I had a dream. When I was a teenager I wanted to get a synthesizer and play instrumental music (I am fan of Mike Oldfield). However, I never realized it. I thought I am not talented, and money was an issue. Now, almost 40 years later and 50+, I came accross modern keyboards. And the dream came back into my mind. At the end of February 2023 I bought a Yamaha PSR-SX600 digital workstation. I never played an instrument, I never got lessons, I don't have a teacher. On this channel you can watch my progress. Please be patient and generous with me - I will need my time to get better. But it should inspire others to live their dreams!
Update (April 2023): I added a Korg Modwave wavetable synthesizer to my equipment. Together with a Zoom V3 vocoder and a Zoom Livetrak L-12 digital mixer/recorder I can now produce many different sounds and live my dream. My songs or sounds does not have the quality yet that I want - but I will learn and develop, and someday... stay tuned.
@PurpleKoco To be honest, it was the first time that I tried this (bad) light. And I was (negatively) surprised that my HD camera (meanwhile more than 10 years old) did not make sharp pictures under these conditions. My smartphone camera is even better. But as you probably know know, I mostly tweaked the cutoff (high pass filter) and resonance plus the depth and drive of the filter section.
@@RainerMuenz technology surprises us with let downs all the time. I’ve done live production before and I’ve made the decision I want to make music. I want to use synths. I found you bc I watched some tools that Animal Collective uses and yours popped up 42 minutes old. I dig the sounds and exploration.
@PurpleKoco Wow. I am almost always suprised what YT does. My videos does not appear where I think they should... on the other hand this brings me visitors that usually won't find me... ;-) Have you already decided which synth(s) you want to use?
Hiya Rainer. You speak very good English. Thanks for the info> Your German accent is honest and communicates the information well. Thank you. I'm expecting that the app will bring the original promise, features, use ability and kick starter hype of 2003 to fruition. I'm Yet to receive mine; They've had my money for ages also. Finally I have a tracking number. My Medow is feeding cows in transit somewhere in a cowfield in China/Hongkong? PS If you are into guitar have you heard of #Lavame or #Hyvibe. They are the Cats Whiskas in smart acoustic wireless guitars.
Thank you so much for your nice comment. This makes me happy. And I hope you will get your package very soon. By the way, I have received the partly refund to my Paypal account (but I had to pay the Paypal fees - don't think this is nice but well, they didn't need to refund us at all, so I guess it's OK). I am not really into guitars because I can't play them... but I do have a Donner DST 100 strat type (just for making some sounds that I might mix into synth tunes). I am always interested to learn about instruments, gear, companies, thanks for the hint. I will check these. I don't have an acoustic guitar yet (but thought about buying one someday later).🙂 Edit: Well, I do know Lavame, saw this before but didn't remember the name. Hyvibe is new to me but interesting.
Yup. By the time I got it, I have no desire to play with something that's clearly a toy. Managed to figure some parts out, but it's in need of proper instructions. It's terrible
Exactly. In the meantime I installed the app and updated the firmware. But I still don't see how to change sounds. There are none in the app if I'm not blind. It's unfinished in my opinion and nothing I need.
@@RainerMuenz ok, there is a pdf download for instructions. English and German :) Also, under "school" there are videos. Just going through it now.... Let's see how this goes
@TheBrainvision Yes, I have downloaded the manual on my computer. It is optimized for reading on a smartphone (what I don't want to do). Had to make everything bigger on screen but still inconvenient to use. So I stopped quickly and put the MEDO back in the box. More time is needed to learn it but I was most surprised that I couldn't see any of the promised sounds in the app. Do I really need a manual for clicking on tabs in an app? All strange.
@@RainerMuenz it works with the phone. You can upload local files. There is a library of various drum sounds, leads and chords. It's geared towards an app with the phone, unfortunately.
You are so right. It's my first purchase through a Kickstarter campaign, and probably the last. Saving 50 % was a reason, but now they reduced the retail price and I am still waiting for a partly refund.
I got my one on Saturday. and I have to say, that so far I am very dissapointed. It's well-built and the touch panels are even velocity sensitive depending on how hard you press them. However, I've not yet been able to change any of the stock sounds, and the sampler just plays one sample (that you can record) at different pitches. Additionally, I followed the link to the PC software but the link goes only to the homepage. I feel like this product is not in the public ready phase. Perhaps I was mistaken, but assumed that we would be able to sample our own drum kits and layer custom synths and audio. The scale and chord set are both fixed and it just feels like a bit of a kids toy. Sad! Additionally, there's a reverb on the sounds which can't be changed. Was expecting MUCH more!
Exactly my experience so far. No idea how to change sounds or other presets. It is now listed in their shop but no further material like a manual. Yes, this product is either not ready for the market or a very expensive toy.
Is it possible to update the firmware via phone or does it have to be with a computer? I like how super compact it is. Can take it anywhere 👍 EDIT: On second thoughts after all the trouble you've been having and price to value considerations, I'm going to stick to getting a JD-08.
If I understand the quick manual right, you can do firmware updates by phone or by computer. It seems to be your choice. A JD-08 is interesting. I am thinking about the SH-4d.
Oh, I see... it was actually a simple setup. The Modwave was connected to the Mooer pedal (L/R output to L/R input), and the pedal was connected to a stereo channel of the Zoom LiveTrak L-12 mixer. That's all. On the photo you can see more gear because I tried to record a triangle with reverb the same day, so there is a Shure micro connected to a Zoom Multistomp, but this was not used in this video.
Thank you. I am happy that you like it. I just play what I feel, had no lessons (just books and videos), and I might play wrong or 'forbidden' notes, but that does not matter to me. 🙂
@@RainerMuenz I think I’d agree that that is a good attitude and way forward… it keeps us making music and content… and naturally we will evolve and gain more experience and ability with time. Previously I’ve spent far too much time thinking, planning and then doing a bit, and repeating… not getting much made. So last September I said to myself. It’s now or never. Good work mate… let’s keep going!
@@rickhopkinson I absolutely understand what you mean and fully agree. In my case, I don't call myself a musician as I have to learn much more before I might come close enough (and I don't compose); nevertheless, trial and error, learning by doing, experimenting with gear and sounds is what I really enjoy. And that's why I bought many more instruments to play with, to test their abilities, their workflows, the combinations with others - and I found music and soundscapes that I was not aware about. Like dark ambient music. Sure, I knew it from movies, computer games etc.but had no idea how these sounds are created. Jamming in this or other directions is what makes me happy today. Recording bits and pieces, sharing with others, is an additional and previously unplanned benefit. Some sounds are accidential results, others are planned - but it's still far away from composing music. I really enjoy what you are doing, and I am looking forward to watching more of your videos (every day a few of them). I am much interested in the gear other people (like you) are using; interesting to see the 2600 amongst your equipment (this was and is not on my list due to practical reasons like space and workflow). It's a new hobby for me and it's just the beginning of a hopefully long trip.
@@RainerMuenz I love that mate… and trial and error I think is a good approach… I’m self taught in music composition and don’t know theory deeply… but just jumping in does absolutely no harm in my opinion. Since I bought my first synth and started sound designing and making patches, I’ve been hooked on synths. Originally I learned electronic organ from my grandparents in the late 80’s and then added electric guitar in the late 90’s… piano to me is played similar to organ so I class them as one… probably shouldn’t etc. Trial and error has been probably my main approach. Learning chords first. Then experimenting which sound good after the other…. Then find melodies. At the moment though the dark ambient cinematic that I’m doing, I jump in from different angles and approaches and it works and it feels free in that sense. I know what you mean with sounds in movies…. So many were synth based, but I didn’t know. Synthesis is a whole world in itself isn’t it. I’m genuinely really happy you like my work mate! And I’m happy you’re going to work through my videos day by day 🙏🏻💎💯 please let me know your thoughts on them 😋 I think my Hydra and 2600 have the edge on being my favourites… I’m lucky to have them… still paying off the Hydra 😬 It’s a truly awesome hobby and great for the mind. Please do keep going and let’s keep going together… it’s a great community on here…
@rickhopkinson I am sure you benefit from learning the electric organ a lot... and I would also think it's quite like playing the piano. Not the same keybeds of course but playing chords and melodies is probably quite comparable. And that's what I recognize when watching your videos. There are nice and well-played melodies embedded in atmospheric sounds. I like the combination although I also like the pure drone sound. To be honest, I made the beginner mistake buying a keyboard first rather than a synth. I thought about a MODX+ but it was also a decision of money. At this time I didn't know if I will become a longer hobby or frustrating. I thought synths are too hard to learn... but I was wrong. A friend had a DX around 1987 and I was fascinated what he did with it... but it was my wife who told me last year to give it a try, and I was impressed by the current Yamaha keyboards. Only two months later I bought a Modwave (that's why I don't buy the excellent Hydra) and then some Behringer's, a MicroFreak, Waldorf Streichfett... a Roland Sh-4d is on my wish list plus the forthcoming Stylophone drone synth. The journey continues and it's great to be not alone and see and learn what others are doing and talk about it. 😀
I don't think that it is defective. The differences are easier to recognize now than on this phone recording. However, I will check if there is a new update.
I'm layering this over "Robot Repair Ambience" by Relaxing Rooms ASMR ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-xNUwHn6YDo8.htmlsi=2EqNjw_p7Lhm0xSW And VR Mars Science Hub Ambience by Selcuk Celebi Ambient & Music ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-iXYAxx-Q9IU.htmlsi=12-cECLX9weriJ41 and, I assume, confusing the hell out of the neighbors
😵💫🔎🎛 True, better memorize the location of everything before a dark show! Hard to read in any case, side buttons hard to press, easy to mix up! (The Mute is right next to the Delete! Better back up your tracks. The swing is by the BPM, which should have a knob of course.) Definitely use the App to see the details when possible!
Yeah well this is very likely for younger people and hip kids and young adults. I'm 55 and can't see well either but I'm only using mine for a rompler so I may not care too much about reading it beyond selecting favorites. It's cool for kids you can toss it in a backpack or bookbag or purse or lay in bed going to sleep with it. It was likely inspired by the synth made by the students whatever that's called. It's really not intended for older people but I don't have mine yet it's on the way.
Very interesting thoughts. I am 55, too. Last month I had two unplanned eye surgeries and can't make music at the moment, no matter what gear I would use. Just recovering and I can already say that the Seqtrak will be the hardest instrument to use in the near future although I expect getting my previous vision back.
It has an internal microphone for recording samples. I guess that's not what you need. Also, there is an input for external gear, 3,5 mm stereo jack. If you use a xlr to 3,5 mm TR or TRS you might be able to connect a microphone. Not sure about signal strenghts. I would use my Zoom V3 vocal processor in between, just going from its 6,3 mm L/R outputs to 3,5 mm TRS. To be honest, the SEQTRAK is a gear that I never really used as I bought an Akai MPC Key 37 soon after it, and well, this is so fantastic that it fills the gap that I had.
Thank you very much. Yes, the RU-vid feeds are strange and I don't understand them. But I am happy that you enjoyed it. I have a few more tracks like this and will add more in the future. Maybe you might come back someday.
I find this synthesizer very interesting in the vast amount of different sounds that can come out of it. Now the mk2 version is out it looks a very tempting purchase.
Vielen Dank, Michael. JMJ-artige Klänge sind unter den Synth-Voices enthalten. Manche erinnern schon von der Bezeichnung an ihn. Als ich es kaufte, dachte ich auch an solche Musik, an der ich mich ausprobieren wollte. Heute spiele ich mehr an meinen Synthesizern herum als auf dem Keyboard, aber grundsätzlich möchte ich Deine Frage bejahen.
Hallo Rainer, danke für das Video! Ich sitze mittlerweile auch oft mit der Lesebrille vor meinen Synths, aber Du hast recht, die Schrift auf dem Seqtrak scheint wirklich zu klein zu sein ubd farblich ungeschickt gelöst. Aktuell hadere ich noch mit mir, ob ich mir so ein Teil zulegen sollte… Du hast den Circuit Tracks schreibst Du. Daher meine Frage: was gefällt Dir „aus dem Bauch heraus“ besser: Seqtrak oder Circuit? Mir geht es nicht um die Features, sondern um Dein Bauchgefühl. Danke!
Hallo Dirk, danke für Deine Eindrücke. Ganz schwer zu sagen, was mir besser gefällt. Verarbeitung, Spielgefühl: eindeutig Circuit Tracks. Workflow: Circuit Tracks erscheint mir intuitiver, komme da leichter rein. Leistungsumfang: SEQTRAK. Ich denke, ich werde beide nutzen, vielleicht auch kombinieren, wenn ich das schaffe. Wenn ich nur einen kaufen dürfte? Wahrscheinlich SEQTRAK wegen der Synth-Möglichkeiten, die mir mächtiger und reichhaltiger erscheinen.
Vielen Dank Rainer! Die Synths von Circuit sind natürlich nicht wirklich sooo toll, aber da ich es nur unterwegs nutze, bleibe ich dann doch dabei. Ursprünglich wollte ich den Circuit verkaufen und in den Seqtrak „reinvestieren“. Dein Video und Deine Antwort haben mich jetzt überzeugt, beim Circuit zu bleiben. Beste Grüsse und weiterhin gute Besserung!
@@DirkFellhauer Ich nehme an, dass Du auch den Circuit Rhythm hast. Weil der SEQTRAK ja auch noch den Sampler eingebaut hat. Tracks & Rhythm ergeben dann ja quasi den SEQTRAK, vielleicht nicht ganz so gut (das kann ich nicht wirklich beurteilen), und mit externen Synths fährt man dann halt eh besser. Kann Deine Entscheidung gut nachvollziehen und freue mich, wenn ich helfen konnte. Schönes Wochenende!
May you have a swift recovery. I’d send it back and get the lighter color scheme if I were you. I have a black on order and good close in vision so I’ll likely work with it. It really isn’t for me and my style of music but got it to play around with. The thing that scares me it I heard some good sound demos with the YE KO II and mostly mediocre demos of the SeqTrak.
Thank you. My recovery is on a good way. The SEQTRAK is not gear that I will regularly use, so I can organize good light when working with it. I have just bought an Akai MPC Key 37 which seems to fit much better to my needs. The SEQTRAK will be added to the setup when I want to use Yamaha Motif sounds in addition. That's the main reason why I bought it.
Ich hab die orange-graue Version, die ist finde ich etwas besser zu lesen. Mit der App als Screen aufm iPad ist das sogar noch besser ;). Aber das ist ja ein lösbares Problem. Roland hatte mit dem JD-Xi am Anfang auch ne unlesbare Beschriftung und dann nachher Folien mitgeliefert.
Interessante Idee mit Folien. Und ja, die App hilft natürlich. Der Screen ist immer lesbar. Ich wollte zwar möglichst viel ohne machen, aber das klappt dann halt nur tagsüber oder bei gutem Licht.
Excellent point, and easily overlooked, I have a Korg MicroX excellent versatile synth but the screen is red on red and unless you are on top of very it tough to read, so it has to be front and centre in my setup. It frustrates me that manufacturers don’t make better usability decisions, and this device has no screen so of course you need to be able to see the information on it.
@@RainerMuenz tried at my friend's... he sent it back. It seems like some designers ignore the folks who wears glasses for the most part of their life...
@@RainerMuenzprobably not. If I understand you correctly then your problem is with the not active (not lid) text for the effects which is the exact same thing with the other color option. Once active you'll be able to read it. To cycle through the options doesn't seem to be that difficult or problematic.
It's a great piece of gear but not exactly what I want. I have the Novation Circuit Tracks and Circuit Rhythm. When the Seqtrak came out I was especially interested in the combination of functions plus the Yamaha synth sounds that I like. So the decision was this one or nothing.
I tried one of these and sent it back. Mostly the cheap, brittle plastic and nasty keys put me off - a very toy-like feel. Agree also that the tiny text is very hard to read, I need my glasses on to use it. I did have the black,one too, and agree maybe the white is easier to read. I just I found myself using the app for everything because it’s easier to find the function there than remembering a cryptic button chord, and squinting at the tiny text (and it meant I didn’t have to touch that horrible plastic!). Of course in that case I might as well just use a phone app without the actual device. Honestly, I’d rather they had priced it a bit higher, but made the build quality better.
Curious about what makes the plastic so horrible. Most things are made of plastic so can you describe what makes it feel cheap? Does it flex or something?
@@michaelkonomos Yes, a bit, there’s kind of a seam between pieces at the front where there is a gap. I mean hard to explain how something feels, but it just seemed flimsy to me. The buttons are the worst part, clicky but not in a nice way like a mechanical keyboard, just “cheap” feeling. It’s small enough to throw in a bag, but I’m worried if I did that it, it’d break in two. Don’t let me put you off if you like how it sounds, but I’d suggest to try to get hands-on before you buy.
Thank you@@chrisward000 that is very helpful! Yes, I hope a local store will have one. The concerns about build quality do give me pause - the whole reason to get hardware is for it to feel good!
Very interesting, because that's exactly the question I was asking myself (between the two available models): which version is more "legible" in low light? But strangely enough, looking at the photos and videos, I'd come to the conclusion that the orange writing (on the black model, that is) would be more legible in low light than the grey writing on a white background...), in terms of contrast and legibility. Don't you think? Und gute besserung!
Danke. When I made the video the light was good and I was able to read orange on black. However, when I unpacked the item it was darker and my first test run was almost impossible to do. So I do think that the orange version is probably easier to use in the dark. Just my guess. I can't compare it.
@@RainerMuenz if I manage to get a satisfactory answer, I'll be sure to do so! Personally, I'd rather have the black model too, even if the other one looks good too.
Not sure if glasses will really help. With the light in the video I can read the orange texts, but when it's getting darker I can't. I do have 100 % vision on one eye (with glasses) and it's still impossible.
Yes... right, on the other hand I don't have this issue when there is enough light in the room, daylight or a lamp nearby. I guess it's not only me having issues here. Orange on dark grey/black doesn't have a high contrast. When I check the orange/white version I am absolutely not sure if the contrast between colour and writing is really much better in a darker room. I would like to get my hands on the other version for a direct comparison.
Thank you so much. I will upload more tracks from this session but wasn't able to finish them so far due to an accident I had last week. But there is more in preparation.
