Akai VX600 Synthesizer Demo [no talking]

This is a six voice analog Akai VX600 synthesizer. Two oscillators per voice, and it takes minimum 30 minutes to stabilize tuning enough to play. Even so, it also wants 3 or 4 autotune sessions. Basses, pads, leads, arpeggios. Please enjoy. While this demo features my original patches, alas - there's no way to backup patches to computer or share them w/ others in that way. It only accepts Roland style Memory Cards. Be sure to check out my patches for other synths available at Gumroad. I also make Eurorack modules with mojo, available in my Reverb Store.

Recorded direct via EPM6 mixer to GO-Mixer Pro-X interface to iPhone, no added effects. The synth output is very hot, so any clipping you hear was overloading the input at the mixer.

I'm Moving Synth Patch Downloads to Gumroad

I'm in the process of migrating my synthesizer patch downloads to Gumroad. As before, the sound sets that were originally offered for nothing is still available for no contribution. If you like and enjoy the patches a small contribution is definitely encouraged. The new sound sets however will be around a meager $5USD, buy me a cuppa for my efforts :D But feel free to contribute more if moved to do so!

The first new release is GSE Sound Set 01 for Kawai K1/K1m
...coming on the horizon soon: Roland JX-8P Patch Set 02, Akai AX-80 so be on the lookout.

Decadent Atmospheric Pads & Soundscapes on Roland XP-30

The Roland XP-30. Loaded w/ tons of decadent atmospheric pads and soundscape presets. Still relevant after all this time. Yes, yes, I hear using presets = bad. But sometimes you just want to kick back and let the imagination ride and give the left brain much needed rest. Headphones, dim lighting and candles recommended.

0:00 | XP-A-015 | Silky Filter
0:30 | XP-A-070 | Nylon + Str
0:52 | XP-A-017 | Slow Str Sect
1:34 | XP-A-050 | Legato Flute
2:03 | XP-C-147 | Dense Floor
2:41 | XP-C-146 | Liquid Sky
3:18 | PR-E-097 | Analog Drama
3:48 | PR-E-099 | Silky Way
4:12 | PR-C-091 | Dawn to Dusk
4:51 | XP-A-058 | Cosmic Flute

I make some sweet Eurorack Synth Modules! Check out my inventory in my Reverb Store.

Roland RS-09 Synthesizer Repair

Today I am going to service a Roland RS-09 having some issues. I'm going to
- address the tactile button actuator assembly
- troubleshooting the dead button panel circuit
- address some metal panel rust
- replace some felt dust filters for fader pots
- deal with the rickety plastic rivet fasteners for the front panel.
Lots of fun stuff.

0:00 Introduction and Symptoms
0:57 Teardown
2:40 Dead Button Diagnosis
4:31 Tests
5:12 Button Actuator Assembly
6:23 New Felt Dust Filters for Slide Pots
7:33 Rivets, Chassis Rust, Final Test

Be sure to check out my cool eurorack modules for sale in my Reverb Store

Behringer Wave Digital Synthesizer User Review [Demo 01]

Today I am giving a user review of the new Behringer Wave. My personal thoughts and opinions. I bought this synth with my own tax refund money. So nobody has input into what I'm posting here today. The Wave is promoted as a faithful reproduction of the PPG Wave 2.3 digital synthesizer in all its lo-fi glory. With a touch of some modern feature additions. While I have tried a friend's original PPG, this is not a comparison to the original. Nor is this an exhaustive how-to, nor covering all features.
Is the Behringer Wave right for you?
What makes the Wave stand out from other synths?
Is the Wave a good value for the money?
Can I recommend the Wave to others?

0:00 Introduction and Brief Overview
1:01 Build Quality
2:23 Features, Sound
4:39 User Interface and the Synthtribe App
6:10 Final Thoughts
7:59 One more thing

Be sure to check out my cool Eurorack modules I make in my Reverb Store

G-Storm Electro Announces ProADSR 3310 Dual Envelope Eurorack Module

Today I am introducing my ProADSR eurorack module, a 3310-based dual envelope generator. It has that special je ne sais quoi you didn't know your sound was missing.

Check out my Reverb Store for ProADSR availability and other cool eurorack modules I make.

Alfa AS3109 VS IR3109N Quick Comparison

Many have commented about my last video why I fool around w/ reclaiming the old chips when Alfa has some remakes on the market. So here's a quick comparison of the Alfa AS3109 remakes vs. IR3109N OTA chips in my 101-VCF tester module. For me the Alfa behaves quite differently with regard to signal clipping and output magnitude. Enough as to not recommend them as a 1-to-1 replacement in vintage synths and the reason I don't use them in my own modules. It's too bad, I enjoy using other kinds of Alfa chips 3320/3340/3350 in other filters and my 101-VCO.

Be sure to check out my cool Eurorack Modules available in my Reverb Store.

Time-Saving Methods of Rescuing IR3109N OTAs from 80017A Wafers

Today I am sharing spilling the beans on my 80017A wafer-stripping and chip reclamation methods. Over time I have developed my own system for improving the speed and success of reclaiming coveted IR3109N SMD OTAs in decent quantities. These OTAs are used in my 101-VCF, JP6-VCF, and JU60-VCF eurorack modules. Even with time-saving measures, I easily spend way more time reclaiming the chips than actually building these modules. And the main reason I call my endeavors a labor of love, it's all for you my friend.

0:00 | Intro
0:31 | The 80017A Wafer Encapsulation
1:52 | My Method for Removing the Black Resin
4:21 | Extracting Chips from the Wafer
6:26 | Mounting the Chip to a DIP ADAPTER

To purchase a 101-VCF, JP6-VCF or JU60-VCF and other cool eurorack modules visit my Reverb Store to check availability.

Introduction into Modular Synthesis 101 | Part 5 | Modulators

Continuing my introductory series of videos on Modular Synthesis 101. Today we'll look at some classic modulator utility modules in Modular synthesis with some simple examples. You already know about 2 modulators: Envelopes and LFOs. Along the way we'll be changing any Lowpass filter to a Highpass. From the last video we also know that a VCA can be used as a Modulator. So it probably won't surprise you there is a special Modulator can behave similar a VCA.

0:00 | Intro
0:20 | Modulator Recap - Mind Your Ins and Outs
0:54 | Glide
1:21 | Sample + Hold
3:14 | Inverter Circuit
3:51 | Inverting Filter Types + Multiples
5:33 | Ring Mod - somewhere between Modulator and Effect
6:32 | The Function Generator

Be sure to to check out my Reverb Store for cool Eurorack module availability.

So I Tried the Akai MPC 3.4 OS Update

The Akai MPC 3.4 software operating system. A simplification of the MPC workflow with a few new features. Why did I upgrade? Am I digging it? What still needs improvement? Am I going back to version 2? Just my honest opinions and experiences with my MPC One+.

0:00 | Intro
0:49 | Going into the MPC world from Cubase
1:52 | Why I upgraded to MPC 3
2:50 | Main Page
3:44 | Arranger and Grid Windows
6:20 | In Summary, and Will I Use MPC 3?

Be sure to check out my cool eurorack modules I make in my Reverb Store!