MPG-70 Super JX Programmer - Patch Generator Demo - Bass (No Talking)

video upload by Retroaktiv Synthesizers

"Some BASS patches generated by MPG-70 patch generator. Sorry for the flickering of the OLED. That's due to the camera refresh rate. In person, the OLED has no flicker and appears solid white. These are tricky to shoot due to the refresh rate of the OLED vs the refresh rate of the camera."

MPG-70 Patch Generator Bass Category

video upload by Retroaktiv Synthesizers

"Some BASS patches generated by MPG-70 patch generator. Sorry for the flickering of the OLED. That's due to the camera refresh rate. In person, the OLED has no flicker and appears solid white. These are tricky to shoot due to the refresh rate of the OLED vs the refresh rate of the camera."

Some MKS-70 pads generated by MPG-70 Patchgen

video upload by Retroaktiv Synthesizers

Layering 2 JX-8P using Retroaktiv MPG-70 Controller

video upload by Retroaktiv Synthesizers

"The MPG-70 is capable of layering any combo of JX8P, MKS-70 and Super JX synths, whether stock or Vecoven modded. You can layer the synths and store their exact state as a SETUP object in the MPG-70's internal memory. You can also set up complex modulation routings, such as making the mod wheel open the filter on JX 1, while closing the filter and increasing resonance on JX 2. You can use any CC, aftertouch, foiotpedal, or the two dedicated ASSIGN controls to modulate any combo of front panel slisers you wish."

How to store your MPG-70 Sounds

video upload by Retroaktiv Synthesizers

"This is a short clip showing how to store your user objects on MPG-70 controllers for Super JX, MKS-70, and JX-8P. We've eliminated the tedious JX file system that requires you to link every tone to a patch. Now you can save all of your objects in seconds."

Retroaktiv MPG-70 MKIII Patch Generator Demo - "Pads - General" Category (No Talking)

video upload by Retroaktiv Synthesizers

"In this video we're hearing patches that are being generated by the Retroaktiv MPG-70's patch generator. The synth used here is a Vecoven Modded Roland MKS-70. We're demonstrating the 'Pads - General' category, which creates evolving, lush textured synth pads."

MPG 8X Patch Generator - Pads & Perc Bass Algorithm

video upload by Retroaktiv Synthesizers

"This video demonstrates some of the sounds generated by the MPG-8X patch generator's 'Pads 1' category."

MPG-8X Patch Generator - Poly/Pad 2 Algorithm


"Here's a demo of the Poly/Pad 2 Algorithm found in the MPG-8X patch generator. This is just a sample of the tones this algorithm will generate."

MPG-8X Patch Generator - Perc Bass Algorithm


"Here we're using the MPG-8X Patch Generator to create 'perc bass' sounds using the "Perc Bass" algorithm. This alg is also good for generating organ percussion soinds."

PG-2K Patch Generator - "Release Pads" Category

video upload by Retroaktiv Synthesizers

"PG-2K Patch Generator 'Release Pads' category. This algorithm generates pads that utilize a longer release time."

Update:

PG-2K Patch Generator - "Polyrez" Category


PG-2K Patch Generator - "Piano/Clavichord" Category

PG2K Patch Generator - Vibrato Bells Category

video upload by Retroaktiv Synthesizers

"This is a demo of the "Vibrato Bells" category in the PG-2K Patch Generator. This category generates chimes and bells that have a detuning or pit modulation element, such as vibrato."

Update:

PG-2K Patch Generator - Detuned Envelope Pads


"This algorithm generates pads that have a pitch envelope detuning effect incorporated. This could be a 'scooping' effect when keyed, or a more subtle slow envelope detuning of the DCOs. This demo give you a taste of the sounds this algorithm is good for."

PG-2K Patch Generator - Pulsate Bass Category

video upload by Retroaktiv Synthesizers

"This video demonstrates they types of sounds generated by the PG-2K Patch Generator's 'Pulsate Bass' Algorithm."

Retroaktiv PG-2K Patch Generator - Synth Bells Category

video upload by Retroaktiv Synthesizers

"Here's a short demo of the "synth bells" category on the Retroaktiv PG-2K's patch generator. Create infinite new sounds at the touch of a button. The patchgen algorithm in this clip generates bright, shimmery, synth bells, usually with some release. Each algorithm in our patch generator creates different styles of synth sounds. All of our controllers have an extensive patch generator like this."

Update:

Retroaktiv PG-2K Patch Generator - "Atonal/Bell Tree Category" Demo

video upload by

"Here's a clip of us demonstrating the PG-2K Patch Generator algorithm called "Atonal/Bell Tree/Chime", which was designed to create gongs, metallic sounds, hand bells, chimes, and other similar instruments. There are over 20 other algorithms on PG-2K, including pads, polysynths, brass, basses, strings and more. Retroaktiv controllers are more than just a bunch of knobs on a pretty enclosure."

Retroaktiv Synthesizers PG-2K Patch Generator Demo - Strings Category

video upload by Retroaktiv Synthesizers

"Here's a short demo showing some of the sounds the PG-2K's Patch Generator can generate at the press of a button. Here, we're demo'ing the "strings" category. There are over 20 more categories to choose from, and they all generate musically useful patches. Having a Retroaktiv controller is like having an infinite number of new sounds for your synth."

You can find additional PG-2K demos here.

Reminder: New England Synth Fest is This Weekend!

"Saturday Saturday Saturday! New England Synth Fest, October 29, 12pm to 6pm, in Burlington, Mass (at the Microsoft Technology Center, 5 Wayside Road). SIX HOURS of live music, video art, vendors, exhibitors, lectures, workshops, a jam room, and a synthesizer petting zoo. FREE admission.

Live music from Luke Stark, ximena, Michael Bierylo, Wizard Peter, Natalie Hogue, Odie DeSmith, TotoRobyn, Mute City, NXOR, Aether Chroma, Virosa and Funkhouser, and Retribution Body. Live visualizations from Anagram, Diane Menyuk, Merritt Schwartz, Jame Coyne, Vidumami, and Allison Tanenhaus.

Lectures and talks from Piotr Rotkiewicz, Irwin Kwan, David Mash, Ralph Kinscheck, A. Campbell Payne, Tom Eaton, Ryan Page, Matthew Davidson, Christina Shivers, Deftly-D, and Samuel Holland (see the website for topics, schedule, and details).

There will be a "Jam Room" brought to you by Circuit Happy, using shared CV/MIDI clock on their Missing Link hardware. A DIY workshop by SynthCube (build your own Moffenzeef Jarmageddon, preregistration and kit purchase required). Exhibits from Stompbox Sonic, Alan R.Pearlman Foundation, Electronic Audio Experiments, Retroaktiv Synthesizers, Tall Dog Electronics, AND MORE. Check out the NESF website for more details."

Retroaktiv Angling Rackmount System Demonstration

video by Retroaktiv Synthesizers

Pretty cool. It's 5U.

Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter | The Prince of Analoge 80s Power!

video by Espen Kraft

[Clarification in case the synth police shows up: The MKS-80 is closer to the Jupiter-6 than the Jupiter-8.

Internal chips:
Jupiter-6: 12x CEM3340 VCO, 6x IR3109 VCF, 6x CEM3360 Dual VCA
MKS-80 (to serial #511799/early models): 16x CEM3340 VCO, 8x IR3109 VCF, 8x CEM3360 Dual VCA (4 for X-Mod)
MKS-80 (serial #511800 and higher/later models): 16x IR3R03 VCO, 8x IR3R05 VCF/VCA, 4x CEM3360 Dual VCA (for X-Mod)

The Jupiter-8 also used a Roland IR3109 IC for the VCF, BA662 for the VCA, and IR3R01 for Envelopes.

Via wikipedia: "The voice architecture is almost identical to the Jupiter-6 synthesizer, the service manual states that "The module board of MKS-80 features the following in addition to that of JP-6, its brother module. 1) HPF. 2) Low boost circuit in the 2nd VCA. 3) DC supply current boost circuit (IC50)." The unit is fully capable of producing most of the Jupiter-6's signature sounds, in addition to many sounds unique to the MKS-80. In February 1985, Roland started producing a new revision of MKS-80, known as "Rev 5", that had no ties with any previous Jupiter's hardware, as it used a new generation of both Roland VCO's, VCA's and filter. The Rev 5 filter was also used in JX-8P, JX-10 and MKS-70 synthesizers."

And the following which I thought intersting:

"Confusion with Jupiter 8
In 1998, UK magazine Sound on Sound published an article about MKS-80. It contained a critical typo. Instead of referring to Jupiter 6, the comment about the rack version constantly referred to Jupiter 8, leading to serious confusion and even spreading myths across various online forums. However, once we read that article and replace numbers 8 and 6, the whole part of the article suddenly makes sense: 'The MKS80 delivered the entire Jupiter 6 wish-list and more, including a much larger memory and upgraded internal electronics. Now let's get one thing clear -- despite a few commentators postulating otherwise, the MKS80 had nothing to do with the Jupiter 8. Although there were ultimately to be two versions of the instrument (one with the Jupiter 6's Curtis oscillators, the other with custom chips developed by Roland themselves) both retained the architecture of the Jupiter 6, sounded identical to the Jupiter 6 and, apart from their many enhancements, were the rackmount module versions of the Jupiter 6.'." Also see this post for The Story of the Roland JUPITER-8 & JUPITER-6.]

--- That said, here is the description for the video above:

"Roland MKS-80 - the Super Jupiter. Rolands last analog VCO synth and one that packs all the punch of the mighty Jupiter 8 and 6 into one box

With 8 voices, 16 VCOs, fast envelopes, cross modulation, sync, 2 ADSRs, a very flexible LFO and velocity and pressure sensitivity over Midi, the Super Jupiter was the professional musicians dream module in the mid 80s. Used on countless hit records.

Support this channel on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/espenkraft​

Through the years the MKS-80 came out in a Rev.4 and a Rev.5 and the debate over which one sounds the best never seems to stop. I don't care about that at all. The versions used in this video are both Rev.5, but as I actually compare these to a Jupiter 8 here, no one should tell me that the Rev.5 can't sound like it. It DOES sound like it, down to 99% and that's enough for me.

A big thanks to Joakim Tysseng for the loan of the Jupiter 8 and a big thanks to Brynjulf Blix for the one MKS-80 and the MPG-80 programmer. Anders Jensen has as always been very kind too and thanks for the other MKS-80 Anders, as well and for all the driving!

The other MKS-80 programmer I use here is from Retroaktiv and that's a new one. I did a demo of that just a couple of videos before this so check that out if you want to."

Using MPG-70 Patch Generator With 4.x Vecoven Super JX

Published on Feb 12, 2020 Retroaktiv Synthesizers

"This is an unedited video snippet showing the MPG-70 generating a series of random patches. The MPG-70 has an intelligent patch generator that randomizes the tone parameters of the JX to make musical sounds. It's one of my favorite features of the controller. This video is just me noodling and auditioning sounds."

See the Retroaktiv label below for more.

Retroaktiv DW-8P Controller For EX-8000, DW-8000 & DW-6000

Published on Feb 11, 2020 Retroaktiv Synthesizers

"This is part 1 of a 2 part video giving a walkthrough of the DW-8P controller. The first section of the video describes the basic parameters, controls, and MIDI setup options.

The second half of the video focuses primarily on the sound creation capabilities of the unit, such as the patch generator, and the optional MXB-1 memory card."

Retroaktiv DW-8P posts

RETROACTIV DSS-P Programmer for KORG DSS-1 Sampling Synthesizer

This one was spotted and sent in via Ryan. Details via RETROACTIV:

"This listing is a pre-order for the upcoming DSS-P programmer for Korg DSS-1 Sampling Synthesizers. The product is under development now, and is expected to begin shipping around May or June 2020. Discounted pre-order price is $835. MSRP after pre-order period is expected to be around $899.

Features:

DSS-P will feature 64 30mm sliders, corresponding to the program parameters on the DSS-1.
5.5" x 3.2" full color touch screen for deep editing
Patch generator feature that will intelligently generate musically useful pads, polysynths, basses, bells, clavichord, string sounds and more. Patch generator will allow users to "mask" any sections of the synthesizer, so the masked sections will not be changed when a new patch is generated.
On-board multisound banks will feature custom Retroaktiv samples of classic synthesizer waveforms from Minimoog, ARP Odyssey, ARP Omni, Rhodes Chroma and more.
Ability to download full lists of program parameters, multisounds, and PCM data and display all information on the touch screen.
Assignable X-Y controls on the touch screen for modifying multiple parameters at once with the XY.
Operating system of the DSS-P can be updated using a MIDI SYSEX file, allowing for continuous feature updates and future OS developments.
Data entry can be done using the touch screen and the encoder/cursor buttons.
CC to sysex translation of program parameters
Sleek powder-coated metal enclosure measures 8.75" (5U) x 17" x 3". Optional rack ears can be purchased when units are shipping.
MIDI IN, MIDI OUT, MIDI THRU


IMPORTANT NOTES: The DSS-1 does not allow for smooth parameter changes when edited by sysex. This means that when most parameters are changed, there may be audible hiccups as the DSS-1's output buffer is altered. This is due to the design of the DSS-1 and is not being caused by the DSS-P. Many parameter changes will not be heard until a new note is keyed on the DSS-1"

Check out the RETROACTIVE label for additional synth controllers.

Two DW-8000's controlled with DW-8P

Published on Sep 28, 2019 Retroaktiv Synthesizers

"In this video, I'm using two DW-8000 synths, along with the 'velocity controlled ramp generator' feature of the DW-8P controller, to use velocity to "scoop" into notes. The harder I play, the more scoop there is. I also have an ASSIGN set up on the DW-8P, which routes my mod-wheel to control the VCF cutoff and DETUNE of both DW-8000s."

How to load new firmware on Retroaktiv MIDI controllers

Published on Aug 15, 2019 Retroaktiv Synthesizers

"This video shows how to load firmware onto Retroaktiv MIDI controllers using a MIDI file and a DAW. If using MPG-70 or DW-8P programmers, the only difference not shown in this video is that to enter the bootloader, you hold the encoder in while powering up. Everything else is the same.

For more info, visit www.retroaktivsynthesizers.com

Music is performed by Space Junk is Forever. Composed by Jordan Holt. Song: Space Junk is Forever Album: Space Junk is Forever I, available on iTunes and Spotify.
https://spacejunkisforever.bandcamp.com/"