MODULAR PERFORMANCE: Eurorack x Buchla System

video upload by Junkie XL

"Ok, now that we've got all the components out of the way and how I use them... let's finally take a look (AND LISTEN) and some of the crazy sounds you can get out of this. Headphones or good speakers recommended!!"

How Junkie XL Uses the Tascam Mixer/Buchla Setup (AUDIO EXAMPLES)

video upload by Junkie XL

"Hey guys -- another quick one here showing how and why I use this wonderful Tascam mixer to refine the sounds coming out of my Buchla system."

Junkie XL's New Eurorack System Overview

video upload by Junkie XL

Also see Junkie XL's 3-Boat Buchla Modular System — In-Depth Look

"Hey guys! Here's a quick tour of my new Eurorack setup with a close look at each box, what it does, and why I have it. Remember -- future videos will include full demos with audio! Hope you enjoy!"

3-Boat Buchla Modular System — In-Depth Look

video upload by Junkie XL

"Here is a close look at each individual module of my Buchla system with a quick explanation of what each one does, how the boats work with one another, and why I chose each piece."

This one is in via Soviet Space Child.

New Cherry Audio Mercury-6 Reveal

video upload by Cherry Audio

Update: user videos added below.

"Cherry Audio's Mercury-6 is a virtual synthesizer instrument that emulates and expands on the renowned Jupiter-6, just in time for its 40th anniversary! Mercury-6 captures all that is exceptional in this treasured polyphonic classic, boosts its extraordinary feature set for today's DAW production and workflow, and celebrates the ground-breaking innovation from the era that changed music forever. If you've long yearned to explore the Jupiter-6, you'll love Mercury-6!"

via Cherry Audio

Mercury-6 is a meticulous recreation of the Jupiter-6 analog synthesizer, just in time for its 40th anniversary! Sandwiched between the earlier Jupiter-4 and Jupiter-8 models in name only, the sophisticated Jupiter-6 has sometimes been considered a sleeper release. These days, it has persevered to become one of Roland's most notable and coveted classic synthesizers due to its distinctive dark and complex character. Mercury-6 captures all that is exceptional in this treasured polyphonic classic, boosts its extraordinary feature set for today's DAW production and workflow, and celebrates the ground-breaking innovation from the era that changed music forever.

If you've long yearned to explore the Jupiter-6, you'll love Mercury-6!

The Year Everything Changed

Released in 1983 as a more affordable alternative to the flagship eight-voice Jupiter-8, the six-voice Jupiter-6 nevertheless staked out an essential position in the history of analog polysynths. Though similar in appearance and feature set, the Jupiter-6 stood apart from the Jupiter-8 in its sound and capabilities. Unlike earlier Roland polysynths with lowpass filters plus a rudimentary non-resonant highpass filter, the Jupiter-6 featured a true multimode filter with 24 dB/oct lowpass, 24 dB/oct highpass, or 12 dB/oct bandpass modes. This versatile filter design lent a more aggressive sound than previous Jupiters, making the Jupiter-6 a natural for cutting-edge techno and electro styles.

Though something of a "hidden feature," the Jupiter-6 VCOs supported multiple simultaneous waveforms, and its two LFOs and oscillator cross mod capabilities provided extensive modulation possibilities. Its earthshaking solo and poly unison modes enabled massive lead and bass sounds, and it was notably one of the first synthesizers to include the then-new MIDI protocol.

Although often praised for its harmonic complexity and ability to cut through a mix, the cost-cutting in the Jupiter-6 design resulted in some disadvantages. Output was mono only and it was limited to six-voice polyphony. The Jupiter-6 had an impressive (for the time) split keyboard and patch preset storage functionality, but this six-voice maximum hampered its potential. And though it was considerably less expensive than the Jupiter-8, its timing was ill-fated when the digital revolution was ignited by the release of Yamaha's revolutionary DX-7 FM digital synth the same year.

Despite its noteworthy character, the Jupiter-6 is not one of those synths immediately identified with recognizable sounds from hit songs. Nevertheless, it was the Jupiter-6 behind the bass line of Ray Parker Jr.'s classic "Ghostbusters," and it found purchase in the work of Human League, Tangerine Dream, Thomas Dolby, Trans-X, Vangelis, and Devo. In a testament to its staying power over the decades, its popularity grew in genres such as big beat, house, and techno through The Chemical Brothers, Moby, and The Crystal Method. Electronic music duo Orbital has been a vocal proponent of the Jupiter-6 and, more recently, it has been a significant part of the sound of Daft Punk and Junkie XL.

Mercury-6: 40 Years in the Making

Cherry Audio's Mercury-6 brings the Jupiter-6 experience into the future and celebrates the invaluable contribution that MIDI itself has made to the music community over the past 40 years. Mercury-6 captures all that is exceptional in this classic and boosts the extraordinary feature set and functionality for today's DAW production and workflow. We've added velocity sensitivity, improved the split mode, and added a layer mode capable of stacking two different sounds simultaneously with per-layer stereo panning, detuning, and sustain. A panel control lets users easily select and navigate between these layers and includes a utility function for exchanging settings between the lower and upper layers, or even between presets. And with polyphony extended to 16 notes, Mercury-6 won't easily run out of voices.

We've reproduced the arpeggiator, including the hidden Down/Up mode of the original, and augmented it by adding a Random mode and MIDI tempo sync. A chord memory mode enables multiple notes to be stored and played back with a single key. We've improved the functionality of the LFOs with a retrigger for LFO-1 and an always-on option for LFO-2, both syncable to MIDI tempo.

We've also introduced an integrated studio-quality effects panel with brilliant-sounding distortion, phaser, flanger/chorus, delay, and reverb. With additional touches such as per-layer drift control, over 500 expertly designed presets, and flexible MIDI mapping, Mercury-6 will satisfy both vintage synth aficionados and today's music producer.

Cherry Audio Mercury-6: A Detailed Demo and Tutorial

video upload by CatSynth TV

"A detailed look at the new Mercury-6 from Cherry Audio, a recreation of the Roland Jupiter-6 analog polyphonic synthesizer. We look a few of the factory presets then take a deep dive into the various features of the synthesizer including the VCOs, VCF, cross-modulation, effects, and more.

00:17 History of the Jupiter-6
00:57 Introducing the Mercury-6
01:37 A few factory presets
02:58 Oscillators (VCOs)
08:40 Cross Modulation
10:43 Filter (VCF)
16:44 Performance Controls
19:01 Effects
26:46 Using multiple layers
32:14 More factory presets"

Cherry Audio Mercury 6 Dark Jupiter Strings

video upload by Rik Marston Official

Introduction to Cherry Audio's Mercury-6 - Hosted by Tim Shoebridge

video upload by Cherry Audio



Mercury 6 vs Jupiter 6 // Does the Cherry Audio sound like the Roland ...?
video upload by Starsky Carr

"How does the Mercury 6 stack up against the original? Cherry Audio are killing it with these releases, and this one is great. I can't think of another Jupiter 6 emulation out there. It was quite a unique synth in its day with a super fast LFO (100Hz), sync 2-ways, cross mod with modulation, a second LFO and bitimbral. Quite a cool thing.

Here I've not lingered on the more prosaic functions and sound. We all know the Cherry Audio stuff sounds good - so here I've dug into if it's doing those Jupiter 6 specialities like Cross Mod and Sync...

and also because the hardware was dying!! Another good reason for getting thew software :) I had to finish this before it cut out..!

0:00 The Jupiter 6
4:71 Are they the same?
5:00 Filters
8:22 Cross Mod
9:57 Sync
12:15 LFO
13:28 Effects
14:54 Wrapping Up
15:37 A Few Sounds"

Cherry Audio Mercury 6 Sweet Synth FX

video upload by Rik Marston Official

Clavia Nord Modular Keyboard SN 99040861

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

via this auction

CLICK FOR MORE »

Grasshopper as an instrument - Play that cricket!

video upload by Espen Kraft

"Can you teach a grasshopper to play in perfect rhythm with your synthesizers and sounds? Can you train a grasshopper to be the next Zimmer, Williams or Junkie XL? Of course not, but you can sample it and use that to great effect, in a soundtrack. Sci-fi soundtrack tutorial recommended.

Support this channel on Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/espenkraft

I'm using a Zoom H1 to record sounds in the field.
The sampler I use is the Yamaha TX16W from 1987. It is a 12 bit stereo sampler, at 33Khz.
I use the TAL sampler to process the sampled sound, and to loop it etc.
The song is called 'The Spacehopper Theme' and was made for this video. I use various synths in this and the song is mixed and mastered."

Oberheim OB-Mx Owned by Junkie XL

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

via Junkie XL Reverb

"Serial: MX001480 Hardly any cosmetic issues. This unit is in impeccable condition. Version 1.04."

It appears to have two voice boards installed. Pic of the inside below.

CLICK FOR MORE »

JunkieXL Synths for Sale

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

You can find them at The Official Tom Holkenborg aka Junkie XL Reverb Shop here

There are a ton of modules listed as well.

Pictured here are some of the synths.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Synthplex 2020 Set for March 26-29 in Burbank, CA

via https://www.synthplex.com

"Exhibits + Seminars + Live Electronic Music + Pop-Up Synth Museum + DIY Synth Build + Gala Banquet

Synthplex® 2020 is back! Come and join the fun in Burbank at Synthplex, the “All Things Synthesizer” festival/ expo. Synthplex has it all; Trade Show Exhibits (Open Friday thru Sunday), Educational, Technology & Product Seminars, Synthesizer History Seminars, Master Sessions & Key Note speeches with Industry Legends (2019 we had Thomas Dolby, Tom Holkenborg (aka Junkie XL), Brian Transeau (aka BT), Harold Faltermeyer and Dave Smith of Sequential), DIY synth building workshops, Live Synth Concerts all weekend long (Thursday night thru Sunday night), the Synthplex Pop-up Synth Museum and the Saturday night Gala Dinner Banquet with a live performance TBA. Last year we had Thomas Dolby give an intimate performance at the Gala Dinner Banquet.

What to Expect at Synthplex

Even in this age of online social media, with myriad synthesizer-related social groups, YouTube performances and tutorials, there is still no substitute for having a physical location where like-minded, synth people can come together and meet face to face/ear to ear. The West Coast has an amazing (and LARGE) community of synthesizer enthusiasts, who all look forward to the times when we can meet up, hang out, break bread and learn new things about synthesis. Enter Synthplex®.

Hands-on Experiences

There will be many opportunities at Synthplex® to get hands-on with a lot of synthesizer gear and much more. In the exhibit halls you will discover new products and you will get to dive deep into these products and experience them for yourself. All weekend long there will be equipment vendors giving demonstrations, and there will be daily DIY synthesizer building workshops (modular and other formats) going on in the morning and the afternoon.

Furthermore, Synthplex® has an extremely special Pop-Up Synth Museum, where you can experience firsthand many rare and valuable synthesizers with the guidance of museum docents. You don’t just get to listen and see these instruments, you actually get to tweak some knobs and play them! Note: Admission into the Pop-UP Synth Museum is a separate pass from the Synth Expo pass, as all profits from the Pop-Up Synth Museum will benefit the Bob Moog Foundation. Each year we will feature a new recipient for this donation..."

You can find full details at https://www.synthplex.com

Expressive E - Discovering Osmose

Expressive E - Discovering Osmose with Junkie XL (prototype unit)

Published on Feb 12, 2020 Expressive E

"Osmose was made by musicians, for musicians. We’ve been on the road asking some of our favorite artists to try our prototypes."

Expressive E - Discovering Osmose with Kaela Sinclair (prototype unit)

Published on Feb 12, 2020 Expressive E

"Osmose was made by musicians, for musicians. We’ve been on the road asking some of our favorite artists to try our prototypes.

'Kaela Sinclair is a singer-songwriter, musician, and producer, based in LA with Florida roots. A classically trained instrumentalist and vocalist, she creates cinematic pop music with a deep and unusual touch. In the last two years she has released two EPs, and is currently working on a full-length album, coming into a mature, but decidedly unconventional sound. Sinclair joined French electronic band M83 in 2016, and within weeks was performing on the main stage at Coachella, gracing the likes of Glastonbury Festival and Jimmy Kimmel as well as touring four continents over the course of a year. Her vocals and arranging can be heard on M83’s latest album, DSVII which came out September of 2019. Sinclair has also spent significant time touring with Australian pop artist Troye Sivan, as a featured singer and synth player.'"

Expressive E - Discovering Osmose with Mike Dean (prototype unit)

Published on Feb 12, 2020 Expressive E

"Osmose was made by musicians, for musicians. We’ve been on the road asking some of our favorite artists to try our prototypes.

Mike Dean is a legendary producer, working with major artists across the American hip hop industry such as Kanye West, 2Pac, Scarface, Travis Scott, 2 Chainz, Jay-Z, Nas, Beyoncé & Jay-Z, Madona..."

Making Junkie XL Brass | Final Episode: We Have Liftoff!

Published on Jan 2, 2020 Junkie XL

GET JUNKIE XL BRASS NOW ► http://JXLbrass.com

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You can find all parts in the series here.

Studio Time: Junkie XL Brass

Published on Dec 27, 2019 Junkie XL

GET JUNKIE XL BRASS NOW ► http://JXLbrass.com

Playlist as of this post:

Making Junkie XL Brass | Final Episode: We Have Liftoff!
Studio Time: Junkie XL Brass | Legato Mode & Dynamic Range
Making Junkie XL Brass | Episode 5: Mix-Cut-Paste-Repeat (w/Alan Meyerson)
Studio Time: Junkie XL Brass | Getting Creative w/Patches
Making Junkie XL Brass | Episode 4: "Finally Recording"
LIVE with Tom | Junkie XL Brass Release Day!
Junkie XL Brass: Walkthrough 2 - Instrument Playthrough
Making Junkie XL Brass | Episode 3: "Ready to Record"
Junkie XL Brass by Tom Holkenborg | Release Trailer
Junkie XL Brass: Walkthrough 1 - Overview, Sections, Mic Mixes
Making Junkie XL Brass | Episode 2: "Who & How?"
Making Junkie XL Brass | Episode 1: "Why?"
Making Junkie XL Brass (Trailer)
JUNKIE XL BRASS | Available December 16th
NAMM 2019 - Brass Library Q&A (JUNKIE XL BRASS)
Introducing: JUNKIE XL BRASS (Orchestral Tools Keynote)
Brass Library Update!
I'm Making a Brass Library!

Follow-up to this post.

ROSEN SOUND - Synth Studio & Repair Shop Tour | Burbank, California

Published on Aug 8, 2019 synth4ever

Check out the custom Chrome Arp Odyssey AT 12:36.

"An in-depth synth studio and repair shop tour of Rosen Sound (www.rosensound.com) in Burbank, California.

Founded and owned by Rob Rosen, Rosen Sound is a premiere synthesizer repair & restoration shop that specializes in servicing vintage analog synthesizers. They also offer synth rentals, custom synth modifications, on-site studio recording, and have various synthesizers and replacement parts for sale.

This in-depth synth studio and repair shop tour covers the history of Rosen Sound, synth restoration processes, various synths being restored in the shop, the "Cabin" recording studio and woodworking rooms, and Rob's favorite synths.

Rosen Sound provides both national and international synth repair and restoration services, and is well known for employing top technicians and servicing rare and difficult to repair synths. If your vintage synth is in need of repair, don't hesitate to contact them.

To learn more about Rosen Sound, visit them at:

www.rosensound.com

==========
TIMECODES
==========
0:00 - Intro

0:45 - History of Rosen Sound
2:32 - Synth servicing
3:29 - Yamaha GX-1
4:18 - Difficult repairs
5:45 - Yamaha CS-80
8:01 - Rob's favorite synth
8:26 - Synths for repair (Prophet 5, Jupiter 8, Arp Quadra, Yamaha CS-60)
10:05 - Waldorf Wave
11:06 - Rob's music
11:31 - What's next for Rosen Sound
12:00 - Custom modifications (Chrome Arp Odyssey)
13:24 - Woodworking and tolex room
14:13 - Yamaha Electone organ
15:04 - Modern synth repairs
16:38 - The Cabin recording studio (under construction)
17:45 - Employees
18:28 - Synths for sale
18:47 - Prophet T8, PPG Wave, Korg Polysix
19:06 - Roland Jupiter 8, Prophet 5, Roland Juno 106
19:19 - Oberheim Four Voice, Prophet 10
20:20 - Electrocomp EML 101, Kawai K3
20:38 - Oberheim OB-X, Roland JX-3P, Behringer Deepmind 12
21:14 - Oberheim OB-Xa, Roland Jupiter 4, Roland SH-5
21: 39 - 2x Prophet 5 (REV 1)
22:50 - Junkie XL's PPG Waveterm
23:05 - Contacting Rosen Sound

23:42 - Conclusion"

Hidden Finds: Touché by Expressive E

Published on Jul 2, 2019 Junkie XL

"We posted a few photos of random stuff laying around the studio and asked which ones you wanted to know more about! We're starting our new #HiddenFinds series with the Touché by French company Expressive E."

Synths of Deadpool - Studio Time with Junkie XL

Published on Mar 8, 2016 Junkie XL

"A walkthrough of the synths of Deadpool and a taste of the Studio Time with Junkie XL to come! More info coming soon!"

New Brainwerx bx_oberhausen - Poly Oberheim SEM Soft Synth

Published on Apr 9, 2019 Plugin Alliance

"We’re proud to announce that Brainworx Audio has developed their first virtual instrument, and what a way to kick it off than with a future classic namely ‘bx_oberhausen'. Expand, Evolve, Experience.

What makes this synthesizer so unique is that Brainworx included their TMT technology, making this THE most faithful recreation to date. Included is a powerful unison mode, M/S processing and a set of effect modules from brands such as Mäag, Brainworx Audio and more."

Playlist:
Brainworx bx_oberhausen Trailer
bx_oberhausen Overview
bx_oberhausen walk through
THIS IS: bx_oberhausen - World Premiere Video! (Revised)
bx_oberhausen - Interview with Christian Diehl
Brainworx bx_oberhausen Synthesizer (Oberheim SEM Emulation) | The Plugin Minute | SYNTH ANATOMY

"Brainworx brings acclaimed analog synth module back to the future with breathtaking bx_oberhausen VI debut


“The Brainworx bx_oberhausen is a fantastic synth! Being an owner myself of a few of the originals, I can clearly tell how good this sounds! Besides the original concept, it also comes with really great effects to make the most brutal or subtle patches you can imagine! A must-have for synth enthusiasts!”
- Tom Holkenborg (a.k.a. Junkie XL), GRAMMY® Award-nominated, multi-platinum producer, musician, and film composer, 2019


LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY: having hosted a successful ‘synth tasting’ event earlier this year at Sphere Studios in North Hollywood, healthily attended by industry insiders and electronica luminaries like BT, Paul Haslinger (ex- Tangerine Dream), and Tom Holkenborg (a.k.a. Junkie XL), Brainworx Audio is proud to announce availability of bx_oberhausen — the cutting-edge company’s highly-anticipated first VI (Virtual Instrument) after more than 10 years of creatively crafting top-tier mixing and mastering plugins, applying the same modelling know- how and technology to bring back an acclaimed analog synthesizer expander module in a future-facing, feature-packed form fit for today’s Digital Audio Workstation world — as of April 9…

CLICK FOR MORE »

SynthPlex 2019 Pics by John L Rice

"Photos taken at the SynthPlex convention held in Burbank CA March 28th - 31st 2019"

Mouse over and click on the arrows to the left and right to scroll through, or click on any pic to get to the set on Flickr.

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Bryce still has his jacket! Along with familiar faces in the maker/synth world, you'll spot Depeche Mode's Martin Gore and his wife Kerrilee, Junkie XL, BT, Brian Kehew of the Moog Cookboog, & Mitchel Sigman of Berlin & more.
Update: JJ Abrams is in there as well. I thought I recognized him. Yes, he's into synths. Check out his custom Synthwood Pro-One. He's been mentioned on the site a few other times as well.
Update2: a few more you might recognize, aside from the makers of course: Michael Boddicker, Ellison Wolf of Waveform, Bill Brown, Drew Neumann, and Ed Buller – of Node etc.

If I missed anyone let me know!

Junkie XL Announces SCORE Academy for Free

Published on Mar 28, 2019 Junkie XL

Pretty awessome that he is doing this for free! Details:

"Film composer Tom Holkenborg today launched SCORE Academy, an annual year-long program, created in collaboration with ASCAP, that offers emerging composing talents the chance at hands-on instruction, up-close and personal with one of Hollywood’s most in-demand composers.

Tom Holkenborg’s SCORE Academy provides a singular opportunity. Students will be receiving a full-contact curriculum, designed by Tom himself, to educate a new generation of film composers and ready them for the demands of Hollywood. The Academy aims to raise students skill sets to the highest level in all aspects of scoring, sound design programming, music production, music technology and film music business.

'I have always been a passionate advocate of making education accessible to all, and my SCORE Academy will provide the hands-on tuition and training that’s required to make it as a composer,” said Tom Holkenborg. “Vocational education in this field is invaluable, and SCORE Academy will equip our students with the tools they need to succeed.'

The course will be offered annually to students for free, furthering Tom’s commitment to providing education resources to emerging composers. Tom already produces and funds the free online tutorial series Studio Time, which over three seasons has amassed a following of over 100,000 YouTube subscribers and given people around the world invaluable insight into Tom’s composition process. Tom also held an Associate Professor position at ArtEZ Academy of Music in the Netherlands, where he created a four year bachelor program called Media Music.

Tom Holkenborg’s SCORE Academy will mentor selected emerging film composers, taking a deep dive into production; tackling mixing, building sample libraries, working in surround sound, cue structure, sample and plug-in usage, among many other technical skills. Outside the studio the program will also provide tuition on navigating director/composer relationship and work-flow, marketing and promotion, and the business side of Hollywood.

Tom Holkenborg is one of Hollywood’s truly unique talents, a full contact composer, renowned for his maverick approach, and mastery of studio technology and instrumentation. He has over 120 scoring credits in film, video game and television music including Deadpool, Mad Max: Fury Road, Black Mass, Alita: Battle Angel, Divergent and the forthcoming Terminator: Dark Fate. He has worked with directors including Robert Rodriguez, George Miller, Tim Miller and James Cameron and his movies have grossed over $2 billion at the box office.

Find the application for SCORE Academy online

www.score-academy.org"

NAMM 2019: Junkie XL Interview

Published on Jan 26, 2019 Future Music Magazine