RS055 RS Tech Support: EVS-1 Editor Setup Tutorial

2nd video added to this post: https://www.matrixsynth.com/2022/12/rs0541-evolution-synthesis-evs-1-no.html

RS054.1 Evolution Synthesis EVS-1 'No Talking Edition'

video upload by rejected synths

"This is a shorter 'No Talking' edit of my video about the Evolution Synthesis EVS-1 for those who prefer 'pure' demos without comments. If you like it, go watch the full video, it features additional information about the machine: [posted here]

0:00 Playlist
0:09 PCM Drum Demo
0:35 Preset Demos: 02 Warm Strings
1:04 Preset Demos: 07 Ethereal
1:25 Preset Demos: 09 SynthBrass1
1:42 Preset Demos: 10 X7Bass
2:13 Preset Demos: 12 DeepString
2:45 Preset Demos: 23 BloozyBox
2:59 Preset Demos: 30 MetalBrass
3:17 Preset Demos: 38 SweepSynth
3:38 Preset Demos: 47 SynthModWh
4:05 Preset Demos: 54 Hefern
4:34 Preset Demos: 58 VocalStrng
5:26 Preset Demos: 69 WarmStrng3
5:37 Preset Demos: 75 Swamp
6:09 Preset Demos: 77 Pretty
6:24 Preset Demos: 80 Plinkety
6:45 Preset Demos: 81 EinStein
7:27 Preset Demos: 83 Dissonant
7:54 Custom Patch Demos: deep_dream
8:27 Custom Patch Demos: deep_reso2
8:54 Custom Patch Demos: deep_revrb
10:07 Multitimbral Demo Song: Daftness
11:50 Outro"

Update:

RS055 RS Tech Support: EVS-1 Editor Setup Tutorial

video upload by rejected synths

See this post for an audio only demo.

0:00 Intro
0:14 Introduction
0:25 Wayback Machine
1:31 Atari editor running in Hatari/Linux
3:45 Win95 editor running in Windows 10
6:18 Outro

"The Evolution Systems EVS-1 is one of those machines slightly too far ahead of it’s time. Requiring a computer for convenient editing might be pretty common now, but back in 1990 it was a pretty new concept. So I guess many original users of the EVS-1 never actually used the editors and when the computer formats these editors relied on became obsolete, the EVS-1 was doomed to become an obscurity.

But today, through the wonders of emulation (and the surprisingly vast capacity of windows backwards compatibility) it’s quite easy to expirience and explore the EVS-1 the way it was meant to be used.

In this tutorial I will show you how to set up the editors for Atari (via emulation on Linux) and Windows 95 (inside Windows 10 through some fiddling), all you need is explained in the video, links to all files can be found below, as well as all the commands mentioned in the video (for convenient copy+paste).

First the links:

The editors, as well as some outstanding patches can be downloaded as zip files from deepsonic.ch (scroll all the way down):

https://www.deepsonic.ch/deep/htm/evo...

The patch banks linked on the ancient Evolution site can be found here:

https://www.file-upload.net/download-...

An Atari ST disk image containing the editor can be downloaded here:

https://www.file-upload.net/download-...

Now about the commands you have to enter to install hatari on linux, to install snap support (if needed) enter these commands into a terminal:

sudo apt update

followed by

sudo apt install snapd

to install hatari enter

sudo snap install hatari-emulator

Now for the Windows 10 part, Installation.txt tells you to copy the file MSSTDFMT.DLL to the root directory c:\, you can find MSSTDFMT.DLL inside the Install folder.

Next you’ll have to bring up the command line prompt, this can easily be done by typing cmd into the windows search bar. Instead of just running the command line prompt, right click the symbol and select run as administrator. If you’ve done so, you can follow the next step from installation.txt and type

regsvr32 C:\MSSTDFMT.DLL

and press enter. This will register the dll file and make it executable

And now for the tricky part: the other file mentioned in installation.txt is called comdlg32.ocx an trying to register the file in the same way as MSSTDFMT.DLL will result in an error message because it’s a 32 bit ocx file and therefore needs to be registered in a special way. So unlike mentioned in installation.txt, copy the file into the c:\winodws\sysWOW64\ directory and type

%SystemRoot%\SysWOW64\regsvr32 comdlg32.ocx

I hope this works for you the way it has form me. If you run into communication errors, restart both the editors AND the EVS-1, sometimes it took me some tries with both editors but in the end it ususally ended up working just fine."

RS054 Evolution Synthesis EVS-1: Algorithmical

video upload by rejected synths

"Being ahead of your time has been a topic discussed on this channel more than once, as there are quite a few synths that ended up on rejected synths because they were too far ahead of their time in one way or another. So it’s no surprise that today’s synth, which managed to be ahead of it’s time in more than just one sense, ended up on this channel.

The Evolution Synthesis EVS-1 is a digital rack synth that brought (multi) algorhythmic digital synthesis and computer editing of patches to the table...eh, I mean rack as early as 1990. It may look like a very humble 1HE Rack unit with a tiny display and only very few connectors, but it actually is quite capable as it is eight part multitimbral (at 16 voices), has a full onboard PCM drum kit and a whole array (28) of more or less exotic algorhythms.

Sure, without the late 80s home computer at hand originally required to edit the 20 available user memory slots, many considered it to be yet another boring fm expander, and FM certainly is what most presets sound like. But dive deeper and you’d soon realize that this thing can output some very interesting, wavetably, otherworldly sounds.

Playlist:

0:00 Intro
0:20 Introduction
1:46 Standout features
3:48 Why did it fail?
4:41 PCM Drums Demo
5:13 Controls and Connectors
6:31 Preset Demos: 02 Warm Strings
7:00 Preset Demos: 07 Ethereal
7:21 Preset Demos: 09 SynthBrass1
7:39 Preset Demos: 10 X7Bass
8:09 Preset Demos: 12 DeepString
8:42 Preset Demos: 23 BloozyBox
8:56 Preset Demos: 30 MetalBrass
9:13 Preset Demos: 38 SweepSynth
9:35 Preset Demos: 47 SynthModWh
10:02 Preset Demos: 54 Hefern
10:30 Preset Demos: 58 VocalStrng
11:00 Preset Demos: 60 Chattring
11:23 Preset Demos: 69 WarmStrng3
11:33 Preset Demos: 75 Swamp
12:06 Preset Demos: 77 Pretty
12:20 Preset Demos: 80 Plinkety
12:41 Preset Demos: 81 EinStein
13:24 Preset Demos: 83 Dissonant
13:43 Available Editors
15:11 Custom Patch Demos: deep_dream
15:44 Custom Patch Demos: deep_reso2
16:11 Custom Patch Demos: deep_revrb
16:44 Custom Patch Demos: deep_waver
17:24 Multitimbral Demo Song: Daftness
19:27 Conclusion
19:56 Outro"

Evolution Synthesis EVS-1 1990s synth sound module with original box SN U244ITC637A

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

via this auction

"FM (Frequency Modulation) & PM (Phase Modulation) synthesiser, with a very 80s sound.

16-Voice multi-timbral, playing up to 8 voices simultaneously.

Stores 100 memory patches, of which patches 1 to 20 are editable (21 to 100 are presets)."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Best Ambient Synth Shootout #59: Evolution Synthesis EVS-1 - Song 3

Published on Oct 14, 2018 Christian's Sonic Spaces

"This is the third song with my latest addition, the Evolution Synthesis EVS-1. It's a 16-voice polyphonic, 8-part multitimbral, digital synthesizer featuring 4OP FM, 4OP Phase Distortion, Ringmodulation, Waveshaping, etc. It wasn't very successful when it came out in the early 90s. The reasons might be that one need a computer software to programm this synth, the sounds contain significant digital artefacts and it hasn't any filter and effects. But thanks to the 4 6-stage envelopes and 2 LFOs which all can be freely routed to each control two different parameters of the synth engine including LFOs themselves AND the "wavetable", it's a beast to create crispy, wobbling, glitchy, drony, weird, industrial-like soundscapes. The aliasing is here a significant part of the sound design ;-) I'm really impressed how versatile and "fresh" it still can sound.

BTW, all sounds I used for this song I've created myself ;-)

I used for the recording the following FX chain:
Evolution Synthesis EVS-1 - Alesis Philtre - Alesis Ampliton - Pigtronix Echolution 2 Deluxe - GFI System Specular Reverb 2 - Alesis 3630. Depending on the recorded track some FX are deactivated.

The signal goes via a small Behringer mixer straight into the pc.

To create the complete song I recorded consecutively several stereo tracks. The final song was then mastered with just a bit compression on some tracks and some limiting on the master track."

Best Ambient Synth Shootout #57: Evolution Synthesis EVS-1 - Song 2

Published on Sep 29, 2018 Christian's Sonic Spaces

"This is the second song with my latest addition, the Evolution Synthesis EVS-1. It's a 16-voice polyphonic, 8-part multitimbral, digital synthesizer featuring 4OP FM, 4OP Phase Distortion, Ringmodulation, Waveshaping, etc. It wasn't very successful when it came out in the early 90s. The reasons might be that one need a computer software to programm this synth, the sounds contain significant digital artefacts and it hasn't any filter and effects. But thanks to the 4 6-stage envelopes and 2 LFOs which all can be freely routed to each control two different parameters of the synth engine including LFOs themselves AND the "wavetable", it's a beast to create crispy, wobbling, glitchy, drony, weird, industrial-like soundscapes. The aliasing is here a significant part of the sound design ;-) I'm really impressed how versatile and "fresh" it still can sound.

BTW, all sounds I used for this song I've created myself ;-)

I used for the recording the following FX chain:
Evolution Synthesis EVS-1 - Alesis Philtre - Alesis Ampliton - Pigtronix Echolution 2 Deluxe - GFI System Specular Reverb 2 - Alesis 3630. Depending on the recorded track some FX are deactivated.

The signal goes via a small Behringer mixer straight into the pc.

To create the complete song I recorded consecutively several stereo tracks. The final song was then mastered with just a bit compression on some tracks and some limiting on the master track."

Song 1 here.

Best Ambient Synth Shootout #56: Evolution Synthesis EVS-1 - Song 1

Published on Sep 23, 2018 Christian's Sonic Spaces

Here's something you don't get to hear often. The EVS-1 rackmount synthesizer by Evolution Synthesis. There have only been two previous posts featuring the EVS-1, one, an auction with some pics, and the other a link to Rolamtech featuring various synth demos.

"This is the first song with my latest addition, the Evolution Synthesis EVS-1. It's a 16-voice polyphonic, 8-part multitimbral, digital synthesizer featuring 4OP FM, 4OP Phase Distortion, Ringmodulation, Waveshaping, etc. It wasn't very successful when it came out in the early 90s. The reasons might be that one need a computer software to programm this synth, the sounds contain significant digital artefacts and it hasn't any filter and effects. But thanks to the 4 6-stage envelopes and 2 LFOs which all can be freely routed to each control two different parameters of the synth engine including LFOs themselves AND the "wavetable", it's a beast to create crispy, wobbling, glitchy, drony, weired, industrial-like soundscapes. The aliasing is here a significant part of the sound design ;-) I'm really impressed how versatile and "freshh" it still can sound.

BTW, all sounds I used for this song I've created myself ;-)

I used for the recording the following FX chain:
Evolution Synthesis EVS-1 - Alesis Ampliton - Pigtronix Echolution 2 Deluxe - GFI System Specular Reverb 2 - Alesis 3630

The signal goes via a small Behringer mixer straight into the pc.

To create the complete song I recorded consecutively several stereo tracks. The final song was then mastered with just a bit compression on some tracks and some limiting on the master track. Please note that I didn't use any filter and EQ for this song."

Single Synth Tracks by Alexander Bobrov

Published on Oct 14, 2015 Alexander Bobrov

Playlist:
1. Dave Smith Prophet 08 Synthesizer - Nu-Disco #2 Demo, by al l bo
2. ARP Odyssey Synthesizer - Nu-Disco Demo, by al l bo
3. Moog Voyager Synthesizer - Nu-Disco Demo, by al l bo
4. Evolution EVS 1 Synthesizer - Deep House Demo, by al l bo
5. Red Sound DarkStar XP2 Synthesizer - Nu-Disco Demo, by al l bo
6. Crumar BIT 01 Synthesizer - Deep House Demo, by al l bo
7. Novation Ultranova Synthesizer - Deep-House Demo #1, by al l bo
8. Novation Ultranova Synthesizer - Deep-House Demo #2, by al l bo
9. Technics SX WSA 1R Synthesizer - Nu-Disco Demo, by Clouds Testers
10. Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter Synthesizer - Nu-Disco Demo, by al l bo
11. Dave Smith Prophet 08 Synthesizer - Nu Disco Demo, by Clouds Testers
12. E-MU Planet Phatt Synthesizer - Pop Demo, by al l bo
13. E-MU Ultra Proteus Synthesizer - Nu-Disco Demo, by al l bo
14. Moog Voyager Synthesizer - Indie Dance Demo, by Clouds Testers (Dave Smith Prophet 08 polyphonic pads at "chorus")
15. Korg X3 Synthesizer - Nu-Disco Demo, by al l bo
16. Dave Smith Prophet 08 Synthesizer - Synth-Pop Demo, by al l bo
17. Dave Smith Prophet 08 Synthesizer - Indie Dance Demo, by al l bo
18. Dave Smith Prophet 08 Synthesizer - Indie Dance Demo #2, by al l bo
19. Dave Smith Poly Evolver Synthesizer - Synth-Pop Demo, by al l bo

All tracks are the single synth except drum and piano in the Voyager track and guitar in the 1st Ultranova and Emu Planet Phatt track.

"Publisher: Clouds Testers The Legendaries (C) 2015

Follow me @ my soundcloud synthlab channel:

https://soundcloud.com/al-l-bo-synthlab

or @ my main soundcloud page:

https://soundcloud.com/albostudios"

Ludvig - Space Invaders

Published on Feb 27, 2013 LudvigMusic·1 video

"Live synthesizer music, all parts played live, recorded and looped live with Ableton.
No midi sequencing or quantization whatsoever! (only 4 drum patterns pre-programmed on Battery)
Gear list: Korg R3, Roland Sh201, Novation Astation, Waldorf MicroQ, Waldorf Blofeld, Acess VirusB, Oberheim Matrix6, Akai APC40, Akai Synthstation 25, Evolution MK361C, Behringer BCR2000, TC Electronic Finalizer Express, RME Fireface UC.
All music composed and performed by me, Ludvig."

Evolution X-Session USB Midi Controller with Moog Style Knobs

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

via this auction

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Evolution EVS-1 demo

YouTube Published on May 12, 2012 by ikworgek

"Demo of the evolution EVS-1 synthesizer
all sounds from the evs, some reverb and delay
Sequenced by the MAM SQ-16, some parts played by hand

Strange underrated little machine.
Lot of programming possibilities, but only by computer editor
80 presets and 20 programmable patches
Midi in, out and thru
Stereo-outputs"

Evolution EVS1 Synthesizer SN QV1056013

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

CLICK FOR MORE »

Musikmesse 2012 Pics via Keyboard Magazine [Mode Machines Minimoog, JP-80 IPad Editor, & More]

"Oddities and not-so-oddities from Frankfurt Muskmesse, the largest musical instrument expo show in the world."

Don't miss: PPG Modular & Waveterm, Rhodes Chroma, Mode Machines Minimoog?, Roland Jupiter-80 iPad Editor and more. http://www.keyboardmag.com/index

Debukas - Jupiter Jazz (Underground Resistance)

YouTube Uploaded by rottenrow on Oct 26, 2011

"Version of a classic Underground Resistance number."

Evolution UC-33 MIDI CONTROLLER

via this auction
"The UC-33 is the affordable, easy-to-use remote USB controller for any computer music system or MIDI setup. It allows instant and simultaneous control of up to 47 different parameters-and with 33 memory locations, changing setups is fast and easy. The powerful Snapshot feature instantly makes all controllers live for real-time, on-the-fly editing, and the unique Control Mute function mutes the output of all controllers, allowing users to position them before tweaking, thereby preventing parameters such as filter cut-off or amplitude levels from jumping abruptly during performance. The unit also features a drawbar mode for the sliders, which greatly enhances the experience of playing virtual instruments such as Native Instruments' B4 virtual Hammond organ. Use the UC-33 with a conventional MIDI setup, for live performances, or as a remote control for your existing studio rack. 30 pre-configured presets allow immediate control of the most popular virtual instruments and host applications like Reason, Live, Logic, Cubase SX, Native Instrument's B4 and more.

The unit also ships with 5 color overlays for the front panel customized for popular software programs such as Ableton Live, Pro-53, B4 and a general Mixer Channel Strip plus a blank which users can tailor to their personal setup needs.

Free Enigma Editor/Librarian Software
This product includes the free download and full registration of Enigma - a powerful software editor/librarian for Mac and PC that lets you easily program, store and load setups for M-Audio and Evolution USB MIDI controllers. Enigma includes a huge library of files for your favorite VST plug-ins, instruments and host apps. Programming is as simple as dragging the software parameter you want to control onto the graphic representation of the controller on your screen. With Enigma, your library of controller presets is virtually unlimited.

FEATURES

47 assignable MIDI controllers
24 knobs, 9 faders, 14 buttons
33 memory locations
drawbar mode for clasic organ emulators
presets and panel templates for popular software"

At Work - Plate 909

YouTube Uploaded by batonamusic on Jun 5, 2011
On the synths:
"The lead synth is from the Yamaha AN1X.

The bass line and other synths soft synths from native to Ableton Live.

The UC33 controls FX & synth parameters in Ableton Live on a Macbook Pro, where the 909 and other percussive sounds are arranged.

The sine wave present in the beginning over the high hats was made in Sound Forge with some pitch-bending and amplitude modulation.

There is also a Korg X-5 in there (spacier pads in the back + high pitched bells) which does not make a cameo. "

YouTube description:
"Plate 909" is taken from the At Work remix album, "Build It Up, Break It Down--Remix" (PATH4) available in digital formats from Batona Music. http://batona.com/path4.php

Remixed by At Work.

Original version appears on the At Work album "Build It Up, Break It Down" (PATH1) available on CD and digital formats from Batona Music. http://batona.com/path1.php

Filmed in New Jersey.
Directed and produced by Todd Steponick.
Additional production by Nice Looking Designs.

http://www.atworksite.com
http://soundcloud.com/at-work
http://www.reverbnation.com/atwork
http://www.facebook.com/pages/At-Work/101394327776
http://www.myspace.com/marketingatwork
http://www.batona.com/atwork.php
http://www.nicelookingdesigns.com"

Not Todd Steponick also did the film for:
Alka - Improvisations On The EMS Synthi AKS Mk 1
Cloud People - Scallion Pancake Dub

Evolution X-Session USB Midi Controller

via this auction

The seller "replaced the silver plastic knobs with soft-touch knobs from Mouser, which are much easier to use and see in the dark."

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dr.squ - 1st of 2010

YouTube via DrSqu — April 16, 2010 —

"Today i made some tracks and switched it live to a recording. It means to being a little ambient jamming.

In this Track you listen misc sounds taken from:
- Waldorf Microwave XT
- Yamaha AN1x
- E-mu Morpheus
- E-mu Esi2000
- Korg Wavestation
- Roland Juno-106
- Yamaha DSR-2000
- Korg 01/W
- Yamaha SY35
- Evolution EVS-1
- Emagic/Apple EXS24mkII"
Synth spotting.

Rare Evolution EVS-1 FM Synth Rack Mounted Module

via this auction

Custom white Evolution X-Session UC-17 and M-Audio Trigger Finger

via these auctions

more shots here:
controllers, part two
flickr set by joshua_schnable