Dreadbox Abyss - Twiddling With and Exploring the Sounds

Published on Jun 10, 2017 ProckGnosis

"WARNING: a bit lengthy listen to the Dreadbox Abyss, 4-voice analog(ue) synthesizer (I tried to cut the length down, but obviously failed). This is NOT a review, and there's no talking past the introduction. It's basically a big sound sampler focusing on chords, with a bit of lead and bass thrown in as well.

When it comes to synths, this thing is retro-in-a-box. And I'm talking sound most of all. And in case you were wondering, the opening ProckGnosis theme for this video was done only with the Abyss and some VST drums.

Top 4 things I've discovered so far:
- If you want that "Boards of Canada" drifting oscillator sound (more recently overexposed in the "Stranger Things" soundtrack), this thing nails it
- The hybrid delay really does create a great chorus effect (the Erebus should be able to do this too, but I've never tried)
- Just a touch of "drive" on the VCA helps make the sound even more classic and...uh...not sure really, but I describe it as "dirty" in the video
- The selection of variable wave shapes sort of pushes this into OB6 territory, and being able to easily modulate the waves really pumps some life into the sound

Again, hats off to Dreadbox for this kind of stuff. I said somewhere, yeah, it's just a synthesizer, but they do it just a little bit differently, and that really makes it something more unique in the field of synths. Cheers!"

Moog Opus 3 Synthesizer Overview

Published on Dec 19, 2016 ProckGnosis

"WARNING: yet another LENGTHY, "for synth geeks" focused vid (see menu below to select other parts of the video). Also another sort-of retro review (like the Yamaha CS-5 overview), this time with the Moog Opus 3, an underrated polyphonic/paraphonic Moog synth from the early 80's. Great for the 70's "string machine" style chorus sounds and some punchy, synthy sounds running through that 24dB Moog filter. Though the synth is a bit limited in capability, it makes up for it in the "how it sounds" department.

00:00 Intro
03:12 The Strings Section
08:08 The Organ Section
12:00 The Brass Section
16:35 Modulation and Running the Organ thru Filter and Chorus
25:05 The Articulator (VCA) and the Output Mix

And just in case it wasn't clear the couple times I mentioned it in the video, the reworked ProckGnosis opening theme was done entirely with the Moog Opus 3 and some Reason drums."

Casio VZ-10M - Exploring the Synth and Sounds

Published on Jul 4, 2019 ProckGnosis

"And here is a verrrry long video covering the Casio VZ-10M, including listening to a lot of patch examples, looking at how Casio implemented the phase modulation engine, and looking/listening to the basic waves and some phase-modulated waveforms available for programming.

Organization of the video is as follows:
00:00 - Casio VZ-10M ProckGnosis Theme Song (in 9/8)
00:30 - The Introduction
02:50 - Sound and Commentary
11:47 - How the VZ-10M Makes Noise (big explanation)
18:12 - More Sounds, Less Commentary
28:23 - Phase Modulation Analysis (M1 modulating M2 with different waves)
31:04 - Even More Sounds, Some Commentary

As I say in the video, the Casio VZ-10M has a lot of similarities to the Yamaha DX7, including the synth engine and how the modules are worked with like operators, but it also has some other tricks the DX7 doesn't. This includes having saw waves instead of just sine waves to phase modulate and phase modulate with, as well as being able to ring modulate the partner module.

The synth isn't great, but it is extremely interesting to work with, and it can produce some interesting sounds. When the big brother keyboard (VZ-1) was released in 1988, it was Casio's flagship synth. It's curious why Casio would have opted to produce something that, in so many ways, was similar to the already well-established DX7 and all the variants, and even sounded fairly similar.

I think it would have made more sense to release a "Super CZ" with 16 note polyphony, a phase-distortion engine, and the ability to layer, split, and fade similar to the VZ. It's possible even a "Super CZ" wouldn't have sold though, as it seems folks were just more fascinated by more realistic sounds like those offered by the Roland D-50 (released in 1987) and the Korg M1, also released in 1988 for about the same cost.

As I said in the opening of the video, I think the video could have been better organized, and better split over 2 videos, but I’m running short of time and figured it was better to just get it out."

Medusa Synth Sequencer/GRID Tutorial

Published on Sep 12, 2018 ProckGnosis

"This is a Dreadbox-Polyend Medusa tutorial, looking only at the sequencer and GRID, and giving some step-by-step instructions how to use some of the sequencer/GRID functions.

The 5 Parts of the Tutorial:
1. Setting Up the Sequencer/GRID (02:44)
2. Adding Note Data (recording) (05:16)
3. Editing Note Data (06:26)
4. Working with Patch Modifying (PM) Data (07:52)
5. Misc. Examples and Screwing Around (15:02)

The GRID and the ability to create and save Patch Modifying Data in the GRID really gives the Medusa some interesting capabilities to shape the Medusa's sound. The more I played with it, the more I realized how creative you could get with this.

The reworked ProckGnosis theme is an expansion on the recording used for the Dreadbox Tour and Interview video, and contains only sounds from the Medusa.

This was filmed using a prototype Medusa as explained in the video, but everything I demo and convey in the video should work for ANY Medusa.

Cheers!"

The Casio XW-P1 Appreciation Video

Published on Dec 24, 2018 ProckGnosis

"This is just an appreciation video for the Casio XW-P1, which I decided to sell. Like a lot of Casio products, there is some really inventive and creative work that went into the synth that often goes unnoticed or underappreciated (by myself even).

I bought it mostly as a cheap keyboard option for gigging with a "classic rock" band, and though I was curious about the sequencer, arpeggiator (which I don't mention in the video at all, unfortunately), and phrase sequencer, I had little reason to use any of those features, and therefore I didn't explore them so much. And that's unfortunate, because I think they are some of the stronger features on the synth, and would likely be appealing for someone wanting to get started with some DAW-less sequencing for not much money. I'm just more of a DAW-full kind of guy.

Loose Timeline for the Video
Intro - 03:08
The Step Sequencer - 11:30
The Phrase Sequencer - 16:16
The Drawbar Organ - 18:00
The Hex Layer Synth - 20:16
The Solo Synth - 22:58
Some Final Thoughts - 27:06
Bonus - Alt versions of ProckGnosis Theme with the XW-P1 - 28:22

For folks even more curious about the keyboard, I've copied Casio's specs on the XW-P1 below, though the formatting was mostly lost.

CLICK FOR MORE »

The Space Dialogue - a Fun Homage

video by ProckGnosis

"Skip beer-and-babble intro to 3:49​ for the start of the piece and 8:08​ for some comments about the sounds and ideas that went into it. This was meant to be sort of an homage and cheezy collage of synth soundtracks and pieces that I've really enjoyed over the years.

This piece was mostly a side project that gave me something to do from my laptop during corona lockdown and other fun over the last couple of years. It was done mostly with Reason softsynths, with a big assist from the Dreadbox Typhon.

The idea for something like this had been floating around in my head for a while. I originally wrote and recorded the dialogue back in mid 2019, and I've been slowly shaping it, tweaking it, mixing it, and slightly altering it for almost 18 months. The biggest challenge for me putting this together was mixing the various elements and balancing the levels. Though 90% of the melody and arrangement was put together in the first 5 or 6 months, early versions were a bit muddy and crowded, before I started trying for a "less is more" approach. I removed redundant clips/melodies, filtered out the low end where needed, EQ’ed mids more than I usually do, and tried not to drive the mastering compressor so much. I’m fairly happy with the final mix, though there’s still room for improvement. It was fun and a pretty good learning experience.

Thanks to some of the "green screen" community out there for offering up a few special effects. Now I need to go back and find out who to give credit to after I post this.

And of note, I think this is the first ProckGnosis theme I've done based mostly on guitar!"

Dreadbox Abyss Overview by ProckGnosis

ProckGnosis
Published on Aug 5, 2017

"Part 1 of an overview of the Dreadbox Abyss, 4-voice analog(ue) synth(esizer/esiser). Go to 02:45 to skip the babble and brewski intro. For more specific sound examples, check out the “Dreadbox Abyss - Twiddling With and Exploring the Sounds” video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwiVW...). [posted here]

This vid covers the VCO, VCF, and VCA sections of the synth (ad nauseam in places). Part 2 will cover the Mode, Mod Wheel, LFO, Effects, and Dip Switch sections of the synth.

A little bit about the synth:
- 4 voice polyphonic analog
- 1 variable-waveform osc and 1 square-wave sub osc per voice
- 24db Murmux low-pass filter
- 2 independent LFOs with 4 selectable wave forms
- 4 playing modes - multi-channel, unison, polyphonic, and chords
- 3 effects sections including Reflector (for flange/chorus effects), Delay, and Phaser

I just haven’t found a synth that can sound as vintage, other than older vintage synths. Looking for that slightly, wobbly, unstable analog synth sound (ala Boards of Canada, etc)? This does it, but in a very controllable way. I do sometimes find myself missing a second oscillator to fatten up the sound a bit in polyphonic mode, but given the variable wave forms and the vintage sounding effects, I’m missing it much less than I thought I would.

I’ve said it in half a dozen other posts, but hats off to Dreadbox for doing synths just a little differently than the rest of the folks (and that’s different in a GOOD way)."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Dreadbox Abyss thru the Hypnosis

Published on Jun 4, 2019 ProckGnosis

"Just demoing how stunning the Abyss sounds running through the Hypnosis. Not any extensive testing or knob twisting of either piece of gear. Just playing with sounds I thought were cool."

Novation Bass Station II Step Sequencer

Published on Jun 19, 2016 ProckGnosis

"Jump to 2:05 to skip the intro. Just an overview of how the Bass Station II step sequencer works and how to program in some simple sequences. (click 'show more' to see the rest)

From the manual:
'Up to four separate sequences, each containing up to 32 notes (or a combination of notes and rests) can be recorded. These sequences are stored in Bass Station II and are retained when the synth is switched off. In addition, the currently selected sequence can also be stored as part of a patch.'

Not discussed in the video:
- Editing a sequence after it is programmed (doesn't look like you can do it, other than re-entering the whole sequence)
- Changing the sequence by selecting a different 'Rhythm Pattern'
- Using the "Latch" button, which fortunately does work like a latch button is supposed to, functioning for both the arpeggiator and the step sequencer

I am VERY impressed with this synth. It sounds great, and has some very cool tricks up its sleeve for such a low price. As much as I like the Arturia Minibrute, I would say this have a slight edge over the Minibrute. Why? Mostly because of the second oscillator (offering detuned beating), being able to save patches, and I slightly prefer this filter."

Going Deeper in Modular with the Waldorf KB37

Published on Nov 18, 2018 ProckGnosis

"Just some playing around, discussing, and reflecting on what I'm liking about modular synths in general and in the context of the Waldorf KB37.

What I love?
- Lets you get massively creative
- Lets you do things you can't do so easily with a self-contained, stand-alone synth
- It's all hands-on! No menu diving!
- Helps you really think about and learn how patches are constructed

Slight negatives
- It's sometimes not as immediately satisfying as a self-contained, stand-alone synth (due to "setting things up" just to get sound)
- The cables of all the modules can get in the way of uninhibited knob twisting, slider sliding, and switch flipping
- Not so easy to get back to that amazing patch you created last week

Side note: the intro tune was recorded with only the KB37 and the modules seen in the video, plus some Reason Kong drums."

Yamaha CS-5 Analog Synth Overview

Published on Sep 19, 2016 ProckGnosis

Note: He says the CS5 is 1/16th of the CS80 as 5 goes into 80 16 times. It's also one voice/mono while the CS80 is 8 voice x 2, so 1/16th again. :)

"CAUTION: this video is for serious synth geeks, who actually like watching or listening to people just screwing around with an old, analog synth for 20 minutes.

This is sort of like a review, only 30-40 years after the product was released. For being a single oscillator, mono synth, this thing really has some punch for bass, especially with the square wave undergoing some pulse width modulation from the single LFO.

As I explain in the video, this is first analog, mono synth I ever bought, and it was playing with this synth a few years ago that piqued my interest in analog mono synths again (the OLD kind that don't require menu diving, and you can't save the patches).

• Oscillators - 1 VCO with pulse or sawtooth waveforms and noise-gen
• LFO - Yes, with sine, sawtooth, sample and hold
• Filter - 1 filter: 12dB/oct High pass or Low pass; 6dB/oct band-pass
• Effects - None
• Keyboard - 37 keys
• Memory - None
• Control - CV / Gate
• Date Produced - 1978-83"

Update:

Yamaha CS-5 Analog Synth Song

Published on Sep 19, 2016

"Song recorded in Propellerhead Reason using only the Yamaha CS-5 synth and Reason's Kong Drums. Skip to 6:57 to hear the clips and sounds (without the drums or any effects). For an analog, one oscillator mono synth, this thing can kick some ass. I admit, the more I play with it, the more I like it, even with its limitations (one oscillator, one EG, etc) being at the low end of the CS family."

Dreadbox Murmux v2 - First Look

Published on Oct 1, 2016 ProckGnosis

"First look at the new Dreadbox Murmux v2, the awesome lovechild of a Dreadbox' Murmux Semi-Modular, the Erebus, and several Dreadbox modules, after a heavy night of slamming ouzo shots.

Highlights for me would be:
- The 3 independent oscillators plus a sub osc
- The combined high pass and low pass filter mixing
- The "drive" control

The Murmux was already pretty solid as a lead and bass synth, but these 3 extra features (just highlighted above), REALLY help push it up another notch for cutting leads and ballsy basses.

Though recorded the day before I went on vacation, it was edited and thrown together in between bouts of seriously needed relaxing here in Greece. Cheers!"

Carol of the Nymphes

video upload by ProckGnosis

"A one-synth tune with the Dreadbox Nymphes. Move to 02:33 to skip the opening babble and brewski bit. Skip to 06:24 to hear just clips and bits of the Nymphes used in the song without any affects.

Can't say the world needed ANOTHER version of this song, but here it goes anyway, 'cause it is a seriously cool tune. Intention was to keep it in classic analog synth territory, so the arrangement is also fairly straight forward.

Despite some of the negative comments I've read, I've found the Nymphes fairly easy to navigate for the majority of programming parameters. For assigning modulations it's one of the easiest synths I've used."

More Dreadbox Kinematic Examples

video upload by ProckGnosis

"Playing with the Dreadbox Kinematic a bit more. See the menu below or just skip to 03:27 to hear the examples. I'm mostly playing with the autowah feature, adding a bit of drive, and it sounds great!

Menu

00:30 - Video introduction and description
01:47 - The beer plug and discussion
03:27 - Running the Arturia Drumbrute Impact through the Kinematic
05:30 - Running the Reface DX through the Kinematic

For a little more info about the Kinematic, check out the previous video where I used the Kinematic with the ASM Hydrasynth:" [posted here]

Murmux Semi-Modular Synthesizer Review

Published on Oct 12, 2014 ProckGnosis

2nd video below.

"Review of the Murmux Semi-Modular Synthesizer manufactured in Greece by Dreadbox Pedals and Synths (http://www.dreadbox-fx.com/)

I try to cover the basics of the synth, including the different sections and features, giving some sound examples as I tweak and explain the different controls and parameters. What I don't cover is patching with the different CV/Gates inputs and outputs at the top of synth's panel (what makes it semi-modular).

Check out Henrik Lendal's video at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTnBS... for good look at getting creative with the semi-modular with some patch cables.

Positives?
- The synth sounds great and is a blast to mess around with
- Looks as great as it sounds
- Great sounding filter
- A slightly different approach on some features (the 4-stage mod for example)
- Sturdy construction with solid knobs!

Negatives (and only very slight ones)
- Playing legato with a MIDI controller does not retrigger the filter envelope, but playing with a CV/gate input DOES retrigger the filter envelope playing legato or staccato
- Filter has a slight spike on the key-up with certain settings

All in all, I LOVE it...addictive as hell to play around with and in some ways cooler than my Moog Voyager...

Cheers!"

The Murmux Semi-Modular Song

Published on Jun 22, 2014

"Song recorded in Propellerhead Reason, using only the Murmux Semi-Modular analog synth for all the melodic sounds. Drums and effects all came from assorted Reason modules."

3 for the v3 - Dreadbox Erebus Patch Examples

Published on Dec 8, 2018 ProckGnosis

"Just 3 patch examples for the Dreadbox Erebus v3, including 1) vibrato, 2) sample and hold, and 3) percussion. All 3 examples use the mod wheel to control the amount of the modulation, but offer significantly different results.

3 for the v3 - Erebus Patch Examples
1. Mod-wheel control of vibrato depth (02:57)
2. Sample & hold modulation of the filter cutoff using the mod wheel (06:10)
3. Percussion sounds (10:05)

And yes, the intro music is 100% just the Dreadbox Erebus v3."

Moog Sub 37 - Tid Bits and Tips for the Mod Wheel

Published on Jun 5, 2016 ProckGnosis

"Two examples of how to use the mod wheel to 1) control the amount of vibrato and 2) change the filter cutoff. Easy enough to do, though not as obvious as one might think."

http://www.moogmusic.com/products/phattys/sub-37

Dreadbox Typhon - Programming a Sequence from your Keyboard

ProckGnosis

"With the Dreadbox Typhon 1.1 update, you can now input notes into the sequencer from your controller keyboard. Skip to (01:40) to pass over the babble-and-brewski intro. See below for the different parts of the video.


Quick start intro - 01:40
Slower walk through - 02:52
Editing the sequence - 04:44
Transposing the sequence - 07:35


Love this synth! Can't say this enough. Not sure why, but it's just really clicking with me. Love the core sound, the distortion effects are great, it's fairly easy to program, and I can save everything!"

Behringer Model D in a Waldorf KB37 - Eurorack Starter

Published on Apr 22, 2018 ProckGnosis

"Here's my first step working with eurorack modular. And yes, it's a very safe way to start, considering the Behringer Model D costs less than many one-function modules, and offers everything I need for starting out.

My 3 big take-aways from this "proof of concept" would be:
1. The Behringer Model D sounds pretty decent. I've heard enough examples that I'm not too shocked, but I am still a bit surprised.
2. For people who like modular and playing keyboards and synths, the KB37 is an awesome way to combine both worlds.
3. Yes, modular does appear to be a black hole, and it will definitely put a dent in my wallet and bank account.

And a bonus observation...the Studio Electronics 4075 filter module is SWEEEEEET.

Thanks to DivKid for a great vid showing how he installed the Behringer Model D in a eurorack."

Behringer Model D #02 - Eurorack Case Installation

Published on Feb 2, 2018 DivKidVideo

"In the second video (not the jam videos, I numbered / titled those separately) on the Behringer Model D we look at installing the module into a euro rack case. I did plan on covering this later in the series but as I wanted it in the modular for ease of control/modulation/use in my set up and also to have it next to the Mordax DATA oscilloscope here we go. You remove 8 screws, lift up the panel and then remove two cables/connectors and then add the euro rack ribbon power cable to the module, plug that into your euro rack bus board, screw the module onto the rails and you're off. Simple!"

You can find the playlist for DivKidVideo Behringer Model D videos here.

Dreadbox Murmux v2 Analog Synth - More Screwing Around

Published on Nov 12, 2016 ProckGnosis

"Just playing around with the Murmux v2. Just can't say it enough how THICK this thing sounds, and I think the video demonstrates that quite nicely.

Someone mentioned in a post that they think this thing rivals a Minimoog Model D. Well, I don't have a model D, but I have a Voyager, and yes, this thing competes quite nicely."