Taiga Keyboard // Every bit's a little bit more

video upload by Starsky Carr

"MORE TAIGA!! A deep dive demo and review of the @pittsburghmodular Taiga Keyz. It's got 3 oscillators, each with a little bit more than most, a filter AND a low pass gate, a multi-mode configurable mixer, 3 LFOs, 2 ADSRs plus extra envelope shapes..

Stuff I forgot to demo.. MIDI CCs to CV - so you can use mod options in your DAW - like a MIDI LFO to control the synth. ... but I did that in my last demo of the original eurorack version!

Catch my demo of the original" [posted here]

Taiga Keyz from Pittsburgh Modular // It Makes Some Rather Nice Sounds

video upload by Starsky Carr

"Sounds ONLY demo here of the Pittsburgh Modular Taiga Keyz. These patches were too nice to hide in a talky review/demo so i thought i'd put the sounds up front and centre in the heart of the action.. it's what its all about after all.

There are 4 tracks in total.. trying out different patching ideas from simple non-patched using the internal semi-modular internal patching to duophonic mode using an additional VCA to split the oscillators into 2 groups - 2 osc going through the filter and 1 osc going through the Low Pass Gate.

I've used the arp, the sync'd LFO to modulate the waveshapes for a pseudo filtering effect, the mod tool to control the filter cuttoff and I think on one of these I might have been using the random mod tool to add some randomness to the BBD for a lofi chorus effect - if not try it anyway! Once you start you cant help exploring :)"

What's all the NOISE? // 41 ideas for that weird noise oscillator

video upload by Starsky Carr

"What can you do with Noise?... turns out quite a lot."

0:00 intro
1:16 Modulation for Lo-Fi Dust & Crackles
5:25 The Sweeps
7:22 FX, WIND and FIRE
9:31 Enhance your arps, bass and other tones
12:03 Copious Claps
12:58 Handfuls of Hi Hats
14:59 Tonnes of Toms
19:34 Selection of Snares
20:54 Proliferation of Percussion
21:50 Vintage Vibes

With the Moog Minimoog.

Patches on the Fly - 25 things to do with 2 Oscillators

video upload by Starsky Carr

"Detune, Sync and FM tones, following on from my previous synth programming tips. Here we have a selection of patches you can only create if you've got 2 oscillators per voice.

As these patches are getting more complex you can't recreate everything on every synth. Some don't have sync, some don't have FM... but most can do most of this, especially the detune patches. All these ideas will help you tp either start from scratch or modify presets to suit your track."

Vintage PPG Wave vs Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave

video upload by Starsky Carr

Featuring the PPG Wave used in Dead or Alive's "You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)".

Patches on the fly - 22 things to do with a SAWTOOTH

video upload by Starsky Carr

"Some synth programming tips using nothing but a sawtooth (and a sub here and there). I've used a Jupiter 4 again as it's easy to follow the patches on anything because the faders are nice and clear to read.

These are all little stepping stones to generating your own patches or fitting something similar in the mix. Follow this and my other programming tips and you'll soon be confident to create your own or edit presets to fit your tracks."

Vintage Classics // Octave Cat

video upload by Starsky Carr

"An in-depth look at the Octave CAT. This one is an absolute classic from 1977. It's the Series Revision Model (SRM), which is the same as the SRMII apart from its additional sync mode and CV connections.

There's also a few minutes of showing the differences between this and the Behringer - everything else is the close enough to make a comparison rather boring!"

0:00 A bit of Background
4:08 VCO 1
5:37 Modulation
8:21 VCO1 as LFO
9:37 VCO2
10:19 Sync
11:28 Filter
13:27 Dual X-Mod
14:00 Some BASS patches
15:36 Envelope Repeat
16:01 S&H
17:10 What's the Behringer like?
25:37 Some Sounds
31:32 That Intro Track

ARP Axxe vs ARP Odyssey // Why some prefer the Axxe

video upload by Starsky Carr

"The ARP AXXE and Odyssey have the same or very similar circuitry. You could think of the Axxe as a single oscillator version of the Odyssey, but thats not the whole story. Of course the Odyssey has loads more functions but the Axxe has a couple of tricks up its sleeve.

It can produce super powerful basses and leads, a little dark horse."

Make That Gary Numan Synth Sound

video upload by Starsky Carr

"The easiest way to get the classic Gary Numan CARS Vox Humana sound is to download Alex Ball's sample pack. Sampled from a vintage PolyMoog, and all proceeds go to the Bob Moog Foundation. A worthy cause, so download it even if you won't use it!
https://bobmoogfoundation.myshopify.com

Here's Alex's demo... very nice as per usual: [posted here]

But if you want to have ago yourself, this is the second easiest way.. just follow these 10 easy steps. It's a simple enough tone to recreate, but to get it as close as possible you'll need 3 LFOs. If your synth only has 1 LFO you can get close enough for a bit of Numanesque electro synth hero action."

AJH Synth MiniMod Keys // If Hans Zimmer uses these daily...

video upload by Starsky Carr

"Imagine if Moog had made the original Minimoog a modular system, we'd have something very similar to the AJHSynth Minimod Keyz... and something that sounds identical. Buckets full of warm, rich, exquisite vintage vibes in a very handy format.

It's so much more than a minimoog clone - firstly the VCOs are based on the most revered RA Moog version, then there's the addition of ring mod, HP filter, extra LFOs

Plus all the extras that the NiftyCase brings - velocity,. aftertouch, LFO, Arp, Sequencer, zoning, voice modes multi, MIDI... and a whole lot more.

and then obviously the flexibility of a modular system... wonderful :)

https://patreon.com/starskycarr
https://starskycarr.com"

Tal-Pha ... What's so special about the Alpha Junos? & how to make THE Hoover!

video upload by Starsky Carr

"The Alpha Juno has been given a new lease of life by TAL. Finally we now have an amazingly accurate recreation of the 80's classic synth. Here I put it up against my original (my first synth) which I bought back in school ... THATs a long time ago! It was used then and its even more used now :)"

0:00 The Hoover & overview
3:36 Oscillator
7:15 Filter
10:56 Let's Make a Hoover
12:56 Some Preset Comparisons
13:56 Juno Preset Sysex into TAL-Pha
16:40 Chord Mode
18:28 Extras
21:23 MIDI Control
22:22 Wrapping Up

Vintage Classics //ARP AXXE a budget synth with flagship sound

video upload by Starsky Carr

"The ARP AXXE is still almost in the affordable ARP camp! Why is it held in such high regard when it is such a simple synth? Having ARP 2600 and Odyssey DNA means it was a budget synth that had the tone of the pro models.

One VCO, a single filter and LFO with just a lonely ADSR envelope - but it doesn't give a sh!t... it's a raucous and massive sounding orange devil with enough CV connections to play very well with a modern euro rack set-up."

0:00 intro track
0:59 overview
5:20 The Oscillator - its only got one
9:34 The Filter- 4075 ARP LP 24dB
12:45 LFO and Modulation
14:25 Its got S&H (minimoog can't do that!)
15:10 Looping envelopes (mini can't do that either!)
16:37 integrating with eurorack
19:22 Final Thoughts

Arturia Keylab Essential 88 Review & Demo

video upload by Starsky Carr

"Here's the latest in Arturia's Keylab Essential range. It's the 88 key version, and works just like the others, but is BIGGER!!

It's quite hefty for a MIDI controller, but portable considering it's keyboard is 88 keys. There's no aftertouch and its semi-weighted, not hammer action, but comes in at a great price. So if you can live without those extras and you want a full range keyboard it's well worth a look."

Thinking about the Polyend Play+ // Are its synths worth the extra cost?

video upload by Starsky Carr

"The Polyend Play+ has got Synths, Stereo and Audio over USB... but if that's not your bag could you save some cash by buying or sticking with the original ? What do the synths do? how do they work? what do they sound like? are they easy to use?

All answered in here... hopefully!

I look at the synth voices in some depth (not too much I hope) to demo what you can get from them and their overall tone, usefulness and playability. As a synth head I have to say I like them and think they're a worthy addition to Team Play."

0:00 What's This All About
2:36 Using the Synths
10:46 ACD
13:42 FAT
16:41 VAP
21:06 WTFM

UBXa vs OBX8 // 2 modern takes on the OBXa

video upload by Starsky Carr

Note the OB-X8 actually has all three OB's, the OB-X, OB-Xa, and OB-8. So three in one that can be mixed and matched. See https://oberheim.com for more info.

"Behringer vs Oberheim - if you're looking for a modern recreation of the OBxa the cost difference between these 2 synths is quite something... but what about the sound? Functionally UBXa and OBX8 have different options. The Behringer has a Mod Matrix and sequencer, but the Oberheim has an OBX and cross mod for example.

But here, I'm concentrating on the raw OBXa sound emulation. ... and FYI:

Cambridge Dictionary meaning of emulation in English
'the process of copying something achieved by someone else and trying to do it as well as they have'

so yes I've called them emulations :)

For patches and samples:
https://starskycarr.com

Patches Samples and extras:
https://patreon.com/starskycarr"

Sonicware ELZ_1 play // review and demo

video upload by Starsky Carr

"The Sonicware ELZ_1 play is finally here, but was it worth the wait? After a few delays following the kickstarter the updated ELZ_1 is now shipping. It's got the addition of a looper, velocity sensitivity, a shimmer effect, more connectivity and in-built speakers.

In this I go through the 17 voice modes, demo the effects, looper and sequencer. It's a little longer than anticipated, but that's because it's got so much in here it's hard to know what to skip over. I don't go into every detail but it'll give you a great overview of how it works and what it sounds like.

Check out my website for patches and samples: https://starskycarr.com

0:00 executive summary
2:44 Let’s GO!
5:22 The Interface
8:07 the 17 Osc Modes
9:54 A note on Modulation
11:12 Back to the Osc Modes
25:59 Enveloeps and Filters
29:03 Effects
32:51 Voice Modes
36:06 Looper
42:49 Pattern/Sequencer
48:11 Saving and Renaming
49:01 Round Up"

Roland Galaxias // Create your own Frankensynths

video upload by Starsky Carr

"Enhance the classics by combining analog, digital, vintage and modern tones.

We've now got a standalone synths for Roland Cloud Ultimate,... and they've given us an upgrade - you can just load your favourite synths or you can create monster hybrids. With Galaxias you can build up to 4 layers per scene - so you've got Fantom style complex performance patches .. without needing a FANTOM. Plus this can use 4 ACB models in a single patch/scene."

3rd Wave // MPE with the ROLI Seaboard Rise2

video upload by Starsky Carr

"The 3rd Wave from Groove Synthesis has had an MPE upgrade so here I give it a workout with the ROLI Seaboard Rise 2. It's super easy to set up and adds a whole new dimension (or 5) to the 3rd Wave. I NEED to do more of this!

The ROLI software gives you fine control over the calibration settings of each dimension, plus the keyboard itself has the sensitivity sliders plus CC control, so loads to discover."

Controlling Hardware with the ROLI Seaboard Rise 2

video upload by Starsky Carr

"I've seen a lot of demos of the ROLI Seaboard Rise 2 but most are using it with its own software (which is excellent btw I demo it in here). I've been keen to get one to play with, particularly as I've got a fair few synths that are MPE compatible, and haven't spent enough time exploring this side of them.

In this I take a look at using it with the Synclavier Regen, Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave and the Sequential OB6.

It's super easy to set up and adds sooooo much more potential for expression. I now understand why people want MPE keyboards on everything!... get one of these and you have :)"

New Minifreak Firmware 2.0 - Wavetables, Super Unison and More!

video upload by Arturia

"Firmware 2.0 take your MiniFreak further with new ways to sculpt, accentuate and shape your sound. This update delivers a significant dose of new features and sonic possibilities for existing Mini Freak hardware and software users. With a new wavetable engine, Super Unison effect, Favourites Panel, LFO modulation and more."


video upload by Oscillator Sink

"Merry Minifreak 2.0 Firmware Day! In this video we'll be taking a look at the new features in this firmware including the new Wavetable oscillator type and Super Unison FX and building a patch using these new featrues.

Transparency Notice: Arturia kinda provided this unit to me for free for the purposes of making videos. They have not asked for, neither have they been given, any editorial oversight into the contents of this video.

Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:54 Sound Store
01:46 New Effect - Super Unison
02:48 Super Unison - Controls
07:19 Super Unison - Sub Types
12:19 Super Unison - Compared to other FX
14:14 Mod Matrix Macros
17:25 LFO Waveshaper Improvements
20:24 Wavetable Oscillaor
20:35 Wavetable Oscillator - Caveats
21:42 Wavetable Oscillator - Controls
24:09 Selecting Wavetables
24:48 Auditioning the Wavetables
30:39 Building a patch with the new features
44:32 Outro"

MiniFreak V2 // Wavetables, Superunison. and other delights!

video upload by Starsky Carr

0:00 intro
0:58 Superunison
4:30 Wavetable Oscillator
10:40 LFO Shaper
12:45 Favourites Panel
14:01 Assigning Mod Matrix to Macros

Arturia Minifreak OS V2.0 Update! FREE UPDATE! | No Talking | #minifreak #minifreak2

video upload by DKS SYNTH LAB

_Introducing MiniFreak firmware 2.0 and MiniFreak V 2.0

MiniFreak update delivers a significant dose of new features and sonic possibilities for existing hardware and software users, with an expanded sonic palette, new FX and more.

Here’s what’s included:

New engine: Wavetable
Including 32 wavetables and 64 new patches to extend the raw potential of your sound, this update brings one of the most powerful engines to MiniFreak (available for Oscillator 1 only).

New FX: Super Unison
Transform a simple patch into a Supersaw monster with Super Unison FX. This chorus-type effect can stack up to 6 copies of a sound on top of a dry signal, for unmistakable width.

Enhanced Custom LFO Users can now decide if the LFO rate corresponds to a single step, or the entire Shaper curve, empowering you to create more nuanced, evolving, and expressive modulations.

A favorites panel for hardware user
Save up to 64 of your favorite presets and access them with ease. Enter the favorites panel by pressing shift + save, store a patch by pressing save + selecting a sequencer slot and recall a saved patch with a step button press.

New sound store for MiniFreak V
Software users can make the most of a brand new Sound Store with two paid banks with 64 patches and three free banks with 32 patches at launch.

And more
Minifreak update also comes with additional enhancements to Macro Edit mode for greater real-time control over modulation amounts. As well as Osc Freerun OFF, which now apply to Bass, Harm and SawX. Clock Send and Transport Send for hardware users, which can now be toggled on and off. Finally, you can now control the instrument volume with MIDI CC7"

Discover more