Introducing VProm 3.0

video upload by Aly James Lab

"Over the years, VPROM has become a staple in music production, celebrated for its accurate variable sample rate emulation of classic DACs and its ability to load swappable EPROM samples. Now, with the release of VPROM 3.0, I am taking things to the next level. This major upgrade enhances both features and usability. While previous versions excelled at replicating EPROM-based drum machines, primarily the LM-1, Version 3.0 expands its capabilities even further."

VProm 3.0 Uncut Live Walk-through - Sampling Stuff - Part 1

video upload by Aly James Lab

"NEW in VProm 3.0 : Sample/Convert/Burn

-VProm now features a built-in EPROM creator, allowing you to generate custom EPROM binary files without any external tools and ready for use in VPROM or hardware drum machines.

Import any .wav file and sample it just like in the classic hardware days. The resampling process uses a crude emulated R2R ADC with tweakable input settings and home-made tweaks* before capturing at ≈ 27 kHz. If the original .wav file rate is less or equal than 27 kHz, resampling is bypassed. You can also disable the resampling stage if needed.

Once sampled, preview the file with µLaw 8bit (12bit quality) compression applied or save it directly as a µLaw-encoded .bin EPROM file.

Maximum EPROM size is 64K ≈ 2.5 seconds @ 27Khz —larger sampled .wav files will be automatically truncated to fit during sampling."

https://www.alyjameslab.com

OB-Xtreme 3.0 Mac & PC VST3 AU short preview

video upload by Aly James Lab

https://www.alyjameslab.com/

A look under the hood at the virtual voice boards.

"In essence, OB-Xtreme functions as an 8-voice polyphonic, 8-voice unison mono, or true mono synth. The Unison mode adds a rich, thick texture by enabling polyphonic unison, which offers a powerful 8x8 voice configuration with adjustable voice clones (configurable as 1, 3, or 7 clones per voice).

Core OB-X/OB-Xa features are faithfully included, with SAW, PULSE, and TRI oscillator shapes, as well as the unique SAW+PULSE combination, which can add an extra octave harmonic based on the pulse width setting.

Filter options include a 2-pole and a 4-pole mode: The 2-pole filter, based on the OB-X, provides the smooth, resonant SVF (State Variable Filter) response, while the 4-pole filter, modeled after the CEM3320, offers a Moog-like resonance at lower cutoff values. High-pass and band-pass outputs are available in 2-pole mode, along with an optional filter 'bleed' for added authenticity.

The Xtreme Factor control manages emulated OTA-induced distortion, particularly the classic CA3080 chip distortion used throughout the OB-series circuits. Users can push these settings beyond the original specifications for more aggressive tones or stay within traditional limits for a classic OB sound. Both PRE and POST distortion circuits can be bypassed independently for flexibility, with PRE affecting lower notes and POST acting linearly across the range.

Additionally, OB-Xtreme offers under-the-hood controls for fine-tuning the voltage offsets of each voice card, which is essential for replicating authentic analog character. This approach uses Virtual Component Modeling (VCM) to mimic analog nuances effectively without excessive setup time. Seven macro sliders provide quick access to these settings:

OB-Xtreme 3 voice cards

OSC (SPREAD): Controls tuning offsets for oscillators 1 and 2.
FILT: Adjusts filter envelope offsets.
AMP: Sets amplitude envelope offsets.
VCF: Modifies VCF deviation.
PW: Controls pulse width offsets.
PORT: Sets portamento glide time lag.
XMOD: Adjusts cross modulation offsets.

You can apply small random deviations per note in real-time or scatter them across all eight voices. These voltage offsets are visually represented in the interface with positive or negative voltages (yellow/blue), making it easy to see adjustments. Tuning individual cards in semitone steps (up to +1 OCT) opens creative possibilities like a pseudo-chord mode when using Unison mode."

You can find additional OB-Xtreme posts here.

SY-4X Syncussion Extended - Direct Sound Recording

video upload by Aly James

"Direct Recording from my latest Aly James Lab plug-in the SY-4X : an extended supercharged virtual version of the mighty Pearl Syncussion Sy-1"

SY-4X Syncussion Extended VST Plug-in

video upload by Aly James

"Random noises using my latest Aly James Lab plug-in the SY-4X : an extended supercharged virtual version of the mighty Pearl Syncussion Sy-1"

See this previous post for details on SY-4X.

Aly James Lab SY-4X

via Aly James Lab

Meet SY-4X
SY-4X is not only a perfect re-creation of the SY-1's inner circuit, but it also offers significantly more options. These include four units in one, trigger-controlled 'mode scanning,' CMOS circuit 'defect' control to enhance harmonics beyond the original, real-time VCF integrator cap offset for dynamic pole movement, fine-tuning envelope response to match your playing style, and additional features like Drum Kit and Keyboard Modes.

4 Times the fun
SY-4X provides four Syncussion SY-1 modules in one neat package, with some modules featuring additional modifications like noise direct injection or a Custom Mode A. The four modules allow for creating an 8-voice drum kit, four mono synths (coupled voices = 4 oscillators per module), or a four-voice poly synth (4 x 4 oscillators). You can also mix modes, such as three modules in Drum Kit mode and one in mono synth mode (keyboard controlled). In any play mode, you have full control over every voice parameter—sky's the limit!"

CLICK FOR MORE »

VProm V 2.0 - Linn LM-1 Based Soft Synth by AJLAB aka Aly James Lab

VProm plug-in vs Hardware LM-1 video upload by Aly James

"Direct comparison* between Linn LM-1 direct output and VProm plug-in.
LM-1 recorded straight, VProm direct, no FX, no EQ, no dynamics."

VProm Linn LM-1 VST drum machine overview & tutorial

video upload by Tech Raven

"VProm, by Aly James Lab, VST plugin of the famous Linn LM-1 drum machine. In my opinion, Vprom is the last word on Linn LM-1 plugins, nothing compares, not even close."

via AJLAB

A legend never dies!
The VProm was originally based on THE killer drum machine in town back in the early 80s, this expensive drum computer was also the first to include real drum samples back in the days!

Early sample based drum machines used samples of acoustic drum sounds recorded on the fly through some basic hardware. The way they were recorded without any kind of anti-aliasing makes them cut better in a mix than anything available at the time, they sounded so great that they became an alternative to the analog drum sounds of that era. To this day, the unique sound of this vintage machine is highly regarded because only using samples of the analog output is not enough to reproduce the wide range of sound and character of this beast. One DAC(converter)and clock per voice and yummy filters! Yes it is a historical piece of gear that take a huge place in the 80s sound picture. Only around 500 of these things are out there so don't count on finding a working one easily and forget for cheap. It has been used by major acts like Prince, Phil Collins, Thompson Twins, Stevie Wonder, Gary Numan, Depeche Mode, The Human League, Jean-Michel Jarre, Vangelis, John Carpenter, Todd Rundgren,The Art of Noise... The Machine was made by a musician for musicians and I tried to stick to that standard :) So as there were no accurate VST for that legend out there... I had to make the VProm!

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! IT MAKES THINGS HAPPEN, SUCH AS VProm ON WIN, MAC, x86 AND x64 Platforms!

VPROM accurately reproduces the internal circuitry and filtering of the first legendary Drum Machine but is also perfectly able to read and import original, custom or vintage EPROMs from other Drum Machines of that era, legendary 80s machines such as the Linndrum, DMX, DrumTraks etc.(.bin files that you can find on the net) An EPROM is an integrated circuit that was used to store short audio sample data in a compressed format. VPROM is the closest thing to the real deal - reading and decoding original EPROM data images in real time using the exact decode table from the AM6070 DAC at a variable sample rate. VPROM also allow experimenting with your own sample database. You can convert samples with external tools and load compatible ULaw companded images (see manual for more info).

I hope you enjoy making funky grooves with VPROM as much as I do!

Disclaimer: The original name of this VST, "VLinn", has been changed at the request of the Linn Electronics copyright holder, Roger Linn. It is now named "VPROM". Aly James Lab has no affiliation with Roger Linn and has not received any consent from Roger Linn. We do not claim to reproduce the sounds of Roger Linn s product but rather this product creates sounds inspired by Roger Linn s past products.

AJLAB's Introduces OB-Xtreme 2 - Virtual Oberheim OB-X/OB-Xa Soft Synth for PC & Mac

via AJLAB aka Aly James Lab

What happens when you take 8 mono synths and use them together? Huge analog sound! This sound is the result of slight imperfections between each voice card and, because of some electronic components (mis)behavior, parts from the orginal circuit (notably the OB-X) caused all sort of distortion happening at different stages from filter to VCA and also at the output stage, OB-Xtreme place a special attention to the later with an emphasis on "the Growl".

There is a lot to say about what V2 is, I can already say what it is not : a simple V1 cross-platform update. V2 is a full remake, while V1 was a simpler take on an OB voice card architecture, V2 is more closely related to original OB designs and specs (including features from OB-X, OB-Xa etc) it is not a direct V1 replacement, nevertheless it got a Legacy mode for Envelope Generators and Filter control so V1 sounds can be reproduced or made (more on that later).

V2 have higher specs in every part of the circuit, it comes as an upgrade gift to all V1 owners, V1 owners will get it for free or use a "give what you want" option.

Pre-Release main features
This pre release is the full functioning synth minus the v2 factory presets (only v1 bank + some extra are included until September) and LFO2 not active. This will be ready for final release in september 2022 which will come as a free 2.0.1 update for all owners of v2. Bare with me, trying to keep this summer release date as one man operation was THE WAR :) at least you can already design sounds and funk it up with some Brass Stabs, cutting leads, lush pads and screaming bass.

A complete list of OB-XTreme 2.0 features is provided below, in a nutshell OB-Xtreme can act as an 8 voice polyphonic, 8 voice unison mono or true (one voice) mono, a FAT mode engages the unison while also providing polyphonic unison, that means 8x8 voices power.
Most OB-X/OB-Xa functions are provided, including SAW, PULSE, TRI oscillators shapes and the peculiar SAW+PULSE which can produce an interesting +1 OCT harmonic depending on the pulse width setting.
the 2Pole filter is based on the OB-X and the 4Pole is based on the CEM3320 implementation, the 2pole has that classic SVF linear "singing" resonance accross the bandwidth while the 4pole will resonate less at lower cutoff values (a bit Moog like), a bandpass output is also provided in 2pole mode while 4pole have an optional volume loss compensation.

The Xtreme factor is the main control over the emulated OTA enduced distortion, one chip in particular the CA3080 was used a lot at different places in the circuit (although less and less over the OB synths evolution). OB-Xtreme gives some control over that, you can push them way beyond the original specs or stay at minimum for more traditional behavior, you can also bypass PRE or POST circuits for versatility. The PRE stage will act more on lower notes while the POST stage is linear across the range.

Another feature is the under the hood access so you can control the 8 voice cards voltages across the main parts. The cards variations are an important factor to mimic the analog character, while using a VCM (virtual component modeling) approach, I wanted something effective but not time consumming so I designed some pre-defined offsets and deviations that you can mix in or scatter accross all 8 voices.
You get five macro sliders: OSC (which doubles on the front panel as the "SPREAD") controlling OSC 1 and 2 tuning offsets, FILT filter envelopes offsets, AMP for amplitude envelope offsets, VCF for VCF deviation and PW for pulse width offsets. Additionaly you can toggle a realtime small random deviation per note or randomize and scatter deviations around. voltages offsets reflect on the GUI as positive or negative voltages (yellow/blue).
I removed a not so usefull temperature function that changed the EG timing to make room for individual card tuning (will be featured in September update) so we can have a ressembling chord mode.

5 Studiologic Sledge Demos by Adam Borseti

video uploads by Adam Borseti

Playlist:
1. Sledge Bank Update (some selections)

This was supposed to be a video, but my web cam died as I was recording it. Then, I ran into technical difficulties with windows movie maker, so I couldn't even add labels to the patches. Sorry. Anyway, this update is free for my existing customers, $30 for the whole set for my new customers. Write me for details at Synthestalker@gmail.com

2. Cosmic Shore - A Single Patch
3. DEVO - "Beautiful World" cover - All Sledge and V-Prom 2.0 for drums.
4. DEVO - "Time Out For Fun" (Instrumental Cover) - All Sledge - drums from Addictive Drums 2
5. Life On A Möbius Strip - Adam Borseti - Sledge, drums from the lovely Aly James Lab V-Prom 2.0.

Knight Rider - Recreation - (Friday Funk Jam)

video by Luke Million

"How cool were TV soundtracks in the 80's? - The theme from Knight Rider is one of my favourites. It was composed by Stu Phillips and today I'm having some fun with it 🎹📺⚔️

Gear used:
SCI Prophet 5 Rev 3.3, Moog Multimoog, Roland Jupiter 4, Roland SH2 & Moog Grandmother.
Drums - Vprom by Aly James Lab sequenced in Ableton"

Dreadbox Erebus

Published on Oct 17, 2017 SyntheticMachines

"A five Part demo with the Dreadbox Erebus.
As usual multitrack recording + FX.

Intro: Dreadbox + Future Retro Transient Eurorack Drum module
Part 1: Erebus + TS 808 VSTi drums
Part 2: Erebus + Aly James Lab VSDS-X, Pad Roland JD 990, Chords Roland MKS 50
Part 3: Erebus + sample drums & Piano
Part 4: Erebus + Korg Volca Beats + Vocoder
Part 5: Erebus + Oberheim Matrix 1000"