Synth Jams by Jay Hosking

Published on Jul 26, 2019 Jay Hosking

Spotted the first video in the playlist above on discchord.com. The Playlist contains 21 videos. You can use the player controls to skip around. Descriptions for each are below. All videos feature various gear so you should be able to get an idea of some of the capabilities of each featured. You can check out Jay Hosking's music at https://jayhosking.bandcamp.com/.

Note, more will likely get added over time. The following playlist is as of this post:

1. Jam w/ Vermona PERfourMER MkII, Elektron Analog Rytm MkII, OTO Bam, Styrmon Big Sky, Fugue Machine

A live, semi-improvised performance, all on hardware, and inspired by some pretty tough news that has me sentimental.

I loved the Elektron Analog Four MkII so much that I picked up the Analog Rytm MkII. My feelings on the Rytm are mixed. On the one hand, it's missing that spontaneity and spark of units like the Arturia DrumBrute Impact and Teenage Engineering OP-Z, with no readymade performance effects, roller bar, or global randomization, and a slower workflow. On the other hand, I really like its analogue sound engines, any unused tracks can be converted into impressive analogue mono synths, it does beautiful things to samples, and like all Elektron boxes it integrates the effects into the sequencer really nicely.

As for the Vermona PERfourMER MkII, I'd been pining over it for ages, and it was fun to finally tinker with it. The Perfourmer definitely excels in the mid- and high- range, and I love how the independent voices making really interesting voices for chords.

Vermona PERfourMER MkII + OTO Bam — Three synths (left chord note, right chord note, melody)
Vermona PERfourMER MkII + Strymon Big Sky — Bass chord note synth
Elektron Analog Rytm MkII — Drums, samples, sample melody, punchy bass
Fugue Machine (iOS) — Sequencing
IK Multimedia iRig Pro Duo — MIDI out from iOS

Written and performed within a 24-hour period, and uploaded as is, with only a little sidechain compression on the Perfourmer (to emphasize the sound that the Rytm was already making), and compression/limiting on the master.

https://jayhosking.bandcamp.com/

CLICK FOR MORE »

Dreadbox Abyss Videos by martinjazz78

Published on Jul 6, 2017 martinjazz78

Playlist:

1. Abyss Drone While Nyx and Erebus Randomly Sequencing

"For your maximum enjoyment, please use good headphones or ideally speakers with subwoofer(s).

Dawless synth jam with three extraordinary instruments from Greek synth-maker Dredbox Effects. Four voice analogue synth Abyss asks for most of your attention in this video. This time, however, not as polyphonic gear but in unison mode producing drone and self-oscillation type of sounds.

It starts with with 24 dB LPF cutoff closed and resonance full open. The filter is modulated by both LFOs of the Abyss. First both of them go very slowly as ramp and square waves, later LFO B goes much faster and is switched to ramp wave too. During the shooting I was also playing with the Drive (VCA) knob overdriving the sound and even getting it distorted - absolutely gorgeous and absolutely my type of thing. Towards the end Abyss on-board effects are also added to the mix. It was very interesting and inspiring to achieve self-oscillation of the Delay very similar to the self-oscillation of Roland's vintage tape Space Echo.

On the background of Abyss' drone you hear Nyx and Erebus. Both of them playing simple few notes sequence and are sequenced by Cirklon. Both sequences have also several random parameters, so they seem to never exactly repeat in the same way. Another layer of randomness was achieved by using CV inputs and outputs on both synths. Maths module from 0-Coast controlling LFO on Moog Mother 32 that was controlling VCA of Erebus added even more randomness to the Erebus sequence, and this one is very devilish, I would say.

All three synths are processed through vintage tape Roland Space Echo for delay (this time rather slower) and Strymon Big Sky for the reverb. Recorded live, stereo output from my Motu interface into Ableton Live only. Camera is GoPro, edited in Final Cut.

Will I be stoned, if I say I absolutely love these Dreadbox synths, the sound they produce and the feel they give and I have no doubts they are going to become classic like Moog, Art or Oberheim?"

2. Dreabox Abyss Slow and Heavy 4 Voice Sequence

"Exploring multichannel mode of Abyss 4 voice synth from Dreadbox Effects. Each of Abyss' voices is independently sequenced by Cirklon hardware sequencer. Additionally, I was also exploring possibilities of Abyss' multi-timbrality. Dip switch 5 is on and each voice has slightly different envelope set up.

I have to say I was so nicely surprised how heavy such 4-voice sequence on Abyss can be. Haven't expected that. Also not exaggerating if I say that otherwise I achieve so heavy sequence usually only when I put Taurus III Bass Pedals into work. In this context we should indeed mention suboscillators of Abyss.

Moog's CP-251 controls filter cutoff and phaser of Abyss. Not sure if CP-251 gives the proper voltages for Abyss, but definitely interesting things sonically speaking.

Noise and hissing on the background is Erebus by Dreadbox heavily modulated and controlled with 0-Coast by Make Noise and Moog's Mother 32. Before it goes to delay and reverb effects it is also processed quite drastically through Zvex Fuzz Factory. All these appear at the very end of the video.

Both synths are further processed through vintage tape Roland Space Echo for delay (I think the time for changing the tapes is quickly approaching as you may hear the repeats get bit out of tune) and Strymon Big Sky for mighty lush reverb.

Recorded live, stereo output from my Motu interface to Ableton Live. Camera was GoPro, edited in Final Cut. I like these late night improvised dawless synth jams."

3. Dreadbox Abyss 4 Voice Sequence and some Erebus, Moog's Mother 32 and 0-Coast too

"Each of Dreadbox Abyss' voices is sequenced in C sharp minor independently by the Cirklon hardware sequencer, Abyss is therefore in the multi-channel mode. Additionally, Dip switch 5 is on for bit of multi-timbrality when each of the voices has slightly different envelope set up. Filter cutoff and phaser are modulated and controlled by Moog's CP 251. And some tweaking on the fly (sub-oscillator level, wave form shape, drive VCA, filter modulation etc.)

Noise on the background was intended as I like when there's always something disturbing and distracting. It's Dreadbox Erebus heavily modulated and controlled by Make Noise's 0-Coast - that is also sequenced by Oberkorn sequencer - as well as Moog's Mother 32. Before it goes to delay and reverb effects it is also processed through rather psychedelic Zvex Fuzz Factor stomp-box.

Both Abyss and Erebus are further processed through vintage tape Roland Space Echo for delay and Strymon Big Sky for reverb. It was dawless synth jam, recorded in one take, stereo output from my Motu interface into Ableton Live. Camera was GoPro, video was edited in the Final Cut Pro. "

Dreadbox Abyss Overview by ProckGnosis

ProckGnosis
Published on Aug 5, 2017

"Part 1 of an overview of the Dreadbox Abyss, 4-voice analog(ue) synth(esizer/esiser). Go to 02:45 to skip the babble and brewski intro. For more specific sound examples, check out the “Dreadbox Abyss - Twiddling With and Exploring the Sounds” video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwiVW...). [posted here]

This vid covers the VCO, VCF, and VCA sections of the synth (ad nauseam in places). Part 2 will cover the Mode, Mod Wheel, LFO, Effects, and Dip Switch sections of the synth.

A little bit about the synth:
- 4 voice polyphonic analog
- 1 variable-waveform osc and 1 square-wave sub osc per voice
- 24db Murmux low-pass filter
- 2 independent LFOs with 4 selectable wave forms
- 4 playing modes - multi-channel, unison, polyphonic, and chords
- 3 effects sections including Reflector (for flange/chorus effects), Delay, and Phaser

I just haven’t found a synth that can sound as vintage, other than older vintage synths. Looking for that slightly, wobbly, unstable analog synth sound (ala Boards of Canada, etc)? This does it, but in a very controllable way. I do sometimes find myself missing a second oscillator to fatten up the sound a bit in polyphonic mode, but given the variable wave forms and the vintage sounding effects, I’m missing it much less than I thought I would.

I’ve said it in half a dozen other posts, but hats off to Dreadbox for doing synths just a little differently than the rest of the folks (and that’s different in a GOOD way)."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Dreadbox Abyss Sound Demo (no talking)

Published on Jan 21, 2017 Bonedo

"#Dreadbox #Abyss at #Namm 2017 - Sound Demo of the polyphonic synthesizer Abyss.
Note: Saturation (drive) is activated through the whole video. Smoother sounds are possible."

Dreadbox Abyss Sound Demo II (no talking)

Published on Nov 12, 2017 Bonedo Synthesizers

-CALC- Slow - Novation Circuit Mono Station, Leploop, Dreadbox Abyss and Machinedrum

Published on Nov 30, 2018 -CALC-

"A video I made a while back (which I just found) using the patch flip feature on the Circuit Mono Station. The track breaks out into a Leploop workout in the second half of the video.

Following that was an Abyss 10 minute noodle jam which I'll post on a separate video.

I also have very long arms in this video.

-CALC-"

-CALC- Dreadbox Abyss - noodling on a wonderful greek polysynth

Published on Nov 30, 2018 -CALC-

"Not a particularly great track just more of an exploration of some of the sounds from the Abyss

The second half of a jam video which I completely forgot about. I was enjoying noodling on the Abyss so much I hit record."

Dreadbox Abyss - Twiddling With and Exploring the Sounds

Published on Jun 10, 2017 ProckGnosis

"WARNING: a bit lengthy listen to the Dreadbox Abyss, 4-voice analog(ue) synthesizer (I tried to cut the length down, but obviously failed). This is NOT a review, and there's no talking past the introduction. It's basically a big sound sampler focusing on chords, with a bit of lead and bass thrown in as well.

When it comes to synths, this thing is retro-in-a-box. And I'm talking sound most of all. And in case you were wondering, the opening ProckGnosis theme for this video was done only with the Abyss and some VST drums.

Top 4 things I've discovered so far:
- If you want that "Boards of Canada" drifting oscillator sound (more recently overexposed in the "Stranger Things" soundtrack), this thing nails it
- The hybrid delay really does create a great chorus effect (the Erebus should be able to do this too, but I've never tried)
- Just a touch of "drive" on the VCA helps make the sound even more classic and...uh...not sure really, but I describe it as "dirty" in the video
- The selection of variable wave shapes sort of pushes this into OB6 territory, and being able to easily modulate the waves really pumps some life into the sound

Again, hats off to Dreadbox for this kind of stuff. I said somewhere, yeah, it's just a synthesizer, but they do it just a little bit differently, and that really makes it something more unique in the field of synths. Cheers!"

New Dreadbox Abyss Pics, Details & Price

Some new pics via Dreadbox. There's a nice open shot of the back below. You can find several videos of the new Dreadbox Abyss here.

The Abyss will be priced at 1099 €, which comes out to $1174.26 at the current exchange rage. Obviously expect a more rounded out price.

The following is the current feature list (most of which was initially captured here):


4 Voice Analog Synthesizer
All Analog Discrete Components
4 playing modes :
– Unison
– Polyphony
– Chords (+ user chords)
– Multi channel (multitimbral over selected controls)
1 VCO + 1 Sub Oscillator per Voice
White Noise Generator
Independent Wave shaping Modulator
Polyphonic Glide function
4 independent LFOs (1 for each voice) to control Vibrato
Variable Speed Depth and Delay
Vibratos and Glide can be set out of phase via the Detune (Vibrato) control
VCO autotune function
24 dB/oct 4-pole Resonating Low Pass Filter (based on the Murmux series)
Dedicated ADSR Envelope Generator to the Filter
Velocity sensitivity over the EG Attack Rate or the EG Level
Dedicated ADSR Envelope Generator to the VCA
OTA Drive circuit
Reflector: 1024 BBD Delay for Chorus/Flanger or Static Flangers
Hybrid Delay Circuit as found on the Erebus
4-stage Analog Phase Shifter
2 Analog LFOs with 4 waves each to control the Filter, Reflector, Delay, Phaser
4 Modulation Wheel Choices
Fine Tune Control
CV Control over Filter, Phaser, Delay and Reflector
Dry output (without effects)
Signal Input ( at the effect stage)
Midi In / Midi Through
Aluminum Case

CLICK FOR MORE »

Superbooth 2017 - Dreadbox Abyss - Demo

Published on Apr 22, 2017 JustMusic

"Yannis stellt den neuen Abyss von Dreadbox vor."

See this post for details and price on the Dreadbox Abyss.

Dreadbox Abyss: Glide Hand played Noodle

Published on Feb 8, 2019 Mark Pigott

"Just a Noodle showing the Dreadbox Abyss with some glide
in poly mode. No external effects, all generated in the Abyss."

Vermona '14 as the controller.

Ambient poly synth jam with the NDLR, Deckard's Dream, OB-6, Peak, Dreadbox Abyss, Polymoon, Big Sky

Published on Dec 12, 2019 Jay Hosking

"A live, semi-improvised performance, all on hardware, and inspired by winter looming. I've long wanted to make a couple of videos about how the sequencer really determines where the music goes, and I thought there was no better example of this than the NDLR, which is such a beautiful little inspiration device. In my opinion, I think the NDLR thrives at making interesting ambient explorations, and I hope I've demonstrated that here.

I've also wanted to make a "poly synth jam" and show each of the poly synths I currrently have next to each other. Some really interesting things revealed themselves here: 1) the Peak is the clear winner for bass; 2) I like the OB-6 a lot better for plucks or shorter decays than I do for pads; 3) the Abyss holds its own among these bigger names and is a real gem with lots of personality; 4) the Deckard's Dream isn't particularly rich or versatile, but adds the most beauty to the track, and it's a joy to make a patch from scratch.

Conductive Labs NDLR — Sequencing
Black Corporation Deckard's Dream + Meris Polymoon — Pad
Sequential/Oberheim OB-6 — Motif 1 (brighter arp)
Dreadbox Abyss + Strymon Big Sky — Motif 2 (mellower arp)
Novation Peak — Drone (bass monster)

Written and performed within a 24-hour period, and uploaded as is, with only a little compression/limiting on the master.

https://jayhosking.bandcamp.com/"

Dreadbox Abyss SN 0024 w/ Original Box

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

via this auction

"Absolutely mint condition Dreadbox Abyss 4-Voice Polyphonic Synth, hand-built in Greece by Dreadbox. 1 VCO+Sub oscillator per voice. 4 playing modes (e.g. polyphonic, chord, unison AND multi-channel). For users of the Roli keyboards, this allows 4-voice MIDI Polyphonic Expression control, making it a great module for Roli keyboards."

CLICK FOR MORE »

DREADBOX ABYSS // GOODBYE DRONE

Published on May 18, 2019 LESINDES

"DREADBOX ABYSS goodbye now. Nice synth but......
I wonder why there is no dedicated master tune knob which I find in every analog synthesiser being monophonic or polyphonic. This is really annoying and I suspect this synthesiser being more digital inside than declared.
I liked the filters of Erebus and Nyx much more and they would be more adapted for poly than the built in vcf is.
I think the Fx units do an excellent job but I would have dedicated other parameters to their fat knobs.
AND: Why isn't it STEREO (with all these FX)????''
And, last not least, DREADBOX feature the PSUs (wall warts) with the shortest cables. This one comparably long with 1,20 m."

Dreadbox Abyss: 19 Minutes of Sounds

Published on Oct 5, 2018 skrapadelix

"Finally I scored a Dreadbox Abyss and here are 19 minutes of my first patches and explorations from earlier in the week... I think it sounds pretty good but I know not everyone will agree."

Dreadbox Abyss Overview - Part 2

Published on Aug 29, 2017

"Part 2 of an overview of the Dreadbox Abyss, 4-voice analog(ue) synth(esizer/esiser). Go to 01:39 to skip the babble and brewski intro."

All parts here.

Mark Pigot - (On the Run from my) Dreadbox Abyss (In the style of )

Published on Jun 13, 2018 Mark Pigott

"Just a simple sequence test of the Dreadbox Abyss with my 'sequencer'. May also contain Waldorf 2 Pole, Strymon Deco, HOF Reverb , Monotribe and Kick"

DREADBOX ABYSS // FIRST IMPRESSION // DRONE ARPEGGIO

Published on Apr 18, 2019 LESINDES

"DREADBOX ABYSS, ARTURIA KEYSTEP is playing the arpeggio!"

Fugue Machine jam with Deckard's Dream, OB-6, Novation Peak, Dreadbox Abyss, Polymoon, Big Sky

Published on Dec 19, 2019 Jay Hosking

"A live, semi-improvised performance, all on hardware, and inspired by the maudlin moods of the holidays. This is something of a sequel to the last video, in that I'm using exactly the same hardware synths and have only swapped out the sequencer. My point: by simply changing how you sequence your music, you can radically change the kind of music you make. Fugue Machine's limitations (a single line of note data played in different ways by four different "tape heads") are really inspiring, and the constraints end up a major benefit to creativity.

Alexandernaut's Fugue Machine (via iOS) — Sequencing
Sequential/Oberheim OB-6 — Bass string thing
Novation Peak — Arp thing
Black Corporation Deckard's Dream + Meris Polymoon — High melody pad thing
Dreadbox Abyss + Strymon Big Sky — Fast arp

Written and performed within a 24-hour period, and uploaded as is, with only a little compression/limiting on the master.

https://jayhosking.bandcamp.com/"

Meet The Dreadbox Abyss

Published on Jul 9, 2017 sonicstate

"Regular contributor Gaz Williams, just bought himself a Dreadbox Abyss analogue poly and brought it over for us to check out.
We recorded this informal meeting with his new acquisition."

Dreadbox Abyss plus Vermona Perfourmer MKlI Synth Sketch One

Published on Feb 9, 2018 oscDrift

"My debut video sketch pairing the Vermona Perfourmer MKll with the Dreadbox Abyss. Enjoy the 'Drift'."

New 8 Voice Dreadbox Abyss MK2, 6 Voice Nymph, & Semi-Modular in the Works

A few teaser pics floating in from Dreadbox on Facebook. A glimpse of the Nymph is pictured below. It's the NY synth first mentioned here.

Don't miss the recent Dreadbox office visit with ProckGnosis here. The new semi-modular is mentioned just after 14:45. The Nymph screengrab below comes in at 6:08.

CLICK FOR MORE »