing, here's a few of the unpolished sounds I've come up with so far."

Oberheim Matrix 12 - Lyle Mays / Pat Metheny "It's for you"


"My attempt at 'THE' sound, using the Oberheim Matrix 12."

Moog, Nord and Oberheim Noodle

video by 100 Things I Do

"Recorded live, no edits!

A quick one this week! It's been a while since I did a music only clip so here one is! :D"

VAI 13. Siel Cruise

video by Vintage Audio Institute Italia

"Siel Cruise mono synth and divide down string machine in action again. The tremolo pedal chops up the poly section and the Roland Space Echo adds the swing."

Korg ARP 2600 FS Patch Book

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"This patch book contains 50 new patch diagrams for the ARP 2600 FS. It is numbered from 101 to 150 as a continuation of the original ARP 2600 patch book of 100 patch diagrams. Each 2600 FS patch diagram is illustrated with color-coded patch cables, sliders, and switches with corresponding text in same color for clarity. The patch book is spiral bound in landscape format for ease of use when adjusting parameter settings for each sound."

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Vintage ARP Odyssey Electronic Music Synthesizer Guide

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"Vintage ARP Odyssey Electronic Music Synthesizer Guide
30 pages
Very good condition, no tears or stains
Binding in very good condition
8-1/2" x 5-1/2"
First Printing 1972"

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Vintage Small ARP Brochure with Dealer Listing

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"Vintage Small ARP Brochure with Dealer Listing
Loose Leaf
Black & White Printing
No tears or stains, very good condition
4 product pages, 1 Dealer Info Listing
Punched holes for binding"

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Vintage "Arpeggio" Electronic Music Synthesizer Newsletter/ Magazines (7 issues)

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"September 1973, Volume 2, No.1
April 1974, Volume 3, No.1
February 1975, Volume 4, No.1
June 1975, Volume 4, No.2
December 1975, Volume 4, No.3
May 1976, Volume 5, No.1
October 1976, Volume 5, No.2

All in good condition. No tears, no stains.
Note: Volume 4, No. 1 has has a piece cut out of the rear page (see picture). This was a cut out for a mail-in postcard for subscriptions."

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YAMAHA PTX8 PERCUSSION TONE GENERATOR Drum Synth SN NN01395

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

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Kawai K5m SN 115593

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"The K5m rack-module version is basically the same as the K5 except that it has 126 adjustable harmonics and 4 assignable audio outputs and a stereo mix output. If you plan to use the K5 strictly as a sound source in an established MIDI studio, the K5M desktop module version is more compact and practical than the keyboard version."

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Novation KS5 SN 557

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

Posting for the pic of the inside below. Pretty amazing how small the engine board is. This one is scuffed with the following seller's notes: "Anyway, it's in used condition - when I got it the keybed wobbled and the data entry knob needed DeOxit. So, I took it apart and reinforced/replaced the keybed supports with new screws - it now plays as good as new, aftertouch is perfect too. In the interests of full disclosure for the sale, I've added a couple of photos of the inside of the synth showing where I've reinforced and renewed the key struts. They should last a long while now.

Likewise, the single endless pot on this - the data dial - suffers from potentiometer jump (like the Dave Smith synths) and needs a regular DeOxit but it perks up nicely. Being so knobby, the data dial isn't as essential as it otherwise might be, it's not required for patch switching or general programming. I can link a buyer to the DeOxit I use on Amazon which cost me £7 (being flammable, it obviously can't be posted). If you own hardware synths, it's a good thing to have around anyway.

All the other rotary knobs and sliders work perfectly - one of the envelope sliders (sustain) feels a little scratchy but the data input slides perfectly, it's not a problem. The paint has peeled around one of the buttons (the track 1 button) as the photos show; but the buttons work fine. There are no missing pots.

The moulded ends often get cracked and go missing, as they're the only plastic bits - but these are intact and strong. A few scratches and dents but nothing huge."

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Studio Electronics ATC-1 Rack Synth SN 1162 w/ Moog & SEM Filter Carts

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"Analog oscillators, amazing SE sound - this one is a serious bass monster. Includes the Minimoog 24db lowpass filter & SEM 12db lowpass / band pass filter cartridges."

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90s Modular Synthesizer: Analogue Systems RS-8000 Sequence #Shorts​

video by Elliott Liu

"Analogue Systems started in 1995 with Bob Williams starting production of a modular system. Unaware at the time, it was similar in size and power specification to the now standard Eurorack format.

Here I'm MIDI sequencing a 3 voices independently and controlling the balance of each of them."

Short one, but you don't see demos of the RS8000 often. Analogue Systems was part of the birth of the modular resurgance back when only a handful of manufacturers existed. AS and Doepfer were the first to produce 3U modules, although with different power schemes. Doepfer eventually became the standard and the eurorack format as we know it today was born.

Doboz TSNM - Touch Sensing Note Memory MKII Eurorack Module

TSNM mkII by Doboz [application examples] video by Máté Szabó

via Doboz

"Touch Sensing Note Memory MKII is the second incarnation of TSNM in Eurorack format. Transposition plates have been replaced by illuminated pushbuttons, thereby freeing up some space for two more note plates. The module does not require external 5V power source anymore, and the footprint for the MPR121 breakout board now accepts the ones made by Adafruit also. The panel got narrower by 2hp, now comes with matte black finish and gold plated holes over the LED display for better visibility.

Firmware v4.0 introduces some new features:
– new internal structure (keyboard > arp > sequencer > quantiser > portamento > vibrato)
– internal clock
– individual clock multiplication/division for arp and sequencer
– pressure controlled transposition
– improved arpeggiator algorithm
– rhythm sequencer for arpeggiator
– gate types per step (ratcheting) for note sequencer
– new and improved recording mode for note sequencer with overdubbing
– pressure output can act like a proper AD, ASR or looping AD envelope generator
– internal modulation options for various parameters of envelope generator
– a second voltage sequencer available at pressure output
– 8 user editable scales for quantiser
– portamento (gliding) shapes
– vibrato with pressure controlled depth and 4 waveforms
– 2 note polyphony (please keep in mind that the pressure CV output has only 12-bit resolution, don’t expect the same precision as for the note CV output)

TSNM is a performance oriented monophonic keyboard controller featuring 12 note plates (tuneable over 6 octaves) and two transposition buttons (variable transposition distance from -36 to +36 semitones). Highly accurate pitch (V/oct) output is guaranteed by a precision 16-bit DAC. Pressure sensing capability of note plates gives maximum human control through the dedicated CV output. On-board arpeggiator, sequencer, quantiser (with user editable scales), pressure CV recorder, envelope generator, random voltage generator, slew limiter, vibrato. The module can save 17 presets including keyboard layout, sequence and all the options under settings."

Mutable Instruments Beads ‘texture synthesiser’ // ULTIMATE GUIDE to Clouds v2!

video by DivKidVideo

"Welcome to my ULTIMATE GUIDE TO BEADS a Eurorack module from Mutable Instruments. In this video I’ll be taking you through all the settings and controls with technical run downs, raw sounds and LOTS of musical patches and applications. I always aim to pack demos full of ideas and use cases both technically and musically so I hope you enjoy the video and learn a few things.

My Beads Patch Cookbook outlining every patch in this video in detail is exclusively available for Patreon supporters. Head to https://www.patreon.com/divkid to get a copy.

Beads is the follow up to the discontinued Clouds module from Mutable Instruments. It’s labelled as a ‘texture synthesiser’ and it’s core function is real time granular synthesis. It can also be a delay, media emulator (tape), beat slicer, pitch shifter and it has a built in reverb. When you’re not processing external sounds or frozen sounds you’ve locked into the audio buffer it will load wavetables giving you a bonus wavetable oscillator that still goes through the granular processing and reverb. Compared to Clouds it’s far higher quality, has more features, better control layout with no menus and less button press/hold functions."

iPhilicorda - Vintage Organ for iOS & Mac

video by Fingerlab

"iPhilicorda is an emulation of a vintage organ from the sixties, the Philicorda, created by the Dutch company Philips.
If you search a warm and precise organ sound, iPhilicorda is for you.
By using the 3 octave registers and the 5 Vox sound, you will be able to create a wide palette of sounds.
Plus, the embedded spring reverb and vibrato will brings depth and character to your songs.

At Fingerlab, we used Philicorda since now 15 years in our musics, and we always had this dream of make an app with it, to be able to do music tour with a simple iOS device rather than with a nice but bulky organ.
So we recreated faithfully the original Philicorda sounds, and created a nice and graphic interface so you can get the same feelings than with a real Philicorda organ.
We also added so new features that expand possibilities, such as AudioUnit, ADSR envelope editor, 4 FXs and a Farfisa-like Bright mode.

iPhilicorda is an universal purchases, meaning once you bought it, you got it for iPhone, iPad and Mac.

In iPhilicorda free version, you will get only 3 factory presets and some features are locked (see * in features list).
Get the « Full Version » IAP to get all the factory presets and all features unlocked.

Features:
• 8-voice polyphony
• 4 octaves
• 3 octave register
• 5 Vox sound
• Spring Reverb & Vibrato
• Farfisa-like Bright mode
• 20 Factory presets*
• ADSR Envelope editor*
• 4 Fxs (TubeAmp, Tremolo, Phaser, Tape Delay)*
• Live recording + export*
• Full Midi support
• AudioBus & IAA support
• AudioUnit support"

Flynth - The Friendly Synth for iOS & Mac

video by Fingerlab

"Flynth is the new versatile and intuitive synthesizer by Fingerlab, designed for musicality and easy use.
From Lead to Bass through Organs or Pads, Flynth has a large sound range and can do pretty lot.
Browse all its factory presets to get a preview of all its sonic capabilities.
If you prefer, just tweak the knobs and combine parameters to create brand new sounds, possibilities are endless.
Also you can use your favorite keyboard with MIDI, or load Flynth AudioUnit in your favorite DAW.
Finally, turn on the Arpeggiator, add some FXs, and your are ready to record a track using the build-in live recording module.

Flynth is an universal purchases, meaning once you bought it, you got it for iPhone, iPad and Mac.

In Flynth free version, you will get only 12 factory presets and some features are locked (see * in features list).
Get the « Full Version » IAP to get all the factory presets and all features unlocked.

Features:
• 8-voice polyphony
• 6 octaves
• 3 Oscillators (Sine/Triangle/Square/Sawtooth + Pulse Width + Sub)
• ADSR Envelope editor
• Low-pass Filter (MoogLadder) with ADSR envelope editor
• Vibrato
• 2 configurable LFOs
• Create your own preset*
• 80 Factory presets*
• Build-in Arpeggiator*
• 3 FXs (Distortion, Delay, reverb)*
• Live recording + export*
• Full Midi support
• AudioBus & IAA support
• AudioUnit support* (IAP required for LFOs)"

Nord Lead 1 & Korg NTS1 Synth Pads (Are Nice!) - Nostalgia Waves - Ambient Music

video by ChrisLody

"This lazy Sunday ambient jam was inspired by a conversation I had with my wife Esme. During less challenging times she likes nothing more than to go to a Skegness arcade and play on the 2 penny coin push machines, something that I have to say I find pretty boring, normally. It occurred to me while we were talking that currently I'd absolutely love to do that, a day out like that would be amazing. It's moments of realisation like that that make me think just how much the world has changed and how it's kind of crept up on me.

The MiniDisc recording therefore is taken from one of those trips to Skegness and was recorded on a crowded beach full of families and children during the an unseasonably warm summers day. I've got quite a lot of these recordings from the era when MiniDisc (A Sony MZ-N710) was still one of the best portable recording options, and the sounds from them always take me right back to when they were recorded with a strong sense of nostalgia. Possibly because I'm anosmic (google it) I think sound is a stronger trigger for memory than for you 'normals' ;)

The Nord Lead (revised original model with 12 voices and memory card slot) and Korg NTS-1 pairing is something I've been meaning to try for a while and I think it's fair to say they are a good match. The Nord Lead has no effects built in, the NTS-1 has the best effects built in! I'm running it through the Space reverb and some Tape Delay with additional reverb added to the Nord and MiniDisc with my Zoom 1201 set to Ambience 8. I did consider adding another layer, but I like the way it's allowed to breath so I left it alone like this."

Arturia PolyBrute [Sound check]

video by TinySymphony

Moog - Micromoog improv - mostly drones.

video by Tim Mantle / Psalm37patches

"Sorry bout the aspect ratio, I get confused between Instagram and YouTube.
Nothing was planned in this improv, just messing around with this amazing piece of kit. I've had so many synths over the years, old and new. This one is a keeper, it can be brutal and it can be smooth."

Update on "The Anvil" Digital Percussion Synthesizer

Quick update to this post. We have confirmation The Anvil never made it into production from one of the designers.