EMUSIC-L Digest Volume 65, Issue 16 This issue's topics: DSS-1 Korg DSS. Any Comments? (2 messages) Korg M1 Help PSR510 and external sync QuadraSynth (4 messages) Quadrasynth thoughts SQ1 Voice Editor? swap sounds/samples (2 messages) Synths (9 messages) Your EMUSIC-L Digest moderator is Joe McMahon . You may subscribe to EMUSIC-L by sending mail to listserv@american.edu with the line "SUB EMUSIC-L your name" as the text. The EMUSIC-L archive is a service of SunSite (sunsite.unc.edu) at the University of North Carolina. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: Fri, 10 Jun 1994 11:33:45 PST From: Dave Heil EMUSIC-L Subject: DSS-1 Date: Wed, 8 Jun 94 10:04:33 PST From: Dave Heil SYNTH-L Subject: DSS-1 To: SYNTH-L@AMERICAN.EDU X-Mailer: LeeMail 2.0.4 Message-Id: Thanks to everybody who responded to my guestions about the Korg DSS-1. I wnet out and bought it last night for $400. It came with a manual, a book and about 90 floppies full of samples, including all of the Korg disks. I've just begun to play with it and it seems like a capable machine, even though the technology is 8 years old. A few things bother me about it; 1) Lack of samples in ROM. 2) Very little system memory. 3) Non-multitimbral. These things aren't very important to me right now as I'm just learning how to play, but as my experience grows I feel that they'll present a bottleneck for me. As a EE I'm interested in expanding this machine capability. Does anybody know of any of the following: 1) Schematics, disk format specs., and anything else technical that isn't in the manual. 2) Upgrade options from Korg or third-party vendors. 3) Comments on any upgrades your DSS-1 has undergone. I appreciate any help you can give me. Thanks, Dave Heil ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 6 Jun 1994 10:50:54 EDT From: Brian Adamson Subject: Re: Korg DSS. Any Comments? % Hi, % % I'm going to look at a Korg DSS tonight. Does anyone have any experience with % this machine? Can someone give me a review? % % Thanks, % % Dave I've got one. I like it for what it can do ... You can run samples through an analog filter chain (w/ resonant filter) This is a neat thing to do to get some sounds you can't typically get with today's samplers ... The filter is pretty good ... not quite as sweet as some older, more well known filters such as the Moogs, etc but it certainly has some character as compared to most digital resonant filter implementations. It can use 2 oscillator per voice with independent samples tied to each oscillator and it has the ability to hard-sync the oscillators together which can give you some interesting "bite" with some sounds .... What it can't do is the result of older technology before today's samplers ... limited sample memory ..12-bit sampling ...responds to only one MIDI channel (i.e. not multi-timbral other than assigning different types of samples to different parts of the keyboard range in a multi-sample) Its sample editing is a little tricky to use, but not impossible ... DSS with hard disk options are a rare find so you tend to be limited to 800K floppies ... but that isn't a bad match given the limited memory other than loading time is a little slow ... This is _not_ a "one box does all sampling workstation" by any means but it fills a slot in my rig (although its large, space-consuming 50 lb. size makes me question its value from time to time) A rack version would be better ... its keyboard action has an annoying clack when you release the keys but thats not unusual for some mid-1980's keyboards. Brian ___________________________________________________________________ R. Brian Adamson Information Technology Division adamson@itd.nrl.navy.mil Naval Research Laboratory NRL Code 5523 Washington, DC 20375 ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 6 Jun 1994 07:18:14 PST From: Dave Heil EMUSIC-L Subject: Korg DSS. Any Comments? Hi, I'm going to look at a Korg DSS tonight. Does anyone have any experience with this machine? Can someone give me a review? Thanks, Dave ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 3 Jun 1994 09:04:20 BST From: Philip Jones Subject: Re Korg M1 Help KevT wrote : I have a 486DX2-66 computer, with a MQX-16 midi card installed. When connected to the M1, it seem to have only a one-way communication. That is, midi data is sent to the M1, but nothing is recieved from the M1! The midi card is diagnosed to be fine, leaving the possiblity that the M1 either has its midi-out busted or is there a parameter that I need to tweak on the M1 before it recieves midi data? > The M1 has a page in the global menus which determines incoming MIDI filters. This is what needs to be changed most probably unless your M1 is knackered. The page allows you to enable or disable 4 types of incoming MIDI data. To get to the menu just press the Global button and then page up a feww times and adjust as necessary. I think this is the answer to your problem but your message isn't clear as to whether the problem is transmitting or receiving on the M1 as if the problem is with receiving the MIDI out port is irelevant. Hope this helps Phil Jones (pj02@ee.ic.ac.uk) ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 13 Jun 1994 07:58:07 GMT From: SCOTT MORSCHHAUSER Subject: PSR510 and external sync Date: 06/13/94 From: SCOTT MORSCHHAUSER OU59105 - DACDXX21 To: INTERNET - DACDXE01 Subject: PSR510 and external sync ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I recently purchased a Yamaha PSR510 and am using it in conjunction with Midisoft Studio for Windows and a Pro Audio Spectrum sound card. When I record the Auto Accompaniment parts from the PSR510, I seem to pick up all of the notes but they play back on "slightly" different instruments. What I mean to say is, the full accompaniment part is picked up (drums, bass, and chords), but it sounds "close" on playback. ie a different drum set is used, a piano instead of organ is used etc. I am selecting "mixed" as the instrument type. Is there anyone familiar with this equipment that could give me a hand? Scott Morschhauser ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 28 Jun 1994 19:49:33 -0500 From: "J. Michael Roach" Subject: QuadraSynth If you please, some opinions from those who've heard this unit from Alesis. j. michael ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 29 Jun 1994 08:39:36 -0500 From: Steve Hills Subject: Re: QuadraSynth It's o.k. But, to be honest, there are a lot of "o.k." sounding working synthesizers on the market. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 30 Jun 1994 19:34:15 +0100 From: Nick Rothwell Subject: Re: QuadraSynth > It's o.k. But, to be honest, there are a lot of "o.k." sounding >working synthesizers on the market. And a good many non-working ones. Nick Rothwell CASSIEL Contemporary Music/Dance nick@cassiel.com ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 30 Jun 1994 14:15:53 -0700 From: jk Subject: Re: QuadraSynth >> It's o.k. But, to be honest, there are a lot of "o.k." sounding >>working synthesizers on the market. > >And a good many non-working ones. I think the Quadrasynth is more than just O.K. A friend purchased one a month or two ago and I had a chance to mess with it just a bit. (not enough to really get a handle on it though). I think the unit comes at a really nice price point for 64 voice polyphony. Apparently the effects routing options are the most versatile yet in a synth. My friend bought it in addition to a K2000RS: his idea in buying it was that he really liked the feel of the action and the 76-key range. I did too, not slushy, not stiff, just right. He tried out a FATAR and hated the heavy keys (hey, he's a guitarist) so sent it back. The FATAR (90c) doesn't have aftertouch either. So, not only does he have a decent master controller, he has expanded his timbrality for a couple hundred (4-5) more. The K2000 will eat 'em up on the important sounds, the Quad'll be there when he needs extra voices. I didn't review the sounds very well, so don't ask. I realize this is important (if not the *most*) but on the outset it sounded great. Anybody read the EM review on it? You could tell the reviewer (Wilkinson maybe?) didn't like it before he reviewed it. It was obvious......then he kept adding 'well, but, such and such is a pretty cool feature'. I really have no opinion about it except that on the outset it was a pretty good deal for my friend, and I'm sure it will be useful for him. Regards, _ -john ___ __/ | ___ | | JKrikawa@CCIT.Arizona.Edu | |___ ________ \______/ \__________ Tucson, AZ ___../\./\/ \____/ \____ ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 30 Jun 1994 18:36:16 EDT From: Marvin Sanders Subject: Re: Quadrasynth thoughts Hi John, I know both reviewers of the Quad, Wilkinson for EM and Rideout for Keyboard. I can tell you that both of them had major service problems (had to send three units back) before receiving one that they could give a fair review to. Personally, I thought some of the synth stuff was OK, but the acoustic emulations really aren't great...no amount of effects processing will save mediocre samples. Undeniably though, it's a lot of bang for the buck. My favorite 64-voice instrument right now is the Roland SC-88, which I think sounds far and away better than the Quad. However, I'm not sure whether you need a keyboard or not. There's my opinion, for what it's worth. Good luck... Marvin ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 13 Jun 1994 15:47:45 -0400 From: Bobby Nipper Subject: SQ1 Voice Editor? I'm using an Ensoniq SQ1 along with Voyetra's sequencer. I was wondering if anyone knows of a "Full Screen" voice editor for the SQ1. Voyetra use to have some available for really popular synths (like DX-7 or D-50), but I haven't seen one for the SQ1. I'd really like to be able to create and edit patches on the PC. Thanks -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bobby Nipper | Federal Paper Board | "The more things change... -------------------| Riegelwood Operations | the more they suck." This Box left | North Carolina | -- Beavis & intentionally | (919) 655-6411 | Butthead blank | rdp1!ben1@seq.cms.uncwil.edu | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 24 Jun 1994 15:40:13 EDT From: "Doug Michael." Subject: swap sounds/samples I have some samples for a Roland S-550 and a Korg 01/W, if anyone is interested in trading samples, feel free to e-mail me. My screen name is D Mic 27@aol.com. Thanks. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 27 Jun 1994 11:18:19 EDT From: "william.b.fox" Subject: Re: swap sounds/samples > To: Bill Fox > Date: Fri, 24 Jun 1994 15:40:13 EDT > From: att!VTBIT.CC.VT.EDU!AMERICAN.EDU!owner-emusic-l > Subject: swap sounds/samples > > I have some samples for a Roland S-550 and a Korg 01/W, if anyone is > interested in trading samples, feel free to e-mail me. My screen name is D > Mic 27@aol.com. Thanks. Do you know about the sgroup? It's a Roland samplers user group. To join, send email to: sgroup-request@lotus.UWaterloo.ca To post to the membership, send email to: sgroup@lotus.uwaterloo.ca Hope to see you there! Bill Fox wbf@aloft.att.com ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 13 Jun 1994 01:17:16 EDT From: michael Subject: Synths Hello, I am new to this board and very happy with what I have found so far. I am part of a synth based duo trying to perform Techno/Industrial original music Currently our equipment is very limited. I Have a K2000, TG55, D4, K1r and a TX81z. My computer is an IBM 486 DX2 66, running Cakewalk and Sample Vision, and Drummer. I just sold my Emax II and plan to do some serious adding of equi pment. I am considering the purchase of a Multisound Card and hope I can get some feed back on the board from any one who has used or heard it. Like wise I am looking at the TG77, JD990, and Wavestation SR. I have also looked at th e Morpheous and a few other things. How about thrashing me with some different but educated view points I would really enjoy it. I am just beginning to thin k about sampling again. What are my choices, S760, ASR10 maybe, The Sampling Option for the K2000? Isn't it true that Sample Cell for the PC does not reco rd samples? Well I have certainly asked enough I'll await the pound roar of an swers, thank you in advance. Computer Freaks don't do it better, were the only ones who can. Michael Millard Chattanooga, Tn. / University of Tn. Chattanooga. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 13 Jun 1994 10:13:22 CST From: Darwin Grosse Subject: Re: Synths Welcome, Mike! >Hello, I am new to this board and very happy with what I have found so far. >I am part of a synth based duo trying to perform Techno/Industrial original >music. Currently our equipment is very limited. I Have a K2000, TG55, D4, >K1r and a TX81z. My computer is an IBM 486 DX2 66, running Cakewalk and >Sample Vision, and Drummer. I just sold my Emax II and plan to do some >serious adding of equipment. I am considering the purchase of a Multisound >Card and hope I can get some feed back on the board from any one who has >used or heard it. Well, it's a basic Proteus and a high-quality sound card. Sounds fine. If your are getting is for the Proteus section, you may want a regular Proteus instead - it has multiple outputs for your enjoyment. They are going for around $350 used. If you are looking for an audio I/O card for the PC, you may want to check out the Tahiti card by Turtle Beach. Supposedly a better input sound, and no pesky synth module. The Monteray (I think) is a Tahiti with an additional sample playback module - you add your own .WAV samples... Neither of these have digital I/O - a problem once you really start flinging audion around. For this, you have to look at (at least) the DAL CardD. Much more pricey, but probably better in the long run. >Like wise I am looking at the TG77, JD990, and Wavestation SR. I have also >looked at the Morpheous and a few other things. How about thrashing me with >some different but educated view points I would really enjoy it. I am just >beginning to think about sampling again. What are my choices, S760, ASR10 >maybe, The Sampling Option for the K2000? IMO ... TG77 - A dangerous beast-thing. The current state of the digital-crap artists (not that I'm against digital, just poorly implemented digital). FYI, I tend to hate Yamaha stuff, so grain-of-salt this statement. JD-990 - Flexible, nifty synth. Finally, waveform mod comes back to the massess. (I'm picking one of these up in a few days...) Also digital-crap, but with a "depth" that I'm attracted to... W/S SR - Got one ... gonna sell. Great W/S sound, but my fingers get bloody and my eyes get numb working on patches for this thing. 550 presets, no waiting. I bought it for a video gig, where it was a killer. However, it doesn't have the UI that I'd like for general purpose production. Sampler - You have a K2k without the sampling option? For shame. While a very nice sample-playback unit, it soars with the sampling option. It allowed me to add that great Popeil Baldness Spray sample to the K2k (why is no synth manufacturer including this? It's a great cymbal sound - for the criminally insane). Also, a much less expensive option - leaves more cash for purchasing that other gear. The other options you mention have their adherants and their detractors. You need to try/before/buy. Also, pay attention to the filter, looping and DSP options - this tends to be what seperates the units currently in the marketplace. >Isn't it true that Sample Cell for the PC does not record samples? No SampleCell will record samples. On any platform. [ddg] .............................................................................. Darwin Grosse . (414) 377-2946(h)/359-9800(w) . ddg@prosrv.ems.com .............................................................................. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 13 Jun 1994 12:30:40 EDT From: Michael Subject: Re: Synths Thank you for the information. On the Sample Cell, Have you heard it? Is it a cool tool or just filler in the market. As most synth people and musicians i n general my funds are limited and I wouldn't want to waste the meazly somes of money I do have. I am entering the world of negitive balances all to often bu t thats the price of aquisition. Eh. Thanks for the Info. Im glad to be here. Michael Millard / University of Tn., at Chattanooga ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 14 Jun 1994 21:27:42 +0100 From: Nick Rothwell Subject: Re: Synths >>Currently our equipment is very limited. I Have a K2000, TG55, D4, >>K1r and a TX81z. > [...] >>I just sold my Emax II and plan to do some >>serious adding of equipment. Sounds like you have plenty already; if you can't make do with what you have, you've got a problem. Add the sampling board to the K2k, and invest in some (more) outboard effects processors. You don't need any more synths. >TG77 - A dangerous beast-thing. The current state of the digital-crap > artists Best synth Yahaha ever made, apart from the V-80. The pinnacle of FM, if you ignore the PCM sample crap. Nick Rothwell CASSIEL Contemporary Music/Dance nick@cassiel.com ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 15 Jun 1994 09:00:16 CST From: "Harry F.P. Haecker" Subject: Re[2]: Synths :>TG77 - A dangerous beast-thing. The current state of the digital-crap :>artists Nick Rothwell replies: :Best synth Yamaha ever made, apart from the V-80. The pinnacle of FM, if :you ignore the PCM sample crap. I totally agree, Nick. If the TG77 is "a dangerous beast-thing", it's because it seems to suck away time every time I get involved tweaking algorithms. My complaint is not so much the semi-sucko PCM's, but the lack of expandability. Yamaha has seen to it that the people who invested over 1000 US$ in their product are left with only a few PCMCIA's, with limited availability and HIGH prices (For example, I've heard that the sax card has less than 6 samples, and together with the accompanying 64 patches, costs ~$100). With those kind of prices, I'm somewhat content to just explore FM via my editor/lib. and warped sense of decorum. I like the concept of using sampled sounds to modulate FM, and when I'm careful not to saturate the modulation, I can get some thick, interesting hybrid waveforms. Does anyone know if it's possible to reverse this "carrier/modulator" relationship (in general, not on the TG77), and if so, on what synth? Harry Haecker (haeckerh@nwrc.gov) ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 15 Jun 1994 12:25:24 EDT From: michael Subject: Re: Re[2]: Synths Thank you for the input. When I wrote the original note I thought the Wavesta tion SR would get the most varied responce, what do you think of it? Michael University of Tn at Chattanooga. If we all had the same synth we would all sound the same. NOT.. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 15 Jun 1994 11:09:00 CST From: Darwin Grosse Subject: Re: Synths >>TG77 - A dangerous beast-thing. The current state of the digital-crap >> artists > >Best synth Yahaha ever made, apart from the V-80. The pinnacle of FM, if >you ignore the PCM sample crap. > Alas, on my lastest test-drive, I couldn't get past it. What places the 77 at the pinnacle? I plan on picking up a quality FM unit, but have had problems resigning myself to a post-DX/TX device. [ddg] .............................................................................. Darwin Grosse . (414) 377-2946(h)/359-9800(w) . ddg@prosrv.ems.com .............................................................................. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 18 Jun 1994 02:36:12 EDT From: VictorB25@AOL.COM Subject: Re: Synths I'll be picking up a Sample Cell II in about 2 weeks, and I'll post what I think about it-I have thirty days to return it if it sucks ;). However I have heard some very good things about it. Apparently there is a large sample library out there for it but it is all for the Mac. They are in the process of converting all the Mac formated samples to .WAV format for PC. We shall see..... Victor ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 21 Jun 1994 20:53:52 +0100 From: Nick Rothwell Subject: Re: Synths >Alas, on my lastest test-drive, I couldn't get past it. What places >the 77 at the pinnacle? Most sophisticated and flexible FM implementation. The SY99 might be higher audio quality, I guess, but there's not a rackmount of it, so I tend to forget it. Nick Rothwell CASSIEL Contemporary Music/Dance nick@cassiel.com ------------------------------ End of the EMUSIC-L Digest ******************************