Things you can do with a 6-Track Alex Ball 2024-10-17 | I wanted to make some videos about recording to tape and the first port-of-call is multitrack cassette recording. I found a (kind-of-working) Sansui WS-X1 and it seemed an interesting option for the video as there's not a lot of videos about it.Cassette recording was the only option available to me when I started and I used to borrow the school 4-track over weekends. As soon as I could get a computer and a DAW, I left it behind and haven't touched it since probably 2000. Funnily enough, the only cassette I had lying around was one with my old A-level compositions on it.It was a lot of fun going back to it with a fresh vantage point and it felt strangely familiar, despite the decades in between.Music, sample packs, Q&As and general support: patreon.com/AlexBallMusic0:00 Intro0:37 Audio Processor2:35 Multitrack Cassette Recording5:41 Tape Speed Processing8:30 Use it as an instrument11:35 Summary and Sample Pack13:01 Patreon Thanks
The Plantasia Moog Modular Synth - An Untold Story Alex Ball 2024-10-03 | In 2023, Anthony Marinelli aquired a 1969 Moog IIIc modular synthesizer that has a very interesting history. In this video, we tell that story for the first time.Huge thanks to Anthony and team for collaborating with me to make this film and thanks also to my Patrons on Patreon.One small correction: Mark was indeed at UCLA, but was a math/computer science major rather than electronic music major as I mistakenly said in the video. He discovered the EM lab whilst studying there and then bothered Jim Cooper " till he couldn't stand me anymore".Please look out for related videos on Anthony's channel: youtube.com/@anthonymarinellimusic
The KORG PS-3300 Returns! Alex Ball 2024-09-20 | A look at the reissue of the mysterious Korg PS-3300, first released in 1977, along with some history about it and footage of its creator, Fumio Mieda.Huge thanks to Korg for letting me snaffle their prototype to make this video and for letting use some of their interview footage.NOTE - Korg have asked that I make it clear that this unit is their working prototype and that the release date and price of production units is still to be finalised at the time of uploading and that they will announce that officially themselves in due course. Thanks for your understanding.0:00 Intro Jam1:38 A little history3:54 Demo 14:53 Overview7:38 Resonators10:50 Temperament Adjust14:35 Semi Modular Polyphony15:08 Demo 216:22 Legacy17:58 Demo 318:39 Summary19:34 Outro JamPS details:The nerdy details that I didn't expressively cover in the video are as follows:The output section has discrete outputs for each channel, but there's an S-Trig controlled switch for each, so they can be sequenced on and off, (as well as just switched on and off). They've added a balanced main/mono output at the end, the original had x2 unbalanced/mono mix outputs.There's two CV inputs to control the overall level of all channels simultaneously. One is pre the channel switches and the other is post.There's 2x4 junctions (mults).There's a sample and hold circuits with input, output and clock speed. The 'syncro' control locks the S&H frequency to the wave cycle of a sampled voltage.The General Envelope Generator (GEG) is a single envelope with Delay, Attack and Release times. There's two trigger inputs, an auto switch and three outputs; inverted, non-inverted bipolar and non-inverted unipolar.There is one voltage processor (the original had two, but MIDI has replaced one on the reissue). There's an input and output and two limiters with a -/+5v range each.The keyboard has a lot of controls! Firstly, a damper output. Next comes an S-Trig output with an associated trigger select knob (off, 1 - 5). Like the 'Silence note trigger select' I discussed in my Trident video, this is the number of keys you need to hold down before a trigger is fired. Next, there are trigger outputs for both detached and legato playing (aka single, multiple). There are then three trigger outputs with switches (an obvious thing is to use these to control the three channel switches in the output section). There's then a momentary switch with trigger output, aftertouch CV (an update) and a joystick ('X-Y Manipulator') with X and Y trimmers for CV level.The updates include patch memory (originally found on the PS-3200), which also saves temperaments. There's USB to dump in and out patches and temperaments. MIDI in/out/thru have been added, as has channel after touch with a CV output in the keyboard. The original was 48 key, the reissue is 49 too. The envelope generators have been simplified to ADSR and the old damping control is now in the keyboard. There's also a balanced mix out, as discussed above. The unit is as wide as the original, but slightly shorter and a lot thinner (the original was about 40cm deep!)
One minute with the Oberheim TVS-1 from 1975 #synth #oberheimtvs1 #oberheimtwovoice Alex Ball 2024-09-17 | ...
Talking Synth Tutorial! Alex Ball 2024-09-12 | A LOT of people have asked me to do this tutorial, so hopefully it's useful!0:00 Intro0:23 The Human Voice2:42 The best way to do it7:41 An alternative way to do it9:42 Another alternative way to do it10:48 VSTs11:49 Outro Jam
Joe Satrianis Drum Machine Alex Ball 2024-07-25 | Whilst the E-mu SP machines are most famous for their use in Hip-hop, they were used by numerous artists in different genres and in different ways. To that end, I thought it would be interesting look at why and how it was used on Joe Satriani's 1987 album "Surfing with the alien".A note - I am aware that playing Joe Satriani songs on an Ibanez JEM is like doing a video about Spider-Man whilst dressed as Batman, but the JEM is the guitar I have. 😀0:00 Intro0:58 References1:24 Custom Samples3:29 Hi-Hat Shenanigans4:21 Computer Games5:01 The SP-12 Setup6:31 Live Cymbals6:54 Outro and Surfing with the alien coverReferences:musicradar.com/news/joe-satriani-talks-surfing-with-the-alien-track-by-trackvintageguitar.com/40628/pop-n-hiss-joe-satrianis-surfing-with-the-alienrepforums.prosoundweb.com/index.php?topic=25380.0Bongo Bob NAMM Oral History:namm.org/library/oral-history/bongo-bob-smith
The Stunning Korg Trident Alex Ball 2024-06-27 | A look at a wonderful vintage synth, the Korg Trident Mk I from 1980.0:00 The Intro1:45 The Synthesizer3:29 The Brass5:37 The Strings8:27 The Flanger9:16 The Trident10:55 The Rear Panel Experiments15:48 The Legacy17:33 The Outro JamHuge thanks to my Patrons for their support. Thanks also to you for watching.
Studio Tour! Alex Ball 2024-06-13 | A lot of people have asked for a thorough studio tour and so I finally did one! There's a LOT of info in this, so use the chapters to skip to the bits that are relevant to you.0:00 Studio Tour Song1:41 Computer / Cubase / Kontakt6:03 Midi Inputs and Outputs7:05 Audio Interface / Patch Bay9:46 The Great Pedal Solution18:25 Monitors / Acoustic Treatment / Cable Management20:32 Korg Corner31:02 303 / 8606 / 808 / 10334:16 Ise-Nin / Prophet~1035:40 System 10037:44 S2400 / SP-12 / MPC-6040:14 Guitars / Amps46:45 Strings / Piano49:55 System 100m - The Godular55:24 My First Analogue Synth56:44 Summary / OutroThank you to my Patrons of Patreon for their support.
Louis Cole Chord Tutorial Alex Ball 2024-05-30 | I thought it would be interesting to work out a few Louis Cole chord progressions and learn a little about how he makes his awesome music.0:00 Intro0:56 F It Up4:23 Thinking7:40 Let it happen11:30 I'm Tight14:45 OutroThank you to my Patrons who help me to keep making videos.patreon.com/AlexBallMusic
Why I bought the most famous drum machine of all time Alex Ball 2024-05-15 | Like most people, I've always wanted to own an original Roland TR-808 but it's always been the wrong price or the wrong time or both. Earlier this year my time finally came.I wanted to make a video showing why it's still a very relevant and useful instrument in a modern studio and that it's not just purely about nostalgia, whilst that obviously plays a part!0:00 Intro Jam1:38 Individal Outs & FX 5:14 Trigger Outs and Synths9:16 Sampling and Synching12:52 Boutique Comparison14:39 Sample Pack15:15 Summary and Outro JamSample pack, stems and music from the video: patreon.com/AlexBallMusic
The Sounds Of HALO: Combat Evolved Alex Ball 2024-04-04 | A look at some of the equipment used by Martin O'Donnell and Michael Salvatori to score Halo: Combat Evolved, released in 2001.Huge thank you to Neo Te Aika, Frostbyte, Booey, Noelle, Yewlyn, Python Blue, Jafet Meza, RenSFX, meowsandstuff, Fleetwire, AtlyxMusic, PunkGalFuryn and anyone else at Project Odyssey for their incredible work identifying many of the sounds that I showed in this video.Check out Project Odyssey:odysseyaudio.org/odyssey.htmlThank you also to my Patrons on Patreon.0:00 Intro0:50 Halo3:21 Terminate5:27 India Garden7:12 TarzansDance8:41 St. Choir9:14 Beauty Vox10:12 Kit 42411:06 Symphonique12:25 Biosphere12:53 Cascade14:09 Albion15:01 Oasis15:51 SoundtrkDANC16:38 Summary
The YMO Music Computer Alex Ball 2024-03-21 | A look at the revolutionary Roland MC-8 from 1977 which was one of the earliest microprocessor-controlled digital sequencers. Around 200 of these units were made and they were extremely expensive.As I've covered the history of this unit several times, I thought it would be interesting to follow in the footsteps of a band that made significant use of the MC-8, which was Yellow Magic Orchestra.In the video we look at how the MC-8 works and use it to compose a track in the style of YMO using the techniques and (where possible) instruments that they used in the late 70s.Thank you to my Patrons for their support. The track, stems and MC-8 data are available there.patreon.com/AlexBallMusicYou can buy the track on my Bandcamp: alexball.bandcamp.com/track/lovers-in-tokyo0:00 Intro0:47 YMO, Hideki Matsutake and the MC-82:25 The MC-8 Interface5:12 Programming the MC-810:43 Transport and Saving12:20 Overdub and Sync 13:15 MPX Programming15:10 Summary15:50 The Feature Track - Lovers in Tokyo
That Gary Numan Synth Alex Ball 2024-03-07 | A look at the Polymoog and how Gary Numan adopted one of the presets from one of the versions to help define his sound.0:00 Intro0:41 What is the Polymoog?8:00 Vox Humana and Gary Numan13:35 Cars CoverThe sample Instrumentbobmoogfoundation.myshopify.com/products/alex-balls-polymoog-soundbank-digital-download
Cult German Music and a Japanese Sequencer Alex Ball 2024-02-01 | A look at how the Korg MS-20 and SQ-10 sequencer were an intergral part of the sound of a group of German musicians in the late 70s and early 80s.0:00 Intro1:09 Der Mussolini - DAF5:02 Los Niños Del Parque - Liaisons Dangereuses8:10 Minimal Tape 3/7.2 - Pyrolator10:48 Sample Pack11:38 Outro Jam / PatronsHuge thanks to Brad Holland and my patrons and patreon.The sample pack is available here: patreon.com/AlexBallMusicSynth settings (these are my estimations, rather than certain):Der MussoliniVCO 1: Pulse wave with PW set to around 10 o'clockVCO 2: OffHPF: Not usedLPF: Cutoff at 0 and peak at 2 / EG2 modulation set to 10EG 2: Hold 0 / Attack 0 / Decay 3 / Sustain 0 / Release 3Then guitar amping / stereo reverbLos Niños Del ParqueVCO 1: Pulse wave with PW set to around 1 o'clockVCO 2: OffHPF: Not usedLPF: Cutoff at 0 and peak at 2 / EG2 modulation set to 7.5 / T.EXT mod set to 8.5EG 2: Hold 0 / Attack 0 / Decay 1 / Sustain 4 / RElease 3.5Channel C Sequencer lane to T.EXT and VCA Initial GainThen guitar amping / stereo reverbMinimal Tape 3/7.2VCO 1: Pulse wave with PW set to around 10 o'clockVCO 2: Square wave up an octaveVCO 1 level 4 and VCO 2 level 3 (to allow envelope and filter clicks to be heard)HPF: Not usedLPF: Cutoff at 0 and peak at 4 / EG modulation set to 8.5 / T.EXT mod set to 7.5EG 2: Hold 0 / Attack 0 / Decay 2 / Sustain 0.5 / Release 2Channel C Sequencer lane to T.EXTThen a tape echo with minimal feedback at around 30 - 40ms with dry and echo panned left and right respectively
Juno what Im saying #rolandjuno6 #synthesizer #akgbx15 #hologrammicrocosm #isenin Alex Ball 2024-01-05 | Got some great videos in the works, but here's a little music.
Prodigy Synth Patch #theprodigy #rolandjd990 #emlwobbler Alex Ball 2023-12-14 | I turned the EML wobbler patch (as used by Liam Howlett) into a sample patch. It's free to Patrons on tiers 1, 2 or 3 on my Patreon.patreon.com/alexballmusicYouTube won't let me change the thumbnail btw, so you're stuck with the mid-blink. Lovely.Anyway, Merry Christmas!
OB-X TOM SAWYER SOUND #rush #tomsawyer #oberheimobx Alex Ball 2023-12-08 | Oberheim OB-X Tom Sawyer sample patch available on Patreon.patreon.com/AlexBallMusic
The Oberheim OB-X (1979) Alex Ball 2023-12-07 | A look at the classic Oberheim OB-X synthesizer from 1979. Huge thanks to Steven R Sellick for the kind loan!Check out Steven's track "Do Androids Dance to Electro Beat":unts-untsplinksandplonks.bandcamp.com/track/do-androids-dance-to-electro-beat0:00 Intro1:07 The Oberheim OB-X1:30 Potted History3:01 Demo 14:10 What's on an OB-X?6:50 Demo 27:44 The Filter and Tom Sawyer10:45 Demo 311:46 The Impact of the OB-X13:19 OutroHuge thank you to my Patreons.patreon.com/AlexBallMusic
New Album Out Now! Alex Ball 2023-11-29 | New album out now! Thank you.Bandcamp:alexball.bandcamp.com/album/sproingOr Pick your streaming service:share.amuse.io/sDS2Mv-NlbRF
ARPS FINAL MONOSYNTH Alex Ball 2023-11-23 | A look at the last monosynth ARP made, the Solus from 1980.This is the least known of the trio (Odyssey, Axxe, Solus) because it was only made for a few months before ARP went out of business.0:00 Intro Demo1:04 The ARP Solus1:46 Demo: Solus System3:06 VCOs5:49 Things get interesting7:17 4075 Filter Revelation8:29 Demo: Solus Sines10:06 You don't have to be rich...11:27 Demo: Solus FriendsThank you to my Patrons who keep me making videos.patreon.com/AlexBallMusicBolt Solus Sample Instrument:alanrpearlmanfoundation.org/product/bolt-solus-the-sound-of-the-arp-solus
70s synths baby! #synth #system100 #arpavatar #analogue Alex Ball 2023-11-14 | These things always deliver.Hardware jam, no processing. Reverb from an AKG BX15 captured as it ran, slowly blended in as the track develops.
Depeche Mode Drums Alex Ball 2023-11-02 | A look at a specific drum setup used by Depeche Mode and Daniel Miller on their album, Speak and Spell, from 1981.0:00 Intro0:51 KR-55 Snare1:55 Interfacing Setup3:23 ARP 2600 Daniel Miller Kick7:32 Roland MC-48:14 Test it out8:43 Alternative Gear / Sample Pack9:34 Outro JamGet the sample pack: alanrpearlmanfoundation.org/product/beat-and-spellHuge thank you to my Patrons.patreon.com/AlexBallMusic
END OF TERRAIN REMIX OUT NOW! Alex Ball 2023-10-13 | My remix of Nick Carlisle's "End of Terrain" is out now.Buy “End Of Terrain (Alex Ball Remix)":nickcarlisle.bandcamp.com/track/end-of-terrain-alex-ball-remix
McCartneys Weird Sequence Alex Ball 2023-10-12 | I thought it would be fun to look at one of my favourite uses of the ARP Sequencer, which is in Paul McCartney's "Temporary Secretary" released in 1980. I also thought it would be interesting to see what the song would sound like if everything was done on synths, rather than guitars, bass and drums. 0:00 Temporary Secretary 2:00 Let's do our own version 6:01 The Result Huge thanks to my Patrons.
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
