JP-8000 emulates Super Jupiter, Juno 60, & OB-8

Published on May 18, 2018 wedream2

This is pretty impressive. Don't miss the comparisons to the OB-8 later in the video and don't miss the follow-up video below.

"JP-8000 demo: emulating sounds of vintage analog synths, some programming tricks, arpeggiator and phrase sequencer. Also a look at an exotic hard wood end panel upgrade."

JP-8000: More vintage synth emulations

Published on Aug 5, 2018 wedream2

"Here is a another sampling of original patches and performances I programmed on the JP-8000. Of the 120 patches and 57 performances programmed, most are emulations of vintage analog synths.
In this part 2, there is no talking. Each sound is identified with a shot of the LCD screen, followed by a demonstration. Some of the patches with "JU60" in the title, are re-creations of the Juno 60 factory sounds. Some of the OB-8 sounds are similarly named. Performances in most cases are named as a conjunction of 2 patches."

And one for the Roland JP-8080:


Published on Mar 25, 2019 wedream2

"Here is a selection of sounds from among the 128 patch programs and 64 performance programs I created for the JP-8080. Building upon my previous work on the JP-8000 (analogue emulations), I've improved many of those sounds and added entirely new ones on the JP-8080. Best heard with headphones, as several sounds oscillate in the stereo field. All programs will be available for download from the Roland JP-8000/8080 Facebook user's group."

Memorymoog Sound Design: Part 2

video by wedream2

Part 1 here

"In this second video I talk a little more about sound design, demonstrate mostly new sounds (not shown in first video) as well as a few improved sounds from the previous video, and discuss use of the latched arpeggiator in combination with the cyclic keyboard mode, generating interesting sequences involving multiple triggering of the same key within a repeated pattern."

wedream2 Memorymoog Sound Design posts

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Memorymoog Sound Design

video by wedream2

"I finally got an opportunity to take a deep dive into sound design on the Memorymoog (after complete restoration and upgrades performed by Rosen Sound). I tweaked most of the factory sounds and added expression pedal programming to each. In the following examples, a factory sound is identified by the bracketed number and the name of the factory sound. I also created original sounds that are identified by name only (no bracketed numbers). I used the additional stereo outputs recently installed, so listening through stereo headphones is recommended. The panning positions of the voices cycle, similar to the OB-8, except when the cyclic memory mode is selected, where upon the same key repeatedly played, holds the same pan position. To avoid going over an hour in length, I eliminated multiple factory and original sounds from this demo. The more interesting and complicated original sounds are showcased."

wedream2 Memorymoog Sound Design posts

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Roland SH-01A Synthesizer Custom Patch Program Demos

Published on Dec 2, 2017 wedream2

"Roland SH-01A Synthesizer Custom patch programs
Auditioned with effects
Several emulations of Juno-60 sounds"

SH-O1A Part 2

Published on Dec 3, 2017 wedream2

"SH-01A Custom sounds with effects
(Part 2 of 2)
Custom Walnut cabinet for SH-01A displayed at end.
The synth sits snuggly in cabinet. Easily removable.
Sound and cabinet design by John Riesenman"

Oberheim OB-8: A Deep Dive

video by wedream2

"Headphones recommended!
I begin this video with a thorough review of the OB-8's sound design parameters. Every function is explained and demonstrated. At ~ 44:00​, I focus on the performance controls--pitch bend, modulation lever, and arpeggiator. I didn't intend to produce an on-line owner's manual, but here it is. I finish the video (starting at ~ 57:08​) by demonstrating some of my double and split sounds.
Despite the OB-8's deficiencies--no oscillator cross modulation, no oscillator low frequency mode, no inverted envelopes, no envelope PWM (except KBD-triggered LFO), no volume control for the noise oscillator, inadequate control of filter kbd-tracking--the OB-8 contains many sound design parameters not found on other synths. These, along with its super smooth filter and "sweet" sound make it one of the top analog synths of all time. I purchased my OB-8 new in 1984. (As my favorite analog synth, I would never trade it for a Memorymoog or a Jupiter 8).
Error correction: I misspoke when I described how to change the direction of pitch bend. I should have said to press and hold the "Upper" and "Amount" buttons in the performance section while powering on the synth. These 2 buttons are just to the right of the 2 that I referenced in the video. Sorry for that error."

Oberheim OB-8 Tips and Tricks

video by wedream2

Update: new tips and tricks video with better audio uploaded.

"In this follow-up to my 'OB-8 Deep Dive' video, I demonstrate some interesting things you can do with the arpeggiator and page 2 functions. I also correct some errors I made in the first video, and demonstrate a few more custom sounds. Headphones are recommended to hear the stereo oscillation of some sounds, especially the 2 inspired by 'Welcome to the Machine.'"

Super Jupiter revisited: More custom Sound Effects

Published on Jun 5, 2019 wedream2
Update: Re-Published on Jun 6, 2019

"In my 4th Super Jupiter video, I demonstrate 17 new Sound Effects I recently programmed. Many of the sounds employ Xmod and a parameter rarely found on polysynths--adjustable pitch tracking for either VCO. This allows sound design typically only possible with modular synthesizers. New sounds were inspired by actual events, as on my first video (e.g. thunder sounds and babbling brooks, seashore with gulls, and insects). Check out swamp things, raceway, and flyby (propeller plane passing low overhead). In addition, there are numerous sample and hold variations and a few percussion sounds. IMO, as a sound designer, the MKS-80 module is Roland's best analog polysynth."

wedream2 Super Jupiter videos

Waldorf Q: Review and Demo

Published on Feb 3, 2020 wedream2

"Overview of the features of the Waldorf Q digital polyphonic 16-part multitimbral synthesizer, and a demonstration of some single sounds and several multi-programs performed in real time. The Q's waveform pallet consists of analog models and digital wavetables, and has an extensive modulation matrix, stereo filter, on board effects, arpeggiator, and sequencer. It was ahead of its time when first released, and still competes today with the newest synths. To skip the overview and start with the single sounds, go to 6:00. To hear the multi-programs, skip ahead to 9:30."

African Zebrawood Memorymoog & Minimoog

Published on Nov 16, 2018 wedream2

"Brief demo of Memorymoog controlling Minimoog through CV/Gate interface. Both synths can be layered, and the Memorymoog can sequence the Minimoog while playing over it."

Oberheim Xpander: Sound Design

video upload by wedream2

"In this video I demonstrate some unusual sounds on the Oberheim Xpander. Nothing to 'see' hear; it's all about the sound. Some of the sounds are modified using the mod wheel. Many of the sounds were not intentionally created, but seemed to happen within the sound design process. With 5 LFOs, 5 Env generators, 3 tracking generators, 15 filters, 3 zones in multi mode, and more, the Xpander is capable of truly unique sounds."

Waldorf Q: Cybernaut

wedream2

"Waldorf Q in Multi mode: 4 keyboard zones: Noise effect, sequence, brass, oboe. The sequence consists of a percussion track and a transposable bass line. The transposed key changes after the current cycle. The song is Cybernaut from the 1971 electronic album 'Zero Time' by Tanto's Expanding Headband. The Q's multitimbrality allows such real time performance. Recorded on IPhone."

Macbeth M5 Repair

Published on Sep 14, 2019 wedream2

"After 14 years of frustration, I decided to attempt a fix of 2 non-functioning slider potentiometers on my M5. The problem turned out to be poor solder connections rather than with the slider pots themselves. Perhaps these pics will help others perform similar repair/maintenance on a synth that never came with an owner's manual, nor service manual & schematics."

Waldorf Q: Never Cry Wolf Intro

video upload by wedream2

"The Waldorf Q was programmed with multiple zones in Multi-mode to allow real time performance of the Intro to the movie, 'Never Cry Wolf.' Original music by Mark Isham."

Arturia Matrixbrute: Tangerine Dream Covers

Published on Sep 5, 2018 wedream2

Playlist:

1. Matrixbrute: Tangerine Dream's "Sorcerer"

11/12 tracks from Tangerine Dream's soundtrack to the movie "Sorcerer" serve as inspiration for showcasing Arturia's Matrixbrute in split mode. Each sequence is accompanied by 2 additional sounds alternately selected by modulating programmed parameters in real time. (Track 9 "Abyss" is skipped as the sequence and sounds are uninteresting compared to other tracks.)
If you are unfamiliar with Tangerine Dream's soundtrack, I recommend listening to the original first. That way you will appreciate the Matrixbrute's emulation, especially since it's a monophonic synthesizer.

2. Matrixbrute: TD sequences from Phraedra to Tangram

Another demonstration of the Matrixbrute in split mode. More excerpts from Tangerine Dream Sequences: Phraedra, Rubycon, Ricochet, Stratosfear, Cloudburst Flight, Force Majeure, and Tangram. All sounds from Matrixbrute in real time. Additional reverb added. The purpose is to show how versatile split mode can be, assigning different oscillators to the sequencer and to the lead, and using real time controls to transform the sound of the lead and sequence.

3. "Mind at Large" Tangerine Dream's Rubycon

Music slide-video interpretation of Tangerine Dream's Rubycon album.The last image (just prior to the receding universe sequence) with the unconscious astronaut lying on the ground is the clue to what the entire project is about, suggested by the title.

4. Matrixbrute: Tangerine Dream--Logos

My fourt video of Matrixbrute in split mode, borrowing sequences from Tangerine Dream. Logos is my #1 favorite TD album. It is a lot more complex than their earlier works, so it was quite a challenge. I recorded each part seperately and then pasted them together. It would take an ensemble of synthesizers to do a decent cover. Still, the monophonic Matrixbrute pulls its own weight.

5. Matrixbrute: Tangerine Dream & Chris Franke

My 5th video demonstrating Matrixbrute in split mode, using excerpts from Tangerine Dream group & solo albums. Sounds on the right side of the split are morphed using MW and expression pedal controls, demonstrating more sounds than are apparent with a monosynth. All sounds are from Matrixbrute, performed and recorded in real time. Avalanche Run reverb and delay added on some excerpts.

Waldorf Q 7-zone Multi

video upload by wedream2

"All sounds are played in real time from the Waldorf Q. Five zones are mapped to the Q keybed, and 2 additional zones are played remotely from the lower keyboard through midi. The addition of a second keybed significantly expands the Q's Multi programming. Zones can be played "local" from the Q keybed, "midi" from a remote controller, or "local + midi" from both. Of course, additional sounds from the second keyboard can be layered as well, but I'm using the D70 only to trigger the additional Q zones through midi."

Prophet T8 + Roland P330 piano module

Published on Mar 11, 2018 wedream2

"Demo of Prophet T8 with Roland piano module, showing some layering and sequencing. Listening with headphones is recommended. I apologize for some of the background noise."

MacBeth M5 Sound Design: 3rd edition Patch Book

wedream2

"After programming the Korg Arp 2600 FS for several months, I put together a 50-page patch book of new sounds for the Arp. I translated many of those sounds to the M5 and expanded the M5 patch book to 70 patch diagrams. Here is a sampling of sounds from 3rd Edition M5/M5N Owner's Manual and Patch Book."

Lyle Mays lead

wedream2

"One of my favorite albums--As Falls Wichita, so Falls Wichita Falls, with Pat Metheney and Lyle Mays. I created the synth lead sound used by Mays on the album. I routed the song, "It's for You" into the external input of the Arp 2600, and played the lead along with it."

MacBeth M5 Semi-modular Synthesizer

Published on Oct 23, 2019 wedream2

"Demo of oscillator cross modulation using 'Double LPF Triple Saw Wave Lead' patch, and Dual LFO modulation + VCO 3 in low freq mode using "Dual Pulsars" patch. M5 is inspired by the ARP 2600, but sounds more like a Moog Modular Synth."

Matrixbrute: Kitaro

Published on Aug 23, 2019 wedream2

"8th video of Matrixbrute in 'split mode' (sequence + lead). This time featuring the music of Kitaro. As usual, mod wheel and foot pedal controller used to create new sounds in real time."

Matrixbrute: Pink Floyd, James Gang, Iron Butterfly, Traffic, etc.

Published on May 27, 2019 wedream2

"Another video demonstrating Matrixbrute in split mode, using real time controllers to change sounds. Inspiration drawn from Pink Floyd, The James Gang, Iron Butterfly, Traffic, Santana, Alan Parson's Project, and Jean Michel Jarre. All sounds recorded from Matrixbrute in real time, except for piano on Low Spark of HIgh Heeled Boys."