Sound design comparisons - Roland Jupiter 6 vs Sequential Prophet 10 vs Roland JD-800

video upload by MIDERA

"For some reason I really wanted to do an experiment where I sit down with the Jupiter 6 and Prophet 10 and just explore how they sound as I go through the settings/parameters. At the end, I would ask myself - which one do I like best? And then I thought, why not add something completely different. So I did. I added the JD-800.

I wanted to keep the comparison consistent in one way: they would be routed (mono) through the Strymon El Cap and then given the same amount of reverb. So the only difference is what's going on in the synthesizer itself.

It feels like a bit of a failed experiment because 1) their levels were hard to control (it's not patch comparisons so I don't think "X sounds better than Y because it's louder), so hopefully that's ok, and 2) they all kind of sound good in completely different ways.

My actual EXPERIENCE was that I much preferred using the Prophet 10. I think I like the sounds from the Jupiter 6 or JD800 best, but the JD800 has advantages (plethora of different waveforms) and disadvantages (no sync or cross mod).

So what did I learn from this endeavor? Probably nothing, but I haven't actually sat to listen to my work, so I don't actually know yet."

Oberheim OB-Xa - the 104 classic factory patches

video upload by SynthMania

"Sorry - there are digital clicks towards the middle of the video, which were caused by a software malfunction during rendering / recording into the computer. I left them there for completeness. Skip them to 30:20 if they bother you a lot a lot."

Modal Carbon8 Experimental Synth - All Playing, No Talking

video upload by Kraft Music

"Find exclusive Modal Carbon8 Bundles at Kraft Music:
https://www.kraftmusic.com/brands/mod...

Chris Martirano shares an awesome example of the sounds and capabilities found on the Modal Carbon8

Modal Electronics Carbon8 uses over 40 complex digital algorithms and advanced oscillator modifiers to produce contemporary and unusual sounds for modern music production and performance. With a massive array of 34 filter types, shapeable LFO waveforms, a powerful sequencer/arpeggiator section and extensive realtime control, Carbon8 is the dream of today's music producers and performers. Like every Modal instrument, it integrates seamlessly into every synth environment and works with the free ModalApp available for computers and mobile devices.

Get more for your money with an exclusive Modal Electronics Carbon8 Experimental Synthesizer bundle from Kraft Music. These package deals include the accessories you'll need to get the most out of your new polysynth, all for one low price. If you have any questions, please contact us. Our knowledgeable sales advisors will be happy to assist in choosing the bundle that's right for you!"

Designing Joy: an Interview with Korg.Berlin CEO Tatsuya Takahashi

via Perfect Circuit

"Tatsuya Takahashi, widely known as 'Tats', is a name that resonates loudly among sound synthesis enthusiasts and professionals. Over the last decade, his innovative mindset has been instrumental in resurrecting the popularity of analog synthesis, crafting a unique sonic landscape that blends tradition with novelty. Takahashi was been the creative engine behind some of Korg's most celebrated modern instruments, including the Monotron, the Volca series, and the Monologue and Minilogue synthesizers."

You can find the full interview at Perfect Circuit.

The following a few excerpts.

"I do have a guiding philosophy. I need to talk about the values that are present now, and how different they are from when I started. Obviously, I was naturally drawn to music tech, I have always loved circuits, instruments, and synthesizers. So initially, when I started working at Korg, which was my first "real" job after working in restaurants and bars, I was entirely focused on doing my job well.

As you mention, this period coincided with the revival of analog synthesizers, and I like to think that I played a role in that amongst other members of the industry. However, back then, it was more about doing well in my job and fulfilling my passion. The vision or the philosophy wasn't as defined then as it is today.

Now, at 40, I have a different perspective. I look back at the 23 products I worked on while in Tokyo and try to understand what made my job fulfilling. Apart from my affinity for design, art, music, and the very act of creating—of being and doing, I realized that there was also an important external element that stimulated me, and that was the joy that the users derived from my designs." "If you look at the MS-20, there were very few people involved in that project. The people responsible for the specs, the electrical design, the mechanical design, and the manual were probably the same two or three people. They just operated using general design principles.

Such an approach brings a certain consistency and purity to the product. Of course, if you are working on a complex product like a workstation keyboard, you need a large team to cover all the layers. However, I romanticize this early era of hardware design where everything was unified. If you look at an old Siemens mic pre, everything from the latch that takes it out of the rack to a three-dimensional puzzle of transformers and vacuum tubes to electrical, mechanical industrial design—all these considerations combined together. It is the same idea here, we try to break the boundaries between different disciplines and just see it as one thing."

"Korg.Berlin is nearly three years old, and we are a subsidiary of Korg Inc. Our function is to conduct R&D for new musical instruments. We diverge from the main office in that we have a different product planning procedure. We work directly with things, and we try in physical form what ideas might work. By the nature of that, we are a bit more explorative.

Our operation specifically aims to do things differently from the way it is currently done in Tokyo and Asia as a whole, including the manufacturing infrastructure. Having spent a wonderful decade building mainly analog synthesizers, it was important for me personally to do something different here. The team in Tokyo carry on with that work, and they are super good at it. So there is no point in us doing the same thing. That is why we need a different approach, a different technology, a different appeal, and consequently, we need a different branding. That is why we have our own logo, and we identify ourselves as Korg.Berlin. These are some of the things that make us different.

Looking into the future, we feel that some form of this acoustic synthesis that we unveiled at Superbooth this year will be at the core of our forthcoming products, or even multiple product lines."

TMP-2-02 Vintage Synth TV Series from Benge

video upload by zack dagoba

Additional Vintage Synth TV episodes by Benge

00:00 Opening Titles
00:32 Introduction
01:29 Little Black Boxes
05:23 Switched On Cybersynths
14:14 Synthesiser Club
16:59 Commercial Break
17:54 Patching Today
30:59 Video Lab
34:56 Outro

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Episode two of the second series of the TV program from Benge, made at his Memetune Electronic Music Studio

The series explores his passion for vintage synthesiser instruments and studio gear and how he uses it on his productions and collaborations

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

It is divided into the following sections:

LITTLE BLACK BOXES - A look at some classic rack mount synths of the 80s and 90s

SWITCHED ON - This second series looks at a type of synthesis based around the ideas of Cybernetics, which Benge calls CYBERSYNTHESIS

SYNTHESISER CLUB - A short musical demonstration of a synthesiser classic or three

PATCHING TODAY - A deep-dive into vintage modular systems and how to set up a patch on them, starting from scratch

VIDEO LAB - A look at old video equipment and how to create experimental visuals

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

In THIS episode:

LITTLE BLACK BOXES - The Emu Proteus 2 Orchestral, from 1990

SWITCHED ON CYBERSYNTHS - A trip back to the 1960s for a look at the very first Cybersynth, the Buchla 100, including a patch based on Allen Strange’s seminal book Electronic Music, taken from the chapter “‘Real-time Networks’

SYNTHESISER CLUB - Connecting up the Korgs - featuring the Monopoly, DW6000, S770 and DDD1 drum machine

PATCHING TODAY - The Polyfusion 2000 system, with the AS1 sequencer, from the mid-1970s

VIDEO LAB - A look at some of the inspiration behind and planning for the making of Benge’s short film “Proof of Hyper-travel”

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

LINKS:
Benge's Studio Blog: http://myblogitsfullofstars.blogspot.com
Memetune Studio Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/memetunestudio
Benge on Bandcamp: https://zackdagoba.bandcamp.com

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

The MemeTune Programme Credits:
Everything in this video was created by B D Edwards (Benge)
All music, design, writing, filming and production completed at Memetune Studios, UK, 2023

LACRIMOSA from Requiem in D minor - For a Novation Peak synthesizer and a Moog Mother 32

video upload by Michele Cataneo

"LACRIMOSA from Requiem in D minor K626 - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Sequenced with Ableton Live

Instruments:
Novation Peak
Moog Mother 32

Recorded in Berlin in august 2023
Filmed and directed by Anita Seferi and Michele Cataneo

Cameras:
Bmpcc4k
Sony a 7s

Lenses:
Sigma 18mm
SIgma '70-300"

201 Pocket Piano - Text Pattern w/ Thru Notes

video upload by Critter & Guitari

"https://critterandguitari.com/201
This is a pattern for the 201 Pocket Piano. It’s musical magic is found in its ability to simultaneously play both arpeggios and a steady note! So you get a solid note ringing out as long as you press a key (or keys) and then you get arpeggiated notes from that steady note too!

To make this pattern even better, the arpeggiated pattern is set by an easily edited text file! Create your own arpeggios/repeated notes!"

Intellijel System² with Strymon Cloudburst

video upload by Ebotronix

Intellijel
µMod V1 Ringmodulator
2x Planar 2 ,
2x Polaris Multi Mode Filter
2x Dixie II +
2x Multi FX 1u
Quadratt
Mixup
Cylonix - Cyclebox II with expander
7u Case
Jouranalogue Filter 8 , Link 2
MI Veils V2, Ripples, 2x Peaks,
µYarns 1u and Ornament and Crime (Khamaj Microtonal Scale) by Tunefish Modular
4ms Peg
WMD Modbox
Hexinverter Panmix
2x Meng Qi DPLPG
Strymon 2x Cloudburst
26.08.2023
vid # 2262

Synful Orchestra Now Free

Horns 8 Patch video upload by Analog Prophet

"Synful Orchestra patch Horns 8. The timbre is controlled by mod wheel. Added Bricasti reverb (plate 2.65 s).

Synful Orchestra is now free to download and use from their site: www.synful.com"

Also see Roger Linn with Synful & the LinnStrument.

Free Virtual Vocaid VST3 VST AU plugin instrument

video upload by SampleScience

via SampleScience

"Virtual Vocaid is a software rendition of Texas Instruments' Vocaid, a vocal assistance device created for individuals with speech impairments. It accurately reproduces the distinct synthetic speech of the iconic astrophysicist Stephen Hawking.

The software can produce all feasible combinations of words, letters, and numbers generatable by the original device.

Sound manipulation is facilitated through integrated ADSR amplitude envelopes and four DSP effects. Additionally, the software incorporates a multi-LFO feature, enabling modulation of pitch, pan, or amplitude.

The sound library is categorized into sections such as alphabet, bedside, games, numbers, and telephone, ensuring comprehensive usability."

Building a DIY Modular Synth with Tucker Macor

video uploads by Tucker Macor

Playlist at the time of this post:

1. The Beginning of my Modular Synthesizer | The Power Supply

Building the power supply and installing my first four modules to start my take on a DIY modular synthesizer.
----------------------- Code and Project Files -----------------------
https://github.com/TuckerMacor/SynthPSU
0:00 Intro
0:15 What is a Modular Synthesizer?
0:53 Power Supply Design
2:54 Finished Power Supply
6:15 Other Modules / Sound Test
9:30 Outro and end cards

2. A Modular Synth's Dream | The MegaMaxSequencer

Building a multipurpose digital Kosmo module. Primarily a sequencer but also serves as a digital module software development platform. It has 8 inputs/outputs 2 of which are on a 12 bit DAC that has output circuitry to switch between 0 to 5 volts high resolution or 0 to 10 volts slightly less high resolution, 2 on PWM capable Arduino pins that have a voltage doubler to reach 10 volts, and 4 on analog input pins that can be used as analog inputs or digital outputs.

----------------------- Code and Project Files -----------------------
https://github.com/TuckerMacor/DualSc...

----------------------- Music Credits -----------------------
Brock Berrigan - Fine Wine, Three Am
www.brockberrigan.com
bit.ly/BrockSpotify

----------------------- Chapters -----------------------
0:00 Intro
0:25 How Does A Sequencer Work?
0:55 Baby 8 Sequencer
1:15 Sequencer Design
1:42 Building it
3:04 Finished Module
4:20 Outro and end cards

3. I'm Back

This video covers everything I worked on in the 10 months I abandoned YouTube for.

Explosion Timer Code: https://github.com/TuckerMacor/Explos...

Baby 8 Seq Code: https://github.com/TuckerMacor/Simple...

4. Making 80's Synth Tech Work with a Modern Computer

In this video I build a DIY and open source MIDI to CV interface for my modular synthesizer.

----------------------- Code and Project Files -----------------------
https://github.com/TuckerMacor/DIY-MI...

----------------------- Music Credits -----------------------
Brock Berrigan - Funkin' Around
www.brockberrigan.com
bit.ly/BrockSpotify

----------------------- Chapters -----------------------
0:00 Intro
0:25 Build Montage
0:55 Problems
1:40 It Works!
2:44 The Megalovania test
3:24 Monophonic vs Polyphonic
4:00 Wet Hands

Octave CAT / CAT Stick / Dolby 361

video upload by HanzVolt

"Using an Octave CAT Stick to control some parameters on an Octave CAT
and of course passing thru the Dolby 361 with Vocal Stressor Modification"

KORG M1 FOR NAUTILUS - Best Of Famous Sounds

video upload by Woody Piano Shack

Korg have released an official sound library "M1 FOR NAUTILUS" for the KORG NAUTILUS Workstation Synthesizer. Let's play the most iconic preset patches and sounds, Organ, Piano, Brass, Bass and those epic pads. WOODY PIANO SHACK:
► PATREON http://bit.ly/woody_patreon
► WEBSITE https://woodypianoshack.com

Unveiling the Hidden Secrets of Yamaha CS80: Your Ultimate Guide

video upload by Andy Whitmore

"Recorded at Greystoke Studio - Dry.

As used by Brian Eno, Vangelis, ELO, Michael Jackson.

1977 – 1980. Includes the Ribbon pitch bend & polyphonic after-touch.

The audio is DIRECT, 100% DRY, & IN MONO - You are hearing the raw audio as it comes directly from the synthesizer. NO post processing (Effects, EQ, or Dynamics) whatsoever.

Watch me bring that sound back to life!🎹🕺 "

EMS Synthi AKS Catalog

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

via this auction

"This is a must-have for any vintage synthesizer/EMS collector as these are getting very hard/impossible to find these days.

This EMS Synthi AKS Catalog has no highlighting, underlining or any stamps on it. This EMS Synthi AKS Catalog is in very good condition, see the picture's for more detail."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Sequential Prophet X 61-Key 16-Voice Polyphonic Synthesizer

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

via this auction

"The awesome Sequential Prophet X! 4 oscillators per voice, two sample-based and two analog-style. Real analog filters and 150 GB of samples! 16 voices! Incredibly unique sounds, a programmer's dream synth!"

CLICK FOR MORE »

ARP Odyssey MK II Model 2813 SN 0106

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

via this auction

"Here is S/N 0106, an early MK II from around 1976. In nice shape and sounds fantastic! It has new keyboard bushings and plays very smoothly with no key clacks. The sliders were replaced along with the 'lytic capacitors, and has the 4075 VCF module from Synthchaser installed. The colored slider caps were replaced with all black, and the (incomplete) set of original caps is included. Freshly calibrated this spring, and it is rock stable as you would expect."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Kawai SX240

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

via this auction

CLICK FOR MORE »

Roland Jupiter 6 Vintage Analog Synthesizer w/ Tauntek MIDI Upgrade

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

via this auction, also on Reverb

CLICK FOR MORE »

Electronic Music by Allen Strange

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"What you don't know does not exist. Without the efforts of MakeNoise and Jason Nolan most of us would not be aware of Allan's book and I would not be able to hold it in my hands and film it. I had no idea Allen Strange used to work and perform with Don Buchla in the Electronic Weasel Ensemble, where Pat Strange played the violin. Instead of alien sounds, they made 'eastcoast' music. We may need stop thinking in synthesis coasts. The book is a bit academic by nature, simply because the modular could only be found at the manufacturers, the university and a privileged group of musicians. So it's a bit like going back to college, and it may not be an easy book for people like me - who never went to college in the first place. This book is a bit out of my league, but I'll definitely revisit it for a few episodes, maybe learn a few new things and share it. It's a goldmine of electronic music knowledge, but it's only valuable if it can be applied. The book makes frequent mentions of classic Buchla 200 series modules. Thanks to TipTop and Buchla, we can enjoy them as if they were made yesterday.

Animations by Kaiber.ai"

MAM ADX-1 // DRUM SYNTHESIZER with 5 VOICES // NO FX

video upload by LESINDES

"MAM ADX-1 is an affordable and very handy 5 voice Analog Drum Expander with single and stereo outs. It features the classic analog drum sounds like ROLAND TR-808, 909, KORG Mini Pops etc. Here it was triggered with LOGIC PRO via MIDI.

MAM or MUSIC AND MORE discontinued it. Their latest product was a 303 sound expander called MB-33 launched in 2015. There was a second edition of this dummer by MODE MACHINES in black an silver at about the same time.

As shown in the video It is still an very productive studio an live companion.

PROCESS:

To keep things interesting all of the 5 drum voices
of ADX-1 have their own LFO with a fixed rate.

Additionally HIHAT SNARE and METAL voice feature
an open and a closed status that is addressable via
different MIDI notes. Open decay is controlled by
the RELEASE parameter of the synth voice."

Joy of synthesizers: Yamaha Tenori-On and Soma Terra

video upload by AdamEnjoysSynths

"This is the Yamaha Tenori-On and Soma Terra. They are almost polar opposite playing surfaces, but generate beautiful and interesting music together."