How does the Waldorf Kyra Sound? - 11 Custom Patches [No Talking]

Published on Nov 10, 2019 Marshal Arnold

"How does the Waldorf Kyra Sound? - 11 Custom Patches [No Talking]

Tonight I play through 11 custom patches I've created with the Waldorf Kyra VA Synthesizer, with no talking. All sounds were created from scratch on the Waldorf Kyra starting from Init. All effects are from the Waldorf Kyra itself, no external processing was done, these are single timber patches performed in real time. All sounds from the Waldorf Kyra have been recorded via the USB connection to a Windows PC into Ableton Live @ 4800kHZ."

Waldorf Kyra - 6 Part Multi - "Maximum Effort" [Full Track]

Published on Oct 22, 2019 Marshal Arnold

"Tonight I debut a 6 part multitimbral tune created with 6 timbers from the Waldorf Kyra streaming via 8 channels through the USB connection into Ableton Live. All 6 Kyra patches are custom patches made by me. I used percussion from the Roland Cloud including the TR-909 and TR 808. I also used a moded kick from Kick 2 and a single synth line from Omnisphere 2.

For arpeggiators I used the BlueARP plugin. Effects were part from the Kyra and part 3rd party effects. Some Kyra synth timbers were routed into Ableton dry and layered with delay, reverb and sidechain within Ableton.

This performance was done to demo some sounds and abilities of the Waldorf Kyra in a studio setting, I hope you enjoy the Kyra demo!"

BlueARP Hardware ARP Sequencer

Published on Dec 30, 2017 graywolf2004ru

Note the videos range from 2017 to 2019.

via BlueARP

"For a long time I was seeking for an arp that would allow me to do things like in hardware and finally decided to develop my own one. I took all the best I found in hardware groove boxes and arpeggiators (Korg Electribes, Novation Nova, arrangers) and combined it into single intuitive tool.

BlueARP can be also characterised as: pattern arpeggiator, step sequencer style arpeggiator, arpeggiator with pattern input.

I started development in 2012, now BlueARP is quite stable but I’m keeping further development.

BlueARP comes as a VST plugin for Windows & Mac OSX."


Video Playlist:
1. BlueARP hardware unit mk.1 rev.2 demonstration

This is demonstration of BlueARP hardware unit mk1 rev2 - this time it's mich better - 3d printed case, factory fabricated PCBs.
Sorry for shaky video and a lot of mistakes - I had a very little time for this performance (was mostly working on hardware and software).
But it's here - now this is a real thing I will continue working on.
In the beginning - playing cover for the track "Stardust" by J.M.Jarre and Armin van Buuren.

2. BlueARP hardware prototype v1.0 show-up

This is the result of several months of hard work.
This is a hardware prototype, running full-reatured BlueARP engine. Basically it runs THE SAME optimized code as software BlueARP. It took me a couple of months to re-factor the code and make it compilable for Cotrex-M CPU and hardware.

The final goal it to make it as a serial hardware device. A lot of work is done already, but still even more to do.

3. BlueARP hardware prototype demo #1

This is a 1st musical demonstration of my BlueARP hardware prototype.
It's purely hardware performance, using BlueARP factory bank loaded into prototype.
The same can be done with software BlueARP and VSTs of course, but playing with hardware is so much fun!

4. BlueARP hardware prototype rev.3 demo "Eternity"

This is my current BlueARP prototype - smaller and better (I fixed some design flaws from the previous prototype).
This is 100% hardware demo. Using 5 instances of BlueARP:
- Korg Radias - 4 tracks
- Vermona Mono Lancet - bass (1 track)
I implemented MIDI clock out, BlueARP sends midi clock to Akai MPC. It works, though drums are delayed a bit, need to fix it later.
All patterns were programed on hardware unit. So it's like the old days when I had more synths and made hardware performances )
PS. I finally made USB functionality working (both host and device). It was nightmare - tons of RTFM, 2 months of trials and fails. It's still buggy, so I don't use it here, but I'll improve it). I made this performance to celebrate this milestone.

5. BlueARP DM rev.4 demo, "Imaginary Vectors" by Marshal Arnold, live cover using Novation Nova

I'm so excited to present a complete live cover using BlueARP hardware unit! This is also a great demo for Novation Nova, all sounds cone from it, even drums. No computer used here, folks! My screen shows video for the original track.
I created this performance using only BlueARP hardware unit.
The goal was both to test bluearp unit and to polish the GUI and arp core, here I did a lot of fine tuning (it will benefit bluearp vst as well).

KnobCon 2018 - Showroom Floor Walk - 9/8/2018

Published on Sep 13, 2018 Marshal Arnold

"KnobCon 2018 - Showroom Floor Walk - 9/8/2018

On Saturday Sept 8th 2018 I slow walked the main Showroom. I tried to take my time and get as much ambiance as possible. I think I may have missed a few booths, but in parts of the showroom it became quite crowded so I did the best I could lol. So many amazing synths all around and really cool people jamming and sampling all that sweet sweet gear! What a cool event for Synthesizer enthusiasts! I'll be back next year for sure!"

The Missing Link from Circuit Happy - KnobCon 2018

Published on Sep 13, 2018 Marshal Arnold

"The Missing Link from Circuit Happy - KnobCon 2018

While doing my showroom walk I was stopped by the folks at the Circuit Happy Booth! They have created a little sync box that wraps up the Ableton Link feature into a standalone device and will allow users to sync up separate modular and or eurorack rigs and iOS aps.

Please excuse my shaky cam, I got so excited that I started just chatting and forgot to focus on the presentation.

The Missing Link is a very cool device and I can see the power of having the Ableton Link protocol in a standalone device!"

Paolo of SynthMania walks though his live setup at KnobCon 2018

Published on Sep 10, 2018 Marshal Arnold

You can check out SynthMania's performance in video four of the playlist here.

"On Friday 9/7/2018 I caught up with Paolo from Synth Mania at KnobCon 2018. He was asked by the Suit and Tie Guy (who organizes the KnobCon events) to perform this at this year's opening night! Paolo was very kind to take a few minutes and walk through his gear setup for the show!

For convenience while traveling Paolo brought a small rig that features a Korg MicroStation, a Novation Circuit and a Korg monologue, a TC-Helicon Mic Mechanic 2 and a Sure SM58 microphone all connected through a Yamaha MG06X mixer Don't let the size fool you, his set sounded HUGE and had many people dancing their butts off during the classic Techno that Paolo is very good at producing."

Behringer RD-808 Demo at KnobCon 2018

Published on Sep 9, 2018 Marshal Arnold

"Behringer RD-808 Demo at KnobCon 2018

At KnobCon I stopped by the Behringer booth and had a look at nd listen to the Rhythm Designer 808. A drum machine based on the classic Roland TR-808."

RD-808 here.

New Behringer RD-909 Videos from Knobcon

Behringer shows off prototype RD-909 at KnobCon 2018 - 909 Day Published on Sep 9, 2018 Marshal Arnold

"Behringer shows off prototype RD-909 at KnobCon 2018 - 909 Day

Happy 909 Day! Behringer is showing off a design prototype of the Rhythm Designer 909, a drum machine based on the classic Roland TR-909!"

Knobcon 2018: Behringer RD-909 First look

Published on Sep 9, 2018 sonicstate

"First look at the RD -909 prototype - a Behringer remake of the classic TR-909"

See the RD-909 announcement post for details.

New Behringer RD-909 Revealed on 9/09 - #909Day

via Behringer


"Rhythm Designer RD-909 Features

Recreation of one of the most sought after and influential drum machines

10 original drum sounds: Bass Drum, Snare Drum, Low Tom, Mid Tom, High Tom, Rim-Shot, Hand-Clap, Cymbal, Open-Hat, Closed-Hat

Complete control over voice dynamics with per voice accent and flam

64-step sequencer with storage of up to 64 patterns and 16 songs with continuously variable swing

Integrated Wave Designer with individual attack and sustain controls for studio quality drum sound

Integrated dual mode filter with dedicated frequency and resonance controls for huge sound shaping options

10 independent analog outputs to record your patterns as multi-track audio

Easily readable 7-segment 4-character LED display for tempo with dedicated tap tempo button

16 authentic step pads with bold, full-color LEDs

Up to 99 loop measures of each pattern change with 16 pattern changes per song

Songs can be chained together for expanded compositions

Unique Auto Scroll feature for extremely easy operation

Comprehensive Midi In/Out/Thru and USB implementation for synchronization and connection to external devices

Per-Track Solo and Mute for enhanced realtime control

Sync options include USB, MIDI, Clock and Internal

Powerful headphone and L/R main outputs on 1/4” TRS connectors"

Update1: a couple of pics from Knobcon in via Soviet Space Child, spotted on Sonic State's Instagram feed.

Update2: Knobon videos further below.

Behringer shows off prototype RD-909 at KnobCon 2018 - 909 Day Published on Sep 9, 2018 Marshal Arnold

"Behringer shows off prototype RD-909 at KnobCon 2018 - 909 Day

Happy 909 Day! Behringer is showing off a design prototype of the Rhythm Designer 909, a drum machine based on the classic Roland TR-909!"

Knobcon 2018: Behringer RD-909 First look

Published on Sep 9, 2018 sonicstate

"First look at the RD -909 prototype - a Behringer remake of the classic TR-909"

IK Multimedia Uno Synth First Look Videos

Published on Jul 29, 2018 SynthMania

"A first look at the newly released IK Multimedia UNO Synth - a great-sounding portable synthesizer with two analog oscillators, multi-mode filter, arpeggiator, sequencer, and built-in delay FX."

IK Multimedia UNO Synth - First Look and Preset Demo - Live Stream 07/29/2018

Streamed live 1 hour ago Marshal Arnold

"IK Multimedia UNO Synth - First Look - Live Stream 07/29/2018

Tonight there can be only UNO! That's right, I have received the IK Multimedia UNO synth!. A 2 oscillator, fully analog, monophonic synthesizer. Made in Italy, the design aesthetic is pretty nice! This little synth has a small footprint, is USB or battery powered and packs a 16-step sequencer with 20 automatable parameters, variable wave shaping oscillators (Saw, Triangle and Pulse waveforms), a multimode filter (HP, LP, BP), a Sync Delay audio effect and 5 performance effects, 10 mode, 4-octave arpeggiator.

I have only had the UNO Synth in my hands for a day, and it is a very good value analog synth. There are a good amount of onboard controls and plenty of features to keep your sound design appetite satisfied! For $199.00 USD, I say pick one up and give it a try!"

How To: Access Virus TI2 Rack Kit Install

Published on May 30, 2018 Marshal Arnold

I was always kind of curious about this as the jacks on the back shift, and there are no side panels on the Virus TI2.

"How To: Access Virus TI2 Rack Kit Install

In this video I walk through installing the Rack Kit for the Access Virus TI2 Desktop Synthesizer."

Does the Behringer Model D Stack Up Against the Original?

Behringer D - Let's Talk Synths - With Mr CowFood

Published on Mar 3, 2018 Marshal Arnold

Discussion starts at 6:29, below is a comparison.

"Behringer D - Let's Talk Synths - With Mr CowFood

Now that the Behringer D is available and I have had a chance to play around with it I wanted to invite back Mr CowFood to discuss this new release from Behringer. The Behringer D, or "Boog" as it's being referred to by many online is a clone of the famous Moog MiniMoog Model D. Mr CowFood and I chat about some of the differences between this clone and the MiniMoog Reissue of which the Boog is based on. There was some discussion also about the High-Pass Filter, apparently there have been some complaints about it so I setup a quick test and all is well with the unit I own. We also chat briefly about the teaser photo from the Midas Team in the UK, possibly getting ready t teardown a Roland Jupiter 8."

Behringer D Vs MiniMoog Model D - THE REMATCH - Technical Video

Published on Mar 4, 2018

You can find the previous video mentioned along with a Roland SE-02 vs. Minimoog comparison here.

"Behringer D Vs MiniMoog Model D - THE REMATCH - Technical Video

Following the first “Shootout” video I made between a MiniMoog Model D and a Behringer D or “Boog” as it's being called online I have taken some feedback from the community and with the suggestions made I have spent an entire evening doing a much more technical comparison of these synthesizers. NOTE this video will probably be very boring for some viewers, my apologies, I do not know how to spice up a video like this, but if you are curious how these 2 synths stack up on a deeper level and have about an hour to burn then give it a spin! In this video I will be covering the following

1- Comparing individual oscillator wave forms one by one (1, 2 and 3).
2- Comparing oscillators with stacked wave forms
3- Some low-pass filter sweeps with varying amounts of resonance
4- Tested the Overdrive circuit
5- Tested the high-pass filer on the Behringer D – (is not a feature on the MiniMoog, but I had questions about it)"

Behringer D vs MiniMoog Model D Reissue - Synth Shootout (& the Roland SE-02)

Published on Feb 19, 2018 Marshal Arnold

Do they sound the same??! - MiniMoog Model D - VS - Roland SE-02 video below.

"After finally receiving the Behringer D or Model D that was preordered way way back in June 2017 it finally arrived yesterday! To kick things off I wanted to do a Synth Shootout vs the real deal, a Moog MiniMoog Model D Reissue! I have pulled out the MiniMoog's user manual and configured a few patches on both synthesizers and played some tunes. Please forgive me, I'm not the greatest live synth player, but I thought this might be cool to line these synths up so to speak let folks hear what it sounds live vs the real thing.

For those who don't know what all of the fuss is about, the MiniMoog Model D is one of the most famous synthesizers of all time, it's quite expensive. Recently Moog Music reissued this iconic synth after many years of being out of production for a cost of around $3,500.00 USD. All good right? That had my attention and I was able to pick one up, but then about a year or so ago Uli Behringer made several posts referring to a possible Behringer version of the MiniMoog. Then came some pix of what one might look like and it about broke the internet when the Behringer D might cost around $300.00 USD! That's around 1/10th the cost of the new reissue from Moog. So yeah there was some interest in this thing.

Personally I think for the price the Behringer D does a pretty good job, but please realize that with synthesizers like this you can spend hours dialing in these patches, which I did :) but given more time it may be possible to get these to sound even closer than they do in this video."

Do they sound the same??! - MiniMoog Model D - VS - Roland SE-02

Published on Sep 20, 2017 Marshal Arnold

"Tonight I do a quick comparison with the 1st bank of oscillators on the Moog MiniMoog Model D and the new Roland SE-02. Both synths are 3 Oscillator mono synths. For this shootout I will be going though Triangle, Shark tooth, Saw, Square, Pulse 1 and Pulse 2 on both synths. There is an A|B comparison of the waveforms and then a quick check of the filters while using the Shark tooth.

Let me know what you think.. do they sound the same? which do you prefer?

Thanks for watching!"

Roland D-05 - How To Make Custom Patches

Published on Oct 18, 2017 Marshal Arnold

Some menu diving on the Roland D-05 for those curious about how to edit one.

"In this video I go over some settings in the D-05 and walk you through where and how to program the new Roland D-05. I have created a custom patch called 'Mosey On Mack' and I walk through some of the basic parameters that I adjusted to make this patch from scratch."

Nord Lead 2x Demo

YouTube via theveg99. via fischek. Overview comes in about a minute into it.
"House/Trance Producer Marshal Arnold shows off a Clavia Lead 2x."