TR-909: The Beat Goes On

video upload by Alex Ball

"An in-depth look at Roland's classic TR-909 from 1983.

Beaotic discount code: ALEX909
This gives buyers 50% on their entire order, including the XT-909 mentioned in the video. The code expires 31 Aug 2025.
https://beaotic.com/

For sample packs, Q&As and more:
www.patreon.com/AlexBallMusic

0:00 Intro Jam
0:58 History
6:18 Demo 1: Monsieur Donk
7:17 808 vs 909
10:23 Demo 2: Just 303 and 909
11:28 Ext Inst
12:57 Demo 3: Friday 1992
14:12 What now?
15:46 Outro Patron Jam"

NEW 2025 Panoptigon Disc - POLYVOX

video upload by optigandotcom

"Now available exclusively at https://www.quilterlabs.com/collectio...

POLYVOX is the famous Vox Humana preset from a classic 1970s polyphonic synth. We simply gave it a different name to avoid confusion with the vintage Optigan disc of the same title. Try it with the Panoptigon’s hall reverb turned up, and the main volume knob turned all the way down, to simulate a slow attack rate.

POLYVOX can only be played on Panoptigon, and is not compatible with Optigan or Orchestron.

Recorded and mastered by Alex Ball @AlexBallMusic
Edited and mastered for Panoptigon by Pea Hicks
Disc design and mastering by Robert Becker

Important Note:

All discs are subject to the following licensing arrangement.
You MAY use any and all sounds on our Optigan/Orchestron discs to create derivative works for commercial or private use without any further licensing fee beyond the original purchase price of the discs. No credit to optigan.com is required. If your Optigan/Orchestron resides in a commercial studio which you operate, this license also extends to your clients.
You MAY NOT simply copy the sound contents of the discs and distribute the material directly as sample loops, either commercially or privately.
You MAY NOT make physical copies of the actual discs themselves, other than for private use/experimentation.

Compatibility
Panoptigon disc players"

How Jeremy Parker made Skweee w/Polybrute, Moog Minitaur, miniKORG

video upload by Jeremy Parker

00:00 What is Skweee?
00:59 How I made my sounds
05:25 My Skweee song

"When my friend Big Ben Hillman @bigbenartworks1132 told me about Skwee music, I was fascinated and decided to try making a track of my own. I don't know if I was successful, but I had fun doing it! Thanks to @AlexBallMusic for the great tutorial on how to make a 'YEAIE' sound [posted here]

Here's some info on Skweee music:
https://www.musicismysanctuary.com/th...

The Skweee playlist that Ben sent me:"

Bob Marley & The Minimoog

video upload by Alex Ball

"A look at the use of the Minimoog Model D (performed by John 'Rabbit' Bundrick) in Bob Marley and the Wailers 1973 recording of 'Stir it up'.

0:00 Intro
0:27 The Backstory
2:42 Recreating the Sound
5:44 Summary and Sample Pack
6:34 Abridged cover

Thank you to my patrons for their ongoing support / alexballmusic"

The Psychedelic Sound of Magnetic Tape Flanging

video upload by HAINBACH

"When my friend ‪@AlexBallMusic‬ made a video on the Eventide Instaflanger, he only had a drawing of tape machines to show of how flanging came about. I have a bunch of matching machines, so I decided to give it a shot. The sonic results were a pleasant surprise."

Featuring the Synton Fenix & Moog Muse.

The David Bowie Flanger

video upload by Alex Ball

"A look at the Eventide Clockworks Instant Flanger from 1975, specifically in relation to how it was employed by Tony Visconti to create the unusual piano sound on Ashes to Ashes.

0:00 Intro
0:36 What is flanging?
2:18 BBDs and The Instant Flanger
3:56 How it works
6:38 Sound Medley
8:55 Recreating Ashes to Ashes
11:11 Summary and Outro Jam

For the sample pack, music, to get involved in monthly Q&As and to help me continue making videos, please check out my Patreon: / alexballmusic"

Why to buy the most famous drum machine of all time

video upload by Alex Ball

"Like most people, I've always wanted to own an original Roland TR-808 but it's always been the wrong price or the wrong time or both. Earlier this year my time finally came.

I wanted to make a video showing why it's still a very relevant and useful instrument in a modern studio and that it's not just purely about nostalgia, whilst that obviously plays a part!

0:00 Intro Jam
1:38 Individal Outs & FX
5:14 Trigger Outs and Synths
9:16 Sampling and Synching
12:52 Boutique Comparison
14:39 Sample Pack
15:15 Summary and Outro Jam

Sample pack, stems and music from the video: / alexballmusic"

Introducing: GForce Oberheim DMX

video upload by GForce Software

"GForce Software and Oberheim proudly unveil the DMX, an ode to the legendary drum machine of the past, seamlessly integrated with the speed and versatility of today’s digital realm. The DMX™ is a time machine that bridges decades of sound with the future of rhythm.

Credits
@AlexBallMusic - video production and voice-over.
John D. - Hardware demo audio and video.
Bouddicca’s Bass Service - audio track at 4:03min

Demo Note - The output of the LM-1 and the hardware DMX kits have been enhanced with EMT Reverb, EQ, and Tape Saturation. The GForce DMX is shipped with both clean and processed kits, many of these being used in the demo. Any perceptible sound differences between the hardware and software used in this demo are due to differences in sound levels and the presence of the EMT Reverb."

via GForce

"The Oberheim DMX by GForce is an ode to the legendary drum machine of the past, seamlessly integrated with the speed and versatility of today’s digital realm. The DMX™ is a time machine that bridges decades of sound with the future of rhythm.

Authentic Sound, Unmatched Clarity – Experience the raw power of vintage drum sounds, meticulously crafted and enhanced for crystal-clear quality without losing their classic soul.
Intuitive Design, Infinite Creativity – With its sleek, user-friendly interface, the DMX invites novices and seasoned professionals to explore, experiment, and express without bounds.

The Oberheim DMX drum machine has left an indelible mark on the soundscape of popular music, crafting the rhythmic foundation of timeless tracks across a spectrum of genres.

From the driving beats of New Order‘s “Blue Monday” and Madonna‘s “Holiday” to the foundational rhythms of Run-D.M.C.‘s “It’s Like That,” the infectious Phil Collins’ “Sussudio”, the seminal Hip Hop/Electro jam Davy DMX’s “One For The Treble” or the uplifting grooves of Eurythmics’ 1983 album, its influence is unmistakable. Even Daft Punk‘s “Discovery” album owes a nod to the DMX.

We included all of the original DMX sounds from its launch in 1981, as well as the updated DMX sounds introduced around 1983. We’ve complemented the DMX sound set with the DX and the Sequential Drumtraks ones plus many alternatives.

The DMX by GForce Software is more than a drum machine; it’s a declaration that the beats of the past are the heartbeat of the future. It’s designed for those who revere the rhythm legends of yesteryears but are eager to push the boundaries of what’s rhythmically possible tomorrow.

Jumpstart your creativity with a comprehensive collection of classic MIDI files. These carefully selected rhythms offer a nod to the iconic beats that have shaped music history, ready for you to re-imagine and integrate into your modern productions.

Finally, we’ve incorporated kits that capture the raw, unprocessed sound of a DMX/DX, as well as kits that are professionally produced and ready for immediate use in your productions.

Step into a world where vintage vibes and modern moves converge. With the GForce‘s Oberheim DMX, unleash patterns that pulsate with the lifeblood of classics, refined by the precision of modern technology.

Classic Sound, Modern Control: Dive into the original eight-part sound kit of the Oberheim DMX, now augmented with comprehensive control over pan, solo, mute, pitch, decay, analogue-style delay send, and the lush, spacious reverb send for each channel.
Masterful Manipulation: On the master channel, a multi-mode filter, distortion, and compressor offer the ultimate tools for adding depth, warmth, and punch. Sculpt your overall sound with precision, adding that sought-after character only found in vintage gear.
Recreate some of the most iconic beats or twist them into something uniquely yours, all while benefiting from the timeless sound that has defined the rhythm for generations.

It’s time to let your beats tell a story as timeless as music itself."

The YMO Music Computer

video upload by Alex Ball

"A look at the revolutionary Roland MC-8 from 1977 which was one of the earliest microprocessor-controlled digital sequencers. Around 200 of these units were made and they were extremely expensive.

As I've covered the history of this unit several times, I thought it would be interesting to follow in the footsteps of a band that made significant use of the MC-8, which was Yellow Magic Orchestra.

In the video we look at how the MC-8 works and use it to compose a track in the style of YMO using the techniques and (where possible) instruments that they used in the late 70s.

Thank you to my Patrons for their support. The track, stems and MC-8 data are available there.
https://www.patreon.com/AlexBallMusic

You can buy the track on my Bandcamp: https://alexball.bandcamp.com

0:00 Intro
0:47 YMO, Hideki Matsutake and the MC-8
2:25 The MC-8 Interface
5:12 Programming the MC-8
10:43 Transport and Saving
12:20 Overdub and Sync
13:15 MPX Programming
15:10 Summary
15:50 The Feature Track - Lovers in Tokyo"

What Is All That Stuff Inside A Polymoog (by synthpro)

video upload by synthpro

"This is a video I felt it was time to make going over the polymoog more in depth technically to go hand in hand with @AlexBallMusic's post on the Polymoog synthesizer."

See Alex Ball's Polymoog video here: That Gary Numan Synth. Update:

Dillan's Polymoog 203a Demo (by synthpro)



SN 1244

Rare ARP 2600 Blue Marvin Discovery w/ Ryan Hawkins & Rob Rosen

video upload by Anthony Marinelli Music

Also see Rare ARP 2600 Blue Marvin Jam (w/ Cameron Graves)

"Join Ryan Hawkins and me for an in-depth look at an extremely rare ARP 2600 called the "Blue Marvin". It was the first ARP 2600 prototype created in 1971 before the later gray faced Tonus versions of the instrument were made for sale to the public. There are a lot of quirky physical aspects to this beauty since it was never really completed for final production, but in spite of that, it sounds magnificent! In particular, there is a type of harmonic distortion that it delivers only to be found on the original R.A. Moog modular synths from the late 1960's through the early 1970's.

You'll also hear the back story about how it was found in a post office, changed hands and then how it was restored by Ryan. We'll explore the front panel by comparing it to the first production Tonus model and also give you a Hands-on demonstration of the compelling sounds that it delivers. All music in this video is composed and performed by Ryan.

00:00 Intro
00:08 Music Interlude 1
00:19 The Story: Finding the Blue Marvin
06:11 Rob Rosen @RosenSound replaces the power jack
07:36 About the original modules (rectangular vs later square versions)
08:25 Under he Hood with Rob Rosen
10:21 Music Interlude 2
10:31 "Blue Marvin": 2600 vs Tonus 2600 Differences
16:36 Music Interlude 3
17:10 Missing Items compared to later models
22:40 Who was "Marvin"
23:05 @AlexBallMusic Story of "Blue Marvin"
24:16 13-note chromatic scale
25:12 Keyboard Differences - "Blue Marvin" Keyboard vs ARP 3620 Keyboard
26:31 Face Differences - "Blue Marvin" 2600 Face vs Tonus 2600 Face
27:16 Making Sounds on the "Blue Marvin"
27:36 Incredible Harmonic Distortion on the "Blue Meanie" 2600
30:03 Ryan's Favorite Sounds on the "Blue Meanie 2600
31:12 Sample and Hold with a sine wave
31:45 "Blue Marvin" - Reverb
33:25 "Blue Marvin - The Way it's Built
34:33 Plugging in a Microphone
35:40 ARP 2600 Layout Designed for Learning
36:52 "Blue Marvin" at Synthplex
38:03 About Ryan Hawkins
38:21 Conclusion
39:17 End Credits Music by Ryan Hawkins
45:20 AMM Logo"

Cult German Music and a Japanese Sequencer

video upload by Alex Ball

"A look at how the Korg MS-20 and SQ-10 sequencer were an intergral part of the sound of a group of German musicians in the late 70s and early 80s.

0:00 Intro
1:09 Der Mussolini - DAF
5:02 Los Niños Del Parque - Liaisons Dangereuses
8:10 Minimal Tape 3/7.2 - Pyrolator
10:48 Sample Pack
11:38 Outro Jam / Patrons

Huge thanks to Brad Holland and my patrons and patreon.

The sample pack is available here: https://www.patreon.com/AlexBallMusic

Synth settings (these are my estimations, rather than certain):

CLICK FOR MORE »

The Oberheim OB-X (1979)

video upload by Alex Ball

"A look at the classic Oberheim OB-X synthesizer from 1979. Huge thanks to Steven R Sellick for the kind loan!

0:00 Intro
1:07 The Oberheim OB-X
1:30 Potted History
3:01 Demo 1
4:10 What's on an OB-X?
6:50 Demo 2
7:44 The Filter and Tom Sawyer
10:45 Demo 3
11:46 The Impact of the OB-X
13:19 Outro

Huge thank you to my Patreons.
https://www.patreon.com/AlexBallMusic"

Recreating Prodigy's "Smack My Bitch Up" lead sounds with a Frap Tools system.

video upload by Frap Tools

"The idea for this video comes from this excellent tutorial by @AlexBallMusic , thanks a lot!

Full video by Alex Ball here: [posted here]

00:00 Introduction and patch overview: BRENSO and CUNSA
03:25 Adding envelopes and modulation through FALISTRI
06:18 Adding a wild distortion with the CGM creative mixer
08:22 Automating the filter sweep with the USTA sequencer
11:47 The final Smack My Bitch Up patch and closing remarks"

Tony Banks' Old Synth

video upload by Alex Ball

"Following on from our look at Genesis SP-12 sounds, here's a look at Tony Banks' Roland JD-800 that he used live throughout the 1990s.

In this video, we have a listen to the tour patches stored on the instrument and get a little glimpse into how Genesis did things in front of stadiums full of adoring fans.

Huge thank you to Andrew Ward for the loan of this historic instrument.
Andrew Ward: https://www.instagram.com/arpquadra/

For music from my videos, stems, sample packs and Q&As, please consider my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AlexBallMusic

0:00 Intro
0:27 Patch 1: Invisible Touch
2:51 Patch 2: Home by the sea Pt 1
4:11 Patch 3: Home by the sea Pt 2
5:33 Patch 4: Domino
6:48 Patch 5: In the cage Pt 1
7:42 Patch 6: In the cage Pt 2
8:24 Patch 7: Mama
9:46 Patch 8: Follow you, follow me
10:31 Patch 9: Watcher of the skies
11:37 Quick Fire: Carpet Crawlers, Abacab, MB
13:04 Outro"

The Rare Roland SH-7 (1978)

video upload by Alex Ball

"Roland's first ever synth was the SH-1000 and they've added around 20 to that line since then, including the SH-4d that came out just a few months ago.

I've played most of them and one always stood out as my favourite having borrowed one some years ago. Unfortunately they're very rare and hard to find, but after a lucky encounter I managed to finally get one.

0:00 Intro Jam
1:29 The Roland SH-7
2:06 Demo 1: Bit Coin
3:21 Oscillators, Ring Mod & Mixer
6:23 Demo 2: Remix Machine
7:52 Filter, Mod, Envelopes
10:39 Demo 3: Stop Continue
11:48 Why is it rare?
13:03 Who used it?
13:40 Outro Jam

Get the music, stems of the music, sample packs and take part in monthly Q&As here: https://www.patreon.com/AlexBallMusic"

Colossus: A once in a generation synthesizer

video upload by Alex Ball

"A look at the outrageous and jaw-dropping Colossus from Analogue Solutions.

A "colossus" thank you to Tom at Analogue Solutions for the very generous loan of this remarkable instrument.
https://www.colossus-synth.com/colossus

Thank also to Simon and Eli for their help with the video.

For my music, stems of my music, sample packs, Q&As and to help keep this channel going, please consider my Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/AlexBallMusic

0:00 Intro Jam
1:07 Colossus
2:11 Demo 1: Fireflies
3:47 Synthi 100
4:28 Whistle Stop Tour Pt 1
7:34 Demo 2: Heft Side Brain
8:52 Whistle Stop Tour Pt 2
10:07 Demo 3: Peggio
11:31 The Colossus in the room
12:37 Demo 4: Helix"A look at the outrageous and jaw-dropping Colossus from Analogue Solutions.

A "colossus" thank you to Tom at Analogue Solutions for the very generous loan of this remarkable instrument.
https://www.colossus-synth.com/colossus

Thank also to Simon and Eli for their help with the video.

For my music, stems of my music, sample packs, Q&As and to help keep this channel going, please consider my Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/AlexBallMusic

0:00 Intro Jam
1:07 Colossus
2:11 Demo 1: Fireflies
3:47 Synthi 100
4:28 Whistle Stop Tour Pt 1
7:34 Demo 2: Heft Side Brain
8:52 Whistle Stop Tour Pt 2
10:07 Demo 3: Peggio
11:31 The Colossus in the room
12:37 Demo 4: Helix

A Unique Vintage FX Box

video upload by Alex Ball

"A look at the unique MXR M-129 Pitch Transposer from 1979.

Thanks to Tom for the loan!

Patreon for the music from my videos, the stems of the music from my videos, sample packs and monthly Q&As: https://www.patreon.com/AlexBallMusic

One thing I neglected to mention was the MXR brand was later aquired by Jim Dunlop who have kept it going since the late 80s.
https://www.jimdunlop.com/products/el...

Tony Gambacurta's perspective on inventing the M-129 Pitch Transposer: http://digitonylab.com/Documents/The-...

Big Country discuss their use of it: http://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/cou...

0:00 Intro Jam
0:48 Quick History
2:22 Demo 1: Foxxy Music
3:17 What is the MXR M-129?
6:11 Demo 2: Large Nation
7:16 What else?
7:55 Demo 3: Syn-Pitch
8:46 Famous Users
10:19 Possessor of a friendless ticker
11:07 What became of MXR?
12:25 Outro"

The Pearl Syncussion From 1979!

video upload by Alex Ball

"A look at the first drum synthesizer made by Pearl, the Syncussion SY-1 from 1979.

Get the sample pack, music and stems from this video and help me make more stuff like this via my new Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AlexBallMusic

Thank you for the support!

0:00 Intro Jam
0:53 The Pearl Syncussion
1:26 Demo 1: Pearl Jam
2:21 Talk: How Does It Work?
4:50 Talk: Who Used It?
5:07 Demo 2: Is This Dub?
6:15 Talk: A Second Life
6:57 Demo 3: Is This Techno?
8:00 Talk: Legacy
8:47 Sample Pack
9:42 Outro Jam"

The Rare KORG MS-50 from 1978

video upload by Alex Ball

"A look at the only fully-modular synthesizer Korg have ever made, the MS-50 Expander Module from 1978.

Here's the nerdy page mentioned in the video with all the dirty details: https://www.alexballmusic.com/korg-ms...

Also make sure to follow the Nakatsugawa Korg Museum, it's rather wonderful. https://www.instagram.com/korg_museum...

0:00 Intro Jam
1:00 Talk: The MS-50
1:30 Demo 1: Oh My Mod!
2:30 Talk: Was ist der MS-50?
3:17 Demo 2: Movie Tension
4:05 Talk: Expander Module
4:27 Demo 3: Expander
5:04 Talk: External Signal Processing
5:38 Demo 4: Stereo Follower
6:09 Talk: Esoteric Stuff
6:29 Demo 5: Wass Dis Do?
7:41 Talk: Filtering
8:43 Demo: Type35 vs Diode Ring
9:10 Talk: MS-01, FK-3, FK-5
10:01 Demo 6: Footsie Fun, Jah!
11:50 Summing Up

Thanks to Brad and thanks for watching!"