Synth Stuff Ep. 61 - ASM Hydrasynth

Published on Oct 6, 2019 tritonrecordings

"From seemingly out of nowhere comes the Ashun Sound Machines Hydrasynth. What a beast. I sense an increase in appreciation for digital sounds as of late and that's awesome. While this can do really great analog imitations, I really get a Synclavier/PPG/ESQ-1/DX7 vibe from this and it's quite incredible. The built quality is impressive as well. While it is more than capable of leads and crunchy basses, I feel it really excels at morphing pads and textures and that's what I focused on here."

Synth Stuff Ep. 69 - Moog Little Phatty

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"Episode 69...nice. Think back to the mid-2000s, a world dominated by Motif/ Triton/ Fantom/ workstations and virtual instruments. Moog arose from the ashes with the Voyager, but then came the Little Phatty as an affordable (comparatively speaking) analog synthesizer. It was also the final synth to have Bob Moog's hand in development before his passing. In time came the Microbrutes and Minilogues and etc. that we have now, but the Little Phatty was a hugely important milestone in the road that has led us to the abundance of analog synthesizers available today. I believe this white model is a 'Stage II' model. I recently got an Eventide Space pedal (highly recommended) and used it here for some liveliness."

"100%" Series

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Playlist:

1. 100% DX7

A track by Rob Parker featuring the Yamaha DX7 as the sole sound source. Processed with an old Lexicon MX300. This was the first "100%" song I did in 2011 and was released on a short EP I did in 2014 called ""iMinimalist."

2. 100% Minimoog Voyager

A track by Rob Parker featuring the Moog Voyager as the sole sound source. NOTE: If you're listening on a phone or anything with a mono/summed mono device. Somehow, certain sounds like the snare are out of phase between left and right channels. I no longer have the multi-track files of this song so I can't correct it. Put in some earbuds, headphones, or best of all, some decent speakers on a desktop to get the best experience. It's Moog after all; you wanna hear that girth.

3. 100% MS-20 Mini

A track by Rob Parker featuring the Korg MS-20 Mini as the sole sound source. I'm not sure what I was going for here. Is it dubstep? Anyway, nothing will ever top the MS-2o Mini song by Koishistyle - check that out!

4. 100% Gaia SH-01

A track by Rob Parker featuring the Roland Gaia SH-01. What an awful name for a synth, let alone a song. I really should have left it out, but this was on the first trip-hop record I did called "Fathomer," which is here on the channel. This was my first knobby synth along with a blue SH-101.

5. 100% M1

A track by Rob Parker featuring the Korg M1 as the only sound source. When I think of the M1, I think of early 90's house/dance music. Thusly, I made the most stereotypical 90's dance track possible...

6. 100% K1

I tried shooting for an 80's EBM feel for this one. The K1 can be a difficult synth to work with but the sound is certainly unique. Like it sounds good until you try to use it in a mix, but when it does work, it's great."

Synth Stuff Ep. 49 - Moog Grandmother

Published on Sep 24, 2018 tritonrecordings

"The latest Moog mono-synth, the Grandmother. Much of the internal circuitry is drawn from the Model 15 modular system, giving this a more vintage flavor when compared to something like a Sub 37 or Sub Phatty. The look is very 70's too. With the semi-modular capabilities and the arp/sequencer, I have to say this thing is incredible bang for the buck. Not to mention, the spring reverb is amazing and makes everything sound old and spooky. This one is staying in my collection for a long time."

Synth Stuff Ep. 46 - E-mu Emax II

Published on Jul 15, 2018 tritonrecordings

"The Emax line was the most affordable range of samplers, especially compared to the famed Emulator series. The Emax II differs from the 1 primarily in that is has digital filters instead of analog. I've made a couple samples from Silent Hill (the first two sounds) and it's pretty easy to figure out how to get them in and modify them. If anyone knows how to get the Alan Wilder/Depeche Mode sounds on here, let me know! I suspect Depeche Mode fans are the main reason why Emulator prices stay high, but I've been wrong before. I see loads of sounds online but I'm still unsure how to get them on here. Pointers welcome!"

Synth Stuff Ep. 60 - Oberheim OB-8

Published on Sep 15, 2019 tritonrecordings

"My favorite analog polyphonic synth ever. Oberheim synths just have a distinctive sound about them compared to other big analog synths...there's something very synthwave/retrowave about them. And just look at it! Nothing but a slight bit of reverb is added to the sound here. Happy 60th Episode of Synth Stuff."

Synth Stuff Ep. 40 - Korg Polysix [Custom White]

Published on May 6, 2018 tritonrecordings

"This is a friend's custom designed white Polysix! The Polysix was a competitor to the Roland Juno 6 & Juno 60. It's definitely more organic, less stable, and maybe even a bit dirtier than the Juno. This particular one seems to have a voice or two going out of tune, but that's what happens with these old things. I slightly prefer the Juno personally, but I do like how this isn't as clean and, dare I say, sterile compared to the Juno."

Synth Stuff Ep. 44 - Casio SK1

Published on Jul 2, 2018 tritonrecordings

"Another cult classic toy! This is Casio's equivalent to Yamaha's VSS-30. The PCM sounds on here are better, in my opinion, than the FM sounds on the VSS-30. The sampler, which is really why you would buy one of these, sounds much darker and maybe less gritty than the VSS-30. I think I prefer the sound of the VSS-30 by far. I sampled a Gretsch guitar through various pedals, a precision bass both fingered and picked, a DX7, an Oberheim Matrix 6, and lastly my voice."

Synth Stuff Ep. 53 - Dave Smith Instruments Prophet 08

Published on Jan 20, 2019 tritonrecordings

"When this came out, it was presented as a modern Prophet 5. And though it has essentially been replaced by the Prophet 6 and Rev 2, it's still worth considering if you want an analog poly synth with plenty of knobs. I just added a touch of reverb here and you may notice this video is a little shorter...I just don't love this thing. I find the Prophet 6 sounds way better to my ears. But again, if you don't already have a polysynth or two in your arsenal, it's worth considering since prices have come down."

Synth Stuff Synth Demos by tritonrecordings36

Published on Feb 9, 2017 tritonrecordings

"No talking, just synths. See the description for my "commentary," but otherwise, just sit back and listen!"

36 individual synth demos at the time of this post.

Playlist:
Synth Stuff Ep. 1 - Korg MS-20 Mini
Synth Stuff Ep. 2 - Korg Minilogue
Synth Stuff Ep. 3 - Yamaha DX7
Synth Stuff Ep. 4 - Roland D-50
Synth Stuff Ep. 5 - Kawai K1
Synth Stuff Ep. 6 - Moog Minimoog D (Reissue)
Synth Stuff Ep. 7 - Moog Sub 37
Synth Stuff Ep. 8 - Yamaha PSS-570
Synth Stuff Ep. 9 - Roland Juno-60

CLICK FOR MORE »

Rob Parker - 100% Minimoog Voyager

Published on Jun 8, 2013 tritonrecordings

"'100% Minimoog Voyager' by Rob Parker. As the title suggests, the entire song was made on a Moog Minimoog Voyager synthesizer. Copyright 2013 - Triton Recording Studios"

Synth Stuff Ep. 50 - Moog One

Published on Oct 9, 2018 tritonrecordings

"After decades of thousands of people wishing for Moog to make a polyphonic synth, it's finally here and it surpasses all expectations. Admittedly, these sounds don't scratch the surface of the One's capabilities. I love how much it resembles a Memorymoog! The built-in effects from Eventide are another luxurious touch, along with the great key bed and overall build quality. Moog has crafted what may be the ultimate analog synthesizer. Happy 50th episode of Synth Stuff!"

Synth Stuff Ep. 54 - Alesis Micron

Published on Feb 10, 2019 tritonrecordings

"Remember when Alesis made synths? The Micron is a baby version of the Ion, the flagship virtual analog synth from Alesis which was just below their top tier Andromeda A6. It's the same exact engine as the Ion but with far less physical controls. Honestly, it sounds much like any other virtual analog synth from the early 2000's but it has a chic look to it and I imagine it turned many heads of people considering MicroKorgs."

Synth Stuff Ep. 42 - Akai AX80

Published on Jun 10, 2018 tritonrecordings

"The Akai AX80 doesn't get talked about very much, but it' was the first pro keyboard from Akai. It seems to get a lot of hate, or at best, a response like 'meh.' I don't get it... It isn't my favorite nor is it really mind blowing, but saying it sounds bad is a little harsh. It reminds me of a Juno. These are fairly cheap so try it out or take it home if you find one. The multiple VFD displays look great and are deliciously 80's - looks great in a dark studio. Presets are unimaginative but editing really isn't so bad. Again, don't be dissuaded from a synth just because some snobs on the internet told you to stay away from it. Let snobbery be reserved to guitar players. (I play guitar too, so I can make that joke.)"

Synth Stuff Ep. 45 - Korg DS-8

Published on Jul 2, 2018 tritonrecordings

"Yamaha wasn't the only company meddling with FM synthesis. The DS-8 is a four operator FM synth from Korg that makes for a nice alternative to the DX7. Some major advantages include built-in FX and a few controls that allow you to quickly edit some parameters. While the DX7 is the classic and is in my top 3 favorite synths, the DS-8 is definitely worth checking out if want FM hardware that isn't another Yamaha. It also seems to have a more noisy and lo-fi quality to it."

Synth Stuff Ep. 67 - Korg Wavestate

tritonrecordings

"I kinda blew off the Wavestate at first, thinking it was just a repackaged Wavestation. Which is cool, but vintage Wavestations are fairly cheap (especially the racks). However this thing is far beyond the original. While it has some of that sort of cheesy Wavestation vibe if you want it, it is certainly far more modern sounding. Not that it can't do other sounds, but it really excels at pads and soundscapes, which is most of what you'll hear on this episode. Far easier to edit on this as well, compared to the atrocious interface of the original. Personally, I really like strange sounds, so this synth is right up my alley."

Synth Stuff Ep. 85 - Waldorf Blofeld

video upload by tritonrecordings

"It may just be my perception, but Blofeld seem to be a bit under the radar for most people. Maybe it's just because they've been around so long now, but definitely consider taking one for a test drive if you come across one. Its palette is wide, but of course it excels at digital, metallic, and icy sounds and textures. Editing isn't very hard to do and the modulation matrix was surprisingly powerful. If you've got analog ground covered and want a new dimension in your arsenal, these are pretty cheap these days, so check it out! I also recommend the Modal Argon for a similar vibe. Follow me at www.funayureimusic.com"

Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave

video upload by tritonrecordings

"I don't think we need any more proof that unabashedly digital synthesizers are back in style, but here we are with the 3rd Wave. While it's obviously very inspired by the PPG Wave, it goes much further in terms of capability. It sounds wonderfully digital, yet somehow warm and organic at the same time. I did some programming but barely scratched the surface. These are all patches I found while exploring that stood out to me, but there were far too many great sounds to do them all. The closest thing I have in my arsenal I can compare it to would be the Modal Argon8X. If you want a premium digital synthesizer to be beyond the limits of analog, I don't see any reason look any further than this, apart from something like a Waldorf Quantum."

Synth Stuff Ep. 37 - Ensoniq VFX-SD

Published on Apr 15, 2018 tritonrecordings

"The VFX was an upgrade from the likes of the ESQ-1. The 'SD' version added a sequencer and probably competed with the Korg M1. Like most digital synths like these, they are great pad machines - some patches remind me of the Wavestation. The orchestral/acoustic sounds haven't aged well but they don't sound bad...they just sound very 80s. They are cheap enough to make them worth checking out if you come across one and want some of that digital character in your arsenal."

Synth Stuff Ep. 51 - Kawai K5

Published on Nov 14, 2018 tritonrecordings

"Apart from the elusive K5000, this completes the Kawai K-series synths! You'll notice this video is short and that's because most of these sounds are D-50 preset knock-offs. This might be my lest favorite K-series synth. I know some amazing sounds can be made with it (these are factory sounds) but I DARE you to program it. Go on, try it. Two of my absolute favorite synths are known to be 'difficult to program' - the DX7 and Matrix 6...but I'll pass on programming this. Still, there is potential in any synth and it does have a lovely digital sound if that's what you're after. It's a bit like a noisier ESQ-1, maybe."