Dreadbox Erebus v3 Filter Sweeps

Published on May 13, 2018 ProckGnosis

"Just some quickly executed filter sweeps on the new Dreadbox Erebus v3 I was able to record at Superbooth 2018 (plus a boatload of extra footage just screwing around with it). The new Erebus sounds great, and once again it shows how Dreadbox just keep building on their ideas. This has plenty of the original Erebus DNA, plus a touch of the Abyss, Nyx, and even Murmux v2 heritage as well.

Some of the big advantages this has over the original Erebus (v1 or v2)?
1. Extra (3rd) Oscillator
2. Mixable LP/HP filter
3. More modular patch points
4. Frequency Modulation
5. Loopable envelopes
6. Cool triple ring effect"

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.

Tricks for the Dreadbox Nyx - Making an ADSR Envelope

Published on Mar 31, 2018 ProckGnosis

"And here's Nyx 'Trick #3' or "some info how to create an ADSR or 4 or 5 stage envelope using MOD 1 and MOD 2." If you like math, but are newer to synths, I would watch "Part 2" at 07:07 first and THEN go back to Part 1 at 02:14.

Part 1 - The Examples (02:14)
Part 2 - The ADSR Academics (07:07)

This is likely my last "Tricks for the Nyx" video for a while. The video is split into 2 parts: part 1 gives a worked through example of setting up a 4 or 5 stage envelope, and part 2 gets a bit more basic (the academic part), explaining how envelopes are usually shaped and how different envelopes can be shaped on the Nyx by adding the smaller MOD 1 and MOD 2 envelopes together.

I'm probably turning off some newbs by showing how the Nyx is a bit more complicated than most normal synths, but for me, that's a large part of what makes it cool. If you're a newb and you bought a Nyx, be patient...it is WORTH the investment of time to learn. Cheers!"

All parts here.

Tricks for the Dreadbox Nyx - Synched Oscillators

Published on Mar 17, 2018 ProckGnosis

Playlist:

1. Tricks for the Dreadbox Nyx - Pulse-Width Modulation

"Yeah, it's not so much a trick, as it is a mini-tutorial on how to patch Mod 2 to modulate the pulse-width on oscillator 1. Skip to 03:00 to jump the explanation.

The Dreadbox Nyx can be a bit intimidating and take a little time to figure things out, so I thought I'd throw this out to assist folks with a starting point at least. I would suggest going back to my previous "Dreadbox Nyx Routing Examples" video as well to help get a better understanding of the synth layout as a whole.

The Nyx is still probably my favorite "less-than-a-$1000" mono synth right now (with the Korg ARP Odyssey being a close second). I know I'm a broken record on this, but it bears repeating. This is a uniquely designed and unique sounding synth in the field of "a lot of the same" analog monosynths, and fun as hell to play with once you get your head around it a bit."

2. Tricks for the Dreadbox Nyx - Synched Oscillators

"And here's Nyx "Trick #2" or a mini-tutorial on how to synchronize Osc 2 to Osc 1 and use Mod 2 to enhance the effect. Jump to 01:30 to skip the intro.

For a much more thorough explanation on how synchronizing oscillators works, check out:
"Murmux Semi-Modular - Tidbits and Tips for Creating a Good Synched Oscillator Patch" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yH-bD...)

Though I love a good synched oscillator patch, I would have to say this sounds best towards the end of the video, where I've mixed in the remaining saw wave (Osc 1), and used Mod 1 as a little AD envelope to modulate the filter.

Another point not mentioned in the video is I could have used the Modulator II "LVL" setting to also alter the amount of the Mod 2. It is actually additive to the amount of the "M2" value set by the "Depth" trim knob.

Lastly, this is only an example/tutorial of the most common way to get a standard, synched-oscillator sound (IMO). The Nyx being semi-modular gives you LOTS of other options and ways to produce and screw around with the synched sounds. The Nyx routings could be set to let Mod 2 modulate the HP or LP filter while it's also modulating the Osc 2 pitch."

3. Tricks for the Dreadbox Nyx - Making an ADSR Envelope

"And here's Nyx 'Trick #3' or "some info how to create an ADSR or 4 or 5 stage envelope using MOD 1 and MOD 2." If you like math, but are newer to synths, I would watch "Part 2" at 07:07 first and THEN go back to Part 1 at 02:14.

Part 1 - The Examples (02:14)
Part 2 - The ADSR Academics (07:07)

This is likely my last "Tricks for the Nyx" video for a while. The video is split into 2 parts: part 1 gives a worked through example of setting up a 4 or 5 stage envelope, and part 2 gets a bit more basic (the academic part), explaining how envelopes are usually shaped and how different envelopes can be shaped on the Nyx by adding the smaller MOD 1 and MOD 2 envelopes together.

I'm probably turning off some newbs by showing how the Nyx is a bit more complicated than most normal synths, but for me, that's a large part of what makes it cool. If you're a newb and you bought a Nyx, be patient...it is WORTH the investment of time to learn. Cheers!"

Dreadbox Nyx Routing Examples

Published on Jan 21, 2018 ProckGnosis

Great shirt.

"Wanted to better understand the routing options for the Dreadbox Nyx, so I mapped out some different configurations. Then I thought it might be worth sharing in a video. For easy reference, the parts and times of the video are outlined below.

There is a bit more talking and explaining than playing on this video, so probably not the video to watch if you ONLY want to hear the synth. If you want to better understand the routing, then this IS the video to watch. Cheers!

00:21 - A little info about the video (with the normal beer and babble)
03:17 - Explanation/Introduction
05:30 - Nyx Routing Example #1 (24 db LP filter)
09:36 - Nyx Routing Example #2 (24 db HP filter)
11:40 - Nyx Routing Example #3 (12 db LP filter)
14:00 - Nyx Routing Example #4 (12 db split LP and HP filters)
19:30 - Nyx Routing Example #5 (12 db filter with 4 stage MOD/envelope)

And if this helps even one person better understand and appreciate this very cool synth, then it was worth the effort."

The Korg ARP Odyssey Song

Published on Dec 8, 2017 ProckGnosis

"Skip to 03:36 to bypass the beer and synth babble and hear the song. Skip to 06:50 to hear the isolated clips, tracks, and different combined bits from the song.

As I expressed in the ARP Odyssey Tidbits and Tips for Drum Sounds video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tZxn...), I have been VERY impressed with this synth. Just really like the sound quite a bit, and it really is a well-made copy of a classic from the 70s.

The song is nothing great in demonstrating it's range, but it seemed perfectly appropriate for that 70s-ish, synthy vibe this thing inspires. As I pointed out with the Yamaha CS-5 video, I'm still blown away by what you can do with just one synth and some multitrack recording options.

If I had to sell large chunks of the synth collection, this would be one of the last to go I think."

Yamaha AN1X Sounds - Part 1

Published on Oct 14, 2017 ProckGnosis

"Skip to 03:20 to jump the preamble synth and beer babble. Just a rather LENGTHY listen to a very decent sounding and very capable virtual analog (VA) synth from Yamaha released in 1997. And yes, these are almost all presets I demo, and the opening music was recorded with just the AN1X and some drums.

You have to ask, if Yamaha made a VA this good 20 years ago, what's up with not being able to at least match its capability in all the stuff they have put out since? There was obviously a way, but maybe not the will.

Not counting the AN200 (which was sort of AN1X with half the voices), the CS ReFace is the only virtual analog synth Yamaha has put out in all that time since (unless I'm forgetting some other synth).

--AN1X Specs--
Polyphony - 10 notes
Oscillators - 2 osc: saw, variable width pulse, FM
Effects - Reverb, delay, 3-band EQ, chorus, flanger, phaser, enhancer, compressor, distortion, overdrive, amp simulator.
Filter - Resonant 12/18/24dB/oct low/band/hi pass filter + 1 more hi pass
Arpeg/Seq - Arpeg: 1 mon/poly, up, down, up/down, random; MIDI-capable. Seq: 16 steps, 1 track
Keyboard - 61 keys (with velocity and aftertouch)
Memory - 128 patches
Control - MIDI (2 parts)
Date Produced - 1997"

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 - 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."

Futuresonus Parva Synth - Playing Around With

Published on Dec 4, 2016 ProckGnosis

"Just some playing around with the Futuresonus Parva Synth. Not in-depth at all. The Parva is an 8-voice, 3-ocillators-per-voice, analog synth, and "each voice contains two two-pole multi-mode filters in series, which can be combined to form various low-pass, high-pass, and bandpass filter topologies" (from the manual).

Great sounding synth, but Futuresonus is still getting a few of the wrinkles ironed out with some final firmware tweaks. Looking forward to doing a more extensive look at it this when the last bits get worked. Cheers!"

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."

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!"

New Dreadbox Murmux v2 Arriving in October

Dreadbox Murmux v2 - First Look Coming in October

Published on Sep 25, 2016 ProckGnosis

"Yes, got the Murmux v2 days before I left for vacation, so an in-depth look will be delayed a bit, but first impressions are VERY good. Yes, that is the Murmux v2 shrieking in the video (as well as the rest of the sounds).

And yes, I am available for voice work! : ) Cheers!

dreadbox murmux v2 - first impressions of the semimodular, analog synthesizer.

Published on Sep 25, 2016 Rickinger B.

"Here are my first impressions with the new murmux V2. I've recorded the raw sound, no FX, only the build in echo. Dreadbox has made a lovely beast, i think. More stuff is coming, if you want. Tell me what you think ;-)"

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."

Arturia Keystep - Playing with the Step Sequencer

Published on Sep 2, 2016 ProckGnosis

"Just a bit of playing around with the step sequencer on the Arturia Keystep MIDI Controller, using it to sequence a Yamaha CS5 analog mono synth.

Really had 3 goals with this:
1. Playing with the Keystep sequencer
2. Testing the Waldorf Pulse 2 for translating MIDI to CV
3. Sequencing an old mono, analog synth that had no MIDI

The Keystep is a great piece of hardware at a decent price (around $115-120), with velocity and aftertouch sensitive keys, an arpeggiator, and a step sequencer. Can store up to eight, 64-step sequences. MIDI in/out and CV and gate outs for controlling analog equipment.

The Keystep has CV and gate out, but the Yamaha CS5 doesn't use the normal, Moogish-volt-per-octave standard, so I had to use the Waldorf Pulse 2 to translate the midi from the Keystep to the Hertz-per-volt CV standard older Yamaha synths frequently used."

Alesis Andromeda A6 Patch Review - Preloaded User Bank

Published on Jul 16, 2016 ProckGnosis

"As described in the opening, I've had the A6 for a while but only recently got it up and mostly running again. Lots of phantom knob changing problems. ("SHOW MORE" for more commentary below)

Despite what I say in the opening, there are actually 21 patches demoed...User Patch 000 through 020.

The five things that make this synth so awesome sounding, ignoring even the MASSIVE modulation possibilities:
1. 24db and 12db filters that can run serial or parallel - really lets you sculpt the harmonic content of the sound down to a gnat's ass.
2. Unison Mode - with 16 voices, you can do a unison 2 voice patch (giving you 4 oscillators per note), and have some very lush chords, still having 8 notes of polyphony to work with.
3. Ring mod - very similar to the Yamaha CS-80, the best brassy patches on this thing incorporate the ring mod, to varying subtle and not-so-subtle degrees.
4. The pre and post filter mixing sections - lets you entirely control the oscillators amounts before and after being filtered. Never thought this was that useful until I started breaking down some of the patches I really liked, and found it really lets you move so beyond just a standard LP-filtered sounding synth.
5. 16-note polyphony!! Nothing else analog can touch it (don't know of a single analog keyboard with as much or more polyphony). Sure you can daisy chain 3 Dave Smith Prophet 8s for 24 voices of polyphony, but that's about your cheapest option.

Pluses?
It really does sound phenomenal. I would say its real strength is pads. It does bass and leads fairly well too, but I have other synths that do bass and leads as well as or better than the A6. I would say I DON'T have another analog synth that does pads as well.

Minuses?
It is intimidatingly deep. Things that would be quite simple to program on other synths, often take more steps, and time just to find out WHERE it is in the menu-driven operating system. Yeah, there are fortunately lots of knobs, but behind every knob action, there is usually a menu needing attention. Trying to understand even how a patch is programmed is like tracing a wire diagram...it's do-able, but tiring after a while. And that's when it's working perfectly with no self-changing, phantom knob problems. MASSIVELY frustrating when values just start changing by themselves.

Skip to 15:55 to hear/see the Andromeda rocking out with me on the drums. Was trying to come up with a new video opening...not sure if I'll finish it or not."

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."

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

The Akai Miniak Song

Published on Feb 12, 2016 ProckGnosis

"To skip the babble and beer preamble and hear the song, go to 2:00. To hear the isolated patches used in the song, skip to 6:00.

Nice little melody mostly in 5/8, with a middle section in 6/8. All sounds from the Akai Miniak, including the drums. My attempt at doing some proggy electronica, I guess. Majority of sounds are presets from the synth, with 2 or 3 being slightly tweaked or modded from presets.

The Akai Miniak is an 8-voice, 8-part multitimbral, virtual analog synth, with the same voice engine as the Alesis Ion, Alesis Micron, and the VA part of the Alesis Fusion. It's a pain in the butt to program without some software, but with 6 options for modulating the sound on the fly (pitch wheel, 2 mod wheels, and 3 assignable knobs), it's still capable of plenty of interactive, real-time modulation. Lastly it has some seriously deep programming options and a great bunch of filter models to choose from. And just to emphasize again, those seriously deep programming options are a pain to get to without software.

Though the raw oscillators are missing a bit of that analog presence, it is VERY much an acceptable substitute in a live environment, and even fine for most studio applications.

It's a shame Alesis/Akai has gotten out of the synth business, because they produced some decent sounding stuff. Yeah, they still do MIDI controllers, but it would be nice if they could have used some of the expertise that built the Andromeda and even the Fusion to carry on and improve on some of the earlier ideas. But they didn't. Oh well. So it goes..."

Miniak's on eBay