Folding MIDI Controllers tested! (Carry-on / Blackstar 25 / 49 and Digital Wind Instrument 2 Pro)

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

I was always curious about foldable MIDI controllers. Does that concept really hold benefits? I've got the chance to test both a 25 keys and a 49 keys foldable keyboard and here are my impressions.

00:00 hello
00:35 Folding Controller 25
07:04 Folding Controller 49
11:11 Digital Wind Instrument 2 Pro
14:41 some example sounds
16:11 short conclusion (longer conclusions are in the review chapters!)"

You can find these controllers here: Carry-on von Blackstar FC-49: Amazon DE | Amazon US Carry-On FC-25 Klappbarer Midi-OTB-Keyboard-Controller: Amazon DE | Amazon US
Digital Wind Instrument 2 Pro: Amazon US [not findind this one on Amazon DE]

https://us.carryonplaying.com
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Electric Grand Loop (w/ ‪@LanthanOIde‬ on Montage M, FGDP-50, J-6, Fender)

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"Lanthan and me recorded this in around 4 hours using a Montage M keyboard and an FGDP50 finger drum computer and a Fender DG4 acoustic guitar, on a Zoom R20 multitrack recorder. The whole thing was mixed and mastered in Reaper afterwards, as can be seen in the video. Hope you like this.

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Why not use Smartphones instead of hardware / DIY synths? They're cheap and ubiquitous

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"Whenever I post one of my '[low price] DIY synth' videos, there's a couple of people asking 'but why not use an old tablet instead? It's equally cheap and more flexible/powerful'. Here are my thoughts on that."

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Yamaha Montage M AN-X virtual analog engine walkthrough

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"Here's me going through all the screens and controls of #Yamaha's #AN-X synth engine (found in the Montage M #synthesizer keyboard). So if you found yourself asking "can I fold that slightly beveled saw wave there?" recently, you will find answers here.
Table of contents:

00:00 intended audience for this video
00:47 user interface basics
01:43 create a new patch
02:16 AN-X architecture
02:42 basic wave forms
03:12 wave shaping
04:09 fm and ring modulation
04:56 pulse width modulation (pwm)
05:31 oscillator sync
06:17 noise
06:47 wave folding
08:25 filters
10:12 filter envelope, lfo, drive, velocity
11:39 amplitude envelopes, lfo and panning
12:30 global effects send
12:57 pitch envelope and lfo, portamento
14:30 modulator modulation
15:03 per-voice effects
15:50 global effects
16:41 per-voice equalizer
17:04 motion sequencer
18:58 polyphonic aftertouch (poly at)
20:24 oscillator drift, aging and spreading
22:01 my thoughts on the AN-X engine
23:22 some favourite sounds (23:53, 24:24, 24:55, 25:26, 25:45, 26:22, 26:53, 27:22, 27:53, 28:17)
28:48 do the youtube thing!

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Modulox Brain - an Open Source modular synthesizer platform

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"This is a preview of Modulox Brain by raspiaudio ( https://raspiaudio.com/modulox/ ). Designed as a center piece for MIDI modules that snap together with magnets, this can run multiple firmwares transforming it into virtual analog, granular, FM synthesizers or samplers. Table of contents:

00:00 what is it?
00:26 hardware overview
01:06 firmwares / apps
01:51 granular synth overview
04:00 midi controls / live tweaking
05:33 demo: warping a metallophone sample
06:47 ... with external effects
07:42 virtual analog synth overview
08:44 ... demo: VA synth
09:41 sampler / transfering samples via WI-FI
10:29 this is a prerelease version / my impressions
11:39 ... another demo
11:53 conclusion

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JamCorder - record all your MIDI data, all the time

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"JamCorder ( https://www.jamcorder.com/ ) is a 'blackbox' or #midi #backup solution for your studio. Just add it to the end of your MIDI chain and it will capture all your MIDI data - or the improvisations / jams you play on your #synthesizer or piano #keyboard , all the time, so you'll never ever loose an idea or arrangement again. (No table of contents needed this time)

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Introducing Jamcorder

video upload by Jamcorder

"Jamcorder is a new transformative way to record your digital piano. truly set & forget, you never need to hit record. instead, just open the app to rewind & listen to any moment in time, ever. and we really mean ever, because jamcorder's included 16GB sd card can store 25,000 hours of music. that's 3 straight years of 24/7 playing – a lifetime's worth. jamcorder's unique hands-off approach & ease of use makes it perfect for reviewing practice sessions, tracking how many hours you've practiced, and effortlessly capturing your fresh new jams. it's the ultimate companion for every piano musician at every level."

A Retrokits care package (RK-008 sequencer, RK-006 MIDI interface, RK-002 smart MIDI cable, Quickie)

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"The Retrokits RK-008 is a great hardware sequencer (especially if you own a multitimbral synth). Here's a short look at the RK-002 smart MIDI cable, the RK-006 160 channel MIDI interface and the "Quickie" mini mixer as well. https://retrokits.com/

00:00 hello
00:44 what's in the parcel?
01:34 Quickie: mini mixer for synth jams
01:48 a short jam with 2 DIY synths
02:52 RK-006 MIDI interface
04:22 using the RK-006 as a USB to TRS MIDI adapter
05:53 RK-002 smart MIDI cable
06:32 online editor and code exchange forum
06:54 example: additional LFO on the Yamaha MU2000
07:53 RK-008 hardware mini sequencer
08:49 manager web application
09:50 short demo with Yamaha Montage M
11:10 thanks and bye

Hooray consumerism - in this video, ...:
Retrokits RK-008 https://retrokits.com
Synthux DIY https://www.synthux.academy/
MicroDexed DIY https://www.pcbway.com/project/sharep...
Divoom Pixel frame https://amzn.to/4hPtlsK (DE link) https://amzn.to/4buE3CN (US link)

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Turning a $20 smart ring into a DIY MIDI controller (Colmi R02 + WebMIDI API, hardware and DAW)

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"Here's a super inexpensive #bluetooth #smartring which will dump raw data if politely asked to. So let's try to use that as a #midi / #synthesizer controller! Based on the work of ‪@atc1441‬ , more after the table of contents

00:00 demo: filter control, Y axis
00:19 hi / what is this?
00:41 shoutout to Aaron Christophel ‪@atc1441‬
01:01 Roland Neova / how to determine your ring size
01:22 what's in the box / hardware overview
02:01 it's not a bad smart ring!
02:22 mission statement
02:35 code overview & APIs
03:20 event handlers and MIDI CC
04:03 services and charateristics
04:78 explaining the hardware setup
05:48 patch /mod matrix setup
06:13 it's working! :-)
06:32 ... but it's very slow!
07:08 there's a custom firmware that speeds up data transfer
07:31 interpolation
08:05 example: using this in a DAW with LoopMidi
09:19 conclusion: not perfect, but the hardware certainly can do more
10:40 a very subtle joke / subscribe plxplx?

Links:
Colmi R02 smart ring https://www.aliexpress.us/item/325680...
ATC1441's github page (Firmware and -uploader): https://github.com/atc1441/ATC_RF03_Ring
My github page (MIDI translator): https://github.com/mrfloydst/smartrin...
RF03 Information https://www.bluexmicro.com/product/rf03/
List of MIDI CC commands https://www.presetpatch.com/midi-cc-l...

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Creating the Same Patches on Yamaha EX5 and Montage M8X | Transfer Process & Insights

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"See how I recreated and transfered patches from the Yamaha EX5 to the Montage M8X in this step-by-step video. Discover the differences, challenges, and insights I gained along the way. 🚀

00:00 Intro
00:23 Example 1: Simple Saw Wave Filter Sweep Pad
02:18 Key Premise
02:34 Filter Setup
03:36 LFO Setup
04:10 Velocity Settings
04:55 Adding Effects
05:48 Using Aftertouch
06:35 Recording MIDI
07:19 Comparison of Results
07:56 First Conclusion
08:31 Example 2: Complex Patch
11:00 Challenges with M8X
13:15 Comparative Analysis
14:45 Final Conclusion

#YamahaEX5 #MontageM8X #SynthTutorial #PatchTransfer #SoundDesign #MIDIRecording #SynthesizerComparison #MusicProduction

Explore the capabilities of the Montage M as it inherits waves from its predecessors, including the EX5. Will the transfer be smooth? Let’s find out together!"

What 3 decades of tech progress in synthesizers feel like - EX5 to Montage M8X

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"Here's a relatively long but ultimately incomplete and subjective look at what 26 years of technical progress looks like on two "flagship" synthesizer workstations. (Everything I say here is subjective, but you already knew that) A lot of sound examples included!

00:00 hi
00:32 why even spend that amount of money?
02:08 polyphonic aftertouch!
03:21 build quality
03:34 heavyweight synthesizer champions
04:00 connectivity, MIDI and hardware expansions
07:04 user interfaces
10:13 synth engines, polyphony and multitimbrality: EX5
13:52 ... Montage M
18:06 (step) sequencers and 4 track arpeggiators
19:24 my conclusion, and a word on manuals of $4500 high end synths
20:27 do you have something to add? / bye

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FM Algorithms: How to read them, how to choose one (tutorial with examples)

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"See those charts printed onto your FM synthesizer? Those aren't hiroglyphs, they're a useful information for finding the right algorithm for the sound you have in mind. In this video, I quickly explain how to read them, what to look out for and how to pick one for the sound you want to create. (No table of contents needed today)

Useful links: https://www.tinyloops.com/doc/yamaha_...

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Diving into Yamaha Montage M8X' AWM2 engine and Motion Sequencer, to fix that "Goblin" patch

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"I'm learning my #yamahamontage M8X at the moment, and I found the implementation of the "Goblin" patch somewhat unexpected on this machine. So in order to memorize the user interface, I decided to make my own version of that patch and see what the #awm2 #synth engine can do on this keyboard. This video shows basic subtractive synth techniques like amplitude and filter envelopes, different oscillator and filter types, but also shows the unique "motion sequencer" taking control of one of the oscillators to create a "sparkling" sound. Table of contents:

00:00 short preview so you know what to expect
00:15 hello / but why?
02:21 Element 1: a warm pad
02:58 select a wave / sample
03:35 low pass filter / filter envelopes
05:19 amp envelope
05:53 amp/pitch/filter lfo
06:48 Element 2: a filtered "choir" sound
07:30 band pass filter and envelopes
08:40 amp/pitch/filter lfo
09:20 amp envelope
09:48 Element 3: a wind sound
10:02 white noise
10:30 band pass filter and envelopes
11:25 amp/pitch/filter lfo
11:31 adjusting "oscillator" volumes with those faders
11:55 Element 4: a sparkling sound
12:15 selecting another saw wave
12:32 high pass filter and lfo
13:14 adding a motion sequence: control and destination assignment
13:55 setting up a curve
14:20 using that curve in the motion sequencer
14:54 adjusting filter cutoff frequency and removing the filter envelope so the motion sequence can be heard
15:42 setting up a sequence of curves
16:21 adjusting the lfo to change the motion sequence over time
17:15 adding insert effects
18:07 global effects setup
18:57 finished patch demo and conclusion

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picoTracker v2 - sampler, plugin synths and MIDI tracker / sequencer - walktrough and tutorial!

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"picoTracker V2, a tracker-style sequencer with 8 MIDI, sample and synth tracks is here with some cool new features, and here's a video explaining how to get it and how to use it. https://xiphonics.com/

Table of contents:

00:00 intro
00:08 hello
00:30 new features!
02:19 installing the new firmware on older trackers
02:49 transfer some samples
03:09 creating a track: UI basics
04:10 songs, chains and phrases
05:22 instruments: loading and auditioning samples
06:28 create a simple drum beat
07:42 deleting notes or commands
07:51 adding another track/chain
08:27 the SID synth!
09:33 transposing notes / changing values
10:04 using tables
10:36 arpeggiators
11:28 filter envelopes
12:12 volume changes
12:39 adding more phrases / arpeggiator chord progressions
13:11 playing both tracks together
13:20 navigating tables (using more than one table)
13:37 OPAL, the fm synth - creating a bass track
14:18 synth parameters
16:25 some deep notes ;-)
16:40 adding phrases for a bassline
17:20 using MIDI instruments
18:12 adding MIDI commands (CC, program changes ...)
19:06 conclusion
20:29 bye + jam

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Yamaha Montage M8X - soothing piano and strings #jamuary2025

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"This will be my only #jamuary contribution this year. ;-) Happy new year, everyone! Piano and strings will never fall out of fashion, right? This is the CP-88 stage piano patch layered with some orchestral strings and a shimmer reverb. This simple chord progression immediately formed in my head when I heard the resulting sound.
Did you know that ‪@truecuckoo‬ came up with 'Jamuary' several years ago? Now you know. :-)

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Touch 2, a Daisy Seed-based DIY synthesizer kit by Synthux Academy - lots of synths and effects!

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"Synthux Academy Touch 2 is a DIY kit for a Synthesizer / Effects unit built around a Daisy Seed MPU for learning software and hardware development basics. Table of contents:

00:00 short examples
00:16 introduction
00:36 what's in the box?
01:13 how to build
06:22 install one of the firmwares
06:48 example 1: Touch Bass subtractive polyphonic synthesizer (with HotHouse pedal)
08:56 example 2: Touch String karplus-strong synthesizer (with HotHouse pedal)
10:38 example 3: Touch Drum (drum computer / sequencer)
11:17 example 4: Touch FX (reverb/delay combo)
13:28 example 5: Looper with reverb (slightly edited to cut down time)
14:04 conclusion / my thoughts
15:18 bye!

Links:
Synthux https://www.synthux.academy/shop
Github: https://github.com/Synthux-Academy/si...
Daisy Seed Web Programmer: https://electro-smith.github.io/Progr...
Daisy Seed WIKI: https://github.com/electro-smith/Dais...
Cleveland Music Hothouse: https://clevelandmusicco.com/hothouse...

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Vangoa Aerophone MAE 02 review - a budget EWI with lots of sounds

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

MAE-02 BLACK
MAE-02 WHITE

Exclusive 5% Discount Code only for Black one: 05FloydMAE

"Vangoa's Aerophone MAE 02 is the successor to their S55. The hardware is better and there are three times as much sounds on this EWI.

Table of contents:

00:00 Introduction
00:22 what's in the box?
00:34 hardware overview
00:50 menu overview
01:08 sounds walkthrough: reverb, alto saxophone
02:16 auto vibrato
02:41 Soprano Sax
03:02 sample layers
03:31 expressiveness (reaction to breath pressure)
03:48 Trumpet
04:00 French Horn

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Can we get "warm sounds" on an FM synthesizer (Reface DX)? A Step-by-Step Guide

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"Unlock the secrets of crafting warm, analog-like sounds on your Yamaha Reface DX FM synthesizer! 🌟 In this comprehensive tutorial, we'll dive into the techniques and settings that will transform your digital synth into a powerhouse of lush, vintage tones. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced sound designer, these tips will help you achieve that coveted warm, analog vibe with ease. Table of contents:

00:00 introduction
03:03 add softness by changing the envelopes
04:26 find a suitable algorithm
05:39 use feedback for a bit of edge
06:36 level the modulators
07:15 edit the modulators' amp envelopes
08:34 add velocity sensitivity to the modulators
08:59 detune one of the carriers
09:21 use an lfo for pitch and volume modulation
10:04 use the distortion effect as an eq
11:50 conclusion

In this video, you'll learn:
-Essential parameters for creating analog-like warmth
-Tips on using the Reface DX's unique features
-Practical sound design examples and presets
-Expert advice on layering and effects"



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203 systems Mystrix Pro: An open source MIDI pad controller!

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"Here's the Mystrix Pro ( https://203.io/ ), a 8x8 MIDI pad controller with an open source operating system. You can code your own applications running on this. Table of contents:

00:00 split keyboard demo
00:16 introduction
00:48 what's in the box?
01:23 features
01:42 the operating system and apps
02:26 the "note" app
03:07 menu button and settings menu, octave selector
03:30 root notes display
03:34 keyboard split
04:08 vertical or horizontal splits
04:29 brightness
04:45 colour setup
04:53 scale selector
05:25 enforcing scales
05:48 overlap
06:29 midi channel selector
06:44 velocity on/off switch
07:05 system settings
07:18 brightness and screen orientation
07:35 performance app / amethyst player / unitor
08:06 polyphonic aftertouch demo
09:00 installing the development environment (Visual Studio Code) and compiling the OS
10:57 conclusion
11:41 kkthxbye

Links:
Mystrix WIKI https://matrix.203.io/docs/Mystrix/Ge...
GitHub: https://github.com/203-Systems/MatrixOS
Visual Studio Code: https://code.visualstudio.com/
Amethyst Player: https://play.203.io/

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Metaconformer is SimpleXFM now, a surprisingly deep FM synthesizer

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"SOMA Labs released a firmware that turns their #Metaconformer #midi processor/router/splitter/merger into a 4 voice, 4 part multitimbral #fmsynth with comb filters and multiple modulation destinations, which can lead to some pretty expressive and/or noisy sounds."

Table of contents:

00:00 demo 01
00:30 introduction / what's this?
01:26 how to install
02:00 you'll need a master keyboard and an external sequencer, ideally
02:31 channels and voices
02:57 timbre and articulation layers

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A DIY MIDI file player with fluidsynth, pirate audio and Raspberry PI Zero 2

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"In this video, I'm building a General MIDI file player with a "Pirimoni Pirate Audio" board, a Raspberry PI 2 Zero and Python and FluidSynth. Table of contents:

00:00 demo 01
00:16 hello
00:31 parts needed
01:12 assemble
01:32 install raspbian 32 bit lite
01:53 boot and log in
02:16 install updates
02:31 install the audio board
03:02 install fluidsynth
03:38 install python and libraries
03:56 st7789 libraries and example codes and libopenblas
04:35 enable high priority mode
05:07 upload some midifiles and play back files from the command line
05:39 adding more soundfonts
05:50 a python script for playback control
07:40 you can add your ideas easily ;-)
07:50 conclusion
08:21 demo 02

Links:
Raspberry PI 2 Zero [Amazon DE | Amazon US]
Pirate Audio board: https://shop.pimoroni.com/products/pi...

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