Time machine: KORG DW-8000 Synthesizer 1985
Synthesizer demo of the vintage synthesizer Korg DW-8000 from 1985.
The Korg DW-8000 is a expanded version of the DW-6000. It is 8 voice polyphonic, has digital waveforms and analog resonant filters. Velocity sensitive keyboard. It has a built in digital delay and a really good arpeggiator, which can be synced via MIDI.
Additional info:
The Korg DW-8000 synthesizer was released to the buying public in late 1985 along with the cheaper model Korg DW-6000 synthesizer. The DW-8000 was an eight note polyphonic hybrid digital-analog synthesizer instrument. By the time of its launch Korg had already begun a common trend in 80s synthesizer design of using numerical parameter access as with the Korg Poly-800 eschewing the heavily laden control panels of earlier designs.
A more unusual feature of the instrument for the time was the use of sampled waveforms as the basic building block of sounds, and the inclusion of a digital delay effect. This latter feature was one significant factor in the relative success of the DW-8000 compared DW-6000 released the same year.
Given a well-programmed machine, what are the highlights that might be expected? Basses are probably one of the DW8000’s strongest suits. The low end is generally thick and powerful and sits under a mix with confidence. Chunky mid-range sequence sounds are also particularly appealing, especially given a tweak of the data slider to modulate the filter as it plays. Lead patches are capable of both aggression and subtlety, as required. There are certain characteristically ‘nasal’ lead sounds that I have never managed to recreate on any other synth — a kind of ‘oboe on acid’ for want of a better description. Autobend adds a certain slurring to note attacks that is inspiring to fool around with.
The DW8000 is very much a synth, not a sample playback device, so don’t expect the acoustic piano waveform to render anything much like a Steinway! The waveforms are essentially raw material to be mangled by the synthesis engine. Pad sounds are thick and rich, but never seem to sit in a mix particularly well in my experience. String sounds are also warm and powerful, but just don’t seem to cut it when other sounds are around. I mention these points not as damning aspects of the machine, but as a reminder that no synth will be all things to all players. Utilise a device to exploit its strengths, forgive it its weaknesses, and it will pay you back accordingly.
Introduction to Addictive Synth for iPad
Ryan Hemeon demos another nice iPad synth, details below:
In this demo and walkthrough I show a little bit of the features of Addictive Synth by VirSyn. I like this app and find it has a great sound as well as some interesting features. The only thing I didn’t like is the inability to select Midi input apps, I recommend using MidiBridge to get your apps working if you are having problems.
For more info and videos like this one, please visit www.iOSMARS.com
New England Analog Pyxis Bass Demo
This is a video of NE playing around with their prototype external touch pad for the NEA Pyxis aftertouch system.
“This one here is our test model. The sensor pad has many unique capabilities when interfaced with the Pyxis controller. This video is to demonstrate the percussive effects that are possible with the Pyxis. The tapping effect is created by routing the output voltage from the sensor pad to the vca and vcf. The more of the sensor signal that gets sent to either, the more pronounced the effect. Keep in mind that this is not intended to be a musically coherent demonstration, but a demonstration of the capabilities of the instrument. For more information about the Pyxis, vintage synthesizer restoration, sales, and repair, please check us out at www.NewEnglandAnalog.com.”
Time machine: Roland SH-101 demo
Vintage synthesizer demo by RetroSound.de
Roland SH-101 and TR-606
FX: EHX Small Stone phase shifter
no delay and reverb added!
I deleted the video last year with some others but my good friend from down-under Michael missed it. 😉
he said: “Thank you Marko for introducing me to the world of analog synthesizers, this was the first tech demo I heard from you and to this day it still makes my ears bleed more than a virgin on prom night!”
😀
here is it in higher audio resolution.
more info: http://www.retrosound.de
TAL Bassline 101
100% TAL Bassline 101 including drums. Most patches are original.
Grab the demo version of TAL Bassline (only restriction is no saving of patches!): http://kunz.corrupt.ch/products/tal-b…
Additional FX provided by the free TAL plugins: Reverb ii, Dub Delay ii & iii, Tube and Chorus LX. Some light compression and limiting on the master.
BEAT THANG | Sampling Beat Machine Overview
Try it free at http://www.bketech.com/demo/demo-form…
A full production capable sampling beat machine
Create full songs with BEAT THANG. It includes a 16-track real-time sequencer & 24-bit sampler. You can record, compose, mix and master in sample-accurate 44.1kHz stereo with no computer required. BEAT THANG sampling beat machine also comes with an exact software replica (BTV Software) that you can use on your PC or MAC. (want pricing?)
100% all metal chassis (zero plastic casing), 3.5″ full-color LCD screen and 13 chromatic premium full-velocity sensitive keypads
Zero data compression, true 24-bit signal path for ultra-low THD (.008%) & High S/N ratio (103db)
More than a sampling beat machine. It’s an all-in-one sampling workstation for producers and a live performance instrument for DJs.
3,254 original samples. Big, bold, punchy sounds that are warm, beefy and inspiring.
One of the most powerful and unique advantages of BEAT THANG sampling beat machine is the ability to pick it up and quickly make music. The BEAT THANG sampling beat machine has an innovative and award-winning user-interface that is well organized and feels clean and clutter-free so you can easily and quickly navigate through various modes and functions.
You never know when or where your creative inspiration will strike and you never know how long that inspiration will last. With BEAT THANG sampling beat machine you’ll be ready to capture your inspiration at the speed of thought, wherever you are. It is designed to quickly capture your raw stream of consciousness and to vibe in the moment. It is truly a real-time performance tool.
Dedicated buttons for the most common functions
Eliminated the need for a shift key
No complicated menus to navigate
Intuitive functions and shortcuts
Multiple paths to the same operation
One-touch access to everything you need
Yamaha AN1x – Synthesizer demo – Ambient arpeggiator / chillout drone music
Yamaha AN1x synthesizer demo — playing ambient electronica soundscape / chillout drone / space music using a repeating arpeggiator motif.
This ambient synth demo is very relaxing and meditative, and was created using 2 oscillators, reverb, delay, and filter/envelope adjustments.
Performed live, no external processing. Excerpt from a longer session.
About the synth:
The AN1x is a powerful retro-analog synth with a really cool new feature that lets you record real-time editing and filtering and be able to store it as part of the sound! A major contender in the new wave of analog-digital synths using DSP modeling of analog waveforms to recreate the coveted sounds of analog synths with modern digital specifications. It offers truly traditional yet modern methods of analog synthesizing, 10 notes of polyphony, 8 knobs for tweaking, and an arpeggiator with dozens of inspiring patterns!
Although the AN1x is not a follow-up to the CS1x (which has since been followed by the CS2x and the CS6x) it has borrowed many functions and technologies from the CS1x synth. First, it’s built in an almost identical case with the same layout of buttons and knobs as the CS1x. However the function of every knob and button has been greatly expanded. The AN1x also has 2 Scene memories for instant recall of any envelope and filter settings and the mod-wheel can be used to morph between the two scenes. On-board effects and a state-of-the-art arpeggiator section also are on-board for giving your sounds life and motion.
The AN1x adds a new Ribbon controller for increased real-time control. It also includes pulse width modulation, ring modulation and oscillator syncing. The AN1x may not be the next evolution of the CS1x but it is basically a more advanced synth capable of increased sound potential and quality. It has a better feeling keyboard than the CS1x as well assuming that the AN1x is for those looking for something more professional than the CS1x
Intro to iVoxel: A vocoder for iOS
In this video Ryan Hemeon demos and do a quick walkthrough of the iOS vocoder iVoxel.
“This is the best vocoder I have ever used, which may not be saying very much because I haven’t used very many but I really like this app. In the video I show a lot of the options and what they do as well as showing how to make your own “voxel”. There is A LOT more to the app then I could show you in 15mins but I hope this gives you some insight. ”
For more info please visit www.iosmars.com
Close encounter with Dave Smith Instruments Prophet 12
A second Prophet 12 demo from INHALT, details below:
For this next installment of demonstrations, I’ve recorded the more atmospheric, etherial, vocal, and ambient patches from the Prophet 12. What’s wonderful about this synth is the fact that envelope times have been designed to give a wide range of times. This means anything from the most percussive sounds to absurdly long release times are possible. As such, making evolving tonal beds is a breeze and they are sure to find a home in any sound designers tool box when working for film, television, and experimental sound.
Just like the previous demonstration, no sequencing nor external effects have been used. Everything you hear was recorded through a Neve Portico Pre Amp into a Digidesign 192 HD io and assembled in Pro Tools.
Korg PA900 Professional Arranger Keyboard — Introduction and Overview
Although I can honestly say that the PA900 is not on top of my wishlist, this video is still quite a nice intro to the new keyboard from KORG, details below:
Specifically designed to help you perform and create music, the PA900 is the latest addition to Korg’s renowned Professional Arranger line. With a new palate of sounds designed to please any audience, as well as an enormous range of Styles covering music genres from around the world, PA900 is the perfect companion for the discerning performer or songwriter.
The Pa900 sound engine uses double the PCM memory of the best-selling Pa600 and extends the amount of User PCM to 192MB. The number of user Style locations has also expanded, to cover almost every style imaginable. An improved built-in speaker system delivers it all with clear, rich sound. These new features are complemented by powerful functionality, an intuitive user interface and an array of features such as a TC Helicon Vocal Harmonizer, an MP3 player & recorder, a Dual Sequencer with crossfader, and Video output to display song lyrics, all designed to enhance any performance. A robust color TouchView screen plus Korg’s DNC (Defined Nuance Control) system–for expressively recreating instrument articulation–round out the offerings.
For more information, head over to http://www.korg.com/pa900.
DATAMASKIN
