McCartney's Weird Sequence

video upload by Alex Ball

"I thought it would be fun to look at one of my favourite uses of the ARP Sequencer, which is in Paul McCartney's 'Temporary Secretary' released in 1980.

I also thought it would be interesting to see what the song would sound like if everything was done on synths, rather than guitars, bass and drums.

0:00 Temporary Secretary
2:00 Let's do our own version
6:01 The Result"

Introducing GForce Oberheim OB-X

video upload by GForce Software

"Beautifully classic, yet resolutely modern. Alex Ball introduces the official GForce Oberheim OB-X virtual instrument.

OB-X and Oberheim are Registered Trademarks of Tom Oberheim."

GForce’s Oberheim OB-X is the world’s first officially endorsed emulation of this famous 80s synth. Yet it sounds modern and lends itself superbly to Electronica, EDM, Drum and Bass, Ambient, Rock, Prog Rock, Hip Hop and more. The original synth was used by immense artists and groups such as Japan, Ultravox, BBC Radiophonic Workshop, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, Depeche Mode, Queen, Larry Dunn, Youth, Chris Franke, Styx and many more. GForce’s OB-X preserves the sound everybody loves and has been upgraded to offer new sonic possibilities.

AN AUTHENTIC OB-X WITH VAST SOUND DESIGN POSSIBILITIES

Oberheim OB-X provides an authentic experience but has been enhanced with powerful features designed for the modern setup. GForce’s OB-X features up to 16 voice polyphony, a vintage control for adding subtle analogue imperfections, four programmable Macros, new intro, retrigger, phase and smoothing features for the LFO, new level destination for the LFO, separate PWM1 and 2, discrete levels, discreet tracking, an arpeggiator, a chord mode with scaler, Chorus, Stereo Delay and Reverb effects, and more. Finally, the GForce’s OB-X has been augmented with X-Modifiers, dedicated LFOs and ADSRs for almost all parameters that take OB-X to the next level of sound design.

CREATE HUGELY COMPLEX, YET MUSICAL, SOUNDS WITH X-MODIFIER TECHNOLOGY

Using our unique X-Modifier technology, the scope of sound modulation possibilities is immense. The intuitive X-LFO and X-ADSR section enables you to work faster without having to set up modulation paths; they’re already set up for you. X-Mods provide you with the ability to create extensive modulations of almost every parameter, allowing you to create hugely complex, yet musical, sounds. So, while the tone and character at the heart of the synth remain authentic to the original, the additional features turn it into a true sonic canvas.

BEYOND THE ORIGINAL

INSPIRATION AT THE SPEED OF SOUND

OB-X, with its fully resizable UI, a powerful new Preset Browser, and over 400 brand new production-ready presets from top-level sound designers, is fully ready for modern production.

Oberheim OB-X features our new, highly flexible preset browser, giving you the power to organise your sounds in a way that suits your workflow. With extensive tagging, sorting and search possibilities, it’s quick and easy to find the presets you want. We’ve included more than 400+ brand new production-ready presets. We’ve enlisted an array of diverse sound designers and artists including Light Bath, GEOsynth, Christian Lafitte, Richard Veenstra and Ramon Kerstens (K/V), Tontario, Stuart Thomas, Zardonic, Drew Schlesinger, Drew Neumann, Noyzlab, Dave Spiers, Tom Wolfe, Graeme Rawson and more. The patches range from resolutely modern to passionately classic with a lot of recreation you might have heard on more than one hit.

https://www.gforcesoftware.com/products/ob-x/

A walking talking tour of Synthfest UK 2023

video upload by DivKid

"Freshly back from Sheffield and my second weekend of synth event here in the UK ... Here's a walking talking tour of Synthfest UK 2023.

You can play along with people and gear spotting as I show you the venue, layout and exhibitors at the show. I had to stop to take a picture of Alex Ball & RYK, as you do."

SynthFest 2023 walk through and poking about

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"Here's me walking through SynthFest 2023 with me 360 camera. It's full of fabulous distortion but should give you an idea of what it's all about.

Index:
Intro - 0:00
Main Hall - 6:10
Yamaha - 19:55
Korg - 21:03
Source - 21:46"

SEQUENTIAL Prophet-5 review with (Korg Drumlogue, KR-55 and loads of FX Pedals

video upload by Knobs & Switches

"Here is my first Review about the classic Sequential Prophet-5 full of audio, sampled P-5 Sounds and a bunch of FX Pedals.

https://www.sequential.com

Used Equipment: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max, Sony ZV-1, Sony ECM-W2BT, Universal Audio Apollo Twin Solo, Steinberg Cubase 12 and Final Cut Pro X"

Also see Alex Ball's The History of the Prophet Synthesizer and related posts here.

How the TRON Music was made

video upload by Alex Ball

"Back by popular demand, another filmscore breakown. This time we look at Wendy Carlos' 1982 score to Tron.

0:00 Intro
0:49 Wendy Carlos
2:04 Tron - The Instruments
4:44 The Recording Rig
6:39 Cue Breakdown - Tron Theme
9:10 Cue Breakdown - Tron Scherzo
10:22 Cue Breakdown - We've Got Company
11:40 Use of Choir
12:49 Other Music
13:46 Summary & Thanks

Wendy Carlos official page: https://www.wendycarlos.com/+tron.html

D.A Wilson: https://hideawaystudio.net/
Synergenesis: https://hideawaystudio.net/2014/09/26..."

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"

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.

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 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"