Adventures in Audio - Yamaha PSS-130 - Bending? - Or Unbendable?

video upload by Manitou Productions

Follow-up to this post.

"We pick up where we left off with the Yamaha PSS-130 and see if we can find any meaningful circuit-bends. Let's go!

Chapters:
0:00 A big no-no
0:16 Titles
0:24 Intro
1:39 I set myself some precautions
2:57 Investigating the large IC
5:08 Crossing the streams
7:10 Have we found something?
8:23 Mapping the bends
9:17 Outro
10:31 Ivy's Corner"

YAMAHA TQ5 Bass

video upload by Akihiko Matsumoto

"TQ5 Sysex Bass Presets: FMWarpBass.syx, TriRave.syx & OldDubStep.syx from https://akihikomatsumoto.sellfy.store...

Raw FM textures for forward-thinking bass music producers
This pack captures the unmistakable character of Yamaha’s late 1980s 4-operator FM synths, with all their sharp digital edges and lo-fi charm intact. The TQ5, often hidden in the shadow of its more famous siblings, holds a unique place in synthesis history. It delivers angular, glassy tones that feel both futuristic and retro, with a sound design potential that quietly laid the groundwork for timbres now celebrated in modern club music.

Created for producers who care about texture, this collection offers bass and drum sounds with a distinct edge. Artifacts, aliasing, and resolution quirks are not just preserved but embraced, giving each sample a bite that generic VSTs rarely achieve."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Looped Harmonies with norns shield & reface DX | Shady Place 2025-11-27 by atnr

video upload by atnr

"This piece was created using the norns shield and YAMAHA reface DX.
It is an ambient composition built from looped harmonies and evolving sustained tones.

On the norns shield, the sines script is used, and sustained tones are performed using the monome grid.

On the reface DX, harmonies are recorded with the looper and played back in repetition. The output is processed through the @strymon NIGHTSKY, adding filtering and reverb to shape the overall atmosphere."

Yamaha DD-8 circuit bent by X1L3

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

via this Reverb listing

This one is in via a reader of the site who prefers PayPal.

Per Reverb:

"When you purchase from a seller who processes payments through PayPal: your order is protected by PayPal Protection rather than Reverb Buyer Protection. If there’s a problem with your order, we’re happy to walk you through the PayPal dispute process. Learn more in our Help Center."

RX-17 Looped Beats, Glitched Teto Vocals & Piano Layers | Parabolic Path 2025-11-24 by atnr

video upload by atnr

"The ‪@YamahaSynthsOfficial‬ RX-17 is connected to the ‪@KORG_INC‬ NTS-3, where its beats are shaped and altered using the looper while they play.

On the ‪@teenageengineering‬ OP-1 field, sampled vocals of Kasane Teto are processed through the ‪@ChaseBlissAudio‬ MOOD MKII, adding glitch textures as the phrases loop.

The piano parts are performed on the MOTIF-RACK ES, then recorded and edited to create the final melodic layers."

Montage M8X FM-X walkthrough: Patch from scratch tutorial on Yamaha's latest FM synthesizer

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"FM-X is the FM synthesis engine found in the Yamaha MODX and Montage Series. With 8 operators per voice and 128 voice polyphony, this is a very capable sound generator. In this video, I create a "Piano with pads and sparkles" sound, explaining which options do what in the process. This is not a complete overview, just the process of making one particular patch and explaining every step.
Table of contents:

00:00 introduction, overview and terminology
00:55 selecting the FM-X engine and opening the editor
01:24 selecting an algorithm
02:15 quick editor, and explaining the algorithm
02:46 operator envelopes
03:43 velocity sensitivity
04:05 setting up the first modulator: ratio, level, envelope and velocity
05:30 second carrier and modulator: tuning
07:22 building the pad: distorting the waveshape with the spectral option
08:14 skirt value (oscilloscope view)
09:00 tuning/detuning and browsing some more spectral options (including resonance)
10:17 adding another operator and modulator
11:15 putting it all together / fine adjustments
11:37 adding LFOs for pitch and amp modulation
14:03 adding a "sparkle" with modulator 3
16:46 filter type, LFOs and envelopes
18:29 FM color
19:16 effects: insert and global
20:24 physical controls (mod wheel and poly aftertouch)
21:33 the result - a new age pad with some alien weirdness
22:55 conclusion - do the youtube thing! :-)

HÄLP ZIS CHANNEL
https://www.patreon.com/floyd_steinberg
https://floydsteinberg.gumroad.com/
https://floydsteinberg.bandcamp.com/"

Yamaha RX17 Digital Rhythm Programmer

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

via this listing

Additional Perfect Circuit listings

CLICK FOR MORE »

Yamaha CS80 - multitrack recording - pHatt and funky

video upload by The Synth King

"Hi,
here is my second demo of the mighty Yamaha CS80. This time the song or improvisanton turned out to be completely atypical, not at all similar to the style of Vangelis. Leave a comment and let me know what you think about it. Bernd"

Yamaha Vocaloid Keytar/Keyboard VKB-100

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

via this Reverb listing

Additional SYNTH CITY Listings

"The Yamaha VKB-100 (Japanese Model) is a small shoulder-style keyboard designed to be played like a keytar. It includes built-in vocal synthesis so it can 'sing' as you play. Overall, it’s a lightweight, performance-oriented gadget meant for fun expressive playing. Super fun instrument that is hard to find in the US market. Includes padded gig-bag, user guide and power supply."

CLICK FOR MORE »

YAMAHA CS30L Vintage Analog Synth SN 1687

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

via this Reverb listing

CLICK FOR MORE »

Vangelis on the Real CS-80 (Now with Proper FX!) | Blade Runner + Chariots

video upload by Andy Whitmore

"After a bunch of you (rightly!) pointed out how much Vangelis relied on reverb, delay, and chorus, I went back in and rebuilt the atmosphere properly. This is the CS-80 as it was meant to be heard: huge, cinematic, and dripping in Blade Runner / Chariots energy.

In this video I play 8 classic Vangelis riffs on my original CS-80, matching both the synth tones and the iconic effects vibe as closely as possible."

Time Stamps:-

00:00 Intro
00:20 Vangelis – Chariots Of Fire Brass Melody
00:54 Vangelis – Blade Runner Brass Line
02:05 Vangelis – Blade Runner String Pad
03:06 Jon & Vangelis – I Hear You Now Main Theme
04:39 Vangelis – Chariots Of Fire Brass Lick
05:16 Vangelis – To the Unknown Man Intro Melody
06:47 Vangelis – Blade Runner Flute Intro Line
08:14 Vangelis – Blade Runner Brass Line (no bass)
09:10 Outro

Cut-up Drums & Synth Layers with Prophet-10 and OP-1 field | Solver 2025-11-20 by atnr

video upload by atnr

"This piece was created using the ‪@SequentialLLC‬ Prophet-10, ‪@teenageengineering‬ OP-1 field, and YAMAHA MOTIF-RACK ES.

It features cut-up drum patterns layered with synth harmonies and melodic lines.

On the Prophet-10, synth pads are performed and processed with reverb using the blueSky.

On the OP-1 field, recorded drum performances are sampled, rearranged, and played back as reconstructed patterns. The sequence is controlled via MIDI from Ableton Live. Used effects include the ‪@ChaseBlissAudio‬ MOOD MKII and the ‪@strymon‬ NIGHTSKY.

The bassline is generated using Omnisphere.

Melodies and additional parts are performed on the MOTIF-RACK ES, completing the arrangement."

Wind Recordings and Lo-fi Pitch-shifted Prophet-10 | Platform 2^5 2025-11-19 by atnr

video upload by atnr

"This piece combines field recordings captured in a windy park with sounds from the ‪@SequentialLLC‬ Prophet-10, processed through ‪@ChaseBlissAudio‬ MOOD MKII, LOST+FOUND, and ‪@strymon‬ blueSky.

The Prophet-10 is connected to all three effects units.
During the performance, synth pads are played while the filter is opened and closed to create movement. The MOOD MKII adds delay, and its CLOCK control is adjusted to introduce pitch shifting.
The LOST+FOUND provides additional lo-fi character using the GEN-LITE effect, and further pitch shifting is applied with ORCHESTRAL SWELL.
Finally, the blueSky is used to add reverb.

Additional layers from the MOTIF-RACK ES and Massive X are arranged within the DAW to complete the atmosphere."

Black Friday on Reverb: Up to 80%—yes, eighty!— off select synths, effects, and more music gear

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

via Reverb

"From now through 9:59 a.m. on Monday, December 1st (Cyber Monday), musicians can snag up to 80% off select gear during the Black Friday Sales Event on Reverb... yes, eighty percent!

Hundreds of thousands of pieces of discounted gear can be found here—and, as always, the Reverb team has waded through the synths, effects, more to pick out some of the gems:

KORG Nautilus 88 - Certified B-Stock: $1,100 off

Yamaha MONTAGE-M8X 2nd Gen 88-key Synthesizer with GEX Action: $675 off

Dexibell VIVO S8 Stage Piano: $600 off

Elektron Tonverk Polyphonic Multisampler & Audio Processor Regular: $141 off

Arturia Astrolab 88 88-Key Stage Keyboard: $120 off

Arturia DrumBrute Impact 1984 Analog Drum Synthesizer: $60 off"

CLICK FOR MORE »

CS80 improvisation 1 - sit back & relax

video upload by The Synth King

"Hi,
here is my first ambient improvisation with a Yamaha CS 80. This instrument has been given to me for thorough inspection. Cosmetically the CS80 is in a quite bad shape, however, from a technical perspective it works almost perfectly. You will notice some issues with one voice distorting and not beeing consistent in volume (probably a bad VCA).
I´m working on a video showing further details on how I came to this instrument or shall I say how this CS80 found me. Stay tuned.
Bernd"

Game Boy, Tape Loop & CBX-K1XG Lo-fi Electronica | Nephew 2025-11-15 by atnr

video upload by atnr

"This piece was created using a Game Boy, a tape loop, and the YAMAHA CBX-K1XG.
It is an electronica composition where lo-fi synth tones and piano layers blend with a delayed, lo-fi rhythm.

On the Game Boy, rhythms are programmed in LSDj, with delay added using the ‪@strymon‬ TIMELINE.

A one-minute piano performance is recorded onto a tape loop. The loop is played back and processed with ‪@ChaseBlissAudio‬ LOSSY, adding reverb and EQ to create a warm lo-fi texture.

The CBX-K1XG is performed live on the keyboard, with additional delay and reverb applied using ‪@ChaseBlissAudio‬ LOST+FOUND."

Yamaha DX200 Desktop Control Synthesizer SN HJ01445

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

via this Reverb listing

"Manual, CD, floppy and power adapter included."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Bad Gear - NO ONE understands this! & It's UGLY

video upload by AudioPilz

"Today, however, we are going to talk about K2000. This range of Synth/ROMpler/Sampler hybrids was originally brought to the market in 1991 by Ray Kurzweil, a completely overpowered mega brain who went from being Stevie Wonder ’s custom shop to looking forward to merging with AI by 2045. No one understands this.


Chapters:
00:00 Intro tune
01:04 Overview Kurzweil K-2000
01:19 Different Models, Sampling
01:41 What the Actual...?!? (The Samples)
02:17 Keygroups
02:31 Layers, Algorithms, Synth Architecture
02:59 Sync, FM, Complex Signal Chains
03:13 Filters
03:23 Modulators, FUN, Midi Control
03:48 Problems with the Aging Hardware
03:56 Programs, Presets (No, we're still not finished)
04:31 FX Section
04:48 Patches
05:08 What else? (Outputs, Sequencer, Thanks, Pricing)
05:48 H*te Screen
06:12 Jam 1 ( Techno Preset Surfing )
07:13 Jam 2 ( Tracker Drum'n'Bass )
08:13 Finale ( 90s Adventure Game OST )
08:46 VERDICT"

Bad Gear - It's UGLY!!!

video upload by AudioPilz

Chapters:
00:00 Intro tune
00:26 Overview Akai MPC Live III
00:37 The new fancy Pads
01:17 The Catch, Articulations
01:38 Built-in Mic, Speakers
01:45 Step Sequencer
02:22 Tech Specs
02:34 Arrangement, Clip Matrix
03:01 Ribbon Controller, Q-Link Knobs, Touch Screen
03:37 Instruments (Drums, Keygroups, Plugins,...)
04:11 More DAW-like Stuff, Time Stretch, Mixer
04:43 Pro Pack, Compatibility to other MPCs, Stems
05:07 What else? (Content, Hardware, Pricing, Thanks)
06:12 H*te Screen
06:40 Jam 1 ( EDM )
07:36 Jam 2 (Epic Lo-fi Type Beat )
08:42 Finale ( 90s FPS Style DnB )
09:14 VERDICT

And the Halloween episode:

CLICK FOR MORE »

Adventures in Audio - Yamaha PSS-130 - Simple Yet Endearing Toy Keyboard

video upload by Manitou Productions

"Adventures in Audio looks at the Yamaha PSS-130 toy keyboard from 1987. We'll explore the sounds, rhythms, and functions and take a look at the innards while we're at it. The PSS-130's older cousin, the PSS-30, makes a guest appearance.

Chapters:
0:00 No more noises please
0:22 Titles
0:29 Intro
1:24 Let's turn it on!
1:37 The sounds
5:09 The rhythms
7:08 Melody Memory
7:55 Demo song
8:21 Enter the PSS-30
9:27 Duelling keys
10:49 Buzz
11:15 Duelling rhythms
12:17 Duelling demo songs
13:14 The guts of the PSS-130
17:21 The guts of the PSS-30
18:20 Turn me off!
18:57 Outro
19:25 Ivy's Corner"

Yamaha RX 17 + Patch Bay, Pitch Control and Joystick Mods

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

via this Reverb listing

Video in the listing for another mod previously posted here. "One-of-a-kind modified Yamaha RX 17 1987 12-bit programmable drum machine featuring two ROM modulation patch bays, a joystick for performance control of four pre-set effects (which may also be combined on the diagonal axes) and pitch control. These modifications generate an array of bit crushed, flanging, glitching, distorted, delayed, tonal effects, flams and digital noise. Five patch cables included- these can be 'stacked' for even deeper audio manipulation. The unit functions as normal when the patch bay is not in use. Only one available.

13 pads: tom 1/conga 1, tom 2/ conga 2, hi hat open/bongo high, ride/agogo high, cowbell/whistle, timbale high/ cuica high, bass drum/ tambourine, snare/rim shot, tom 3/conga low, hi hat closed/ bongo low, crash/agogo low, clap/shaker, timbale low/cuica low.

Accent, level, pan for each sound.
User Patterns: 999.
User Songs: 10.
Tempo Range: 40 - 240 BPM.
MIDI in/ out.
ROM Size: 26 PCM waveforms at 12-bit resolution.
Screen: 16x2 character display.
Weight: 1.5 kg."

CLICK FOR MORE »