Today we take an extended (and 18 month late) look at the pros and cons of Moog's modestly priced Mother 32 semi-modular synthesizer, and try to help you figure out if it's a good launch pad for a journey into modular synthesis.
I wanted to keep this under the 5 minute mark, but it would be doing the Control Forge a major injustice. I feel like it would take a feature film to entirely explore the capabilities of this module.
I had lost power for a bit due to Irma and once I got bored with restringing my guitars, I decided to make a Eurorack module featuring the AI wonders of Alexa. It crashes when you ask it the weather, and to my disappointment, due to most of Alexa's features being server-side, I was unable to get her to trigger gates or CV via the board's GPIO. So this is what I was left with. I'd put a tutorial up, but honestly with the Echo Dot costing $40 on sale and having a 3.5mm jack, you'd probably spend more on parts if you DIY'd it.
Today we're checking out VCV Rack.
Today we look at what I believe to be, by far, the best reverb pedal in existence, and show you why I believe it. Includes guitar, percussive instrument, and synth tests along with a breakdown of every algorithm.
Today I'm testing out, with quite a bit of criticism, what I still believe to be the best reverb on the market for under $200.
A few of my Deepmind 12 patches accompanied by some archived stock footage.
Today is the first of hopefully many guides explaining, from the ground up, how a type of synthesis, technique, or effect works. Feel free to play along with me for free using Dexed!
Let's play around with one of my favorite synthesizers. Its unique design, sequencers, and patch capability make it a true gem, even 15 years after its conception.
Let's clone an instrument's timbre using nothing but sine waves and mathematics on our first plunge into the deep, powerful world of additive synthesis.
Alpha Forever is a node-based modular synth environment that runs as a VSTi. I will attempt to show you it before catching up on much needed sleep.
The TEC USB MIDI Breath And Bite Controller 2
Behringer, nor seemingly anyone properly documented how to use the Deepmind with CV or Gate. So I figured I'd take a stab at it.
I was listening to this for a few hours in the background and decided to share.
I reference Reaktor a whole bunch on my channel, so I figured with it being 50% off ($99.99 USD) until November 30th, I would do a general overview of what it's capable of and how I've used it over the years.
Today we quickly make a laser audio transmitter, laser microphone, invisible laser microphone, and a...underwater CV laser modulator.
I'm a huge fan of the Axoloti Core development board. The reason it took this long to do a video is because I simply don't know where to start!
I finally got around to checking out Pianoteq, and my mind was rightfully blown by how incredibly accurate their physical modelling algorithms have become.
This video has been banned and later automatically edited for using a brief clip demonstrating a DX7's use in Laura Branigan's music. I sincerely apologize to both Laura Branigan and WMG for damaging your business, as I'm sure millions of people have just listened to a 5 second clip of "Self-Control" with me talking about FM synthesis over it on loop rather than just typing the song title into YouTube and listening to it that way. YOU ARE DOING THE LORD'S WORK WITH YOUR NOT AT ALL PEDANTIC AND RIDICULOUS COPYRIGHT TAKE DOWNS WMG! I promised myself I'd make this video under 30 minutes long. I failed. If you have a stick, don't shake it at Arturia's V Collection, because there's too many synths.
Update: If you're looking for what I wished this pedal would be, they've entirely redeemed themselves
Warming up the new house and studio by answering some of your questions. Enjoy!
Everything you wanted to know about the Drummer From Another Mother. BTW, in a rage to crank this video out, I did something really dumb and careless. I searched "synth expert" and used someone's image/likeness in a derogatory and completely unwarranted way. It turns out the "synth expert" is Das Ding, a very nice fellow with great tunes. He absolutely is a synth expert, but in the good way! (time to sign up for Adobe Stock, I reckon)
I didn't know what to expect. Actual audio begins at 8:53 if you don't have time for my antics.
Here is a nearly exhaustive hour exploring UVI's offerings in sample libraries and their deep, powerful softsynth flagship. I chose Augmented Piano, World Suite, and of course Falcon to see what they're up to.
I am very upset with myself for not checking this out years ago. Also have an installation guide. Get the demo!
My home is a diverse biome of string instruments, most of which I am a novice at playing.
I get a lot of questions regarding the (often expensive) jump into modular synths, so here's some answers along with some example setups and tips. Nothing I have recommended or mentioned in this video is "sponsored" by any particular product, just my dumb old preference.
Even in a long 20 minute video, I had to pick and choose features to cover. If you're still on the fence, DO look into the additional functionality, as this little pedal is extremely versatile. All of the specs, editor software, and various guitar demos can be found on GFI's website
By popular request, I've attempted to cover a wide range of generative music techniques. But first, we need to understand how we guide basic circuits to make music for us. I don't have a Patreon or advertising affiliates, although this channel does have a lot of expenses to keep going. In the meantime, if you want to show your support, my Bandcamp page has a "pay what you want" option
This was meant to be part of an educational series about generative harmony, but I obviously went way off topic. But an interesting "conspiracy" of mine nonetheless. =)
In this segment, we take a long look at what is available to consumers who want help writing music and what can't realistically be expected from them. I don't have a Patreon or advertising affiliates, although this channel does have a lot of expenses to keep going. In the meantime, if you want to show your support, my Bandcamp page has a "pay what you want" option
Computers are amazing, unless you want them to move you emotionally. Join me for a disappointing journey scouring the earth in search of advanced technologies that could make me feel something. I don't have a Patreon or advertising affiliates, although this channel does have a lot of expenses to keep going. In the meantime, if you want to show your support, my Bandcamp page has a "pay what you want" option: https://theflashbulb.bandcamp.com/
It took a lot of willpower to not name this video "This is the best MIDI keyboard in 2018..." I don't have a Patreon or advertising affiliates, although this channel does have a lot of expenses to keep going. In the meantime, if you want to show your support, my Bandcamp page has a "pay what you want" option: https://theflashbulb.bandcamp.com/
Debunking the weird, clueless internet criticism of one of the most fun synths I've ever played with. I don't have a Patreon or advertising affiliates, although this channel does have a lot of expenses to keep going. In the meantime, if you want to show your support, my Bandcamp page has a "pay what you want" option: https://theflashbulb.bandcamp.com/
For the last 20 years, I've been depending on life-hacks and landlord permission to make music at home. Now I finally can build a space from the ground up! Special thanks to Katie for holding a heavy unfamiliar camera rig and blindly walking backwards for 10 minutes.
Apologies for the lazy audio mixing, as you can imagine I'm playing catch up and just wanted to get these questions done. :)
Showcasing and testing the Polyend Percs in the most domestic way possible.
A nice Sunday afternoon turning abandoned trucks into oscillators with Richard Devine. Gear used: Polyend Percs MPC Live Rode NT-SF-1 Sound Devices 788T-SSD Zoom H3-VR Zoom H6 Sennheiser MKE 440 (video audio) People used: Camera operator: Kristi Mayer Mud jumping: Lucy
The ZOIA is finally available for preorder, and I'm finally able to talk about it after secretly having it follow me around for quite some time.
After months of learning, I've been experimenting with neurofeedback! But I don't recommend doing it yourself...yet. Daily dorky stuff on Instragram: Bennjordan
If you love vinyl, then you should demand for it to be modernized.
*SINCE MY SARCASM HAS LEFT THE ATMOSPHERE OF PLANET FUNNY, I'M NOT SPONSORED BY ANYONE.* Giving Polyend's 3 new modules a test drive. I'm inspired to finally bring some modules on tour!
What better way to explore UVI's Toy Suite than by giving myself stupid challenges! Daily dorky stuff on Instragram: Bennjordan My music ($upport me!): https://theflashbulb.bandcamp.com/ Link to full hour long session: • Doggy Video/UVI Toy Suite full session. UVI Toy Suite info+samples: https://www.uvi.net/toy-suite
My favorite new music software of the year. Daily dorky stuff on Instragram: Bennjordan My music ($upport me!): https://theflashbulb.bandcamp.com/
Spoiler alert: It's great! Apologies if the color or audio is wonky, this is the first of my videos edited on a laptop whilst also using Resolve and leaving Adobe in the dust! Daily dorky stuff on Instragram: Bennjordan
Post-NAMM show ticket link
Next year, I'm gonna start my own NAMM. That'll show em! Otherwise, today we looked at the SY-1000, Korg's ARP 2600, the Sonicware ELZ_1 and Liven, Qu-bits new quad of modules, and finally Tim Exile's most excellent music collaboration app and synthesizer.
iPads are the ultimate definer between "want" and "need".
A young generative sequencer discovers the ins and outs of a synth studio. More info: https://torsoelectronics.com/t-1 Support this channel and join an amazing community: / bennjordan Those lovely custom acoustic panels in the background: https://psyacoustics.com
I see my b5 joke fell flat. ????
Vibrators, rubbers, and lasers. This is the life. ????
Yeah I'm gonna tone it down a notch. In this video I mountain bike through Apalachicola National Forest in Florida and manage to get lost at sea for a bit to get some recordings of endangered ambient soundscapes!
I'm honestly confused how they made a 6 voice analog poly this small. ????
A quick look and demo from some of the finalists from the 2022 Guthman Musical Instrument Competition.
A simple question with a potentially existential answer ????
Welp. I accidentally made an Acidwolf song. ???? ????????
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Animals live in an entirely different reality FYI
It's an IDM life hack. Q&A stream starting at noon ET
I have invented the most complicated and expensive way to play with yourself.
The synth, of course, is the Polyend Play, which you can get quickly through Perfect Circuit: https://link.perfectcircuit.com/t/v1/... My overview video on the Play: • Polyend Play: Make Insane Beats And Songs ... Special thanks to Polyend, Perfect Circuit, Voltage & Company, and my Patrons for making odd art-house synth videos like this possible. ????
Lots of unexpected magic in these plugins/SDKs.
A deep dive into something that the majority of us do.
This is a weird one. The only way to experience the Kuramoto–Daido model is with patience. Longer length, ambisonic recordings of the metronomes are available on my Patreon.
A deep dive into why you take it personally when someone buys different things than you. I'm so excited to see who buys adspace for this one. ????
I hate making videos this critical, but you can follow my journey from optimism to remorse and see why I did. I did reach out to Akai, btw, but only using the avenues a paying customer would. [Cricket sound]
3 things you've probably never seen an MPC do and why some people in this space need benzodiazepines. ???? ???? Support this channel and join an amazing community
Can AI help the gun violence problem when legislators refuse to? [Links Below] ????????I'm currently helping Purpose Over Pain integrate into things like social media donations, in the meantime, you can donate through St. Sabina here: https://www.givecentral.org/location/... ???? Support this channel and join an amazing community
and just like that, programming drums aren't the least fun part of music making for me. ???? Pick one up at Perfect Circuit with this super long link
For the first time I hope a video doesn't go viral ???? ????⚰️ Scroll down for links/references.
28 minutes of not being able to make up my mind. Buy it from Perfect Circuit, and I'll donate my affiliate cut to the ACLU: https://link.perfectcircuit.com/t/v1/... ???? Support this channel and join an amazing community
Links below on where to find em (plus a coupon code maybe?)
GET THE PACK. They sound phenomenal. https://venustheory.gumroad.com/l/und... Too short? Watch Venus Theory's video: • We went into a cave to record this... Still too short? My Patrons get an extended version including alpacas and a CRAZY abandoned tunnel.
FL, I just can't quit u. ???? My ACLU affiliate link coming soon (v21 is not out yet) but FL Studio is currently deeply discounted this weekend.
I wonder how many climbers thought they were going deaf. ????
TL;DW: The current system doesn't value our music anyway, so F it????
Fun with the Hades and Erebus reissues! Perfect Circuit link in the comments!
An investor's guide to breaking the thing you're trying to sell.
No music. No important on-screen visuals. Listen at 2x speed while bathing your dog. The possibilities in which you can view this video are endless!
6 years of neurological hacking summarized in 18 minutes.
I love challenges, and UVI and Imageline tossed one my way. Participate and get an $80 coupon or up to $500!
Sometimes finding how a trend started leads you to disturbing places.
This was all just an excuse to talk about phonons.
Feel free to use the timestamps below (or in the pinned comment) to browse through the selection of new modules. Many affiliate links below. I donate 100% of affiliate income to the ACLU!
I thought I could create something decent. I thought wrong.
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Something different. I spent weeks exploring the surreal atmosphere along the USA/Mexico border region and making music along the way on a @PolyendTracker Mini prototype. @VenusTheory came along for much of the ride, keep an eye out for his video!
Telling you everything I know about the elephant in the room with me. After this video, this channel will be operating as an educational nonprofit organization in the state of Georgia. More info on that to come!
I can't believe they actually made this, but I'm glad they did.
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Instead of being a Dolby Artist, I tried to experience ATMOS as a consumer.
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The financial forecast musicians wished they didn't want.
The Flashbulb tried to make brostep and you'll never believe what happened next....
I spent a very long time trying to make this not clickbait. ???? Thanks @GARDNSOUND and @MrBillsTunes!
The soapbox I've been on for 15 years, now summarized in 17 minutes with clipart. Probably the most important video I'll ever make. ⚠️ Rough/incomplete math warning.
HOT TAKE ???? Say goodbye to 200GB violins and complicated keyswitches. Say hello to playing your phony violins expressively and emotionally.
Attempting to tackle life's important questions (and YouTube comments)
So it turns out AI gets a massive quality bump when you build a system that pays creators for quality data.
I offered people $100 if they could read a paragraph from a book out loud. Things got a little crazy. Featuring superheros @VenusTheory and @RedMeansRecording.
It's a damn musical amusement park! ????
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Spoiler alert: Entropy
A crazy symptom of a few much larger problems. (*reuploaded to be slightly more vague ????)
I spent some serious time with this thing
Watch at 2x
Also best budget reverb!
This is a sequel! Best overall reverbs
I decided to make a video where I stfu and make music. Want to remix this? Or play with it? Stems and project file is on Patreon! Imagery in second half is me using up all those stock video credits I bought before they expire
I did it so you don't have to. Special appearance from @MrBillsTunes and Lonamakesmusic (on IG, etc).
A deep dive into autonomous vehicles, customizing your own, and everyone trying to run over both plastic and actual kids.
I realized when editing that this may look like a thematic outfit. This is seriously what I wear when I'm cold.
A look a some free Windows DAWs, and the surprising reasons why it's so difficult to make a free DAW.
Music is more important than you think, but it'll take me like 15 minutes to get there.
Since the early 1960's, an increasing number of people have been hearing (and feeling) a sound causing everything from annoyance to psychosis to death. We have a deeply objective look at what could be causing it.
The reason all my music was deleted is actually terrifying. Cameos by @CurtissKingTV and @Weaverbeats in the beginning.
I spent a month trying to learn a "Jankó" keyboard and didn't die.
Tracklib is hooking my viewers up with 30 free tracks w/ this link: https://www.tracklib.com/jordan How amazing is @SuperlativeUK?! Super grateful for his collab, follow him for amazing tunes.
I feel like every piece of music I make will be bone dry after making this video
Just a casual romp bout' periodical cicadas, zombie fungus, psychedelics, and superposition.
Pinned comment with links. PLEASE experiment with this stuff and go wild!
It's the Yamaha Genos 2, duh.
2 things - 1. This video is longer than Milo & Otis (1986). 2. I had no idea I had amassed so much Behringer gear.
The farm that hating Spotify built.
Put on some headphones and let me take you somewhere. (all raw output or mic, no external effects or DSP used)
Mental healthcare has an extortion problem.
A deep dive into the vast amount of information hidden in simple audio/video files.
I surveyed 472 people in a double-blind test to make this thumbnail not clickbait! More importantly, this video will tell you everything you need to feel confident with that final step of making music.
Go to https://ground.news/benn to combat rampant misinformation online. See through bias and compare multiple perspectives. Sign up through my link to get 50% off for unlimited access on the Vantage plan. Proceeds for this sponsorship will go to UNICEF Ukraine.
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This is hardly a full length video, but it's probably the most important message I have for this channel's primary demographic (artists) this year.
What streaming service pays the best? What sample library has the worst copyright problem? How to tell if music is human-made or not. It all gets answered here, folks!
I spend 2 months adding to the mountains of evidence suggesting that sound helps plants grow better. So why don't farms have PA systems?
I asked 550 people extremely personal questions in a survey, found some weird correlations, and made people and friends at NAMM read it to you. I also talk about some of NAMM's recent financial issues.
A few things were possibly over-simplified to prevent this from becoming a 170 part Ken Burns series. Please do some searching/reading and learn your butt off! I'll add to these as needed, as responding to comments will just get lost in the ether of YouTube comment pages.
Using technology to push back.
Take my hand while I gradually show you how to spy in ways that will make KGB agents look like noobs. Thanks @WonderboyMMA for being a great high speed camera test dummy!
I was diagnosed with hearing loss. The problem is that I don't have hearing loss. Here's how to take care of your hearing in reality. Thanks @DrCliffAuD, be sure to give his channel a visit.
I got a bit concerningly obsessed with birds for a few months.
If you live in the United States, it's very likely that a private startup has been logging and sharing your vehicle's location without your consent. In this video we explore how AI can defend against being tracked by 3rd party police and retail AI tracking cameras.
Our world is filled with inaudible sounds that a lot of research suggests is harmful to our health. I wanted to devise a way to hear it.