Mailbag 10 - Feedback Modules VCZIII Oscillator

video upload by ranzee

"We are checking out the Feedback Modules VCZIII VCO Oscillator - both type A and B. The VCZIIIA and VCZIIIB are modelled after the EMS VCS3 synthesizer and have similar design and functionality as the original.

The mailbag series are videos where I receive parcels and open them for the first time. Plug the item in and test it out, showing you my first impressions of the items. These generally aren't reviews, nor are they a polished product demonstration. I'm more after the raw end user approach here."

Video Contents:
00:00 Intro
00:20 Parcel opening
01:20 VCZIIIA inspecting
02:30 VCZIIIB inspecting
05:00 Oscillator sound checks
05:15 VCS3 comparison
06:30 Tuning
08:00 VCZIIIA shape
11:20 LFO on shape
12:23 FM
12:50 VCZIIIB shape
16:00 Sync
17:35 Dual oscillators
18:44 Conclusion

► Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ranzee
► Blog: http://ranzee.com

NiftyKeyz Firmware Update

video upload by

"NiftyKeyz by Cre8Audio is a modular CV keyboard with a bunch of awesome features. This video shows how to perform a firmware update on the Apple Mac (m1) computer.

To find the NiftyKeyz firmware file - please check out my blog article and more here:

https://ranzee.com/niftykeyz/"

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ranzee

NiftyCase - Firmware Update

video upload by ranzee

"Step-by-step procedure in updating the Cre8Audio NiftyCase to the new USB firmware. Cre8Audio have developed a new boot loader that uses a different USB protocol (HID instead of libUSB). This new boot loader is used on our later products (Mr Phil Ter, and NiftyKEYZ) without any reported problems, and without the need for drivers on any OS. It will also be used for future NiftyCASE, Chipz and Cellz batches.

I found this update also fixed my CV Pitch 1v/Oct issue."

► Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ranzee
► Blog: http://ranzee.com

Arturia BeatStep Pro Repair

video upload by ranzee

"This video shows how to replace a broken encoder knob and fix the sticky rubberised paint issue."

https://ranzee.com

https://www.patreon.com/ranzee

Gates by Ranzee

video upload by ranzee

"A quick look over the latest album Gates. There's an excerpt from each of the 16 tracks. You can buy a copy via BandCamp here:

https://sinnersmusicuk.bandcamp.com/a...

Or alternatively add it to your favourites on your streaming provider."

"An album with a theme about gates - a double meaning. For those who are knowledgeable in synthesisers, especially the modular type, will be aware of gates. Gates are a control voltage (a pulse of electricity) which is used in synthesiser things - like: clocks, envelopes, sequencers etc. Gates are voltage high or low (a square wave) – hence having an open or closed state. Working with this each track has a themed gate, such as a farm gate or a boom gate. Some gates exist in our daily lives, others are a fantasy. The noon of a gate either stops things from getting in/out or protects the things within. It has a stop/go feature."

Behringer 960 Sequencer - Quick Setup

video upload by ranzee

"A quick setup guide to getting up and running with the Behringer 960 sequential controller.

Skip straight to the section you need:

00:00 Intro
00:44 Sequencer Overview
03:14 Tuning setup
04:04 Connecting your modules
04:52 3rd row timing control
05:33 962 Sequential switch
06:46 Using a track for modulation
07:23 Sending clock to a delay FX
08:00 Clocking externally
09:05 Transposing your sequence
10:13 Finishing up"

Behringer 960 Advanced Setup
video upload by ranzee

"Part 2 to the Behringer 960 Sequencer Setup series. I take a look at some more advanced setup and patching.

Video contents

00:00 Intro
00:53 Quantizer
03:44 Ratcheting
08:23 Gate Length
10:06 Graphic Oscillator Waveforms
18:40 Sequencer as an LFO
21:20 9th Stage controls
27:29 Wrapping up"

Sequencer Jam No. 1 2024

video upload by ranzee

"#jamuary2024 Sequencer Jam

Sequencer Jam: Gear list ... Behringer System 100m modules: 110 (x2), 182 Sequencer, Behringer 2500 modules: 1004 Oscillator (x2), 1006 FiltAmp, 1033 Dual EG, Feedback Modules: Mix BX, Mix CR, 106 Chorus, Intellijel: Metropolis, Planar2, Sealegs, ALM Pamela’s New Workout, Melekko Varigate 8+, Voltage Block, Noise Engineering Basimilus Iteritas, Strymon Magneto, Happy Nerding FX Aid, Erica Synths Black BBD, Roland System 500 modules: 521 Dual VCF, 530 Dual VCA, 540 Dual EG, Expert Sleepers ES-8, FH-2, 2HP Tune, Klavis Quadigy, Mordax Data, Roland SE-02, MX-1, TR-8, Ableton Live Suite 11 - including the following VSTs: Arturia Vocoder V, Cable Guys Shaper Box 2. Recorded audio through RME Digiface, Roland MX-1 and Presonus Studio 192. Oh, and there's also the Waldorf Streichfett going through the Orion from WMD, and the Novation Peak ... phew!"

https://ranzee.com
https://www.patreon.com/ranzee

February Filter Sweep YouTube Protest & a Call to any YouTube / Google Employees

Youtube claimed copyright on a synth filter sweep video by ranzee

"I can't believe we are now getting copyright claims just for performing tests on synths! Yep - all I did was a filter sweep - and BAM! Copyright Claim police came on in and took my video away (partially) from the world. This is ludicrous!"

This one was sent my way via supporting member, Synth Addict.

For those not aware, YouTube has algorithms that scan audio in videos for copyright infringement. If something is found in violation, the video is automatically unpublished. The problem? Apparently certain filter sweeps are triggering take downs. This is becoming a problem for synth demos (per ranzee above, and previously mentioned here for example). I am curious what sample is being used for the comparison. Rush's Tom Sawyer? :) Actually, Synth Addict mentioned it being a Chemical Brothers track, which does sound familiar. Anyway, if anyone out there reading this has any connections, maybe you can reach out to someone that can fix this?

For the rest of us, not sure how the following will help, but if anything it will bring some attention to the problem amongst the synth community.

via Synth Addict:

"What users can do:

Post a video on YouTube of yourself demonstrating a filter sweep on a synth or synths of your choice and tag it #FFS

Attached image created by Andrew Brooks on FB [the image directly above, in this post], as a joint effort with the chat community of Pro Synth Network, GEO Synths, and SonicState.

bogus YT claims received so far by:

Pro Synth Network
GEO Synths
ranzee
Andrew Brooks
Starsky Carr
…and growing"

Update: and the first #FFS video:

FFS - February Filter Sweep

video by Vague Robots

And a couple more:

CLICK FOR MORE »

Volca FM Firmware 1.09 Unofficial

Published on Feb 17, 2020 ranzee

"There's a new unofficial firmware update from Paten via Reddit - it's for the Volca FM and version 1.09! Let's check out the new features:

- Sending Sysex from DEXED using it as a front end to sound design
- Fixes for the program change feature

Download link is on my website:

https://ranzee.com/volca-fm-firmware-..."

Spotted on discchord.

Volca Mockups - the Volcas we wish Korg made

Published on Nov 2, 2019 ranzee

"A fun video showcasing some of the funniest Korg Volca mockups around. If you have one that I didn't show let us know in a comment below :)"

See this post for the Buchla LSD.

Unnofficial Volca FM firmware 1.08 Update

Published on Oct 19, 2019 ranzee

Disclaimer: this is an unofficial update. Install at your own risk. Posting this only to let you know it exists. This was sent in via @dashcammusic. You can find the download link and comments at this reddit thread. Also, not sure why the download link would expire tomorrow.

"Volca FM firmware 1.08 [UNOFFICIAL] - velocity on note in, LFO fix, patch transfer, more CCs etc.
TLDR; I hacked the Volca FM firmware, fixed a bunch of really old bugs, added some features.

I have received a lot of feedback from people requesting the "1.05" FW (that added velocity on MIDI in) that I posted this spring. In June, I made a 1.06 version that added a bunch of other stuff as well. Big THANKS to the small group of beta testers that helped me evaluate that :-)
Imagine my surprise when KORG did the september FW drop - I thought the older Volcas were orphaned. But they did release FW for the FM - and still ignored the bugs! It was a bit rich. Now I have grafted my tweaks onto the 1.07 FW - you guys like it super fresh I imagine.
Check the KORG official FW update instructions carefully. 2 files need to go through for this to work as intended. Make sure no other sounds are playing, and use 44.1kHz native sample rate.
I take no responability whatsoever if you manage to mess up your FM. THIS IS ON YOUR OWN RISK.
Get it here: https://we.tl/t-gADWuRk37k (expires on oct 24th)

Change log (from ORIGINAL KORG fw (1.03, 1.04, 1.07)):

CLICK FOR MORE »

Elektron Analog Rytm & Four UPDATE ...and they said we would never get this

Published on Oct 22, 2019 BoBeats

"Elektron just came out with a new update for the Analog Rytm & Four, both mk1 and mk2. Read more about it here http://www.elektron.se // If you enjoy my coverage become a Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/bobeats

Also check Ranz video on the original Analog Four and this update:"

Elektron OS 1.40 Analog Four MK1

Published on Oct 22, 2019 ranzee

"Elektron have just released a new firmware OS 1.40 which enables the Analog Four to send MIDI OUT! Insane! Check it out :)

Video also shows how to update the firmware :)"

SynthTool by Behringer - MS-101 Analog Synthesizer update tool

Published on Aug 20, 2019 ranzee

"Checking out the new SynthTool software from Behringer along with the MS-101 synthesizer. Global settings, sequencer editor and firmware update facilities.

Download it from here:
https://www.behringer.com//Categories..."

ranzee Live Stream - Behringer VC340 Vocoder and String Synthesizer

Streamed live 3 hours ago ranzee

"This week we're taking a look at the Behringer VC340. The latest analog vocoder synth with a Roland VP-330 heritage. It's a string synthesizer and vocoder with a human voice section too. It is completely analog and has a beautiful retro sound - which I'm sure you'll recognise immediately from records in the 70s and 80s."

Roland System-8 JX-3P Plug-out - The patches

Published on Aug 9, 2018 ranzee

"A quick tour of the factory patches of the JX-3P Plug-out on the Roland System-8 synthseizer. No talking, just noodling :)

This video covers Banks A to C."

Roland Introduces the System-8 JX-3P Plug-out on 808 Day

Published on Aug 8, 2018 ranzee

"A quick look at the new free JX-3P plug-out for the Roland System-8 synthesizer. Announced on 808 day - 8th August 2018. The video covers a brief overview and listen to the synth including:

VCO Oscillators, VCF Filters, LFO, Chorus, Brilliance, and VCA Mode.

This plug-out comes for free with firmware version 1.3. There's a demonstration of the sounds with each section.

Download it here"

"JX-Funk" - Roland System-8 JX-3P PLUG-OUT Jam by Mike Pensini

Published on Aug 8, 2018 Mike Pensini

"All synth sounds, reverb and delay from the Roland JX-3P PLUG-OUT inside a System-8 synthesizer.

©2018 Mike Pensini"

New JX-3P Plugout for System-8 Ver. 1.30 - PREVIEW!

Published on Aug 8, 2018 gattobus

"I've always loved the sharpness of the JX-3P DCOs and, at the same time, the smoothness of its filter. Add the BBD Chorus and you can get one of the warmest and soft pad sounds ever heard.
I love it!!!"

via Roland

"The Summer of SYSTEM-8 is heating up with the recently added v.1.20 FM OSC and New Filters. But we haven’t stopped yet – here comes v.1.30!

The long-awaited third polyphonic PLUG-OUT for SYSTEM-8 is here... the JX-3P Programmable Preset Polyphonic Synthesizer. Like the JUNO-106, The JX-3P has a classic Roland DCO polyphonic architecture, reimagined with the newest ACB technology. No longer will the JX-3P be a lost sound of the past – take the sound forward to a new generation with the powerful, hands-on hardware of the SYSTEM-8."

Yamaha MD-BT01 Bluetooth MIDI wireless adapter

Published on Jul 24, 2018 ranzee


"Checking out the Yamaha MD-BT01 Bluetooth MIDI device. A setup guide on how to connect to iOS, Mac and other
devices."

JD-XI Manager sound design - effects

Published on Feb 7, 2018 ranzee av

"JD-XI Manager new effects management - shows how to do sound design with effects on the Roland JD-XI synthesizer.

All work is original without any commercial benefit from supplier or manufacturer."

You can find the editor here: http://jdxi-manager.linuxtech.net

Custom MIDI control mappings to the JD-XI using SYSEX

Published on Dec 28, 2017 ranzee av

"Shows how to setup custom sliders and kobs to control the Roland JD-XI synthesizer with the A-500 Pro MIDI controller. Using SYSEX messages to control things like AMP and Filter Envelopes, Aftertouch, toggles for sub oscillators and filter cutoff and resonance.

Tutorial on SYSEX basics, including: MIDI control change messages, hexadecimal calculations, how to read MIDI implementation documents, and how to form a SYSEX message.

Video contents:
2:17 Brief SYSEX and Hexadecimal tutorial
4:53 How to calculate Hexadecimal values
7:35 Hexadecimal table of values
8:06 MIDI control change messages or CC
9:48 Custom MIDI CC mapping
13:37 SYSEX messages
18:25 Custom SYSEX mapping
19:47 MIDI monitoring the SYSEX messages
24:57 Testing out some of the custom mappings
25:57 Aftertouch !!
27:38 Other options for soft/hardware custom mapping

To download the free MIDI map for the A-500 Pro, please visit my patreon page, and follow the links:
► https://www.patreon.com/ranzee"

Can the SH-01A sound like a Juno?

Published on Dec 20, 2017 ranzee av

"Here I explore the similar characteristics of the SH-101 and Juno synth architecture. Both having single oscillators, the same waveform options, PWM etc. So if we put a chorus on the SH-01A will it sound the same as the JU-06?

I'll try out the Boss CE-5 chorus ensemble pedal as well as the MXR analog chorus pedal ... which one sounds better?"