picoTracker - 8 tracks of audio and MIDI for under $50.

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"picoTracker (https://github.com/democloid/picoTracker) is a new, lightweight 8 voice audio and midi tracker. Intro by @avrilcadabra ! (https://instagram.com/avrilcadabra , https://avrilcadabra.bandcamp.com) Table of contents:

00:00 intro tune
01:00 hi
01:38 unboxing
02:12 building
05:21 hardware overview
06:11 tutorial: creating a song and transfering samples
06:49 navigating the editors, key functions
07:23 song screen
07:38 chain screen
07:50 phrase screen
08:00 instrument screen, selecting samples
08:24 adding notes to a phrase
08:54 adding a second instrument
09:17 changing the instrument of a note
09:32 adding another instrument...
10:00 adjusting song tempo
10:35 important things to consider!
11:06 adding a bass track
12:19 listening to both tracks
12:34 creating a progression
13:23 using midi instruments (short demo)
15:26 verdict - a powerful box for small money, but ...
16:17 support the developers, please
16:25 conclusion

Resources:
picoTracker development story https://democloid.com/2023/04/20/pico...

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A tiny PC in a desktop synthesizer setup? - hardware VST host

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"I made this video because one of the most common questions on my Raspberry Pi videos is 'can it run Windows VST plugins'. Well, why not use a PC for that. You can find this one by searching for "mini pc with a touchscreen" on your favourite search engine. (Not sponsored)
Table of contents:

00:00 demo 1: 80s 8bit metal
00:30 introduction; ... why?! - ARM vs X64/X86
01:32 hardware specs
02:30 demo 2: Roland J-6 USB audio into Air Delay Pro with a side of Hyperion
03:13 WHAT ABOUT LATENCY?
05:20 using the PC as a power bank for music gear
05:43 isn't that touch screen kind of fiddly (hint: it is)
06:34 other things to consider
06:53 how many plugins can the CPU take before collapsing?
07:36 demo 4: a lot of plugins!
09:31 conclusion

In this video:
Hyperion synthesizer: https://www.tracktion.com/products/hy...
Search and you'll find https://www.bing.com/search?q=mini+pc...

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Fluorine - a Bytebeat synthesizer

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"#fluorine (https://www.tindie.com/stores/jc2046/) is a #bytebeat #synthesizer that takes the concept to the next level by adding more bitdepths, stereo support, recursion and more. Table of contents:

00:00 intro
03:16 introduction: what are Bytebeats?
06:09 hardware overview
08:20 call for papers ;)
08:42 sound example 1: "Bassist's hangover"
09:28 sound example 2: "Otorhinolaryngologist techno"
10:15 sound example 3: "Princess is trippin' in another castle"
11:00 sound example 4: "Sapheopipo found a friend"
11:47 sound example 5: "Starlight transmission"
12:25 sound example 6: "There's something in my lemonade"
13:10 sound example 7: "Fraction of the journey" (syncing to other synths)
14:17 conclusion"

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Silhouette eins image-to-sound examples (no talking)

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"In the comments of the big video on Silhouette eins [posted here] you expressed your need for more practical demos to understand how this synth works. So here they are:

00:00 waveshaping by using actual images of waves (and slowly morphing them within a quicktime movie)
01:00 changing sound texture with the camera and lightbox
01:53 animating a movie with a sine wave LFO
03:11 "sharpening" sound by reducing scan field height
04:43 marble in a glass, showing off how sound follows the movement of the marble!

I hope these videos help your understanding of how this machine works.

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Images to sound - Silhouette eins synthesizer

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"Silhouette eins is a #synthesizer that converts images into sound. You can learn more here: https://www.silhouette-synthesizer.de - or watch this video. Table of contents:

00:00 longest intro drone ever on this channel
03:03 hello
04:14 taking some pictures outside...
04:22 explanation: the general concept and hardware overview
05:28 using the lightbox for shaping sound
07:03 using the pattern sheets
08:18 using two of them at once
08:28 user interface walkthrough: basic synth parameters
09:55 modulators
11:04 envelopes and lfos
11:28 using pictures and videos
12:21 blending image sources
12:47 Silhouette eins web page
13:09 some short demos using various photos: 1 - the crow (scan field modulation)
14:23 demo 2 - the wave (image blending, manual scan field movement)
16:40 demo 3 - FLOYD (using an external sequencer)
17:40 demo 4 - cherry tree / gray scales - sine waves using smooth gradients
18:25 visual sampling ("Vimpler") - vimpling the Roland J-6
19:27 conclusion, YouTube chant
19:49 outro demo

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See the Przygodda label below for more.

Track: '91 (Everlasting Summer) - MPC One, Zoom R20, Novation PEAK, Yamaha EX5, Reface DX, Guitar

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"Here's a song about that vague feeling you've overstayed your welcome, by years propably. Made on #mpcone mainly, with my #ZOOMR20 acting as an audio interface and MIDI controller. Novation PEAK is used for that distorted piano sound that augments the singer's voice whenever a line ends. Yamaha #ex5 plays that slow brass stab, and #refacedx is used for that short 'fuzzy EP' solo in the middle. #guitar was recorded to MPC as well, then filtered and EQ'd a bit.

Ambient EP backing track provided by @LanthanOIde - thanks again and I'm sorry for giving this a low profile in the mix _once again_ - perhaps it's time for another ambient remix? ;-)



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SY99 screen and battery replacement, short sound demo

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"In this video, I'm replacing the screen and the batteries in a Yamaha SY99 workstation from 1991. Table of contents:

00:00 hello
00:40 hardware overview
02:20 taking it apart...
03:50 floppy drive emulator
04:28 check the screen first...
04:56 taking it apart, continued
07:44 remove the old screen
08:47 insert the new screen
09:09 reassemble
11:20 replace the batteries
12:15 final reassembly
13:00 important considerations
13:21 sound demo
14:20 bye-bye

Relevant links: https://www.synth-parts.com/search?sS...

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Woovebox: step-by-step guide and brief review

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"Here's the #Woovebox (https://www.woovebox.com), an incredibly accomplished mini #groovebox. This video will guide you through every step necessary to create a track, using the synths and the sampler and external synths. There's also a short review / opinion piece in the end. Table of contents:

00:00 hi
00:23 what's in the box? (hardware overview)
01:55 song mode, tempo adjustment
02:21 output volume
02:27 selecting tracks, track roles
02:47 creating a bass drum track
03:25 adding a hihat track
03:39 adjusting velocity and other note properties
03:59 adding a clap sound
04:10 crash cymbal, and conditional statements
05:02 adding a bass track
05:24 selecting a bass patch (sound)
05:46 adding effects to a track
06:20 adding an arpeggiator track
07:15 chord track
07:54 beat divisor
08:16 editing sounds (synthesizer parameters)
08:54 adding prerecorded samples with the Wooveconnect page
09:20 auditing your samples
09:47 adding a sample kit to a track
10:22 adjust the amp envelope for your samples
10:34 adding effects
10:45 demo 1 (I know it's awful, don't tell me ;-)
11:30 things to consider!
11:51 demo 2 (full track [below]
13:12 verdict / pros & cons



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Synth improvisation: A Woove in the night

The Roland S-1's oscillator draw&chop function examined with an oscilloscope

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"I was curious to see the 'oscillator drawing' function of the Roland S-1 on an oscilloscope display, and so are you. :-)

Table of contents:
00:00 hi
00:25 about the S-1
00:48 PWM
01:09 step / slope mode
01:56 form menu
02:48 drawing a sine wave
03:10 multiplier
04:17 chopping
05:43 overtone menu
06:07 creating a short sequence
08:53 conclusion

ONLY Yamaha EX5 can do this!

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"FDSP is a derivative of modeling synthesis which appeared on the Yamaha EX5 exclusively. In this video, I take a look at a more subtle use of the "Tornado" algorithm which helps everyone's favourite EX5 patch, "Celebration" to it's sparkling demeanor, and play some FDSP patches found on the EX5. Table of contents:

00:00 intro
00:17 hi
00:45 a typical FDSP sound
01:20 initialise the patch
01:33 select the FDSP engine, select Tornado
01:50 AWM basics
02:20 FDSP in a nutshell...
03:23 amplitude envelope, filter envelope, effects
05:15 FDSP: walk through the "Tornado" parameters
11:48 adjust AWM volume
13:07 finished sound
13:45 important considerations
14:10 sound demos: "PW Sync"
15:01 "Asian Rain"
16:07 "Luminosity"
17:04 "Oberweich"
17:52 "Abendstern"
18:35 "Obersync"
19:21 "Soulful"
20:12 "Hard Sync"
21:26 "Silverlake"
22:46 "Resostrings"
23:36 "Tornado EP"
24:35 conclusion, bye-bye

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Kasser Synths Blaster YMF262

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"Here's a short video on the #kassersynths #blasterymf262 #fmsynth, which can be found here: https://www.kassersynths.com/. This synth is built around the Yamaha YMF262 chip, which was part of early "Soundblaster" PC expansion cards. This video walks through it's specs and the user interface. Table of contents:

00:00 intro
00:10 disclaimer
00:25 hi!
00:50 hardware & features overview
02:19 user interface basics / creating a patch
02:49 fm basics, screen 1: algorithm, feedback and velocity sensitivity
03:36 screen 2: operator frequencies
04:05 screen 3: amp envelopes & key scaling
05:11 screen 4: vibrato and tremolo
05:34 screen 5: waveshape selection
06:00 screen 6: file and patch management
06:16 finishing the patch, external effects
07:22 finished patch
07:48 using multiple midi channels
08:07 important things to consider!
08:53 demo 1: live tweaking sounds using MIDI CCs!
10:10 demo 2: in a synth setup
11:30 conclusion
12:56 bye bye

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This patch alone makes the Yamaha EX5 worth owning

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"This patch/performance's name is 'Celebration', showcasing the EX5's unique 'FDSP' synthesis, which can apply an individual effect to every note you play.

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Zynthian V5 improvisation

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"... using the internal sequencer.
Using the #ZynAddSubFX plugin mostly, but also #Linuxsampler for the drums and piano.
Some TAL Reverb III for those big rooms.
#Zynthian V5 will be available later this year. Zynthian is an open source synthesizer powered by Linux and various free and commercial plugins, all wrapped up in a sleek-looking box with a unified UI and a number of sequencers. If you don't want to buy the kit, you can also download the system image and build one yourself using a #raspberrypi 4.

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Catalyst: hardware-style workflow in your DAW

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"#CATALYST is a #VST plugin that claims to boost your musical creativity in your VST-compatible Digital Audio Workstation (#DAW). In this video, I briefly walk through that plugin's arpeggiator, harmonizer and step sequencer, creating a short "jam" or improvisation in the process. Table of contents:

00:00 introduction
00:24 what is Catalyst?
00:47 basic workflow and UI
01:07 add a synth plugin
01:32 arpeggiator
02:24 add root notes
02:56 harmonizer
03:33 creating a drum track with the step sequencer
04:27 add a bass track, using gate time and velocity control
05:13 adding a pad sound using the harmonizer
06:07 summary
06:48 a short improvisation
07:49 verdict / bye-bye

Relevant links:
Catalyst https://toneworks.io/
Hyperion https://www.hyperionsynth.com/
Sub (drum synth) https://sampleson.com/SUB-free-analog...

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Zynthian V5: The open source synthesizer workstation you might have been looking for

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"The new #Zynthian V5 #synth #workstation has turned some heads already. In this video, I show how to build the kit, how to install the software, and most importantly, how it sounds and some of the things it can do. Table of contents:

00:00 hello
00:20 unboxing
01:00 parts overview
01:19 building the kit
07:29 what is a Zynthian?
08:40 install the OS
09:14 basic UI
09:39 how does the piano sound?
10:27 short, middle and long presses
10:49 felt piano demo
11:26 adding a big reverb
12:09 enough of the talking,...
12:20 filtered arppegiated patch
13:02 slow morph choir
13:52 vibraphone
14:25 silver bell
14:44 slow strings
15:07 hard saw
15:22 ice field
15:53 overdrive 3
16:09 space piano
16:40 fretless bass
16:50 power pwm
17:12 acoustic guitar
17:36 fantasia
17:48 warm pad
17:56 polysynth
18:01 space voice
18:06 bowed glass
18:17 metal pad
18:26 halo pad
18:47 sweep pad
10:03 Rhodes 3
20:00 MOD UI (a virtual pedal board)
21:52 some sound design (creating a pad sound)
24:29 important things to consider
24:57 creating a track / loop with the step sequencer
28:28 summary / my impressions
29:49 final thoughts / bye-bye

links and resources:
Zynthian https://zynthian.org/
Shop https://shop.zynthian.org/
That screwdriver I'm using in this video https://l1nq.com/jVEGJ

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The Alles mesh networking synthesizer - a field of sound at your control

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"In this video, I install the #opensource software version of the "Alles" networking synthesizer on a #raspberrypi and do some #pythonprogramming to create a network of #synthesizers playing a very specific, well-known song. A great project for public installations! Table of contents:

00:00 hello
00:30 what is the Alles mesh synth?
01:35 hardware needed
01:48 installing & compiling
02:28 programming in Python
03:12 sampled sounds and oscillator basics
04:12 playing back your music
04:31 quick and dirty sequencing using arrays and timers (not the recommended way* )
05:04 using the virtual analog synth to play back a bassline
06:14 some very important things & shoutouts
06:54 programming the chord progression
07:58 adressing individual synths to play back sounds on a certain speaker
09:01 conclusion
09:41 bye-bye

Apologies for the partially distorted narration track in this video. I think the topic was too hot. ;-)

* the correct way of sequencing notes in "Alles" is to pass the exact time at which they should be played as a parameter.

Resources:
Alles project page - https://github.com/bwhitman/alles
AMY project page - https://github.com/bwhitman/amy
Buy the PCB (Europe) https://shop-nl.blinkinlabs.com/produ...
Buy the PCB (USA) https://shop.blinkinlabs.com/products...

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Motorsynth firmware 1.2 - it's a whole new synth

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"@GamechangerAudio 's #Motorsynth MK1 got a sizeable #firmwareupdate some time ago, and so far, no one talked about that. Until now! :-) This video brushes the most important new features like arpeggiator, #sequencer, motion recording, audio processing and shows all the key presses necessary to use them.

00:00 hello
00:37 what is a Motorsynth?
01:10 new amp envelopes
02:22 new filter envelopes
03:18 cross modulation options
04:31 arpeggiator
07:11 all new sequencer
09:04 motion recording
10:03 extended audio input processing
10:57 wait, there's more
11:51 sound demo (with MPC One for drums and effects)
13:51 summary, what's good, what's worth expanding on"

Lo Fi, but it's all Motorsynth (and MPC One for drums)

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"This video is an appetizer for a longer video walking through the new Motorsynth firmware, coming later today. This is Motor Synth recorded into MPC One, using the new Air Delay plugin.

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A picture perfect MIDI controller!

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"@PlayTronica sent me their #PLAYTRON #midi controller which enables you to use any conductive object as a 'keyboard' for your soft- or hardware #synthesizer . So here's an epic Vangelis-Style performance using some cutlery and the 'Celebration' patch of the Yamaha EX5.

You can get this board here:
https://shop.playtronica.com/
playtronica.com
instagram.com/playtronica
tiktok.com/@playtronica

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Build a simple MIDI controller with Raspberry PI (beginners tutorial) Part 1

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"This video shows how to build a simple, one-knob MIDI controller scratch using an ADC chip and a potentiometer and a Raspberry PI, step by step. // News: Raspberry PI will be back in stores from July 2023 on.

Table of contents:
00:00 hello
00:27 mission statement
01:13 hardware list
02:12 https://freenove.com/
02:25 install Raspbian
03:01 OS and remote control setup
03:41 install libraries:
03:54 git clone https://github.com/WiringPi/WiringPi; cd wiringPi; ./build; gpio -v; sudo nano /etc/ld.so.conf - add /usr/local/lib
04:43 sudo apt-get install i2c-tools; i2cdetect -y 1
04:57 sudo apt-get install libasound2-dev
05:07 git clone --depth 1 https://github.com/freenove/Freenove_... cd Freenove_RFID_Starter_Kit_for_Raspberry_Pi/lib/; sh ./build.sh
05:30 build the hardware
06:51 compiling and running the example app for ADC & potentiometer
08:25 how does this work?
09:11 adding MIDI
13:26 important things to consider
13:46 short demo - does it work? / homework for you :-)
14:18 conclusion"

How to PWM on an FM synthesizer (Reface DX)

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"Here's another response video to a viewer's question. Here's how to emulate Pulse Width Emulation (PWM) on an FM synthesizer, in this case the Reface DX. Hope this helps. :-)"

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