The GODFATHER from Enjoy Electronics

video upload by Starsky Carr

"4 track mixer, with delays, compression, filters, LFOs, reverb all put together in a very sexy little package. The Godfather from Enjoy Electronics fits the Moog Studio rack and complements the Mother32, DFAM and Subharmonicon perfectly.

In this I build a track from a simple arpeggio using all the main features piece by piece, which should give a good overall impression of how it all works, and what it all does.

For patches, samples, and free stuff:
https://starskycarr.com"

Roland TR-8S v3.0/TR-6S v2.0 Firmware Update Adds Roland CR-78 & TR-808 Chromatic Bass Instrument

Overview video upload by RolandChannel

"The TR-8S and TR-6S Rhythm Performers continue their sonic evolution with TR-8S v3.0 and TR-6S v2.0 updates. These free upgrades add new instruments and features to the Rhythm Performers, including the legendary Roland CR-78 CompuRhythm and TR-808 Chromatic Bass. Plus, the TR-EDITOR gets a refresh with compact mode for smaller displays.

In this video, you’ll learn about the new enhancements added with the TR-8S v3.0 and TR-6S v2.0 updates:
00:00 Introduction
00:50 CompuRhythm CR-78 ACB Model
05:26 TR-808 Chromatic Bass

The original CR-78 CompuRhythm was launched in 1978 as the first mass-produced programmable rhythm machine. Now, the TR captures that magic with pristine ACB CR sounds, including 14 instruments and original preset patterns, as well as updated advanced patterns to pepper your beats with CR-78 zest. Plus, discover an array of new parameter controls to push the CR-78 into new sonic dimensions.

Tuned 808 basslines are a staple in genres like trap, hip-hop, electro, and other styles of electronic music. The new 808 Chromatic Bass instrument allows you to use motion recording to tune basslines with legit 808 bass sounds directly from the TR-8S and TR-6S—no DAW required.

To learn more about the TR-8S v3.0 update, please visit: https://www.roland.com/global/product...

To learn more about the TR-6S v2.0 update, please visit: https://www.roland.com/global/product...

To read about the CR-78 history, please visit:
https://articles.roland.com/cr-78-the..."

*NEW V3.00* Roland TR8S & TR6S (V2) with CR78 and Chromatic 808

video upload by Starsky Carr

"NEW FIRMWARE for the TR8S gives us an ACB model of the classic CR-78 in addition to a tuneable 808 kick. Use CTRL to tune by semitones for super easy 808 subs.

The CR78 tones are all tweak able, with decay and tuning plus attack on the kick, snappy on the snare and a metallic clang on the hats.

We also have the original CR78 rhythms... Bossa Nova here we come... :)"

And the press release:

"Free Updates Add an ACB Model of the Classic CR-78 CompuRhythm Drum Machine and a New TR-808 Chromatic Bass Instrument

Los Angeles, CA, Sept. 12, 2023 — Roland announces significant system updates for the popular TR-8S and TR-6S Rhythm Performer products. Available as free downloads, TR-8S Version 3.0 and TR-6S Version 2.0 feature an authentic ACB model of the CR-78 CompuRhythm—an influential Roland rhythm machine from the late 1970s—plus a new TR-808 Chromatic Bass instrument for creating basslines. The companion TR-EDITOR app has also been updated with a compact UI option for more efficient operation on smaller displays.

The TR-8S and TR-6S carry on the long-running legacy of Roland rhythm machines, bringing legendary sounds together with the latest technologies and a host of fresh performance tools for today’s musicians, producers, and DJs. These powerful instruments feature authentic models of important TR products from the company’s history, including the TR-808, TR-909, TR-707, TR-727, and TR-606. With the addition of the CR-78 CompuRhythm, the TR-8S and TR-6S now offer the most complete collection of classic Roland rhythm machines available in hardware form.

TR drum machines have driven music culture for decades, forming the backbone of hip-hop, pop, and electronic styles and defining the sound of multiple genres and subgenres. Introduced in 1978, the CR-78 was a direct predecessor of the TR-808 and the first mass-produced programmable rhythm machine. Its distinctive sound has left its own indelible footprint on pop classics from the 1980s and beyond, and it remains highly sought-after in the vintage marketplace.

Brought to life with Roland’s ACB (Analog Circuit Behavior) technology, the CR-78 model offers every sound and nearly all preset patterns from the original analog hardware. It also includes new patterns and advanced sound design capabilities made possible with the modern ACB approach.

Along with the CR-78, the TR-8S and TR-6S updates add a newly developed TR-808 Chromatic Bass instrument. The sound of the TR-808 bass drum revolutionized popular music with its deep, rich sub-bass and punchy quality. Clever producers began using samples of this revered instrument to play the sound chromatically, creating a new hybrid voice that fills the role of both kick drum and bass. The TR-808 Chromatic Bass instrument puts this ability at the user’s fingertips, allowing them to create tuned basslines with the versatile TR-808 bass drum in the TR-8S and TR-6S.

The free TR-EDITOR for macOS and Windows significantly enhances the workflow of the TR-8S and TR-6S, providing an easy-to-use graphical interface with expanded visual controls and organizational tools. The latest version includes a compact UI option that frees up screen space for using the editor along with other applications on small computer displays.

Availability & Pricing

The Roland TR-8S and TR-6S are available now for $749.99 and $399.99, respectively, in the U.S. The Roland TR-8S, TR-6S, and TR-EDITOR updates are available now for free."

Analogue Solutions AMPLE // The BIG REVIEW review and demo

video upload by Starsky Carr

"A full walkthrough off the functions of Analog Solutions AMPLE. Its a 3 oscillator mono synth with its own version of a sequencer ... the PATTERNATOR. Not a knitting obsessed android from the future, but an unique take on an analog sequencer. All tied together with a pin matrix and with some extra control form the interval generator.

If you've ever wondered how you'd use something like this you've come to the right place. I demo the sound engine, how to use the matrix (it's not like a VST!) and put together some idea for the patternator, Snare Drum Noise and the beat pulses.

ALL VERY COOL!

patches, samples and free stuff:
https://starskycarr.com

1:20 The Synth Engine
1:44 BIG 3VCO tone
2:46 Give me a P... Give me a W.. Give me an M
5:25 F to the M
7:05 VCO 3 as an LFO
7:44 Ring Modulator
8:53 Filter
15:01 Oscillator Sync
17:21 4 modes of the Patternator
26:17 More thoughts on using the pin matrix"

Analogue Solutions AMPLE

Analogue Solutions AMPLE Demo by Starsky Carr

video upload by Starsky Carr

"Its Big, It's Fat & It's Beautiful - First Look at AMPLE the new synth from analogue maestro's ANALOGUE SOLUTIONS

A more in depth demo is coming soon, but here's a quick taster."

See this post for additional details on Analogue Solutions' new AMPLE synthesizer.

Analogue Solutions New Synthesizer Teaser: AMPLE

video upload by Analogue Solutions

Update: demo by Starsky Carr posted here.

Ample can be as complex or as simple as you want it to be: We have given this synth a large and diverse number of controls, that alongside the patch sockets, will give even the best and most experienced synthesist endless possibilities.

We have presented the controls in a user-friendly and familiar synth layout that, together with this manual and other resources, enables even the new guy to get great sounds.

SYNTH – PERCUSSION – AUDIO PROCESSOR

"Ample is a compact analogue synthesizer. Analogue - as in really analogue. Aside from the MIDI chip (which has to be digital), everything else is totally analogue using real transistors and op-amps. There are no CPU-stabilised and quantised circuits, no DCOs, no digital LFOs and no digital EGs, as found on other so-called analogue synths. The circuitry is based on designs dating back to the mid-1970s. So Ample has a genuine old sound. The Best of all Ample combines the best elements of several of our recent products. -The sound elements of Fusebox -Jack patch points of Concussor Eurorack -Patch pin matrix of Vostok -Echo from Dr Strangelove -Sequencer and CV touch pads of Generator It shares all this yet still has its own sound!

CLICK FOR MORE »

Not just for bleeps and blops Pocket Operator Modular 400

video upload by Starsky Carr

"Playing big, brash and melodic lines with other eurorack compatible kit. The Teenage Engineering Pocket Operator Modular 400 is so good at experimental and evolving ambient soundscapes using the onboard sequencer (which is much more flexible than it looks), that there's a whole lot of that already here on YouTube.

The pocket operator modular series has been reduced in price - enough to tempt me into buying the 'big' yellow 400 to see what it's all about.

I'm using it here with the Analog Solutions Colossus - just to have a listen to how well the little yellow one stacks up sonically to something with an undisputed quality tone. It does very well sequenced by the Arturia Keystep Pro, showing not only that it works with other kit, but also that its possible to pay melodic tracks with it, so thought demoing something big, brash and melodic would make a pleasant change"

Boss DM101 vs MoogerFooger MF104

video upload by Starsky Carr

"2 analog BBD effects pedals - the Boss Dm101 is the new kid on the block and the moogerfooger 104M was discontinued a few years ago but commands very high prices on the used market.

If you're not interested in the modular capabilities of the Moogerfooger and just looking for that tone - can the Dm-101 match it? The Boss in 'classic' mode is along the same lines, but it does have 11 other modes including 6 stereo delays... so there's a lot more choice from that perspective. The Boss also has 127 preset slots and can send MIDI as well as receive it.

So.... that's the info - what abut the sounds.....?"

UNO Synth Pro X // review and demo

video upload by Starsky Carr

"The Evolution of the IK Multimedia UNO... Its grown knobs!! ... and buttons.. and is a lot better for it. It's the new Uno Synth Pro X. Here's my demo and review, but if you know the channel you'll know I'm a fan of this analog synth. Its predecessors never looked like they sounded - this not only looks the part, but sounds it too.

Any reservations anyone had about the UNO Synth Pro were not about the sound, just the interface. So this is a very welcome update."

0:00 The UNO Evolution
2:50 Hardware & Interface
9:38 Uno Pro vs Uno Pro X
10:42 It's got 2 Oscillators
15:16 It's got 2 Filters
21:03 Modulation
22:55 Effects
31:52 Demo - Ambient Pads
34:16 Arpeggiator
35:29 Sequencer
37:23 Bassline Mode
38:41 Round-up
39:54 Some Presets

Click here for additional posts on the UNO Synth Pro X.

Osmose // The 7 Stages of Ownership

video upload by Starsky Carr

"Don't be scared - The Osmose isn't like other synths... but its nothing to be afraid of! In fact it feels like we're entering a new more enlightened era. One where we can show more emotions... let's not call it a woke synth though, I could get in all sorts of trouble ;) Would it wear a pink cowboy hat if going to watch barbie? who knows - but it does display A LOT of emotion and dynamics.

Just for fun I've swapped the 7 stages of grief to the 7 stages of enlightenment - because you do go through a process as you play with it. I haven't whitewashed over the negatives either as its all part of the journey. The software can be a b*tch at first, and its so frustrating that a few tweaks to the manual would've saved me a day or so of headscratching.

Overall though... phwoar!!

There are free patches and samples and stuff to buy here: https://starskycarr.com

0:00 1 Shock - overview of the hardware
2:11 2 Realisation - whats MPE and how does it work
12:22 3 Conceptualisation - how to use it & controlling the sensitivity
15:21 4 Understanding - getting to grips with the Haken Editor
24:58 5 Rejection - some minor issues and some bigger ones
32:29 6 Acceptance - integrating into your studio
33:12 7 Enlightenment - Sunny Uplands of Synthershire"

Biggest Pad EVER! 216 VCOs **FREE SAMPLES** Analogue Solutions Colossus

video upload by Starsky Carr

"How on Earth would you use a monster analog modular powerhouse in practise? Imagine squeezing one into your massive studio and having to meet a deadline for your latest blockbuster soundtrack. Incorporating such a retro-tech monster piece of kit into a modern workflow and studio always intrigued me. A couple of weeks with it and all is becoming clear.

It's a source of sounds and inspirations.... so sample them!

The sample packs are available here:
https://www.starskycarr.com/patches/c..."

Two New Cherry Audio Octave Cat Videos

Videos by CatSynth TV and Starsky Carr have been added to the announcement post here.

Octave Cat | Cherry Audio

video upload by Cherry Audio

Introduction to Cherry Audio's Octave Cat - Hosted by Tim Shoebridge

video upload by Cherry Audio

Retropolis Pack For Cherry Audio Octave Cat

video upload by James Dyson

""Ready to unleash more ferocious power with the Octave Cat? With the Retropolis for Octave Cat preset pack, you can tap into the true potential of this beastly synthesizer and discover a whole mew world of sound. Created by masterful sound designer James Dyson, Retropolis offers 100 new presets showcasing the Octave Cat's impressive duophonic mode, dual-step sequencer, additional clawsome analog leads, brass tones, modern polyphonic sounds, and more. Not only does Retropolis offer a glimpse into the past, but it also instantly provides unique modern sounds for the music producers of today. Don't wait to pounce on this treat - add Retropolis to your Octave Cat synthesizer and start making truly fierce music today!"

Link to the Pack here https://store.cherryaudio.com/presets..."

Octave CAT by Cherry Audio - A detailed demo and tutorial

video upload by CatSynth TV

https://catsynth.com

Understanding the Octave CAT // Walkthrough of Cherry Audio's latest release

video upload by Starsky Carr



"Cherry Audio's Octave Cat is a virtual synthesizer instrument designed in collaboration with Carmine Bonanno, the original designer of the CAT synthesizer. The 1976 Octave Electronics CAT was an affordable alternative to expensive portable analog synthesizers of the day.

Adopt your Octave Cat today! https://cherryaudio.com/

Octave Cat retains all the growl of the original hardware's fat and savage duophonic sound and replicates the CAT's uniquely aggressive resonant four-pole 24 dB/oct filter. The Octave Cat feature set expands on the original with enhancements including 16-voice polyphony, sample and hold glide, and interchangeable skins.

A secondary panel view reveals dual eight-step classic-style sequencers and studio-quality effects featuring distortion, phaser, flanger/chorus, delay, and reverb. With support for MPE, over 300 expertly designed presets, and extensive MIDI mapping functions, Octave Cat will satisfy both vintage synth aficionados and professional modern music producers.

Octave Cat is provided in AU, VST, VST3, AAX, and standalone formats, and a free 30-day demo is available at https://cherryaudio.com/

macOS Requirements: macOS 10.13 or above. macOS 13 Ventura supported. 64-bit required. Native Apple M1 processor support, including Apple M1 Ultra. 3.4 GHz Quad-Core or M1 CPU with 8GB of RAM recommended.

Windows Requirements: Windows 7 or above (including Windows 11), 64-bit required. Quad-core computer with 8GB of RAM recommended.

Also available! Retropolis for Octave Cat Preset Pack (sold separately), featuring 100 new presets showcasing the Octave Cat's impressive duophonic mode, dual-step sequencer, additional clawsome analog leads, brass tones, modern polyphonic sounds, and more.

Octave Cat Features

- All aspects of the original CAT precisely modeled in exacting detail
- Over 300 presets
- Dual Panel Views with an authentic Main view for synthesis controls, and an additional FX/Seq panel with extended features
- Monophonic, duophonic, and polyphonic (up to 16 voices) voice modes
- Unison for mono and duo modes
- Two distinct VCOs with discrete wave, modulation, S+H, and sub octave settings; VCO1 with saw, triangle, and pulse with PWM, and VCO2 with square and saw waveforms
- Vintage-correct four-pole 24 db/oct filter, based on the original “cascaded OTA” SSM2040 filter with precise replication of The CAT’s unique resonance

CLICK FOR MORE »

Maxing out the QUARTZ // Analogue Solutions Colossus Modules

video upload by Starsky Carr

"What can you do with one of these? I run through how I created a track using a whole load of functions as a single patch on the Analog Solutions Colossus Quartz. It gave me 5 big juicy tracks on analog beef that worked together as a single entity.

There are 12 VCOs, 8 Filters, 8 Envelopes, 4 VCAs (plus 8 in the filters), 2 noise generators, S&H, random voltage generator, 2 spring reverbs, 2 ring mods, 2 32 step analog sequencers, an oscilloscope, touch control keyboard with 16 step sequencer, 2 31x15 pin matrices, a 10 channel stereo analog mixer, and 2 XY joysticks... ie a fair bit to play with. All analog of course.

Some free stuff plus patch banks and samples:
https://www.starskycarr.com"

Behringer Pro 800 vs Prophet 600 // SOUNDS ONLY

video upload by Starsky Carr

"While I'm putting the finishing touches to my full comparison video here's some sounds to demo the similarities and differences between the Behringer Pro-800 and an original vintage Prophet 600 with the GLiGLi upgrade.

Simpler tones can be copied easily as the raw tone is all there in the oscillators. The filter envelope amount, sustain and cutoff work together slightly differently than the original so adding filter envelopes makes things a little more difficult, add to that the linear envelope shapes aren't the same - GliGLi updated the linear model in 2022 to reflect a more natural Prophet 5 Rev1/2 curve but this isn't in the Behringer. Plus Behringer have made the Pro-800 snappier, so the envelopes are not going to match on every occasion... not an issue in any way, every Prophet 600 with different GliGli firmware will be slightly different I imagine too... unless everyones updated to the 2022 version.

Other differences include the Poly-Mod, filter and LFO modulation ranges aren't as wide in the Behringer"

Nothing but LOVE for the JUNOs

video upload by Starsky Carr

"As I have a Juno 106, Juno 6 and an Juno 60 here in the studio, I thought it was a good excuse to have a play with these 3 vintage Junos and look at the differences - functionally and sonically. And yes there are some sonic differences so now I now why Roland Cloud have both the 60 and the 106 for the System 8."

The Musical Gameboy // Sonicware SMPLTREK with V2.0 update

video upload by Starsky Carr

"GREAT FUN.. The SMPLTREK is now on firmware V2.0 and it's a very welcome update. I've had the Smpltrek for a while now, and have waited to demo it as although it was a great little unit I needed time to understand how it worked, which was not mean feat with a 186 page manual, and to be perfectly honest I thought it was a little clumsy in some places.

The V2 firmware update tipped it over the edge into being much more fun and useable. I've now been really enjoying it - particularly its portability. A few evenings sitting in the garden with just this and a glass of something cool.. very nice.

Although it looks like a throwback to 1980's handheld games the smpltrek's got great connectivity options for the studio, with full sized MIDI, 6.35mm Jack ins and outs, plus its a USB audio interface. All very useful."

Midimini V30 // Because You're worth It.

video upload by Starsky Carr

"More than a Minimoog. The Midimini V30 is Studio electronic's Minimoog inspired rack mountable synth with a few added extras. They have been modding Minimoogs and building MIDI rack mounted Midiminis for longer than Moog in it's current form (after liquidation in the 80s Moog wasn't around for a while).

The Midimini is sonically the same as a Minimoog, a sonic pallet we are all familiar with, so in this video I concentrate on the places the Minimoog can't tread."

Moog Prodigy // It's One Huge Sweet Spot

video upload by Starsky Carr

"The Prodigy is probably my all time favourite little synth. It's got a snarling charm. It's simple with a single LFO, no noise, no PWM, no MIDI, no FM, but the raw sound is amazing... and that means its hard to make the Prodigy sound anything less than gorgeous.

warning there's singing in this video. A Starsky First!! ;)"

Behringer EDGE vs Moog DFAM Are they the same?

video upload by Starsky Carr

See this post for Starsky Carr's initial demo of the EDGE.

"The Behringer Edge is Here! But how does it sound? Here its put up next to the Moog DFAM, and as far as comparisons go this was extremely good fun to make.

The big takeaway for me was... if you haven't got one... YOU NEED 2 :)

These videos aren't paid for or sponsored - I say when they are. Any support you can offer is therefore appreciated. You could buy some samples or patches or join me on Patreon.

EDGE Samples packs available here:
https://patreon.com/starskycarr
https://starskycarr.com

The FREE Sample Pack one is here:
https://www.starskycarr.com/patches/p..."

0:00 #comparison clip 1&2
0:30 Preamble - What Am I Doing?
1:46 #comparison clip3
2:38 Oscillators - They've got 2 plus noise
2:56 Sync - A Universe in a Knob
3:31 FM - It's a big thing on these
4:01 Oscillator Freq Range
4:15 Did Someone Say Filters?
5:50 Envelopes
7:18 Noise VCF Mod - its noise but not as we know it
7:54 What's Pink Noise
8:45 High Pass Filters, but not too much
9:02 The 2-track Sequencer
9:42 Matching Some Sounds
11:18 Matching a Loop
14:05 Matching a More Complex Loop
16:55 Wrapping Up
17:28 One after another DEMO 1
18:40 Left + Right Stereo DEMO 2

Behringer EDGE - Making Beats From Another Galaxy

video upload by Behringer

"Suggested retail price is 199 USD"

The EDGE was announced back in October of 2021.

Update:

Behringer EDGE Review, Demo and 'How To' Tutorial

video upload by Starsky Carr

"The Behringer EDGE is here and it's much easier than it might appear. DEAD EASY!! ;) Just follow this and you'll be up and running in no time. It's essentially a 2 osc synth with a 2 channel sequencer all tuned to make percussive sounds. As every sequence is based on the same patch... with control over the few parameters at the same time it always seems to gel into an awesome beat.

some samples will be available soon at
https://patreon.com/starskycarr
https://starskycarr.com

0:00 Contraband Synth Dealer
2:04 EDGE vs Moog DFAM teaser
3:07 Sequencer
5:55 Creating Tones - the synth engine
11:27 As a Bass Synth
12:30 Sync
14:01 FM
16:22 Noise
16:41 Building a Beat
17:49 Patching
20:42 Noise VCF Mod
22:23 Something Melodic
25:59 Paired with the RD9
30:09 Tremendous Toms
32:10 Paired with the CRAVE
34:19 Final Thoughts