Why I Sold My Yamaha Reface DX
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- Опубліковано 29 вер 2023
- Website: www.msmadlemon.com
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~Mentioned Links~
My reface DX series videos:
Part 1: • Yamaha Reface DX Part ...
Part 2: • Yamaha Reface DX Part ...
Electronscape's Bandcamp: electronscape.bandcamp.com/
Electronscape's Soundcloud: / 04-gods-high-score-tune
~More MsMadLemon Videos~
My Amiga videos: • Amiga
My Commodore 64 videos: • Commodore 64
My Nostalgia Time videos: • Nostalgia Time
My Audio related videos: • Audio
My Electronics videos: • Electronica
Patreon tier mentions:
Modern Vintage Gamer: / @modernvintagegamer
Team Pandory: / @teampandory - Розваги
I will never sell my reface DX. Its the best pure sound maker ive put my hands on in 40 years Even better than the DX7. Ive had mine for nealry a year. And everything ive asked of it. Its delivered. Even thunder and rain effects. And brilliant funky guitar and string sounds. I will showcase this soon in my remix of Oran Juice Jones "THE RAIN".....
I own all 4 of the reface keyboards and use them in my studio. If I was going to only keep one it would be the CS since it is more hands on with a slider per function.
OOOOOOOOOOOOH you kept the bit of the tune that sounds way better than i hoped it came out! and AGREED!!! mr JARR! ;)
I actually got into the Refaces through your work....love those things, thank you!
P.s. digging the previewed track a lot...sounds delicious
There's only so much shelf space and besides you have the Volca and other devices. Loved the Space Debris mod music in the background.
Thanks for this! Super informative, super down to earth. Great watch great info
19:38 fantastic fm tune! I like it! ❤
Reason why I sold the reface dx is Bc it's NOT a DX7 - dx7 was a 6 operator Fm synth while the reface is a 4 operator synth. That's not a bad thing necessarily but they do different sounds and the reface couldn't work with sysex or dx7 patches. Aside from that I think you made the right call, the volca Fm doesn't take up too much space but gives you fun Fm sounds.
Oh wow! I went into this expecting that PortaSound and the FM/cross-mod capabilities in the Cobalt were enough or something. But you’ve got a TX7! With how limited the touch pads were on the refaceDX, using the exact same keybed in the CS makes a tooon of sense.
I believe it was your refaceDX videos which led me to find you in the first place, when I was considering one. I ended up going a long time without any programmable FM synth, just making do with the microKORG and cross-mod stuff, but now I’ve got the opsix for proper FM.
I wasn’t sure between opsix and the second volca FM, but ended up going for opsix for the programming. As nice as dexed is I figured if I was getting hardware I wanted the hardware patching experience, not just transferring things from dexed. Besides programming though, I still mostly play it with a nicer keyboard over MIDI rather than using its flimsy built-in one. A lot like this but with full size keys, haha.
But yeah, if I had access to a TX7 I definitely wouldn’t have any interest in the refaceDX. Especially since that’s only 4 operators, versus 6!
That DX6/TX7 bell sound was also used for Taco Bell I believe. Given how prevalent its presets were. FM bell is such an iconic sound! I always liked it, even before I knew anything about synthesis and just played around with the PortaSound I grew up with. Always gravitated toward its “crystal” preset, and also the “chimes” and “bell” ones a little further down its list.
Despite that PortaSound being only 2 operator, and opsix having many more complex bell sound presets, I decided I needed its sounds in the opsix anyway haha. There’s something about the simplicity that just works, though the original is still more crunchy even when using 8bit waves on the opsix. It’s probably using integer maths as opposed to floating-point, but either way there’s an audible dithered stair-step kind of sound which isn’t present on my recreations. Creating those patches has been very informative though, especially for the insight in how Yamaha’s programmers worked back then!
i think the kraftwerk, vangelis, jean michael jarre influence confusion is probably because those 70s pioneers in synthesizer based music heavily influenced the sounds and moods used by computer game music creators in the 80s. access to certain ranges of sounds, futuristic sci-fi style music is such a strong match for the sounds conjured up on synthesizers. it puts me in mind of beeping computer readouts, machines and robotic signals. blend those synth style compostions with the computer sound/music limitations of the early 80s/90s (FM) and fantasy films (tangerine dream on the soundtrack to Legend for example or the mysterious sounds used in the movie Labyrinth's soundtrack) and games conjuring up strange worlds also using computer and synth based music techniques. obviously the tracker software available on the later 16bit computers also impacted the kinds of music and sounds you hear at that time. samplers too... adding their own crunchy quality to music. i never quite latched onto the FM sounds myself but i do love the early warmer 70s synth stuff. great video. interesting you see behind the scenes and hear about your thought processes in terms of music making.
For my FM Synth needs, I got a Yamaha V50 and I'm over the moon with it : it's got blending, reverb and I can even program on it (workstation synth). I though about the Reface DX but it was not enough FM Synth functionality for my needs haha. I'm a huge fan of that sound, especially Sega Megadrive OSTs and Arcade OSTs that use the Yamaha YM2151.
Getting one with good programming, rather than relying entirely on creating dexed entries, was a big factor for me too!
It's good to see your vlogs about music and hifi audio system.
Being a fan with a student level understanding I do collect cool gadgets and have a student ability to restore equipment.
Greetings from Sialkot Pakistan ❤️🌹
Thank you. It's nice to hear that you're into restoring equipment. The more we do, the more we learn.
Greetings from the UK.
@@MsMadLemon thanks for giving attention to my message.
I like restoring vintage high quality analog systems , cassette decks , open reel spools .
I like to see your collection when I visit UK next time ❤️ provided you feel ok to give view on your vintage collections.
Stay Blessed 🙌
Nauman Dodhy
Sialkot Pakistan 🌹
Hiya Maddi ☺️ Another great upload and l love these videos showing the background and creative thought processes in your music.
It’s always evolving and changing as new techniques and sounds come into the mix and it’s fascinating to see different equipment and how it all connects together.
It was also awesome to see how Wayne had gone on to use that keyboard with his set up and that was sounding pretty sweet as well.
It’s interesting you mention about inspiration for your music and people link things like Kraftwerk, Jean Michel Jarra, Vangelis etc to your work.
I do as well but l will give you one of the most obscure musical references yet.
Some of your music reminds me very much of the theme tune from the 80s TV show “Arthur C. Clark’s Mysterious World”
I wonder if anyone remembers that? lol 😂
Anyways, great video Maddi, (great to hear some work from the up coming new album as well), and all the best to you, Rich, Mr Neelix and everyone there ☺️
Hey Jason 🙂
I think that's what I enjoy a lot about trying different techniques and using different means to create. Sort of makes things a bit more interesting and brings some interest to the final piece. Wayne was jumping around when he first opened and turned on the DX Lol! I definitely think it was a good move to sell, now he has a way to create and enjoy. Though I have to say I've got his synth appetite going, he's been talking about synths a lot lol!
I have to say, i've not seen 'Arthur C. Clark's Mysterious World'. I think i'm going to look up the theme tune now, I'll have to ask Rich if he remembers. No doubt as you two have this strange kinda parallel twin thing going on lol
Thanks Jason, happy to hear you enjoyed the video. All the best to you and Fi. Mr Neelix says hello. 🙂
Another brilliant video :)
Others have mentioned MT-32 on the Pi, but there's also another rabbit hole (two of them to be exact). Renoise tracker now runs natively on ARM as well as Dexed which can be hosted by Renoise itself (Dexed is a very excellent DX7 clone), Renoise can also sync to external clock effortlessly but of course this is going to require a compatible USB interface for MIDI and/or audio.
I did try that software setup with a Raspberry Pi 4 (and a Focusrite Scarlet) and I got good success from it, but didn't really explore it further, so I'm relaying that to you instead.
I’m not even gonna mention the Yamaha TX802. 😂 Your music is wonderful. Thanks Maddi!
Hahah don't, something else for me to get tempted by. Btw, I looked up the Yamaha EX5 when you commented on my blog.. I wish I hadn't now 😝
Corey, I was going to mention it in the video but Iforgot. Polyend Tracker have released a firmware which irons out the freezing bug.
So far firmware 1.7.1 is working great for me 🙂
@@MsMadLemon Oh, fantastic! Thanks for letting me know!!
@@MsMadLemon I've wanted an EX5r for forever. They still sound amazing. Also look at the SY77/TG77. FM + traditional synthesis combined.
I had been eyeing up a polyend tracker but found out just before ordering (this was when they were pretty new, it may have changed) that even though it has mod support it wasn't just going to load and convert protracker mods to play and be added to. I ended up much later getting a Roland JD-XI which can emulate so many classic sounds, has a sequencer built in and loads of other cool features. Bit of a jack of all trades master of none, but it does what I wanted it for.
That's the main thing, it does what you want it to do. Polyend Tracker isn't for everyone but then we all have different needs and interests.
Polyend tracker for me personally works beautifully alongside my Amiga music creation.
I still have my Reface DX. i had a CS Reface but i sold that. i would like a Korg R3. my DX has only one factory lead on iit i replaced the rest of the presets.. they are pretty cool but i want a mini keyboard with more sounds. the Korg R3 is discontinued. i have to fine a pre owned one.
hi, been catching up on you this week, great stuff, i had intended to get the CS and DX at price, but it went up before i could get to it so i went with the TX81zand the FM2 and am happy with both, i def have the CS on order as they're discounted at the moment, and i'm intrigued by their even less control of the FM like the old Korgs and Casios
and artists follow one another to show support, we're not fanatics simping
30k subs, not long to go now.
This video was so interesting and inspiring.
Nice! We got a sneak preview of the next album. 😊
Ah, the Rebels Megademo, there's a blast from the past! I'm gonna have to check if I still have that disk somewhere... 😃
Thanks for showing the connections etc. between the different setups. It's important info that's not always obvious so is always interesting. The Volca FM is not something I'm familiar with. You mentioned the keyboard and speakers and interestingly a quick search suggests it can run off batteries too? Now I'm wondering could (or would) you ever use it stand alone?
Yes and I didn't reveal my favourite from the album yet 😁 .. i'm excited to though when the time comes!
The Volca FM I came across it by accident and was intrigued, it's not silly expensive and it actually sounds great! You're right, it uses AA batteries and they even come included, built in speakers which makes it really portable. The first two days I was faffing around with it on the sofa lol so i've technically used it standalone.
However for actual music creation, i'd struggle with it's keyboard, it's very basic and its good to mess around with but it's like using a stylophone. Literally the same type of keyboard, except you've not got the precision of a stylus, but the tips of your fingers lol.
It definitely comes to life when you connect a MIDI controller to it though 🙂
Haha one chime of the 'Tubular bells' patch on the dx7/volca and it took me right back to Rebels Megademo, also I got the chance to sample from a Korg M1 (I don't own one) but i've noticed a lot of samples used in old Amiga MODs seem to have been sampled from there, was kinda nice to rediscover them on the original synth 😄
@@MsMadLemon Looking forward to the next album, so lovely to see that excitement in the video too! You're clearly enjoying the creative flow!
The Volca FM sounds interesting but certainly seems more suited to the setup you show here. Thank you for explaining.
volcas are a whole thing unto themself, there’s analogue monophonic bass machines (volca bass, nubass), analogue melody ones kinda like the CS here (volca keys), a drum machine (volca drum) and even a modular! the FM is probably the most involved though just because of all the programming possibilities, some of the others barely use their screen.
What do you use to produce rhythm/drum sounds?
I would have loved to have paired the fm2 and the dx reface together. 10 Op synth would be a lot of fun and cheaper than the new Op six. Tx7 and Fm2 is a really cool pair just harder to program. I also hated how they only made it 4 op of the reface. Such a waste.
So could I plug the Volca into my Reface CP and get the same result as with the CS?
Not exactly the same result. It would be more like a 6 operator DX7..instead of a 4 operator Reface DX (minus the ADSR synthesis etc of course) but you can load in actual DX7 patches into the volca unlike the Reface DX.
I'll say first that I don't sell my synths, so yeah, I have that room filled with synths. Ooops. Anyway, I agree that there is an overlap and you were starting to get quite FM heavy, not that there's anything wrong there. (At least it's all "high end" FM, not not the OPL stuff found in sound cards.) The Volca, the Reface, and the TX7 are all voiced a bit differently, with the TX7 being the older and more vintage sounding and closer to the original DX7 (which it is internally of course.) The approach you take to each of those also differs more significantly in the physical controls and how it makes you feel. I think that's the major reason I still like hardware synths and keep a lot of overlap. I never got into the Volca synths, and I don't think I would enjoy the interface. And the TX7 is a total pig to program from the panel, and really needs a computer editor. On the other hand there's about a bazillion patch libraries for free on the net for the TX/DX, so that should keep you busy for a few lifetimes. I absolutely enjoy the fact that there's so much life left in the older synths like the TX7, and so happy you find that too. My DX7 IIFd (E! enhanced!) needs a new battery so is out of commission, but it's still one of the best feeling keyboards I own. My next suggestion for you would be to try layering, especially different synths together. Try something like a nice FM icy pad and a warmer Modal sound - better yet, create both sounds as a composite meant to be played together. It's a great way to get more complexity and versatility and is something a lot of keyboard players used to do more of in the 80's and 90's.
That moment in the video and the end of your comment here means I definitely want to try more of that. “Doubling” a piece across synths in post isn’t new to me of course, but designing a new patch as two halves of the bigger whole has not entered my radar before.
I was already considering running the output of my FM synth thru the VCA and VCF in my big hybrid, so I feel a little silly for always assuming I’d turn its internal oscillators all the way down in that scenario!
Using the FM for higher end harmonics with those ratios all high, and the analogue for bass components sounds especially fun. Hmm…
Why, You Had A Nice Setup There.
It was only temporary setup, just so I can use stuff, the rest of the room needs work, I can't do much right now.
@@MsMadLemon Oh.
I sold mine too recently as I felt the interface was fiddly and limiting and I picked up a Korg Opsix instead :)
i personally got the hang of the interface pretty quickly and created patches of my own. But it's not for everyone. The main niggle I had with the Reface DX, it's only got 4 operators and incompatibility with the DX7 patches. Korg Opsix looks really good btw, 🙂
@@MsMadLemon I specifically went for the DX as I was thinking of the Mega Drive at the time. It wasn't so much getting the hang of the interface as the lack of immediacy. I found it quite slow to change parameters and took too much attention to know where I was. If you get the chance to play with an Opsix, I highly recommend it
@@MsMadLemon the opsix is unfortunately not fully DX7 patch compatible so your TX7 would still have a role. I bought a used DX7 IID instead. Those opsix faders would have been nice to have.
@@unclemick-synthsyeah, the envelopes are just traditional ADSR so some DX7 patches sound totally wrong. Most of the time you can get it 99% of the way with a little tweaking but it’s definitely a limitation if you want to port patches rather than making only new ones!
ever heard of running mt32 baremetal on Pi ?
oh damn! thanks!
I havent. Unfortunately not had the chance to use an MT32. Maybe one day.
@@MsMadLemonor just get the pi and the munt32 image :)