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 And though it has essentially been replaced by the Prophet 6 and Rev 2, it's still worth considering if you want an analog poly synth with plenty of knobs.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 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."

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. 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. 48 - Moog/Realistic Concertmate MG-1

Published on Sep 17, 2018 tritonrecordings

"The Concertmate MG1 is a Moog-built synthesizer that was branded under 'Realistic' and sold at RadioShack in the U.S. It's very much a budget synthesizer but it has found a cult following as a cheap way of getting Moog sounds on a budget. There are some cool features like the bell tone (ring mod) and polyphony. Moog's most recent synth kind of reminds me of this one... Consider the last bit as foreshadowing!"

Synth Stuff Ep. 47 - Access Virus TI2 Polar

Published on Aug 26, 2018 tritonrecordings

"Today we have the Virus TI Polar which is an incredibly powerful little synth. It's particularly popular among EDM musicians, but it's capable of quite a variety. I like to think of it as the power of a nice virtual instrument but in a physical box you can take on the road. I just used a Kawai K4 MIDI'ed up when I want a wider playing range."

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. 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. 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. 43 - Yamaha DX100

Published on Jun 17, 2018 tritonrecordings

"When two DX7's love each other very much, they may decide to have the stork deliver a baby DX100. This was released a couple years after the DX7 as a budget model but quickly gained a sort of cult following, especially in the dance and Detroit house genres. If you thought the DX7's DAC was noisy, just listen to this. I actually like the fuzzy, gritty sound of the cheap converter and wish the Reface DX gave you the option to emulate this. These don't show up as often as they used to, but check it out if you want some gritty FM goodness in your studio. The DX27 is allegedly identical but in a larger package. We often blame the MicroKorg for the mini-key trend, but Yamaha did that before it was 'cool.' Also, lots of video game music in this episode!"

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. 41 - Yamaha DX11

Published on May 20, 2018 tritonrecordings

"This is my bandmate's Yamaha DX11 which I recently did some repairs on. The DX11 is one of the better four-operator FM synths out there. It sounds much better than say a DX21 or the awful DX9. It's a cheap way to get FM sounds and it sounds pretty good without effects, which synths like the DX7 really benefit from."

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. 39 - Novation X-Station

Published on Apr 29, 2018 tritonrecordings

"In 2004, something thought it would be cool to combine a MIDI controller, synthesizer, and an audio interface. The synth engine is derived from Novation's Supernova and it reminds me a bit of a Korg MS2000 with it's early/mid-2000's VA sound. There aren't many keyboard/interface combinations like this out there so check this out if that's your thing."

Synth Stuff Ep. 38 - Casio CZ-3000

Published on Apr 16, 2018 tritonrecordings

"A Casio that isn't a toy! These use a very similar sound engine to the Yamaha DX7. It's a bit easier to figure out than the DX7, and the built-in chorus really helps the sound come to life. I always run my DX7 through chorus, I always wondered why Yamaha didn't build one in. I wouldn't say this replaces a DX7 but try one out if you come across one in a shop - some people have really pushed these things to make incredible sounds."

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 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

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Rob Parker - 100% DX7

Uploaded on Nov 12, 2010 tritonrecordings

"'100% DX7' by Rob Parker. Made with sounds created entirely on the Yamaha DX7... Originally intended for a cancelled album called Skyline. Copyright 2010 - Triton Recording Studios"

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"