Author: Paolo

Categories
Digital Polyphonic Synthesizer Synthesizer

Roland D-70

 Super LA Synthesizer

The sequel to the classic D-50 (even though it was really more like an upgrade of the U-20 – or “U-50” as found on the motherboard).

The D-70 is a wonderful synthesizer, that captures the spirit of the classic D-50, and takes it to a new dimension.  This is a quality synth from a bygone era.

Great features include 76 keys, sound layering, and a very expressive aftertouch.

Like the D-50, Eric Persing and team did an unbelievable job with the sounds of the D-70.  Patches like “Ghosties”, “Prologue” and “SpaceDream” are masterpieces of synth sound design.  The sounds in ROM have a very punchy, full, “complete” sonic character that sounds great even today.  The on-board effects are also of very high quality.

Roland D-70 audio demos

Roland D-70 factory demo – “Schizoid” by Eric Persing – copyright 1990 Eric Persing:

Roland D-70 manual

D-70_OMDownload

Roland D-70 factory patches in .mid and sysex

d70_origDownload
d70_origDownload

Note: You may need to slow down the transmission rate of the sysex, and the D-70 will receive it.

You can also press 5 when powering up and it will offer the menu to load sysex, but I found you don’t need it really… the D-70 receives the sysex from the main screen as well (which right now you see as a garbled mess – it’s okay).

The key in my case was to slow down the sysex transmission to very slow.

You can use any sysex software you like, but the shareware Bome’s SendSX or MIDI Ox worked well for me:

  1. Go to Options–>Settings and set the “Speed of Sending MIDI” to the lowest position
  2. In the same menu, set “Wrap long sysex messages upon loading”.
  3. Also don’t forget to select the MIDI interface that you are using, in the Bome’s “Midi Out” menu.
  4. Connect the MIDI out from your computer to the D-70’s MIDI In
  5. On the D-70, press Edit –>System Setup and set the “Exclusive RX” to ON and the Unit Number to “17”
  6. Send the sysex to the D-70 –

Roland D-70 photos

Roland D-70 specs

Year of release1990
Polyphony24
Sound generation methodL.A. synthesis / PCM
Preset memoriesPerformances, Patches, Tones
Keyboard76-key
MIDIin, out, thru
Sound expansion capabilitiesyes, via cards
Sequencerno
Arpeggiatorno
Velocityyes
Aftertouchyes
Optional accessories– RAM card M-256E
– PCM card SN-SPLA series, SN-U110 series
– Stereo headphones Rh-100
– Foot switch FS-1, FS-5L, FS-5U, DP-2, DP-6
– Expression pedal EV-5, EV-10
– Keyboard stand: KS-5, KS-7, KS-8
Dimensions 1196mm (W) x 310mm (D) x 85mm (H)
47-1/6″ x 12-3/16″ x 3-3/8″
Weight 12kg / 26 lb 7 oz

Roland D-70 links

www.roland.com

Categories
Analog Polyphonic Synthesizer Synthesizer

Roland JX-8P

Analog Polyphonic Synthesizer

The Roland JX-8P is a six-voice polyphonic synthesizer that came out in 1985.  It is a typical “hybrid” synth of that era, featuring DCOs but VCFs and VCAs.

The sound is – like its relatives JX-10 and MKS-70, very “lush”, classy and full. The keyboard is dynamic and has aftertouch. There are many editing parameters available, and also they typical Roland on-board chorus, and portamento.

Since the synth was built at a time when digital technology had exploded and all synths started looking like the DX7, the JX-8P has no knobs – but relies on multi-functions, buttons and a slider to edit the sounds. The PG-800 programmer can be used to program the synth with a more traditional “analog style” interface. The Roland JX-8P features full MIDI, and also accepts a cartridge to store 32 additional patches.

Roland JX-8P audio demos

Factory patches I

Factory patches II

Roland JX-8P photos

Roland JX-8P specs

Year of release1985
Polyphony6-voice
Sound generation methodanalog (DCO)
Keyboard61-key
Preset memories64 ROM + 32 RAM + 32 cassette
MIDIin, out, thru
Sound expansion capabilitiesno
Sequencerno
Arpeggiatorno
Velocityyes
Aftertouchyes
OptionsProgrammer PG-800, Memory Cartridge M-16C, Pedal Switch DP-2, Carrying Case AB-2
Dimensions 38-7/16″ (W) x 14-3/4″ (D) x 3-9/16″ (H)
Weight 11.5 kg

Roland JX-8P manual

Roland JX-8P manualDownload

Roland JX-8P links

www.roland.com

Categories
Analog Polyphonic Synthesizer Synthesizer

SIEL DK 80

 Dynamic Bitimbric Synthesizer

The SIEL DK 80 is a nice mid-level synth from 1985. It features:

  • 12 voices
  • Double sound generation
  • Dynamic keyboard
  • Advanced MIDI functions
  • 87 programmable parameters
  • Up to 150 programs on line
  • 2-track real time polyphonic MIDI sequencer.

The “sonic character” of the DK 80 is very nice and interesting, and it’s a classic “hybrid” with DCOs and VCFs/VCAs. Still, it’s capable of very powerful and “fat & gluey” sounds.

The DK 80 can also have an optional pedalboard, called “PD 80” which features two pedals: the one on the left is programmable, and the one on the right is dedicated to Sustain. A great setting for the left pedal is to “scroll” the patch programs, because – in pure mid-80s style – one needs to select the program with the keypad and then press “Enter”. With the left pedal, it’s much quicker to go through the programs to play / check them out. It’s also great for live use.

The left pedal can be assigned to:

  • Start/Stop of the sequencer,
  • Program Up
  • Key Data To MIDI

SIEL DK 80 audio demos

Resident factory sounds

SIEL DK 80 specs

Year of release:1985
Polyphony:12 voices
Sound generation method:analog
Preset memories40 ROM + 10 RAM, 50 + 100 on RAM card
MIDI:in, out, thru
Keyboard61 keys
Sound expansion capabilities:no
Sequenceryes
Arpeggiatorno
Velocityyes
Aftertouchno
Dimensions 
Weight 

SIEL DK 80 photos

SIEL DK 80 manual

Siel_DK80_ManualDownload

SIEL DK 80 links

Categories
Digital Polyphonic Synthesizer Synthesizer

Korg DW-8000

 Programmable Digital Waveform Synthesizer

Korg DW-8000 audio demos

BANK A

BANK B

Korg DW-8000 specs

Year of release1985
Polyphony 8-voice
Sound generation methodDWGS
Preset memories 64
Keyboard61 keys
MIDIin, out, thru
Sound expansion capabilitiesno
Sequencerno
Arpeggiatoryes
Velocityyes
Aftertouch yes
Dimensions 998mm (W) x 338mm (D) x 101mm (H)
Weight 10.9kg

Korg DW-8000 manuals

DW-8000_ManualDownload
DW-8000_Service_ManualDownload
Turbo DW ManualDownload
Korg DW-8000 manual – GermanDownload

Korg DW-8000 patches

Factory bank ADownload
Preload Side BDownload
MEX Bank ADownload
MEX Bank BDownload
MEX Bank CDownload
MEX Bank DDownload

Korg DW-8000 links

www.korg.com

Categories
Software Synthesizer Synthesizer

Green Oak Crystal

Free Soft Synth

A classic free soft-synth, similar to the also great Native Instrument Absynth.

Green Oak Crystal audio demos

Green Oak Crystal specs

Year of release2002
Platform

Green Oak Crystal links

www.greenoak.com

Categories
Rack Digital Polyphonic Synthesizer Synthesizer

Peavey DPM Spectrum Bass

Digital Phase Modulation Synthesizer specialized in bass samples

A quality synthesizer module focused on bass sounds.

Peavey DPM Spectrum Bass specs

Year of release 1993
Polyphony 8-voice
Sound generation method sampled
Preset memories 200 presets
 Multitimbrality4-voice multitimbral
MIDI In, Out, Thru
Transposeyes
Legato modeyes
Effects no
Touch sensitivity Yes
Aftertouch 
Sound Layering Single, Layer
Portamento 
Power 16-16.5 volt power supply
Dimensions
Weight

Peavey DPM Spectrum Bass photos

Peavey DPM Spectrum Bass manual

Peavey Bass module – manualDownload

Peavey DPM Spectrum Bass links

peavey.com

Categories
Sampler

E-mu Emulator III

Sampler

E-mu Emulator III audio demos

A demo by reader Alex Stone from St. Petersburg, Russia

“I used when recording discs Vol1 (orchestr sounds), Vol2 (orchestr sounds), Vol8 (Vintage), and other disks from the library EIII, as well as discs for EIII (drums), the firm NorthStar. Once programmed EIII, separate each track recorded on a portable studio with a hard drive. And then, with the imposition of various internal and external effects on the tracks recorded on CD-ROM. The composition is called “Alex Stone – Lux Aeterna (Clint Mansell cover)”

Alex Stone – Lux Aeterna (W.A.Mozart cover)Download

E-mu Emulator III photos

E-mu Emulator III manuals

EmulatorIII_User_GuideDownload
EmulatorIII_Service_ManualDownload
EmulatorIII_DiagnosticsDownload

E-mu Emulator III specs

Year of release 1987
Polyphony 
Presets 
Keyboard 61 keys
Responds to velocityYes
AftertouchYes
Sound generation methodSampling
MIDIIn, Out, Thru
Sound expansion capabilitiesDisk
Arpeggiator 
Effects 
Controls 
Outputs 
Dimensions
Weight 

E-mu Emulator III links

www.emu.com

Categories
Rack Digital Polyphonic Synthesizer Synthesizer

KORG 01R/W

The rack version of the famous 01/W workstation. Classic Korg sounds.

Factory Song demos – by reader Ruben Schouten

Song 0 – But Is It Art
Song 1 – The Phantom
Song 2 – Arabesque
Song 3 – WKRG Radio
Song 4 – Rock Show!

Korg 01R/W specs

Year of release1991
Polyphony32-voice
Presets200 Program, 200 Combi
Responds to velocityYes
Responds to aftertouchYes
Sound generation methodAI²
Sound expansion capabilitiesPCM cards
EffectsYes
SequencerYes
MIDIIn, Out, Thru
ROM48 Mbits
DisplayYes, LCD 64×240 backlit
Dimensions430 (W) x 405.3 (D) x 89 (H)
Weight4.9 kg

Korg 01R/W manual

01RW_OM_E3Download

Categories
Digital Drum Machine Drum Machine

BOSS DR-3

Digital Drum Machine

The DR-3 Dr. Rhtyhm is one the latest drum machines from Boss/Roland.  It follows in the footsteps of the glorious “Dr. Rhythm” line.

The Sounds on this drum machine are incredibly detailed and powerful… and expressive.  A notable improvement over the older models.

Plenty of editing capabilities, and enormous Performance Control, thanks to the many Pattern and Kit variations, mute, key shift, and SOUND SHAPE and AMBIENCE.  Lots of bass sounds as well.  A really good tool to have in the studio or live.  Check out the numerous audio demos below.

BOSS DR-3 audio demos

Let’s listen to the Demo Song:

The patterns used in the factory demo are the following:

  • P057 FUNK 1
  • P031 KNCKL HEAD
  • P069 FUSION 1
  • P025 ROCK 5
  • P006 MIAMI
  • P004 ROCK HOP
  • P005 STREET HOP
  • P014 HVY ROCK 1
  • P088 HOUSE 1
  • P052 BLUES 1
  • P054 CHICAGO
  • P075 GOSPEL 1
  • P078 SWING 1
  • P091 BOSSA NOVA
  • P093 SAMBA 2
  • P096 SALSA 2
  • P001 ROCK JAM 1
  • P018 FAST ROCK2
  • P015 HVY ROCK 2

And here below I recorded audio examples from some of the other on-board Patterns, utilizing the various Pattern and Kit Variations, fills etc.:

BOSS DR-3 photos

BOSS DR-3 manual

DR-3_OMDownload

BOSS DR-3 specs

  • Great sound
  • extremely light and portable;
  • works also with batteries
  • easy to program;
  • very high quality sounds, including percussion, bass.
Year of release:2003
Polyphony:12-voices
Display:yes, backlit orange
Preset Patterns:100 User, 100 Preset
Pads:13
Pads respond to velocity:Yes
Pads respond to aftertouch 
Sound generation method:PCM
MIDI:MIDI In
Sound expansion capabilities:no
Outputs:Stereo
Effects:Yes
Controls:Buttons, pads, jog-wheel
Pedal controls:yes
Tape Sync:no
OptionsAC Adaptor: PSA Series
Foot Switch: FS-5U
Foot Switch Cable: PCS-31 (Roland)
(1/4inch Phone Plug (stereo)–1/4inch Phone
Plug (mono) x 2)
Dimensions: 213 (W) x 185 (D) x 53 (H) mm
8-7/16 (W) x 7-5/16 (D) x 2-1/8 (H) inches
Weight: 710 g / 1 lb 10 oz (excluding dry batteries)

BOSS DR-3 links

www.boss.info

Categories
Sampler

Korg DSS-1

 Sampling Synthesizer

Here is the Korg DSS-1, an 8-voice, 16-oscillator sampler/synthesizer from the mid-1980s. This is an extremely deep machine – the editing capabilities are endless!

This was a very respectable sampler for the time, and utilized 3.5″ double side/double density floppy disks – like many of its counterparts. The internal memory of the DSS-1 can contain up to 32 patches at once, but there are four “Systems” named A, B, C and D (blocks of 32 patches each) on a disk, so one can save up to 128 patches on one diskette.

The DSS-1 features the typical Korg joystick, perfect for controlling pitch-bend, vibrato, filter modulation and other effects. Keyboard controls include velocity, aftertouch, and key transpose – all programmable. These features add a great level of expressivity to this instrument.

Like for the majority of samplers, it’s possible to assign (and split, layer etc) several individual samples to the keyboard (multi-sampling). The DSS-1 allows a maximum of 16 individual samples (although you can stretch it to 30 splitting the oscillators), and it’s possible to use any sample, at any of the available frequencies, and/or mix and match with the created ones via additive/hand drawn. Korg refers to this as a “multisound”. The DSS-1 can sample at four frequencies: 16kHz, 24kHz, 36kHz, and 48kHz.

Additionally, the DSS-1 can create new waveforms (one full cycle only – turning on the loop on/off parameter is needed to hear anything), in two ways: Additive Synthesis, and “Hand Drawn” (moving slider A to shape the waveform). There are many parameters to shape the newly created waveforms. I am including a few audio examples from both the Additive and Hand-Drawn methods below in the review.

Once a sample/multisound is created, it’s possible to edit many parameters, including very good-sounding VCF and VCA. The effects include equalizer, and two DDLs (Digital Delay Lines). These can be used in a variety of ways, often contributing greatly to the general sound of the DSS-1.

Korg DSS-1 audio demos

Additive Synthesis audio demos:

Hand Drawn audio demos:

Check out the original Korg DSS-1 Sound Library page for more audio demos from this wonderful machine.

Korg DSS-1 specs

Year of release:1986
Polyphony:8
Sound generation method:sampling, additive synthesis, “hand drawn”
Preset memories32 in memory, 128 on disk
MIDI:In, out, thru
Sound expansion capabilities:sampling; diskettes
Sequencerno
Arpeggiatorno
Velocityyes
Keyboard61-keys, with velocity and aftertouch
Aftertouchyes
Dimensions1171 (W) x 436 (D) x 123 (H) mm
Weight18.5kg

Korg DSS-1 photos

Korg DSS-1 manuals

DSS1-ManualDownload
DSS1 Service ManualDownload

Korg DSS-1 links

www.korg.com