Synthesizers.com Q106 Oscillator demonstration

[paperpichu]

Did you buy this as a system from synth.com, or did you custom make it with synth invent. Synth invent is fun to mess with.

[fimpson]

is the "ramp" wave just a reverse sawtooth? I'm new to synthesizers :)

[AutomaticGainsay]

@fimpson Yes, it is. It sounds the same, too. While it may sound the same as an audio oscillator, it has a different result as a low-frequency oscillator. The Synthesizers (dot) com oscillator serves dual purpose as both oscillator and LFO.

[JEFFINGBRIDGES]

All im hearing is PEW PEW PEW :D Synths are incredible

[AutomaticGainsay]

@JEFFINGBRIDGES ha ha ha ha ha

[ramteen]

thanks a lot :)

[maxauto44e]

*drools* this is analogue

[dland95]

I'm thinking about getting the Portable 22, is that a good choice or should I go with the Doepfer A-100?

[guimbadriver]

remember the sound of the old Atari video game

[albedoshader]

Very informative video. Lots of of aliasing in the higher registers due to the compression on youtube.

[AutomaticGainsay]

@albedoshader It may also have been compression scheme I was using at the time.

[stutwostep]

@AutomaticGainsay This is a bit of a noob question, but is it possible to make music with these modular synths without a keyboard controller? Just using the various I/Os, switches and knobs?

[dustytretch]

@stutwostep depends what you count as "music"

You can still construct sounds and record them

A sequencer works quite well for musical tones

[PsychePoppet]

@stutwostep

Yes, but it will cost you. Sequencers will need to be added for predictable results and they aren't cheap.

watch?v=GtWBKgjB-1I

[mrbilken]

I have yet to hear one post where these dont sound good.

[UnchainTheNight1]

those synths are so awesome but so expensive :(

[hustavat]

i suppose the aliasing heard when you're on the "2" range is due to youtube au.compression ?

[whiterottenrabbit]

Dude, I'd like to experiment with this equipment while on weed. That'd be awesome!

[AutomaticGainsay]

ha ha, thanks!

[jefferyklassen]

Theoretically, if you had a unity with only an oscillator (and the power and controller) and you plug it into an amp would it work perfectly. and all the wire are sending audio signal (the same sort of signal in headphone chords?) around the unit ...sort of like a ocmplicated guitar effects rig if you will where each module alters the signal?

[AutomaticGainsay]

Basically, yes! That is roughly half of the story, though. There is also "control voltages," which are signals which direct the modules to affect the sound in various ways. Control voltages are responsible for envelopes, modulation, and various other sorts of control.

[JohnLRice]

Very nice demo!

[pierrelebatteur]

6:43 > 7:03 is my favorite moment of the sounds

[snickerdoodle69420]

I actually think I like the oscilators on this machine better than the Minimoog

*gasp*

[AppA]

I though I already subscribed, weird ?:S

I'm wondering, is there a way to synchronize the LFO to MIDI?

Like one of the coolest things about Ableton is you'd have a filter which can synchronize its LFO on 1/2 or 3/4 or 1/4 etc.

If it can be done with analog modulars, then I'm definitely saving up for a Buchla or some Serge m-odules (I've heard they're quite sturdy when it comes to knob twiddling).

[xxsmokeymcpotxx]

You can trigger many modules through Ableton or ProTools, or any pulse or click. You can use the trigger to trigger envelope generators, step sequencers, and depending on the module, even some LFO's. There are some modules dedicated to clocks, either tap, internal, external, or all of them. There are also MIDI-CV converter modules that can supply the trigger, and from there, the sky's the limit. Also... If you have the ability to get one, GET A BUCHLA, regardless. Beautiful instrument.

[dustytretch]

@AppA I have a doepfer modular, no you can not.

I think you should get a better understanding of modulars before getting a serge or buchla as if you cannot work out this question, no offence, I would not step foot in to the west coast ideals.

The only way i can think of syncing to midi is to get a midi-cv converter that has a clock output and using it as a gate for an envelope or reset on a lfo.

I spent half a year researching modulars before stepping foot in a doepfer

[colorform2113]

does the pulse width knob have any affect on the other wave forms?

[AutomaticGainsay]

Nope!

[Chumleh]

Here's the deal: I'm fourteen years old, and I have no money or practically any means to get any, so this is a very long term question. If in addition to a Korg workstation of some sort, I could get one more synth, would this be it? Thanks.

Also, terrific video.

[AutomaticGainsay]

Modular synthesizers are a very specialized sort of synthesizer. They require a strong knowledge of analog synthesis in addition to a desire to use what is perhaps the least convenient interface, ever...

[smidijack]

Least convenient? You have it exactly backwards. If you understand synthesis it is the MOST direct interface. Go play with a DX-7 if you think subtractive synthesis is "inconvenient". Why do you think the Minimoog was so popular? A modular is the same philosophy, you just get to patch from module to module instead of being hardwired into a preset signal path. You are obviously very new at this and so you get a pass!

[AutomaticGainsay]

I would strongly encourage you to watch all of my videos before you leave a comment like this.

Anyway: for a 14 year old who is undoubtedly used to ROMplers, Casios, and software, modular synths require a strong understanding of the process of synthesis. If Chumleh wants to learn about analog modular synthesis, that's awesome... but starting with a modular isn't going to make it easy for him/her. The Minimoog only needs to be on to make noise. Modular requires a lot more. You're obviously

[smidijack]

What was the first thing I said? "If you understand synthesis". Did you notice that? Did you read that? But you go ahead and call me names if that makes you feel better. I guess disagreeing with your assessment of synth interfaces is verboten. And I maintain modulars are FAR from the "least convenient interface" (your words) ever. They are however, expensive, and those who cannot afford high-end things oftem slam them. Its a weird part of human nature.

[AutomaticGainsay]

I read everything you said. Again, I invite you to watch all of my videos before you comment on one of them. I don't think you realize that this is MY video, and after watching it and the several other videos I have on modular synthesis, let alone the many videos I have on vintage synths, you might have a different opinion in regard to my understanding of synthesis. Again, my point was that modular synthesis is not convenient for a beginner.

P.S. the modulars I demonstrate are mine...

[smidijack]

Well, this little back & forth is the most time I've spent on YouTube in a while, and no, I'm not familiar with all of your videos. Somebody alerted me to a video of a band I was in that has had a zillion hits, and I bounced around and somehow ended up here. (The web is such a time-waster!) I will leave you alone now and go back to recording. I really didn't mean to ruffle your feathers. I guess I just didn't want you to scare anyone off from getting a modular.

[AutomaticGainsay]

here to be a troll, so you get a pass.

[dustytretch]

@Chumleh I am 14 I have a eurorack, unless you understand sound, filters, electronics, voltages and synthesis very well do not buy one. Also to build a decent system you need about 500 pounds or more about 1000 dollars

[igorcht]

I'm not going to lie, I haven't really got much of an idea of what's going on here from a technical standpoint, but this thing would be an electronica/noise musician's dream, I imagine. It's pretty damn cool.

[thedivinechemical]

Great for sound design as well.

[birbabirbabirba]

how do you compare the classic minimoog and the dotcom from the oscillators and filters point of view? i own a mini and i am interested in purchasing a dotcom if the sound quality is +/- the same...

[AutomaticGainsay]

While I've never been satisfied with a direct comparison between a Mini and anything else, I have to say that the dot com ladder filter has a very nice sound. It won't displease you. The only thing I would say about the dot com system that isn't absolute praise is that to me its oscillators are a bit bland... especially in comparison to a Mini. However, that isn't exactly fair as everything's oscillators sound bland compared to a Mini!

[bentsynth]

really good audio

[AutomaticGainsay]

Thanks!

[bentsynth]

your quite welcome.

[MojoSynths]

Awesome demo of the SDC osc and filt, been watching your vids, thanks for the info. Been wanting to buy a big modular for some time having collected allsorts, like you was quite taken with early Korgs for the "wooden" almost acoustic sound, got PS-3300, 3200, 770, 800DV, SB-100 (very cute), PE-1000 (undiscovered legend), PE-2000, MS-20. The SDC seems a better choice than MOTM and at really charming prices. I'll fob off my M5 and get an SDC system. Many happy Daybreaks to you Richard Tandy Jr.

[AutomaticGainsay]

Ha ha ha, it's nice to see someone recognizing my ripoff. : )

You have a PS-3300???

[MojoSynths]

Yep, the "Mothership" as described by a friend of mine :) very nice it is, like an orchestra of synthesizers. Apparently Bob Moog commented that it was the greatest thing he'd ever heard after a demo at the time of it's release. Drawback is that it's mega-collectable and will break the bank (only about 50 made, just turned down a $15000 offer) better of with a PS-3100 and multitracking it.

[AutomaticGainsay]

That's what I tell people about the CS-80!

Anyway, yeah, I love my PS-3100 and am very unlikely to ever sell it. I hope you got your PS-3300 at a point when it wasn't so sought after!

[myleftnutts]

WeLLLLLL not really! now i"m sure a vintage "Original" could

indeed run some $15000 or more.however in todays age of

databases,Cadd and service manuals,one could simply roll

their "Own" thanx God for service manuals,a Mojo?.send in

the "Clones" there already here. wink,wink.

[grimisstacks]

yamahas have that wooden acoustic sound too maybe even more so fyi

[acousvnt]

Interesting how modulating the pulse width makes it sound similar to two slightly detuned oscillators.

[AutomaticGainsay]

That is how PWM became popular... it is how many early single-oscillator synth manufactures "made up" for the fact that their synth only had one oscillator!

[acousvnt]

Ah, makes sense. You learn something new every day!

[Mylkhat]

You mean the A100?

[shleedance]

Nice demonstration. I've only entered the world of modular synthesis a few weeks ago when I bought my Doepfer system, but so far I'm loving it. :)

[Knobbles]

Dude, seriously, how rich are you? You have like 100 synths all ranging in price from thousands each. How the hell do you afford all this?

[AutomaticGainsay]

I actually don't have all of these synths anymore! Some of them have been sold to afford others. I only can afford new synths when I sell old synths. In fact, I'm going to be selling this modular if anyone is interested!

[subversive]

Great!!! Thanx for posting this very informative video

How do you think this brand of modules stack up against modular synths from moog etc

thanx again

[AutomaticGainsay]

Alas, I have never used any other brand of modular, so I don't know! What I know about Synthesizers dot com modules is that they are reliable, have great functionality and flexibility, sound good, and have top-notch company support.

[JAMESJW2006]

LOVLY

[AutomaticGainsay]

Thank you! The State Variable and Ladder Filters are on the way!

[Jrayk1]

It's good to see you doing more demos.

[Mainyard48]

Very nice! Well done demo. I love modular synths!