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====== Synths and Drum Machines ======

===== DIY =====
I would love to make my own electronic instruments. I barely know how to solder, let along do electronics :(

  * [[yt>FaoJaLmZaL4|Casper Electronics DIY synth building. Part 1: Oscillators]]
  * [[yt>NTob27lOpcU|Build the Auduino Granular Synth - Part 1]]

  * https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/build-an-auduino-step-sequencer/all
  * https://bloghoskins.blogspot.com/2016/11/diy-arduino-string-synth.html?m=1
  * [[yt>anGgVL05oow|Arduino synthesizer and sequencer]]
  * https://old.reddit.com/r/AskElectronics/comments/9izl46/how_would_one_build_a_synthesizer_from_scratch/
  * https://old.reddit.com/r/synthdiy/
  * https://syntherjack.net/how-to-start-synth-diy/
  * https://www.electromaker.io/blog/article/4-amazing-raspberry-pi-synthesizer-projects-67
  * https://groovesizer.com/
  * https://www.thonk.co.uk/shop/ardutouch/
  * http://www.doepfer.de/DIY_Synth_e.htm
  * https://modularaddict.com/

===== People =====
Interesting electronic music related people

  * Allieway - [[ytchan>UCeo2Fo1OidWpT83BT5xmCZw|Allieway Audio]]
  * [[Meng Qi]] - [[https://www.mengqimusic.com/|mengqimusic.com]]

===== Types =====

==== Drum Machine ====

==== Effects ====

==== Sampler ====

I think some kinda sampler or sample player is what I want next. I don't mind having to setup the samples on the computer then put them on a card, have no need for sampling with a microphone. I  don't want to fuck with menus and tiny text. Something to work nice alongside the [[roland_tr-8]], so a similar sequencer built-in would be nice. Leaning towards as [[korg_electribe_es-1|Electribe ES-1]] (ended up getting one~very happy with it).

  * Korg Volca Sample - [[yt>zOj0Ro6mp-8]] Doesn't record, 16 step seq, naff buttons, about $150, a bit annoying to get samples in (There's a Sample 2 where you can just load via USB, but you still need a  software, SDK is open source, mixed reports on Linux support).
    * [[github>korginc/volcasample]]
    * Works in Wine, but maybe not with the 2 https://singlecellsoftware.com/cevs
    * [[hithub>hisschemoller/volca-freesound]] | https://hisschemoller.github.io/volca-freesound/
    * [[github>josephernest/EasyVolcaSample]]
    * [[github>hisschemoller/volca-transfer]] | https://hisschemoller.github.io/volca-transfer/
    * [[github>allordacia/VolcaSample-Live]]
    * [[github>rabramley/volca_sample_manager]]
    * [[github>bljpierce/VolcaSample]]
    * [[github>benwiley4000/volca-sampler]]
    * [[github>glindstedt/vsrs]] - CLI, prepares samples to send.
    * [[github>patwhatev/volca-freesound-plus]]
    * [[github>flask-volcasample-helper]]
    * [[github>matthewh806/Minipops]] - Mac
    * [[github>glindstedt/korg-syro-sys]] - Rust bindings
    * [[github>glindstedt/korg-syro-rs]] - Rust API
  * Octatrack
  * Elektron Model: Samples - [[yt>_Hr-8jzlpCk]] Propriety software for sample transfer.
  * [[korg_electribe_es-1|Korg ES-1]] - [[yt>Lyxr7ZbyLfI]] More info [[#Electribe|§ below]]. Smart media cards. 16 steps, delay a bit limited, but there's a replacement firmware that helps with that.
  * Korg ESX - [[yt>OP18zlohVhI]] Much pricier. There's a SD card version, but other than that I'm not sure the differences are worth the extra money.

==== Sequencer ====

Don't seel like I particularly need one, but down the line it would be fun to have one to act as a brain. I don't care about fancy algorithms. I tihnk I ultimately prefer just using [[Reaper]].

  * Korg’s SQ-64 - [[yt>BobWThW5IV4]] - 64 steps, good for triggering modular setup
  * Arturia BeatStep Pro - Also lots of outs. Both are good 'brains'. Both have four channels.
  * Polyend SEQ
  * Cirklon - Like SEQ, it has lots of outs and features, but is expensive.
  * Also the SQ-1 - [[yt>J0J101qE9J8]], which seems nice and simple, and not pricey.

=== Grid ===

I really liked playing with the [[gmt>ToneMatrix]] website, and would like a grid-based sequencer. Lots of room to play and get surprised.

  * Monome Grid - https://monome.org/#grid\\ Bare-bones, just a controller you can hook-up to other things.
  * Polyend Seq\\ Maybe perfect, but expensive. No sounds on its own
  * Deluge\\ Maybe similar to the Seq, but lacking all those MIDI outs.

===== Notes =====
A mess, sorted by manufacturer.

====Akai====

=== Rhythm Work ===

Drum machine with a nice bass instrument too.

Also do one called the Tom Cat that replaces the nice bass synth with a tom.

  * [[yt>TZ2bL-LDwuc|Bad Gear - Akai Rhythm Wolf - Worst Analog Drum Machine Of All Time???]]
  * [[yt>zF2Rdzka2fQ|Bad Gear - Akai Tom Cat - The Better Rhythm Wolf???]]

==== Arp ====
=== Omni ===
I really like the design of the Arp synths (etc.). Really like how easy to understand they seem, and like the sliders.

The Omni has a really lush sound.

==== Arturia ====

=== Drumbrute ===
  * [[yt>MIixt1zChSo|Arturia DrumBrute Review – How good is it?]]
  * [[yt>uVCjtR8v5-E|MiniBrute 2 vs 2S: What are the differences?]]

Analogue! About $600! D: More like $350 on Gumtree?

More I see/hear it the less I want it though.

[[arturia_matrixbrute|Matrixbrute]] is amazing but never ever affordable (several grand [whoops I bought one secondhand]). Minibrute closer to my budget? (oh god the Minibrute 2/s is like $1000). Micro is unappealingly small.

  * [[https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-drumbrute/k0]]
  * [[https://www.ebay.com.au/sch/?_nkw=drumbrute&_sop=15&LH_PrefLoc=2]]

=== Minibrute ===
Smaller keyboard than the Korg MS20 Mini, but the arpeggiator is really appealing.

==== Casio ====

=== SK-1 ===

Keyboard sampler. I like the human voice instrument, the delay changes depending on pitch.. Shame it's several hundred dollars.

  * [[yt>JQTUD8rTh2U|c note casio sk 1 human voice browserjockey]]
  * [[yt>yy-nmdr0ywc|How Cool Is The Casio SK-1?]]

==== Donner ====

=== B1 / Syn Bass ===

Dunno the actual name, but affordable 303ish thing.

  * [[yt>0b1NihqlDZo|Donner B1: A 303-style analog synth for $152!]]
  * [[yt>2E6zOjalHjE|Do we Really Need Another TB-303? (And is the $170 Donner B1 a good one?)]]

==== Eko ====

=== Computerhythm ===

Close to my ideal drum machine. Everything's all clearly laid-out, beautiful buttons, patterns stored on punchcards!

  * [[yt>XYFg_t8Hjxs|The First Modern Drum Machine | Eko Computerhythm]] - history, demo
  * [[yt>mOLsvvSINlw&t=280s|I visited the Italian Synth Museum!]] - history, demo
  * [[yt>J5zbvmDn7ZE|EKO COMPUTERHYTHM]] - demo
  * [[yt>h7rpYZnNOiU|Eko Computerhythm Mk III]] - demo
  * [[yt>Od0_7zQybmA|Eko ComputeRhythm - First programmable Drum Machine]] - demo
  * [[yt>4ykMEK66cfs|EKO Computerhythm Mark III DEMO1]] - demo

==== Erica Synths DB-01 ====
Bass synth.

  * [[yt>4XjJV8hLuXY|Erica Synths DB-01 Pros and Cons // Almost Perfect..]]

==== Hohner ====

The Electronium is a synth in an accordion form!

  * [[yt>Cxtq_gutRk4|Hohner Electronium - a vacuum tube synth from the 1950s]]

==== Jomox ====

All their stuff seems ace. They also have some effects units that do interesting feedback and resonance, really rich dark sound.

=== Alpha Base ===

Lovely drum machine. Analogue, also some samples and even FM. Would love one of these.

  * [[yt>lnr_g9aCXyY|Jomox Alpha Base Drum Machine]]

=== Sunsyn ===

Synth.

=== XBase 09 ===

TR-09 clone, but a wonderful one with lots of control.

  * [[yt>VTRVlllVWvY|Jomox Xbase 09, an improved version of the classic Roland 909?]]

==== Korg ====

=== ARP Odyssey ===
[[yt>muOLlBml1OE|Korg ARP Odyssey Demo]]

  * [[https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-korg+odyssey/k0]]
  * [[https://www.ebay.com.au/sch/?_nkw=korg%20odyssey&_sop=15&LH_PrefLoc=2]]

=== Electribe ===

Kinda into all the first [[korg_electribe|Electribes]]. Ended up buying the [[korg_electribe_es-1|ES-1]], [[korg_electribe_ea-1|EA-1]], [[korg_electribe_er-1|ER-1]]. Might just be me, but there's a little something missing from the sound of all of them, so they really benefit from some external EQ and effects?

== Electribe ES-1 ==

Sampler/resampler/sequencer. Takes SM cards. Has decent samples included. Easy to use.

  * [[yt>Lyxr7ZbyLfI|Faxi Nadu - Korg Electribe ES1 Sampler / Sequencer Review]]\\ Watched this scrappy video yonks ago and it's kinda what got me keen on getting into music hardware in the first place.

  * [[https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-korg+electribe+es1/k0]] | [[https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-vic/korg+electribe/k0l3008844]]
  * [[https://www.ebay.com.au/sch/?_nkw=korg%20electribe%20es1&_sop=15&LH_PrefLoc=2]]

== Electribe EA-1 ==

90s analogue modelling synth. with sequencer. Sounds real good! Can get acidy sounds.

  * [[yt>ZnCoD8k_du4|Analog storm! The Korg Electribe EA-1 elbows the others out of its way]]
  * [[yt>6729Y-a9bNU|Korg Electribe EA-1 The Ultimate Drone/Noise Machine?]]

== Electribe MX ==
AKA: Korg EMX

  * [[https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-korg+emx/k0]]
  * [[https://www.ebay.com.au/sch/?_nkw=korg%20emx&_sop=15&LH_PrefLoc=2]]

There's also an ESX, which's more the ES-1 equiv/upgrade

=== Minilogue ===
  * [[yt>JuZpEtZF-hg|Korg minilogue Demo by Sweetwater Sound]]

  * [[https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-Minilogue/k0]]
  * [[https://www.ebay.com.au/sch/?_nkw=Minilogue&_sop=15&LH_PrefLoc=2]]

=== MS-20 Mini ===
Mini analogue synth. in and out, would work nice with a drum machine or laptop input too.

=== MS-2000 ===
  * [[yt>pvTZ-wHrrj4|Korg MS-2000 Demo]]
  * [[yt>x52V-LBgDqQ|Korg MS2000 Mod Sequencer Demonstration]]

About $600 on Gumtree

  * [[https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-korg+ms2000/k0]]
  * [[https://www.ebay.com.au/sch/?_nkw=korg%20ms2000&_sop=15&LH_PrefLoc=2]]

=== Opsix ===

[[fm synthesis|FM synth]] that sames pretty easy to use (and has lots of presets).

=== Triton ===
  * [[yt>Zm3tUJmCV9k|Korg Triton - Combi demo]]
  * [[yt>B_facms9GHc|KORG TRITON "Ultra Pads" Ambient Synthesizer Music Demo Rik Marston PRO-REC]] (patch set you can buy)
  * [[yt>KBT0NoqPWwU|KORG TRITON CLASSIC FACTORY DEMOS]]
  * [[yt>s9ItVvKqKAQ|From The Vault: Triton Studio Video Manual]]
  * [[yt>YBFrnPgcBp4|21 of the Greatest KORG TRITON Sounds]]

Beautiful pads!!! Can get a nice kitchy Fashion/J-Pop sound.

About $600?

  * [[https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-korg+triton/k0]]
  * [[https://www.ebay.com.au/sch/?_nkw=korg%20triton&_sop=15&LH_PrefLoc=2]]

=== Wavestate ===

Looks a lot like the Opsix, with uses wavetable synth.

====Vladimir Kuzmin====
Musician and Soviet synth designer.

  * [[yt>O4COkteTE40|EnglishOvervew]] - Vladimir Kuzmin shows all his instruments.

===Maestro===

Search: Маэстро

Beautiful sound, neat UI.

  * [[yt>937i2pLr-CA|MaestroVS34(English)]] - Demo by Kuzmin.
  * [[yt>fXU_Q_i3-So|This Soviet synth is A E S T H E T I C]] - Heibach
  * [[http://www.ruskeys.net/eng/base/maestro.php|Maestro]] on the Museum of the Soviet Synths page.

===Polivoks===

Search: Поливокс, Polivoks, Polyvox

  * [[yt>M_VdZ8il_Hs|ПОЛИВОКС синтезатор - POLIVOKS Analog Synthesizer (1982) USSR]]
  * [[http://www.ruskeys.net/eng/base/polivoks.php|Polivoks]] on the Museum of the Soviet Synths page.

====Melbourne Instruments====

===Nina===

To-be-released, pricey, no-compromises synth. Wish those buttons were a sequencer...

  * [[yt>vnVdRhhlmJw|NAMM 2022 - NINA Motorized Polysynth]]
  * [[yt>v1KpwNm5sTs|NINA - 12 Voice Polysynth with Motorized Recall & Automation]]

====Philips====

===PMC 100===
[[fm synthesis|FM synth]], mostly want (really want :0 ) for the rad sequencer. Easy to use, can have heaps of steps. Has a [[compact_cassette|tape]] slot, for both saving and playing audio, and saving sequences as data! No MIDI. Small and portable.

  * [[yt>FAHi-AaZfMY|So PHILIPS Made A Synthesizer And You Didn't Even know?]]
  * [[yt>DHL8IhRzyvs|Bad Gear - Philips PMC 100]]

==== Polyend ====

=== Medusa ===
Kinda seems like the Matrix Brute's matrix/grid, with maybe an easier interface? Use it as a sequencer, use is as a keyboard of customised sounds. Seems rad. 3 digital wavetable VCOs, 3 analogue.

  * [[yt>8KIPa0mwRaE|The Utterly Unique Feature of the Medusa Hybrid Synth]]

==== PreenFM2 ====
[[fm synthesis|FM synth]] with lots of texture

  * [[yt>5yG9uahcizs|preenFM2 Review - One Of The Best Modern DIY FM Synthesizers But So Unknown]]

==== Roland ====

I love effect-drenched Roland claps.

I think Roland synths have those nice icy/crystally sounds I like too.

=== JD-990 ===

  * [[yt>saxn6bfOv9w|Roland JD-990 | From techno to pop, this could do it all in the 90s]]

=== JV-880 ===

I don't think my mind is settled between the 880, the JD-990, the 1080, or the D-550 for late 80s'90s sounds (not big on the Korg M1), but I think I like the 880 sound the most.

  * [[yt>v19yOA2GrSE|Roland JV-880: Is It Worth It? | Better than the JV-1080??]] - Not really a comparison video.
  * [[yt>kw99BcrZ9sM|Roland JV-880 | A small monster]]


=== SC-55 ===

There's a MkII version that I'm not sure has anything extra I need. Has 37 extra sounds.

There's a version called the CM-300 which removes the LCD screen and the buttons. Would be fine if you're sending MIDI data fro ma DAW. Seems a good deal cheaper. The SC-55ST and SC-55K are similar things too.

  * [[yt>ShpphfVU0EQ|Roland Sound Canvas SC-55 Mark 2 Official Demo Songs]]
  * [[yt>tF6B7TxpLuA|Roland Sound Canvas SC-55: Leading a Computer Music Revolution! - Sound Profile]]
  * [[yt>GL1onh_c3mE|Roland SC-88 Pro: A Classic Desktop Synth! - Sound Profile]]

=== SC-88 ===

=== U-220 ===

Rack-mount synth

=== D-550 ===

Rack mount version of the D-50, the iconic late-80s/90s synth.

=== TR-8 ===
Not //0//8 ;)

Dark sounds

  * [[roland_tr-8]]
  * [[https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-roland+tr8/k0]]
  * [[https://www.ebay.com.au/sch/?_nkw=roland%20tr8&_sop=15&LH_PrefLoc=2]]

=== TB-03 ===
  * [[yt>0Q7xfSwiXWk|Roland TB-03 Bass Line In Depth Review]]

  * [[https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-roland+tb03/k0]]
  * [[https://www.ebay.com.au/sch/?_nkw=roland%20tb03&_sop=15&LH_PrefLoc=2]]

===  Boutique D-05 ===
[[yt>9PM3syan6XI|Sonic LAB: Roland Boutique D-05]]

==== Sequential Pro 3 ====

  * [[yt>GFUtCGIn-ik|Pro 3 Top Features // Most Fun Synth Ever?]]

==== UDO Super 6 ====
Beautiful rich sound, nice and hands-on.

  * [[yt>u_L4rOwoUho|UDO Super 6 Synthesizer - 1st Look Sonic LAB]]

==== Waldorf Blofeld ====
Has different kinds of synthesis: wavetable, FM... and it can all interact.

Can load in samples!

Can use as a MIDI controller

  * [[yt>_guvoeIUnP0|Waldorf Blofeld Keyboard Demo]]
  * [[yt>0am6zhDHQNE|Why I got a Blofeld in 2018]]

==== Waldorf Kyra ====
Powerful FPGA polyphonic synth. 

  * [[yt>R5u1KmVvbxI|1st LOOK at Waldorf's KYRA Synthesizer!]]
  * [[yt>tlgiJMnWwe4|Waldorf KYRA Synthesizer Demo & Sounds with Daniel Fisher 🎹]]

==== Yamaha ====
  * Yamaha RM1x
  * [[yt>zJgMa-n9hzs|Yamaha DX200 Funky FM Beats! 2016 Groovebox Synthesizer DX7 Montage]]

=== QY Series ===

Tempted by these things because of their Showa-era J-Poppy sounds. UX seems a bit fiddly, maybe enough for me to not want to use them, but also be fun to mess with on the train or in bed or something.

Update: I bought a [[yamaha_qy100|QY100]] and really enjoying playing with it in the backyard next to the cat :-)

  * QY70
    * [[yt>4e3TA5HT2Bc|Summer Vibes on the Yamaha QY70]] - fun sounds, might be annoying to progrm stuff with lots of menu work, but might be nice with a sequencer.
  * [[yamaha_qy100|QY100]]\\ About $300 with shipping and card.
    * Card just saves settings and songs, can't load samples.
    * [[yt>2Sk2cSeHIN0|Yamaha QY 100 - the mini synthesizer workstation you were looking for?]] - Explains workflow in a simple way.
    * [[yt>59JZmVHYNtU|Yamaha QY100 as the main sequencer in your hardware synthesizer setup]] - Same guy.
    * [[yt>ZGJa92_2yec|Creating A Pattern on the Yamaha QY100 / QY70]] - Another good guide, goes into the chord stuff.
  * QY700\\ Maybe not as many sounds(?), released earlier than the 70 and 100, but bigger unit with better menu navigation. $500,$700+ D:

=== MU Series ==

Desktop MIDI device kinda meant to be used with computers. Would love a 1000 or 2000 model. Try to get one with upgraded firmware (EX version). Additional features of the 2000 are a sequencer ad ability to play samples, not that useful, but can also load playlists of MIDI files of the Smart Media card. Drums are naff. Can also pass audio into it and use it as an effects unit.

  * [[yt>PF9ul5JFAH0|Yamaha MU - The Ultimate DTM Tone Generators! (Sound Profile)]] - Great overview.
  * [[yt>ondrO7MCFH0|Yamaha's PLG100-SG: Vocaloid Before Vocaloid! - Sound Profile]] - This would be a fun addition card, does synth voices.

== RS Series ==

Tone generators with sequencers. Could be a more playable alternative to the MU series, but I haven't looked at them much. Like the QYs with better UX in palce of portability?

  * [[yt>jQoU-2iD_H4|21 minutes of Yamaha RS7000 preset patches, no talking]]

== TX81Z ==

Rack-mount version of the DX11. Affordable. Will probably get this as my [[fm_synthesis|FM synth]]. You can link two together and make them play alternate notes. Fiddley to program on the screen, but there are software tools.

  * [[yamaha_tx81z]]
===== See Also =====
  * [[yt>DGcmuI8yjbQ|How to Choose Effect Pedals for Your Synth]]
  * [[yt>2a8DnkyD804|Woody's top 5 synths of all time!]]

{{tag>wishlist music shopping hardware instrument music-making}}