Just Can't Get Enough - Depeche Mode (cover by Munatix), On Roland Jupiter 4, Casio VL-1, Pro One

video upload by Munatix

"Depeche Mode's 'Just Can't Get Enough' is a synthpop LEGEND! Parties erupt when this song hits, and we get it! This energetic anthem is timeless.
We're huge fans, so we dove deep and covered it ourselves!
Vince Clarke, a founding member, laid the groundwork for this sound with his innovative synthesizer work in the early days of Depeche Mode. Dissecting these classics is how we learn.
Secret weapons? Korg KR-55 snare & Casio VL-Tone synth lead! 🤖 🎹🧐😮
Wanna know more about the original recording? Tell us in the comments!

ISRC : BE 3ID 24 00021 - Song

Credits to MaWey for providing the video footage :
https://www.mawey.be/"

Prophet VS Synth: Sound Selection Showcase

video upload by Andy Whitmore

"Analog Synthesizers Rewind: Top 10 Classics!
S1:Ep1 - The first in a series of 11 videos!

Sequential Circuits Prophet VS – All the Best Sounds

Here's a very cool keyboard from Sequential. Notice the joystick for controlling your sound modeling. The Prophet VS uses Vector Synthesis as its revolutionary new means of sound creation. It uses a total of four oscillators per voice with 127 waveforms (32 user) and dynamic waveform crossfading via the joystick. This was Sequential's first digital synth, and it was also their final synth unfortunately. But after Sequential was gone, Vector Synthesis technology went into the popular Korg Wavestation and Yamaha's SY-22 and TG-33.

The Prophet VS is still a very sought after instrument because it has an incredible range of sounds! Its only problem is that there's practically nobody left that can fix it if something went wrong. It is used by Brian Eno, Trent Reznor, Apollo 440, Depeche Mode, Vince Clarke, Kraftwerk, Vangelis, Erasure and filmmaker/composer John Carpenter."

New Batch of Synthfest UK 23 Videos

video uploads by sonicstate

Playlist: (you can use the player controls to skip around)

1. Synthfest UK 23: Sequential - Trigon 6 Desktop

At SynthFest UK 2023, we had the opportunity to chat with Chris from Sequential, a part of the Focusrite group. Chris introduced us to the Trigon 6 Desktop, the latest addition to Sequential's synthesizer lineup. This compact desktop version of the Trigon 6 packs a powerful punch, offering three oscillators and a distinctive Dave Smith ladder filter. Designed for those seeking a space-saving solution without compromising on sound quality, the Trigon 6 Desktop retains all the features of its larger sibling, including patch recall, a versatile effects section with various modulation possibilities, and the distinctive feedback control that allows you to sculpt sub-harmonic richness.

Trigon 6 Desktop Price: $2,499

https://www.sequential.com/

2. Synthfest UK 2023: Calc And the Prophet X

At Synthfest UK 2023, we caught up with Calc from Sequential, and he gave us the lowdown on the Prophet X. Now, you might be thinking, Prophet X? Haven't we seen that before? Well, you're right, but this hybrid instrument has been quietly making waves in the music world. It combines digital and analog elements, with digital oscillators and a unique twist in the form of multi-sample-based instruments. Yes, you heard that right, it's not just your run-of-the-mill synth; it's a full-on sampler too, boasting an impressive 50 gigabytes of memory for your custom samples. You can treat it like a rompler, a sample player, or even use those samples as oscillators, creating a whole new realm of sonic possibilities.

Plus, it's packed with stereo goodness, allowing you to explore a wide soundstage with ease. It's not your typical synth, and that's what makes its a favourute of Calc's

Looking for some more info on the Prophet X? Check out Sequential's official page: www.sequential.com/prophet-x/

CLICK FOR MORE »

Cynthia Zeroscillator V1 2009 - Cyndustries Eurorack

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"The Zeroscillator is a full-featured electronic-music-quality analog VCO capable of linear frequency modulation through zero hertz and into negative frequencies. This makes it capable of the FM Synthesis stuff, wild and crazy sounds simply not available from traditional VCOs, and timbres not available from digital FM synthesizers. Of course, Zeroscillators also make insane LFOs!

This was the first available Through Zero Oscillator, Vince Clark says, it's the best Modular Oscillator (check Youtube). The best you can get for Tone in your Modular Synthesizer.

The Module is very big, you need to use a deep case like the Doepfer Cases."

Side Note: I was on the wait list for a Zeroscillator like everyone else in the day. When mine was available I asked Cynthia to give it to the next person on the list and save me for last. I never did end up getting one.

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EMS Synthi AKS

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"Outer space in a briefcase. That is the gist of the legendary Synthi series. The Synthi is capable of soft drifting lead lines, abstract snarling modulation, clean warm textures and anything in between. This is the real deal. Brian Eno, Pink Floyd, Stereolab, Yes, Aphex Twin, Autechre, Jean-Michel Jarre, Astral Projection, Vince Clarke, The Who, Todd Rundgren, Recoil, Freddy Fresh and Ultravox are some artist known for using the Synthi series just to name a few."

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Don't Say Goodbye by Jay Wires

video upload by Jay Wires

Some info on the gear used, via Jay Wires:

"I used Patrick Cowley’s Sequential Circuits Pro-One for a few of the sounds. It had remained unused since his death in 1982 until 2022 when Tone Tweakers refurbished it and added MTG Turbo CPU and MIDI (reversible mods). I also used the Roland Juno-60 I got from my friend Vince. The rest of the sounds I dialed up from scratch on basic Logic softsynths, except for the piano, which was a preset."

---

On the release:

"‘Don’t Say Goodbye’ is the fifth single from Jay Wires.

New York City based synthesist-songwriter Jay Wires dials up catchy electropop infused with human emotion - synthpop art with a human heart. With a long history of dealing vintage synths to serious recording artists, Jay Wires finally started releasing music of his own in August 2022 through Yes Trigger Music.

‘Don’t Say Goodbye’ is a true story about being ghosted by a narcissist during the isolation and loneliness of COVID lockdown, cleverly disguised as an upbeat synthpop ditty that some may find reminiscent of Yazoo or The Postal Service.

‘Don’t Say Goodbye’ was suddenly released on July 7, 2023 without any prior promotion.

LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:
https://open.spotify.com/track/0iNSpXoV0K2ncoY4dJ28U9?si=9c0bb5e3619f4527

LISTEN ON BANDCAMP:
https://jaywires.bandcamp.com/track/dont-say-goodbye

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaywires/"

All that you need to know (!) about 80s Synths

video upload by Krakli Software

"Synths MIDI and more condensed from an 80's show that teaches you all that you need to Know!!"

This one is in via John L Rice.

The video features Alastair Gavin, Herbie Hancock, Tony Banks, Vince Clark, and Jan Hammer.

If anyone knows what this is from feel free to leave a comment.

Update via the comments: "The clip is from 'Rockschool', produced by the BBC from 1983-87...great stuff!:)"

And sure enough, here it is posted back in 2011. I thought it looked familiar. You can find additional posts mentioning Rockschool here.

Luftrum 27 - Patches for MatrixBrute

video upload by Luftrum1

"Here's a playhrough of 38 patches from Luftrum 27 for Arturia MatrixBrute. A classic soundset in the vein of previous Luftrum numbered releases, it fuses retro analog colors with cutting edge modern timbres.

This was recorded during the course of the day, so you'll see the transformation as it gradually gets darker with the approach of evening. All sounds in the vid are straight out of the MatrixBrute, with no additional effects or external processing of any kind. Apologies for the shallow depth of field.

Totaling 80 presets by Luftrum, this set provides a well rounded mix of timeless analog emulations, as well as esoteric explorations. Think Retro 80s meets Downtempo Ambient, takes a quick dip in 90's Acid and Detroit House, and finishes with a stroll through Berlin School. Expressive sync leads, 80s inspired synthpop keys, glistening arpeggios, warm paraphonic pads, berlin-school sequences, mixed with drones, cinematic duo-split compositions, percussive loops and more.

Inspiration was drawn from synth legends such as Kraftwerk, Giorgio Moroder, Vince Clarke, Klaus Schulze, Royksopp, Le Matos, Sinioia Caves and Disasterpeace to name a few. As always, patches are volume balanced with assignments for all four macro controls plus modwheel, velocity and aftertouch.

► LUFTRUM 27
Product page [to be announced March 16]

► LUFTRUM
Website https://www.luftrum.com/"

Jay Wires Depeche Mode Shout Cover Roland SH-2 Korg Volca Beats SQ1 Vintage Synthesizer Sequencer

video upload by Jay Wires

"Roland SH-2 (modified) sequenced by Korg SQ-1 analog sequencer with Korg Volca Beats on drums. I was just goofing around for a couple minutes and came up with this sequence that reminded me of Depeche Mode "Shout", off their debut album Speak & Spell, which is one of my favorite albums ever. Vince Clarke wrote most of the songs before leaving to form Yaz and then Erasure. The SH-2 here has been modified for oscillator sync. What would normally be the keyboard gate output jack is now a CV input for VCO2 that's activated when the bender switch is in the right position. I used the CV out of the sequencer to control VCO2's pitch for timbral modulation and used the sequencer's gate out to trigger the envelope generator on the SH-2 (via the SH's gate input). As you can see, I transposed the sequence manually by playing the keyboard.

What's your favorite Depeche Mode album? I flip flop between Speak & Spell, Black Celebration and Violator."

Studio Electronics P-Five (Real Deal Prophet 5 Rev 3.3 Rackmounted)

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"very rare and beautiful Studio Electronics P-Five. There are not too many of these guys in the world. This one is in exceptional condition!! Full midi capabilities such as modwheel, aftertouch, midi cc programming.

This is a real Prophet 5 Rev 3.3 in a rack!! BTW thanks t is worth every penny!! Sonically amazing!!!"

Another one in via Vince. Also see the rack OB-8.

Oberheim OB-8 Rackmount Analog Synthesizer by Studio Electronics

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction, also on Reverb

"1984 Oberheim OB-8 Synthesizer which has been rack mounted by Studio Electronics in 2007. Super duper rare!"

This one is in via Vince.

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ARP 2500 MELODIC PERFORMANCE FEAT. VINCE PUPILLO JR.

video upload by EMEAPP

"This video features EMEAPP's associate director (and chief knob twiddler) Vince Pupillo Jr. taking our beautiful, fully-equipped ARP 2500 system for a melodic and rhythmic ride (along with a vintage ARP 1613 Sequencer). This performance was originally recorded for Alex Ball's amazing film "Electromotive-The Story of ARP Instruments" which chronicles the timeline of Alan R. Pearlman and the company and instruments which resulted, with the crown jewel being the 2500. Enjoy the blippy bloopies!"

MidiTraC - Polyphonic Step Sequencer, MidiLooper & Pattern Generator

video uploads by EKL Alfred Labs

The above is a playlist starting Jul 7, 2022 and going back to Jan 24, 2019 featuring various stages of development.

The following is the description for the first (and latest video) followed by some details from the MidiTraC Manual.

MidiTraC - MidiLooper & StepSequencer...
_________________________________________
Sequential Prophet 6
Roland Jupiter Xm / JU06a
Clavia Nord Modular G2X
Arturia MicroFreak / Keystep 37
_________________________________________

info: miditrac(ät)mail.de
MidiTraC Manual: http://e.pc.cd/U2CotalK

1) using generator (C harmonic minor) to make a Init Sequence with Prophet 6
2) add some Juno60 sounding stuff using Step Mode
3) delete some Events - Live Eraser
4) Drums (Jupiter Xm) - Step Mode
5) recording Bass & Pads from G2X - Live Mode
6) mute some Tracks
7) add another Bass (Jupiter Xm) Track - Step Mode
8) small Melody by MicroFreak - Live Mode
9) showing Track Transpose...

From the user manual:

MidiTraC v1.01
++ 4Players ++

Preface:
Sometimes developer are so deeply connected to their project that they don't reach customers, so they don't manage to transport the real message. Hence this preface, which should explain the basic idea behind the concept of MidiTraC.

The actual inspiration comes from a video showing "Vince Clarke" and the "BBC Computer". Based on this, plus a lot of imagination and feedback from beta testers, the current version of the MidiTraC sequencer was developed.

The initial spark was the idea of the polyphonic step sequencer, which is often found in hardware synthesizers. Unfortunately many implementations are only half-hearted and have many limitations (monophony, number of steps or complicated impractical handling). MidiTraC tries to counter these shortcomings.

MidiTraC combines different device classes:
+ Midi Looper (Notes & CC Data)
+ Step Sequencer (polyphonic)
+ Conditional Sequence Generator
+ Note Editor & Modifier
+ Arpeggiator

MidiTraC can handle 16 tracks, each track is assigned to a fixed midi channel. The tracks can be independently muted, quantized, deleted or transposed.

All midi events, that arrives at the midi input are recorded. Therefore all settings have to be done at the midi input source, e.g. the choice of the midi channels. Usually the input source is a Midi-Keyboard, but it can be everything that send midi notes or CC data.

The principle is comparable to an audio Looper, with the difference that the amount of data is not generated by the time axis, but by the number of recorded events.

The device works on the basis of five slots, each slot can handle patterns up to 1024 midi events (a pattern manage 16 midi channels).

Notes can be generated, recorded live or step by step. An infinite number of overdubs are possible, each of these overdubs can have different lengths [Loop]. The longest recorded loop, represented here by the total lengths [Bars] (from 1 to 999 Measures).

Every operation can be done while running, so patterns can be loaded, saved, copied or merged to/from the Slots (for now, there are 128 memory locations). There is always one [Undo] step possible. [See the user manual for more].


Quick Specs:

+ 16 tracks, 1024 events (notes / midi CC) per pattern
+ 5 patterns with variable pattern lengths: 1 to 255 bars
+ Scales and quantization on recording or via ChannelQuantize
+ 18 quantization grids 1/64 - 1/1 (including triplets & dotted notes)
+ Note Editor (Microtiming 1/192, Pitch, Velocity, Duration, Channel)
+ unlimited smart overdubs with variable loop lengths (consolidate)
+ polyphonic step input with individually adjustable gate lengths
+ Pattern Generator (polyphonic / monophonic / drums / scales)
+ individual transposing / muting (live/lock) for all midi channels
+ Merge / load / save while sequencer is running...

RSF Kobol Expander I and II

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"The rack version of the RSF Kobol with a great sounding and very snappy SSM filter.
The Kobol Rack (Expander I) was essentially only the VCO/VCF/VCA/LFO sections of the Kobol in a rack module. The Expander 2 was an add-on to the Kobol that added some new processing modules such as ring modulation, sample-hold, andenvelope followers as well as extra VCA and LFO modules.

The Kobol looked and sounded great, andwas quickly snapped up by the big names in synthesizers of the time. But beinga small French company, RSF were never able to truly mass produce these.
About 800 Kobol Racks were made, 200 Expander 2's. This makes them quite rare!

They have been used by Vince Clarke,Vangelis, Jean-Michel Jarre, Depeche Mode, Peter Gabriel and Hans Zimmer.

The RSF Expander II rack mount modular synth was manufactured as a companionoption module for the Kobol Expander I synthesizer. The19" 3 U space unit features a Ring Modulator, Envelope, a VCA, an LFO,Mixer with 3 inputs and 1 output. Additionally it has a Sample & Holdmodule with internal or external clock, a Noise Generator, Voltage processorthat is delectable Linear or Logarithmic, Voltage Inverter, Gate Delay, anEnvelope Follower, Lag Generator, and finally 2 multiples."

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TEISCO / KAWAI 100F Vintage Analog Keyboard Synthesizer SN 0971 w/ Manual, Patch Sheets, & Case

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
video upload by Fever X Synth ®

via this auction

CLICK FOR MORE »

Andy Fletcher of Depeche Mode Has Passed Away

Andy Fletcher passed away today at the age of 60. I saw Depeche Mode live for the first time as a teenager back on July 14, 1986, at the Irvine Meadows Amphitheter in Irvine, CA. I grew up with their music and still listen to them to this day. They will always be a staple in my life. I have Andy Fletcher and the rest of Depeche Mode to thank for so much magic in my life on so many levels, from being a kid frolicking about in the 80s, to an adult dealing with the trials a tribulations of the day. Depeche Mode is a big part of that and Andy Fletcher was core to the band. He will be sorely missed by so many of us.

This post features two images of Andy. One from Wikipedia, and one from Discogs. The following bio is from Wikipedia. Don't miss the last sentence.

"Andrew John Leonard Fletcher (8 July 1961 – c. 26 May 2022), sometimes known as Fletch, was an English keyboard player, DJ, and a founding member of the electronic band Depeche Mode. In 2020, Fletcher was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Depeche Mode.[1]

In the late 1970s, Fletcher and schoolmate Vince Clarke formed the short-lived band No Romance in China, in which Fletcher played bass guitar. In 1980, Fletcher met Martin Gore at the Van Gogh pub on Paycocke Road in Basildon. With Clarke, the trio, now all on synthesizer, formed another group called Composition of Sound.[2] Clarke served as chief songwriter and also provided lead vocals until singer Dave Gahan was recruited into the band later that year, after which they adopted the name Depeche Mode at Gahan's suggestion.[3] Clarke left the group in late 1981, shortly after the release of their debut album Speak & Spell.[2]

Their 1982 follow-up album, A Broken Frame, was recorded as a trio, with Gore taking over primary songwriting duties.[4] Musician and producer Alan Wilder joined the band in late 1982 and the group continued as a quartet until Wilder's departure in 1995. From then on, the core trio of Gahan, Gore, and Fletcher remained active, up to the release of their 2017 album Spirit and ensuing world tour.[5]

Fletcher's role within Depeche Mode was often a topic of speculation. In early incarnations of the band, he played (electric and later synth) bass. As the band evolved after Vince Clarke's departure in 1981, Fletcher's role changed as each of the band members took to the areas that suited them and benefited the band collectively. In a key scene in D.A. Pennebaker's 1989 documentary film about the band, Fletcher clarified these roles: "Martin's the songwriter, Alan's the good musician, Dave's the vocalist, and I bum around."


Andy Fletcher and Daniel Miller talking about Depeche Mode early days

video upload by Michele Bisceglia

"This interview was shot in november 2015, but never edited and published.
We were in Verbier, Switzerland, for the 3 days happening Audi-o-Rama.
Depeche Mode founding member and keyboardist Fletch & Mute Records boss Miller remember the day they met and discuss other stories about the early days of the band"

A search on the first video to feature Depeche Mode comes up with the following 1981 performance from Top of the Pops. Andy Fletcher is on the Moog Prodigy.

Depeche Mode - Just Can't Get Enough 1981

video upload by memorylane1980s

The following is a live tribue by DX5. If you follow the site you should be familiar with his numerous covers of Depeche Mode. This site is about synths and the people who love synths. This is the first tribute I've seen by a fan of Depeche Mode and I wanted to include it.

Andy (Fletch) Fletcher, has sadly passed away today :( :( Chat and synth tribute to him.

video upload by DX5

Yazoo - Bring Your Love Down (Didn't I) Instrumental Cover

video upload by KOSmusic

"Recently, I listened again to the amazing Yazoo album 'Upstairs At Eric's' of 1982 . I was impressed with this particular track and wanted to recreate it (with a few small differences from the original), but trying to stay true to wonderful work of Vince Clarke.

The VSTs Jupiter-8 and Dexed proved very useful for several sounds. I used the CS1x for a part of the bass.

For shooting purposes, I changed the octaves of some instruments on my CS1x.

Hope you like how I recreated this classic :)"

ARP 2600x2=ARP 5200: DUAL ARP 2600 MELODIC PERFORMANCE FEAT. VINCE PUPILLO JR.

video upload by EMEAPP

"The iconic ARP 2600 is an undeniable classic, 50 years old and going strong. Here in their full glory are our pair of Tonus-era ARP 2600 semi-modular synthesizers (the 2600 on the left was formerly Jack Bruce's) running in tandem with our ARP 1613 Sequencer along with the Arturia KeyStep, KORG SDD-3000 digital delay and Roland MX-1 performed by EMEAPP associate director and sound designer Vince Pupillo Jr.. This performance was created for and featured in the Alan R. Pearlman Foundation's ARP 2600 virtual 'Synthposium' on September 18, 2021 which celebrated the 50th anniversary of this legendary instrument. Both of our organizations are dedicated to preserving the legacies of electronic music pioneers and we are proud to be a partner with Dina Pearlman and her dedicated team who do wonderful work in uplifting the life and legacy of Alan R. Pearlman. This one's for you Dina! Enjoy!"

https://alanrpearlmanfoundation.org/

Oberheim OB-1

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"Rare Oberheim OB-1 selling by Original Owner
Monophonic, programmable, analog synthesizer introduced by Oberheim Electronics in 1978 and was the first analog synthesizer capable of storing patches and intended for live performances.
Features include Oscillator:2 VCO's, LFO:1, Filter: 2 or 4 pole switchable VCF, Attenuator: 2 x ADSR, one for VCF, one for VCA, Storage Memory: 8 patches, Keyboard: 37-Key.
Classic and Fat sounding bass & lead synth sounds. Original 8 programmed factory memory presets have been reprogrammed to similar lead synth sounds. Very easy to save your own new ones.
Notable Users: Rush, Vince Clarke, Tangerine Dream, The Grid, Andy Whitmore (Greystoke Studio), Dave Greenfield The Stranglers. Price plus shipping. Weight of the OB-1 is 21.4 lbs upackaged."

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DX5 playing Erasure "Sometimes" cover (Update)

video upload by DX5

"Updating an instrumental cover I had already done years ago.
Gear used:
Roland JX-8P
Emu Emax
Emu Emax II
Backtrack previously recorded on Pro Tools, track by track, by me.
Original song composed by Vince Clarke/Andy Bell
Performed here by DX5 Jose Maria Bara."