Stylophone GEN-X1 portable analog synth demo and review

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  • Опубліковано 22 жов 2018
  • This is a demo/tutorial/review of the Dubreq Stylophone GEN-X1 which is a portable analog synth that you play with a little stylus. Is this just a toy or can it be a serious tool? Let's find out!
    Stylophone GEN-X1: amzn.to/2R4pTO2
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 261

  • @bobz1736
    @bobz1736 5 років тому +355

    Some surprisingly rich sounds. Not bad for 70 bucks...

  • @gnarlysoundscapes7210
    @gnarlysoundscapes7210 5 років тому +587

    Anything can become an instrument in the right hands. If you're one of those judgmental people who scoffs at anything cheap, dirty, or limited in capabilities, you don't have the right hands.

    • @mini-botco.4364
      @mini-botco.4364 5 років тому +34

      So does this redeem my playing of the toy pianos at Walmart?

    • @jaytera
      @jaytera 5 років тому +37

      Mini-Bot Co. yes

    • @99xara99
      @99xara99 5 років тому +31

      Agree. I get dumb smiles for playing ukulele, melodica, kalimba. "That's not a real instrument duh" 😒😒 While they are, and they're very useful and sound very legit for the stuff I do with them. Same goes for this thing.

    • @jeevesdfector3686
      @jeevesdfector3686 4 роки тому +17

      Exactly. A children's keyboard can be implemented as a studio instrument as long as it's got a headphone jack. I use a $50 lofi Casio keyboard frequently when making beats

    • @DarkAvatar1313
      @DarkAvatar1313 4 роки тому +17

      Hell, people turn buckets, brooms, and such into music (search for STOMP) so anything can really be an instrument...

  • @MisterHughes
    @MisterHughes 5 років тому +129

    9:07 Thought we were going to get into some Vangelis Blade Runner stuff there. Definitely surpasses being just a toy.

    • @theEpicFailSquad123
      @theEpicFailSquad123 2 роки тому +1

      I've been trying to replicate that setting on my stylophone but I can't for my life figure it out. I can't make it out what he's got in the video too.

    • @pahwraith
      @pahwraith 2 роки тому

      @@theEpicFailSquad123 you need to add a digital reverb.

    • @kosherwinespiritreview7772
      @kosherwinespiritreview7772 2 місяці тому

      @@pahwraith which one it THIS!?

  • @HotStrange
    @HotStrange 5 років тому +75

    I’ve got one and I love it. The lofi delay mixed with a mad decent filter, 2 sub oscillators, a unique envelope design, PWM, a nice LFO, plus the touch strip make for a unique sound making machine. Surprisingly good basses and leads.
    Also works great as an delay pedal. I run my guitar, vocals, other synths, etc through it. Mixed with a Gakken SX-150 it can get them both into some truly gnarly territory.

  • @SelBoi
    @SelBoi 5 років тому +106

    I don't think this is a toy. Actually, with all the options the X1 have and the paired to a whammie, it can do REALLY impressive sounds. I'd like the way they used to make (or try at least) music funnier and kind of easier. Absolutely not a toy.

    • @randrants1024
      @randrants1024 Рік тому +2

      yeah, maybe he was comparing this gadget with all the other professional ones which cost hundred or even thousand dollars.
      but here, with gen x-1, you can have awesome sounds with such a nice price.
      definitely not a toy yup :)

  • @jnkmal9519
    @jnkmal9519 3 роки тому +216

    do people hear with their eyes? why is it, every small synth is compared to toys? throw this same hardware in a big heavy wood box and it's an instant classic. consumers are stupid.

    • @vijayjayaram606
      @vijayjayaram606 3 роки тому +9

      Right tuned ear can pick music even from an exhaust note
      🤘

    • @rookmaster7502
      @rookmaster7502 2 роки тому +3

      If all one imagines from this instrument is a toy, then all one will get from it is a toy.

    • @jumpstar9000
      @jumpstar9000 2 роки тому +5

      It was a great demo, but the dude clearly has no clue what he is dealing with here. This thing is a monster.

    • @KitsuNoir
      @KitsuNoir 2 роки тому +2

      It was made as a toy for children. He says that, and so does the stylophone creator.
      That's why he keeps saying "really good for a toy".

    • @Yimpa_Joy
      @Yimpa_Joy Рік тому +1

      Well, our current society heavily judges based on looks, so this should come as no surprise

  • @danbutorovich246
    @danbutorovich246 4 роки тому +34

    It is a good intro level option. Some may call it a toy but I think it is just as valid as any other analog, especially with a hack to add an external keyboard or in conjunction with other synths and pedals. It sounds good with some reverb. Maybe crack it open and use the board as part of a modular. Lot of possibilities.

  • @lecliche8849
    @lecliche8849 5 років тому +7

    Nice video. You get better and better at this! I’ve had this little synth for a while and really love the sounds it makes.

  • @deathstrike
    @deathstrike Рік тому +5

    Although this is 3 years later, I managed to find an original Dubreq 1968 Stylophone in near cosmetically perfect condition. I did have to recondition the board by replacing the little button capacitors and reflowing the solder to give the device a better ground. Also I replaced the original headphone jack with a spare one I had from an old Radio Shack intercom system (70s mono sound). But other than that, it's a perfect little Stylophone that sounds amazing and is a work of genius.
    I HIGHLY recommend both the vintage (if you have soldering and basic electronic skills) or the modern Dubreq Stylophone in all its variants. It a fun, somewhat useful device for basic music and really shines for originality. The music is pure 70s analog synth cheese and will put a smile on your face and wish toys were made this original and this high a quality. And it fits well for collectors of analog synthesizers like the original Roland Juno, vintage Korg and even vintage Yamaha FM synthesizers and old Casio.

  • @davidledoux1736
    @davidledoux1736 2 роки тому +4

    Best Stylophone video I've seen yet! Demo and review? This is more like a tutorial and I sub'd before having seen any of your other content. Just learned today about the Stylophone and am really enjoying it. Thinking of getting one for myself as an entry-level introduction to synths now that you've covered everything so well. I can tell you've been doing this for a very long time.

  • @rockstarjazzcat
    @rockstarjazzcat 5 років тому +32

    Picked one up today in celebration. I like to think of 1968 as an excellent vintage. :)

  • @BrandoNoCaps
    @BrandoNoCaps 5 років тому +53

    This sounds like it's from a classic horror movie

  • @wilhelmmusic241
    @wilhelmmusic241 5 років тому +14

    Definitely worth having one, they sound awesome!

  • @danimations80
    @danimations80 4 роки тому +1

    Thanks for the thorough walk-through of the instrument's character and features! A fun little box.

  • @tonicez0154
    @tonicez0154 5 років тому +125

    At 5:27 it sounds like it says "WALL-E"

    • @Ailgadem
      @Ailgadem 3 роки тому +1

      whooooo aaaaare youuuu

  • @evang2881
    @evang2881 5 років тому +44

    If you have a 3ds you can get the korg dsn 12 which is this but on a 3ds and has a visual oscillator. And even uses a stylus

    • @crasheffort
      @crasheffort 5 років тому +6

      I agree. I have both korg apps for the 3ds, and the plus version for the dsi/ds, and they are great for getting ideas out on a sequencer. The second screen can be used as XY pad that you can set to musical scales, as well as a keyboard.
      I also have the original stylaphone and it is just fun to play around with when watching tv. I am seriously considering this version because the biggest drawback of the original is the lack of parameters to vary the sound.

  • @smithfield06
    @smithfield06 2 роки тому

    Great review, very impressed with the analog filter sounds for its budget it’s a good buy

  • @Avy4
    @Avy4 3 роки тому +22

    got my boyfriend this for x-mas

  • @jackehaus265
    @jackehaus265 2 роки тому +1

    Dude. All of your videos have such a homey feel. Like I haven’t watched your channel in about a year or so and yet the vibe is still the same. The whole aesthetic is perfect for what you make. It reminds me of the perfect version of the Beatles I have in the back of my head. It was when I first thought of them like that that I found your channel. Thanks sooo much :)

  • @OmarLuna1981
    @OmarLuna1981 3 роки тому +3

    I just subscribed as soon as you said aomething about "the fine line between a toy and a tool"... I wish I had a toy like that as a kid! I will buy some of them now I am 40. Greetings from Argentina!

  • @ralphclark
    @ralphclark 5 років тому +2

    Very nostalgic sounds!

  • @ghostinng274
    @ghostinng274 2 роки тому +1

    Mines showing up today. I can't wait for it

  • @musicauthority7828
    @musicauthority7828 2 роки тому +4

    That is pretty cooI, have heard of these little toy like sinths over the years. but this is the first time I have seen a full review and demo of one of them. I definitely like it. Greg Hawks of the Cars used a kazoo as a sound effects instrument in a few of their songs. so it would definitely be useable for sound effects in most any kind of recording. and a bonus is it's completely portable. so you could take it anywhere with you. and goof off with its parameters to get some interesting effects. it really is more than a toy. for people who enjoy techno music it would be a must have. and it can be useable for sound effects other than musical sounds. I'm going to have to check into getting one for sure.

  • @NickRamos
    @NickRamos 5 років тому +13

    I have one of these and man, what a fun synth to play
    Great review!

    • @ex35240sx
      @ex35240sx 5 років тому

      How does it compare to the korg kaosilator

    • @OTLCellartapes
      @OTLCellartapes 5 років тому

      @@ex35240sx different idea, more focussed on varying a single sound,.,.,. kaossillator is more varied, much less of a toy

  • @fnglert
    @fnglert 4 роки тому +3

    Reminds me of the early pioneers of analogue synth music. Fond memories of growing up with Jean Michel Jarre's music.

  • @en16ma_music
    @en16ma_music 2 роки тому +5

    This is surprisingly feature rich for something that costs 75 buckaroos. I ordered one just for fun and portability but it should be a serious consideration for anyone as a first synth.

  • @Spacecookie-
    @Spacecookie- 4 роки тому +3

    That's so old-timey sci-fi sounding there. It's great.

  • @JohnMassari
    @JohnMassari 2 роки тому

    So simple so beautiful.

  • @theTerribleFamiliar
    @theTerribleFamiliar 5 років тому +8

    I couldn't hear anything coming through the Volca Beat during the section on the Auxiliary input. Still a great review. I kind of want one of these things now.

    • @onceuponasynth
      @onceuponasynth  5 років тому +4

      Yeah I'm not sure why it was so quiet and muffled. I'm gonna have to try some different sound sources and maybe different cables.

  • @davidlewis1787
    @davidlewis1787 5 років тому +7

    That filter is delicious

  • @theowlhouseseason3213
    @theowlhouseseason3213 2 роки тому +1

    Thank you Mingi from infinity train for introducing me to this cool thing

  • @billytsekeris5817
    @billytsekeris5817 4 місяці тому +1

    Hey great video appreciate it , do you think this would be able to go theough a theremin with a pedal as well ? Or would tou recommend something better ? I would like to just make effect with a theremin and this would also help in keeping a note you want o. The theremin and want to accentuate the sound with theremin . Thank you in advance

  • @spartaninvirginia
    @spartaninvirginia 4 роки тому +5

    3:30ish sounds like some stuff from the early LPs by Air.

  • @AndreyLuizDev
    @AndreyLuizDev 4 роки тому +1

    I was used to making music in virtual tools like FL Studio. Is it a good choice for who is getting started with physical synthesizers?

  • @RetroPlus
    @RetroPlus 5 років тому +8

    That's pretty cool, I've always loved the stylophone. $70 seems a bit steep though, I'd rather circuit bend and modify an original stylophone as you can get them for really cheap nowadays.

    • @TooSlowTube
      @TooSlowTube 4 роки тому +11

      You could do that, but the original was just a square wave generator. The Gen-X1 has more of the elements of a real subtractive analog synth.
      There's a tweakable filter, an ADS envelope (with no R, and no knob for the level of S), an LFO section, plus a sub oscillator and a sub-sub oscillator.
      The delay section is useful too. You can use it on short settings to get that ghostly synth brass effect, or add a pseudo release to the envelope.

  • @savanaviolenta
    @savanaviolenta 4 роки тому +1

    Alright getting one. Can't skip that for the money.

  • @Sasch94
    @Sasch94 3 роки тому

    Great Video, thank you!
    How would I connect it to my pc to record what I'm playing? Through the 3.5mm?
    Ordered one a few days ago cause why not😌

  • @jpmcglynn
    @jpmcglynn Рік тому

    Awesome vid and review. What is the name of the digital reverb unit? Thanks!

  • @borisundercover
    @borisundercover 2 роки тому

    Maybe it’s a stupid question but is it possible to record from this to your MacBook ? Id like to do some music / sound design myself for short movies. Thx a lot for the demo and your time 🙏🏻

  • @craigdavidson4378
    @craigdavidson4378 2 роки тому +2

    Paired with battery powered multiFX, looper, and portable modern busking amps like the Blackstar Superfly, could be quite a strong addition to a street busker..

  • @ASDArtistry
    @ASDArtistry 3 роки тому +1

    Nice Atari gameplay but seriously cool video I have had recent love for synthesizers thanks to NMH and Radiohead I think I'll pick one up sometime

  • @madrednome
    @madrednome 2 роки тому +2

    Man this has some great potential for dungeon synth.

  • @edrosa3485
    @edrosa3485 5 років тому

    The next step up would be the Dubreq Stylophone S2.
    Mari Dangerfield (here on youtube) made an entire song with this and and another youtuber Synthmania sampled this unit and built an entire track.

  • @dotwashere4498
    @dotwashere4498 3 роки тому +2

    the sounds remind me so much of earthbound it's unreal. I want to get this thing

  • @TheRealestApex
    @TheRealestApex 4 роки тому +5

    When you mention David Bowie, play the song of Space Oddity on Spotify and wait for 30 seconds he was using Stylophone on that song

  • @churchofaggressiveaudio6498
    @churchofaggressiveaudio6498 5 років тому +4

    Thanks! Great detailed demonstration. 👍

  • @bluedragon3657
    @bluedragon3657 3 роки тому +1

    I really want a stylophone, but I don't know if I should get this one, or if the simpler Standart one would be fine for me too :/

  • @danielfulop
    @danielfulop Рік тому

    Hey, can I connect this directly to my laptop's jack to record the sound on it, or do I need some kind of amplifier?

  • @treesmaofficial3873
    @treesmaofficial3873 2 роки тому +1

    Ooooo a fellow ace!!🖤🤍💜

  • @Xottapchenko
    @Xottapchenko 5 років тому +42

    Not for making solid tracks? LOL, listen to Russian group GROMYKA, they use a bigger version and it sounds quite interesting.

    • @OTLCellartapes
      @OTLCellartapes 5 років тому +2

      probably meant "you'll have to use mostly other sounds, or else be sounding gimmicky"

  • @samuelzuleger5134
    @samuelzuleger5134 3 роки тому +9

    My first guitar was a toy. My second guitar was a tool/toy mix. My third guitar is a tool that I use for fun.
    Sure, there was a price difference, but the real difference came with how serious I became and how far my playing had progressed.

    • @joborion
      @joborion 2 роки тому +2

      This

    • @musicauthority7828
      @musicauthority7828 2 роки тому +2

      This would be good little instrument to have along side a guitar. for sound effects for recordings.

  • @robertobonani4631
    @robertobonani4631 3 роки тому

    Stars of the lid at one point

  • @FatGuyWithAKatana
    @FatGuyWithAKatana 4 роки тому +6

    So it's the logan's run soundtrack pretty much

  • @rifaisaiful3777
    @rifaisaiful3777 4 роки тому +2

    You can be a DJ, only use that tool,
    a million sound effects in one, super awesome....

  • @pongtrometer
    @pongtrometer 3 роки тому

    Wonderful. CLOCK WORK ORANGE box

  • @timothy6966
    @timothy6966 3 роки тому +2

    This. Is. The. Most. Badass. Thing. Ever. Period.

  • @adamzimmerman2464
    @adamzimmerman2464 3 роки тому

    I just ordered one of these and its coming in a few days. I think I could do some pretty cool K-Pop covers on it.

  • @davidkodama8653
    @davidkodama8653 3 роки тому

    It sounds great, but where do I get music for it.

  • @binface9
    @binface9 5 років тому +1

    Any plans to make a track using this?

  • @fentanyljones6956
    @fentanyljones6956 2 роки тому +2

    Maybe less feature rich but w/ all the ‘budget analog’ synths out there today, this sounds better than many 200 dollar options.

  • @mixflame9078
    @mixflame9078 5 років тому

    Fun!

  • @beefuton1
    @beefuton1 4 роки тому

    what is the reverb hardware u are using?

  • @sarasuarez5529
    @sarasuarez5529 3 роки тому

    yuh i don't watch this guys other vides but is that an ace ring? :D

  • @The_Haha_Man
    @The_Haha_Man 3 роки тому

    Does anyone know if the music at 10:30 is an actual song or is it something that he made up on the moment?

  • @SnifferAndFrens
    @SnifferAndFrens 3 роки тому +4

    I'm getting strong Earthbound vibes from this thing

  • @Joe-sc8fu
    @Joe-sc8fu 4 роки тому

    David Bowie rocked this thing, like in Heroes. Or if your German, Helden. Just look up the song and listen for it, it’s a great song

  • @malyitmayer7771
    @malyitmayer7771 2 роки тому +1

    Спасибо.

  • @user-ht6qt6zv1c
    @user-ht6qt6zv1c 4 роки тому +5

    Is it possible to put 3 of these in a chain to create a triple oscillator synth ?

  • @andrewkotcher5704
    @andrewkotcher5704 3 роки тому +1

    david bowie used the plain stylophone on his major tom song, also all but the s-1 is sold out so it must be a good instrument.

  • @Pr0jectFM
    @Pr0jectFM 5 років тому

    I have a Korg Volca Keys and a regular Stylophone. Would this stand out enough to be worth buying?

  • @danielletch
    @danielletch 3 роки тому +1

    Sounds like the score to the movie Forbidden Planet!

  • @mvb_music
    @mvb_music 2 роки тому

    What kind of device do you use from 8:54?

  • @zooblestyx
    @zooblestyx 4 роки тому +3

    The -2 sub sounded like, legit-legit.

  • @waternosuka
    @waternosuka 2 роки тому

    mine doesn’t work and does not make any sound unless i open the cut off button. Is it normal?

  • @MattGreerMusic
    @MattGreerMusic 5 років тому +1

    Little thing has a bit of character doesn't it? I like it.

  • @Alpha_7227
    @Alpha_7227 2 роки тому

    I'm here because I saw it on the Get Back movie by Peter Jackson. I didn't even know it existed. Is this how they made all those cool effects in early Sci Fi movies?

  • @enl1600
    @enl1600 3 роки тому

    I need it.

  • @subscribetobanbasstabs2599
    @subscribetobanbasstabs2599 5 років тому +3

    Anything can do anything if youre creative enough

  • @benjaminkovacs5034
    @benjaminkovacs5034 3 роки тому +1

    MOM! I WANT EVERY SOUND IN THE WORD!
    Here it is!

  • @bobafruti
    @bobafruti 5 років тому +14

    It's a toy, but you could use it on a "hit" record if you wanted...
    But let's be honest, most hit records are made on computers these days and could be made on a phone if you wanted...
    So whatever, it looks like good fun so I'd buy one :-D

  • @JC-es5un
    @JC-es5un Рік тому

    Bowie initially wrote the song “Space Oddity” on a Stylophone, according to an interview he gave.

  • @davidfarmer2193
    @davidfarmer2193 4 роки тому +1

    1:22 Sounds like Sweep from Sooty! lol

  • @leondesplenter6742
    @leondesplenter6742 Місяць тому

    Can it be connected to other synths?

  • @LostStylus
    @LostStylus 3 роки тому

    Is the delay analog in it?

  • @davidg1612
    @davidg1612 4 роки тому +9

    10:08 is the start of seriously sweet sounds.

  • @monumento.f.501
    @monumento.f.501 4 роки тому +1

    For more polyphony try an electric heater.

  • @therealmodernwalking9695
    @therealmodernwalking9695 4 роки тому

    How many channels does this thing have, like can you push more that one sound at the same time??

    • @KRAFTWERK2K6
      @KRAFTWERK2K6 4 роки тому +4

      i think it's monophonic.

    • @will-dd7ou
      @will-dd7ou 4 роки тому +1

      Reltih Floda you can use it as a speaker and play it at the same time

  • @sandmanbub
    @sandmanbub 2 роки тому

    Is this what Prince used in his song Delirious?

  • @jaysxeast
    @jaysxeast 8 місяців тому

    I WANT ONE!!!!

  • @collinsrijayanta4199
    @collinsrijayanta4199 5 років тому +1

    3:40 reminds me of the 2112 opening. Cool!

  • @davidg1612
    @davidg1612 4 роки тому

    I need to get my hands on one of these.

  • @schtickkicker
    @schtickkicker 5 років тому

    Yes.

  • @Tiger.Arcade
    @Tiger.Arcade Рік тому

    Be perfect for a 70s b film sound effects.

  • @nefariouspreludev2.046
    @nefariouspreludev2.046 3 роки тому

    Just one word describes the sound. BLADE RUNNER!

  • @liamfoskett5220
    @liamfoskett5220 5 років тому

    Just like the minimoog
    Just like it

  • @zeppelin67637
    @zeppelin67637 4 роки тому +3

    4:45 mars attacks! ACK ACK ACKACKACK

  • @wertdeg
    @wertdeg 2 роки тому +2

    That thing is pretty badass for a “toy”

  • @vel2118
    @vel2118 2 роки тому

    ottomatome is nice too

  • @parkermanns9143
    @parkermanns9143 3 роки тому

    Can we talk about that reading rainbow intro

  • @reinopirttijarvi2487
    @reinopirttijarvi2487 3 роки тому

    Man that black and white face cam looks so good