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.

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.

Kawai K1m Retro Digital Synth Euphoria Desktop Module

Today I'm auditioning my original patches made for the Kawai K1m. A very limited digital synth from the 90s. And yet after digging into the architecture was able to harness some very powerful and unique features that are really, I mean, REALLY surprising. You'll hear some cheesy things, some pads, basses. And then there's fat poly action, swirling digital synth soundscapes. And alive motion things that are frankly astounding for such an unassuming little black box. Try to keep in mind when you hear the Mesmerized patch - the K1m has no sequencer nor arpeggiator. No freely assignable LFOs, just a fixed vibrato and that's it. And NO filter ha! Be sure to watch the whole video, lots of my favorites are on the 2nd half starting @3:19. My favorites are Head East, LA Sunset, Liquide and Mesmerized...which ones did you like?

0:00 Steamy
0:22 StringSyn
0:32 MicroMacro
0:45 Meekly
1:04 Spokes
1:18 Bedtime
1:39 SynViolin
1:49 Deep State
1:58 ChordLock
2:08 Sunrays
2:21 StringPad2
2:40 Sine Tones
2:51 ReedyBass
2:57 LectroKeys
3:18 TreeOfLife
3:45 Worn Tape
4:09 Ramp Me!
4:27 Italio
4:42 Hunter Bass
4:52 FlrscntBass
5:02 LA Sunset
5:43 Liquide
6:27 FuturChopz
6:42 Big Chill
7:10 Digipad
7:22 Fat Poly
7:43 Fat Punch
7:50 Head East
8:21 Night Sky
8:37 Artifakt
9:10 Mesmerized

Recorded direct, only the onboard effects are used. No other mastering or effects have been added.
Be sure to check out my Reverb Store for cool eurorack modules and gently owned gear for sale.

TWO Polychrome Phasers! Stereo FTW Eurorack Effect Demo #2

Continuing phaser adventures, this time with TWO Polychrome Phasers.
Having two phasers opens a new world of stereo possibilities.
Using 2 phasers is not unlike a Mutron Bi-phase dual phaser.
A 4HP analog circuit adaptation of the 6-stage phaser section from the Italian stallion - Farfisa Polychrome.
Recorded direct, no other mastering or effects.

0:00 | Intro and patch explanation
0:53 | VCO: Pittsburgh Primary Oscillator
1:28 | VCO: DNA Symbiotic Waves
2:37 | Yamaha SK20
3:44 | Juno-60

Check my Reverb store for availability and other cool modules

JP6-VCF Eurorack Filter Bandpass + Notch Patch Trick

Today I show you a modular patch on the JP6-VCF. By inverting a bandpass signal, and mixing it with the original un-processed signal - you can get a notch filter.

SH2-VCF IS BACK! Version 2 using BA662 clones

I am happy to announce the SH2-VCF is available once again.
It was very important that Version 2 had all the same glory.
And the BA662 clones this one uses can definitely deliver the goods.
For more details visit Modular Grid
Be sure to check this out and my other cool modules in my Reverb Store

Korg MS-20 Controlled By Eurorack

ime to kick back and let this play in the background.

Been wanting to try the MS-20 w/ Temps Utile and Ornament and Crime. Using the KVP to achieve that. Beats from Basimilus Iteritas Alter. Kick from FR Transient. Some delay and reverb used.

Recorded direct to Tascam DR-05.

Yamaha TX81Z Forever [Bank 2 w/ FX, Demo #5]

Selected patches from Bank 2 for the TX81Z FM Synthesizer.
Deeper into the dreamy, dark soundtrack territory.
This time using Big Sky reverb and Timefactor Delay.

Recorded direct to Tascam DR-05.
Get the free patches on my download page

Yamaha TX81Z FM Synthesizer Patches Bank 2 [Demo #4] (no FX)

Some new selected patches on the TX81Z FM Synthesizer.
Dark soundscape, dreamy, indie synthwave stuff.
This time without the Big Sky Reverb.
Using a single TX81Z unit.
Raw, naked, mono, FM synthesis goodness.

Timestamp
0:00 cold opening
0:10 Bangzwap!, noise stab
0:22 Dream4Days, breathy pad
0:46 Vaporware, choral pad
1:11 Vinyl Tone, bell tone + vinyl crackle static noise
1:30 ChorusSyn, swirly synth
1:45 Warm Poly, big ol' fat poly
2:11 Poles, smooth metalic tones
2:32 Harmonix, glitchy pad + EP
2:47 $ummer Cola, dreamy pad
3:03 Retrofit, 80s synth
3:36 Love Scene, soundtrack
4:06 Icewave, chilly brooding soundscape
4:40 Ruination, dark soundtrack

Recorded direct to Tascam DR-05.
No other effects nor processing of any kind.

Get the free patch download.
Check out the sidebar >>>
Look for "download links" :D

Announcing 2xVCA Dual Voltage Controlled Amplifier 6HP

Hello 2019. Hope everyone had a good holiday. I've already been hard at work to bring you my first module of the New Year, the 2xVCA. It's a dual envelope based on BA6110 chips, and the test circuit is sounding pretty good. Should be ready to go mid-January. More details can be found at Modular Grid.

SH2-VCF Reporting For Duty! Eurorack Filter Module Demo #2

Following up on my prototype demo, the SH2-VCF is finished and reporting for duty. My SH2-VCF is a filter adaptation of the Roland SH-2 analog synthesizer filter using BA6110 op amps in place of the extinct BA662 chips of the original.

In this video I'll keep the talking to a minimum and explain how I resolved the BA6110 issue. And then put the filter through some paces including a massive kick drum, and an example track using TWO of these filters.

Be warned - some huge resonant kick drums ahead!
Audio recorded direct to Tascam DR-05 except the last part which has some delay.

0:00 Bass pad w/ two VCOs.
0:27 How I resolved the BA6110 issue.
1:35 Hand crafting these beautiful modules.
1:48 Bass pad + LFO + Resonance
2:04 Brutal Self-Osc Kick Drums (Filter Only)
2:50 Brutal Self-Osc Kicks through VCA (Bastl Skis)
3:25 Two filter Simple Track example, Bass: DNA Symbiotic Waves Delay: Timefactor, Kick: Tonus VCF

Oscillators - Pittsburgh Synth Box + Rozendall CEM3340 VCO
Envelope Contours - 2xADSR dual envelope
VCA - Bastl Skis
Sequencing - Arturia Beatstep Pro Pitch CV + gate

Check out my SH2-VCF and other cool modules available in my Reverb Store

Oberheim Matrix-12 Programming Tips + Tricks [FM]

FM Synthesis is not just for DX7 and Yamaha synths. The Oberheim Matrix-12 can do primitive FM as well, albeit a single carrier and modulator pair. Here are some tips and tricks for exploring the FM possibilities. Some of the ideas come from my Getting Started Programming FM video, so you may want to check that out too.

100TH SYNTHESIZER VIDEO UPLOAD SPECIAL

Today is my 100th video upload. So I thought I would take this opportunity to do something a little different and have some fun with it.
In this video I will have
- Commentary on my Top 5 Synthesizer Demos
- Bottom 5 Videos
- Interesting and Controversial User Comments
- Epic Sound Bytes
Along the way there are a couple of out-takes. If you watch the whole video you might find an Easter egg somewhere...hmmm. So strap yourself in, it will be a fun ride.