Synthesizer Gear Porn ;-)

[battema]

The biggest problem I have with the DX-7 and related synthesizers, like the TX81Z I own, they are pretty hard to program. It has a steep learning curve. Besides I prefer twidling knobs.

Very, very, very true. And as I understand it, a big part of why the DX7 was ultimately mostly known for the presets...very few folks took the plunge.

Was there ever a programmer/editor for the DX7? Similar to the old PG-300 for the Roland Juno/MKS synths. I vaguely recall such a thing existed, but can't be sure...

[Rarebird]

Full disclosure, that's kind of the reason I said "at this juncture" in my post At this time, I have a Moog Voyager, Deckards Dream (8-voice analog polysynth CS-80 clone), and a Eurorack system so a Nord isn't something that really offers something I don't already have. Whereas, a DX7 or Reface DX could give me a new window into exploring FM in a fairly involved sort of way. So, that aspect very much appeals to me.

If I didn't already have some analog goodness, my choice might be different. Might

I can imagine that. The Nord G2 also offers FM synthesis, which you can combine with the filters and other stuff.

[battema]

Something I got recently that might appeal to some folks around here: https://www.expressivee.com/touche

Strictly speaking, it's an expressive controller capable of some serious nuance. It also comes bundled with software and VST instruments that can take advantage of the expressive capabilities, and can be used inside most any DAW too. The "main" Touche also can do direct MIDI + USB (there's a SE version that is USB only, nice for those who currently use/prefer software synths and VSTs).

I enjoyed using it to control some of my hardware devices, but frankly was blown away by the included software synth selection. When used almost like a "whammy bar" alongside a traditional MIDI keyboard controller, I got some amazing stuff to happen.

And quite frankly, it looks fantastic and feels great to play.

[Gizmotron]

Something I got recently that might appeal to some folks around here: https://www.expressivee.com/touche

Strictly speaking, it's an expressive controller capable of some serious nuance. It also comes bundled with software and VST instruments that can take advantage of the expressive capabilities, and can be used inside most any DAW too. The "main" Touche also can do direct MIDI + USB (there's a SE version that is USB only, nice for those who currently use/prefer software synths and VSTs).

I enjoyed using it to control some of my hardware devices, but frankly was blown away by the included software synth selection. When used almost like a "whammy bar" alongside a traditional MIDI keyboard controller, I got some amazing stuff to happen.

And quite frankly, it looks fantastic and feels great to play.

Very interesting!
You always find the coolest controllers!

Thanks!

[Gizmotron]

About the DX-7, one of the great things about it is that each operator has its own envelope and these envelopes can be set to evolve very slowly if you want to. And due to the nature of FM synthesis even a small change in one of the operators can radically alter the entire sound, depending on how they are chained together. As a result of this, you can program sounds that go on for minutes without ever repeating. This means you could create an entire piece of music by just pressing and holding one key in the DX-7 and listen to the sound evolve on its own.

An excellent point.
I have some pretty far-out patches for the instrument. I still have a few thousand voices for my various DX-family of instruments. I got them from various sources back when I got my first TX-7 around 1986 or 7. (Of course, I have to use my old cassette player and a cord to load them (32 at a time)).

I don't really know the Nord Lead but I wouldn't ever want to give up my DX instruments.

[Rarebird]

An excellent point.
I have some pretty far-out patches for the instrument. I still have a few thousand voices for my various DX-family of instruments. I got them from various sources back when I got my first TX-7 around 1986 or 7. (Of course, I have to use my old cassette player and a cord to load them (32 at a time)).

I don't really know the Nord Lead but I wouldn't ever want to give up my DX instruments.

I would never give up any instrument, as long as it is in working order.

I have a lot of sounds for the Kawai K1rII, but I'm unable to use them, because they are saved on my computer with an old version of Cubase.

[Buddhabreath]

On another (sub) topic I recently borrowed a Kurzweil K2000. Anyone dig this thing?

I recently borrowed one and now it says low charge and will not start-up despite my having changed the batteries which I thought were there just to hold whatever patches were user-created and stored in (apparently volitile RAM). Bummer as I really like this instrument which has a lot of nice sounds esp. the choruses in my view. Also have two boxes of floppies to explore. The only hints I found online was doing a "1-2-3 reboot" or sandpaperng the battery contacts. I doubt this will work as it's supposedly resets when powered-down with no batteries and the contacts look fine with no hint of corrossion.

I would feel bad returning it not working. I would feel better fixing it and continuing to borrow it indefinitely.

- just thought I'd throw that out there just in case someone had a thought. It was working fine for months and then... nothing.

[Gizmotron]

On another (sub) topic I recently borrowed a Kurzweil K2000. Anyone dig this thing?

I recently borrowed one and now it says low charge and will not start-up despite my having changed the batteries which I thought were there just to hold whatever patches were user-created and stored in (apparently volitile RAM). Bummer as I really like this instrument which has a lot of nice sounds esp. the choruses in my view. Also have two boxes of floppies to explore. The only hints I found online was doing a "1-2-3 reboot" or sandpaperng the battery contacts. I doubt this will work as it's supposedly resets when powered-down with no batteries and the contacts look fine with no hint of corrossion.

I would feel bad returning it not working. I would feel better fixing it and continuing to borrow it indefinitely.

- just thought I'd throw that out there just in case someone had a thought. It was working fine for months and then... nothing.

Hmm...I don't know. I do have a K2500XS and i remember replacing a battery in it...as i recall it took a fair bit of time for me to find the darn little door but it was a breeze once I did and I don't remember having to reset anything.
Wish i could help more!

But yes, there are some fine sounds lurking in the Kurzweils.

[hippypants]

That's a pretty neat Touche.

I wondered if anyone had ever played the Waldorf Blofeld synth. I was looking/listening to one the other day, and really enjoyed the sound they made.

[Progbear]

Anyone else see Touche and think of the Buchla Touché? Talk about your rare synths!

Was there ever a programmer/editor for the DX7? Similar to the old PG-300 for the Roland Juno/MKS synths. I vaguely recall such a thing existed, but can't be sure...

It’s called the Jellinghaus DX-Programmer, and it’s extremely rare. I think only a very tiny amount (EDIT: 25. Brian Eno had one.) were ever produced. Basically just this big matrix of knobs on a gray plastic panel.

I seem to remember somebody doing a Kickstarter for a new, original DX-programmer, but it was crazy expensive. Well, it is a boutique item!

Who here was telling me they used their DX7 and D-50 solely as MIDI controllers for virtual analog keys? I understand the DX7 only works on MIDI Channel 1.

[Rarebird]

That's a pretty neat Touche.

I wondered if anyone had ever played the Waldorf Blofeld synth. I was looking/listening to one the other day, and really enjoyed the sound they made.

I have one, without keyboard.

[Progbear]

Since the subject came up: the Buchla Touché:

[Top Cat]

Just a heads up to anyone who uses plug-ins for your DAW.
I've been wanting this for years, but it was too expensive to me.
Soundtoys has all of their plug ins on sale until April 11.
I just picked up Echoboy reg$199 for $49..."happy dancing!!!"
https://www.soundtoys.com/product/

[Gizmotron]

Hmm...does the Touche do anything, um...interesting? That demo left me cold.

Maybe some lights would fix it up:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/techn...how/ar-BBVHilq

[battema]

It was just weird to see a Buchla with a real keyboard attached to it

[hippypants]

Laurie Spiegel, sort of Tangerine Dream-ish

[Progbear]

I love Laurie. The Expanding Universe is one of my favorite 70s electronic albums. I also think that she is second only to Stevie Wonder for the number of rare and desirable synths that have passed under her hands, including the Hazelcom McLeyvier (analog hybrid workstation) and the aforementioned Buchla Touché.

[Rarebird]

It was just weird to see a Buchla with a real keyboard attached to it

Indeed. Buchla was not really a fan of keyboards as controllers.

[battema]

Indeed. Buchla was not really a fan of keyboards as controllers.

Both he and Subotnick were definitely not wanting a keyboard because they felt that restricted their instrument to only being usable by "trained" musicians.

As a pianist, I'm glad that sentiment didn't take hold more widely in the industry, even if I *do* understand and appreciate their intent

[Rarebird]

Both he and Subotnick were definitely not wanting a keyboard because they felt that restricted their instrument to only being usable by "trained" musicians.

As a pianist, I'm glad that sentiment didn't take hold more widely in the industry, even if I *do* understand and appreciate their intent

I know. And though a keyboard might have its limitations, it is very usable. For monophonic synthesizers a wind-controller, like the Lyricon might be a good alternative for the keyboard. But I suppose keyboard-players are perhaps more used to working with different instruments, creating different sounds. And in a way learning yourself to play a synthesizer through a keyboard is probably easier, than learning a wind-instrument in order to be able to play a wind-controller.

[hippypants]

I always wondered what a Lyricon was. I believe Dallas Smith played on on several albums.

Listening to this guy that goes by the name Acreil on Bandcamp. He has a done a good job of it.

[hippypants]

This guy likes making Frankenstein type circuit/synth stuff.

[Progbear]

I always wondered what a Lyricon was. I believe Dallas Smith played on on several albums.

Synth controller for reed players. Jack Lancaster used one heavily on Marscape and the first Aviator album. Though the most famous use is probably the synth-sax hook on “Peg” by Steely Dan (I believe it was Tom Scott playing it).

[dropforge]

Chuck Greenberg played a Lyricon, too, from Watercourse Way with Shadowfax all the way to his solo album From a Blue Planet.

[dropforge]

I always wondered what a Lyricon was. I believe Dallas Smith played on on several albums.

Dallas' 1984 album Stellar Voyage is a classic, but most people aren't familiar with it since it's OOP and was never reissued in digital. It's much more than a "New Age" album.