Jim!!!! - Finally, great to see you again - I'm almost ready here (release january 13th on my 60th birthday) be there :-) - ..And WAOW that was one of those video's you can watch every morning before Coffee, well done :)
You’ve done it again, Jim! As a fellow synth-head, it’s fun seeing how you always come up with creative solutions for your setup. Amazing video as always! With my new Oberheim OB-X8, I now own 11 hardware synths, and seeing that spaghetti at 12:10 totally reminds me of my own synth studio dilemma. 😂 Coincidentally, I also had to remove my mixer from my setup because it was giving me some problems, and I think it helped to streamline my workflow. Definitely taking notes from your vids as I go along. ✨
Hi, Jim. Chris here with Stone Prophet. This video is probably the most informative and friendly experience on RU-vid I’ve had in a very long, long time. Thank you for sharing your studio logistics and knowledge base with us!
"Does it inspire me?". Great line. I was into composing electronic music in the 90s and everything always spun off of inspiration that came as I cycled through patches. I'm less focused on creating in that way now, but watching you adlib based on what each synth is producing for you here is itself inspiring and makes me want to get back to doing some of that.
Im SOOOO happy that u are a actual PLAYER!!!! When u reach up and play the OBX8 AND the JUPITER X at the same time, THAT'S when ideas shift into more than sounds, right? Same with the System 8 and MIGHTY PRO 3 SE (MATRIX BRUTE as well) Ideas start to become songs! Do that Synth record, my brother!! U are representing us very well, Sir
Ah man, THANK YOU for the kind words! That means a lot! Yeah, there’s not much point in just collecting synths, which seems to be a trend. They are instruments that should inspire - not just pretty toys to look at!
And P.S. I’ll be making an announcement after the holidays about a pretty epic project that will involve all these goodies, and then some! Stay tuned 😁
Hi Jim, I agree with you on the sound of the Yamaha console. I use a Yamaha AW4416 stand alone recorder. I love the effects that are in it. I believe they are the same effects that are in your 02R. This video motivates me to reorganize my studio as well. Cables are getting out of control again. Loving the sound of my OBX8, although I am having a lack of voices problem. About time to contact SC over this. I just read some of your firmware update suggestions on the SC site. Thanks for sharing! Jim
Glad the DX7 is still in your setup. Those oak panels still look great. Should have taken your advice and made a dozen or so pair for others. Much easier to do in groups than ad-hoc. Thanks for another cool video!
You are amazing Jim! Thank you!! Followed your advice...StandTastic stands are amazing. Got mine with a 4th tier, thanks!! Too much I'd love to type but this is enough...thank you again, Sir!
This is a beautiful studio, it's been a great inspiration since the Masters tour. No modular fart machines, just the nicest keyboards, I love the "fake" Jupiter also, myself went for the Juno X. Seems you got rid of the OB6 desktop you had if I remember correctly? I was thinking OB6 gonna be redundant with OB X8, but actually I'm happy to keep both, both amazing sounding, but not really the same.
Thanks! And HAAAA - no “modular fart machines” 😂😂😂 Yes, the OB-6 didn’t do anything for me that I couldn’t get with software options, and the OB-X8 more than covers any OB needs. ;-)
@@JimDaneker I have the feeling that a synth with its own keyboard adds a lot of magic allowing to walk up to it and play on its own, it just completes the instrument and enhances the perception. So having all these "redundant" identical keyboards although looks crazy actually makes sense. I certainly enjoy the OB6 sound and playing its own keyboard surely is part of the experience.
I'm now a subscriber thanks to this video. This is the first video that now has me considering replacing my Jupiter 80 for the Jupiter X. I love my OB6 but that OBX8 is so tempting. I have a Matriarch for my Moog sounds and a Virus KC, however for me. the most impressive among the many you have is the Specular Tempus. Great and informative video. Looking forward to your future content!!!
I recently did a similar overhaul of my studio and replaced my Yamaha O2R with patchbays. Really miss it but it was another extra stage that was not needed. Thanks
I talked about those stands in the last chapter - see the table of contents. They’re made by Standtastic - model 103 KS. They’re the best I’ve ever used!
Thanks! Nah, the music is just generic “video bed” stuff I’ve created. The next project is definitely 80s themed - I hope to announce it early in 2023!
Very nice gear! Very nice sounding! That Jupiter X and this Sequential Pro-3 are sounding great! Also that Arturia Matrixbrute! I remark that you have no vintage analog synths besides that Sequential Prophet 5. Has that a reason? greetz
I used to, but they've all been replaced by modern equivalents that are much more reliable. I don't miss all the repair bills and headaches - I'm too busy making music! The Prophet 5 and Oberheim OB-X8 cover those flavors, the Roland Jupiter X and System 8 cover all Roland's classic sounds, etc.
Nice overview with helpful advice. Do you find the Roland Jupiter X and System 8 ( not best keybed) have too much overlap? I have the System 8 and Juno 60 and don't want to have too much duplication. Also, Is the iArpeggio the main draw for the Jupiter-X vs Juno-X?
They do have some overlap, but the System 8 just strikes me so much more like the ultimate 80s Roland icons - there’s something special about it. Editing it in real time is a bit more direct, too. There are times I have seriously considered getting a second System 8 and dedicating it to a few of the expansion models - it’s that good!
What is the level of RF in that room? So much electricity cracklin in there. When I tore apart my audiophile stereo separates back in the day and I thought that was a big deal. Your cable set up is at least 10 or 20x of that. Cable management is a nice way to explain mind boggling overwhelm. What a treat to see and experience your synth setup. Thanks for the backstage glimpse. Great video Jim!
Ha, thanks! Honestly, it can be a bit of overkill. These days with software as good as it is, you really don’t need all of this. Despite all the effort that went into this, I’m thinking of unloading a few just to simplify a bit!
Wish I had caught this 9 months ago. I see those big monitors are close to the wall, but it looks like you have fixed that with some thick sound absorption behind them, would love to hear more about that.
No home-built room is ever going to be acoustically perfect, so you have to figure out what works for you and gives you the best results. It took a LOT of experimentation to get monitor placement right - lots of trial and error. But there are some proven strategies to start with: absorption at major reflective points and a combination of absorption and diffusion behind you & above you, etc.
Hey Jim! Long time on Vi C etc, Not seen this vid until tonight. Hope you're well chap. Thanks for the reinstall tour - I did the same last weekend with the help of some friends, but, I still have a rat's nest of cables which I will need to deal with at some stage soon. I've just pushed them under the hardware racks for now. I'm so glad to see we have lots of the same synths - Matrixbrute, Sub37, Rev2, Wavestate, DX7IIfd, Virus (in my case B). I've been very interested to hear your opinions on the Jupiter X - I had one on demo (I have a Jupiter 80 too), but didn't get it really. But it seems like you really loved it. I also have a Waldorf Quantum - love to hear your thoughts on that chap. Those stands, brilliant as I need replacements for my setup here.
Hey Stephen - good to see you here… Thanks for the kind words! I've certainly seen you a bunch over on VIC ;-) So yeah, the JPX... I had one for a while and sold it because of the overlap with the System 8 (which I absolutely adore). However, the 3.0 update turned it into a whole other synth. The new 4-oscillator Jupiter model is crazy good, and the Vocal Designer expansion gives it the best vocoders I've ever heard. Yeah, I’m an 80s nut. So, I ended up getting another one last year. I still think the System 8 is more of a go-to for straight up Roland analog icons, but the JPX complements it well in so many ways... and it certainly looks the part ;-)
Awesome video, as a console replacement, have you looked at Presonus 32 R? Awesome mixer controlled via a tablet with build effects, you can use just the gate to reduce the noise floor of all that analog “whispering” they also got extension so with just one cat5 cable you can have a few extensions to plugs the distant synths. and you have AVB > DANTE...
Hi Jim . Great video. What did you do for your power. Do you have a dedicated circuit for you power supplies and is that circuit a conditioned and protected from high or low current. Thanks
Yes indeed - I should have covered that; I have a dedicated circuit with isolated ground, and that feeds a Cyberpower UPS/line conditioner that runs the whole room. That has saved my bacon many times! I still completely unplug all outside connections when there's lightning in the area though - nothing is going to stop a bolt of lightning!
Great video, came across your channel this morning. Your analog synths sound great, how do you reduce or control any noise/hum from electrical to choice of cables
@@ric5935 thanks for the kind words! Funny enough, I was just telling someone the other day that most of the cables in my studio are probably 30 years old on average 😂 ...not that that's a factor at all of course, just interesting. If you run your cables cleanly - not parallel to electrical lines, have everything on the same circuit, and use good gain staging at your mixer, you'll get good results. I also typically use noise gates on any analog synths that have noisy outputs, but that's rare. 👍🏻
What a tremendous video that just randomly came up on my feed but boy I’m glad it did. What a beautiful studio my dude. Just incredible and it was sweet before the overhaul. I think we’re pretty close were everything will be wireless then you really won’t have to worry about wires. Great job though it’s like a work of art your studio.
SO much fun to be had in the studio… how do you handle going out in the road and NOT taking you favorite keyboards with you to give you all those sounds!?!?!? Do you just sample them all and stick them in BSP??
What an awesome video you have made. Beautiful studio! I just recently build Grey Matter E! into my DX7IIFD. That is just such a great expansion. Can recommend it. Which brings me to the question. where is the DX5, TX816, KX88??
The KX88 is in the back of the room at the moment. After I finished DX Dreams, I sold the DX5 and TX816 to fund other things; I deep-sampled all the DX sounds I will ever need ;-)
@@JimDaneker I love DX Dreams.However since I own both a DX7IIFD and TX802 since they came out late 80's you inspired me to go for the real deal (DX5/TX816) :)) You think the DX7II is enough? Or is it worth it to own a DX5 or TX816???
@@MJTIbes it just depends how many sounds you want to play simultaneously. The DX7II is enough if you layer as you go, but if you want the full experience, a TX816 is a blast to play. Just know that it’s a lot of work constantly sending it SysEx files! Honestly that’s why I created DX Dreams - it has all the big layered sounds I wanted from the TX816, and it sounds significantly better than the actual hardware because of all the hardware I recorded it through. All the hard work is done 😁
Cool Setup. Very impressive and good looking. I'm jealous. I have a fraction of what you've got; an OB-X8, Prophet-5, Polybrute and a Subsequent 37. I can't find your Polybrute in this new setup. Did you get rid of it? I also have a MODX6 instead of your DX7, for some FM sounds and op to modern standards wave table. No space and funds for more, so I'm using software for the rest. Still it's inspiring to see how I could expand in the future and how to set it all up. Thanks.
You've got a fantastic "fraction" there! interestingly enough, I trimmed quite a bit of this not long after making this video. It was visually inspiring and I certainly love having lots of hardware, but ultimately I started finding that it slowed me down because I had too many options and ended up getting lost in the weeds. So, I really thought about my priorities and got down to a smaller, more focused setup. And yes, as part of that, I let the PolyBrute go. I had more than enough analog options, so that was one that went to a good home where it would get used more.
great rundown. Kind of makes me happy with my smaller selection which mirrows yours in many ways (bar the 80s stuff). I have the Ti2 Rack... I dont have a hydrasynth (I did have one for a while) but have an iridium keyboard doing the same job (both sonically and poly AT). I dont have the Ob-x but I do have the OB6. I dont have the Prophet 5 but I do have the Prophet 6. I only have one mono but it is the Pro 3. I dont have a system 8, or a Jupiter X BUT I do have the Jx models (at least some) in my Fantom 7 which is my synth action controller. My 88 note weighted option is my RD2000. So what dont I have... well a Moog or the Maxibrute - but I dont do too much mono. The Dx7/D50 stuff which much as Id like I dont have room for. I dont have a Rev 2 BUT I DO have a Novation Peak...... Which I keep thinking of swapping with a Rev 2...... or possibly a super six desktop..... or possibly the Trigon 6 (if/when its released as a desktop). Really that Peak or not peak is the only niggle I have - for much the same reasons you state (regards the Roland VA synths and the Virus). i DO use that in my live rig though - so Id need to re-program some sounds - and the super six wouldnt do them, and the Trigon 6 maybe wont either (as the Peak has 4 LFOs and 3 Envs which neither of those have though the T6 has 2 LFOs if you give up the 3rd Oscilator).... The Rev 2 does though (and would double the polyphony and give layered 8 note). That IS a tempting swap....and will probably do that when I change live projects OR if I can find room to have both while I re-do the sounds. I do also have a Viscout Legend EXP Hammond module - but thats mostly for live use. I only have a single pair of monitos mind, which are the Neuman KH120s, (which replaced my Adam AX5s a couple of years back) and a matching KH750 sub (not for mixing, just for playing through). theres always more or different synths to try - but with limited space (Im very full) its really 1 out to bring 1 in, and every time I think of taking something away...I find its use, unique feature and/or beauty/sounds again. I also keep thinking how I could squeeze a Polybrute in...BUt its a large board when I dont have the space (most of mine are modules)..... Id need to find a bigger space for that for sure... Once the kids have permanantly flown the nest I could nick one of their rooms.... OH... I also have a TR8s for drum duties (which has some 3rd party kits... a simmons, the original Lynn Drum, Oberheim DX, Sequential Drumtrax, the old EMU SP12 and drumulator... there all iconic as well as the stock 808, 909, 626, 727 kits) and a hardware sequencer in the form of a Squarp Hapax (recently replaced my Pyramid). both those are fun... And onother Oh... Where your using a Helix, Im using a Fractal Axe-FX3... Again similar job.
My brother, would love see a deep dive on how you are programing your stream deck. We have one, you've got 2 working in concert. It's one thing to know that you can set it up in certain ways, it's much another to know the why's/when aspect of your user philosophy. Ron Flack, Canton Ohio
Jim can you please ID the main studio desk/workstation that you are using? Does the YC-88 fit in a slide out tray as part of the desk or is it on a separate stand? Lastly, what Mac display/monitor are you using? Thank you!
Sure thing! My main workstation is an Argosy Dual 15K that I've modified over the years. My 88-key controller on the slide-out is a Korg D1; it's the only slim, low-profile keyboard that works for me in that spot (the YC88 is a little too thick). My big screen is a 55" Samsung 4k TV.
What is your recording chain for synths? DI's before the Yamaha mixer? Do you ever think of doing the Tony Anderson method... of keeping the synths unplugged and moving only 1 into playing position (on your front desk) at a time w/ a timer?
Sorry, I totally forgot to address that! Most of my synths have dedicated inputs on my Apollos, but I also have patch bays that let me run them through a pair of Neve 1073s, which I usually do when tracking them. I like Tony’s idea, but I would be constantly moving them around, and there are many times I record them simultaneously, so it wouldn’t work for me. I also like that they are physically in different places around the room, so it’s a nice change of scenery to interact with them throughout the day.
I just need to pay someone a ton of money to come teach me in person how to PROPERLY midi and route everything. Good lord i swear its like trying to learn multiple new languages, simultaneously.
Hi Jim, Thanks for the video! Was a blast to watch. I’m a film composer myself and looking to get into my first hardware synth. Any advice on which route to take? I’ve been eyeing things such as the Prophet 6, OB-6, Pro 3, Sub 37, UDO Super 6, Novation Summit, Jupiter X, etc. thanks for any advice you can provide!
Oh man, such a tough question and kind of impossible to answer as we all have our preferences and priorities. I think one of the things is to identify what can easily be achieved in software vs. finding a hardware synth that has no software equal. Another consideration is finding one that makes a great control surface for software - ideally something with a pretty traditional layout. Out of your list, the Prophet 6 checks all the right boxes and sounds amazing!
@@jaydiggsmusic I can't remember offhand, but pan mode is either on or off if I recall - but there may be more to it in performance mode. If it sounds right, it is right. 😁👍🏻
I talked about all the monitors near the end - there are chapter markers for each section. Those little ones are iLoud Micros. Love them! Not sure what you mean by aura light - you mean the ring light for video?
Thanks you so much for the tour! I've got a Juno-X that I really enjoy, been using it mostly like a 106. Been eyeing a Jupiter, but the prices are ridiculous. To me, an instrument isn't just about the sound; it's also about the workflow and the immediate inspiration it can provide. With that in mind, do you think the Jupiter X might be overkill for me, considering I can get the same sounds on the Juno X with the Jupiter engine? I hate menu diving to control synth parameters, so even though I could potentially install the Jupiter engine on my Juno, I doubt I'll bother.
Thanks for the kind words! Yeah, honestly, if you already have a Juno X then there's really no reason to add a Jupiter X. The only advantage it would have is the new 4-oscillator Jupiter X engine, but that wouldn't be enough to justify it, IMO. The Juno X is almost identical, and actually a bit easier to access everything.
7 месяцев назад
@@JimDaneker thank you for your insight. It makes sense, I guess I’ll look elsewhere. Maybe the Polybrute, although I think Arturia might release a new beast of a synth this year so I’ll wait a bit more. Once again thank you so much, love your content.
Thank you so much for this. In the process of remaking my own studio. Just ordered an enterprise electric studiodesk. What are those synth racks ? They look so much better then the EU Jaspers aluminium ones : 1:06:30 on type of stands, end of the video
You are so welcome. I talked about the stands at the end of the video, and did a dedicated video on those: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-qyCgFfAR4sk.html
This was incredibly helpful! I have a few questions about your MIDI routing. Are you sending a tempo clock to each synth from a central source like Logic? Do you only record the audio out from each synth or do you also record the MIDI out as well? Do you ever send MIDI from the DAW back to a synth and then re record the audio?
Glad it was helpful! I can send MIDI clock from Logic to any synth, yes. And I typically record from each synth into Logic as MIDI so I can edit as needed - then when I'm satisfied, I capture immediately as audio (but I save the MIDI region just in case I want to come back to it later).
Oh man, that is waaaaaaay too much kit for me. ha. If I have more than 6 synths, a couple of drum machines and a humble sampler (No DAW) I end up with option anxiety and am less productive. I end up a slave to the machines where they are supposed to serve myself. Each to there own. Great vid to see how you do it but terrifies me haha
You definitely bring up a really important point! Funny enough, I downsized quite a bit after shooting this: I let go of five or six keyboards, because as much as I love having them, "options overload" really is a thing. The visual was fun, but I'm more productive when I'm streamlined! Thanks for the kind words 😁👊🏻
No way - I would spend half my life covering and uncovering 20 synths every day 😂 I have a really good HEPA filter that keeps the studio clean, and I clean them every few weeks on top of that. Not a problem in my 40+ years of synth work!
I applaud you for using real hardware and synths. I know it takes more effort but it pays off in tone and fun! Need to get a pair of Zod Audio ID DI's to add to the tones you have going!
@@JimDaneker I’ve been using a TF5 in my synth studio for a year or so now, and I just love it. Realistically it takes up too much space, but I don’t care. I just love it. 😊
I have owned and still own some vintage keyboards ... but many I have sold and am selling. Do you really find the keyboard versions of the DX e.g. to be that much better than a software emulation? BTW, I love looking at all the wonderful keys, but for me it was (and still is) all the maintenance. I STILL have keyboards that need to go into the shop (and most likely will go up for sale, e.g. and D6 clavinet). Anyway, thanks for the vid, I'm sure we have many mutual Nashville and music biz friends!
Hey Rob, thanks for the kind words. As for the DX's, it's not that the hardware versions are sonically better, it's more the visual inspiration and feel of those world class keybeds - those were my first loves as a teenager! And, of course the original DX7 just has that gritty lo-res punch; the software versions are too clean!
If you had to choose between a system-8 and a jupiter x, which one would it be for you? Is the Jupiter X soundwise not the same with a pletora of extra bells and whistles?
Man, that’s an extremely tough choice. They definitely aren’t the same as they use different “engines.” The S8 would be my choice if I wanted more vintage Roland synth sounds - it’s one of the best analog emulations on the market by a long shot. The JPX can certainly do that as well, but to me, it has more of a modern sound design focus - it’s like Roland threw their entire catalog in a box. I love them both!
@@JimDaneker also a really tough decision for me. I‘am on the fence to buy a s8 or a jupiter-x. I already have a roland cloud subscription. The main reason I use the subscription is because of the vintage rolandos. I could let go the subscription if i would get a s8. Otherwise i would love all the possibilities with a jupiter…man…at the end i will have both like you😂 Anyway, thanks for the video and your words. You have a new subscriber👍
You said they're all your favorites but what if you were forced to pick a handful that would be more favorite, what are top 3ish or so? I bought both the specular tempus and the standtastic 3 tier stand on your recommendation and have been very happy with both. I can attest that the arms of the stand can hold a lot because I have my Kronos 2 88 which I think is over 50 pounds along with a couple others. Also do you have any studio monitor recommendations in the $500-$700ish dollar range? I need to get a new set. I've seen others recommend the Yamaha HS ones.
Always a tough question! If I had to really go bare bones, I’d probably say Prophet 5 or Rev 2/16, System 8 or Jupiter X, and Hydrasynth or Waldorf Iridium. As for affordable monitors, I really love ADAMs - their T series is tough to beat. JBLs would be a close second. Not a fan of those Yamahas - they’re really harsh and not pleasant to work on IMO.
@@JimDaneker thanks for the tip. I'll check them out. I've been eyeing the Waldorf Iridium since Matt Johnson did a video on it. It seems like it has a real uniqueness to it and I don't have any wave table synths. Currently I just have a Kronos 2 88 (got a ridiculous deal on it used), Jupiter-X, Matrix 6 and an OB-X8.
@@derekliljequist1086 you’re pretty well covered then! I like Iridium, but honestly it has extremely tough competition from vastly less expensive soft synths, like Omnisphere, etc. - not to mention Hydrasynth which is extremely compelling and also makes a killer controller with that poly aftertouch and ribbon controller…
Hey Jim I'm about to set up my studio again after many years 😎 And I'm strongly considering Standtastic Keyboard Stands, even though they can't be bought in Denmark/EU. Have you tried the Standtastic wall "stand"?
@@JimDaneker It could be really nice 🙂 And I love the simple design. Do you think it is possible to put synths like your new prophet stand, on the wall? Which do you think is the most stable of these? Also sideways 🙄
@@JimDaneker Sorry 😬 With the Prophet stand i mean the stand 13:00 min. in the video :) Sideways... when you play rock'n roll 😄 how stabel is it from side to side!?
@@kjensen7247 ah - that’s one of the Standtastic stands as well. All my stands are the same. Yes, they are very stable - much more so than anything else I’ve used over the years, unless you get into very expensive custom solutions ;-)
I talk about them at the end of the video - you must not have watched the whole thing 😁 Here's a dedicated link: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-qyCgFfAR4sk.html
I’m in the beginning of making my own studio som I’m getting ready for headaches. But I was thinking of using my Roland Fantom 8 has center for my hardware synths, driving everything via the Fantom into DAW and the use my NI S88 for all software related stuff.
@@JimDanekerhi Jim . I’ve just found this video and it’s really an amazing sight for sure . I’m new to the synth world although I’ve been a keyboard player for 30 years ( Hammond B3). I want to add a synth at my house . It’s purely for fun and entertaining myself. Have you any suggestions for someone looking for their first synth. Btw I have heard the 3rd wave synth and it’s an amazing machine.
@@jeffconley819 whew, always a tough one to answer - depends on so many factors. Ultimately, you just have to find something that fits your budget and really inspires you… That's the most important thing!
@@JimDaneker I really don’t have a budget but a reasonable number would be under 4k new or used. I’m retired early after 40 years in the medical industry. I’m really am a prog fan and experimental music ie: ozric tentacles . And of course old genesis and yes as well as Rick wakemen .
Monitors are a very subjective choice, but for my taste, I'd go ADAMs ALL DAY LONG. They have a much higher resolution, better imaging, way better low end, etc. I actually have both, and the MSP5s are great for small "mix check" speakers, but they are nowhere near the same league as the ADAMs.
My Jupiter-X randomly locks up. Once it just shut down cold while playing. Could not restart. Had to start in Program mode. Seems better after latest firmware upgrade, but Roland, you’ve lost my confidence in your ability to make reliable gear.
As a synthlover i was going through that a couple times. I can tell you this is all a massive waste of time. You dont need that much gear. Its an addiction. It slows you down. You can make wonderful and powerful music with a very small amount of gear, even if you love hardware.
That can definitely be true, and is something to be careful of. It’s a fine line I suppose, and probably different for everyone. I enjoy having options, but there have been times it’s too much, and too many options can indeed slow you down. I’m actually selling a few more synths right now, and really focusing on essentials. Great comment, even if it won’t be popular with many gear heads 😁👍🏻
@@JimDaneker Yes, indeed. Every nerd has to go through this on his own. Its even worse when you are a perfectionist, every cable must lay in perfect position... you know what i mean. Then another factor where it gets worse is, when you are constantly buying and selling gear. You get in a loop where you over and over re-arranging your studio. You become more and more a Studio manager then making music 😄 but i see you are aware of this, so everything is ok so far 👍 My alarm bells are ringing, when i see that someone has a DX7 mk1 a DX7 mk2 and a spare DX7 😅 FM is the first thing which can be substituted 100% in software.
@@iSirTaki yep, I always say “knowing is half the battle.” A little self awareness is a good thing. I’ve learned the hard way that gear is fun, but it can easily become a distraction. As for the DX options, that’s just pure fun and nostalgia. That’s what got me started in all this and I adore that whole line. For sure, there are a few software versions that are pretty accurate, and vastly outpace the originals - but there’s just something fun about having that old hardware - my inner teenager still geeks out over that stuff. I actually created a deep-sampled virtual instrument series called DX Dreams that recreates many iconic synth sounds of the 80s, all captured through the signature analog processing of the time - it was a blast and it’s been fun to give people access to those radio-ready sounds they grew up on. So, it’s not all about just practicality - there’s something to be said for the fun and inspiration factor 😁
@@JimDaneker - Definitely a balance for sure, but there is also undeniable inspiration to be found in reconnecting with such "vintage" analog and digital hardware - each with its own character and creative parameters. Much like a wonderfully specific, contained and thus elegant sandbox to play in. ✨
Not gonna lie, my Akai Timbre Wolf is better than anything you own. I kid I kid, this is an amazing set up, obviously all going through a patch bay? I am estimating at least 100K worth of gear here, how are you powering it all, you going through rack psus? It must have been a nightmare to set up, I am still re-wiring mine, no real hurry as I have stopped using my hardware for the time being, it's all on my desk minus power, audio and MIDI cables. Hows the heat in the room, I take it you have some sort of AC as long sessions would become tiring. Great vid, thx for the insight.
@@JimDaneker Yeah I think the beauty is you get clean power due to the battery being cycled, no voltage drops or spikes, issue is you need to change out the battery every few years, unless they've changed the tech now.
