Top 16 Greatest Intros and tunes on Yamaha DX7

video upload by jami.m

00:00 Kenny Loggins - Danger Zone
00:21 Madonna - Live to Tell
01:00 Sade -Sweetest Taboo
01:25 Berlin - Take My Breath Away
01:50 Whitney Houston - Didnt We Almost Have It All
02:08 TOTO - I'll Be Over You
03:07 Dire Straits - Ride Across The River
03:35 Michael Jackson - Will You Be There
04:05 Dire Straits - Money For Nothing
04:55 Bronski Beat - Smalltown Boy
05:41 Modern Talking - Cheri Cheri Lady
06:36 Jan Hammer - The Trial
07:51 Vangelis - Pulstar
08:15 Depeche Mode - Precious
08:43 TOTO - Africa (solo)
09:05 Billie Eilish - Birds Of A Feather

DELICIOSO : Title Track Theme : Roland JD-XA (w anlg. chorus & delay) Depechey

video upload by Dave Daves

"I flatter myself to compare to Depeche Mode, I think you will agree on the timbre of that one arpeggiated sound. Recorded live in one take via JDXA's dry analog output split and sent to TC-Electronic June 106 chorus and Electroharmonix Deluxe Memory Boy BBD delay. JD-XA program is surely based on a wonderful preset I downloaded from Roland Axial - or Gattobus - called Winterbells."

DX5 playing Depeche Mode "Everything Counts" (streaming cover)

video upload by DX5

"Version played live on my last live streaming.
Gear used:
Emu Emax 1
Emu Emax 2
All sounds programmed by me. Backtrack previously recorded and sequenced, track by track, on Pro Tools.
Original song composed by Martin L.Gore
Performed here by DX5 Jose Maria Bara."

Depeche Mode - Photographic / Some Bizzare Version (Cover by Synthfluencer)

video upload by Synthfluencer

"'This is Photographic!' - Depeche Mode fans know these words Dave Gahan yelled when playing live in Hammersmith Odeon in 1982. Actually, Photographic is a song from the very, very early days of Depeche Mode and might be created when they still called themselves 'Composition of Sound'. The 'Some Bizzare Version' is actually the first song they officialy released ever on a compilation named 'Some Bizzare Album'.

The song is one of the darker, harder DM songs and this version is even more raw and gritty. It is very reminiscent of the transitions from punk to wave, and the DIY aesthetic of punk in particular comes to the fore here with the hand-played synthesizers. Well before Depeche Mode redefined the genre of synth pop this early version of 'Photographic' is recorded on the gear they could afford back in the days: A Kawai S-100F, a Yamaha CS5, a Moog Prodigy and a Korg KR-55 drum machine. In my cover version I use two of the original synths, the Kawai and the Yamaha to recreate an authentic sound. The role of the Prodigy is taken over by a Behringer Model D, some support sounds by Pro-1 and Pro-800."

Tunegirl - live at SUPERBOOTH23

video upload by Superbooth Berlin

"Tunegirl's musical journey began in the 70s as a devoted fan of Hard Rock icons like Status Quo and AC/DC. Starting as a guitarist in a school band, she rocked out to her idols' tunes, playing by ear and gaining local recognition.

In the 80s, funk and soul captivated her, leading her to explore DJing in local discos and immersing herself in the grooves of the era. It was during this time that she first encountered synthesizers, drawn in by the sounds of Depeche Mode and Human League.

The 90s brought a love for techno, inspired by artists like Jeff Mills and Richie Hawtin. Despite dabbling in software production, she longed for the tactile experience of hardware instruments.

Rediscovering her passion in 2009, she embraced software production but missed the spontaneity of jam sessions. Returning to hardware, she explored Elektrons, Volcas, and Roland Airas, yet still felt something was missing.

A turning point came when she discovered modular synthesis through a YouTube video. Intrigued, she embarked on a journey of discovery, diving into Eurorack with determination.

Despite the challenges, her dedication paid off, and she found her ideal instrument in the Eurorack system, unlocking a newfound freedom of expression and creativity. Tunegirl's journey is a testament to the transformative power of music and the endless possibilities of artistic exploration.

https://www.instagram.com/the_tunegir..."

New Batch of Synthfest UK 23 Videos

video uploads by sonicstate

Playlist: (you can use the player controls to skip around)

1. Synthfest UK 23: Sequential - Trigon 6 Desktop

At SynthFest UK 2023, we had the opportunity to chat with Chris from Sequential, a part of the Focusrite group. Chris introduced us to the Trigon 6 Desktop, the latest addition to Sequential's synthesizer lineup. This compact desktop version of the Trigon 6 packs a powerful punch, offering three oscillators and a distinctive Dave Smith ladder filter. Designed for those seeking a space-saving solution without compromising on sound quality, the Trigon 6 Desktop retains all the features of its larger sibling, including patch recall, a versatile effects section with various modulation possibilities, and the distinctive feedback control that allows you to sculpt sub-harmonic richness.

Trigon 6 Desktop Price: $2,499

https://www.sequential.com/

2. Synthfest UK 2023: Calc And the Prophet X

At Synthfest UK 2023, we caught up with Calc from Sequential, and he gave us the lowdown on the Prophet X. Now, you might be thinking, Prophet X? Haven't we seen that before? Well, you're right, but this hybrid instrument has been quietly making waves in the music world. It combines digital and analog elements, with digital oscillators and a unique twist in the form of multi-sample-based instruments. Yes, you heard that right, it's not just your run-of-the-mill synth; it's a full-on sampler too, boasting an impressive 50 gigabytes of memory for your custom samples. You can treat it like a rompler, a sample player, or even use those samples as oscillators, creating a whole new realm of sonic possibilities.

Plus, it's packed with stereo goodness, allowing you to explore a wide soundstage with ease. It's not your typical synth, and that's what makes its a favourute of Calc's

Looking for some more info on the Prophet X? Check out Sequential's official page: www.sequential.com/prophet-x/

CLICK FOR MORE »

Depeche Mode cover - live composing the TR808

video upload by Analogue Solutions

"Son's Uni project - all synths are vintage, already recorded using MC4 and live playing. Roland 100m (x4), Jupiter 8 and others. Last stage is to record in the TR808. This is synced using a Pro Solo with Sync24. Battles with old gear as usual - the Fill button on the TR808 is temperamental and sometimes doesn't trigger the fills."

Original SYNTON Fenix 1 - Only 75 Ever Made (1999)

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"Only 75 units were ever made of this very rare synth. It is used and loved by the likes of Martin Gore (Depeche Mode) and Richard D James (Aphex Twin). This synth is a rare sight on auction sites as there are so few and artists tend to hold on to their Fenixes as they are such a special piece of gear.

The original Synton Fenix 1 is designed and built by the original 1973-1989 Synton team as their ultimate modular synthesizer. None of the available modular synthesizer quite fulfilled their needs and wishes so they came back together once again and built their dream machine, and they succeeded! It's a synth like no other, it's tonal range is extreme, changing from rich and lush sounding to mix-cutting fierceness within a few twists of the knobs.

The layout is designed with live performance in mind, knobs have a great feel and are very well spaced out, especially for a synth so versatile equipped as this. Modules are numerous and diverse. The three VCO's all have their own properties and so do the VCF and EG modules. Each have their own distinctive parameters and in-/outputs making them serving multiple roles at once, for instance VCF 3 has a three input audio mixer as input stage, removing the need for a seperate mixer module. VCO's go as low as LFO frequencies and the range of LFO reaches to the audible spectrum. Stackable bananaplugs make patching quick and flexible.

The rear of the Fenix is equiped with 6 3,5mm jackplugs which are routed to bananajacks on the front for easy integration with other modulares or Midi to CV modules. The front has both a 6,3 mm stereo jack output as a two channel audio input for routing external signals through the Fenix.

CLICK FOR MORE »

DX5 Performing Depeche Mode "Stripped"

video upload by DX5

"Instrumental cover. Excerpt of one of my live streamings. Sound is a bit improved over the last uploaded isolated cover of this song (in 2009!).
Gear used:
Emu Emax.
Emu Emax II.
Composed by Martin L. Gore.
Performed by DX5 Jose Maria Bara."

4 patches with Mutant Brain and Erica Synths Eurorack System

video upload by Erica Synths

"4 patches sequenced with MIDI from Ableton Live with the Hexinverter Mutant Brain module which is now available via Erica Synths!

00:02 - Patch 1 (Cover of Axel F - Beverly Hills Cop)
01:05 - Patch 2 (Cover of Imperial March)
01:43 - Patch 3 (Cover of Depeche Mode - Everything Counts)
02:50 - Patch 4 (Original composition by Platon Buravicky)

Voices in all patches are Black VCO II and Graphic VCO. FX is Black Hole DSP 2, Black Stereo Delay and Black Spring Reverb."

CInematic DEPECHE MODE With SPITFIRE AUDIO ORIGINALS

video upload by Woody Piano Shack

"Process of making a cinematic orchestral soundtrack version of ENJOY THE SILENCE by DEPECHE MODE using SPITFIRE AUDIO ORIGINALS CINEMATIC SOFT PIANO and SPITFIRE AUDIO ORIGINALS CINEMATIC FROZEN STRINGS sample libraries in ABLETON LIVE."

MORE WOODY PIANO SHACK
► WEBSITE https://woodypianoshack.com - additional links there.
► SUPPORT http://bit.ly/wps_support
► MUSIC https://woodypianoshack.bandcamp.com

"Dreaming of Me" by Depeche Mode on Moog Synthesizers

video upload by Mattelica

"Depeche Mode's "Dreaming of Me" on a sequenced Moog Matriarch on bass, live Moog Grandmother on lead, 2 Moog DFAMs on drums
to a Roland VS880 to a Canon 6D + 17-40mm 1.4 lens."

DX5 Depeche Mode 101 anniversary: Some songs played live without rehearsal.

video upload by DX5

Also see the extended video of Depeche Mode at the Rainbow Club in 1982 added to this post.

(04:03 Talk starts)
19:39 "Pimpf"
21:50 "Behind the Wheel"
31:36 "Strangelove", 38:55 "Sacred"
45:27 "Stripped", 52:30 "Somebody"
57:04 "The Things you Said"
1:04:58 "Black Celebration"
1:11:49 "Shake the Disease"
1:21:03 "A Question of Time"
1:27:45 "Never Let me Down Again"
1:39:41 "Just Can't Get Enough"
1:43:49 "Everything Counts".

"(Note: These are some of the songs played originally in Pasadena Rose Bowl, not the whole setlist).
It was 7 pm in Spain when I realized it is Depeche Mode 101 anniversary. Then, I quickly set something: a live streaming playing some songs from that gig. No time to rehearsal or prepare anything; just practised a few times some song and this is what we got.

Thanks everyone joining the chat. It was fun to share this with you!."

Depeche Mode live in Luxembourg 1982

Ridiculously good footage just popped up on Youtube of Depeche Mode live in Luxembourg 1982. pic.twitter.com/4zXwOnl8XN

— Trevor Jackson (@trevorjofficial) June 17, 2022

Some synth spotting with early Depeche Mode.

Update via alanmarcero in the comments:

Depeche Mode 1982-03-30 Rainbow Club, Oberkorn, Luxembourg (HQ video)
video upload by Depeche Mode Live

1982 See You Tour
Rainbow Club, Oberkorn, Luxembourg
March 30, 1982
Setlist:
1. See You
2. New Life
3. Just Can’t Get Enough

Stellar quality video recording sourced from RTL Luxembourg honoring Andy Fletcher †

Source: https://5minutes.rtl.lu/culture/musiq...

Line-up
Dave Gahan: lead vocals
Martin L. Gore: PPG Wave 2 synth, backing vocals
Alan Wilder: Roland Promars synth, backing vocals
Andy Fletcher: Moog Source synth, backing vocals

Andy Fletcher of Depeche Mode Has Passed Away

Andy Fletcher passed away today at the age of 60. I saw Depeche Mode live for the first time as a teenager back on July 14, 1986, at the Irvine Meadows Amphitheter in Irvine, CA. I grew up with their music and still listen to them to this day. They will always be a staple in my life. I have Andy Fletcher and the rest of Depeche Mode to thank for so much magic in my life on so many levels, from being a kid frolicking about in the 80s, to an adult dealing with the trials a tribulations of the day. Depeche Mode is a big part of that and Andy Fletcher was core to the band. He will be sorely missed by so many of us.

This post features two images of Andy. One from Wikipedia, and one from Discogs. The following bio is from Wikipedia. Don't miss the last sentence.

"Andrew John Leonard Fletcher (8 July 1961 – c. 26 May 2022), sometimes known as Fletch, was an English keyboard player, DJ, and a founding member of the electronic band Depeche Mode. In 2020, Fletcher was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Depeche Mode.[1]

In the late 1970s, Fletcher and schoolmate Vince Clarke formed the short-lived band No Romance in China, in which Fletcher played bass guitar. In 1980, Fletcher met Martin Gore at the Van Gogh pub on Paycocke Road in Basildon. With Clarke, the trio, now all on synthesizer, formed another group called Composition of Sound.[2] Clarke served as chief songwriter and also provided lead vocals until singer Dave Gahan was recruited into the band later that year, after which they adopted the name Depeche Mode at Gahan's suggestion.[3] Clarke left the group in late 1981, shortly after the release of their debut album Speak & Spell.[2]

Their 1982 follow-up album, A Broken Frame, was recorded as a trio, with Gore taking over primary songwriting duties.[4] Musician and producer Alan Wilder joined the band in late 1982 and the group continued as a quartet until Wilder's departure in 1995. From then on, the core trio of Gahan, Gore, and Fletcher remained active, up to the release of their 2017 album Spirit and ensuing world tour.[5]

Fletcher's role within Depeche Mode was often a topic of speculation. In early incarnations of the band, he played (electric and later synth) bass. As the band evolved after Vince Clarke's departure in 1981, Fletcher's role changed as each of the band members took to the areas that suited them and benefited the band collectively. In a key scene in D.A. Pennebaker's 1989 documentary film about the band, Fletcher clarified these roles: "Martin's the songwriter, Alan's the good musician, Dave's the vocalist, and I bum around."


Andy Fletcher and Daniel Miller talking about Depeche Mode early days

video upload by Michele Bisceglia

"This interview was shot in november 2015, but never edited and published.
We were in Verbier, Switzerland, for the 3 days happening Audi-o-Rama.
Depeche Mode founding member and keyboardist Fletch & Mute Records boss Miller remember the day they met and discuss other stories about the early days of the band"

A search on the first video to feature Depeche Mode comes up with the following 1981 performance from Top of the Pops. Andy Fletcher is on the Moog Prodigy.

Depeche Mode - Just Can't Get Enough 1981

video upload by memorylane1980s

The following is a live tribue by DX5. If you follow the site you should be familiar with his numerous covers of Depeche Mode. This site is about synths and the people who love synths. This is the first tribute I've seen by a fan of Depeche Mode and I wanted to include it.

Andy (Fletch) Fletcher, has sadly passed away today :( :( Chat and synth tribute to him.

video upload by DX5

Lockdown Modular Sessions - Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 (4k Final Mix)

video upload by John Belew

This one was sent in via John L Rice. One more below. "I've always wanted to do this one since I was young. I blame the Exploratorium commercials during Captain Cosmic on KTVU with Wendy Carlos music. Now that I'm stuck at home, here goes. One of my favorite Bach pieces, almost impossible to play live and just as difficult to mix. Keep creating people!

Details for the eurorack nerds out there ... I pulled out Yarns for this one, but even with the two A4 CV outs, I was only able to do 6 parts. Cello is Klavis and the sub going through Evolution with a touch of distortion so it pops, Viola is Klavis through a Wasp with heavy S/H on the cutoff. Lead violin is the E352 going through an SEM (very Depeche Mode sounding) with the remaining violin parts coming from Chord2 in poly mode going through Belgrad with just enough input clipping that it sounds like a harpsichord at times. Listen to it on real speakers, the voicing really comes together in the third movement. And yes, I added a kick to the first movement, it just seems to work for me.

Lesson learned is how powerful ADSR's are (thanks Peaks x2) instead of just AR's on the Quadra. Recorded the individual tracks on a Zoom L-20, then fine-tuned the mix in Reaper. It's got the right level of rumble to my ears, but I wish I was better at EQ'ing and mastering."

Modular Classical Sessions - Excerpts from String Quartet No. 8 by Shostakovich


"Excerpts from Dmitri Shostakovich's String Quartet No. 8 in C minor, Op. 110, my second project voicing and interpreting some of my favorite classical pieces in eurorack (See the first, Brandenburg Concerto No. 3" above.

And Generative Modular Installations by John Belew:

Playing Synthpop Songs Live (Streaming Edited Highlights)

video upload by DX5

"Edited highlights from the unplanned (no preparation at all) live streaming broadcasted on December 27, 2021 with me playing some synthpop songs.
00:00 Trust (edit) - The Cure.
04:45 Just Like Heaven - The Cure.
08:25 Waving.
08:28 Why Can't I Be You - The Cure.
11:39 My Secret Garden + Oberkorn intro (Hammersmith vers) - Depeche Mode.
19:06 Policy Of Truth - Depeche Mode.
25:24 Enjoy The Silence (+ intro while loading backtrack's PT session) - Depeche Mode.
32:33 Home - Depeche Mode.
38:21 Shake the Disease - Depeche Mode.
43:24 It's My Life - Talk Talk.
47:40 Save a Prayer - Duran Duran.
53:13 Fade To Grey - Visage.
57:13 New Life - Depeche Mode.
1:01:33 Photographic (+ sound test intro) - Depeche Mode.
1:06:04 Waving and end.

Synths used (L to R, Top to bottom): Roland Promars MRS-2, Roland JP8000, Kurzweil PC1x, Roland JX-8P, Emu Emax I and II.
All backtracks previously recorded on its entirely by me, track by track, on Pro Tools.
Video encoded with an analogue capture device (plus the usual hi8 camera), hence some colours are a bit distorted.
Performed live here by DX5 Jose Maria Bara."

AJH Synth Patch of The Week Videos

video uploads by AJH Synth Official

Videos by supoorting member, DreamsOfWires.

Playlist: 1. Patch of The Week: The Sonic XV's Wave Folder - So many tones from just 1 VCO's Triangle wave

'Sonic Arps': The Sonic XV Transistor Diode Ladder Filter has a built-in Wave Folder, and in this video I'm using an arpeggiator in random mode to show the many subtle flavours of sound it can achieve from just a simple triangle wave from a single VCO. I will also pull a huge variety of timbres from a sine wave in a similar fashion.
The filter is a re-creation and expansion of the VCF from the Musonics Sonic V (5) synth of the 1970's (predecessor of the Moog Sonic Six), and shares a similar character to that of the EMS Synthi and VCS3, also being early diode filters. Bearing that in mind you might expect it to produce aggressive tones and chaotic feedback, which it can do well enough, but you might not have expected that it can also be very subtle, organic and warm in character, particularly well-suited to melodic arps/patterns and percussive sounds. With the added wave shaping functionality that wasn't present on the original, along with 24dB and 6dB low pass modes, and band pass filtering, this module packs a lot of tone shaping into 14hp.

Index:
00:00 'Sonic Arps'
00:34 Introduction
01:01 Assembling the patch
01:39 Sounds & Settings
04:33 Patch Sheet

A PDF file of the patch can be downloaded here: https://kvisit.com/8AE/xfUG

Patch notes:
Green dots show approximate pot and switch positions. Where a pot has two dots, this illustrates the range I move them during the video. Pots and switches that do not have green dots are not used in this patch, and should be left at their zero or off positions.
I'm using the VCA as a mixer so that I can use the outputs from both the BP and 6dB outputs of the Sonic XV. Notice in the video they are set at different volumes at different points depending on the sound - you will need to adjust this too, as different combinations of IN LEVEL, IN MIX, IN WAVE, and filter settings can make a significant difference to volume levels.
Modules used from left to right: Vintage Transistor Core VCO, Sonic XV, Contour Generators, Discrete Cascaded VCA.

2. Patch of the Week: 'Schulze School' - Melodic Eurorack performance + 'how-to' guide & patch sheet

This week's patch makes use of the V-Shape wave shaper/wave folder to sculpt the great analogue tone of the MiniMod VCO to create some delicate timbres that reminds us of Klaus Schulze's mesmerising sounds created on his sequencer-driven Moog modular synth systems in the 1970's. It also makes particular use of the Ring SM as a sub oscillator generator, and the rich tones of the Sonic XV diode filter.

Check out the AJH Synth playlists for more 'Patch of The Week' videos, which will be either performances or 'how to' guides detailing a range of sounds, some familiar, some less so, and each containing a patch sheet at the end to show you how to construct it for yourself.

3. Patch of the Week: 'Singing Gemini' - Dual Analogue VCF as a Dual Sine Wave VCO How to & patch sheet

This patch uses each of the 2 analogue filters of the Gemini as a dual VCO, self-oscillating, so that they produce sine waves and can be sequenced melodically using the Korg SQ-1 or any analogue step sequencer. This guide shows you how to make this patch, along with a patch sheet at the end. It is one of the many ways you can use just a couple of Eurorack modules to make music, as modular synthesis can be rewarding even with a minimal gear list.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Patch Notes: Finlay Shakespeare

video upload by FACTmagazine

"Finlay Shakespeare is an artist that operates in two worlds of electronic music. As the founder of Future Sound Systems, Shakespeare engineers Eurorack modules (including a series based on Chris Carter’s device, The Gristleizer) and standalone synths such as the Brunswick. As an artist, he makes gritty, ’80s-leaning synth pop that sits somewhere between Factory Floor and Depeche Mode.

On this Patch Notes session, the Bristol-based artist performs live with an array of vintage and analog gear, including an ARP 2600. Shakespeare’s two recent albums for Editions Mego, 2019’s Domestic Economy and 2020’s Solemnities, are available now. Find more music by Shakespeare at Bandcamp.

Finlay Shakespeare: http://finlayshakespeare.com"

DX5 playing Depeche Mode "Black Celebration" cover (Updated)

video by DX5

"Updating a song I had covered with lyrics (not my voice then) years ago. This is a combination of the album and "The Tube" live versions.

Gear used.
Left upper: Emu Emax ('A brief period' is my own voice overprocessed. Toms and 'plink' sound are original, as well as the bass on the upper octaves. Solo sound is a sampled DX7).
Lower: Emu Emax II.
Right: Roland Promars.

Backtrack previously recorded on Pro Tools.
Song composed by Martin L. Gore.
Performed here by Jose Maria Bara."