Korg Opsix: Beyond FM with Wave Shaping

video upload by Ian Dixon

"In this Korg Opsix tutorial, I dive deep into the Wave Shaper effect—a feature inspired by the classic Korg 01/W. Discover how to move beyond standard FM synthesis to create complex, harmonically rich textures, including PPG-style vocal pads and D-50-inspired bell tones.

I explore how to use parallel routing and internal filters to tame these aggressive waveforms, turning digital noise into playable, lush patches. Whether you're looking for gritty bass or shimmering pads, the wave-folding capabilities of the Opsix open up a whole new world of sound design."

Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction: Creating PPG-style vocal sounds
00:57 – Setting up a Stacked Algorithm for parallel routing
01:20 – What is Wave Shaping? (Origins from the Korg 01/W)
02:05 – Analyzing different Wave Shaper types and harmonics
03:45 – Designing D-50 style bell pads with high harmonics
05:30 – Using Operator Filters to shape complex waves
07:30 – Starting with Sawtooth waves for digital overtones
09:55 – Creating a vocal wavetable sound with Band Pass filters
10:45 – Detuning operators for a thicker, layered sound
12:00 – Adding high-pitched bell overtones with additional operators
14:35 – Final thoughts and experimentation tips

Previously:

Can the Korg Opsix Recreate the Roland D-50?

video upload by Ian Dixon

"Can the Korg Opsix recreate the sound of the legendary Roland D-50 without using samples? In this video I build a D-50-inspired patch from scratch, using nothing but FM synthesis, wave shaping, layering and effects to see just how close the Opsix can get to Roland's classic LA synthesis sound.

Along the way I break down the patch step by step, recreating the D-50's signature combination of organ, bell tones and bright "spectrum" textures. Rather than copying a preset, this is a practical sound design walkthrough that explains why these layers work and how you can apply the same techniques to your own patches."

⏱️ Timestamps

0:00 – Intro — Can the Opsix recreate a Roland D-50?
0:18 – What makes the D-50 sound? LA synthesis explained
0:33 – Breaking down the layers: organ, bells and spectrum fizz
0:50 – Choosing the algorithm: why Algorithm 24 gives flexibility
1:33 – Building the organ layer with additive waves
2:26 – Detuning for classic D-50-style width
3:12 – Shaping the organ envelope
4:35 – Creating the bell layer with FM ring modulation
5:18 – Bell envelope programming
6:07 – Listening to the original Roland D-50 bell
6:59 – Building the spectrum-style layer
7:42 – Wave shaping and filtering
8:51 – High-pass filtering to recreate the D-50 texture
9:33 – Balancing the layers
10:12 – Master filtering
11:10 – Experimenting with a noise-based layer
12:37 – Refining the bell envelopes
13:07 – Adding chorus, delay and reverb 14:00 – Soloing each layer
15:01 – Final thoughts — Did we get close?

Distinctive Blue – Original 80s Synth-Pop Instrumental

video upload by Ian Dixon

"Distinctive Blue is an original 80s-inspired synth-pop instrumental built around driving bass, bright digital textures, layered synths and the polished electronic sound of the mid-1980s.

The track was created using a mixture of vintage and new synthesizers, combining vintage-inspired sounds, rhythmic sequences, atmospheric pads and melodic synth lines.

For this video, I wanted to show the actual instruments behind the music coming alive as the arrangement develops — from the first synth parts through to the full final mix.

🎹 Written, performed and produced by Ian Dixon.

Let me know in the comments what Distinctive Blue reminds you of and which synth sound stands out most.

Available on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/3R1Pob...
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/dist...
Amazon: https://music.amazon.co.uk/albums/B0H...

#Synthpop #80sMusic #ElectronicMusic #Synthesizer #InstrumentalMusic"

Free Yamaha DX100 Editor Librarian | Web MIDI Patch Manager

video upload by Ian Dixon

"In this video I demonstrate my free web-based Yamaha DX100 editor librarian, which should also work with the Yamaha DX27. It runs locally in your browser using Web MIDI, so your patch data stays on your own machine.

The editor can read the internal voices from the DX100, show the selected patch in real time, edit algorithms, feedback, LFO settings, pitch bend, operator levels, envelopes and frequency settings, and then send edited patches back to the synth. I also show the librarian side, including saving and loading SysEx libraries so you can build up a bigger DX100 patch collection.

https://thedigitallifestyle.com/w/TDL...

Timestamps:
00:00 Intro and DX100 / DX27 compatibility
00:31 Web MIDI setup and reading voices
01:01 Real-time editor overview
01:34 Operators, carriers, modulators and envelopes
02:02 Velocity sensitivity and live parameter changes
02:32 Randomize and taming new patches
03:32 Editing and renaming a patch
04:01 Downloading and storing the patch
04:25 Saving the DX100 library
04:48 Loading SysEx and building larger libraries
05:15 Sending patches back to the DX100
05:45 More synth editors and wrap-up"

Free Roland D-50 Editor & Librarian – Edit Patches in Your Browser

video upload by Ian Dixon

"My free Roland D-50 Editor Librarian is a browser-based Web MIDI tool for backing up, browsing, importing and editing D-50 sounds without sending your patch data to the cloud.

In this video I show the full workflow from the YouTube transcript: connecting the D-50 over MIDI, enabling SysEx, reading the current edit buffer, opening a patch library, sending sounds to the synth, receiving a full bulk dump from the D-50, saving a library backup, importing SysEx banks, and editing classic D-50 patches such as Fantasia. The editor also makes it easier to work with the D-50's upper and lower tones, partials, PCM and synthesis structures, ring modulation, filter and amp envelopes, reverb, tuning and patch management.

The aim is to give the Roland D-50 a modern librarian/editor workflow: build a large library of card sounds and custom patches, search for sounds quickly, send patches to the edit buffer when recording, and avoid constantly swapping cards or managing small internal banks by hand.

https://thedigitallifestyle.com/w/TDL...

CLICK FOR MORE »

Vice Operators – Miami Vice-Inspired Synth Performance | Each Machine a Voice

video upload by Ian Dixon

"Vice Operators is a Miami Vice and Jan Hammer-inspired instrumental from my new album, Each Machine a Voice.

The track combines the Korg opsix and modwave, Uno Drum and a couple of other synths to create an atmospheric 1980s-style soundtrack featuring digital textures, sequences and expressive lead sounds. This video is a full performance of the track using the synths behind the music.

Each Machine a Voice explores the different character that every synthesizer brings to a piece of music. Some tracks focus on one particular machine, while others combine several synths as an ensemble.

Read about the album here:
https://thedigitallifestyle.com/w/202..."

Turn the Korg Multi/Poly Into a Vintage String Machine

video upload by Ian Dixon

"Turn the Korg Multi/Poly into a classic vintage string machine, complete with lush ensemble strings and a powerful split bass — using only the hardware front panel.

In this tutorial, I build the complete performance from an initialized sound, creating a Solina-style string layer with multiple oscillators, filtering, ensemble modulation, phaser and stereo delay. I then add a detuned synth bass on Layer B and use key zones to create a playable strings-and-bass keyboard split.

Everything is programmed directly on the Multi/Poly — no software editor required.

What you’ll learn
Build lush vintage string-machine tones from scratch
Layer oscillators across octaves for a richer ensemble sound
Use high-pass filtering to shape classic string textures
Add ensemble, phaser and stereo delay for width and movement
Create a detuned sawtooth bass on a second layer
Set up key zones for a strings-and-bass split
Balance the layers and add spacious reverb

Timestamps

0:00 – Introduction and finished sound
0:35 – Building the string layer
1:50 – Multi-oscillator octave layering
2:55 – Ensemble and modulation effects
4:15 – Adding stereo delay and width
5:00 – Choosing and shaping the reverb
6:40 – Building the bass layer
7:30 – Creating the keyboard split with key zones
9:30 – Final performance and wrap-up"

Why Everyone Wanted an E-mu Emulator (The Story Behind the Icon)

video upload by Ian Dixon

"The E-mu Emulator is one of the most influential musical instruments ever made. From Pet Shop Boys and Depeche Mode to Genesis, Rush and countless film composers, the Emulator helped define the sound of the 1980s. In this episode of TDL Synthchat, I'm joined by Peter James Steven from the Pro Synth Network to explore the complete history of the Emulator family, from the original Emulator I through the legendary Emulator II, Emulator III, Emax, Proteus and beyond.

Peter owns several original Emulators and even helped develop the Emulator 5 "Vampire Rack", giving him a unique insight into the evolution of E-mu's groundbreaking samplers. We discuss the iconic string sounds, why the Emulator still has such a devoted following, how it compares with the Fairlight, and why many musicians still believe nothing quite captures the original hardware.

If you're interested in vintage synthesizers, classic samplers, 80s music production or electronic music history, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Free Yamaha TX7 Editor Librarian | Web MIDI Patch Manager

video upload by Ian Dixon

"In this video I demonstrate my free browser-based Yamaha TX7 editor and librarian, built to make it easier to manage patches, load SysEx banks, edit voices and send sounds to the TX7 over Web MIDI.

The Yamaha TX7 is effectively a DX7 in a desktop module, originally designed as an expander for the DX7, but it has its own function memory differences that make a dedicated editor useful. This tool runs locally in the browser, reads voices from the TX7, saves full libraries, loads DX7 SysEx banks, edits six-operator FM voices visually and lets you send individual sounds when you need them.
https://thedigitallifestyle.com/w/TDL...

Chapters:
00:00 Yamaha TX7 editor librarian intro
00:26 What the TX7 is and why it needs a dedicated editor
00:45 Browser-based Web MIDI setup
01:08 Reading voices from the TX7
01:24 TX function memory explained
01:49 Saving the full TX7 library
01:58 Loading DX7 SysEx banks
02:20 Auditioning loaded patches
02:39 Visual TX7 / DX7 voice editor
03:05 Algorithm, feedback and operator controls
03:27 TX7 function editor and patch settings
04:04 Using it as your main patch library
04:27 Sending individual patches and editor requests"

Vintage Jen SX1000 synthesizer clean up and demo

video by Ian Dixon

"After cleaning up old computers I thought I would get my old synthesizer out of the loft and give it a bit of love. The Jen SX1000 is an Italian monosyth manufactured around 1978 which I paid £40 sometime in the late 80s just before analogue became in vouge again. It has a single oscillator, no memories and no midi but is sounds great and the simple layout makes it easy to understand and a great way of leaning subtractive synthesis.
I had not used the synth for some time and while it worked, the controls (potentiometer) crackled when turning them and some controls like the LFO speed didn’t work at all. So armed with a can of Servisol Super 10 contact cleaner I cleaned the potentiometers which after a bit of persistence cleaned nicely.

The controls are nice and clean and there is no noise or crackles when turning them, the LFO works correctly and everything on the synth is working well. I still have a broken top C key which is missing a spring which I am still trying to track down but after a good clean the machine looks and sounds great.
In this video go through the restoration process and then give a quick demo of the sound of the Jen SX1000."

Roland D-50 vs D-110: Can You Hear the Difference?

video upload by Ian Dixon

"The Roland D-50 and Roland D-110 both come from Roland's late-80s Linear Arithmetic synthesis era, but do they actually sound the same? In this blind comparison I play similar D-50 and D-110 sounds side by side, including warm pads, Soundtrack, synth bells, electric pianos, synth brass, Fantasia/Fantasy style patches, and dual-layer sounds, then reveal which synth was which.

The D-50 is the classic performance synth behind so many iconic digital sounds, while the D-110 is the rackmount, multi-timbral workhorse built for MIDI studios. This test is about the real character of each instrument: the modulation, the shimmer, the effects, the PCM attack, and how close the D-110 can get to the D-50 in practice.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Kawai K1m Editor: Edit Patches, Manage SysEx & More

video upload by Ian Dixon

"In this video I show my free Web MIDI editor and librarian for the Kawai K1, K1m and K1r, designed to make it easier to manage patches, build libraries, send sounds to the synth and edit programs from a browser.

The Kawai K1 family is easy enough to program from the front panel, but the limited memory slots make patch management awkward once you start collecting SysEx banks or creating your own sounds. This editor lets you load and save libraries, import SysEx files, remove duplicates, read patches from the K1, send sounds back to the synth, mute individual sources and edit key parameters with a visual envelope display.

Get the editor at:

https://thedigitallifestyle.com/w/TDL...

Chapters:
00:00 Kawai K1 editor-librarian overview
00:37 Free Web MIDI tool and why I built it
01:00 Enabling MIDI and choosing ports
01:15 Reading patches from the K1
01:28 Importing SysEx and building a library
02:02 Loading a full patch library
02:13 Sending sounds to the K1
02:48 Editing patches and viewing envelopes
03:19 Muting sources for sound design
03:43 Choosing waveforms and samples
04:15 Real-time editing and saving changes
04:48 Searching patches
05:08 Free download, feature requests and DW-8000 editor preview"

The Gritty 80s Digital Synth Nobody Talks About | Kawai K1m

video upload by Ian Dixon

"The Kawai K1m is a 1988 digital synth module with no resonant filters and no built-in effects, but it still has a distinctive late-80s character that makes it much more interesting than the spec sheet suggests.

In this video I take a first look at my Kawai K1m, explore the four-source sound architecture, PCM samples, additive-style wave building, joystick control, factory presets, multi mode and external effects, then try building a new patch from scratch.

Chapters:
00:00 Why the Kawai K1m is interesting
00:24 K1m overview and why I bought it
01:38 Dry sound and synth architecture
02:28 Four-source patches and muting parts
03:20 Waves, PCM samples and additive-style synthesis
05:10 Drum samples and looped waveforms
06:55 Programming controls, envelopes and joystick
07:59 Polyphony and the gritty K1m character
08:56 Factory sounds and D-50-style bells
09:59 Vocal sounds, effects and Miami Vice references
12:56 Editing patches with the software editor
14:10 Multi mode and layered performances
15:02 Building a new K1m patch
17:57 Is the Kawai K1m worth buying today?
19:08 What should I do next with the K1m?"

What is a Yamaha TX7 and why you should buy one over a DX7

video upload by Ian Dixon

Spotted this one in the previous listing and decided to post it separately. The video is from Mar 16 this year.

"If you are looking for classic 80s vintage synth sounds, then you are instantly going to think of the Yamaha DX7. It's one of the most iconic and influential synths of all time and used on countless eighties hits. Think A-ha, Kenny Loggins, Phil Collins and Brian Eno. However, before you hit ebay or Reverb searching for the DX7 you should consider its little brother: the TX7.

UPDATE: The demo song is now availbe on Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/track/0oFIli...

The TX7 is a desktop module version of the DX7. It has the same sound engine as its big brother, with 6 operator / 32 algorithm FM and 12bit Digital to Analog converters.

In this video I look at what the TX7 can do, how you can edit sounds on a TX7 and why should look at a TX7 over a DX7.

Chapters:
00:00 Intro
01:27 What is the difference between the TX7 and DX7
02:44 Sound Demos
05:26 Editing sounds on a TX7
07:31 Conclusion
08:57 Demo song"

Free Korg MS2000 Editor Librarian | Web MIDI Patch Manager

video upload by Ian Dixon

"In this video I demonstrate my free browser-based Web MIDI editor and librarian for the Korg MS2000, built to make it easier to manage patches, audition sounds, load SysEx banks and edit programs in real time.

The MS2000 is a brilliant virtual analogue synth, but managing lots of patches from the front panel can be slow. This editor lets you enable Web MIDI, read the programs from the synth, save and reload larger patch libraries, load compatible MicroKorg SysEx banks, send sounds to the MS2000 without overwriting memory, tweak oscillator, filter, envelope, LFO, effects and motion sequencer settings, and try controlled randomisation for new happy-accident sounds.

https://thedigitallifestyle.com/w/TDL...

Chapters:
00:00 Korg MS2000 editor-librarian intro
00:31 Free browser-based Web MIDI tool
00:56 Enabling MIDI and choosing ports
01:08 Reading programs from the MS2000

CLICK FOR MORE »

How to Get That 80s Analog Bell Sound (Korg Multi/Poly Tutorial)

video upload by Ian Dixon

Follow-up to Turn the Korg Multi/Poly Into a Vintage String Machine

"In this tutorial, I'll show you how to recreate those classic 80s synth-pop analog bells on the Korg Multi/Poly. Taking inspiration from the legendary Roland JX-10 (which is essentially two JX-8P synths in one box), we’ll dive into how to layer oscillators and use component modeling to achieve that iconic hollow, phasing tone.

Whether you're using the Multi/Poly or any other analog synth, these sound design principles will help you nail that vintage vibe. We’ll start from an initialized program and walk through everything from pulse width modulation and detuning to filter shaping and adding that essential chorus and delay.

Key Topics Covered:

Setting up square/pulse waveforms for a hollow bell tone.
Detuning techniques to mimic analog voice cards.
Shaping the sound with 24dB low-pass filters and envelopes.
Adding stereo depth using chorus, cross-delay, and stereo filters.
Experimenting with octaves and subtle noise for extra texture."

Timestamps
0:00 - Introduction to Synth Pop Bells
0:49 - Starting from an Initialized Program
1:18 - Oscillator Setup: Pulse Width & Waveforms
1:35 - Detuning for Analog Character
2:25 - Shaping the Bell with Filter Envelopes
3:30 - Adding Effects: Chorus, Delay & Reverb
4:21 - Testing Ring & Cross Modulation
5:04 - Adding Subtle Noise Texture
5:24 - Layering Octaves for Depth
7:18 - Stereo Filter & Panning Tips
7:56 - Adding Pitch Drift & Final Touches
8:40 - Outro & Suggest Your Ideas!

Korg DW-8000 Editor Librarian

video upload by Ian Dixon

"In this video I demonstrate my free Web MIDI editor and librarian for the Korg DW-8000, built to make it easier to manage patches, audition sounds, edit parameters in real time and keep a larger library of DW-8000 sounds ready to use.

The DW-8000 is a brilliant hybrid digital/analogue synth, but managing lots of patches from the front panel can be slow. This browser-based editor lets you enable MIDI, read the programs from the synth, load SysEx banks, remove duplicates, build a large patch library, send sounds to the DW-8000, tweak filters and waveforms, view envelopes visually and save your own libraries without installing anything.

https://thedigitallifestyle.com/w/TDL...

Chapters:
00:00 DW-8000 editor-librarian intro
00:13 Why I built the editor
00:42 Browser-based Web MIDI setup
00:53 Choosing MIDI ports
00:59 Reading programs from the DW-8000
01:12 Selecting patches and sending to the edit buffer
01:25 Real-time editing
01:38 Filter, waveform and envelope controls
02:02 Viewing real-time parameter changes
02:13 Loading SysEx banks
02:42 Auditioning imported sounds
02:52 Removing duplicates and building a library
03:16 Working like a modern patch browser
03:25 Saving and loading libraries
03:44 Free browser-based tool
04:05 More editors planned and feature requests"

The Man Behind Knobcon and STG muSonics

video upload by Ian Dixon

"Suit & Tie Guy joins me for a TDL Synth Chat covering STG muSonics, Knobcon, modular synth history, why he moved away from software-based music making, and the stories behind his hardware design work.

Suit & Tie Guy is the founder of Knobcon and the person behind STG Soundlabs / STG muSonics. In this long-form synth podcast we talk about early computer music, Numerology, hardware sequencing, the move from software to dedicated instruments, module design, the muSonics story, and why in-person synth events still matter.

Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:49 Suit & Tie Guy joins the show
02:07 Early music work and Mac game scoring
06:31 Numerology and analogue sequencing ideas
08:46 Live rigs, Hammond-style controllers and Manchester
11:35 Moving from software to hardware
14:07 KiCad, modular design and prototyping
17:35 Why dedicated hardware matters
20:40 Building a video studio for music technology
23:20 The Lyall four-voice synth and rare hardware
26:43 STG Soundlabs, mythology and muSonics
30:55 What muSonics is and why the name matters
33:37 Finishing the Moog 900-series idea
36:34 Knobcon and planning a part two
39:32 Synth communities and real-world connections
42:01 Sound design plans for the next chat

Knobcon:
https://www.knobcon.com/

muSonics / STG muSonics store:
https://musonics.square.site/

Suit & Tie Guy’s site also links the muSonics newsletter:
https://suitandtieguy.com/

#SuitAndTieGuy #STGmuSonics #Knobcon #SynthPodcast #ModularSynth #Synthesizer #SoundDesign #TDLSynthChat"

Unleashing the Forgotten Gem: Akai AX73 Sounds Pack for Korg Modwave

video upload by Ian Dixon

"Dive into the world of analog warmth with our latest sound pack for the Korg Modwave, featuring samples from the often-overlooked Akai AX73 synthesizer! With over 50 performances meticulously crafted from original AX73 multi-samples, this collection offers a diverse range of sounds, from deep basses to warm string textures and resonant filter sweeps.

🔗 Download Link: https://thedigitallifestyle.com/w/dow...

🛠️ How to Install:
1️⃣ Download the zip file
2️⃣ Unzip it
3️⃣ Import the bundle file into your Modwave, Modwave Rack, Modwave mkII, or Modwave Native
4️⃣ For existing sample banks, import the multi-samples from the "ID-AX73_V1/Multisamples" folder using the Korg Sample Editor
5️⃣ If you don't have a sample bank yet, open the 'Akai AX73 V1.korgbank' in the Korg Sample Editor and transfer it to your Modwave"

Exploring the Korg Polysix: Vintage Synth Magic

video upload by Ian Dixon

"The Korg Polysix, a 6-voice poly synth launched in 1981 for £899 / $1095, aimed to deliver an affordable polyphonic analog synthesizer experience. Featuring the DDM2044 4-pole VCF, also found in the Mono/Poly and Trident, its filter was used in notable synths like the PPG Wave 2.2/2.3, Emu Emulator, and early Fairlight models. With a single oscillator per voice, offering Saw, Pulse, Pulse Width, and a sub-oscillator, the Polysix's sonic palette is rich.

Noteworthy are the single ADSR envelope for the filter and amplifier, and the VCA's gate mode. Modulation features for the VCO, VCF, and VCA, along with a delightful delay on the MG (Korg's LFO), contribute to its unique sound. The Ensemble and Chorus effects add movement, creating a timeless sonic experience. While pre-MIDI, it boasts CV/Gate and an arpeggiator. Save your patches via the cassette interface with 32 memory slots.

If you're eyeing a Polysix, beware of potential circuit damage from leaked batteries. Experience it virtually through the Korg Collection.

The Polysix's influence extends to modern synths like the Korg Modwave and Wavestate, both featuring Polysix-modeled filters. The Modwave excels at creating Polysix-type sounds (grab my free Polysix collection for the Modave).
https://thedigitallifestyle.com/w/202...

Used by Tears for Fears, Geoff Downes, Eat Static, Astral Projection, Jimi Tenor, Global Communications, Kitaro, Robert Rich, and Keith Emerson, the Polysix shines in synthwave and retro synth music.

Dive into my videos covering classic hardware synths (TX7, Korg Karma, MS2000) and explore my virtual collection, including the Wavestation and M1. Don't miss the journey into the sonic history of these iconic instruments!

00:00 Introduction
01:21 Synth Design
03:25 Starting with Init Program
04:41 Mapping controlls
04:58 VCF
06:04 Enverlopes
06:23 MG
07:40 Polysix effects
08:56 Arpediator
10:56 Extras on the VST
12:31 Issues with the orignal Polysix
13:02 Korg Polysix Plugin / Modwave
13:41 Polysix patches
14:07 Fear of Tears
14:27 Synthwave sounds
14:56 Patch demos"

60 New D-50 Inspired Performances for Your Korg Wavestate

video upload by Ian Dixon

"In this video, I'm demonstrating my new 'D-50 Collection' sound pack designed for the Korg Wavestate, Wavestate Native, and Wavestate Module. Inspired by the late 80s LA synthesis of the Roland D-50, these 60 performances and 170+ programs use the Wavestate's native samples and 4-layer architecture to recreate that distinctive, bright hybrid sound.

I’ll be walking through some of the classic recreations like Fantasia, Staccato Heaven, and Soundtrack, as well as original sounds built using the same D-50 concepts.

Pack Details:

60 Performances & 170+ Programs
No external samples required (uses built-in Wavestate samples)
Compatible with hardware and native versions

[Link to Full Pack] – https://shopify.thedigitallifestyle.c...

[Link to Free Version] – https://thedigitallifestyle.com/w/dow..."

CLICK FOR MORE »