How the TRON Music was made Alex Ball 2023-09-28 | Back by popular demand, another filmscore breakown. This time we look at Wendy Carlos' 1982 score to Tron.0:00 Intro0:49 Wendy Carlos2:04 Tron - The Instruments4:44 The Recording Rig6:39 Cue Breakdown - Tron Theme9:10 Cue Breakdown - Tron Scherzo10:22 Cue Breakdown - We've Got Company11:40 Use of Choir12:49 Other Music13:46 Summary & ThanksWendy Carlos official page: wendycarlos.com/+tron.htmlD.A Wilson: hideawaystudio.netSynergenesis: hideawaystudio.net/2014/09/26/hideaway-studio-proudly-presents-synergenesisBenge / Memetune:youtube.com/@memetunestudio
Tony Banks Old Synth Alex Ball 2023-09-14 | Following on from our look at Genesis SP-12 sounds, here's a look at Tony Banks' Roland JD-800 that he used live throughout the 1990s.In this video, we have a listen to the tour patches stored on the instrument and get a little glimpse into how Genesis did things in front of stadiums full of adoring fans.Huge thank you to Andrew Ward for the loan of this historic instrument.Andrew Ward: instagram.com/arpquadraFor music from my videos, stems, sample packs and Q&As, please consider my Patreon: patreon.com/AlexBallMusic0:00 Intro0:27 Patch 1: Invisible Touch2:51 Patch 2: Home by the sea Pt 14:11 Patch 3: Home by the sea Pt 25:33 Patch 4: Domino6:48 Patch 5: In the cage Pt 17:42 Patch 6: In the cage Pt 28:24 Patch 7: Mama9:46 Patch 8: Follow you, follow me10:31 Patch 9: Watcher of the skies11:37 Quick Fire: Carpet Crawlers, Abacab, MB13:04 Outro
Whats on these GENESIS floppy discs? Alex Ball 2023-09-07 | This was a very special opportunity indeed, and I really hope you enjoy it.In a nutshell, I got hold of an E-mu SP-12 from the 80s and then discovered that a friend, Andrew Ward, has some of Phil Collins and Mike Rutherford's original floppy discs for it that are part of his Genesis equipment collection.Chris Poacher leant us a floppy drive and I fired up the discs, possibly for the first time in over 30 years. In this video, we find out what I discovered!0:00 Intro1:01 Extracting the sounds1:46 Phil Collins custom samples3:40 Phil Collins song data4:14 It's alive!6:24 Mike + The Mechanics custom samples7:55 Bonus Sounds8:28 Summary9:20 Fake Genesis JamAndrew Ward: instagram.com/arpquadraChris Poacher: instagram.com/cpmagneticmediaPatreon: patreon.com/AlexBallMusic
Geerts P*rno Wah-Wah Guide Alex Ball 2023-08-24 | Veteran blue movie composer Geert Van Schlänger returns to give us his valued insight into the majestic wah-wah pedal.0:00 Intro0:28 The Wah-Wah Pedal1:21 Basic Wah2:49 Double Wah4:47 Fuzz Wah5:40 Summary6:18 The TrackEven though Alex Ball is a totally different guy to Geert, you may consider supporting him on Patreon where you can get music from the videos, stems of the music from the videos, sample packs and take part in monthly Q&As.patreon.com/AlexBallMusic
Jupiter-X / Juno-X: Beyond the vintage models Alex Ball 2023-08-10 | Last year I shot some bonus footage of the Jupiter-X and Juno-X whilst they were both in the studio to answer two questions I kept getting about them:1) What's the difference between the Juno-X and Jupiter-X?2) Can they make their own sounds that aren't recreations of old sounds?In this video I answer those questions in a practical way.0:00 Since 1973 Song0:35 What is this video about?1:39 Jupiter-X Example 14:55 Juno-X Example 16:23 Jupiter-X Example 28:24 Juno-X Example 211:00 Jupiter-X Example 312:41 Summary13:20 Feature Track: Let It HappenThis video was sponsored by Roland.
That one time that MXR made a Drum Machine Alex Ball 2023-08-03 | In 1983, effects giants MXR made a drum machine.Huge thanks to Harry Axten for the loan.hkadesign.org.uk0:00 Intro Jam1:05 The MXR Drum Computer1:37 Face Review2:08 What is it +Harry Axten Midi3:47 Demo 1: Know what I mean 'arry?4:46 The tuning problem6:04 Demo 2: Drum Computer7:00 A later success7:47 Sample Pack8:27 Outro JamPatreon: patreon.com/AlexBallMusic
The Rare Roland SH-7 (1978) Alex Ball 2023-07-27 | Roland's first ever synth was the SH-1000 and they've added around 20 to that line since then, including the SH-4d that came out just a few months ago.I've played most of them and one always stood out as my favourite having borrowed one some years ago. Unfortunately they're very rare and hard to find, but after a lucky encounter I managed to finally get one.0:00 Intro Jam1:29 The Roland SH-72:06 Demo 1: Bit Coin3:21 Oscillators, Ring Mod & Mixer6:23 Demo 2: Remix Machine7:52 Filter, Mod, Envelopes10:39 Demo 3: Stop Continue11:48 Why is it rare?13:03 Who used it?13:40 Outro JamGet the music, stems of the music, sample packs and take part in monthly Q&As here: patreon.com/AlexBallMusic
THE PRODIGY SYNTH TUTORIAL Alex Ball 2023-07-20 | A detailed look at some famous Prodigy synthesizer sounds recreated with the original hardware that Liam Howlett used back in the day. Huge thank you to everyone who helped make this video possible, especially my Patrons. 0:00 Intro 1:33 Tutorial 1a: “Poison” Riff Sound 8:03 Tutorial 1b: “Poison” Lead Sound 12:10 Tutorial 2: “Smack my bitch up” Riff Sound18:27 Tutorial 3: “Claustrophobic Sting” 303 Riff21:39 Tutorial 4: “Voodoo People” Riff Sound26:25 Tutorial 5: “Firestarter” Breakdown FX Sound33:40 Tutorial 6: “Out of Space” String Sound36:33 Summary
Colossus: A once in a generation synthesizer Alex Ball 2023-07-13 | A look at the outrageous and jaw-dropping Colossus from Analogue Solutions. A "colossus" thank you to Tom at Analogue Solutions for the very generous loan of this remarkable instrument. colossus-synth.com/colossus Thank also to Simon and Eli for their help with the video. For my music, stems of my music, sample packs, Q&As and to help keep this channel going, please consider my Patreon: patreon.com/AlexBallMusic 0:00 Intro Jam 1:07 Colossus 2:11 Demo 1: Fireflies 3:47 Synthi 100 4:28 Whistle Stop Tour Pt 1 7:34 Demo 2: Heft Side Brain 8:52 Whistle Stop Tour Pt 2 10:07 Demo 3: Peggio 11:31 The Colossus in the room 12:37 Demo 4: Helix
The GIANT Korg MS-20! Alex Ball 2023-06-29 | The story of the giant Korg MS-20 including photos and information never seen before!Huge thank you to those who helped solve the riddle!Analogue Solutions for the loan of their MS-20:analoguesolutions.comDon Muro for the photos and information:youtube.com/@jdwallpubflannelgraphrecords.bandcamp.com/album/anthologyHideki Ishikawa at the Nakatsugawa Korg Museum and Fumio Mieda: instagram.com/korg_museumElliot Perry: instagram.com/fellinthetrap0:00 Intro Jam0:53 The Story Goes2:25 Something like this3:16 Things get interesting...6:25 Outro Jam
A Unique Vintage FX Box Alex Ball 2023-06-22 | A look at the unique MXR M-129 Pitch Transposer from 1979.Thanks to Tom for the loan!Patreon for the music from my videos, the stems of the music from my videos, sample packs and monthly Q&As: patreon.com/AlexBallMusicOne thing I neglected to mention was the MXR brand was later aquired by Jim Dunlop who have kept it going since the late 80s.jimdunlop.com/products/electronics/mxrTony Gambacurta's perspective on inventing the M-129 Pitch Transposer: http://digitonylab.com/Documents/The-MXR-model-129-131.pdfBig Country discuss their use of it: http://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/country-life/86000:00 Intro Jam0:48 Quick History2:22 Demo 1: Foxxy Music3:17 What is the MXR M-129?6:11 Demo 2: Large Nation7:16 What else?7:55 Demo 3: Syn-Pitch8:46 Famous Users10:19 Possessor of a friendless ticker11:07 What became of MXR?12:25 Outro
The AIR Vocoder Alex Ball 2023-06-15 | A quick look at the Korg Digital Voice Processor (DVP-1) from 1986, which was used by Air on numerous productions, including "Kelly Watch the Stars" from Moon Safari.The DVP was originally designed to give programmable voice effects at an affordable price, but you can run any audio signal you like through it. There's four main engines or "modes":Vocoder (as the name suggests, a digital vocoder)Harmonize (add five intervals to an audio signal, also has chord memory)Int Wave (internal digital waves that can be played via midi)Pitch Shift (digital pitch shifting)There's a built-in chorus effect, unison and poly modes and patch memory.Editing is tedious, but easy; select the parameter button and use the legend on the top of the unit to find the number of the required parameter, then use the value editor to change it. There's various settings for the different modes including formant shift, waveforms, pitch envelope, modulation generator (LFO), harmonizer intervals, chorus speed, intensity, type, MIDI etc etc0:00 Intro0:59 The Modes2:53 Summary & Sexy BoyHuge thanks to my Patrons who help keep this channel going:Alex TuckerSean IgoJames HuthNulani t'AcrayaKael DriscollNeraErich Beckmanni.4m rt47Tony Shannondb_shazam BDavid AlboneSvlad CjelliPaul SmithAlexander ShvartskopfMarcel du BoisTaleauBenjamin MüllerMatt THOMPSONMatthew MacDonaldHenning HarperathJoerg Mueller-KindtAlyxx the RatsolinaPolykitStuart Andrew Fiorella Graeme BentleyVimWolfParaworld BluePetter NordströmRichard Marshalljosh ludlowIan PritchardJames CockroftjerColin AllkinsPaul SheridanEric H KlaverAndreas Horstjohn chamberlainWroughtErik RibeiroDaniel PironeEvan HarmonMake SomethingDavid AubespinTim HazeldineAshlyn Stephen Brothers-McGrewPrepGwarlek36 Chris WileyNathan HandRolf the WhateverMark RoweChris JeterJohn Hamberger jn.Florian WittwerNicolas OcampoViiriBlonks Darrin TidseyJrod OhioJon MalinowskiDominik Merscheida TV that looks like an appleRuss SmithJason KostempskiAndrew PamEntomopathogenic Evan FergusonMerczRobert FisherSerge PontejosUmberto Lenzi
The Moog Model 10 Synthesizer Alex Ball 2023-06-08 | Finally! A look at a Moog modular synthesizer!Despite Moog being the most famous synth brand ever, it's historically been difficult for me to get hold of Moogs for numerous reasons, so when I found out that there was a Model 10 reissue lurking in the UK, I begged GAK Music Emporium to let me borrow it.If you're interested in buying this instrument, the link is here: gak.co.uk/en/moog-model-10-synthesizer/930235Thank you also to Michelle Moog-Koussa at the Bob Moog Foundation, Moog Music, Marc Doty and Vincent Michaels for their help with photos, brochures and information.If you want the music from the video, stems of the music from this video, exclusive sample packs and to be involved in Q+As then check out my Patreon: patreon.com/AlexBallMusicHuge thanks to my Patrons to date: NeraErich Beckmanni.4m rt47Tony Shannondb_shazam BDavid AlboneSvlad CjelliPaul SmithAlexander ShvartskopfMarcel du BoisTaleauBenjamin MüllerMatt THOMPSONMatthew MacDonaldHenning HarperathJoerg Mueller-KindtAlyxx the RatsolinaPolykitStuart Andrew Fiorella Graeme BentleyVImWolfParaworld BluePetter NordströmRichard Marshalljosh ludlowIan PritchardJames CockroftjerColin AllkinsPaul SheridanEric H KlaverAndreas Horstjohn chamberlainWroughtErik RibeiroDaniel PironeEvan HarmonMake SomethingDavid AubespinTim HazeldineAshlyn Stephen Brothers-McGrewPrepGwarlek36 Chris WileyNathan HandRolf the WhateverMark RoweChris JeterJohn Hamberger jn.Florian WittwerNicolas OcampoViiriBlonks Darrin TidseyJrod OhioJon MalinowskiDominik Merscheida TV that looks like an appleRuss SmithJason KostempskiAndrew PamEntomopathogenic Evan FergusonMerczRobert FisherSerge PontejosUmberto Lenzi0:00 Intro Jam1:14 The Model 101:38 The History of Moog Modular Synths3:59 Demo 1: Bananas4:58 The Reissues5:48 Demo 2: Pulses7:03 What's on a Moog Model 10?10:23 Demo 3: Space Disco11:35 Summary & Thoughts12:40 Outro Jam
A Big Fat Sampling Video! Alex Ball 2023-05-25 | A video that I've been wanting to make for a long time demonstrating how to create short snippets of music that you can then sample and remix using hardware and/or software.0:00 Intro1:13 Demo: Disco Macabre2:36 Talk: Breakdown7:40 Talk: Remixing Setup9:49 Demo: Disco Macabre Remix11:30 Demo: 60s Orchestral Ballad12:00 Talk: Breakdown15:47 Talk: Remixing Setup17:22 Demo: 60s Orchestral Ballad Remix18:49 Demo: Godzilla19:15 Talk: Breakdown21:38 Talk: Remixing Setup23:06 Demo: Gozilla Remix24:54: OutroThis video was a collaboration with Spitfire Audio whose libraries I've used for over a decade in my professional work.Spitfire Audio:bit.ly/3HXAiIsThe music for this video is available here: dropbox.com/scl/fo/shpt88n6m0qesr9w5b4db/h?dl=0&rlkey=9dobdc6p4woh2kv1a2p4m5dfwThe full stems from this video (and all videos going forward) are available to Patrons: patreon.com/AlexBallMusic
The Pearl Syncussion From 1979! Alex Ball 2023-05-18 | A look at the first drum synthesizer made by Pearl, the Syncussion SY-1 from 1979.Get the sample pack, music and stems from this video and help me make more stuff like this via my new Patreon:patreon.com/AlexBallMusic Thank you for the support!0:00 Intro Jam0:53 The Pearl Syncussion1:26 Demo 1: Pearl Jam2:21 Talk: How Does It Work?4:50 Talk: Who Used It?5:07 Demo 2: Is This Dub?6:15 Talk: A Second Life6:57 Demo 3: Is This Techno?8:00 Talk: Legacy8:47 Sample Pack9:42 Outro Jam
ISE-NIN: A Jupiter-8 Replicant Alex Ball 2023-05-04 | A look at the Black Corporation ISE-NIN which is an 8-voice analogue synthesizer based on the Roland Jupiter-8 from 1981.black-corporation.com/product/ise-nin0:00 Intro Jam1:07 Ise-Nin1:41 Demo 1: Synth & Drums2:26 What's Old?3:44 Demo 2: Whimsy4:52 What's New? Pt 15:42 Demo 3: Touche6:11 What's New? Pt 27:08 Demo 4: Two's Company8:04 Comparisons with a Jupiter-810:12 Comparison to a Super Jupiter11:10 My Opinions12:52 Outro Jam
Being Boiled - The Human League Synth Cover Alex Ball 2023-04-24 | Following on from my Roland System 100 feature video, here's a full cover of the Human League's first single, "Being Boiled" from 1978.Breakdown:I was very fortunate to receive a copy of the original beat patch from Martyn Ware via Robbie Puricelli. Martyn had passed on that it might need to tweaking and experimentation, which wasn't surprising given the nature of analogue gear.The patch sheet gave me the pitched noise part and the snare and I found I needed to add a bit of EQ from my mixer to dial those in too. I also had had to adjust the settings in tiny increments for quite a while until it sounded very close. Strangely, I had to use the white noise on my 100 to get it to sound like the original recording as the pink noise that they actually used sounded too dull on mine. Maybe it's the age of the unit now!Interestingly, they used a technique explained in the 104 sequencer manual where a CV from one of the channels can be used to alter the clock speed. If this is dialled in correctly then the note value can be set for each step of the sequence. This is how they got a 4/4 pattern within 11 steps, instead of 16. As I wanted an exact tempo, I cheated and used an external clock pulse via midi.A puzzle: After the initial beat, another drum sound joins in. It's a sort of bass drum, but it doubles the snare, rather than providing a typical bass drum pattern. This could have been a manual overdub, but it could have also been done with the other two drum parts because I've seen at least one photo of the Human League with two 102 expanders at this time. Either way, it isn't part of the patch on the original patch sheet.Next, there's the narrow pulse wave rhythm that appears throughout the song, again, it's not part of the original patch, so it was presumably an overdub. Did they put down a clock pulse at the outset and then use it for synch of a 2nd pass? That's my suspicion.Finally, if you listen you can hear a track of synth FX running continuously through through song. Often it's ring modulator atmospheres, but there's some definite filter resonance and filter LFO mod tweaking in places. My belief was that someone just sat there and tweaked for the entire song on an available track and they blended it in as a texture and I subsequently found an extended interview with Martyn Ware on the Bonedo website where he indeed confirms that they did exactly that. The thinking was to make it sound more cinematic.Bass line:Dead easy - two sawtooth waves on the miniKORG 700S with a little detune, no attack and max sustain ("singing") with no release ("sustain"). The "sustain long" setting is used.Roll the highpass filter up a bit and the lowpass slightly higher until it sounds right and make sure expand and bright are engaged for filter mod. That's basically it.Vocals - double tracked, but I also used a 1979 Boss DM-2 on the send of my mixer for some vintage doubling. I don't know exactly what they did on the original, but it's definitely double tracked at the very least.
The Roland System 100 from 1975 Alex Ball 2023-04-20 | A look at Roland's System 100 from 1975, their first foray in (semi) modular synthesis.0:00 Intro Jam0:57 The System 1001:59 Demo 1: Falcon3:02 Talk: The Basic Unit et al4:28 Demo 2: Proto Acid5:33 Talk: 101 & 1027:57 Demo 3: Ring in Spring9:04 Talk: 10310:55 Demo 4: Bucket and Fade12:00 Talk 10413:53 Vangelis Spiral14:48 Clock Mod Tricks15:49 Demo 5: Tumble & Fall17:03 Talk 10918:28 The Human League20:30 Outro JamLinks:System 100 playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLS-pN_Fz3OFdWMtqryTdCYVRXKeNNnYWoNemo Studios: nemostudios.co.ukMartyn Ware System 100: https://www.bonedo.de/artikel/human-league-being-boiled-und-das-roland-system-100/Florian Anwander resources:https://www.florian-anwander.de/roland_system100/
The 3rd Wave: Wavetable Shenanigans! Alex Ball 2023-04-12 | A look at the 3rd Wave from Groove Synthesis.groovesynthesis.com0:00 Intro Jam1:20 The 3rd Wave1:47 Demo 1: Flight Risk2:51 Wavetable Principle4:17 Demo 2: Atlas5:20 Oscillators6:15 Demo 3: Horizon7:23 The Rest of the Synth8:41 Demo 4: Funk Sandwich9:27 Multi-Part10:12 Demo: Multi-Part11:15 Make your own Wavetable13:23 Summary14:45 Outro Jam
Scoring a Ninja Sci-Fi That Doesnt Exist With SYNTRX II Alex Ball 2023-03-23 | Following on from my video with the original Syntrx, I thought it would be fun to do another imaginary score with its successor, Syntrx II.0:00 Intro1:07 Future Ninjas1:38 Creating the Sound FX4:45 Creating the Theme Tune7:12 The End Result9:35 Summary11:13 Outro JamMy thoughts:The following assumes you’ve seen my video and comments on the original Syntrx and will discuss where things have gone with Syntrx II.Practical Updates:On the practical improvement side, an onboard sequencer with modulation lanes is very welcome as it means you can just get going on the unit itself. The oscillator tuning and octave selection is now more precise and easier to manage and whilst I did love those retro oscillator dials on the original, sometimes you just want to get something dialled in quickly.The dual digital FX allow for more control and more options and whilst I did love the spring reverb, it could be quite wild and noisy and not suitable for everything.There are some practical menu options that can now be handled on the matrix, which is easier too. Necessary Updates:Adding waveshape modulation as well as manual waveshape adjustment was definitely a desirable update and I’m glad it’s included. Likewise, adding external clocking to the sample and hold as well as it being able to run freely was a must.New:Dual filters – fantastic, very welcome.Envelope follower – brilliant and very usefulInverter – very handyRecording of joystick and effects movements – great idea, very usefulAdditional scope out that can handle audio / CV – very usefulGone:Already mentioned, but the spring reverb.The speakers are gone too, which worked well with the spring reverb as you could cause the unit to vibrate. AD/ASR switch for the trapezoid. If I’ve one criticism, I’d have preferred it if this was included on Syntrx II.Overall the Syntrx synths are a great thing to have available in a world where EMS Synthis are unobtainium and it’s great that Erica Synths have developed the concept further now.This synth is all about the paradigm for me and you go to it for experimentation and surprising results. Maybe not the synth you turn on for an everyday sound, but certainly one that offers things others don’t.
The Glorious ARP Quadra from 1978! Alex Ball 2023-03-02 | A look at the famous ARP Quadra from 1978.Huge thank you to Andrew "The Quadra" Ward for the loan!instagram.com/arpquadraDownload the song (all proceeds to the Alan R Pearlman Foundation):alexball.bandcamp.com/track/arp-quadra-make-it-happenalanrpearlmanfoundation.orgARP Quadra Playlist:youtube.com/playlist?list=PLS-pN_Fz3OFcqlzSmZKp-0xgF7bF29EhY0:00 Intro Jam1:17 Talk: The Quadra1:37 Demo 1: Skeleton Dance2:47 The Four Sections4:40 Talk: It's Very Simple5:49 Demo 2: Legit Carpentry6:51 Talk: Memory?8:08 Demo 3: Band Member9:05 Talk: That Keyboard10:51 Demo 4: Fresh Lineup12:05 Summary14:06 Feature Track: Make It HappenVERY NERDY DETAILS FOR THOSE WHO CARE:BASS:Name: ELEC BASSNote Count: Monophonic / Lowest C to the B 23-semitones above / low note prioritySettings: 16' and 8', fine tuning and octave selectContouring: Resonance and DecayName: STRINGS BASSNote Count: Monophonic / Lowest C to the B 23-semitones above / low note priority Settings: 16' and 8', volume sliderContouring: Affected by the attack and release controls in the adjacent Strings section Name: STRINGSNote Count: Polyphonic and paraphonic / Second C to the highest C / all notes can soundSettings: 8' and 4', hollow waveform (switches to pulse from sawtooth)Contouring: Attack and ReleaseFX: Chorus CircuitName: POLY SYNTHESIZERNote Count: Polyphonic and paraphonic / Second C to the highest C / all notes can soundSettings: 8' and 4', hollow waveform affects it tooContouring: Cutoff and Resonance, VCF control from ADSR envelope or LFO (found higher up), VCA affected by ADSR alsoName: LEAD SYNTHESIZER:Note Count: Monophonic or duophonic (and paraphonic) with "Two Voice On" engaged / Third C to highest C or full keyboard if bass disengaged (also can extend the range greatly by using the "Interval Write" function)Features: x2 VCOs with independent tuning (about 1.5 semitones in either direction) and VCO 2 can be disengaged. The available waveforms are sawtooth, 10% pulse wave or 50% pulse wave and there is also a pulse width modulation switch, which is controlled by the Lead Synthesizer envelope generator.The LFO can be applied to the oscillator pitch for vibrato and there is a trill function (with speed control), the interval of which can be changed using the "Interval Write" function. There is a footswitch flat or hold switch which relates to the pedal section below.The lowpass filter has cutoff and resonance controls and it can be contoured by the Lead Synthesizer ADSR envelope, the controls of which are to the right. The sustain level does not have a slider, instead, it has a switch to toggle "Sustain Low".The two notes have independent portamento controls in the bottom left and the master trigger mode can be set here too.In the top right are the aftertouch settings (volume/brilliance or pitch bend) as well as a "sequencer" which is an arpeggiator for the Lead Synthesizer. It can run up or up/down and frustratingly, it has no hold function. Its tempo is dictated by the trill speed.PHASE SHIFTER/OUTPUT MIXER:Each section has its own volume slider and there is also a master volume slider. By default, the Bass and Lead come out of both the left and right channels and the Poly and Strings come out of the left and right channels respectively. There is then a 12-stage stereo phase shifter that can be engaged for any or all of the sections at once. The phase shifter has a resonance control and its frequency can be a dedicated LFO which has a "Sweep Speed" control, a pedal (more on that below), a sample and hold circuit that derives voltages from VCO 2 in the Lead Synthesizer section, or the Lead Synthesizer envelope generator. The latter controls can be simultaneously in use, by the "Sweep" can only be used on its own.Finally there is an external audio input, but frustratingly, this doesn't run through the phase shifter!OTHER:REAR CONTROLS:Stereo Out (Left and Right Mono)Mono Out with High/Low switch (1/4" Mono or XLR)Quad Out (Four Mono Section Outs)Mixer In (Mono External Audio In)Lead Synth VCF Pedal In (Can be hacked for other CV inputs)Poly Phaser Pedal In (Can be hacked for other CV inputs as I did in the intro piece)Volume Pedal In (Can be hacked for other CVs to modulate master amplitude)Poly Sustain Footswitch InPitch Hold Flat Footswitch InPortamento On/OffBass CV/Gate In/OutLead CV/Gate/Trig In/Out with x2 CV outs
The Roland SH-4d In a Nutshell Alex Ball 2023-02-23 | A look at the new SH-4d synthesizer from Roland.The SH-4d is a multi-timbral synthesizer with four parts, plus drums.At the time of uploading, there are 11 different synthesis engines onboard, as well as a multi-track sequencer, arpeggiator, MIDI and USB audio.The unit also includes lots of FX, a deep mod matrix and "D-Motion" which allows configurable modulation that is controlled by physically tilting the unit in different directions.For full spec visit roland.com0:00 Intro0:49 SH-4d1:21 SH-3d2:11 Sync3:07 SH-101 & Juno-1064:12 XFM5:18 Ring Mod6:30 Wavetable7:45 Chord8:36 Drawing9:40 PCM10:45 SummaryThank you to Roland, who sponsored this video.
MUTRONICS MUTATOR: THAT 90s FILTER Alex Ball 2023-01-26 | A look at the Mutronics Mutator released in 1996. As discussed in the video, this unit was used by many famous artists, producers and engineers in the late 90s and early 00s across a broad range of styles.The Mutator is a stereo pair of analogue, resonant low pass filters (SSM 2045s) and voltage controlled amplifiers that are contoured by envelope followers and/or LFOs. In a nutshell, that allows for all sorts of stereo filtering, sweeping and tremolo FX on an open-ended number of audio sources. There is further functionality such as additional attack and release times, external inputs for creating alternate envelopes, external CV ins, LFO linking/inverting, MIDI control and MIDI LFO reset etc. Most (but not all) of this was used at some point in the video. 0:00 Intro Jam0:59 The Mutronics Mutator2:04 Demo 1: Borrowed Filters2:46 Radiohead and More4:01 Demo 2: Crutator5:06 Envelope Followers6:03 Demo 3: Beat Guitar6:45 Across a mix7:01 Demo 4: Daft Filtering8:14 What happened to the Mutator?9:04 Demo 5: Does It Funk Though?9:55 How do we get the sound now?11:10 Summary
FERRIS BUELLERS SYNTHESIZER Alex Ball 2023-01-12 | A look at the E-mu Systems Emulator II from 1984, famously used by a certain Mr Bueller.0:00 Day Off0:40 The Emulator1:30 Interlude 1: Some Sounds1:59 The Emulator II2:27 Interlude 2: 80s TV Score3:03 Sampling Explanation 4:34 Sampling Demonstration7:48 Multi-track Sequencing9:34 What could you use it for now?11:45 Computer Interface & Famous Users13:53 Feature Track (mixed by Jakob at Sonic Peak)Tonelab as mentioned:youtube.com/@tonelab
OBERHEIMS FIRST SYNTH! Alex Ball 2023-01-05 | A look at the Oberheim Synthesizer Expander Module (1974) and Two Voice (1975), which were Oberheim's first two synthesizer products respectively.0:00 Intro Jam1:00 The Synthesizer Expander Module2:04 Demo 1: State Sync2:49 E-mu Systems3:32 Demo 2: Two Voice4:38 Dennis P Colin5:49 Demo 3: Pull Seq Wonk6:56 Jim Cooper7:46 Demo 4: Transistor Bass Workout9:04 Tom Oberheim10:09 Demo 5: August Nineteen Seventy-Five11:16 The Life Aquatic, Stranger Things and Drokk13:50 Outro JamTwo Voice Listening:Life Aquatic - Mark Mothersbaugh:youtu.be/XTyZD0XFixsyoutu.be/B1cZR7ezLiEyoutu.be/qUBCmDgORYUStranger Things Theme:youtu.be/pCfpTK0IB-wDrokk - Music Inspired by Mega City One:youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_l-1p5dlmWorREOYL_1L4mdBwGX1PCLzoANerdy Details:Mini-Sequencerx2 two parallel sequences of 1-8 steps with CV set via the dual-concentric knobs.Independent assignment of sequence 1 to SEM 1 and sequence 2 to SEM 2 as well as sample and hold or keyboard control for either.Optional sequence transposition via keyboard.Sample and hold range and lag.Internal clock frequency, run and step control, plus clock frequency modulation from sequence 2 CV. Each SEM:VCOs: x2Waves: Sawtooth or PulseTuning: Fine/CourseOther: Phase syncModulation: Frequency, Pulse Width, PWMModulation Sources: Envelopes, LFO, Sample & Hold (EXT)Mixer: VCO wavesEXT #1 Rear connection, although SEM 2 is normalled to SEM if nothing is connected, allowing for use of the SEMs in seriesEXT #2 White Noise from S&H circuitFilter: 2-pole multimode. Continuously variable low pass, notch, high pass, plus switched band pass.Control: Cutoff, Resonance, ModeModulation: Bipolar cutoff modulation from envelope 2, S&H (EXT), LFOVCA: Controlled from Envelope 1 or drone (ON/EXT)Envelopes: x2 ADSDLFO: Triangle with frequency control Performance: Voice assignment - duophonic with left/right voice priority as well as unison.Per-voice portamentoMaster tuning and octave select. Output mixer: SEM 1 and 2 and master level. Signal overdrives beyond about 60%. Rear connections: These seem to vary from unit to unit and are usually modded. Furthermore, the original manual doesn't describe them, so I'm not actually sure what the "stock" rear connections are. On my unit I have CV/gate for each SEM, external signal in, external sequencer clock in and line out (mono).
A GOLDEN JUPITER & OTHER STORIES Alex Ball 2022-12-01 | As we come to the end of Roland's 50th anniversary year, I thought it would be fun to look at their anniversary golden Jupiter-X, the "Inspire The Music" book and to also tell you some stories of my own.I'd love to hear your stories in the comments section.roland.com/uk/roland-50th-anniversarybjooks.com0:00 Intro Jam1:00 Roland Turn 501:56 Interlude Juno-62:36 Story 1: The Kitchen Synth4:38 Interlude System 100m 15:48 Story 2: Window Shopping7:48 Interlude System 100m 28:49 Story 3: Lost Prototype12:10 Interlude TB-30313:05 Story 4: Cereal box of 30315:09 Outro Jam
The Rare KORG MS-50 from 1978 Alex Ball 2022-11-17 | A look at the only fully-modular synthesizer Korg have ever made, the MS-50 Expander Module from 1978.Here's the nerdy page mentioned in the video with all the dirty details: alexballmusic.com/korg-ms-seriesAlso make sure to follow the Nakatsugawa Korg Museum, it's rather wonderful.instagram.com/korg_museum/?hl=en0:00 Intro Jam1:00 Talk: The MS-501:30 Demo 1: Oh My Mod!2:30 Talk: Was ist der MS-50?3:17 Demo 2: Movie Tension4:05 Talk: Expander Module4:27 Demo 3: Expander5:04 Talk: External Signal Processing5:38 Demo 4: Stereo Follower6:09 Talk: Esoteric Stuff6:29 Demo 5: Wass Dis Do?7:41 Talk: Filtering8:43 Demo: Type35 vs Diode Ring9:10 Talk: MS-01, FK-3, FK-510:01 Demo 6: Footsie Fun, Jah!11:50 Summing UpThanks to Brad and thanks for watching!
The Oberheim OB-X8 in a nutshell Alex Ball 2022-11-10 | Oberheim are back with a very serious synthesizer indeed; the OB-X8. In this video we take a quick look at what it does and what it sounds like.Huge thanks and congratulations to Oberheim and Sequential.oberheim.comsequential.com0:00 INTRO JAM0:58 THE OB-X81:15 DEMO 12:13 THE HEADLINES2:38 DEMO 23:35 SPLITS AND DOUBLES3:51 DEMO 34:42 DEMO 45:13 PAGE 27:03 DEMO 58:22 SUMMARY9:09 OUTRO JAM
URSA MAJOR VINTAGE FX Alex Ball 2022-10-26 | A look at the Space Station SST-282 and Stargate 323 units designed by Ursa Major, a company founded by Christopher Moore that operated from 1977 until 1985.0:00 Intro0:23 Demo 1: Space Repeats1:16 Talk 1: Who were Ursa Major?1:54 Demo 2: Delay Clusters2:34 Talk 2: What is the Space Station?3:29 Demo 3: Combs4:24: Talk 3: The Trick5:02 Demo 4: Reverb6:01 Talk 4: Stargate 323/6266:59 Demo 5: 3237:35 Demo 6: Stargate8:07 Demo 7: Spaces9:11 Talk 5: Summary9:53 Talk 6: What became of Ursa Major?11:30 Contextual Demo: Found in the SoundThe Space Station and Stargate were used on almost every part on the final song, hopefully demonstrating how they work in a fuller musical context.Thank you to the owners of these two wonderful units, you know who you are!
The Oberheim Xpander from 1984 Alex Ball 2022-10-20 | A look at the Oberheim Xpander from 1984. This analogue synthesizer employs what was then cutting edge, digital control allowing for advanced patch creation. It was designed by Marcus Ryle and Michel Doidic with input from Doug Curtis and it boasts some surprising features for the time. In this video we take a closer look.The information for this video was garnered from the following interviews:GForce Bright Sparks:youtu.be/mAdapwLeXgsKen Flux Pierce Interview:youtu.be/WDjKSBA_btAGEOSynths Interview:youtu.be/x4pOcU2HJAM0:00 Intro Jam0:58 Talk 11:31 Demo 1: Beach Comb2:16 Talk 23:09 Demo 2: Faux Seq3:52 Talk 34:30 Demo 3: Eff Em5:04 Talk 45:59 Demo 4: Wobble 56:23 Talk 56:51 Demo 5: Judder7:16 Talk 68:34 Demo 6: ALX9:09 Talk 710:34 Multi Demo 1: Zone Call11:55 Multi Demo 2 : Fond13:54 Talk 815:56 Outro Jam
Traveler: A Korg Retrospective Alex Ball 2022-10-06 | In 1963 two young men stepped into a factory next to the Keio railway line in Shinjuku, Japan. Their ambition was to make a new autorhythm machine, but over the next six decades their company would become one of the biggest players in music technology and would help define the sound of music around the world.A huge thank you to all at Korg and to all the people who gave up their time and expertise to make this film film happen. A full list of credits is at the end of the film.0:00 INTRO1:34 FORMATION6:19 SEVENTIES19:34 EIGHTIES32:38 NINETIES40:21 NOUGHTIES47:12 TENS51:09 SO TO NOW52:25 OUTRO / CREDITS
THE KORG VC-10 VOCODER FROM 1978 Alex Ball 2022-09-22 | A look at the Korg VC-10 from 1978, their first ever vocoder. It was part of the MS range and was used by Buggles, Tomita, Keith Emerson, Apollo 440, Klaus Schulze and many others.0:00 Intro1:43 Basic Vocoding3:51 Shenanigans 1: Vocello5:07 Shenanigans 2: Drum Chord6:56 Shenanigans 3: Ext Pitch8:04 Shenanigans 4: MS-01 Footsie8:52 OutroNerdy details as promised:The VC-10 is a 20 band vocoder with an onboard microphone (modulator) and internal tone generators (carriers)Controls:Pitch wheel, tuning and an octave switchKeyboard to noise balanceExternal signal (carrier) in with levelInternal and external Mic level (modulator)Balance of vocoder signal and audio throughExternal pitch control of the internal tone generatorsAn LFO (vibrato) with speed and depthAccent bend (a kind of envelope mod on attack to emulate the human voice changing pitch)Ensemble Effect (same as the PS-3100)I also used the MS-01 foot pedal and MS-02 interface from the same range as well as the Roland System 100m and Boss RPS-10 and CE-300 FX.
I visited the Italian Synth Museum! Alex Ball 2022-09-01 | Whilst taking a holiday in Italy we stopped off at Museo del Synth Marchigiano for a couple of days and this is the account of what I experienced there.Enormous thanks to everyone at the museum, particularly Riccardo and Paolo.museodelsynth.orginstagram.com/museodelsynthmarchigiano0:00 Intro1:19 Synket4:40 EKO Computerhythm8:01 Chilton Talentmaker12:07 Crumar Compac Synth13:41 Crumar DP-5015:07 Elkatwin 6116:29 Elka Synthex19:38 CRB Oberon21:29 CRB Voco Strings22:53 CRB Uranus 2.024:34 Farfisa Polychrome25:24 Logan Piano Strings Synthesizer27:10 Welson Syntex28:28 Keytek CTS-200029:47 Baleani Solista
Seven Famous Roland Synth Sounds - Tutorial Alex Ball 2022-07-14 | Roland recently bundled together five of their plug-in / plug-out synthesizers into a package called the "Analogue Polysynth Collection".I thought it would be fun to take seven famous songs that used the original hardware and recreate the sounds using the equivalent software and explain how they were made.roland.com/uk/products/rc_analog_polysynth_collection0:00 Intro1:36 The Human League - Dreams of Leaving3:04 Depeche Mode - Tora Tora4:34 Gary Numan - I Dream of Wires7:03 Michael Jackson - Thriller8:29 Mr Fingers - Can You Feel It9:15 Harold Faltermeyer - Axel F10:04 Tame Impala - Eventually
Why Do We Still Care About the Juno? Alex Ball 2022-07-07 | In 1982 the Roland Corporation released a budget polyphonic synthesizer. On paper you'd expect it to have been forgotten about within a couple of years, but the opposite is true.In this video we explore why that happened and look at the modern successor, the Juno-X.Thank you to Roland for sponsoring this video.roland.com/uk/products/juno-x0:00 Intro1:10 Juno-6/605:23 Juno-1068:48 Juno-X11:47 Outro Performance: Draw A Line
The Most British Sound EVER! Alex Ball 2022-06-29 | I recieved a mysterious challenge via the Royal Mail and after my butler Reginald had served me tea and crumpets, I decided to accept it.My fellow Brits doing this challenge:youtube.com/c/DavidBennettPianoyoutube.com/c/RachelKCollierRKCyoutube.com/c/CSGuitarsVote for me and enter the sweepstake to win the gear:reverb.com/voteBall
Korg 770 - The Smut Box Alex Ball 2022-06-16 | A look at the Korg 770 monophonic synthesizer from 1976, an incredibly grubby sounding instrument that I've dubbed "the smut box". In this video we explore what it sounds like and why.0:00 Intro1:23 Demo1 - Ring Me2:10 Demo 2 - Tweedle Dee3:05 Demo 3 - Sister Transistor4:04 Why it sounds the way it does5:36 Demo 4 - Distant Traveler6:34 SummaryA note: I said in the video that this synth was the last of the first generation of Korg monosynths (miniKORG 700/700S, maxiKORG 800DV, SB100, 900PS) but have since realised that the M500 came out in 1977 that does still use the "traveler". However, that is a very limited preset synth and I'm sure you can see what I mean by the lineage from miniKORG to the MS range.Thank you to the owner of various instruments used.
Five Things You Can Do With Model 82! Alex Ball 2022-06-07 | A look at the new soft synth Model 82 from Softube.In this video we explore five things you can do with Model 82 (chim-chim-cheroo). It's surprising what's possible with just one oscillator, filter, amp, envelope and LFO.softube.com0:00 Intro1:05 Play it live2:33 Use it as a drum machine4:11 Get Dirty5:16 Sequences & Arpeggios6:33 Go Modular
The Infamous ARP Avatar Alex Ball 2022-05-20 | A look at the infamous ARP Avatar from 1977. This is the first proper guitar demo of it to be uploaded to YouTube!0:00 Intro1:48 The Guitar Setup2:28 Hex Preamp, Hex Fuzz, Special Effect5:15 Pitch to CV5:53 Here's the problem7:10 Workarounds9:22 Use as just a synth10:26 Summary11:41 Feature Song "Right Back Round"Further reading and watching: My Avatar pagesalexballmusic.com/arp-avatarfacebook.com/ARPAvatarAlan R Pearlman Foundation:alanrpearlmanfoundation.orgThanks: Dina Pearlman, Dave Friend, Bill Singer, Rick Parent, Mary Lock, Paul DeRocco, Bob Hoffman, James Martin, Nathan @ Synthchaser, TC and Phil M.Music that used the Avatar:Drew Schlesinger and David Torn - Summer of 78drewschlesinger-davidtorn.bandcamp.com/album/summer-synthesis-1978Baird Hersey - Have you heard (1978)youtu.be/e1fScAnh8mQPsychedelic Furs - Fall (1980)Guitar soloyoutu.be/dRAoOG0P7rsPaddy Kingsley - Radiophonic WorkshopFrom 4:17youtu.be/919RleFXcNMRough Boys - Pete Townshendyoutu.be/Mjh5_C1GWicAce Frehley - Ace Frehley 1978youtu.be/SIRMLBn8SpEGenesis - Man of our timesGenesis - Cul de sacGenesis - Duke's travels / Duke's Endyoutu.be/9sV7NpH-4aEEscape from New York - Howarth / Carpenteryoutube.com/playlist?list=PLqnnuEVGcRQx7qqIPbrHMkeqZZLet5dSZAvatar Specs:Guitar Interface:Guitar Hex Preamp (stereo / mono)Guitar Hex Fuzz (stereo / mono)String SelectionTrigger SensitivityPortamentoEnvelope follower normal or inverted or pedalVCO 1: Waves: Pulse / SawMod: PW / PWM / LFO Sine / LFO Square / S&H / EnvelopeSpecial: LFO ModeVCO 2: Waves: Pulse / SawMod: PW/ PWM / LFO Sine / Envelope Follower or Pedal / S&H / EnvelopeSpecial: SyncLFO:Square / Sine with frequencySample & Hold:Mixer: VCO 1 Saw or PulseNoise or VCO 2 PulseClock: String trig or LFOOther: Output lagAudio Mixer:Special Effect (pink noise or guitar)Ring ModVCO 1 Saw or PulseVCO 2 Saw or PulseFilters:Lowpass: 24db with resonanceControl: String CV or Envelope Follower or PedalS&H or LFO SineADSR or AR EnvelopeHighpass: Manual w/o resonanceVCA with gain / ADSR or AR controlEnvelopes: ADSR and ARTriggers / Gate: String or LFO / String Repeat or Auto RepeatOutputs:Mix high / low jack and XLRStudio guitar stereo (EAD + GBE)Mono guitar jackMono synth jackExternal Audio In jackControl:CV, Gate and Trig in and outFootswitch Jacks:System On/OffPortamento On/OffSustain LatchPedal In
How to use Mellotron samples in your music Alex Ball 2022-04-21 | A practical look at how to use Mellotron sounds in your productions using the libraries made by myself and Hainbach and GForce Software's new M-TRON Select player.I write the bones of a song and then create the arrangement with Tron sounds.If you want the background of how these sounds were Tronned, then check out my original video: youtu.be/A9FminPhwD40:00 Intro0:54 Working on Verse 12:34 Working on Chorus 14:39 Working on Verse 25:20 Working on Chorus 26:19 Final Result9:30 Summary of PointsHainbach pack:gforcesoftware.com/products/hainbach-artist-packMy pack:gforcesoftware.com/products/alex-ball-artist-expansion
Looks Like a Toy - Sounds Awesome! Alex Ball 2022-04-08 | A look at the Yamaha CS01 Micro-Monophonic Synthesizer from 1982. This was one of Yamaha's last analogue synthesizers and was part of an affordable range called the "Producer Series".It looks and feels like a toy, but looks can be deceiving...
A Challenge For Hainbach Alex Ball 2022-04-04 | Hainbach visited the UK to create merry mayhem with Landfill Totems, esoteric equipment, live shows a silky German accent. I had to invite him over whilst he was here.We had less than 24 hours, so I challenged him to 10 minutes on the Roland System 100m having never used it before. Of course, he delivered and taught me lessons as he went.He then returned the challenge and...well, check out the result: youtu.be/psvqI53TKs00:00 Intro0:30 The 10 minute challenge (slightly abridged)8:26 Turning it into a track10:01 OutroHuge thanks to Hainbach for dropping by.
Finally - A Moog Video!! Alex Ball 2022-03-10 | For the first time ever I review some Moog gear!MatriarchDFAMMother-32Subharmonicon0:00 It's a jolly good day for a Mooging!0:32 Intro1:25 Matriarch out of the box2:34 A deeper look6:12 Performance8:05 Summary9:28 Sound Studio out of the box11:03 Demo - Jambalaya11:58 Demo - SP-Moog-Hundred12:43 Demo - Moog 7813:29 Demo - Mother 30314:22 Demo - Moog-ro Composer15:13 Demo - No idea mate15:51 Summary17:11 CreditsMany thanks to Source Distribution for sponsoring this video and many thanks to Moog Music.moogmusic.com
Jupiter-6: The Dystopian Synth Alex Ball 2022-03-03 | A Jupiter-6 stopped by for a few days so I thought I'd complete the trinity having done videos on the Jupiter-4 and Jupiter-8 last year.This synth has a reputation for having a "cold" sound and it's always been the more dystopian Jupiter in my mind. I wanted to explore whether there are any reasons for that and whether they're legitimate, imagined or a bit of both.0:00 Intro Jam0:57 The Jupiter-61:27 Demo 1: Two-By-Four2:02 VCO & Filter Chips3:00 Demo 2: Pole-Dark3:34 Modulation4:39 Demo 3: LV-4265:13 Demo 4: Gamaclang5:28 Cost Cutting6:34 Demo 5: Thumper6:52 Demo 6: Cassette Memory7:10 Presupposition?7:34 Summary9:12 Outro Jam
Alpha Juno-2: That Hoover Synth! Alex Ball 2022-02-24 | A video you've been asking for for at least three years! Hopefully I do it justice.The Alpha Juno-2 from 1985 was one of a pair of instruments that marked the second wave of the Juno series following the classic Juno-6/60 and 106.For a long time they were inexpensive and not particularly sought after, for reasons that we discuss, but they were always great sounding synths with way more flex than their earlier, much-praised siblings.If there's one claim to fame that the Alpha can boast, it's THAT hoover sound (aka "What the?") that has become a standard part of the synthesizer patch repertoire.One thing I didn't cover was aftertouch and Alpha Juno owners will know why. ;)0:00 Intro Jam0:33 The Alpha Juno Series1:28 Interlude2:02 Why it's less sought after3:16 Interlude3:28 DCOs4:58 Alpha Drummer5:40 Filters6:22 Envelopes7:18 Chorus7:44 Chord Memory & Hoover8:56 Summary9:45 Outro Jam
Roland MC-4: The 1981 Music Computer Alex Ball 2022-02-18 | A look at the Roland MicroComposer / MC-4 from 1981.In 1977 Roland introduced the first ever microprocessor controlled digital sequencer, which was the MC-8 designed by Ralph Dyck. The MC-4 was the successor and was one of Roland's few CV/Gate digital sequencers before they moved over to MIDI shortly after.Both when it was new and many years after it was seemingly obsolete, numerous artists swore by it and they're now sought after. In the video we explore why.With thanks to Pea Hicks for the MC-8 footage and images.0:00 Intro Jam0:41 Origin of the MC series2:54 Interlude3:31 Demonstration of how it works10:20 The end result10:47 Summary of the experience12:09 Others ways to program13:16 Experiments & explorations19:03 MC-4b etc19:39 Who used it, when and why?Links:MC-8 History: rolandmc8.wordpress.comVince Clarke MC-4: http://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/vince-clarke/7547YMO MC-4: youtu.be/wgkj7-VCmEwChris Carter: soundonsound.com/reviews/roland-mc8Landscape MC-4: http://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/burgeoning-burgess/3439Thomas Dolby MC-4: https://fb.watch/beBq4hp7W5/Hard Corps MC-4: youtu.be/swKs2TsuIw0Toto MC-4: musicradar.com/news/toto-rosanna-synth-soloAFX (Richard D James) MC-4: youtu.be/t3Qx4Yg96AoRoland's latest MC units: roland.com/uk/products/mc-707roland.com/uk/products/mc-101
Prophet~5 Tutorial: Radiohead, Aphex Twin, Japan Alex Ball 2022-02-10 | I had an opportunity to borrow a vintage Prophet~5 rev3.2 for a short while and, as I've done lots of videos on the Prophet, I thought I'd take the opportunity to create a tutorial showing three of my favourite uses of this classic synth.0:00 Intro0:53 Everything In Its Right Place Demo1:21 Everything In Its Right Place Breakdown3:21 Rhubarb Demo3:53 Rhubarb Breakdown6:39 Ghosts Demo7:13 Ghosts Breakdown9:15 Summary10:05 Outro JamNote: Admittedly I'm busking the parts a bit as the video was more about the sounds, so excuse any not-quite-right chords etc.The principals showns in the video will all work with a Prophet~5/10 rev4 reissue or a plug-in such as Repro-5 or the Arturia Prophet~V. They are also applicable to other synths that can replicate the architecture of a Prophet~5 (many synths can).
The £200 Vintage Synth Challenge! Alex Ball 2022-02-01 | I've been getting the same challenge put to me frequently; can you show us what you could do with some cheap vintage gear.I've been on the lookout for suitable contenders and I snagged a Korg SuperDrums (DDM-110) a while back and a Korg DW-6000 recently.I set the max budget for this to £200 and these pair cost a total of £190, so I thought that matched the criteria in a world where vintage synths can cost thousands or tens of thousands!0:00 Intro Jam & Setup1:22 Processing the Super Drums5:07 Working with the DW-60008:31 End result / Mini Song9:56 Summary of thoughtsMore details for the nerds:The Super Drums were designed to be as affordable as possible at a time when programmable, digital drum machines were still very expensive. In 1983 the LinnDrum was listed as £2,650 here: http://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/linndrum/5884That's £9,500 in today's money, and so the £229 (£780 today) DDM-110 was obviously going to have to be heavily compromised.With 9 uneditable samples (8 bit / 15.625kHz*) and with only din sync and no mixer or individual outs, this unit is a challenge to say the least.*The specs are taken from Paul Bundock's "Bit-depth and Sample Rate 1984-style" assessment of the schematics from this 2001 article: soundonsound.com/reviews/korg-ddm110The Korg DW-6000 is a hybrid, six-voice polysynth from 1985. The oscillators are digital samples of additive waves that emulated the spectra of various acoustic instruments. With two oscillators and 8 waves there are 44 unique combinations (if my maths is correct) and so that's surprisingly flexible. There's also a noise generator to boot.Each voice then runs through an analogue voltage controlled low-pass resonant filter and an analogue voltage controlled amplifier. The VCF and VCA are a combined proprietary chip Korg made called the NJM2069.There are two ADBSSR envelopes, (VCF / VCA), which are like an ADSR with an additional level and decay in the middle (break point / slope). The filter EG polarity can also be reversed.There's a basic LFO ("modulation generator") with delay that can modulate the oscillators and filters, but that only has one fixed waveform (presumably sine or triangle).There's a stereo chorus at the end of the chain to widen the sound considerably.There's also portamento, a performance joystick and poly 1, poly 2 and unison modes, 64 memory slots, midi and some footswitch inputs.The DW-6000 was £1,099 in 1985, about £3,500 now, so it was relatively affordable for the time, but not a toy.
Holy Moly Polybrute Alex Ball 2022-01-13 | By popular demand, a look at the Arturia Polybrute.0:00 Intro1:27 Pad Sounds3:20 Was ist der Polybrute?3:47 Not Pad Sounds5:19 Fragile Morph Sounds7:16 Deeper Morph Sounds8:56 Arpeggiator, Sequencer, Matrix Sequencer11:45 Summary of thoughts14:05 Contextual Track - Hold OnIf you enjoyed the end track it's available here: alexball.bandcamp.com/track/hold-on-polybruteWith thanks to Arturia and Source Distrubutionarturia.com/products/hardware-synths/polybrute/overview
Five Polysynths - Which Should You Buy? Alex Ball 2021-12-02 | To answer the many questions I get about these specific modern polysynths I've decided to cover it off in a massive video. Hopefully this clears up which synth is or isn't the one for you!All sounds are presented "raw" meaning that only FX from the synths themselves were used (if they have them) and that there was no processing of the audio afterwards. What you hear is what the synths sound like.Notes:1) Cheers to Markus for the Hydrasynth loan.2) Cheers to CALC for sorting the Summit.3) Cheers to UDO for sorting Super 6.4) Cheers to Roland for sorting the Jupiter-X.5) Cheers to Sequential for bringing back the OG Prophet.6) First person to say "i cAn'T bELiEvE yOu fOrGoT tHe pOlyBrUtE" or something similar has to do 50 press ups and 10 Hail Marys.0:00 Intro0:40 Super 6 Raw Sounds3:10 Super 6 Thoughts5:45 Prophet~10 Raw Sounds6:52 Here's the thing7:36 Ah there it is10:27 Summit Raw Sounds12:55 Summit Thoughts16:10 Jupiter-X Raw Sounds18:22 Jupiter-X Thoughts21:21 Hydrasynth Raw Sounds23:17 Hydrasynth Thoughts26:17 OutroSocial and my music:Facebook.com/AlexBallMusicInstagram.com/alexballmusicalexball.bandcamp.com
