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"

What's on these GENESIS floppy discs?

video upload by Alex Ball

"This was a very special opportunity indeed, and I really hope you enjoy it.

In a nutshell, I got hold of an E-mu SP-12 from the 80s and then discovered that a friend, Andrew Ward, has some of Phil Collins and Mike Rutherford's original floppy discs for it that are part of his Genesis equipment collection.

Chris Poacher leant us a floppy drive and I fired up the discs, possibly for the first time in over 30 years. In this video, we find out what I discovered!

0:00 Intro
1:01 Extracting the sounds
1:46 Phil Collins custom samples
3:40 Phil Collins song data
4:14 It's alive!
6:24 Mike + The Mechanics custom samples
7:55 Bonus Sounds
8:28 Summary
9:20 Fake Genesis Jam"

Why The Finicky Analog Prophet 10 is Better Than Digital Keyboards

video upload by Retrothusiast

"The Prophet 10 is a wonderful analog synthesizer. However, from tuning issues to dropped notes, there were a few bumps in the road to reach my destination. Follow me on my journey as I explore this amazing instrument!

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:44 Want the Real Thing
1:16 Prophet 10 Specs
2:01 Prophet 10 Sound Demo
3:37 Tuning Issues & Dropped Notes
4:37 Prophet 10 Board Replacement
4:55 How To Turn On A Prophet
6:58 Afterglow

Watch Alex Ball tell the story of the Prophet: [posted here]

Watch me replace the Prophet 10 main board:"

Replacing the Main Board in a Sequential Prophet 5/10

video upload by Retrothusiast

"I had to replace the main board in my Sequential Prophet 10 because when the Rev 1/2 filters were selected, some of the notes would drop out. This is, however, after I had already replaced this keyboard because my first keyboard would not stay in tune. I'll be posting another video touching on this in the near future.

Sequential sent me new boards and I recorded a quick, down and dirty video documenting the procedure for anyone else who might have to replace their boards and wanted to see what's involved.

I followed these instructions provided by Sequential Support:

https://www.sequential.com/prophet-5-...

Hats off to Sequential Support. This company really is top-notch and despite the issues I had with the hardware, I can tell the Sequential team really cares and is extremely helpful and supportive! Thank you, Sequential!"

https://www.retrothusiast.com

Jupiter-X / Juno-X: Beyond the vintage models

video upload by Alex Ball

Enjoy the intro.

"Last year I shot some bonus footage of the Jupiter-X and Juno-X whilst they were both in the studio to answer two questions I kept getting about them:

1) What's the difference between the Juno-X and Jupiter-X?
2) Can they make their own sounds that aren't recreations of old sounds?

In this video I answer those questions in a practical way.

0:00 Since 1973 Song
0:35 What is this video about?
1:39 Jupiter-X Example 1
4:55 Juno-X Example 1
6:23 Jupiter-X Example 2
8:24 Juno-X Example 2
11:00 Jupiter-X Example 3
12:41 Summary
13:20 Feature Track: Let It Happen

This video was sponsored by Roland."

That one time that MXR made a Drum Machine

video upload by Alex Ball

"In 1983, effects giants MXR made a drum machine.

Huge thanks to Harry Axten for the loan.
https://hkadesign.org.uk/

0:00 Intro Jam
1:05 The MXR Drum Computer
1:37 Face Review
2:08 What is it +Harry Axten Midi
3:47 Demo 1: Know what I mean 'arry?
4:46 The tuning problem
6:04 Demo 2: Drum Computer
7:00 A later success
7:47 Sample Pack
8:27 Outro Jam"

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"

THE PRODIGY SYNTH TUTORIAL

video upload by Alex Ball

KORG Prophecy, Roland TB-303, Roland JD-990, & Roland U220.

"A detailed look at some famous Prodigy synthesizer sounds recreated with the original hardware that Liam Howlett used back in the day.

Huge thank you to everyone who helped make this video possible, especially my Patrons.

0:00 Intro
1:33 Tutorial 1a: “Poison” Riff Sound
8:03 Tutorial 1b: “Poison” Lead Sound
12:10 Tutorial 2: “Smack my bitch up” Riff Sound
18:27 Tutorial 3: “Claustrophobic Sting” 303 Riff
21:39 Tutorial 4: “Voodoo People” Riff Sound
26:25 Tutorial 5: “Firestarter” Breakdown FX Sound
33:40 Tutorial 6: “Out of Space” String Sound
36:33 Summary"

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

The GIANT Korg MS-20!

video upload by Alex Ball

"The story of the giant Korg MS-20 including photos and information never seen before!

Huge thank you to those who helped solve the riddle!"

A search on KORG MS20 Eductional and Giant MS-20 will bring up additional posts. A few were listed for sale on eBay at one point.

The AIR Vocoder

video upload by Alex Ball

"A quick look at the Korg Digital Voice Processor (DVP-1) from 1986, which was used by Air on numerous productions, including "Kelly Watch the Stars" from Moon Safari.

The DVP was originally designed to give programmable voice effects at an affordable price, but you can run any audio signal you like through it. There's four main engines or 'modes':

Vocoder (as the name suggests, a digital vocoder)
Harmonize (add five intervals to an audio signal, also has chord memory)
Int Wave (internal digital waves that can be played via midi)
Pitch Shift (digital pitch shifting)

There's a built-in chorus effect, unison and poly modes and patch memory.

Editing is tedious, but easy; select the parameter button and use the legend on the top of the unit to find the number of the required parameter, then use the value editor to change it. There's various settings for the different modes including formant shift, waveforms, pitch envelope, modulation generator (LFO), harmonizer intervals, chorus speed, intensity, type, MIDI etc etc

0:00 Intro
0:59 The Modes
2:53 Summary & Sexy Boy"

The Moog Model 10 Synthesizer

video upload by Alex Ball

"Thank you also to Michelle Moog-Koussa at the Bob Moog Foundation, Moog Music, Marc Doty and Vincent Michaels for their help with photos, brochures and information."

0:00 Intro Jam
1:14 The Model 10
1:38 The History of Moog Modular Synths
3:59 Demo 1: Bananas
4:58 The Reissues
5:48 Demo 2: Pulses
7:03 What's on a Moog Model 10?
10:23 Demo 3: Space Disco
11:35 Summary & Thoughts
12:40 Outro Jam

Checking out Roland's CMU-800 w/ a Alex Ball history lesson

video upload by Stazma

"Here we dive again into Roland's "Compu-Music" serie from the early 80s with it's centerpiece and first release: The CMU-800.

If you havn't seen the video about the CMU-810, featuring the full history thing on the Compu Music serie by Alex Ball, here it is:"

The mighty yet unknown CMU 810 by Roland featuring Alex Ball

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"

ISE-NIN: A Jupiter-8 Replicant

video upload by Alex Ball

"A look at the Black Corporation ISE-NIN which is an 8-voice analogue synthesizer based on the Roland Jupiter-8 from 1981.

https://black-corporation.com/product...

0:00 Intro Jam
1:07 Ise-Nin
1:41 Demo 1: Synth & Drums
2:26 What's Old?
3:44 Demo 2: Whimsy
4:52 What's New? Pt 1
5:42 Demo 3: Touche
6:11 What's New? Pt 2
7:08 Demo 4: Two's Company
8:04 Comparisons with a Jupiter-8
10:12 Comparison to a Super Jupiter
11:10 My Opinions
12:52 Outro Jam"

COMPLETE 1970’s Roland System 100 Analog Synthesizer w/ Original Boxes

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

via this auction

"Original vintage complete Roland System 100 in absolutely stunning, museum-grade condition, complete with original boxes!!!!

This system has been fully serviced, cleaned, and calibrated, and sounds absolutely monstrous! Analog synth Megatron!!!!!!"

See the System 100 video by Alex Ball recently posted here and Being Boiled - The Human League Synth Cover here.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Being Boiled - The Human League Synth Cover

video upload by Alex Ball

"Following on from my Roland System 100 feature video [posted here], here's a full cover of the Human League's first single, 'Being Boiled' from 1978.

Breakdown:
I was very fortunate to receive a copy of the original beat patch from Martyn Ware via Robbie Puricelli. Martyn had passed on that it might need to tweaking and experimentation, which wasn't surprising given the nature of analogue gear.

The patch sheet gave me the pitched noise part and the snare and I found I needed to add a bit of EQ from my mixer to dial those in too. I also had had to adjust the settings in tiny increments for quite a while until it sounded very close. Strangely, I had to use the white noise on my 100 to get it to sound like the original recording as the pink noise that they actually used sounded too dull on mine. Maybe it's the age of the unit now!

Interestingly, they used a technique explained in the 104 sequencer manual where a CV from one of the channels can be used to alter the clock speed. If this is dialled in correctly then the note value can be set for each step of the sequence. This is how they got a 4/4 pattern within 11 steps, instead of 16. As I wanted an exact tempo, I cheated and used an external clock pulse via midi.

A puzzle: After the initial beat, another drum sound joins in. It's a sort of bass drum, but it doubles the snare, rather than providing a typical bass drum pattern. This could have been a manual overdub, but it could have also been done with the other two drum parts because I've seen at least one photo of the Human League with two 102 expanders at this time. Either way, it isn't part of the patch on the original patch sheet.

Next, there's the narrow pulse wave rhythm that appears throughout the song, again, it's not part of the original patch, so it was presumably an overdub. Did they put down a clock pulse at the outset and then use it for synch of a 2nd pass? That's my suspicion.

Finally, if you listen you can hear a track of synth FX running continuously through through song. Often it's ring modulator atmospheres, but there's some definite filter resonance and filter LFO mod tweaking in places. My belief was that someone just sat there and tweaked for the entire song on an available track and they blended it in as a texture and I subsequently found an extended interview with Martyn Ware on the Bonedo website where he indeed confirms that they did exactly that. The thinking was to make it sound more cinematic.

Bass line:
Dead easy - two sawtooth waves on the miniKORG 700S with a little detune, no attack and max sustain ('singing') with no release ('sustain'). The 'sustain long' setting is used.

Roll the highpass filter up a bit and the lowpass slightly higher until it sounds right and make sure expand and bright are engaged for filter mod. That's basically it.

Vocals - double tracked, but I also used a 1979 Boss DM-2 on the send of my mixer for some vintage doubling. I don't know exactly what they did on the original, but it's definitely double tracked at the very least."

The Roland System 100 from 1975

video upload by Alex Ball

"A look at Roland's System 100 from 1975, their first foray in (semi) modular synthesis.

0:00 Intro Jam
0:57 The System 100
1:59 Demo 1: Falcon
3:02 Talk: The Basic Unit et al
4:28 Demo 2: Proto Acid
5:33 Talk: 101 & 102
7:57 Demo 3: Ring in Spring
9:04 Talk: 103
10:55 Demo 4: Bucket and Fade
12:00 Talk 104
13:53 Vangelis Spiral
14:48 Clock Mod Tricks
15:49 Demo 5: Tumble & Fall
17:03 Talk 109
18:28 The Human League
20:30 Outro Jam

Links:
System 100 playlist:"

Jupiter 6 Demo All Roland Factory Presets

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
video uploads by Midnight's Ocean

"Unrehearsed impromptu for practice editing with updated video software. Monitoring through DAW was laggy, so it’s mostly noodling. Hopefully just enough to get a rough idea of how program timbres behave. Over 20 minute long vid and no crashes, yay. Had to break it into 2 pieces for youtube, boo."

via this auction

"Video demo in description was done by a friend from out of state and is this EXACT synth you will be purchasing. Video is 2 parts long and demonstrates all presets including the 1 custom patch. Sadly the stereo output was not featured in the demo, so in the video you hear the synth in typical mono output, with some simple effects down stream. If you want to hear the synth in a more musical setting, I recommend you watch Alex Ball's YouTube video 'Jupiter 6: The Dystopian Synth'."

CLICK FOR MORE »

The 3rd Wave: Wavetable Shenanigans!

video upload by Alex Ball

"A look at the 3rd Wave from Groove Synthesis.

0:00 Intro Jam
1:20 The 3rd Wave
1:47 Demo 1: Flight Risk
2:51 Wavetable Principle
4:17 Demo 2: Atlas
5:20 Oscillators
6:15 Demo 3: Horizon
7:23 The Rest of the Synth
8:41 Demo 4: Funk Sandwich
9:27 Multi-Part
10:12 Demo: Multi-Part
11:15 Make your own Wavetable
13:23 Summary
14:45 Outro Jam"

Scoring a Ninja Sci-Fi That Doesn't Exist With SYNTRX II

video upload by Alex Ball

"Following on from my video with the original Syntrx, I thought it would be fun to do another imaginary score with its successor, Syntrx II.

0:00 Intro
1:07 Future Ninjas
1:38 Creating the Sound FX
4:45 Creating the Theme Tune
7:12 The End Result
9:35 Summary
11:13 Outro Jam"