High on Modulation: Programming Classic 80s Brass Sounds, Synthesis as a Folk Art, and More

video upload by Keith Crosley

"Let's get inspired by vintage VHS synth nerdery and dig into some modulation mayhem! I accidentally make a reaction video to a wonderfully unhinged 80s Steve Porcaro synth-programming tape, explain Korg multi/poly modulation (hey there @robst247 ), and put some of Steve's ideas into action with a classic Toto-style “Africa” brass with Arturia Pure LoFi. I also talk about how I think about synthesizer programming, answer the question, “What is synthesis?” and talk about synth programming as a folk art. So grab a Coke (or other stimulant of choice) and join me for a MODULATION-A-GO-GO episode of your sniff favorite talky synthesizer content show!"

You can find wavetables and additional resources by Keith Crosley available at https://www.wavetables.lol.

Steve Porcaro videos:

Steve Porcaro - Star Licks Instructional Video [COMPLETE] [60FPS]

video upload by boomer

"This is the complete Steve Porcaro star licks instructional video. I bought this tape from japan (hence the subtitles) and ripped it myself, so its as good quality as i could get it. Because it's from japan, it's technically called "SUPER TECHNICAL APPROACH," but its the same thing as star licks."

porcaro synthesize analog brass

video upload by AlainRaes67

"on ob expander using a spare envelope generator to modulate the pitch of the oscillators with fast attack to simulate brass patches or what he calls achieving 'blip'"

"MASTER" Roland System 100 Model 101 Owners Manual & Brochure

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

via this listing

"This is an original owners manual for a Roland System 100 Model 101 synthesizer. This has signs of use and has the word 'MASTER' written on it, as it was the master that Roland US used to make copies from . This also includes a fold out advertising brochure for the System 100 included."

Interesting bit of synth history if true. As always, feel free to comment below.

Update: new description from the listing:

"This is an original owners manual for a Roland System 100 Model 101 synthesizer. This has signs of use and has the word "MASTER" written on it, as it was the master that Roland US used to make photocopies from to sell.

This also includes a fold out advertising brochure for the System 100 included.

I worked at Roland, so, yeah, it's the real deal. Would be happy to prove it if you're in doubt."

And via the seller in the comments below:
"Its real and true. I (Boomer) worked at Roland almost a decade. When Roland moved and got rid of a lot of old parts (and employees) one of the things they axed was owners manuals reprinting. For years they just photocopied manuals for anything that wasn't a current product. You see "master" written on many copies of manuals circulating the internet, and I own just about all of those masters. I have decided to let them go since I only keep them carefully stored away, and someone else might actually use these or showed off like they should be. If anyone questions the authenticity, I can easily prove I worked there and that the story is true. Or you can contact any of the authorized US service centers and ask if they know me, as I was in charge of assisting every one of them with piano, synth, organ or sampler repairs remotely."

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FREE PO-33 KIT: TB-303 Acid sample kit | for Teenage Engineering PO-33 & PO-133

video upload by CNTR RNDM

"Hey, my name is Christian and I have a confession to make...I love ACID music! Over the past few years, I was involved in quite a few acid projects, such as 303 Addict, Stoney Broke Weirdos, Acid Traxx...blah, blah, who cares, right? Anyway, boomer-mode on: when I started out making acid techno, it was all about tracksuits, warehouse raves, you know all that good stuff. However, for me, acid-clubbing was never about taking pills or drinking till you pass out or whatever...I always wanted to know what gear the live acts were using, how they were performing and stuff. I always hated polished disco stuff...I was all about this raw, unpolished, acidy kind of stuff. And you know what? I still remember the first real acid gig I went to, the night I fell in love with acid music, so to say...I don't know which year it was or anything but - nevertheless - I have a super vivid memory of that particular night. So I and a couple of my mates went to this super tiny club in Duisburg called Chism (RIP Chism♥️)...we had heard good things about it but we had never been there...anyway, when we arrived, there was an old man giving out glowsticks and I was like "ok, that's weird but hey, who doesn't love glowsticks, right?"...anyway, we went in and the club was jam-packed, sweat was dripping from the ceiling, the crowd was super rowdy and aggressive (but in a positive way) and Robert Babicz aka Rob Acid was tearing the flipping walls down...it was bloody amazing...so, there was no stage or anything...he had all this gear like in the middle of the dancefloor on a folding table and there was nothing but chaos and mayhem around him...I don't know how he felt that very moment but he looked super cool and calm and played this awesome live set! Thanks for this memory Herr Babicz, Na Zdrowie! Kocham cię, mój przyjaciel!

Ok, I'm going off on a tangent here...sorry about that. You're probably here for the PO-33 kit so let me tell you a bit about it. For this PO-33 kit, I recorded both 303 loops and one-shots using Roland's TB-3 and D16's AMAZING Phoscyon plugin. The one-shots all come from the TB-3 and have been stored in the drum banks. The first two drum banks are arranged as follows:
Pads 1-4, C, all one-shots varying in intensity
Pads 5-8, D, all one-shots varying in intensity
Pads 9-12, G, all one-shots varying in intensity
Pads 12-16, A, all one-shots varying in intensity

The one-shots in the last drum bank have been arranged randomly.
You can download the FREE backup file here:
https://cntrlldrndmnss.gumroad.com/l/...

While we're at it, why don’t you grab my free drums sample pack as well:
https://cntrlldrndmnss.gumroad.com/l/...

Feel free to check my other packs on gumroad as well:
https://cntrlldrndmnss.gumroad.com

All my samples and kits are copyright free - you can use them in your own productions, videos, whatever. The main thing is: have fun with this kit (or any of my other kits or packs)!!!"

Blue Roland SH-101 w/ Mod Grip, Shoulder Strap, & Case

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

via this auction

"Here is a full collectible piece of history. Serviced in September of last year by the legendary Roland tech Boomer of LA Synth Co. There was a small spillage in battery compartment that did not leak onto board.

Includes: Original Strap, Mod handle, Manual, Bag, & Original Power Chord!!"

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Oberheim OB-XA, 8 voices, MIDI, studio cover, excellent condition

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

via this auction

"OB-XA in excellent condition. Works like original. Maintained by Boomer of SynthCo in Los Angeles. Has a Encore MIDI kit installed. Its the better of the two MIDI kits available for OB-Xa's. Exterior in excellent condition other than a few minor scratches on the top (see pics). Includes rare OB-Xa studio cover. Comes with pedal. Has been used rarely in smoke free studio."

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Korg PolySix - Pro Serviced w/ Kiwisix Upgrade SN 391293

via this auction

"Korg Polysix that was recently upgraded with a Kiwisix upgrade and brand new power supply. Work was done by Boomer at La Synth Co. about 6 months ago - He also gave it a complete overhaul and tuneup and restored everything to like new. ($700 in repair and upgrade work) It sounds amazing and is in pristine operating condition. Cosmetically there are a few blemishes - corners scuffs and scratches on edges as seen in pics."

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Vintage Moog Minimoog MODEL D SN 11343 with Big Briar MIDI

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

via this auction

"This is the cleanest minimoog I have ever seen inside and out. A little wear on the wood at the corner of the panels but everything else is just perfect. Recently had a complete servicing by boomer at future music in Los Angeles. It plays like a new synth. The keyboard action is even the potentiometers are all smooth and quiet and the filters are to die for. The moog big briar midi card is fantastic and extremely rare and offers seamless integration into your modern setup. Don't miss out on this gem."

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Major Update for Sunvox - Two New Modules & Much More

iTunes: SunVox - Alexander Zolotov

"What's New in Version 1.9
* additional UI language - Russian; you can change it in Preferences -> Interface;
* engine is now optimized for OpenGL ES 2.0;
* new module - Feedback (see the examples);
* new module - Filter Pro (High quality IIR filter);
* number of MIDI slots (in Preferences) has been increased to 4; so you can use four MIDI controllers simultaneously;
* now any external MIDI knob can be connected to any number of SunVox controllers of any modules;
* now any SunVox shortcut can be connected to external MIDI button (Note, CC or Program Change);
* click twice (or right click) on the controller to open the new Controller Properties window;
* you can do the following operations in the new Controller Properties window: change, reset, randomize, write to pattern, assign MIDI IN;
* MultiSynth: new controller "Phase" - the starting position of the sample or the starting phase of some Generator;
* MultiSynth: added support of the "Set Sample Offset" pattern effects 07 and 09;
* MultiCtl: new controller "Quantization" - the number of quantization levels;
* Sampler: new controller "Rec threshold" - the level at which the Sampler should start recording;
* Sampler: ability to import the loop points from WAV;
* Generator: "P.Modulation" controller has been renamed to "Freq.Modulation input";
* Filter: new controller "LFO waveform";
* Amplifier: new controller "Fine volume";
* Modulator: "Phase Modulation" mode has been added;
* new functions in the Pattern Editor menu: selection begin, selection end;
* slightly redesigned Pattern Editor;
* new pattern effect: 13 - Set Bypass/Solo/Mute (BSM = XYY) flags; example of mute: 13 0001; example of solo: 13 0010;
* new pattern effect: 14 - Reset Bypass/Solo/Mute (BSM = XYY) flags; example of bypass reset: 14 0100;
* Song has been renamed to Project;
* new instruments from NightRadio, Pavel Ti, SolarLune and other authors;
* new simple song examples: feedback, feedback2, modulator (phase modulation);
* new song examples: 4004, music_in_our_souls, awakening_city, Transient - Tablerock, SunVox Compo 2015.02 Winners (Sirmooge - Phalanx, Pavel Ti - Boomer, KnyazIvan - Cold Summer);
* bugs fixed."

VGM #11 - Boomer Kuwanger (Mega Man X)

Published on Jul 2, 2014 Ace Waters

MORE MUSIC: http://motivemakesaman.com
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/motivemakesaman
TWITTER: http://twitter.com/motivemakesaman

"I have never been very good at Mega Man games, but my son and I watched a Let's Play of Mega Man X2, and ever since he was obsessed. So, I took at a stab at Mega Man X, and even though I was terrible at it, the music for this stage really stuck out. So, here is my take on Boomer Kuwanger. Side note, what the hell is a kuwanger?"

Octave Cat SRM-II Vintage Analog Synthesizer SN G1064 with Custom Knobs

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

via this auction

Love the look of the custom knobs on this one. Kind of reminds of the Crumar Spirit.

"This is an Octave CAT SRM-II, recently fully refurbished by Boomer at Future music in Los Angeles, with guidance from one of the original Octave designers himself. Previously, it was serviced and calibrated by synth technician and collector Kevin Lightner (synthfool.com). The SRM-II is the last and most advanced model in the CAT series. Other sellers are offering lesser models (Kitten, Pre-SRM Cat) for considerably more money. This is probably the best SRM-II you will find on the west coast. Cosmetically and functionally clean. All modulation routings working.

2 VCO's, 1 VCF, FM, S&H, Noise, Sub-Osc, Mono and Dual Poly modes, ADSR and AR, and lots of modulating routings. Fatness."

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1960's Outer Limits Panel

via Gerard:

"I was at the Science Fiction Museum in Seattle today and saw this panel which is an original 'control panel' used in the 1960's Outer Limits TV series. The photo is perhaps not good enough quality for a post, but I do believe that this type of iconic childhood sci-fi image is what backs a lot of baby-boomer obsession with knob-a-holic analog synthesis. Just a thought!" Indeed and definitely worth a post. I'm curious what sound effects went along with the scenes that featured it and what used to create them.

BFX Synthesizers

"BIG ONE
based on 2 computers,1 for keyboard functions (midi,
gate,CV 1v/okt,some step sequencers and more.)
and 1 for software synth's,soft samplers,HD recording
and multitrack.
Also onboarsd a full matrix based modulair wavetable synth .

First sounds, the wavetables ( no filters or modulators yet .)
1 ( dance of the wild cucumbers)
2 ( fat cheese )"

You can find more info and the links to the mp3s here. There is also another synth called BASS BOOMER.