Category Archives: One Synthesizer Sound Every Day

Playlist Started for Rev2 Experimental Patch Set

Posted on by
2

This incomplete playlist will eventually feature all 128 presets from the AudioCookbook.org Experimental Patch set for the Prophet Rev2. This collection includes experimental, glitch, special effects, and a few conventional patches. All the patches are entirely original creations built from the ground up or through custom morphing software developed in Max for Live for the Rev2. I’ll post more tracks to the playlist soon. Let me know if you have questions or if you’re interested in the set. Thanks!

Experimental Sound Set for the Prophet Rev2

Posted on by
9

Although I haven’t mentioned it here, I have had a 16 voice Sequential Prophet Rev2 since November 23, 2018. In the last two months I have programmed a full bank of 128 patches for the instrument. This isn’t something I would normally do for any instrument. For most instruments I program a handful of patches that I need, or simply create or modify the patches as I work in the studio.

So why spend two months creating 128 patches? One reason why is because the scope of timbral possibilities is vast. One can create glistening, glassy, and bright tones or contrasting warm and dark sounds just as easily as one another. Secondly the process of creating patches is fun with minimal menu diving. Thirdly, if the patches are received well I’ll offer them for sale as a downloadable set.

Lastly, I have designed a Max for Live device (see image above) that morphs, interpolates, and/or randomized specified parameters on the synth. This software, titled Rev2 Patch Degrader, is similar to the what I created for the PreenFM2 and for the Yamaha TX81Z. It has allowed me to discover and tweak dozens of experimental soundscapes with many more to come. Developing the software took over a month, but I was able to get some excellent features packed into it. For example, there are four ways to initialize new patches: init 0s, init pad, init perc, and init random. The degrading process will then change parameters over time (clocked or in milliseconds) to new values.

In the next few weeks I’ll share some more examples of patches I have made on the Rev2. In the meantime, please let me know if you’re interested in what I’m tentatively calling the AudioCookbook Experimental Sound Set. Also, let me know if you’re interested in the Rev2 Patch Degrader for Max for Live. Thanks!

Revisiting Dogmatic Music with the Novation Circuit, PreenFM2, and Moog Sub 37

Posted on by
1

I composed this track and performed it live while limiting myself to using three electronic instruments: Novation Circuit, PreenFM2, and a Moog Sub 37. Afterward I added a recording of a Tibetan tingsha bell that I captured using a matched pair of Rode NT5 condensers. The instruments were sequenced using the Squarp Pyramid, which might technically be considered a fourth instrument, but it is not a sound source.

I continually revisit dogmatic approaches to making electronic music and this approach in particular may yield some interesting results. The last collection I made like this was back in 2013 and can be found in the post Builders of the Fauxpocalypse: a Dogmatic Approach to Music Making.

The Most Powerful Tiny FM Synth: PreenFM2

Posted on by
6

PreenFM2

The purpose of AudioCookbook is not to promote or review musical instruments, electronic hardware, or audio software. This site is a more personal (perhaps narcissistic) look at music composition and sound design techniques. “Recipes for Sound Design” is one part of that, but experimentation also plays a significant role. I understand that some my experiments are interesting for ACB readers. My approach has been, if it’s interesting to me then I’ll write about it here. In this case I’d like to highlight an extraordinary, boutique, FM synth that has been unfairly overshadowed by the Korg Volca FM. This amazing musical device for sound design and experimentation is the PreenFM2 designed by Xavier Hosxe.

This synth is by no means new. I first heard about it in August of 2013 on CreateDigitalMusic.com. At that time I was fully invested in the Yamaha FS1R and didn’t see a need for another FM synth in my setup. However, more recently I started researching it because I wanted a portable polyphonic synth for live performances. I’ve brought luggable rack synths to shows including the FS1R and Roland MKS-80, but it’s expensive, awkward, and risky to transport them. I love the Korg Volcas for their sound and portability, but both the Volca Keys and Volca FM have a mere three voices available for polyphony.


The low profile and compact PreenFM2 can be purchased pre-built or in kit form with either a sturdy metal case or an elegant plexiglass design that shows off the inner workings. Either option takes up little space and is effortlessly packed up and transported. Its looks belie its broad feature set and massive capacity for sound design and experimentation. But one of the main reasons I recruited it for polyphonic duties is just that: polyphony. Depending on the algorithm the polyphony ranges from eight to fourteen voices. In comparison the Volca FM has a maximum of three voices.
Continue reading →

Making Music with the Internet’s Most Reviled Synthesizer

Posted on by
30

IMG_20151122_133032

I recently bought a Red Sound Systems DarkStar eight voice, polyphonic, tabletop synthesizer. This feature packed virtual analog (VA) was released in 1999 by the British manufacturer. Despite a glowing review from Sound on Sound on arrival, the instrument didn’t quite take off and was discontinued, along with its younger sibling the DarkStar XP2, after just a few years in production. Even more curious than that is the amount of vitriol amassed for the DarkStar on forums all over the web. I could go on, but suffice it to say that “piece of shit” was among the milder comments.

So why bother trying to make use of an abandoned device that broad swaths of the community dismiss while more zealous members condemn? Well, digging a little deeper led me to discover that although the instrument does have its shortcomings it also has its strengths and at least a handful of people seem to appreciate the character and flexibility of the DarkStar. Five part multi-timbral, two MIDI clock sync-able LFOs per part, low-band-high pass switchable 12db filter, full MIDI implementation, and loads of modulation routing add to the depth of the synth. It also has some quirky features like a formant waveform on oscillator 2, ring modulation, and a random LFO shape that interpolates between the values.


Continue reading →