OB-8 "Structures from Silence" excerpt, and Split programs

video upload by wedream2

"I start with a short excerpt of 'Structures from Silence' as a tribute to Steve Roach. Then demonstrate a few spit programs, and end with a sampling of sequenced single keyboard sounds, which will be revisited in more detail in a future video."

Waldorf Q 7-zone Multi

video upload by wedream2

"All sounds are played in real time from the Waldorf Q. Five zones are mapped to the Q keybed, and 2 additional zones are played remotely from the lower keyboard through midi. The addition of a second keybed significantly expands the Q's Multi programming. Zones can be played "local" from the Q keybed, "midi" from a remote controller, or "local + midi" from both. Of course, additional sounds from the second keyboard can be layered as well, but I'm using the D70 only to trigger the additional Q zones through midi."

Waldorf Q: Never Cry Wolf Intro

video upload by wedream2

"The Waldorf Q was programmed with multiple zones in Multi-mode to allow real time performance of the Intro to the movie, 'Never Cry Wolf.' Original music by Mark Isham."

Oberheim Xpander: Sound Design

video upload by wedream2

"In this video I demonstrate some unusual sounds on the Oberheim Xpander. Nothing to 'see' hear; it's all about the sound. Some of the sounds are modified using the mod wheel. Many of the sounds were not intentionally created, but seemed to happen within the sound design process. With 5 LFOs, 5 Env generators, 3 tracking generators, 15 filters, 3 zones in multi mode, and more, the Xpander is capable of truly unique sounds."

Oberheim OB-8: A Deep Dive

video by wedream2

"Headphones recommended!
I begin this video with a thorough review of the OB-8's sound design parameters. Every function is explained and demonstrated. At ~ 44:00​, I focus on the performance controls--pitch bend, modulation lever, and arpeggiator. I didn't intend to produce an on-line owner's manual, but here it is. I finish the video (starting at ~ 57:08​) by demonstrating some of my double and split sounds.
Despite the OB-8's deficiencies--no oscillator cross modulation, no oscillator low frequency mode, no inverted envelopes, no envelope PWM (except KBD-triggered LFO), no volume control for the noise oscillator, inadequate control of filter kbd-tracking--the OB-8 contains many sound design parameters not found on other synths. These, along with its super smooth filter and "sweet" sound make it one of the top analog synths of all time. I purchased my OB-8 new in 1984. (As my favorite analog synth, I would never trade it for a Memorymoog or a Jupiter 8).
Error correction: I misspoke when I described how to change the direction of pitch bend. I should have said to press and hold the "Upper" and "Amount" buttons in the performance section while powering on the synth. These 2 buttons are just to the right of the 2 that I referenced in the video. Sorry for that error."

Oberheim OB-8 Tips and Tricks

video by wedream2

Update: new tips and tricks video with better audio uploaded.

"In this follow-up to my 'OB-8 Deep Dive' video, I demonstrate some interesting things you can do with the arpeggiator and page 2 functions. I also correct some errors I made in the first video, and demonstrate a few more custom sounds. Headphones are recommended to hear the stereo oscillation of some sounds, especially the 2 inspired by 'Welcome to the Machine.'"

Memorymoog Sound Design: Part 2

video by wedream2

Part 1 here

"In this second video I talk a little more about sound design, demonstrate mostly new sounds (not shown in first video) as well as a few improved sounds from the previous video, and discuss use of the latched arpeggiator in combination with the cyclic keyboard mode, generating interesting sequences involving multiple triggering of the same key within a repeated pattern."

wedream2 Memorymoog Sound Design posts

wedream2 synth demos

Memorymoog Sound Design

video by wedream2

"I finally got an opportunity to take a deep dive into sound design on the Memorymoog (after complete restoration and upgrades performed by Rosen Sound). I tweaked most of the factory sounds and added expression pedal programming to each. In the following examples, a factory sound is identified by the bracketed number and the name of the factory sound. I also created original sounds that are identified by name only (no bracketed numbers). I used the additional stereo outputs recently installed, so listening through stereo headphones is recommended. The panning positions of the voices cycle, similar to the OB-8, except when the cyclic memory mode is selected, where upon the same key repeatedly played, holds the same pan position. To avoid going over an hour in length, I eliminated multiple factory and original sounds from this demo. The more interesting and complicated original sounds are showcased."

wedream2 Memorymoog Sound Design posts

wedream2 synth demos

Waldorf Q Multis: Sequences and Arpeggios

video by wedream2

"This is my second video on the Waldorf Q. Here I demonstrate Multi programs using sequences or arpeggios with multiple sounds, split and layered across the keybed. The Arpeggiator is very flexible and creative. Melodic sequences can be built up on the fly and evolved in real time.. The Waldorf Q is a 16-part multi-timbral synths with 4 separate simultaneous FX engines. Less complicated than a full work station, the Q is definitely a 'play station.'"

First video posted here.

Waldorf Q: Cybernaut

wedream2

"Waldorf Q in Multi mode: 4 keyboard zones: Noise effect, sequence, brass, oboe. The sequence consists of a percussion track and a transposable bass line. The transposed key changes after the current cycle. The song is Cybernaut from the 1971 electronic album 'Zero Time' by Tanto's Expanding Headband. The Q's multitimbrality allows such real time performance. Recorded on IPhone."

MacBeth M5 Sound Design: 3rd edition Patch Book

wedream2

"After programming the Korg Arp 2600 FS for several months, I put together a 50-page patch book of new sounds for the Arp. I translated many of those sounds to the M5 and expanded the M5 patch book to 70 patch diagrams. Here is a sampling of sounds from 3rd Edition M5/M5N Owner's Manual and Patch Book."

Lyle Mays lead

wedream2

"One of my favorite albums--As Falls Wichita, so Falls Wichita Falls, with Pat Metheney and Lyle Mays. I created the synth lead sound used by Mays on the album. I routed the song, "It's for You" into the external input of the Arp 2600, and played the lead along with it."

Korg ARP 2600 reissue with 1971 ARP demo soundtrack

Published on Apr 16, 2020 wedream2

"Showing pics of the Korg ARP 2600FS along with an ARP 2600 demo song originally released in 1971 on 45 rpm record."

Waldorf Q: Review and Demo

Published on Feb 3, 2020 wedream2

"Overview of the features of the Waldorf Q digital polyphonic 16-part multitimbral synthesizer, and a demonstration of some single sounds and several multi-programs performed in real time. The Q's waveform pallet consists of analog models and digital wavetables, and has an extensive modulation matrix, stereo filter, on board effects, arpeggiator, and sequencer. It was ahead of its time when first released, and still competes today with the newest synths. To skip the overview and start with the single sounds, go to 6:00. To hear the multi-programs, skip ahead to 9:30."

MacBeth M5 Semi-modular Synthesizer

Published on Oct 23, 2019 wedream2

"Demo of oscillator cross modulation using 'Double LPF Triple Saw Wave Lead' patch, and Dual LFO modulation + VCO 3 in low freq mode using "Dual Pulsars" patch. M5 is inspired by the ARP 2600, but sounds more like a Moog Modular Synth."

Macbeth M5 Repair

Published on Sep 14, 2019 wedream2

"After 14 years of frustration, I decided to attempt a fix of 2 non-functioning slider potentiometers on my M5. The problem turned out to be poor solder connections rather than with the slider pots themselves. Perhaps these pics will help others perform similar repair/maintenance on a synth that never came with an owner's manual, nor service manual & schematics."

Matrixbrute: Kitaro

Published on Aug 23, 2019 wedream2

"8th video of Matrixbrute in 'split mode' (sequence + lead). This time featuring the music of Kitaro. As usual, mod wheel and foot pedal controller used to create new sounds in real time."

Super Jupiter revisited: More custom Sound Effects

Published on Jun 5, 2019 wedream2
Update: Re-Published on Jun 6, 2019

"In my 4th Super Jupiter video, I demonstrate 17 new Sound Effects I recently programmed. Many of the sounds employ Xmod and a parameter rarely found on polysynths--adjustable pitch tracking for either VCO. This allows sound design typically only possible with modular synthesizers. New sounds were inspired by actual events, as on my first video (e.g. thunder sounds and babbling brooks, seashore with gulls, and insects). Check out swamp things, raceway, and flyby (propeller plane passing low overhead). In addition, there are numerous sample and hold variations and a few percussion sounds. IMO, as a sound designer, the MKS-80 module is Roland's best analog polysynth."

wedream2 Super Jupiter videos

Matrixbrute: Pink Floyd, James Gang, Iron Butterfly, Traffic, etc.

Published on May 27, 2019 wedream2

"Another video demonstrating Matrixbrute in split mode, using real time controllers to change sounds. Inspiration drawn from Pink Floyd, The James Gang, Iron Butterfly, Traffic, Santana, Alan Parson's Project, and Jean Michel Jarre. All sounds recorded from Matrixbrute in real time, except for piano on Low Spark of HIgh Heeled Boys."

M5/M5N sound sampler from patch book

Published on Jul 8, 2018 wedream2

"MacBeth M5/M5N Sound sampler from Owner's Manual and Patch Book. Recorded using video camera microphone, so sound not accurate representation of the synth. Purpose is to introduce the Patch Book with some interesting patch programs."

Roland SH-01A Synthesizer Custom Patch Program Demos

Published on Dec 2, 2017 wedream2

"Roland SH-01A Synthesizer Custom patch programs
Auditioned with effects
Several emulations of Juno-60 sounds"

SH-O1A Part 2

Published on Dec 3, 2017 wedream2

"SH-01A Custom sounds with effects
(Part 2 of 2)
Custom Walnut cabinet for SH-01A displayed at end.
The synth sits snuggly in cabinet. Easily removable.
Sound and cabinet design by John Riesenman"