Casio CZ-1000 Synthesizer Demo

Today the Casio CZ-1000 is giving me the feels with an Eventide Timefactor. Original patches, recorded direct via Roland GO:Mixer Pro-X. Be sure to check out my Reverb Store for gently pre-owned gear and the cool Eurorack modules I offer.

CRUMAR PERFORMER: Noise Reduction Mod and Sustain Mod

Today I am looking at a friend's Crumar Performer.
We noticed a considerable hiss noise when activating the String sections.
The hiss goes away when using only Brass.
I investigate where the noise is coming from, and what's to be done about it.
I discover a simple way to boost the strings signal without affecting the noise floor.

Another strange deal, by design, the brass button defeats the strings sustain.
I explore the sustain mod to restore the strings decay while using brass.

The Keys To Huge Synthesizer Bass [Tonus VCF Demo #4]

Today in this demo I show some of the keys to getting huge bass sounds. I’m doing this on the Eurorack, but these ideas should work on most any synthesizer.
#1 Choose a quality low pass filter. I’m using my Tonus VCF module, a clone of the ARP 2600 filter. It’s a 4-pole low pass bass that uses a transistor ladder design similar to Moog.
#2 Cobble together as many oscillators as you can. Here, the Pittsburgh Synth Box wields a Tri, Saw, and Pulse along with a Sub-oscillato. Then I add another saw and square wave from the DNA Symbiotic Waves.
#3 For short basses use a punchy VCA/decay combo like the Bastl Skis. If you’re using a hardware synth, route a single envelope to affect the filter amount AND the amplitude at the same time.
#4 Modulate the filter with negative key tracking so that as you play higher on the keys, the higher notes will have reduced frequency cutoff. To do this I am sending the pitch CV to the signal inverter on my Pittsburgh Toolbox. Remember, a signal inverter just mirrors your signal across zero volts. For example, pitch CV goes from 0v to 5v. If you run that through an inverter, the output goes from 0v to -5v.
#5 Modulate the filter with a small amount of LFO to make your bass sound growl.
#6 Bass pads need a longer/slower Attack-Decay-Release envelope to evolve over time.
No effects used, audio recorded direct to Tascam DR-05

Korg MS-20 Teardown: Pulse Width Modulation Install

The vintage Korg MS-20 monophonic synthesizer comes with a pulse width knob, but no way to patch a modulation to it. In this video I teardown the MS-20, and install a Pulse Width Modulation routing.

My PWM will come from the MG/T.Ext circuit that is already present on the synth. 90% of the time I want to use the MG, AKA the LFO, to modulate the Pulse Width. So all I will do is add a small pot and current limiting resistor for routing the MG/Total circuit to the Pulse Width.

What about the other 10% of the time I don't want MG going to PWM? Well the MG is only normalled to the Total/External jack. If something is patched into the Total jack, it will override the MG and be routed to the new PWM pot. It behaves exactly the same way as the MG/Total pots for Pitch/HPF/LPF. Pretty sweet.

At the end of the video I patch various things to modulate the Pulse Width. Stay safe, don't electrocute yourself, and be sure to unplug the synth at all times while doing work inside the unit.

Ibanez Bi-Mode Chorus Pedal Demo w/ Synthesizers #9 [Roland Juno-1]

In this video I demonstrate the Ibanez Bi-Mode Chorus with a Roland Alpha Juno-1 synthesizer. This is a vintage analog chorus from the 80s that uses Panasonic BBD Chips. It has only one chorus line like most pedals. However it is modulated by two LFOs w/ corresponding width (amount) knobs on each! How does it sound with a synthesizer? You be the judge.

Oberheim Matrix-12 Synthesizer Demo #7

The Oberheim Matrix-12 was cooperating today, so I thought I better make a video before something happens again. Using some reverb and delay, recorded direct and no audio post processing.

Update From the Music Studio

Haven't posted any recent studio pics, here's my revised music setup. Left to right: Korg MS-02 MK-I, Oberheim Matrix-12 (still out of commission, power supply), Roland TR-8, Eurorack, Beatstep Pro, Akai S900, Mackie 802-VLZ3, pair KRK Rockit 6SE, E-Mu 1616 audio interface, Roland Alpha Juno-1, Strymon Big Sky, Eventide TimeFactor, Roland VP-03. 19" desk rack: DBX 160A, 166A, Behringer patchbay, 2x Yamaha TX81Z, 2x power conditioners.

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.

Korg MS-20 Mult-Track Demo #4

This is a Multi-Track demo with all sounds coming from the Korg MS-20 analog monophonic synthesizer. Going for some aggressive Acid House sounds today, putting up some of the patches of these sounds, and a tribute to some bands that have used MS-20 in studio or on stage.

The track is called No Refunds. It is inspired by the VCA noise controversy that apparently spawned a few synth returns in music stores. I shall not be refunding mine. :)

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.

Roland Jupiter-6 Synthesizer Demo #3 - Critical Mass

Analog multi-mode filter madness, soundscapes and big ol' Jupiter stabs are the order of the day. Lots of reverb and delays here. A TR-8 again provides minimal slo-jam electro beats.