Introducing VProm 3.0

video upload by Aly James Lab

"Over the years, VPROM has become a staple in music production, celebrated for its accurate variable sample rate emulation of classic DACs and its ability to load swappable EPROM samples. Now, with the release of VPROM 3.0, I am taking things to the next level. This major upgrade enhances both features and usability. While previous versions excelled at replicating EPROM-based drum machines, primarily the LM-1, Version 3.0 expands its capabilities even further."

VProm 3.0 Uncut Live Walk-through - Sampling Stuff - Part 1

video upload by Aly James Lab

"NEW in VProm 3.0 : Sample/Convert/Burn

-VProm now features a built-in EPROM creator, allowing you to generate custom EPROM binary files without any external tools and ready for use in VPROM or hardware drum machines.

Import any .wav file and sample it just like in the classic hardware days. The resampling process uses a crude emulated R2R ADC with tweakable input settings and home-made tweaks* before capturing at ≈ 27 kHz. If the original .wav file rate is less or equal than 27 kHz, resampling is bypassed. You can also disable the resampling stage if needed.

Once sampled, preview the file with µLaw 8bit (12bit quality) compression applied or save it directly as a µLaw-encoded .bin EPROM file.

Maximum EPROM size is 64K ≈ 2.5 seconds @ 27Khz —larger sampled .wav files will be automatically truncated to fit during sampling."

https://www.alyjameslab.com

OB-Xtreme 3.0 Mac & PC VST3 AU short preview

video upload by Aly James Lab

https://www.alyjameslab.com/

A look under the hood at the virtual voice boards.

"In essence, OB-Xtreme functions as an 8-voice polyphonic, 8-voice unison mono, or true mono synth. The Unison mode adds a rich, thick texture by enabling polyphonic unison, which offers a powerful 8x8 voice configuration with adjustable voice clones (configurable as 1, 3, or 7 clones per voice).

Core OB-X/OB-Xa features are faithfully included, with SAW, PULSE, and TRI oscillator shapes, as well as the unique SAW+PULSE combination, which can add an extra octave harmonic based on the pulse width setting.

Filter options include a 2-pole and a 4-pole mode: The 2-pole filter, based on the OB-X, provides the smooth, resonant SVF (State Variable Filter) response, while the 4-pole filter, modeled after the CEM3320, offers a Moog-like resonance at lower cutoff values. High-pass and band-pass outputs are available in 2-pole mode, along with an optional filter 'bleed' for added authenticity.

The Xtreme Factor control manages emulated OTA-induced distortion, particularly the classic CA3080 chip distortion used throughout the OB-series circuits. Users can push these settings beyond the original specifications for more aggressive tones or stay within traditional limits for a classic OB sound. Both PRE and POST distortion circuits can be bypassed independently for flexibility, with PRE affecting lower notes and POST acting linearly across the range.

Additionally, OB-Xtreme offers under-the-hood controls for fine-tuning the voltage offsets of each voice card, which is essential for replicating authentic analog character. This approach uses Virtual Component Modeling (VCM) to mimic analog nuances effectively without excessive setup time. Seven macro sliders provide quick access to these settings:

OB-Xtreme 3 voice cards

OSC (SPREAD): Controls tuning offsets for oscillators 1 and 2.
FILT: Adjusts filter envelope offsets.
AMP: Sets amplitude envelope offsets.
VCF: Modifies VCF deviation.
PW: Controls pulse width offsets.
PORT: Sets portamento glide time lag.
XMOD: Adjusts cross modulation offsets.

You can apply small random deviations per note in real-time or scatter them across all eight voices. These voltage offsets are visually represented in the interface with positive or negative voltages (yellow/blue), making it easy to see adjustments. Tuning individual cards in semitone steps (up to +1 OCT) opens creative possibilities like a pseudo-chord mode when using Unison mode."

You can find additional OB-Xtreme posts here.

SY-4X Syncussion 1.0.2 Update Plug-In VS SY-1 Hardware - Raw Test 2

video upload by Aly James

https://www.alyjameslab.com/

"New test using 1.0.2 update (to be released this week). Matching as best as you can match 100% analog vintage hardware.

Change Log - v1.0.2
Fix - MIDI-learned parameter (if any) assignments are now correctly saved with the session.
Fix - MIDI Custom Map for channels 6, 7, and 8 are now properly assigned to custom drum notes.
Fix - Sweep Envelope now correctly updates EG2 decay time (corrected missing update from tuning to EG2).
Fix - Trigger velocity now correctly affects EG2 decay time.
corrected envelope calculation.
New Feature - Copy and Paste channel settings, allowing users to easily share settings between channels or copy/paste between presets.
Added - New parameter: VCF Poles 1:1 Ratio.
optional equal resistance for the filter's CV resistors, makes the Spread parameter even more interesting by bringing poles closer.
Added - New parameter: LFO Trigger Reset (resets LFO phase on trigger).
thanks to DSP this mod still keeps S&H unaffected.
Added - New parameter: EG Fast Attack.
bypasses envelope attack smoothing for a sharper, more "clicky" sound, adjust as needed. Set to "Hardware Reset" default.
Added - New parameter: Decay Sense.
an extra custom control to increase dynamic decay control, without this extra control there is still a slight decay change from trigger envelope but now you can increase it independently.
Tweak - Sweep Envelope now outputs a clipped voltage when set to extremely fast, simulating OPAMP driven close to supply rail more accurately.
Adds a noticeable short "tuned snap" at the beginning of an ultra fast sweep that was missing before.
Change - Hold reset value changed, also reflects when using "Hardware Reset".
-default EG2 response is now closer to hardware with that setting - a bit less curvy than previously set default value, tweak to taste.
Tweak - Minor GUI changes to accommodate for new LFO sync param and additional settings.
-Mode Trigger switch is now closer to the left-side Mode knob & CH8 Custom Mode A switch has been moved to the right. Set panel redesigned accordingly.
Tweak - Minor GUI changes: Some GUI sliders response change: Log taper instead of Linear.
I say some because for example, I have kept LFO sliders Linear because it's easier to control that way, the log response makes sense on some parameters and in case you were used to the hardware it will make the experience more familiar even though some parameters have extented range."

SY-4X SyncussionExtended Plug-In VS SY-1 Hardware - Matching OSC2

video upload by Aly James

"In this video I try to match SY-4X module number: 4 internal OSC2 tuning offset to match the hardware on hand. In case you would ever need to do this which is unlikely, due to the nature of the Syncussion circuit many differences can be heard between hardware units themselves.

On the Syncussion the OSC2 frequency offset is set from factory but also affected by preset resistors (depending on Mode setting), SY-4X gives you options to tweak all that :)"

SY-4X SyncussionExtended Plug-In VS SY-1 Hardware -Raw Test

video upload by Aly James

"Raw comparison while tinkering around with the OG Syncussion hardware, enough to hear that SY-4X is very close :) note that it is impossible to match settings as this 100% 70s analog circuit is drifting a lot and that a slight move on sliders can change voltage drastically, especially evident when FM is involved plus sometimes I forgot which one is which and tried to match the wrong one... ahahaha."

SY-4X Syncussion Extended - Direct Sound Recording

video upload by Aly James

"Direct Recording from my latest Aly James Lab plug-in the SY-4X : an extended supercharged virtual version of the mighty Pearl Syncussion Sy-1"

SY-4X Syncussion Extended VST Plug-in

video upload by Aly James

"Random noises using my latest Aly James Lab plug-in the SY-4X : an extended supercharged virtual version of the mighty Pearl Syncussion Sy-1"

See this previous post for details on SY-4X.

Aly James Lab SY-4X

via Aly James Lab

Meet SY-4X
SY-4X is not only a perfect re-creation of the SY-1's inner circuit, but it also offers significantly more options. These include four units in one, trigger-controlled 'mode scanning,' CMOS circuit 'defect' control to enhance harmonics beyond the original, real-time VCF integrator cap offset for dynamic pole movement, fine-tuning envelope response to match your playing style, and additional features like Drum Kit and Keyboard Modes.

4 Times the fun
SY-4X provides four Syncussion SY-1 modules in one neat package, with some modules featuring additional modifications like noise direct injection or a Custom Mode A. The four modules allow for creating an 8-voice drum kit, four mono synths (coupled voices = 4 oscillators per module), or a four-voice poly synth (4 x 4 oscillators). You can also mix modes, such as three modules in Drum Kit mode and one in mono synth mode (keyboard controlled). In any play mode, you have full control over every voice parameter—sky's the limit!"

CLICK FOR MORE »

AJLAB's Introduces OB-Xtreme 2 - Virtual Oberheim OB-X/OB-Xa Soft Synth for PC & Mac

via AJLAB aka Aly James Lab

What happens when you take 8 mono synths and use them together? Huge analog sound! This sound is the result of slight imperfections between each voice card and, because of some electronic components (mis)behavior, parts from the orginal circuit (notably the OB-X) caused all sort of distortion happening at different stages from filter to VCA and also at the output stage, OB-Xtreme place a special attention to the later with an emphasis on "the Growl".

There is a lot to say about what V2 is, I can already say what it is not : a simple V1 cross-platform update. V2 is a full remake, while V1 was a simpler take on an OB voice card architecture, V2 is more closely related to original OB designs and specs (including features from OB-X, OB-Xa etc) it is not a direct V1 replacement, nevertheless it got a Legacy mode for Envelope Generators and Filter control so V1 sounds can be reproduced or made (more on that later).

V2 have higher specs in every part of the circuit, it comes as an upgrade gift to all V1 owners, V1 owners will get it for free or use a "give what you want" option.

Pre-Release main features
This pre release is the full functioning synth minus the v2 factory presets (only v1 bank + some extra are included until September) and LFO2 not active. This will be ready for final release in september 2022 which will come as a free 2.0.1 update for all owners of v2. Bare with me, trying to keep this summer release date as one man operation was THE WAR :) at least you can already design sounds and funk it up with some Brass Stabs, cutting leads, lush pads and screaming bass.

A complete list of OB-XTreme 2.0 features is provided below, in a nutshell OB-Xtreme can act as an 8 voice polyphonic, 8 voice unison mono or true (one voice) mono, a FAT mode engages the unison while also providing polyphonic unison, that means 8x8 voices power.
Most OB-X/OB-Xa functions are provided, including SAW, PULSE, TRI oscillators shapes and the peculiar SAW+PULSE which can produce an interesting +1 OCT harmonic depending on the pulse width setting.
the 2Pole filter is based on the OB-X and the 4Pole is based on the CEM3320 implementation, the 2pole has that classic SVF linear "singing" resonance accross the bandwidth while the 4pole will resonate less at lower cutoff values (a bit Moog like), a bandpass output is also provided in 2pole mode while 4pole have an optional volume loss compensation.

The Xtreme factor is the main control over the emulated OTA enduced distortion, one chip in particular the CA3080 was used a lot at different places in the circuit (although less and less over the OB synths evolution). OB-Xtreme gives some control over that, you can push them way beyond the original specs or stay at minimum for more traditional behavior, you can also bypass PRE or POST circuits for versatility. The PRE stage will act more on lower notes while the POST stage is linear across the range.

Another feature is the under the hood access so you can control the 8 voice cards voltages across the main parts. The cards variations are an important factor to mimic the analog character, while using a VCM (virtual component modeling) approach, I wanted something effective but not time consumming so I designed some pre-defined offsets and deviations that you can mix in or scatter accross all 8 voices.
You get five macro sliders: OSC (which doubles on the front panel as the "SPREAD") controlling OSC 1 and 2 tuning offsets, FILT filter envelopes offsets, AMP for amplitude envelope offsets, VCF for VCF deviation and PW for pulse width offsets. Additionaly you can toggle a realtime small random deviation per note or randomize and scatter deviations around. voltages offsets reflect on the GUI as positive or negative voltages (yellow/blue).
I removed a not so usefull temperature function that changed the EG timing to make room for individual card tuning (will be featured in September update) so we can have a ressembling chord mode.

discoDSP Takes Over Ownership of OB-Xd

You might remember the OB-Xd from this previous video. It looks like discoDSP has taken over development.

via Synth Anatomy:

"It was kind of surprise to see that discoDSP announced this week that it has taken over the OB-Xd Synthesizer project. Before some years, Soshi Studio developed this Synthesizer Plugin (PC, MAC, Linux) and released for free in all the communities. Now this great plugin has a new home. The developer behind the Corona Synthesizer, Discovery Pro Synthesizer and many more got the rights of this plugin and continue this product.

For all users who doesn't use this plugin yet or not heart before, OB-Xd is a free Oberheim OB-X, OB-Xa and OB-8 Synthesizer emulation. For a free project, the sound quality is really good.

While not copying originals, some of the features were taken to a better point. Continuous blendable multimode filter (HP-Notch(BP)-HP in 12 dB mode and 4-1 pole in 24 dB mode). 32 and 64 bit versions included.Thanks to 2Dat for the original Ob-Xd and Soshi Studio for giving the rights to continue this wonderful product.

You can download it for free here: OBXd"

JAM with OB-XTREME VSTi Oberheim OB-X Extended VA Synth

Published on Sep 28, 2014 Aly James

http://www.alyjameslab.com
https://soundcloud.com/alyjameslab/se...

Description for the first video in the playlist above. OB-XTREME is now available at http://www.alyjameslab.com.

"Quick demo of my upcoming OB-XTREME VSTi, it wasinspired by the legendary 8 voices design which has been played by many legends, OB-XTREME adds some extended features like 2 virtual analog saturation stages for a beffy sound, a fat mode and some other useful things you will find at the website :)

great for OB Brass sounds, Bass, Pads and cutting Leads. The saturation stages can also bring some really nasty sounding tones in conjunction with the filter...

I first made this VST for personal needs, sort of a quick simple OB synth with the bare minimum feature and added some extended options along the way :)

Then I decided that I could add it to my product line although it is not a straight emulation.

In this demo I have used my VLINN VST (Linn LM-1 Drum Machine) for the drums, OB-XREME VST for everything synth and recorded some electric guitar & bass.

There is also a few hits of real drums cymbals and toms."

OB-X Based VSTi OB-XTREME, OP-X & OBXD OSC & Filter TEST

Published on Oct 3, 2014 Aly James

"http://www.alyjameslab.com READ DESCRIPTION!

By popular demand...let's do a basic comparison of the OSC and FILTER sound of those OB-X based VSTis, as nobody seems to read products specs and details..

No insert, nothing on the master bus, just the VSTs, same settings.

I have been used all at some point and they are all good, I will quickly showcase what the differences are and why OP-X, OB-XD and OB-XTREME have each their nice peculiarities.

IMO:
OP-X PRO is really good for lush PADS because it features interesting modulations the other don't have.

OB-XD is free (which is a point :) ) and feature a really nice clarity and top end the OP-X can lack while sounding warmer.

OB-XTREME have a simpler 'hands on' approach with far less functions and features but it provides 2 analog saturation stages before and after the filter and a FAT mode which makes it growl in a way the others don't.
It also feature 8 separate outputs so you can have 1 channel per voice in your DAW if you want :)

Basically I needed to have the "essence of the OB Sound" not the full feature list, mainly that huge analog wall we all love.

That is why I made OB-XTREME in the first place, in you liked the OB-X you should have them all :)"

OB-XTREME VST (Virtual OB-X) Analog Saturation Stages

Published on Oct 2, 2014 Aly James

"http://www.alyjameslab.com HQ audio here: http://soundcloud.com/alyjameslab/ob-... [below]
Quick overview of the 2 virtual analog diode clipping stages, before and after the filter stage, which really bring the bite and warm character :)"

OB-XTREME VST OB-X 8 Voices Lite EXTENDED -- Vintage Mode

Published on Sep 29, 2014 Aly James

"http://www.alyjameslab.com
https://soundcloud.com/alyjameslab/se...
Quick demo of the classic vintage side of OB-XTREME VSTi which is based on a stripped down version of an OB-X with some extended functions."

JAM with OB-XTREME VSTi Oberheim OB-X Extended VA Synth

Published on Sep 28, 2014 Aly James

http://www.alyjameslab.com
https://soundcloud.com/alyjameslab/se...

"Quick demo of my upcoming OB-XTREME VSTi, it wasinspired by the legendary 8 voices design which has been played by many legends, OB-XTREME adds some extended features like 2 virtual analog saturation stages for a beffy sound, a fat mode and some other useful things you will find at the website :)
great for OB Brass sounds, Bass, Pads and cutting Leads. The saturation stages can also bring some really nasty sounding tones in conjunction with the filter...

I first made this VST for personal needs, sort of a quick simple OB synth with the bare minimum feature and added some extended options along the way :)
Then I decided that I could add it to my product line although it is not a straight emulation.

In this demo I have used my VLINN VST (Linn LM-1 Drum Machine) for the drums, OB-XREME VST for everything synth and recorded some electric guitar & bass.
There is also a few hits of real drums cymbals and toms."

OB-XTREME VST LITE OBERHEIM OBX 8 ANALOG SYNTH

Published on Sep 19, 2014 Aly James

"http://www.alyjameslab.com
HQ audio demos at http://soundcloud.com/alyjameslab
OB-Xtreme VST is based on the classic Oberheim OB-X design with less options, kind of an OB-X lite, however it features new extended options like two saturation stages, auto glide, FAT mode etc... It was created as a quick go to synth when I am in need of some Minneapolis style OB Brass but can reach far more analog territories! FULL SPECS are coming soon."