Best Ambient Synth Shootout #140: Mega MIDI - Song 3

video upload by Christian's Sonic Spaces

"This is the third song with the Mega MIDI by Aidan Lawrence. It's an FM synthesizer based on either the YM2612 yamaha chip (used here and in SEGA Genesis / Megadrive home consoles and various SEGA arcade game systems, including the Mega-Play, System 18, and System 32) or the cleaner sounding YM3438 chip without the crossover distortion in the output. Both sound chips has six channels with four operators per channel.

In contradiction to the Kasser DAFM Synth you can program the sounds only via Midi CC but it can load via SD card opm-file game sounds from the SEGA Genesis / Megadrive games (currently more than 9500 opm-files available). The game music composers did a great job to programming the best out of the 4 OP FM synth. So it's a lot of fun to dive through all the game sounds.

I used for the recording the following FX pedals:
Line 6 DL4 MkII, Pigtronix Echolution² Deluxe, GFI System Specular Reverb², OTO Boum.
Depending on the recorded track some FX are deactivated.

The signal went through a Presonus StudioLive 16.0.2 into the PC via USB for recording. To create the complete song I recorded consecutively several stereo tracks. On some tracks Compressor and EQ where added in Cubase 13. The final song was then mastered using iZotope Ozone."

Best Ambient Synth Shootout #139: Hartmann Neuron VS - Song 3

video upload by Christian's Sonic Spaces

"This is the third recording with the Neuron VS. It's the software (VST) version of the Hartmann Neuron, a novel hardware synthesizer introduced in 2001 based on artificial neural networks used for sound synthesis. The software version of the instrument, was released in 2005.

I still have a Windows XP computer, which I use like a hardware synthesizer. Using the built-in M-Audio Audiophil 2496 sound card, I can control the "old" VST plug-ins via MIDI from my Cubase 13 and record them via the analog stereo audio output.

I used for the recording the following FX pedals:
Pigtronix Echolution² Deluxe, GFI System Specular Reverb², OTO Boum.
Depending on the recorded track some FX are deactivated. The FX from the Neuron VS are always deactivated.

The signal went through a Presonus StudioLive 16.0.2 into the PC via USB for recording. To create the complete song I recorded consecutively several stereo tracks. On some tracks Compressor and EQ where added in Cubase 13. The final song was then mastered using iZotope Ozone."

Best Ambient Synth Shootout #138: cre8audio West Pest - Song 2

video upload by Christian's Sonic Spaces

"This is the second song recording with the West Pest. It's a monophonic semimodular analog synthesizer based on the Buchla philosophy using a wavefolder to create overtones to the VCO sound.

I used for the recording the following FX pedals:
Behringer Bode Frequency Shifter 1630, Line 6 DL4 MkII, Pigtronix Echolution² Deluxe, GFI System Specular Reverb², OTO Boum.
Depending on the recorded track some FX are deactivated.

The signal went through a Presonus StudioLive 16.0.2 into the PC via USB for recording. To create the complete song I recorded consecutively several stereo tracks. On some tracks Compressor and EQ where added in Cubase 13. The final song was then mastered using iZotope Ozone.

Well, I decided to go back to the basics, but at the same time make something useful for the synth community and do a kind of competition (I like competitions;-). What's my best synth for ambient music :-)"

Best Ambient Synth Shootout #137: SammichFM - Song 2

video upload by Christian's Sonic Spaces

"This is the second recording with the SammichFM. It is a streamlined, compact version of the MIDIbox FM synthesizer DIY kit. Designed around the OPL3 chip YMF262 (4-Operators with 4 different waves), which was a famous sound chip from the 8 bit computer era (e.g. Sound Blaster 16 soundcard), it can play 4-sounds with 6-voice polyphony each.

I used for the recording the following FX pedals:
Line 6 DL4 MkII, GFI System Specular Reverb 2, OTO Boum.

The signal went through a Presonus StudioLive 16.0.2 into the PC via USB for recording. To create the complete song I recorded consecutively several stereo tracks. On some tracks Compressor and EQ where added in Cubase 13. The final song was then mastered using iZotope Ozone.

Well, I decided to go back to the basics, but at the same time make something useful for the synth community and do a kind of competition (I like competitions;-). What's my best synth for ambient music :-)"

Best Ambient Synth Shootout #136: Roland JP-08 - Song 1

video upload by Christian's Sonic Spaces

"This is the first (lazy weekend) recording with the Roland JP-08. It is a 4-voice, virtual analog synthesizer that recreats the sound of the revered Jupiter 8.

I used for the recording the following FX pedals:
Line 6 DL4 MkII, GFI System Specular Reverb 2.

The signal went through a Presonus StudioLive 16.0.2 into the PC via USB for recording. To create the complete song I recorded consecutively several stereo tracks. On some tracks Compressor and EQ where added in Cubase. The final song was then mastered using iZotope Ozone."

Evening Synths Challenge #2 - Modal Skulpt, VXXY DCM8, Teenage Engineering PO-16 factory

video upload by Christian's Sonic Spaces

"This session was quite challenging. A VA synth, a rare digital chiptune drum machine and a small bare bone synth. Overall, I'm very happy with the result. The most fun part was playing the melody line live with the PO-16. Although you really have to concentrate to play everything correctly with the very small buttons.

The Setup was:
Synths: Modal Skulpt, VXXY DCM8, Teenage Engineering PO-16 factory
Effects: Oto Machines BOUM, Beetronics FX Seabee, Pigtronix Echolution 2 Deluxe, Beetronics FX Swarm
Freely selectable effects: GFI Systems Specular Reverb 2

Recordings:
Drums: VXXY DCM8 - Beetronics FX Seabee - Oto Machines BOUM
Pads: Modal Skulpt - Pigtronix Echolution 2 Deluxe - GFI Systems Specular Reverb 2
Melody: Engineering PO-16 factory - Beetronics FX Swarm - Pigtronix Echolution 2 Deluxe, GFI Systems Specular Reverb 2

The Reason:
How do you deal with having too much gear (like me)? It can hamper creativity, but for me there is also a way to use it to boost creativity. Challenge yourself with it!

Here is my challenge:
1. Random selection of three sound generators to use (plus drums can be added with the EZdrummer and a rhythm sample)
2. Random selection of four effect devices to use (plus another two freely selectable effects can be used)
3. Everything has to be finished in one evening (after work until bedtime).

The signal went through a Presonus StudioLive 16.0.2 into the PC via USB for recording. To create the complete song I recorded consecutively several stereo tracks. On some tracks Compressor and EQ where added in Cubase. The final song was then mastered using iZotope Ozone."

Best Ambient Synth Shootout #135: Sonicware LIVEN Ambient Ø - Song 2

video upload by Christian's Sonic Spaces

"This is the second recording with the Sonicware LIVEN Ambient Ø. It is a 10-voice, 4-layer synthesizer focussing on ambient, drones, soundscapes, etc. It shares the same platform than the other LIVEN.

I used for the recording the following FX pedals (FX from the LIVEN Ambient Ø are deactivated): Gamechanger Audio Auto Chorus, Pigtronix Echolution 2 Deluxe, GFI System Specular Reverb 2.

The signal went through a Presonus StudioLive 16.0.2 into the PC via USB for recording. To create the complete song I recorded consecutively several stereo tracks. On some tracks Compressor and EQ where added in Cubase. The final song was then mastered using iZotope Ozone.

Well, I decided to go back to the basics, but at the same time make something useful for the synth community and do a kind of competition (I like competitions;-). What's my best synth for ambient music :-)"

Best Ambient Synth Shootout #134: Sonicware LIVEN Ambient Ø - Song 1

video upload by Christian's Sonic Spaces

"This is the first lazy afternoon recording with the Sonicware LIVEN Ambient Ø. It is a 10-voice, 4-layer synthesizer focussing on ambient, drones, soundscapes, etc. It shares the same platform than the other LIVEN.

I used for the recording the following FX pedals (FX from the LIVEN Ambient Ø are deactivated): Pigtronix Echolution 2 Deluxe, GFI System Specular Reverb 2.

The signal went through a Presonus StudioLive 16.0.2 into the PC via USB for recording. To create the complete song I recorded consecutively several stereo tracks. On some tracks Compressor and EQ where added in Cubase. The final song was then mastered using iZotope Ozone."

Best Ambient Synth Shootout #133: EMU Carnaval - Song 1

video upload by Christian's Sonic Spaces

"This is the first lazy afternoon recording with the EMU Carnaval. It is a 32-voice, 16‑part multitimbral synth module focussing on Latin music sounds. It shares the same platform than the Planet Phatt und Orbit 9090V2.

I used for the recording the following FX pedals:
Pigtronix Echolution 2 Deluxe, GFI System Specular Reverb 2.

The signal went through a Presonus StudioLive 16.0.2 into the PC via USB for recording. To create the complete song I recorded consecutively several stereo tracks. On some tracks Compressor and EQ where added in Cubase. The final song was then mastered using iZotope Ozone.

Well, I decided to go back to the basics, but at the same time make something useful for the synth community and do a kind of competition (I like competitions;-). What's my best synth for ambient music :-)"

Ambient music using a Kawai K5000R

video upload by Christian's Sonic Spaces

"This synthesizer is still so amazing whenever I use it! I bought it on sale and, along with my Ensoniq Fizmo, it was the first real synthesizer I ever owned. My only regret is that I don't use it much more often because this synth deserves it. Maybe I'm just worry that it might break at some point. It has been upgraded with a Nalbantov USB port so I can load and save sounds without needing floppy disks.

I used for the recording the following FX chain: Kawai K5000R - Pigtronix Echolution 2 Deluxe - GFI System Specular Reverb 2. Depending on the recorded track some FX are deactivated

The signal went through a Presonus StudioLive 16.0.2 into the PC via USB for recording. To create the complete song I recorded consecutively several stereo tracks. On some tracks Compressor and EQ where added in Cubase. The final song was then mastered using iZotope Ozone.

Well, I decided to go back to the basics, but at the same time make something useful for the synth community and do a kind of competition (I like competitions;-). What's my best synth for ambient music :-)"

Ambient music using a Kawai K4r

video upload by Christian's Sonic Spaces

"This synthesizer is still a lot of fun even after many years.

I used for the recording the following FX chain:
Kawai K4r - Pigtronix Echolution 2 Deluxe - GFI System Specular Reverb 2. Depending on the recorded track some FX are deactivated

The signal went through a Presonus StudioLive 16.0.2 into the PC via USB for recording. To create the complete song I recorded consecutively several stereo tracks. On some tracks Compressor and EQ where added in Cubase. The final song was then mastered using iZotope Ozone.

Well, I decided to go back to the basics, but at the same time make something useful for the synth community and do a kind of competition (I like competitions;-). What's my best synth for ambient music :-)"

Best Ambient Synth Shootout #130: ASM Hydrasynth - Song 1

video upload by Christian's Sonic Spaces

"This is the first song with the Hydrasynth. It is an 8 voice digital wave morphing synthesizer. It has an advanced wavetable synthesis engine, 3 Oscillators, dual Wave Mutants, and 2 filters that can be configured in series or parallel.

I used for the recording the following FX pedals: Pigtronix Echolution 2 Deluxe, Tasty Chips Electronics Integral, Meris Polymoon and Beetronics Seabee. Depending on the recorded track some FX are deactivated. On the bass track is also a Fairfield Circuitry Roger That, to give it some slight extra brittle.

The signal went through a Presonus StudioLive 16.0.2 into the PC via USB for recording. To create the complete song I recorded consecutively several stereo tracks. The final song was then mastered with a bit EQ and compression on some tracks and some limiting on the master track.

Well, I decided to go back to the basics, but at the same time make something useful for the synth community and do a kind of competition (I like competitions;-). What's my best synth for ambient music :-)

Check out my Best Ambient Synth Shootout Playlist:"



Use the player controls to skip around.

Ambient Music with an Ensoniq Fizmo

video upload by Christian's Sonic Spaces

"This is ambient music with my Ensoniq Fizmo. All patches I created just on the fly during the recording session, and all stems I recorded live into the DAW.

I used for the recording the following FX chain:
Pigtronix Echolution 2 Deluxe - GFI System Specular Reverb 2. Depending on the recorded track some FX are deactivated or tweaked.

The signal went through a Presonus StudioLive 16.0.2 into the PC via USB for recording. To create the complete song I recorded consecutively several stereo tracks. The final song was then mastered with a bit EQ and compression on some tracks and iZotope Ozone on the master track."

Also see Ensoniq Fizmo - Single Patch with Arpeggiator tweaking into Chaos

I remember when the Fizmo came out many were dissapointed it didn't sound like a virtual analog synth. Now it's a bit of a gem.

Ensoniq Fizmo - Single Patch with Arpeggiator tweaking into Chaos

video upload by Christian's Sonic Spaces

"This is a recorded short live jam with my Ensoniq Fizmo. Just a custom patch using the arpeggiator and tweaking things with the knobs into chaos. Still a weird, unique, beautiful sound monster!

I used for the recording the following FX chain:
Pigtronix Echolution 2 Deluxe - GFI System Specular Reverb 2.

The signal went through a Presonus StudioLive 16.0.2 into the PC via USB for recording. The jam was then mastered with a bit EQ and compression on some tracks and iZotope Ozone on the master track."

Ambient using a Technics WSA1

video upload by Christian's Sonic Spaces

"This is ambient music with my Technics WSA1. While I am in progress to programm a bank of 64 amazing custom patches, I also start create the first song with it.

I used for the recording the following FX chain:
Pigtronix Echolution 2 Deluxe - GFI System Specular Reverb 2. Depending on the recorded track some FX are deactivated

The signal went through a Presonus StudioLive 16.0.2 into the PC via USB for recording. To create the complete song I recorded consecutively several stereo tracks, while a specially prepared track exported an run through a tasty chips electronics GR-1 for granular time streching. The final song was then mastered with a bit EQ and compression on some tracks and iZotope Ozone on the master track."

After work Korg Volcas song #1 (volca: sample, drum, bass, keys)

video upload by Christian's Sonic Spaces

"This is an after work song using the Korg Volca sample, drum, bass, and keys.

I used for the recording the following FX chain: Red Panda Particle - Pigtronix Echolution 2 Deluxe - GFI System Specular Reverb 2. Depending on the recorded track some FX are deactivated

The signal went through a Presonus StudioLive 16.0.2 into the PC via USB for recording. To create the complete song I recorded consecutively several stereo tracks. The final song was then mastered with a bit EQ and compression on some tracks and some limiting on the master track."

Best Ambient Synth Shootout #129: Soulsby Atmegatron - Song 1

video upload by Christian's Sonic Spaces

"This is the first song with the Atmegatron. It is a monophonic 8-bit synthesizer based on an Atmel 328P processor. The open source concept allows to install alternative firmware versions that increases the sound possibilities. This song used the alternative firmware Strings.

I used for the recording the following FX chain:
Atmegatron - Zoom MS-70CDR - Pigtronix Echolution 2 Deluxe - GFI System Specular Reverb 2. Depending on the recorded track some FX are deactivated

The signal went through a Presonus StudioLive 16.0.2 into the PC via USB for recording. To create the complete song I recorded consecutively several stereo tracks. The final song was then mastered with a bit EQ and compression on some tracks and some limiting on the master track."

Best Ambient Synth Shootout #128: SammichSID - Song 1

video upload by Christian's Sonic Spaces

"This is the first song with the SammichSID. It was designed to be a streamlined, compact version of the MIDIbox SID synthesizer DIY kit. Designed around two SID chips, it is two-voice multitimbral with a total of six oscillators.

I used for the recording the following FX chain:
SammichSID - Zoom MS-70CDR - Pigtronix Echolution 2 Deluxe - GFI System Specular Reverb 2. Depending on the recorded track some FX are deactivated

The signal went through a Presonus StudioLive 16.0.2 into the PC via USB for recording. To create the complete song I recorded consecutively several stereo tracks. The final song was then mastered with a bit EQ and compression on some tracks and some limiting on the master track."

Best Ambient Synth Shootout #125: Arturia MicroFreak - Song 3

video upload by Christian's Sonic Spaces

"This is the third song with the MicroFreak. It's a monophonic/paraphonic synthesizer with a digital oscillator section containing 12 different algorithms and an analog filter.

I used for the recording the following FX chain:
MicroFreak - Zoom MS-70CDR - Pigtronix Echolution 2 Deluxe - GFI System Specular Reverb 2. Depending on the recorded track some FX are deactivated

The signal went through a Presonus StudioLive 16.0.2 into the PC via USB for recording. To create the complete song I recorded consecutively several stereo tracks. The final song was then mastered with a bit EQ and compression on some tracks and some limiting on the master track.

Well, I decided to go back to the basics, but at the same time make something useful for the synth community and do a kind of competition (I like competitions;-). What's my best synth for ambient music :-)"

Best Ambient Synth Shootout #124: Wersi MK1 - Song 3

video upload by Christian's Sonic Spaces

"This is the third song with the Wersi MK1. It's a 12 voice synthesizer from 1986 using a kind of additiv synthesis based on complex volume and pitch envelopes for up to 32 digitally generated harmonic's. In addition it has a single analog filter (in my version it's an SSM2045 filter chip) for all voices (paraphonic use).

I used for the recording the following FX chain: MK1 - Pigtronix Envelop Phaser - Zoom MS-70CDR - Pigtronix Echolution 2 Deluxe - GFI System Specular Reverb 2. Depending on the recorded track some FX are deactivated

The signal went through a Presonus StudioLive 16.0.2 into the PC via USB for recording. To create the complete song I recorded consecutively several stereo tracks. The final song was then mastered with a bit EQ and compression on some tracks and some limiting on the master track.

Well, I decided to go back to the basics, but at the same time make something useful for the synth community and do a kind of competition (I like competitions;-). What's my best synth for ambient music :-)

Check out my Best Ambient Synth Shootout Playlist:"