"Monophonic, made in Japan. Serial #131712. Measures 20"x12"x10". See images for all features. This auction includes the keyboard, 8 short patch cables, and some literature I downloaded from the internet a few years ago with patch settings.
32 full size-keys, control wheel for modulation or pitch), and modulation button below control wheel.
Functionally excellent. Cosmetically very good with paint scratch on top surface. I bought it used in 2011, and have used it very little in my smoke-free studio. I tested all its functions this week in order to write an accurate description for this ad. Note that the control wheel requires included cable patching from Control Wheel out to VCO Frequency to function,
Fully tested. All functions work well. All knobs, buttons, sliders, etc. work smoothly. Keys are even and smooth. Manual is in very good condition. Images are of the actual auction item."
"opsix SE is a digital synth like no other. With a premium all-metal design, 61-keys, and aftertouch, it unlocks a new world of sonic capabilities. Building on the expansive sound engine in the original opsix, opsix SE enhances it with increased polyphony and voicing, resulting in a synthesizer created for superior performance and precise control.
opsix SE is also available in a Limited Edition Platinum finish. Both versions ship in a dedicated hard case, including space for cables and a sustain pedal."
00:00 Unboxing & Sound demos
03:05 What is actually new?
06:23 Making a quick song demo
09:10 "Can't I just buy a VST instead?"
09:45 More sound demos
11:48 Pro Musician Tries Korg Opsix SE
16:23 More than just an FM synthesizer (Altered FM explained)
22:56 Making a patch from scratch
"The Ultimate Union of Power and Performance
opsix SE is a digital synth like no other. With a premium all-metal design, 61-keys, and aftertouch, it unlocks a new world of sonic capabilities. Building on the expansive sound engine in the original opsix, opsix SE enhances it with increased polyphony and voicing, resulting in a synthesizer created for superior performance and precise control.
The opsix Operator Mixer simplified FM synthesis for the first time, making it not just comprehensible but also controllable. With the addition of extra synthesis capabilities and programming, it offered a more efficient workflow and an even richer sound.
The opsix SE takes this even further. It is equipped with Korg's premium 61-key natural-touch keyboard, complete with aftertouch, delivering the exceptional tactile experience expected from Korg's flagship workstations. With a sleek, robust metal body, it's built for both the intensity of live gigs and the precision of studio sessions. The metallic knobs are optimally weighted for effortless adjustments. Underneath its exterior, the opsix SE boasts an incredible capacity of 80 stereo voices of polyphony.
The opsix SE arrives preloaded with hundreds of sounds enhanced for aftertouch control. Moreover, it is fully compatible with the sounds and samples from both the original opsix and the opsix Native software, including numerous high-quality libraries.
The limited color model, wavestate SE Platinum, is released at the same time as the wavestate SE. The Platinum edition features the same 61 keys with aftertouch and comes with a hard case as the wavestate SE, while the premium silver aluminum panel and stainless steel side panels, which are only available on this special model, create an overwhelming presence on stage and in the studio.
Also included is an original sticker with the KORG logo. The wavestate SE Platinum is available in limited quantities, so be sure to get yours soon."
"A more realistic flute patch than you'll find on classic vintage synths, showing how it's possible to attain a more convincing recreation of an acoustic sound with modular synths, and without the need for samples or digital modules. A truly realistic flute is too much of a tall order - a greater amount of modules, and a more complex controller, would no doubt get you nearer, but here is a more modest way of achieving a reasonable, and nice-sounding impersonation. Some of the early self-contained synths of the 1970's tried to make useable impersonations of 'real', acoustic or familiar instruments using easily-selectable presets with a very simple voice architecture. Some sounded better than others, but whilst they were often sonically appealing in their own right, they were seldom anywhere near realistic. Among the more famous were the ARP Pro Soloist, Roland SH1000/SH2000, and the Korg 700/700S - all of which very characterful and unique instruments, with their own strengths, and much loved to this day. This patch is a nod to those classic synths, but also exploring what is possible now with modest amount of purely analogue Eurorack modules. Patch sheet with notes below.
The AJH SYNTH Eurorack range consists of high-end modules, all hand-made in the UK, most of which are based on classic, vintage designs, authentically recreating the circuitry of much sought-after analogue instruments and technologies of the past, whilst greatly expanding them, and bringing them to modern Eurorack levels of convenience, limitless flexibility, and reliability.
Check out the AJH Synth playlists for module 'User Guides', and 'Patch of The Week' videos, which will be either performances or 'how to' guides, detailing functions/methods, and a range of sounds, some familiar, some less so, containing a patch sheet at the end to show you how to construct it for yourself.
Video by @DreamsOfWires
Patch Sheet: https://kvisit.com/8AE/kYAH NOTES _______ Green dots show approximate pot and switch positions. Pots and switches that do not have green dots are not used in this patch, and should be left at their zero or off positions. Multiple cables may branch from one output to different destinations, so here a multiple should be used. This patch needs a lot of fine-tuning, so precise pot positions cannot possibly be illustrated, but this should serve as a starting point, from where further experimentation should be applied. The video tries to explain what is happening with the core modules, which should make it easier to understand what needs fine-tuning. KEYBOARD: Here the controller's MOD output is used to send Aftertouch, but alternatively Velocity, or direct control from the MOD wheel/strip could be sent to the Dual LFO's CV input instead, depending on your controller and personal preference. In the video I also used the Glide module as 'slew' to soften the harsh changes in aftertouch CV from this particular controller, which may not be needed on others. TAP TEMPO LFO: Because the base tempo is selectable by tap, the rate of the LFO will have to be set by ear. VCO: If you don't wish to use the envelope to affect PWM, then PWM SHAPE will need to be set just below -1 - the envelope makes a subtle difference here, changing the shape of the VCO's sound slightly. NEXT PHASE: This is optional, as the noise is heard subtly in this patch, and only becomes more apparent when the AUDIO MIX of the Gemini is in favour of VCF1 (noise) rather than VCF2 (VCO), but to my ears it makes the sound of the noise more similar (see video description). GEMINI 2412: I'm using the 'high resonance' setting on VCF1. which is set by the rear jumper, or optionally using the Gain Switch (see User Guide video or manual on the website. Without it the resonance will need to be set to maximum, but still might not be quite enough. Modules used from top-left to bottom-right: Glide + Noise, Vintage Transistor Core VCO, Contour Generators, V-Scale, Tap Tempo VC-LFO, Next Phase, Gemini 2412, Discrete Cascaded VCA.
In case you missed it in this post, Roger Linn noted Dave Smith was "an avid athelete, cyclist and triathlete. He actually participated in the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon in his younger years..."
@birdkids reminded me of an article on the development of the Prophet VS archived on the WaybackMachine. In it, Chris Meyer mentions Dave was in Hawaii prepping for the tournament during that time. I thought it was interesting and worth sharing. I captured it below.
"Date: Wed, 15 Jan 1997 07:55:41 -0800 From: Xrystal MIME-Version: 1.0 Subject: Birth of the Prophet VS
I thought the following might be of interest to you. Xrystal _____________________________________________________________________
The Birth of the Prophet VS
By Chris Meyer, ex-employee of Sequential Circuits
It all started somewhere in 1985. We were still working on the Prophet 2000 sampler, and as resident historian (in other words, I had the most magazines and manuals) another engineer was asking me to explain how various instruments performed crossfades. I had finished discussing the Fairlight, and had moved on the PPG - explaining its wavetables, and the ability for it to scan a group of waves first in one direction and then back again, While I was scrawling this back and forth motion in my notebook, suddenly a little twinge went off in the back of my head, and myhand drew the next line arcing down the page.. and the concept of crossfading beween waves in two dimension, not just one, was born.
"Slew allows you to slide/glide between notes in a sequence, like those famous TB-303 Acid House tracks and a whole range of other electronic music styles, but if it's not built into your synthesizer it might be confusing how to achieve it, particularly as there are so many sequencer options available, many of which function differently from each other. This video shows how 3 popular desktop step-sequencers can work with the Sample Hold & Slew module - the Doepfer Dark Time, Korg SQ-1, which are both akin to vintage analogue step sequencers, and the Arturia Beatstep, which functions more like a Roland SH-101. I used just one MiniMod VCO going into the Sonic XV Diode Ladder Filter, since the TB-303 also has a diode ladder VCF, and here I've used it in just 6dB mode for extra squelch! However, I'm also using the Sonic XV's built-in wave folder to significantly change the timbre of the incoming triangle wave.
The Sample Hold & Slew can function as a separate gated slew module, with selection of up or down slew only, whilst the sample & hold part of it can be used independently, serving as 2 individual modules in 1. Or both functions can be combined, so that random voltages can slide from one to the next, even at very slow speeds, which is great for modulating gradually evolving drone sounds. The Colour and Restrict controls can be used to fine-tune a more desirable range of random frequencies from the noise source. An external clock can be used to sync the random voltages with other modules, sequencers or keyboard gates.
Additionally, audio can be passed through it to use as a noise source for the sample & hold or track & hold. At high clock speeds this feature can be used a very lo-fi bit-crusher, and slowing the rate down will gradually mangle the audio further, eventually reducing it to random beeps!
Check out the AJH Synth playlists for more 'Patch of The Week' videos, which will be either performances or 'how to' guides detailing a range of sounds, some familiar, some less so, and each containing a patch sheet at the end to show you how to construct it for yourself.
More Videos:
Blade Runner & Vangelis CS-80 Patch [posted here]
'Destination Not Berlin' Performance: [below]
Index:
00:00 Intro
00:27 How it works
02:42 Using Doepfer Dark Time
03:35 Using the Korg SQ-1
04:15 Using the Arturia Keystep
08:15 Using CV to control Slew
10:26 Example usage with Sample & Hold"
Performance: Destination Not Berlin - All-analogue Melodic Set using AJH Synth Eurorack Modular rig.
"This live melodic modular set by 'tomorrow the cure' was originally intended for Superbooth 22 in Berlin, but had to be cancelled due to hearing problems. Since the set was ready to go I thought I'd record it to share with you as another example of what a Mini Mod system can do, and what it can sound like. If this appeals to people there'll be more performance videos in the future, showing AJH Synth modules being used as they're intended - to make music. Hopefully these videos will be an inspiration to people, and compliment the 'User guides' and 'Patch of The Week' videos, which will continue to serve as more practical, or instructional videos.
I've dedicated this performance to Klaus Schulze, who passed away recently. His approach to making music and the sounds he created were a great influence of mine personally. Since then Vangelis has also passed. Fortunately we will always have the gift of their music, both to listen to, and be inspired by.
Performance breakdown:
The synth rig used is based around two voices from just 3 VCO's, 1 of which is paired with a Ring SM, which serves as a waveform mixer, and provides a -1 sub-octave. This then feeds the Gemini 2412 filter, whilst the VCO's triangle goes to the Sonic XV for processing by it's wave folder. All of this is mixed in the Muting Mixer & VCA on the top row. This is responsible for the melodic notes and sequence of the first 8 minutes, the drone in the following section, and then the final sequence.
The other 2 VCO's are going to the Ladder Filter, or the Wave Swarm, which is then passed to both the Ladder Filter and the Fixed Filter Bank 914. These are mixed in the middle row's VCA, and the intervals between the pitch of the 2 VCA's in controlled by the Precision Voltages module. This provides the drone in the first 8 minutes, the played notes/chords thereafter, and the choir-like drone during the final section.
Through the sequencer I switch the keyboard control from one voice to the other. I edited out the re-patching between parts to shorten the video - I took my time over the process as my hearing was still not 100%.
Tracks in this performance:
00:00 Intro
00:31 Part 1 - Opening piece
02:15 Part 2 - 'Monotherapy' from 'Grey Days & Old Ways', 2019
07:47 Part 3 - 'Miserere' from 'Two Voices', 2022
17:33 Part 4 - Untitled...
Parts 2 & 3 are available at https://tomorrowthecure.bandcamp.com
'Two Voices' was recorded entirely using the AJH Synth Mini Mod system - the same modules used in this performance. As was 'One System', and the majority of both 'Grey Days...' and 'Lost Soundtracks'."
"That's no moon... it's the sound of the modwave with modulation set to crossfade layers, along with some BIG reverb, to help recreate the Death Star theme."
"Using the wavestate, video game music producer David Wise walks us through the filter effect techniques he used to create 'Stickerbush Symphony' from Donkey Kong Country 2."
"Video game music producer David Wise reveals his process for creating "Aquatic Ambience" for Donkey Kong Country using the wavestate."
via @David_Wise:
"In the early 90's I shamelessly borrowed the idea of wave-sequencing from the Korg Wavestation & used it for #DonkeyKong #Country OST on the #SNES. Here I am re-creating #Aquatic #Ambiance on their latest #Wavestate"
Playlist:
1. Patch of The Week: The Sonic XV's Wave Folder - So many tones from just 1 VCO's Triangle wave
'Sonic Arps': The Sonic XV Transistor Diode Ladder Filter has a built-in Wave Folder, and in this video I'm using an arpeggiator in random mode to show the many subtle flavours of sound it can achieve from just a simple triangle wave from a single VCO. I will also pull a huge variety of timbres from a sine wave in a similar fashion. The filter is a re-creation and expansion of the VCF from the Musonics Sonic V (5) synth of the 1970's (predecessor of the Moog Sonic Six), and shares a similar character to that of the EMS Synthi and VCS3, also being early diode filters. Bearing that in mind you might expect it to produce aggressive tones and chaotic feedback, which it can do well enough, but you might not have expected that it can also be very subtle, organic and warm in character, particularly well-suited to melodic arps/patterns and percussive sounds. With the added wave shaping functionality that wasn't present on the original, along with 24dB and 6dB low pass modes, and band pass filtering, this module packs a lot of tone shaping into 14hp.
A PDF file of the patch can be downloaded here: https://kvisit.com/8AE/xfUG
Patch notes: Green dots show approximate pot and switch positions. Where a pot has two dots, this illustrates the range I move them during the video. Pots and switches that do not have green dots are not used in this patch, and should be left at their zero or off positions. I'm using the VCA as a mixer so that I can use the outputs from both the BP and 6dB outputs of the Sonic XV. Notice in the video they are set at different volumes at different points depending on the sound - you will need to adjust this too, as different combinations of IN LEVEL, IN MIX, IN WAVE, and filter settings can make a significant difference to volume levels. Modules used from left to right: Vintage Transistor Core VCO, Sonic XV, Contour Generators, Discrete Cascaded VCA.
2. Patch of the Week: 'Schulze School' - Melodic Eurorack performance + 'how-to' guide & patch sheet
This week's patch makes use of the V-Shape wave shaper/wave folder to sculpt the great analogue tone of the MiniMod VCO to create some delicate timbres that reminds us of Klaus Schulze's mesmerising sounds created on his sequencer-driven Moog modular synth systems in the 1970's. It also makes particular use of the Ring SM as a sub oscillator generator, and the rich tones of the Sonic XV diode filter.
Check out the AJH Synth playlists for more 'Patch of The Week' videos, which will be either performances or 'how to' guides detailing a range of sounds, some familiar, some less so, and each containing a patch sheet at the end to show you how to construct it for yourself.
3. Patch of the Week: 'Singing Gemini' - Dual Analogue VCF as a Dual Sine Wave VCO How to & patch sheet
This patch uses each of the 2 analogue filters of the Gemini as a dual VCO, self-oscillating, so that they produce sine waves and can be sequenced melodically using the Korg SQ-1 or any analogue step sequencer. This guide shows you how to make this patch, along with a patch sheet at the end. It is one of the many ways you can use just a couple of Eurorack modules to make music, as modular synthesis can be rewarding even with a minimal gear list.
"The opsix Altered FM offers the original 32 algorithms and then some right to your finger tips! Learn how to radically change the character of the classic DX7 80's sound "Maverick Bells" by using one of the new algorithms with just the turn of a knob. Then edit the operators, soften the attack, and add some reverb for a soft pad sound."
If ou are viewing this post from the front page you will see a more link directly below. Click it before you start to get to the list of videos plus descriptions for each. You can use the controls at the bottom of the player to skip around. You can find Lost Clouds music at https://lostcl0uds.bandcamp.com
"In full holiday swing, watch how we recreate an iconic sound from Paul McCartney’s song Wonderful Christmastime by using both the SV-2’s front panel controls and the SV-2 editor."
"2020 marks the 20th anniversary of Linkin Park’s Hybrid Theory. In this final installment of POTW Synths of Metal, we pay tribute with a recreation of the intro from Numb off the band’s sophomore album, Meteora. See you next week when we kick off another POTW series! In the meantime, got a request for POTW? Drop it in the comments!"
"POTW Synths of Metal continues with another anthemic song, and synth riff to match, compliments of Jens Johansson who also used a Korg T-Series amongst other synths!"
"POTW Synths of Metal continues with this Tranz Metal (their own description of their sound) hit that skyrocketed the German powerhouse to even greater stardom."
"Our celebration of Metal Month continues with a truly anthemic track bathed in lush synths that complement the driving bassline, monster guitars and, of course, the unique vocals stylings of the Prince of Darkness himself!"
"Korg’s celebrating Metal Month all through November with a POTW series focused on Synths of Metal! Our first installment is a tribute to Rob Zombie and crew, who gave us a metal masterpiece complete with this instantly recognizable, pulsating synth line."
"Happy Halloween to all of you! What better treat to celebrate with than THE Halloween theme, here in the last installment of Patch of the week Vol. 18 – Halloween Horror History. wavestate delivers on the piano, pad, that super-signature ticking."
"It’s the eeriest whistle we can recall, and we’re bringing it to you in the fourth installment of Patch of the Week Vol. 18 – Halloween Horror History using wavestate’s pianos, pads, and of course a sinewave."
"Monophonic, made in Japan. Serial #131712. Measures 20"x12"x10". See images for all features. This auction includes the keyboard, 8 short patch cables, and some literature I downloaded from the internet a few years ago with patch settings.
