Yamaha FX1 - VEMIA

via this VEMIA auction
more pics and info here.
click the image for the full size shot.
"Ulta-rare Yamaha FX1 Electone organ, COMPLETE with two Yamaha TX1 speakers and all accessories! The FX1 is the top-of-the-line Electone and the rarest instrument in the entire Yamaha DX synthesizer line. There are possibly as few as six of these in the entire world – maybe even fewer. My Yamaha FX1 was played for many years by a professional organist here in Las Vegas. At the age of 82 he finally decided to retire the organ, and it became part of my collection. This organ is complete with pedals, bench, and two Yamaha TX1 320 watt speakers. Also included is the ultra-rare Yamaha MDR-1 Music Disk Recorder, which allows recording and playback of organ sequences and compositions. Here is the complete list of included accessories: · Two TX1 320 Watt Speakers · Bench & Pedals · Original lucite music stand (not pictured, mounts in bench) · Three RP-1 Registration Pack cartridges (including Console Variety Pack 1) · Five Yamaha CFD-1 Compact Floppy Disk, BLANK · Three Yamaha CFD-1 Compact Floppy Disk, WITH MUSIC RECORDINGS · Two rare 11 pin to ¼” adapters, probably for Line Out · Original Yamaha FX1 Manual · Two original MDR1 Manuals · Two original Yamaha FX1 info flyers Is it an organ? Is it a mega-synth? It is FM-based, but it does far more than any DX7. It even features additive drawbars for creating Hammond-esque sounds, reverb, a Leslie effect, fantastic drum machine / sequencer, arpeggiator.. I’m not aware of any polyphony limitations. Many sounds can be layered together to create very thick tones. The FX1 is really, really something. This FX1 is in quite good condition given its 25 years. It is a very large, heavy piece, and has been carefully moved around as it was used professionally. There are marks and scratches here and there, but as you can see in the photos, the organ is really in very good condition. All functions (that I know of!) work and have been tested – I’ve played a lot of great music on this organ. There is one important cosmetic problem with the organ. The Las Vegas sun is intense and probably caused the “melting” of a few buttons. These three buttons all work flawlessly, they are just a bit out of shape. Also, I am not entirely confident that many of the motorized sliders are working properly. I have read that they occasionally need to be cleaned in order to move, but I have never attempted this. These are, to the best of my knowledge, the only functional and cosmetic issues with the organ. It sounds FANTASTIC. The bass is unbelievable, the tones are remarkably realistic. The keyboard is velocity sensitive, and there’s even a knee lever and foot switch for adding modulation, sustain, etc. Shipping: This FX1 is located at my home in Las Vegas. It is, unfortunately, far too large for me to keep, so it is time for me to pass this organ on to a proper collector, organist, or lucky musician. I will not under any circumstances ship this organ! The organ weighs 507 lbs (230kg), the pedals weigh 55 lbs (25kg), and the bench – just the bench! – weighs in at a whopping 154 lbs (70kg). I will work with your shipping or crating company, assisting any way I can, or you’re quite welcome to come and pick the organ up yourself from my Las Vegas home. However, you must be prepared to move this very large, very heavy organ! Please feel free to ask any and all questions about this FX1. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, as FX1s are truly rare and simply never show up for sale, so don’t hesitate! Bigger and more photos at http://progressivelasvegas.com/FX1/Yamaha%20FX1%20Electone%20Organ.htm"

Jimmy and the Yamaha FX1

You are looking at the Yamaha FX1. The FX1 was a three manual FM based synthesizer under the Electone organ moniker, similar in look but not synthesis as the coveted analog GX1. GX1, FX1, get it? I have searched for images of the FX1 on the net and have come up empty.

Well.... Jimmy managed to run accross my site and informed me that he actually has one. To give you an idea of how rare the FX1 is, according to this Sound on Sound article there is only one in existence in the UK. The SOS article does not have an image of one. Think about that. This is about as rare as it gets folks. From the SOS article: "Lest you think that (other than the DX1) all FM synthesizers were small, neat affairs, let me tell you about the FX1. This was a huge three-manual beast very much in the mould of the GX1, but based entirely on FM synthesis. If you've never heard of it, I'm not surprised. Costing £36,000 in 1986, there's only one working example in the UK, and not many more elsewhere." Well, we now know there is at least one more working sample out there. Title link takes you to more shots sent my way via Jimmy. I need to stress how thankful I am that Jimmy took the time out to take pictures and share some of his story with me (during our conversations he stated that he would takes some shots and send them to when he had time. To my surprise that ended up being much sooner than later). I decided to include a bit of his story as well, as I found it fascinating. It also gives you a bit of this particular synthesizers' history and gives it context.

The following are excerpts from an email exchange I had with Jimmy:

"I do a single - organ, piano, sing, comedy, etc. One of the last night club entertainers left, I guess. I've been doing essentially the same type of show for the last forty-five years. I'm 65, but I'm going on 30. I definitely don't act my age, on or off stage. I still play a B-3 Hammond with two Leslie speakers. The B-3 I'm playing is the one I started playing in 1960, when I started in the night club business. I only play three nights a week. I really don't want to work more than that. I'm married and have raised two sons. I've met most of the musical stars through the years and have maintained a friendship with most of them."

"Back to the FX1, I tried to get it fixed one time (I spilled a coke into a small section to the left of the lower keyboard). Yamaha company said that they could replace the boards if I sent them to them one at a time. I really didn't know what was wrong with the organ at the time, so I sent one circuit board at a time and Yamaha replaced them, one at a time. Yamaha didn't even have a prototype of the FX1 in their repair facility so that they could compare the one I had with one in their shop. Sending parts to them really didn't solve the problem, because they didn't have a prototype in which to insert my parts to note a problem. I hadn't realized that the spilled drink was the problem. I brought the organ here from Florida and within a week, the repairman had diagnosed the problem and repaired it like new. It really is a workhorse piece of equipment. It will probably be around long after I'm gone."

"I wonder how many of these FX1s are left. I was told that there weren't too many of them to begin with. I'm not sure, but I had been told that there were twelve of them in the USA. I was told that Stevie Wonder owned one when they first came out. He has to have used it in studio. There was a train wreck (I believe) where all but a couple of them were destroyed. It was going from California to New York. Mine was one which survived the wreck. There is a corner of the keyboard where the edge is slightly bent. This supposedly happened in the accident. I don't know if this is true, Matrix, but that is what I was told (after I bought the organ!)"

"You asked how the FX1 plays, etc. It is a wild piece of history. It is the most powerful sound because of the huge external speakers. The speakers can be turned up so loud, that the sound can be deafening. I never really turned it up to max, but it is scary. The speakers are on wheels and they match the organ, which is an off-white. The organ as well as the speakers and the bench are extremely heavy - extremely. I thought that the B-3 Hammond was heavy. The organ itself weighs probably 300 pounds. The bench, alone, has to weigh 80 pounds. In order to get to the guts of the organ, you have to unscrew aload of screws and the whole front lifts up in two sections. The inside looks like the most complicated thing you've ever seen. It has six (I think) large circuit boards which pop out. It was way ahead of its time! When you change registrations, all of the sliders automatically move to the desired preset settings. It is quite amazing."

"You [Matrix] are a pretty crazy person [indeed ; )]. Very interesting that you have that site! I am really a collector of everything, so I guess I just never got rid of keyboards when I used them through the years. I also have a mini-moog that I've had for twenty five years. I'm not a great synthesizer player - I used the mini-moog for effects in my show. I should really use it for effects today. I'm trying to get informed enough to sample it down to my Kurzweil sampler. You see, on the job, there isn't a lot of time to play synthesizers, changing stops to be interesting, plus keep everyone's interest as a singer and comic. I'm a very busy guy on the stage. It's a very little one-man show that relies on personality as well as technical ability. I'm sort of the entertainer's entertainer. Andy Williams, Ray Stevens, Pet Clark, and the like, come out and watch me after their shows. Not much use for them with the type of shows here. They are playing pretty straight stuff. The town used to be known for country, but it is changing by the year. There are Beatles shows and good old Rock and Roll shows. Synthesizers are quite scarce in the shows. A bunch of my friends are into them, though, and have them at home. I am from the school of Earl Grant, Shay Torrent, Buddy Cole, Lenny Dee, Ethel Smith, Jimmy Smith, and the like. Most of them were personal friends. Petula Clark came in to see me on Saturday night. She sat in with me and sang a couple of old standards. It's a gas, because, I'm sort of a retro act. Although I have had some of these keyboards throughout the years, I am really not proficient in using them with any great knowledge of wave lengths, etc. I've been friends with a lot of the great players, and they think I'm a monster in my own way, but I've always been crazed with the way they play. I probably have thirty old keyboards - none of them are the ones mentioned in your blog - they are simple, usable keyboards that I've picked up in pawn shops, etc. I don't know if you knew who they were, but years ago, Joe Mooney, Del Statton, and Jocko Pastorius (and his dad, Jack) were good friends. Jocko was a mega monster on keyboards, as well as the bass. We were friends from the time he was 13. His dad was a good buddy. Jocko was the freak of all freaks. He would sit, as a kid, and watch me kick footpedals, without even looking up at the keyboards. I'm rattling on. I just wanted to fill you in."

Rattle on. : ) Again, I want to thank Jimmy immensely for taking the time out to share this with us. Folks, if you have any questions for Jimmy please feel free to post a comment and I'll make sure he gets it. Thank you more than words can say Jimmy. Wow!

Update: link to the manuals via hugo:
FX1E_1.pdf
FX1E_2.pdf
FX1E_3.pdf
FX1E_4.pdf
FX1E_5.pdf

Update via Jimmy in the comments: "The FX1 I have has a mini-disc recorder/playback unit attached to the underside near the right knee which can replay as though it were live. I think you can see it in the picture. Not bad for the time! I also have a second recorder. - J"

Update via the comments: More shots and info here

Update: be sure to check out the comments for more. The following via Jason:
"Add another FX1 to the list of found. This one was purchased new to be, of all things, a church organ! My father was a Yamaha dealer at the time and he was offered the chance to "test" a new model of the Electone series. It was actually purchased in 1982 (yep, before it was released). The serial number on it was "XXX" and there was nothing on the organ indicating it was an FX1. I always thought it was kind of strange Yamaha would send something like this to such a small town to be tested. Anyway, the organ is now gone after being struck by lightning in 1989. It sat out in an alley exposed to the elements for 7 years before it was finally hauled off to the dump. I tried to stop that, but I was only 15 when it was drug off, so I didn't have a choice.
I'll always remember that organ as being the "Star Trek" organ. The kids of the church would just sit at it and change the settings to make the sliders move on their own. Anyone else think it looked like a console out of Star Trek TNG? haha
btw, here's a link to an MP3 file of a demonstration of the organ playing."

Update via Andrew in the comments: "Yamaha made a promotional album for the FX-1 in 1983, you can grab it here"

Update via Rockstardave in the comments: "I did a write up on my FS-500, very similar to the FX-1, with some pictures and such:

http://freeorgansusa.blogspot.com/2010/03/yamaha-electone-fs-500.html

Come have a look at my "new" baby."

Yamaha FX1 and FX3

Yamaha FX3 image from Ron The Music Maker

After reading about L. Ron Hubbard's love for the Yamaha FX3 (picture below), I decided to do a bit of searching to find out more about it. Most sites refer to it as an organ that is entirely FM based. I found this Sound On Sound article on the Yamaha DX line of FM based synths. There is a caption section on the FX1 and it's smaller offshoots, the FX3, FX10 and FX20. FX3, pictured below a "smaller" offshoot? Dang. Apparently there is only one working FX1 in the UK. It originally sold for £36,000 in 1986.

Update via the comments:
"Concerning the FX1 Yamaha, I purchased one new in, I believe, 1986, in Florida. I think I paid over $30,000 plus a 7" Knabe grand piano trade-in. I was a professional, playing a B-3 for years. When I saw the FX1, like L. Ron Hubbard, I was intrigued by the new line of FX's by Yamaha. I used the FX1 for a year on the job. Although I loved playing the FX1, I missed the B-3 Hammond. I have continued playing the B-3 since 1988. When I moved from Florida, I was going to sell the FX1, but decided to bring it with me to Missouri. I have kept it, and it's two matching speakers in climate control to this day. Yep, I still have it. It's in great condition and it worked perfectly the last time I played it two years ago. The organ is so unique, I just couldn't sell or trade it. I called Yamaha, and they didn't even have one in their possesion. If you want to reach me, I will answer."

Contact info is in the comments.

Dave Smith Instruments Sequential Prophet PX Mod Matrix Sources and Destinations

Published on May 1, 2018 matrixsynth

No audio, just a flip through the Prophet PX Mod Matrix Sources and Destinations.

Follow-up to:
Dave Smith Instruments New Prophet X Oscillators as Modulation Sources & Destinations
Dave Smith Instruments Officially Introduces The New Sequential Prophet X

The list:

Sources:

Inst1
Inst2
OSC1
OSC2
LFO1
LFO2
LFO3
LFO4

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We're All Alone - Yamaha FX1 Track

via Jason in the comments of this post on Jimmy and the Yamaha FX1. BTW, if you haven't seen that post yet, do it, it's a pretty cool bit of history. That said:

"Add another FX1 to the list of found. This one was purchased new to be, of all things, a church organ! My father was a Yamaha dealer at the time and he was offered the chance to "test" a new model of the Electone series. It was actually purchased in 1982 (yep, before it was released). The serial number on it was "XXX" and there was nothing on the organ indicating it was an FX1. I always thought it was kind of strange Yamaha would send something like this to such a small town to be tested. Anyway, the organ is now gone after being struck by lightning in 1989. It sat out in an alley exposed to the elements for 7 years before it was finally hauled off to the dump. I tried to stop that, but I was only 15 when it was drug off, so I didn't have a choice.
I'll always remember that organ as being the "Star Trek" organ. The kids of the church would just sit at it and change the settings to make the sliders move on their own. Anyone else think it looked like a console out of Star Trek TNG? haha
btw, here's a link to an MP3 file of a demonstration of the organ playing."

iM1R v1.2 Now Available - iBlofeld v1.2.1 and iMopho1 v1.2 Coming Soon

YouTube Uploaded by iControlMIDI on Feb 19, 2012

"Apple has released iM1R v1.2 our Wired and Wireless CoreMIDI iPad Editor for Korg M1 / M1R / EX M1 / EX M1R.

iBlofeld v1.2.1 and iMopho1 v1.2 had been submitted to Apple for approval and are at the 'Waiting for Review' status.

iBlofeld v1.2.1 will be a major upgrade from v1.2 it will offer the following key features:
• All ARP parameters including User Pattern Steps 1 to 16
• All FX paramaters with dynamic allocation of FX parameters name and value based on FX Type selection

iMopho1 v1.2 will be our dedicated editor for the DSI Mopho module and Mopho keyboard, it will offer the following key features:
• Module / Keyboard selection
• Automatic enabling of Module / Keyboard parameters and values based on this selection

Screen shots of iBlofeld v1.2.1 and iMopho1 v1.2 can be found on our website, as well as an exhaustive feature list. http://icontrolmidi.com/

iM1R offers all the M1 PROGRAM parameters (including Oscillator Mode Single, Double and Drums and FX1 / FX2).

The M1 series can be edited using the following Pages:
• Page 1: OSC1, FX1 and FX2 Types parameters
• Page 2: OSC1 Pitch Envelop and Modulations
• Page 3: OSC1 VDF, VDF Envelop and Modulations
• Page 4: OSC1 VDA, VDA Envelop and Modulations
• Page 5: LFO, Aftertouch and Controller Modulations
• Page 6: FX1 and FX2 parameters -dynamically change based on FX Types selection on Page 1-
• Page 7: OSC2 parameters
• Page 8: OSC2 Pitch Envelop and Modulations
• Page 9: OSC2 VDF, VDF Envelop and Modulations
• Page 10: OSC2 VDA, VDA Envelop and Modulations"


iPads on eBay
iPads on Amazon

MATRIXSYNTH Review and Overview of the Novation UltraNova

Hi everyone, you might remember, back in July I posted some pics of my newly acquired UltraNova, and mentioned that review posts would eventually follow. Well, I’m happy to tell you the first post is here. The UltraNova is one powerful synth, so to make the overall review a bit more consumable, it will be broken up over time. This first section includes an Overview, the Oscillators, and the Mixer sections. When new sections go up, I will be sure to let you know via a new post.

As with most of my reviews, I will say this one goes pretty deep into the synth engine and all editable parameters. If you are the type of person that likes to dissect and explore all of the available parameters on a synth, then this post is for you. I will touch on what each parameter does and will call out any interesting features and limitations as I do so. There are some pretty special parameters on the UltraNova that give you control beyond most other synths. Hopefully this review will give you some insight into what makes the UltraNova special.

Overview & Quick Comparison to Previous Nova Synths

The Novation UltraNova, released back in 2010, is a 20 voice virtual analog & wavetable synth with three oscillators, two ring modulators and one noise source per voice. The UltraNova also features two audio ins that can be assigned to the oscillator section and/or a 12-band vocoder. It’s worth noting that the Novation Nova from 1999 featured a 40-band vocoder, while the Supernova II from 2000 featured a 42-band vocoder. The UltraNova is a monotimbral synth while the 12 voice Nova was six part multitimbral and the Supernova II (24, 36, or 48 voice) was eight part multitimbral. The UltraNova supports up to 5 simultaneous effects per patch. The Nova supported 42 simultaneous effects, while the Supernova II supported up to 56. The Supernova II also supported FM synthesis while the Nova and UltraNova omit it.

The UltraNova, however, is the first Nova synth to feature wavetable synthesis. An interesting side note is that all of the oscillators on the UltraNova are actually stored as wavetables, including the standard waveforms. According to Novation, “The wavetables in the Supernova series are all calculated. The wavetables in the UltraNova, even the standard analogue waves are wavetable oscillators. This change in oscillator generation was first used on the A-Station and K-Station and subsequently in the KS series, X-Station and Xio.” This allows the UltraNova to have some advanced tricks when it comes to the oscillator section, which will be covered in detail below.

I asked Novation about the lack of FM synthesis and they told me, “FM would have been a lovely addition to the UltraNova, but it would have been asking too much of the DSP to be able to run everything the UltraNova can do and also add in FM. The wavetables were a really good way to introduce a new (to Novation) type of synthesis that is able to cater for some of the synth sounds that FM is known for and also to be able to create lush evolving pads.”

The UltraNova features two routable filters per voice with a total of 14 filter types to chose from including 6dB (no resonance), 12dB, 18dB, and 24dB with Lowpass, Bandpass and Hi-pass modes. The Nova and Supernova II lacked a 6dB mode.

As for hardware, although the UltraNova may have fewer knobs per function than its predecessors, it is extremely well laid out and super intuitive to use. Along with both keyboard velocity and aftertouch, the UltraNova has touch sensitive knobs. They literally respond to touch and can be assigned to various parameters. Worth noting, velocity is configurable, however, aftertouch is not. I found the aftertouch to be good, but it does require a little extra force than I prefer; it’s good for not accidentally triggering it, but not so good for subtle, natural performance.

Please note the above comparisons with the Nova and Supernova II were only for quick reference. The UltraNova of course is its own synth with a few tricks up its sleeves that are lacking in the original Nova line, including a level of control over the synth engine often only found in the modular realm. It sounds incredible, and for the price, currently only $599 new, it is an extremely flexible and powerful synth. You get the current top-of-the-line Novation Nova synth engine with new wavetables and more. The UltraNova is both a performance oriented synth as well as a synth programmers dream. It can be configured for easy access to specific parameters for a live situation, or you can dig as deep as you want with a clearly well thought out interface.

That said, let’s dig in.

The following review and overview will essentially go over the signal flow of the UltraNova followed by performance controls including the arpeggiator and the hardware interface. I’ll go into a little detail on what each feature can and cannot do in an attempt to give you a detailed idea of what the synth is capable of. Because my reviews tend to be a bit on the longer side, I will be posting the sections in chunks over time to make it easier on you to consume and for me to compose.

First we start with…

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New Erica Synths Drum Modulator Eurorack Module

Published on Dec 19, 2018 Erica Synths

"Drum Modulator is an advanced modulation and pitched noise source with focus on rhythmic (but not limited to) compositions in mind. It features two identical syncable to the BPM LFOs/noise sources with morphing waveshapes.

In this video we explore 12 different patches with Modulator together with various modules from the Techno system.

0:18 - #1 GABBERLINE (Modulator + Bassline) LFO1 is modulating FM and accent, LFO2 is in noise mode modulating cutoff.

2:19 - #2 CYMBALLER (Modulator + Cymbals) LFO1 is synced to the same BPM as Cymbals trigger source and is modulating tune. LFO2 is free running and modulating decay of Cymbals.

4:12 - #3 ANOTHER SUPER COMPUTER (Modulator + Bassline) Both LFOs in S&H mode modulating cutoff, accent and FM in of Bassline.

4:59 - #4 TECHNOID (Modulator + Bassline) LFO1 is modulating FM and accent, LFO2 is modulating cutoff.

5:24 - #5 STEAMER (Modulator + Bassline) LFO1 is in noise mode modulating FM and cutoff, LFO2 is modulating accent and gate.

5:43 - #6 FROGGER (Modulator + Bassline) Both LFOs modulating cutoff, accent, 1v/oct and FM.

5:59 - #7 SNARECANDANCE (Modulator + Snare) LFO1 is synced to the BPM of Snare trigger and is modulating tune, LFO2 is synced to LFO1 tempo and modulating decay.

7:09 - #8 BALLOON FIGHT (Modulator + Bassline) LFO1 is modulating FM and accent, LFO2 is modulating cutoff and gate.

7:54 - #9 CYMBA (Modulator + Cymbals) Both LFOs are synced to Cymbals trigger BPM and modulating tune and decay. LFO2 is also modulating rate of LFO1.

8:40 - #10 HI-HATTER (Modulator + Hi-Hats D + Dual FX) LFO1 is modulating dry/wet of FX1 & FX2, LFO2 is modulating decay and tune of Hi-Hats.

9:54 - #11 S&H EVERYTHING (Modulator + Pico Drums + Dual FX) Both LFOs in S&H mode triggering and selecting sample on Pico Drums, modulating delay time of FX1 and dry/wet of FX2.

11:08 - #12 BAZZDRUM (Modulator + Bassdrum) LFO1 is modulating gain and drive of the first Dual Drive stage, LFO2 is modulating gain and drive of second Dual Drive stage."

Erica Synths Modulator is an advanced modulation and pitched noise source with focus on rhythmic (but not limited to) compositions in mind. It features two identical syncable to the BPM LFOs/noise sources with selectable morphing waveshapes. LFO frequency can be manually adjustable, as well as they provide frequency divisions and multiplication in Sync mode. Each LFO has two outputs- main one and secondary one with adjustable phase, so you can create evolving modulations. Furthermore, LFOs can be linked to work at the same frequency and the first LFO has built in VCA to control output signal amplitude.


Features
Two independent modulation/pitched noise sources
7morphing waveshape + noise
LFO Sync, frequency divisions and multiplications
Integrated VCA for first modulation source
Two main outputs
Two outputs with an adjustable phase shift
LP and HP filter on outputs in pitched noise mode
CV control over LF rate/noise pitch

Spectralis: Attempting a Roland TB-303 sound

Published on Feb 14, 2013 acemonvw·8 videos

"DISCLAIMER: I've never seen (nor heard) a Roland TB-303 in person (excluding audio recordings), nor really sought out the sound (why am I doing this then? See below). I'll change the title if this in no way resembles the sound of the TB-303. Youtube demo's and sound design forums only tell you so much. Now, who would want an RT Spectralis when the Roland TB-303 is cheaper? Well... it's not cheaper. It's vintage, thus expensive and sought after (the original, at least). It is what it is, it's different than the spectralis, but if you already have the spectralis, perhaps you can get that TB-303 sound. Any thoughts on improving this sound? Let me know, I will make a video of how to make this sound if indeed it sounds similar, but will also take suggestions on improvements. Enjoy (further details below)!

Someone on the Radikal Technologies forums suggested a tutorial on recreating that TB-303 sound. Of course, with no prior knowledge of the synthesis involved, I looked it up and found a Access Virus thread on the subject (see below). Basically, the spectralis doesn't have the right filter. It has a 24dB LP filter (which doesn't open all the way) and a MultiMode 12dB LP/HP/BP filter. I set my oscillator through the MM filter, using the LP portion (specifics below). I then decided to just make a long video and got carried away. One thing I learned on this adventure: INDIVIDUAL PANNING FOR EACH FILTERBANK FREQUENCY!!!!! I used that for OSC3 and OSC4... it was fun and completely unrelated to the TB-303 sound I was going for... Enjoy!

http://virus.info/forum/index.php?page=Thread&threadID=148

If you're interested, here's what I did for VCO1:

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Reiko Kashiwagi - Dream Of Dream - Yamaha FX1 Album

via Andrew in the comments of the Jimmy and the Yamaha FX1 post.

via My Jazz World: "This LP has been produced by Yamaha in order to promote an instrument called the Yamaha Electone FX-1, it was released in 1984 on Toshiba Records. The FX-1 is played by Reiko Kashiwagi, additional players are Seiichi Nakamura on sax, Atsuo Fujimoto on guitar, Masashi Yokoyama on bass, Yoshikazu Harada and Masahiro Miyazaki on drums, Ichiko Hashimoto and Etsuo Yamakawa on synth and Akiyoshi Adachi on percussion."

Giving this one the Stocking Stuffers label as it is free.

Update via Jonathan in the comments: "There are 2 of these organs on eBay right now!
Search for 'Electone FX-1'" And sure enough there is along with other albums featuring the FX-1.

via these auctions

Bottom Album: ELECTONE FX-1 RECORD, BIRTH OF NEW

Two Elektron Octatrack Tracks by Paul Shemyakin

Kenza Farah - "Toi Et Moi" (Elektron Octatrack + Analog Four Remix)

Published on May 31, 2015 Paul Shemyakin

Second track below.

"This is my remix of the very sentimental song “Toi Et Moi” written by my favorite French singer – Kenza Farah.

The remix was created using hardware synthesizer and sampler - Elektron Analog Four + Elektron Octatrack DPS-1. No software was used for remix creation, performance and recording. Yes, these Swedish Elektron machines can be used for creating the complete pop-music composition :)

This is a short description of how it’s been made. During the composition only 15 patterns are used. Octatrack & Analog Four are synced for pattern changes. Octatrack is in Arranger Mode (automatically switches patterns for me).

Tracks:

A. Elektron Octatrack (15 patterns, 6 scenes):

TR1: Kick + Clap / One Shot Samples, FX - Filter+Dark Verb
TR2: Hats
TR3: Sliced Loop (different slices&locks per step, linear slice locks function was used for cutting and rearranging the drum loop)
TR4: Pad (loop)
TR5: “Toi Et Moi” original track (Piano+Vocal only), stretched by Octatrack to 95 bpm.
TR6: FX slices from original track + Periodical Additional Melodic/Reversed Loops + Crash (Crash is programmed with one shot triggers, activated by Function+YES during performance)
TR7: Additional loop – Acoutic Drums & Breaks Loops
TR8: Master Track (FX1 – Filter, FX2 – compressor in parallel, mix 50/50)

B. Elektron Analog Four (15 patterns):

TR1: Pluck Lead
TR2: Arp/Pluck Lead
TR3: Bass
TR4: Lead
+ 3 performance mode settings (A: TR1+TR2 filter opening/closing, B: TR3 filter opening + decay time, C: TR4 – Filter Opening+Reverb Send Amount)

Original track is from Kenza Farah’s album Authentik.
Thank you, Kenza, for the inspiration and great song!
Lots of Respect from Moscow, Russia. ;)

Enjoy! ;-)"

Elektron Octatrack Trance & Breaks Remix Live (Neonim - "Grenadin")

Published on Jun 13, 2012 Paul Shemyakin

Good overview on this one.

"SORRY FOR MY ENGLISH
Remix starts at 3:00! (please, skip my bla-bla-bla).

This track is the example that you can make the whole track using only two devices, and the Octatrack can be used as DAW - playing beats, vocal samples, doing some midi sequence.. Very cool, magical device!

Thank you for watching!"

Teenage Engineering OP-Z 40 Minute Demo w/ Launch Control XL

Published on Dec 18, 2018 IPAsNmore

"I've had the OP-Z for a little over a month now and I've been using it almost exclusively as of late.

I just got my Launch Control XL in and decided to do a demo.

All of the samples have been swapped out with my own, so it has a lot of unique drum samples and synth track samples.

Launch Control XL is set up as follows;

Top Row Knobs:
Red - Page 3 (LFO/Arp)
Yellow - Page 4 (FX1, FX2, Pan, Vol)

2nd Row of Knobs:
Black - Page 1 (Parameter 1, Parameter 2, Cutoff, Resonance)
Green - Page 2 (A,D,S,R)

Bottom Row of Knobs:
Orange - Tempo, Swing, Audio Mute, Track Step Count
Black - Note Length, Note Style, Quantize, Portamento

Each of the 8 User Templates are the same except they contain the MIDI Channel that correlates with the first 8 tracks on the OP-Z so I can cycle through all the tracks and edit all the parameters on each track.

The Faders control Volume for each Track.

The 16 buttons on the bottom are assigned to various Punch-In FX.


Enjoy!"

iBlofeld v1.2.1 Now Available - FX, ARP and more...

"iBlofeld v1.2.1 offers the following new features:
ARP
• All ARP general parameters.
• All ARP User Pattern steps (1-16) and all parameters (Step, Accent, Glide, Timing, Length) for each User Pattern Step.
• 1 slider per ARP User Pattern Step parameter (byte demultiplexing).
FX
• All FX.
• All FX parameters.
• Dynamic allocation of FX parameter name and values based on FX Type selection. When you select FX1 and FX2 Types on Page 1, iBlofeld automatically displays the relevant FX parameters on Page 13.
OSC Octave
• 128' to 1/2' continuously (9 values) (byte discretization).
Modulation Destination
• Support of 2 additional destinations (O1 Wavetable / Sample and O2 Wavetable / Sample) as per latest firmware.
Exhaustive of all parameters
• More than 300 parameters.
• Organized on 19 workflow efficient Pages."


iPads on eBay

WABOT-2

YouTube via pinktentacle3. via oyster rock. Yamaha FX1. You might remember WABOT-2 from this post.

Rob Papen Introduces Blade 2

Rob Papen

And the press release:

Rob Papen sharpens soft synth breakthrough by bringing boosted BLADE-2 to existing bundle owners and wider world beyond


ECHT, THE NETHERLANDS: virtual synthesizer, instrument, and effect plug-in developer Rob Papen Inspiration Soundware is proud to announce availability of BLADE-2 — boosting its original BLADE soft synth with fantastic features making it a dream synth for synth lovers who like to think out of the box while working in the box, and available at no extra cost to existing owners of the company’s expansive eXplorer-6 and sure-fire SoundDesign-X bundles — as of October 28…

When the original BLADE was released back in 2012, it had a unique concept — controlling the waveform harmonics (HARMOLATOR) using its recordable XY PAD, which was a very different approach to additive synthesis, and remains so to this day. Indeed, it was the first Rob Papen soft synth to include this feature, facilitating flexible sound editing, recording, and tempo-based playback. Put it this way: when putting this extraordinary combination into action, BLADE users can creatively generate very different tones — far from the sound of the subtractive synthesis crowd, and even those of other additive synthesizers.

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Modal Electronics Introduces New 8-Voice Extended Virtual-Analogue Synthesiser

And the blue synth is revealed. Meet Model Electronics new Cobalt 8. Priced at $749.99 USD, £579.99 GBP, and €649.99 Euro. See the dealers on the right for availibility.

Playlist:
1. Modal COBALT8 Intro Video
2. COBALT8 Overview
3. COBALT8 Preset Sound Demos

User demos:



Playlist:
1. Modal Cobalt 8 Sound Demo (no talking) - Limbic Bits
2. Modal Electronics Cobalt 8 Sound Demo (no talking) - Bonedo Synthesizers
3. COBALT8 review & comparison with Argon8 // Which synthesizer is right for you?! - BoBeats
4. Cobalt8 Modal Electronics - 1st Look - sonicstate


And the press release (hi-res pics below):

"Modal Electronics creatively kickstarts new synthesiser series with COBALT8

– 8-Voice Extended Virtual-Analogue Synthesiser –

Bristol, UK: leading British synthesiser manufacturer Modal Electronics is proud to announce availability of COBALT8 — an immensely powerful, eight-voice extended VA (Virtual-Analogue) synthesiser that brings traditional and entirely new analogue-style sound textures to modern music creation and production as an innovative, sophisticated synthesis concept comprising two oscillator groups with selectable algorithms in self-contained elements enabling multiple oscillator modulations, an all-new 4-pole morphable ladder filter with switchable configurations, an unparalleled modulation engine, and much more besides, extending far beyond the limits of its analogue forefathers — as of October 29…

Creatively kickstarting a new synthesiser series by building on the tradition of warm and punchy analogue-style synth sounds seeded by bygone legendary synthesisers, COBALT8 creatively unlocks the full potential of analogue waveforms with up to 64 high-resolution VA oscillators with extended drift — up to eight for each of its eight true polyphonic voices. The two independent and self-contained Osc (oscillator) groups include sine, pulse, triangle, and sawtooth waveforms alongside 34 unique algorithms allowing for complex analogue synthesis techniques, built-in cross-modulation (sync, ring modulation, and more), PWM (Pulse Width Modulation), smooth morphing between VA waves, bit crushing, and filtered noise — unlike any other VA synthesiser before it, increasing creative options for new-generation synth sounds. Speaking of which, Algorithm1 and Algorithm2 each have an associated simple-to- use pair of controls — A1 and B1, A2 and B2 — chosen to suit the particular algorithm or character, providing musicians with the power of traditionally complex oscillator modulations or processes spontaneously.

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Quasimidi Sirius

images at this auction
"The Sirius is Quasimidi's souped-up keyboard similar to the RaveOLution 309 and aimed directly at the dance market. It's filled with knobs, buttons and cool colors. Designed for total control for live performance or studio work!
Actually most knobs are dedicated to patch editing. It has a welcome new feature, a modern vocoder! There are also 8 control knobs for setting various mixer-type settings (level, pan, fx send). That's right, it has effects on board! It's got a great sound too! Choose from basic categories like 'bass sounds', 'dirty bass', 'pad sounds', 808 & 909 kits and much more! There's plenty of memory (96 user patches) to store your own creations. The filter and envelopes are flexible and sound very good.

Also taken from the Rave-O-Lution is the incredible pattern-based seven track sequencer with part mutes and tap-tempo! A truly useful dance music production synth capable for demanding studio use and creative live performance control with excellent sounds and a funky new vocoder! An ideal all in-one-synth for any DJ or dance musician!

Specifications
Polyphony - 28 voices
Oscillators - 2 osc: 128 synth waves, 365 drum and percussion samples
Filter - 24dB and 12dB slopes, Hi and Low pass filters with resonance and overdrive
Effects - FX1: reverbs, stereo delays. FX2: chorus, flanger, delays; vocoder
Arpeg/Seq - 16 pattern arpeggiator / 7 track sequencer with tap tempo
Keyboard - 49 velocity sensitive keys
Memory - 384 patches (288 preset, 96 user), 16 vocoder patches, 20 percussion kits
Control - MIDI (7 parts, 3 synth and 4 drums)
Date Produced - 1998
Est. Value - $795 "

Modular Jams by e-pleasure

Published on Feb 19, 2017 e-pleasure

This one in via Florian Anwander.

Playlist with descriptions:

1. Modularjam 1

"My first Video of a simple sunday evening patch I played and recorded for myself. I use this for the documentation of my modular patch experiments.

The Drone: Is a Braids with the VOWL model, going thru the RT451 stereo multimode filter, one with HP the other with LP. They go to two channels of the 4ms VCA Matrix. The VCA Matrix is triggered from the Vermona Fourmulator, each LFO 90° shifted, so I get a quadrophonic effect in my studio with 4 speakers around my head.

Kickdrum: I used the Synthrotek ds-m, a wasp from doepfer, a channel from the HexVCA and a envelope from Intellijel. Triggered directly from the ALM Pamela's Workout.

The rhythmic plingplong: Is coming from the OSC-03 form MFB, triggered by the doepfer sequencer, the trigger is multiplied according to the voltage delivered to the A160-5 ratcheting controller.

The snare: Is a noise, going only thru the doepfer VCA in exponentional mode, controlled by an envelope, and then thru a Roland Demora stereo delay.

Bass by MFB Dominion1
Lead by Moog Sub37"

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Studiologic at SUPERBOOTH 2021 - Day 1 - Numa X Piano and Numa X Piano GT

video upload by Studiologic

NUMA X PIANO FAMILY – PRESS RELASE

Disruptive ease, incredibly powerful
Numa X Piano represents a real revolution for digital piano players.
Like never before unlimited hi-end features, sounds and SFX have been designed and organized to be controlled in such an easy, intuitive and effective way to offer the best feeling in performance, under every aspect and in every context.
In other words, Numa X Piano is the perfect merger between a top-quality musical instrument based on a new Sound Generation architecture, with a four Zone MIDI Controller derived from the renowned SL Line, with the addition of a 4 Tracks Digital Mixer. A powerful combination for Studio and Live gigs, with a brand new disruptive UX Experience.


UXlogic: a revolutionary (and stylish) UX Experience
UX logic is the name of our innovative adaptive color user interface.
The color display and the color-coded Encoders are always synchronized with the selected Zone, allowing to have a clear and easy access to all functions with a direct approach and might allow to navigate all real time settings in an intuitive way.
An uncrowded control panel, which contributes to the elegant design of Numa X Piano, is the
pleasant “side effect” of such an effective and rational interface.


Powerful Acoustic and Electric physical modeling, plus HD Sound FX
The Sounds engines are based on a powerful mix of Sampling, Wave Shaping and a real Physical Modeling.
Besides the 8 Insert FX, 2 for each Zone and the Master Delay and Reverb (with FDN Technology) sections, the Acoustic Piano Sounds have dedicated DSP Effects to simulate Strings and Duplex Resonances, plus Release, Key Off and Damper noise sounds. Specific ZOOM settings are available, allowing to obtain an endless variety of sounds just making different settings of some editing parameters, which can be stored in each Program.


Let your fingers go with the FATAR touch
Numa X Piano models are equipped with the most up-to-date evolutions of Fatar hammer action keyboards: the TP/400 Wood with 3 contacts and Escapement, plus Aftertouch control, or the new TP/110 with 3 contacts and Aftertouch.


Designed to be versatile... and to meet the needs of every musician!

NUMA Manager and Sounds database expansion
A big section of the internal memory is left free for additional Sounds, to be published on our website. All Factory and new User Sounds can be moved to other positions in the list, thanks to the Numa Manager desktop app, that will also allow to update the Firmware and organize the Programs in a fast and easy way.

Audio over USB
Thanks to the USB-Audio feature, you can exchange sounds in digital format with your computer or tablet and even use the instrument as an Audio Board, with a local direct Control on the Audio Levels.

Built-in Digital Mixer
Numa X Piano also includes 4 Audio Inputs and a 4 tracks Digital Mixer with Gain, Bass, Mid and Treble controls, allowing to use this unique feature as a built in Mixer for external sources, such as microphones, bass, guitars or other keyboards.

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LoFi Future T-420 UHG Eurorack Module Video synthesis capabilities demo w/ Mainbow V2

video upload by LoFiFuture

"The T-420 UHG is available to pre-order here!

The T-420 Ultra High Grade is the latest addition to the T-420 family. It features the same core functionality as the original T-420 with some massive improvements.

It is a 12HP euro rack format module but can be used as a standalone module that takes a standard 12V input with the use of an optional baseplate.

The most notable improvement is the addition of 3 new effects. They can be switched on or off via the slide switch and the intensity can be altered with the corresponding knob. Each effect can also be externally switched with a gate source, it can do this all the way up to video rate frequencies.

FX1 - Chroma Bloom (creates washes of banding colours and high saturation)

FX2 - Horizontal displace (a feedback patch that created jagged horizontal lines)

FX3 - Edge Trace (creates ringing feedback effects that trace the bright parts of an image)

There is also a bipolar CV input with a trim control, this controls the overall behaviour of the video processor and thus influences the FX listed above.

A "soft bypass" switch allows you to mix some unaffected video signal with the effected video signal to help stabilise the signal and change the flavour of FX altogether.

A wonderful addition to any modular video synth setup or a great way to introduce some synced CRT visuals to your audio modular."