Bad Gear - Roland V-Synth

video upload by AudioPilz

"Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools. Today we are going to talk about Roland V-Synth. Does this highly misunderstood former Roland flagship synth deserve the online hate and why did it fail back in the time when it was released? Is it on par with other classics like the Roland Jupiter-8, Roland D-50 or Roland JP-8000?

Thanks to Mario Reithofer of TSAMM for this synth from his great collection:
https://www.tsamm.com/

Chapters:
00:00 Intro tune
00:55 Overview Roland V-Synth XT
01:34 Virtual Analog Oscillators (Juno, D-50, SuperSaw, HQ,...)
02:33 Ext. Input, PCM Waveforms (Samples)
02:53 VariPhrase (Elastic Audio)
03:25 Patch Modes (Ring Modulation, FM)
03:33 Filter, COSM FX (Waveshaper, Resonator,...)
03:57 Structure Modes, TVA (Amp), Multi FX
04:15 Multitimbrality, Arpeggiator, Modulation Sequencer, Virtual TTP
04:40 Presets
04:54 V-Cards (pre-installed on the XT): D-50, Vocal Designer
05:32 Limitations, Loading Times,...
05:54 V-Synth Range (Original, V-Synth XT, V-Synth GT)
06:11 Rear Panel, Pricing, Thanks!!!
06:21 Hate
06:47 Jam 1 (Bassline)
07:38 Jam 2 (Patch Overkill)
08:41 Finale (Techno Anthem)
09:11 Verdict
10:29 Patreon Vocoder Shoutout"

Bad Gear - Korg OpSix

video upload by AudioPilz

"Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools. Today we are going to talk about Korg OpSix. Is this next level frequency modulation synthesizer with its faltered FM synthesis a Yamaha DX7 on steroids or is it just another Korg 'OopsSix' with its build quality issues and plasticy enclosure? Is it the best FM synth for beginners???"

Chapters:
00:00 Intro tune
01:11 Overview Roland Korg OpSix
01:45 UI Concept
02:13 Synth Engine & Algorithms
02:32 Operators
02:40 Complex Waveforms
03:03 Subtractive Operators with Filter
03:09 Filter FM
03:15 Ring Modulation
03:20 Waveshaper
03:25 Additional Parameters, Oscilloscope
03:34 More UI, Envelopes
03:43 V-Patch, Modulation Matrix
03:54 Filter, FX
04:07 Arpeggiator, Sequencer, Motion Recording, Limitations
04:30 Global Parameters
04:40 Multitimbrality (or lack thereof), Groovebox Features
05:01 What else??? (Random, Limitations, Pricing History, Thanks)
05:32 Hate
05:57 Jam 1 (Techno)
06:52 Jam 2 (Synthwave)
07:50 Finale (Progressive House)
08:20 Verdict

Bad Gear - Roland S-1

video upload by AudioPilz

"Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools. Today we are going to talk about Roland Aira Compact S-1. I this super compact virtual analog synth inspired by the legendary Roland SH-101 and striking sonic similarities to the Roland Boutique SH-01A and Roland System-1 made for Bad Gear?

Chapters:
00:00 Intro tune
00:59 Overview Roland S-1
01:39 ACB Synth Engine
02:13 Oscillator Section, PWM, Noise
02:27 Updated Oscillator Features, Draw, Chop
03:10 Filter Section, Self Oscillation
03:24 Envelope, LFO
03:37 D-Motion (The New D-Beam)
04:05 FX (Reverb, Delay, Chorus)
04:19 Polyphonic Sequencer, Motion Recording
04:35 Arpeggiator
04:42 Riser Functionality
04:52 What else??? (Shortcuts, Connectivity, Battery, Pricing)
05:18 Hate
05:45 Jam 1 (EDM Workout)
06:36 Jam 2 (Synth Funk)
07:39 Finale (Robot Dance)
08:10 Verdict"

The Wiggler II & The Truth about Super Booth 2023

video upload by AudioPilz

"Taken from the @AudioPilz @superboothberlin 2023 coverage:"

The Truth about Super Booth 2023

video upload by AudioPilz

"Welcome to the AudioPilz SuperBooth 2023 special. Will it provide The Truth about Super Booth 2023 ??? Including Borat - like encounters with Tatsuya Takahashi of Korg Berlin, marketing-meetups in the Teenage Engineering bus, my failure of getting a Yamaha representative in front of the camera, my lost Elektron brother, we will find out about how Polyend deals with trolls, whether Arturia people actually like the Drumbrute, there's plenty of meme goodness and I will jam on all the synths that I'm otherwise not allowed to put on Bad Gear. Finally and most importantly: does Nick Batt of Sonic State know about all the memes about him?

@superboothberlin @sonicstate

00:00 Introduction
00:16 Bad Gear???
00:20 Teenage Engineering 1 (TE TP-7)
00:45 Nick Batt #1
01:01 Tatsuya Takahashi (Korg Berlin) #1
01:51 Nick Batt #2
01:57 Arturia #1
02:30 Nick Batt #3
02:36 Sinevibes x True Cuckoo, Bad Gear Intro Tune
02:54 Tatsuya Takahashi #2
03:01 Nord
03:16 Sorry for deleting the Elektron Footage 😔😔😔
03:25 The Teenage Engineering Bus Incident
04:00 Nick Batt #4
04:13 Arturia #2 (DrumBrute Discussion)
04:53 Polyend #1
05:01 Nick Batt #5
05:25 Sinevibes #2 (huh, huh, huh,...)
05:32 Waldorf Confessions
05:51 Wiggler V2 (Hainbach approves)
06:08 Tatsuya Takahashi #3
06:34 Novation
06:42 Polyend #2
06:49 Yamaha
06:55 Nick Batt #6
07:03 FL Studio
07:12 Jam Part 1 (Schmidt Synthesizer)
07:29 Jam Part 2 (UDO Super Gemini)
07:44 Jam Part 3 (Waldorf Quantum MK2)
07:59 Jam Part 4 (Oberheim OB-X8)
08:14 Jam Part 5 (Mayer EMI)
08:30 Nick Batt #7 (Outro)"

Clown Challenge #5: Circus Challenge (for Clownfest URL)

video upload by SynthAddict

"For the Clownfest URL.
Lots of clowny/circus samples including animals and wacky
sound FX. This went a very diff. direction than I planned...

only custom samples and Maschine+"

Bad Gear - Roland System-8

video upload by AudioPilz

"Become a Patron and get access to music clips from the show, additional content, Bad Gear samples and even more AudioPilz madness

https://www.patreon.com/audiopilz

Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools. Today we are going to talk about Roland System-8. Is this soon abandoned flagship synthesizer, little sibling of System-1, part of the Roland Aira range, virtual analog synth, Roland Cloud plugout host and overall eye-sore a future classic or just another expensive plastic toy? Is it worthy of the rich Roland Jupiter-8 and Roland Juno-106 legacy?

Chapters:
00:00 Intro tune
00:58 Overview Roland System-8
01:35 System-8 vs. System-1
01:43 Native System-8 Engine, ACB Models
02:00 Main Oscillators (SuperSaw, PWM, FM, Cowbell)
02:37 Sub Oscillator, Noise, Sync, Ring Mod
03:00 Filter Section, Self-Oscillation, Filter Types
03:40 Modulators (Envelopes, LFO)
03:55 FX Section (Reverb, Delay, Modulation, Distortion)
04:15 Vocoder
04:26 One-knob-per-function UI
04:41 Vintage Emulations (Jupiter-8, Juno-106, JX-3P)
05:06 Roland Cloud, Boutiques, Polyphony
05:26 Condition, Polyphonic Sequencer, Parameter Automation
05:57 Arpeggiator, Multitimbrality, Performance Mode
06:22 What Else??? (Pricing, Thanks)
06:48 Hate
07:13 Jam 1 (Futuristic Bass)
08:04 Jam 2 (Vintage Drum'n'Bass)
09:02 Finale (Synth Rock)
09:31 Verdict"

synthesizer to put children to sleep sound demo

video upload by the VAPE

And a creepy AI generated album cover from the VAPE:

music for AI generated LP cover 1

Bad Gear - Oberheim Matrix-1000

video upload by AudioPilz

"Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools. Today we are going to talk about Oberheim Matrix 1000. Is this 80s analog synth in the compact 19" rack format and little sibling of the Oberheim Matrix-6 on par with timeless classics like the Oberheim OB-X. Are you willing to enter the matrix of arcane sysex midi commands?

Chapters:
00:00 Intro tune
00:58 Overview Oberheim Matrix-1000
01:14 Front Panel Controls (or lack thereof)
01:33 Presets
02:06 Programmability, Parameter Access
02:44 EPROM Update, Software Editors, Programmer
03:00 Synth Engine, DCOs
03:22 Filter Resonance
03:37 Filter FM
03:44 Modulators (ADSRs, LFOs, Tracking)
03:57 Modulation Matrix
04:09 Midi CC Control (or lack thereof)
04:26 What else??? Thanks!!!
05:04 Hate
05:28 Jam 1 (Downbeat)
06:21 Jam 2 (Analog Filter Workout)
07:17 Finale (80s Trancewave)
07:43 Verdict
08:39 Patreon Vocoder Shoutout"

Superbooth 2023: Theresyn - Theresyn - Les DiffYUseurs

video upload by sonicstate

"We spoke to Nori Ubukata from Theresyn at Superbooth 2023 where he showcased his updated Therasyn instrument. The latest version has a more refined look than its predecessor with a different wood finish and is more aesthetically pleasing. The basic functionality of the Theresyn remains the same, however, some improvements have been made, such as the addition of pulse waves and the ability to choose the percentage of the pulse.

Theresyn's second model is Les DiffYUseurs, designed to simulate the sound system of an Ondes Martenot, it is a handcrafted instrument with a metal diffuser with two gong modes; one small and one larger gong, which have a different frequency response. The Diffuser also includes a reverb with tremolo effect that work together.

Les DiffYUseurs Price: €399,

Theresyn Price: €2,800.

https://theresyn.com/"

Bad Gear - Waldorf Pulse 2

video upload by AudioPilz

"Become a Patron and get access to music clips from the show, additional content, Bad Gear samples and even more AudioPilz madness

https://www.patreon.com/audiopilz

Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools. Today we are going to talk about Waldorf Pulse 2. Is this recently discontinued modern analog synth ticking all the boxes? Was it discontinued for a reason?

Chapters:
00:00 Intro tune
01:02 Overview Waldorf Pulse 2
01:38 Oscillator Section (Sync, PWM, APW, X-Mod, Unison)
02:16 Paraphonic Mode
02:24 Oscillator 3 Shenanigans
02:39 Modulators (Loopable Envelopes, LFOs)
02:58 Arpeggiator
03:06 Filter (Sorry for the VERY long tweak)
03:32 Drive, Fuzz
03:46 Mod Section
03:58 Display Limitations
04:21 Patch Memory, Presets
04:50 Additional Features (Glide)
04:58 What Else??? Pricing
05:34 Hate
05:59 Jam 1 (Bass Meditation)
06:54 Jam 2 (Waldorf Party)
08:04 Finale (German Trance)
08:31 Verdict"

Bad Gear - Not the 80s

video upload by AudioPilz

"Become a Patron and get access to music clips from the show, additional content, Bad Gear samples and even more AudioPilz madness

https://www.patreon.com/audiopilz

Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools. Today we are going to talk about the Roland Boutique JX-08. Is this digital recreation of the classic Roland JX-8P from the 80s up to the job of creating classic vintage synth sounds? Is it not the 80s?

Chapters:
00:00 Intro tune
01:00 Overview Roland JX-08
01:20 Synth Engine, ABM vs. ACB Technology
01:59 Oscillator Section, X-Mod, Sync, Unison
02:23 Filter Section, Filter Type Comparison, High Pass
03:05 UI vs. Stock vs. PG-800 Programmer, Modulators
03:23 Compatibility to the Original (or lack thereof)
03:49 Additional Features, FX Section
04:13 Clock in, Arpeggiator
04:20 Bitimbrality, Sequencer, Motion Recording
04:58 Polyphony
05:12 Does it sound like the original?
05:41 What else??? Pricing, Thanks,...
06:05 Hate
06:32 Jam 1 (80s Chord Progression)
07:32 Jam 2 (Synthwave)
08:20 Finale (Deep House)
08:50 Verdict"

Bad Gear - Pioneer Toraiz AS-1

video upload by AudioPilz

Chapters:
00:00 Intro tune
01:04 Overview Pioneer DJ Toraiz AS1
1:29 Oscillators
01:50 Filters
02:07 Modulators (Envelopes, LFO)
02:16 Prophet 6 Synth Engine, Menu Diving
02:31 Modulations, Touch Slider
02:52 FX Section
03:15 Sequencer (Menu Diving again)
03:40 Arpeggiator
03:51 Restart, Midi Clock, Timing Issues
04:13 Front Panel Design Quirks
04:24 Presets
04:50 Build Quality, Pricing, Thanks,...
05:05 Hate
05:29 Jam 1 (Bassline)
06:22 Jam 2 (Mellow Tones)
07:23 Finale (Proto Bass Music)
07:52 Verdict
08:59 Patreon Vocoder Shoutout

Make Noise SUPERBOOTH Promo

See you at Superbooth!

Make Noise will be at @Superbooth_Bln starting on Thursday, May 11th! Stop by our Zone and see what we've been working on!

Happy patching!#modular #modularsynth #eurorack #eurorackmodular #makenoise #superbooth pic.twitter.com/VgiDcSTM3T

— Make Noise (@makenoisemusic) April 27, 2023

Bad Gear - Elektron Syntakt

video upload by AudioPilz

"Become a Patron and get access to music clips from the show, additional content, Bad Gear samples and even more AudioPilz madness

https://www.patreon.com/audiopilz

Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools. Today we are going to talk about Elektron Syntakt. Is this member of the Elektron Dark Trinity just a rehash of recycled technologies taken from instruments like the Digitakt, Digitone, Model:Cycles, Octatrack, Analog Rytm and Analog Four? Does it provide real innovation?

Chapters:
00:00 Intro tune
01:07 Overview Elektron Syntakt
01:27 Analog vs. Digital Voices
01:36 Analog Voices 1-3, Synth Functionality
02:15 Analog HiHats/Cymbals/Metallic Stuff
02:25 Analog Filter
02:36 Digital Engines (Drums, Claps, Percussion, FM, Chords)
03:07 Polyphony (or lack thereof)
03:15 Workarounds
03:32 Analog FX Block
03:46 LFOs, Envelopes
04:01 Reverb, Delay
04:06 Workflow, Philosophy
04:17 Probability, Parameter Locks, Retrigger, Fills
04:44 Song Mode, Unquantized Rec, Microtiming, Trigger Modifiers
05:04 UI, Lack of Velocity, Outputs, Overbridge
05:18 Midi
05:26 What else??? Pricing! Thanks!!!
05:56 Hate
06:23 Jam 1 (Downtempo)
07:19 Jam 2 (Hard Synthwave)
08:20 Finale (Tech House)
08:50 Verdict"

Bad Gear - Sonicware Liven XFM

video upload by AudioPilz

"Become a Patron and get access to full tracks from the show, additional content, the Bad Gear sound library and even more AudioPilz madness

https://www.patreon.com/audiopilz

Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools. Today we are going to talk about Sonicware Liven XFM. Is this 2022 FM groovebox able to compete with the big players in both, the groovebox game and field of FM synthesis like Elektron, Korg and Roland?

Thanks to Florian Oberhauser of Studio Deep Space 199 for sending me this XFM.

Chapters:
00:00 Intro tune
01:07 Overview Liven XFM
01:36 FM Sound Generator, Presets
02:54 The Twist: X-LAB
03:15 XFORM
03:31 X-LFO
03:42 Sounds
03:56 Resonant Filter
04:14 Filter Envelope Presets and Filter Shapes, LFO
04:30 Polyphony, Sequencer
04:58 Program Locks
05:12 Voice Management, Arpeggiator, FX Section
05:38 UI Structure, Deep FM Editing
06:02 Shift/Func Operation, Build Quality
06:15 What else??? Pricing, Thanks
06:31 Hate
06:56 Jam 1 (Groovebox Solo)
07:55 Jam 2 (DAWless setup)
08:48 Finale (Sega Genesis Electropop)
09:15 Verdict"

Bad Gear - Arturia MiniBrute 2

video upload by AudioPilz

"Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools. Today we are going to talk about the Arturia MiniBrute 2. Is this eurorack compatible analog synthesizer and successor to the original Arturia MiniBrute worthy of its legacy? Is it the best beginner instrument for modular synthesis?

Chapters:
00:00 Intro tune
00:53 Overview Arturia MiniBrute 2, Bleeps & Bloops
01:17 Arpeggiator, Sequencer, Keybed, Aftertouch
01:47 Oscillator 1 (Ultrasaw, PWM, Metalizer, FM)
02:24 Oscillator 2
02:52 Envelopes
03:19 Steiner Parker Filter
03:50 LFOs, more Bleeps and Bloops, Brute Factor
04:04 Patchbay
04:31 Semi-Modular Architecture, Shift Functionality
04:53 Noire vs. Non Noire
05:00 Is it really analog???
05:15 What else??? (Rackbrute, Pricing, Thanks)
05:42 Hate
06:05 Jam 1 (Electro)
06:58 Jam 2 (Techno)
07:51 Finale (Phonkwave)
08:21 Verdict

CARMINE SCARPACCI - 'Married To The Moog' - vintage TV commercial

video upload by Con Brio Synthesizers

"In this classic late-night TV commercial, beloved New Jersey bandleader and impresario, Carmine Scarpacci, releases his exploration of the modern electronic sounds. 'Married To The Moog' - a collection of Old World Italian classics, transmogrified for the younger ears of today. Sounds of yesterday meet the sound of the FUTURE!

He and his 'associates' strongly recommend buying a copy of this: It would be "a real shame" if you didn't have a copy or three."

Korg Introduces a Giant Sized MS-20, the MS-20GS

via KORG: "Introducing the latest addition to the Korg analog synth line-up, The MS-20GS.

We’ve listened to our users, and we know that Korg synth players have different preferences when it comes to the size of the keys on their synth, which is why we offer synths in both mini and full-size versions... But bigger is ALWAYS better 😏, which is why we are proud to announce the new Korg MS-20GS, or GIANT SIZE! We’ve taken the hit Korg MS-20, with its semi-modular analog signal path and 1/4” patch points, and replaced its 37-key full-size keybed with a 12-key GIANT SIZE keybed.

Tweak and patch your favorite most simplistic nursery rhyme & get ready to never leave your room, cause the MS20GS is all you're ever going to need.... and you probably won't be able to fit it through the door! Just remember, it’s the size of the keys 🎹, not how you use them!"


video upload by Movieclips

R.I.P. Synths: Hello SynthGPT!

video upload by Luftrum1

"Get ready for a revolutionary leap in sound synthesis technology that will render all existing synthesizers obsolete. Introducing SynthGPT, the world's first AI-driven text-prompt-based sound engine.

The AI Synth Revolution https://www.luftrum.com/synthgpt

With the power of SynthGPT, you can now create any sound imaginable, simply by typing a description. This groundbreaking technology harnesses the cutting-edge advancements in AI, enabling musicians and producers to transform their textual prompts into unique, rich, and dynamic sounds.

Imagine typing "warm analog pad with a touch of shimmer" and witnessing the birth of a never-before-heard sound that perfectly matches your description, to be played at your fingertips and saved as a preset.

Whether you're looking for the perfect pad to set the mood or a gritty bassline to get people moving, SynthGPT's unparalleled versatility and expressiveness will unleash your creative potential like never before.

SynthGPT is free for a limited time while still in Beta."

Threetom Modular Introduces Steve's MS-22 Modular Bagpipe

In reality, via Threetom Modular:

"Steve’s MS-22 [eurorack format] is now in stock!

Hey everybody, I’m happy to let you know that you can grab your very own Steve’s MS-22 from either myself or Signal Sounds (UK). Don’t wait for too long, there’s only a small number of units currently out there!"

Also:

"Behind the scenes at THREETOM
Maybe you missed this documentary last time around. Be sure to check out BRiES’ two-part visit to my workshop and lab, and take a unique behind-the-scenes look at how MS-22’s are built and calibrated."

Part 1 here

Part 2 here