DarkStar II - Red Sound Dark Star

Published on Nov 12, 2016 100 Things I Do

"I tried to make 2 other videos this week but they did not work out. So lets revisit the Dark Star. Everything in this clip besides the pro 2 at the very end of the track was done on the Dark Star. Hope you enjoy :D The Video is more of a collage than me performing the tracks live. Being a black box with no keyboard its a little tricky to make a clip engaging I think."

Halloween Drone : Red Sound Dark Star

Published on Oct 29, 2016 100 Things I Do

"An amazingly cheap and fun desktop synth. Fantastic drone machine that can play up to 8 notes or 5 dual oscillator tones at the same time.

The Dark Star has had a hard time in the synth world, with a mix of RCA jacks for outputs, an almost obtuse 'go your own way' interface for sound design and some rather basic presets it emerged and faded from the EDM / DJ scene in the early 2000's.

I hope to do a series of videos using this synth in the coming weeks. It really has some awesome sound potential and you can spend hours just tweaking away into very interesting sonic adventures. I tend to use it very much like the VCS3 and you can get some very similar / modular textures from it without too much effort. For the Average price of around $200usd at the moment your synth world might just need one

A stereo delay and some slight saturation effects and the Free TAL Chorus-LX were used in this clip.

I hope you enjoy the drone!"

Red Sound System Elevata Virtual Analog Synthesizer 16-VOICE

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Red Sound Darkstar XP2 Virtual Analog Synthesizer

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Red Sound Systems eleVAta virtual analog synth

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"The eleVAta is a very rare synth, only 250 ever made.
OS version 1.13 (believed to be the last one)."

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Red Sound elaVAta

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So, is it Red Sound or is it RedSound? :)

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moogmoon

Published on Mar 23, 2016 Ebotronix

Moog Voyager ~ bass, chord, kick, noise
Roland EF 303 sequencer
FX : Lexicon PCM 80/90, TC M one XL
Red Federation BPM FX Pro
mackie the mixer²
vid #1484

Red Sound Dark Star Synth Custom Wood Side Panels

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Note the listing is for the side panels only, not the synth.

"The panels are hand crafted in sturdy hardwood, coated in Danish finish with a slight semi-rough satin sheen & have been pre-attached to a Dark Star module to check even balance. These are not the usual mass produced by a laser/CNC cutting machine, but have been hand made and retain a bit of individual character."

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Vocoders Comparison

"A comparison of the four vocoder-equipped MIDI synths I own. I haven't spent a lot of time fiddling with the settings on each synth, so these are by no means the only vocoder sounds they can produce. However, it is possible to tell that each has its own distinct character.

The Redsound Vocoda has a nice grunge to it, but has the disadvantage of only being monophonic, when using its own oscillator.

The Nova's 40-band vocoder is the smoothest, unsurprisingly, but as a result doesn't really have that robotic sound I like in a vocoder.

The Nord Modular, being a virtual modular is by far the most flexible, so the example only hints at the range of vocoder-type sounds possible with this synth.

The DVP-1 is a surprise. It sounds pretty bad in this example. I suspect it will need a bit more pre/post-processing work to get the best out it. Though all these vocoders are digitally modelled, I have a feeling the DVP-1 is less closely based on the traditional analogue vocoder setup than the others, which could explain the lack of the kind of controls you'd expect from an analogue vocoder on this unit.

I've added an example of the DVD-1s Harmonise mode at the end, just for fun.

With apologies to Leftfield and Africa Bambaataa"

Redsound DarkStar Synth with Vocoda Chip

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"Really nice, quirky synth/FX box. Has Vocoda chip installed, so run a mic into it for for great robotic vocal effects. The basic 11-band vocoder with internal oscillator, to me ears, sounds great, with a lovely grittiness to it. There 4 other modes, providing more options than any other vocoder that I know of, software or hardware! If you love Kraftwerk, and early Electro tunes, you'll love this!

Here are a couple of quick examples of the kind of sounds it can make:

Vocoder mode, compared to some other vocoders.
And the unique Sequence-Coder mode, that allows you to program your own sequence of preset vowel/consonant sounds. Excellent when tweaking that joystick.

Of course, if you tire of manic android effects and formant effects (it's also capable of some pretty cool synth sounds in Vocoda mode), you can always swap Vocoda chip for the original 5-part-multitimbral virtual-analogue synth chip. Don't be fooled by the RCA sockets on the back (legacy of Redsound's roots in the DJ equipment market), this thing can hold it's own against many synths from more well-known manufacturers. It's capable of producing some great analogue-type sounds, and editing is a breeze, as it's almost one-knob-per-function.

This desktop box style is coming back into favour in a big way, too. The DarkStar comes in a very convenient package. It doesn't take up too much desktop real-estate, but the controls are nicely laid-out, with enough space to feel your way around easily."

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RedSound Darkstar Demos & Review by Ostraka (John Keston)

Great demos.  Check out the full review on Audio Cookbook.  According to the review the DarkStar was the "Internet's most reviled synth".  I don't recall this, but then I didn't spend too much time in the forums after launching MATRIXSYNTH.  I have an XP2 myself and love it, although the interface does take a little getting used to.  It appears John Keston is pro Darkstar as well:

"For me the DarkStar fulfills a spectrum of features that I’ve been looking for in a desktop poly. It has a low profile so I can use it along side a collection of other devices while performing. It has eight voice polyphony allowing me to produce dense harmonies. It has a bloody joystick to control the filter and resonance! The joystick can also be configured to control ring modulation and oscillator mix. Many knobs make sculpting the sound in realtime possible. The LFOs have ramp, triangle, square, sine, pulse, sample & hold, and “random” waveforms. What random does is pretty remarkable. Similar to slew on the Novation Bass Station II, it interpolates or slides between random values instead of jumping to them like sample & hold does. This is especially nice for panning and one of the things that distinguishes the DarkStar from other VAs of the time."

Red Sound Systems Dark Star XP2 - 8-Voice Polyphonic Synthesizer with Original Box

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The Dark Star always reminded me, sonically, of a Juno-106.

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"

RedSound Elevata Rack Mount Synthesizer [Ultra-Rare 1 of 250 in existence] w/ Original Box

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See the notes on buggy RedSounds below.

"Specifications:

Polyphony - 16 voices

Oscillators - Two with square, sawtooth, sine & formant waveforms plus pink/white/blue noise

LFO - Two with ramp, triangle, square, sine, pulse, sample + hold, random waveforms.

Effects - Chorus, Flange

Filter - 12 dB/oct resonant filter, low-, high-, or band-pass modes

Keyboard - None

Memory - 127 preset, 127 user patches, 90 multi-patches with 8 programs each

Control - MIDI IN/OUT/THRU (8-parts), Joystick Controller with independent socket input


PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASE:

RedSound gear is NOTORIOUSLY BUGGY and the Elevata is no exception. It was originally slated to have expansion EPROM's, but none were ever produced. Thus you have 3 ghostly empty EPROM slots that will sit forever unfilled. Elevata's are known to lock up and I find that if I flood the unit with rapid MIDI input from a keyboard I can lock it up and have to reset it. I have not had that problem when just using basic arpeggiations or playing Andantino. So to repeat this unit IS BUGGY! Please be advised: ALL Elevatas are buggy, and this one is no exception. I assume if you're looking at this unit you know this, but I want you to be an informed buyer!"

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Electribe Emx2, Virus Ti2, Novation X-Station 25 "Poetry of Scenery"

Published on May 14, 2015 rhampton1914

"Korg Electgribe Emx2 = Drums, White Noise, Some Rhythm effects
Novation X-Station 25 = Synth Solo, Leads
Access Virus = Sound effects, Ambient Strings
RedSound DarStar = Bass

I give Credit to the following for the words of Poetry in my Video
1. Chris Green - Scenery
2. A Thomas Hawkins - Scenery
3. Alana Valente - Change of Scenery"

Red Sound EleVAta virtual analog poly-synth

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"Unlike many other virtual analog synths, this really sounds analog! Be warned though, this is not your do-it-all -supersynth ala Access Virus / Novation Supernova, it has only modest set of internal effects and is aimed to more experienced user. If you have already functional studio, and some experience with programming analog synths, this can be your new secret weapon. Extensive modulation matrix allows creation of sounds that evolve in a way it has been common only to wavetable synthesis and very large modular systems.

Do not believe me? So check out Experimental song I did with Elevata, one patch recorded to Wavelab. Some Copypasting / flipping backwards, compression, Delay, reverb and voila, 2 minute Experimental Electronica in one and half minutes! Song is called I am lost - where is the closest Rail Bay Radio Station?"

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Electribe Emx2, Virus Ti2 & Redsound DarkStar "Shaolin Kung Fu"

Published on Apr 4, 2015 rhampton1914

Bass sounds = RedSound DarkStar
Electribe Emx2 = Drums, White Noise & Lead Solos
Access Virus Ti2 = Sound effects and Ambient Strings & Arp Effects

Electribe 2 Emx 2, Virus Ti2 & RedSound DarkStar "Tribe Toy Story"

Published on Mar 25, 2015 rhampton1914

"Decided to Re-do this Song.
Drums Lead sounds are from Electribe 2
Bass Sounds are from the RedSound DarkStar
Strings & Aro Sounds are from the Access Virus Ti2"

Electribe 2 - Virus Ti2 & RedSound DarkStar @ "Tribe Space Pop"

Published on Mar 15, 2015 rhampton1914

"Drum Sounds are from the Electribe 2
Mellow Ambient Bass Lines - RedSound DarkStar
Synth Leads & Sound Effects from Virus Ti2 & Some from the Electribe 2 as well"

Red Sound eleVAta Synthesizer

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"The eleVAta is a virtual analog poly-synth with a big analog sounds. The same DSP analog modeling synthesizer technology used in the DarkStar has been beefed up for this sound module. It is 16-voice polyphonic and has 8 multi-timbral parts.

The front panel swivels 90 degrees to facilitate rack-mounting or desktop use. Knobs are plainly laid out for the oscillator, filter, envelope, and LFO sections in a simple, streamlined and intuitive interface.

The Elevata is also upgradeable via EPROMs you can buy for a little over $100 each and install yourself. The Vocoda EPROM adds vocoder capability. There is room for up to 3 EPROMs. With multiple (6) outputs, stereo inputs for processing external audio, and full MIDI implementation

Specifications:
Polyphony - 16 voices
Oscillators - Two with square, sawtooth, sine & formant waveforms plus pink/white/blue noise
LFO - Two with ramp, triangle, square, sine, pulse, sample + hold, random waveforms.
Effects - Chorus, Flange
Filter - 12 dB/oct resonant filter, low-, high-, or band-pass modes
Keyboard - None
Memory - 127 preset, 127 user patches, 90 multi-patches with 8 programs each
Control - MIDI IN/OUT/THRU (8-parts), Joystick Controller with independent socket input"

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