Korg EX-800 // All Compromise, or All Character? // Walkthrough & Demo

video upload by Jorb

"Another quirky one, the oscillators, the envelopes, the polyphony, all weird.

*Had a mid-editing software crash that led to a few strange things, I left in two takes of the filter triggering modes, and some of the images are doubled. Apologies!

I got this on reverb for a great deal as non functioning, all it really needed was a new battery & the patches restored, and I don't believe it to be that unusual. Tons of models from the 80s experience the same thing.

Hope this helps someone make a decision, or helps explain the way this freaky little guy works.

I never mentioned the sequencer, but it works the way you would expect it to, very simple."

Dave Smith's Mopho Keyboard // First Impressions & a Comparison to the Novation Bass Station 2

video upload by Jorb

"Decided I would break the camera out and bring you along for my first sit down with this keyboard, the DSI Mopho.

You'll probably see it as a recurring theme in what I choose to share, I want to do my best to find and share gear that is either under-appreciated, or wrongfully out of people's discourse and recommendations.

Essentially every positive thing people say about the bass station 2 can be said about the mopho keyboard, and the prices aren't dissimilar, yet, it's almost never brought up.

If you have one, stick around and you'll see some more coverage.

If you're looking for a new mono synth, maybe keep it in mind as you browse Reverb.

Thanks for watching, always more to come."

Mopho Keyboard v Bass Station 2 // The Value of Intuitive Design

video upload by

"Frankly, if this was a less busy week I would've reshot this.

This topic is something I would like to explore more, but only with examples that I would consider to be close. What's the value in comparing a matrix programming synth to one with knobs over and over, right? I want a fair fight, how about that."

JX-3P Keygroups // MPC Expansion

video upload by

"Keygroups & Patch Packs : https://jorb.gumroad.com/

0:00 Sound Demos
1:18 He Speaks for too long
5:13 Outro

Packaged as a .zip file with one .xpn file, which can be installed as an expansion via the MPC software, and also the programs and samples on their own, if you don't use the software at all, or don't use a modern MPC and want to try the samples.

9 Keygroups, sampled from on original Roland JX-3P.

Mostly custom sounds, i believe 2 are slightly changed presets.

Each is made up of multi sampled keygroups, some are mono with MPC chorus added after the fact, some are stereo with the JX3P chorus as part of the sample.

Simple Sawtooth is just a looped raw wave, with amp and filter envelopes built into the program, so you can synthesize however you want."

REAL Tape Delay for Eurorack // T-Rex Replicator Module

video upload by Jorb

T-Rex Replicator posts

The Most Compelling Semi-Modular Mono Synth?

video upload by Jorb

"Really into this, it snuck its way up in the order of stuff to demo. Highly recommended, beats out the behringer semi modular stuff by a mile, I feel beats out the Mavis and Mother 32 in price and features ((((and sound, don't tell anyone))))

0:00 Intro
3:26 Oscillator Section
8:15 Filter Section
12:00 Envelope & LFO
13:39 Patch Bay
17:55 Sequencer / Arpeggiator
23:32 MultiMod
28:09 Conclusions"

Cre8audio East Beast

STG Soundlabs // Eurorack Module Walkthrough // Knobcon 2021

video upload by Jorb

"My good buddy Moot Booxle demo-ing for the STG Soundlabs booth here at Knobcon 2021. What a wonderful player.

I'm dying to get my hands on one of these filters, and after this demo, I am already on the used market prowl."

SH-4d // Has Roland Perfected Portable Sound Design?

video upload by Jorb

"The SH4d in my interpretation, is a synthesis sound module first and foremost. The sequencer is really not positioned to be the main draw. It didnt get mentioned much on camera, but to be sure my thoughts aren't lost; I would really love unquantized recording, a note scale mode, and the arpeggiator to stay held while I move between parts. Any other complaints were aired in the video.

Taking a step back, that I can use AA batteries or the same charger as my phone to power this very capable instrument could be enough of a sell, but lucky for us it also sounds really good.

0:00 Intro
1:56 Demo 1
3:33 Demo 1 Breakdown
12:44 Demo 2
13:46 Demo 2 Breakdown
20:49 Demo 3
22:22 Demo 3 Breakdown
28:18 Overall Conclusions"

Shockingly High Fidelity Ambience // UAFX Del-Verb

video upload by Jorb

0:00 Intro
2:20 Tape EP 3
7:54 Analog DMM
12:32 Time Stretching Tangent
14:00 Precision
17:06 Reverbs
18:35 Mobile App / New Voices
23:08 Rambling conclusion begins

AX60 Tauntek Installation // Issues Solved with Modern Firmware

video upload by Jorb

"http://www.tauntek.com/AX60.htm

Undeniably impressive work, happy to show it off, even for a bit.

I also have a chip for an AX73 mod, but there's not much of an installation to demonstrate, just plugs in."

Sequential Circuits Six-Trak // 80's Poly, and the OG Groovebox

video upload by Jorb

"Really do find this one special, would love to find a really slick way to program with midi CC.

Intro 0:00
He Speaks 1:00
What Makes it Special? 2:30
Patch Demonstrations 7:34
Parameter Walkthrough 11:09
Parameters Continue Via Midi CC 16:14
Multi-Track Recorder 23:42
Stack Modes 27:46
Arpeggiator 29:00
Voices on Separate Midi Tracks 29:56
Conclusions & Used Market 33:14"

Hydrasynth Deluxe & Explorer // Overview & Demo // Knobcon 2021

video upload by Jorb

Hydrasynth Explorer // No Talking // Knobcon 2021

"5 quick minutes with the explorer!

My thoughts briefly, doesn't feel like a compromise, just feels more compact. Keys feel nice, remind me of the Yamaha reface keybeds.

Poly aftertouch has a well tune travel, feels responsive."

The Wave Transformer // EarthQuaker's Boldest Device Yet ( & it isn't even a pedal)

video upload by Jorb

"I love a lot about this module.

Its a rock solid oscillator, which yes there are a ton of them, but this needs to be if its gonna compete. And the waveshaping from the transform circuit gives it enough of its own character to stand out.

I think its priced competitively, it does all the things other up-market "standard" oscillators do (built-in attenuators for modulation, hard and soft sync, built in sub) and it has so much of its own character.

If there's any downside, its kind of a lot of HP? But not really when you consider the sum of its parts. On all fronts, we got a banger.

0:00 Intro
2:19 Oscillator Section Starts
4:40 Transform Circuit
9:58 More Complex Transform Inputs
12:08 Introducing a 2nd Oscillator
17:00 Syncing to 2nd Oscillator
20:19 Surprise Techno Break
21:37 Really Specific Soft Sync Patch
23:37 Brief MPC demonstration
25:18 Conclusions"

See Perfect Circuit on the right.

Update: DivKid video added:

Complex Morphing VCO, Subs, FM & more // The Wave Transformer by Earthquaker Devices (Eurorack Demo)
video upload by DivKid

"Well this was a surprise! Earthquaker Devices (makers of fine pedal FX) making a Eurorack oscillator. Yes they made the Afterneath module, but as that was a modular version of a pedal I didn't expect they come guns glazing with a big, bold VCO!

I first saw The Wave Transformer by Earthquaker Devices at Knobcon, where they brought it along for an early look and sat playing with it at the show I knew they were onto something that sounded great. Well now it's released here we are with a demo.

The Wave Transformer is a 20HP Eurorack oscillator, it's analog, with onboard complex, transforming wave shaping, sub generators with unique shapes, FM, sync, LOTS of precise tuning control and options to wave shape external sources, saturate audio and track subs from your other oscillators. I've had lots of fun with this one!"

*TIMING INDEX // CHAPTERS*
00:00 Hello & patch rreviews
01:36 Feature run down
04:04 Novel transform/complex circuit
06:37 Complex transforms & Shape Insert-ing waves
08:48 Thick & rich PWM + bulbous stereo sub bass
10:58 Weird & wonderful audio rate PWM
13:14 Harmonic Gate / VCA - turning it into a full voice
14:55 Shifting tearing sub textures
16:15 Hard sync & how to make it act like a filter
17:56 Soft sync - classic sync tones under modulation
20:36 Exploring linear & exponential FM
23:02 Kick drum transformed - from classy saturation to glitchy fuzz
25:13 Cosmic FSU with death mangled guitars & subs
26:36 Sub accents - what are they and a simple way to add them
28:08 Harmonic shifting subs for external oscillators

"The Wave Transformer
Eurorack Transfiguration Oscillator
$199.00

The Wave Transformer is an analog, vintage-voiced, voltage-controlled oscillator with over 8 octaves of accurate pitch tracking. It has 7 simultaneous wave outputs, including a unique Complex output.

The Transform control morphs from a basic waveform through many strange iterations into a complex, gnarled mass of audio mutations at the Complex output. You can yield countless variations on these permutations by combining this novel circuit with Hard Sync, Soft Sync, Linear FM and Exponential FM. Additionally, you can mute the source waveform to use the circuit as a harmonic gate/VCA, rendering The Wave Transformer a voice unto itself. If that is not enough, there is a Shape Insert that allows you to transform external oscillations and modular-level audio sources."

Check with dealers on the right for availability.

The New King of Semi-Modular // Pittsburgh Modular Taiga

video upload by Jorb

"All in all, this is such a dope product. oscillators this flexible, with a filter and the dynamics controller immediately the sound palette crosses so many conventional boundaries. I am hooked on the idea of getting multiple voices out of this as a self contained unit, but even without patching this just slaps.

Pittsburgh has got a banger on their hands.

0:00 Intro
1:56 Hands on Demo begins
3:26 Oscillators & Wavefolding
10:03 Filter
13:51 Dynamics Controller
17:15 Delay Module
21:10 Pre-release reflection / Tangent
24:19 Mixer Flexibility Highlights
28:05 Mixer / Splitter Highlights
31:03 2 Voice Example
33:25 Wild & Noisey Example
34:11 3 Voice Paraphonic Example
37:09 Conclusions"

Introducing Roland AIRA Compact S-1 Tweak Synth

video upload by RolandChannel

[Note: you can find additional user videos futher below]

"The Roland S-1 Tweak Synth is a powerhouse micro polysynth that merges the legendary tones of the SH-101 with futuristic tools for the modern creator. Get reacquainted with the snappy bass tones and expressive leads brought to life in exquisite detail by our Analog Circuit Behavior technology. Then tap into a world of new creative possibilities with expanded four-voice polyphony and an array of innovative features, including cutting-edge wave manipulation, advanced sequencing, and unique performance features.

In this video, Dustin Good dives into the S-1 features, capabilities, sounds, and more.

0:00 – Introduction and Overview
1:32 – Sounds
2:01 – Basic Sound Design
2:35 – OSC Draw
3:13 – OSC Chop
3:44 – Riser
4:06 – Effects
4:33 – Sequencer
5:06 – Sub Steps
5:36 – Probability and Motion Recording
6:25 – Arpeggiator
6:54 - Performance Tools – Step Loop, Transpose, D-Motion
7:53 - Connectivity and Portability

Build from square, saw, sub, and noise oscillators and mono, poly, unison, and chord modes. Craft custom waveshapes with OSC Drawing. Dice sounds with OSC Chop to produce a labyrinth of overtones and metallic timbres. And use the noise oscillator as an independent riser to add sweeps and pulsing sound effects for transitions and dramatic effect.

Bring programming and performances to life with a 64-step sequencer, motion recording, and D-Motion. And humanize patterns with Probability, ratchet tones with Sub Steps, and create on-the-fly fills with Step Loop.

Sync the S-1 Tweak Synth with the rest of the AIRA Compact gang for a highly jammable micro-studio in perfect sonic symphony. Chain them together or connect with MIDI gear, computers, and music apps to expand your setup. Just power on, hit play, and go with the flow."

Press release followed by user videos:

CLICK FOR MORE »

Kodamo MASK1 // Proudly Digital & Uniquely Powerful

video upload by Jorb

"After my time with it, and the sort of reflection I get to find while editing, I think the strongest appeal of this synthesizer is finding identifiably digital sounds without any of the complex workflow of FM or wavetables, with just enough options past the oscillator shapes to feel like its not a 'dishonest' approach to those sounds.

You can find characteristically digital sounds, with the rest of the architecture being familiar / subtractive and it almost feels like I cheated my way to a modern man's PPG. Delightful.

HUGE THING that ended up cut, the manual is super good, really serious shoutout. Color prints, full pages, bound nicely, the whole thing. Love it.

Also I managed to also cut any take where I mentioned Roland's draw and chop oscillator options, which could be seen as a simplified bit masking. But rest assured I made the connection , don't comment like I didn't smh please

0:00 Intro
2:02 Hands on
4:25 Bitmasking Intro
8:23 Mid-demo Overview
10:01 Sound Design Begins
12:38 Play Modes
16:22 Splits / Layers
18:11 Randomized Patches (crazy good)
20:23 Drive-by FX demo
22:46 Low-key the best patch
22:54 Conclusions"

JX-3P // The Best Vintage Roland (That you can actually afford)

video upload by Jorb

"Want to get better at these, where I sit down and give a walkthrough / impressions of one synth, let me know what works well and what doesn't.

If it wasn't going to kill my margins on resale, I would love one of these with upgraded midi, or even the kiwi mods. But for me, there's better options out there for a 2 oscillator poly.

Hope this is helpful to someone on the fence, or maybe you heard a sound in here that proved to you this synth is worth your time."

Sub 37 // Long Term Impressions and Complaints

Why I'm Selling my Sub 37 // Long Term Impressions and Complaints video upload by Jorb

"Hope to do a few more of these, had sold a few things since I started working on this whole YouTube thing and always felt like I was missing an opportunity any time I sold something without getting my thoughts out there. Like I started a conversation in my head, but never shared it.

So, here we have the beginning of a new series. Whenever I have a piece of gear getting sold, I'll just sit down and get my thoughts out there.

I realize its kind of boring to conclude with "its expensive", even in part, but it would be unrealistic for me or most people to ignore that factor.

And on reflecting on my mod matrix complaints, I felt like I was being to harsh on a keyboard from 2014, so I made sure other stuff available at that point had comprehensive mod matrices and they do, so I think it stands.

Considering doing a little patch pack for the Sub 37 before I let it go, and I've been pondering a blindfolded, " Does 'the Moog sound' actually mean anything " video, I'll have to count my pennies and do that before I let the mf'er go."

Roland GR-700 Guitar Synth // Demo & Walkthrough

video upload by Jorb

"The more I think about this one, the more I laugh about the fact that I ended up with one.

Would love to hear about someone actively using one of these, so much respect for that.

Forgive the playing, you should see the takes that got cut, YIKES.

This is a post about fixing the chips , very helpful: http://synthtweaks.com/roland-juno-10..."

Dreadbox Nymphes // First Impressions

video upload by Jorb

"This ended up longer than I expected, but I appreciate how natural it feels for to sit down without an outline for a first impressions, just let me train of thought dictate the episode. So in service of that, I didn't cut out as much as I normally would have.

Really, this is giving me the idea of a bunch of modules with the MPC, no keyboard, go against what I'm used to.

Chapters are hard for this one, just sort of went where my brain went, but we do what we can for the subs ;

0:00 Intro
2:42 Brief look at competing options
5:44 How's the filter sound?
6:45 Is the menu diving as bad as people think?
9:23 Can it handle varied sound design?
14:25 Let's chat about the reverb
18:05 Lets talk about modulation
21:29 Waveshapes into more modulation complaints
24:20 Extra envelope trick (different from LooPop I promise)
27:52 TiNy JuNo?
28:53 Demos with Stereo Chorus (wish I used less wacky patches)
32:04 Conclusions begin"

Nymphes Firmware V2 Update // Installation & New Features

video upload by Jorb

0:00 Intro and Patch notes
1:50 walking through installation
4:30 Stepping through Update notes
10:51 Reverb modulation CC's
13:28 Mod wheel-PWM
15:08 VCA Enevelopes Scratching fix

Update:

NymphCC/CV Midi Controller v2

video upload by Tim Shoebridge

"Just a quick update regarding my NymphCC/CV MIDI Controller for Dreadbox Nymphes now that the Nymphes v2 firmware is available for download."