LiPI's synthesizer pages

What can you found here?

The synthesizers and other gear what I have or had...

Master keyboards, effect processors, sequencers, HDR, synthesizers, drivers, utils, patches, goodies...

When you click on the synthesizers picture you will in the download area if I have some stuff for you for that synth :)

Listen to my music meanwhile you read

ROLAND VSR-880

So...
It's a 24 bit Digital Studio Recorder (HDR) by Roland from 1999.
It's do what it has to do... ;)
RECORD/PLAY on 48k/24bit to/from 8 tracks...

KORG wavestate

And least.... a KORG again! :)

Many years ago I started my life's synth era with a KORG i5M. Then there was some other KORG gear.
While I sold my RADIAS there was no any KORG synth in my studio...
Now there is one! :)
My first soundset for wavestate is a M1 collection :)

How I met my wavestate?

A lot of us a bit disappointed after we get our synth. It's a look like a very complex and very versatile synthesizer. So, a bit yes and a bit no...

0. Before I got my own, I downloaded the Operation Manual and... yes. I read it! :) I just learnd the basic structure of a voice, a layer a performance, etc. and how them are build up.

1. When my wavestate is arrived, I browsed the factory presets, pressed the buttons, touched the knobs etc. It's help to us to bring up our own muscle memory map in our brain. A bit later I don't want to thinking like that: "hmmm... where the hell is the button what is do ... "

2. I made a set list and called it "examples". Next day when I browsed the factory presets, I saved those what are interested by sound design/programming view point. These are not my favourite presets! These ar the presets what are can teach me something trick ;) Another session on the first days: list to yourself the programs(layers) what are sounds good! Later you can mix them easy to a performance, or use them as a "starting point" for your own program :)

3. A layer Let's start learning... Starting point: Init performance/Init program on layer A. Then I learnd how to build up a program. How we choose waveforms, multisamples, tweak the modifiers (envelpes/lfo's), the behaviour of the filters, etc... I started to recreate my "favourite" and/or fundamental synth sounds from my previous synths what are created by me some times on different engines, so the basic how to are in my mind... It was two days, then I had the know how in my head and in my hands!

4. Let's combine the layers. Learn the vector synthesis, the vector envelope etc... Learn how to use the joystick as a controller. For the FX's for example...

5. Back to the stove. Select a program on only one layer, and change the Sample lane by presets... Listen and learn... Then repeat it with the Time lane... This two lane is the DNA of a wavestate sound. Why? just analyze a drum/rhythm program or an evolving pad on a layer ;) This is why we are got a wavestate (in nuts of course!) :)

6. Start to make something own from an empty sample and timing lane... Let's make own sample lane, and conduct it with the timing lane as we saw...

7. Lets see the the "example" set list. There is the "have to learn something" presets remember? Select one and analyze it. From the layer to layer, lane to lane... Try to remember the bitty tricks, solutions...

8. Let's make a performance with an drum/rhythm layer, an bass line layer, and one pad...

9. Add to this a lead layer, and set the keyboard zones, etc...

These are the basics. When you don't find something, try to find it in the manual. It's a very good practice to learn things subliminal not just the one what you are looked for ;) Then, try to find the looked one in the presets of the examples! :) when you are absolute didn't find the "solution" ask it in a phorum...

ROLAND MC-707

Zen-Core...

When I owned the ROLAND FA I did need some features. Mixing the PCM-S with the SN-S in one sound, and a pattern sequencer for example.



The MC-707 has zen-core synth engine. It's solved all of the insufficiency what is frustrated me on FA...

ZOOM MS-70CDR

This small stompbox/multieffect unit uprise the blofeld and take it into the deep space! :)
Those shimmering reverbs... uhhhhh..... :)

EDIROL PCR-800

It's a very good master keyboard with a lot of controllers and pads. Mainly use for RADIAS and Blofeld.
Easy to configure without pc, there are a wealth of options for each controller, easy split, easy midi channel switching, aftertouch, etc...
Only one cons: the keys are not weighted at all. Like the oldschool synth keybeds ;)

For Windows10 users mostly recommended that page: http://forum.cakewalk.com/The-ultimate-guide-to-get-your-RolandEdirol-devices-to-work-with-Windows-10-Updated-m3267234.aspx

YAMAHA HS80M

overall circuit diagram

I'm using a pair of YAMAHA HS-80M studio monitors. I think they are will eternal pieces of my studio set up.
The analogue volume controller is a Behringer Q1202 audio mixer.

And there also was in my studio... once upon a time...

Waldorf Blofeld b(l)ack

I know... I did heat them.
But you know what? I needed too! :-P
I just needed the Q/microwaveXT series sound world... So, now I have!
Meanwhile I just get older... I have got a lot of experience about the synths and sound design... So now the blofeld is a "good boy" in my setup ;-)
I just plan some tutorial/tips/tricks for blofeld about how I get better sound then the factory shit...

I thinking a lot about the SL License... Do I really need it? Why? And so on...
Then I bought when blofeld offer it on 50% and it was a good idea from me! ;)
With SL License the blofeld desktop suddenly got a new synth engine. Of course not in real, but quas yes... ;)

Read more...

YAMAHA MOXF6

Some years ago I owned a MOX6.

By the YAMAHA MOX6 I've got the almost perfect workstation. But unfortunatelly not to me.
The MOX is give the best acoustic sound what I heared by a synth. But the synth sounds are does not have enough character... And I am mainly used synth sounds.
I just want a MOXF instead - it's have more pcm's and a "sampler" ability by the FLASH memory expansion. And 8 insert FX route insted of the MOX's 3...

Unfortunatelly those times I can't get one, so I bought a ROLAND FA-06...
Now the time is came! :) There is a nice MOXF6 in my setup with 1GB FLASH memory expansion! :)

With the FLASH expansion I can complement the MOXF PCM's with my own samples - in this way it's not just a perfect MIDI workstation, but it's an almost perfect PCM synth too. ;)

After some month, and some other reasons I sold the flash board. :) And man... It's not need to me next to the MC-707 anymore :)

ALESIS FUSION 6HD

First time it was my second workstation after the KORG TR...

It's a very underrated synth! It's like the KORG OASYS... and more!

As its name suggests, the Fusion HD workstation fuses the best elements of sampling, synthesis, and hard disk recording in an all-in-one powerhouse workstation.
With the Fusion HD, Alesis has re-examined the concept of the professional music production workstation, making ease-of-use a top design priority. Featuring 4 types of synthesis; an 8-channel hard disk recorder; built-in user sampling; an effects processor; USB 2.0 connectivity; and expandable memory; the Fusion HD is professional workstation that can effortlessly handle your most demanding production tasks.

Unfortunatelly this beast is has some bug what are never corrected. Mostly in sequencer programming...
This reason and the changes of my life are forced me to say good bye...
It's a good sequencer (instead of bugs), an 8 track HDR, an (AKAI S1000/S3000 like) sampler, VA engines... Really an "all in one" gear!
So, now he is back! :) I changed my RADIAS to it...
This new one has an SSD instead of HDD (less power->less heat), and has the max. of memory upgrade (2x64MB+2x128MB) - so the (SEng) errors are very rare...
The main goals I hope will be the follows:
- gentle sampling;
- great ambient layers with the sampler and the VA engines at once;
- audio recording/playing back tracks in sync;

ROLAND D-05

The new; old kid in the block...

It was not a "must have" synth to me, but there is a lot of very good ambient presentation with the old D-50 and D-550 on YouTube...





Anyway that page: cultofd50.org is a goldmine! ;)
I just want to give a chance for that small "D-50 module" with a ZOOM MS-70 CDR for some oldschool, spacie pad and atmo track...
There is more then 12000 free patches on the net for the D-50/D-550/D-05 so you should be have a lot of time to find some good patches if you do not want to be programming it, or buying some 3rd party, commercial bank. I think I'll using some favourite pad as scratch, and I'll programming my own patches soon...
It is worth to buy second hand especially by the fact: the D-05 Boutique is out of production nowadays, so I'm afraid it's used price will be ascanding soon...
Anyway it's much better then a VST version... ;)

ROLAND MC-808

By the YAMAHA MOX6 I've got the almost perfect workstation. Just a "little" feature I need: sampling. Using own samples to create sounds...
I tried to exchange the MOX6 to a MOXF, but I failed. Twice. Ok, God knows why it's happened this way; so I keep the MOX6 in the studio and started seeking alternatives...
And then... he came face to face on the internet... It was a bit dingy, but fully workable. And cheap... Circa 50% of the present days coast... So, he came home to me! :)

Goals:
1. Easy sampling
2. ROLAND Juno-G synth engine
3. Pattern based sequencer with 16 part
4. Inspiring workflow

I regret that I sold it
Nore the MOX6 is gone away meanwhile and I get the ROLAND FA-06 - it's sampler just like an SP-404SX not an "AKAI style" sampler. And I sooooooo needed the pattern based sequencer style...
So I buy one again! :)

The "new" one faders are sticky but I don't mind. I've got back the pattern based sequencing! :)
It's my studios cart horse! :)
Dirk Boehm's script extension for the MC-808 Editor.
Cakewalk intsrument file for MC-808

KORG RADIAS

It was an old dream to me! I just wait 10 years for it! I love it! I use it a lot!
And I made some interesting stuff for it's ;-)

ROLAND FA-06

By the YAMAHA MOX6 I've got the almost perfect workstation. But unfortunatelly not to me.
The MOX is give the best acoustic sound what I heared by a synth. But the synth sounds are not enough character... And I am mainly used synth sounds.
So, the MOX is gone and the ROLAND FA-06 is came! :)

"His" got so "natural" synth sounds by the Supernatural Synth Engine. Not too PCM'ish like the MOX...

I did write an SN-S editor/Randomizer for FA in JAVA. It's help a lot when I out off the sound ideas... ;-)

And the weeks, months are gone... In the last times I have to say: I LOVE MY FA-06! :)
I have never got better workstation then that.
It's fast. The bot time, the song loading, the studio set/timbre changing.... all is fast.
The large display so comfortable and informative to view every needed information at once. The sequencer is also do what a sequencer have to do. Precise, easely usable. The microedit function is got a great overview screen, it's so comfortable to seek and edit what you want. By the keyboard group function you have 2-3 or 4 combinations (KORG) in one set up (studio set). Smooth timbre changing... Easy sampling and backing play by the pads or the keyboard...
Every track has a EQ and a IFX, then there are the two master FX, then the master EQ, compresszor and at least the TFX unit.
The sound and FX quality is very good!

It's my absolute (almost) all in one workstation :)

DIY MIDI Patchbay + MERGER

A long time ago I owed with this short briefing about my DIY MIDI PatchBay + MERGER.
It's based on M. Bareielle's MIDI Patch bay. My patch bay has a Thorsten Klose's PIC16F88 based MIDI merger, and some days ago I complement it with an other independent MIDI merger (also based on PIC16f88) block for my best usage.
The MIDI merger basic synoptic is the follow:
IN7..0 : One of these are selectable by the SELECT switch; the selected INPUT is routed OUT to the INSOUT in MODE0, and to the OUT1..8 ports in MODE1. These ports are not merged in the patchbay. (1..8 on synoptic)

MKIN : Input for master keyboard, master CLK, etc. This input is always merged with INSIN port! In MODE0 routed to the OUT1..8 ports. In MODE1 routed to the INSOUT port.

IN1, IN2 : MIDI input ports for the individual MERGER. (Not present on synoptic)
OUT : MIDI output with the merged IN1 and IN2 data flow... (Not present on synoptic)

INSIN : Input for sequencer(out)/sysex usage; this port is always merged with the MKIN port! In MODE0 routed to OUT1..8, in MODE1 routed to INSOUT.

INSOUT: Output for sequencer(in)/sysex usage; in MODE0 represent the selected IN7..0 port; in MODE1 represent the merged MKIN and INSIN data.

OUT1..8: Output ports. These ports are like a MIDI THRUBOX out ports... It's mean that the MIDI signals are same on both ports in same time. In MODE0 these ports are repesents the merged MKIN+INSIN, in MODE1 these ports are represents the selected IN7..0 port.

MODE : button. This change the MIDI routing mode. It has two stages 0 or 1.

SELECT: button. This choose (activate for input) a port from IN7..0.



In my MIDI setup I mostly use the MODE0. In this mode:
- the TASCAM CLK out is represent on both synths (MC-808, RADIAS and FA-6);
- the selected IN7..0 port data is recordable by PC/DAW. It's mean in list:
- 7: ROLAND FA-06 OUT
- 6: PC/DAW OUT
- 0: ROLAND MC-808 OUT (for pots, etc.)
- 1: KORG RADIAS OUT (for pots, etc.)
- 2: BEHRINGER DSP2024 OUT (for sysex recording)
- the PCR-800 OUT is represent in MC-808(in) and RADIAS(in) and in PC/DAW if it's needed;
- the MC-808 OUT (seq) is represent in RADIAS(in) and in PC/DAW if it's needed;
- there is no "SOFT THRU" but solid state thru (more accurate timing, no surprises)

So I can driven the RADIAS and the MC-808 by the PCR-800, plus the RADIAS by the MC-808 sequencer meanwhile I can play independently on FA-06 and the selected IN7..0 ports data is represent for PC/DAW. For the DAW recording I don't need to replace any cable. Just have to select the necessary input by SELECT button. In DAW I don't need all MIDI gear's ports and drivers just only one for input any midi data from any MIDI gear.

And how is everything in my studio it's also changing times to times of course... :)

In MODE1 I can use the PCR-800 as master keyboard for PC/DAW and I can represent the DAW's sequence on the synths (RADIAS and MC-808). It's ideal for sysex usage and/or track by track recording.

TASCAM DP-02CF

The TASCAM DP-02CF is a simply hard disk recorder. There is no built-in effects (but it has FX send and return buses), virtual tracks or some else. Record, Play, Track edit and master CLK out... ;) It's more then I need to playing back the backing tracks in a live gig.

SONY HR-MP5

A classical multi FX unit from the late 90's and early 2000's...
I thought it will be used for Blofeld... But the ZOOM MS-70CDR is better to me...


Why? Just listen!


The Sony HR-MP5 is a compact (half rack) multi-effects processor most suitable for recording studio use. Up to seven effects can be obtained simultaneously. Released as a more affordable way to get the DPS series effects for the smaller studio or home studio enthusiast, the HR-MP5 delivers outstanding effects that are comparable to the DPS series from which it’s effects are derived.

User-friendly operation
The high visibility of the large full-dot display enables speedy and smooth operation by letting you visually check the operating status in real time while operating the dial and shuttle ring.

Rich selection of preset effects
100 different effects created by musicians, mixing engineers and acoustic engineers from all over the world are stored in memory, so the effects you need are always at hand.

Flexible sound creation
When you need effects different from those stored in the preset program, you can use the edit function to create and store in memory up to 100 original effects.

Connectable to MIDI devices
With this unit’s MIDI function, digital control is possible from MIDI components such as keyboards as well as MIDI sequencers and computers equipped with a MIDI interface.

Front panel headphone jack
The convenient headphone jack on the front panel lets you privately monitor sound effects

And it's from 1994... ;)

Behringer Virtualizer Pro

The Behringer DSP2024p is my main external FX at present days... Mainly used as compressor/delay/reverb after the RADIAS...

KORG microSTAION

Nothing special... It was a mistake what is caused by my nostalgy about my KORG TR61 and to need a 2nd sequencer next to my FA06... :)
It's gone from me after a week...

YAMAHA MOX6

I needed a workstation since the TR and FUSION are gone... The MOX6 give me excellent acoustic sounds and motion pads I needed with a versatile MIDI sequencer to record ideas, songs without DAW.

Cakewalk intsrument file for Yamaha MOX6

KORG R3

When I wanted a RADIAS, but I don't have enough incomes I bought a KORG R3. It was a good deal! The sound of R3 is great!
Mostly used on my RETROGENE and A commercial trip albums and some other productions...


KORG i5M

Once upon a time... :)

I just converted some of KORG X5 programs for i series... It's pcg files, what you can load into the i5M "User" bank.
Mostly used on my D.N.A. album...


KORG TR workstation

My first workstation...
Mostly used on my RETROGENE and A commercial trip albums and some other productions...
Sometimes I'm miss it... so much... :)


ALESIS micron

This synth replaced the R3 a few years ago in my studio.

I don't know exactly it was a good idea or not. There is a lot of things pro and contra. The best set up is has both :)
In the Future pop I barely used other synth then ALESIS micron... The 75% of tracks are from this synth.


WALDORF blofeld

Uhhhh.... It's hard to talk about this synth. The next lines are my own opinions and experiments...

Great voice capabilities, but irritating bugs, cheap implementation. Not worthy the ancestor Q series...
Now, seriously! Only one DSP chip for that komplex synth? Ridiculous I think. The FX section is the worst what I heard.
The filters, the virtual patch capabilities and the arpeggiator are good. The DAC is not.
I did take only one track with this synth...
And so on... the VST version (called LARGO) has the same capabilities for a snippet price with same sound. So... ?


KORG Poly-800


Yes... Who don't had once a KORG Poly-800 as love the KORG synthesizers?
I didn't love that synth. But used a lot of time as keyboard, and sometimes with an external FX.


AKAI SG01v


The AKAI SG01v is a very good sounding rompler! It was very usable with Cubase5. Before I sell it, I saved the whole drum bank for myself :-)
It was used on album RETROGENE


CME UF6


When I used the KORG i5M I used that master keyboard. Fine keybed, usefull controllers. Only one bug: when you press any of the transportation button, the UF start to send MIDI CLK... and never stopped, just after power off...


TERRATEC AREA61

The master keyboard in my studio. I hoped I'll find a KOMPLEXER card for it, but it's never came out from the TERRATEC :/

The KOMPLEXER VST what is bounded for this master keyboard is a WALDORF microQ clone. And I have to say it's not bad! ;) I.e. It's can read the original Waldorf microQ sysex files.


Behringer BCR2000


This fine Behringer product BCR2000 MIDI controller was used for the ALESIS micron by me. The micron's 4 pots and menu systems was a nightmare by the sound design...It was usefull! It helped for the WALDORF blofeld too...


BOSS Pro SE-50


This Boss Pro SE-50 Stereo Effects Processor was used on my first live performance connected to the KORG TR individual outs to get one more FX route.


KORG AX3G


This little beast KORG AX3G guitar FX as used as my secondary master fx for the KORG TR (on individual outs) and R3. Ususally delay, reverb, sometimes phaser. This little box's phaser very good inded... I did get out the strong springs under the UP/DOWN "pedals" and replaced a piece of sponge. I used these pedals by hand not by foot :-)
Mostly used on my RETROGENE album...


ALESIS MMT-8


The ALESIS MMT-8 vintage pattern sequencer was used for KORG i5M in the begining of my electronic music era and later for the AKAI SG01v as a drum sequencer.


ROLAND VS-840


This Roland VS-840 Digital Studio Workstation was used as a HDR on my concerts before I have got the ALESIS FUSION HD. I exchanged the ZIP drive to a SD card reader. Then it was faster, and had got more capacity.