Colossus: A once in a generation synthesizer

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  • Опубліковано 23 гру 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 911

  • @vinylarchaeologist
    @vinylarchaeologist Рік тому +542

    That right there is perhaps the best-sounding midlife crisis ever ❤

    • @AlexBallMusic
      @AlexBallMusic  Рік тому +21

      😂

    • @MeriaDuck
      @MeriaDuck Рік тому +9

      As someone born in 1975 and just enough money that it's dangerous.... 😂 I'm totally not worthy for such an amazing machine.

    • @vinylarchaeologist
      @vinylarchaeologist Рік тому +24

      @@MeriaDuck Can relate, but you're looking at it from the wrong angle. Nobody who can afford this is *really* worthy, unless they're a musical genius - and in that case they are probably already making their music on something else with similar results. I think a better angle would be: you're getting to support a guy who is doing something special and great, instead of giving that same money to a big corporation for a car or something.

    • @anonymoushuman8344
      @anonymoushuman8344 Рік тому +10

      It costs substantially less than a new sports car.

    • @phd_sound
      @phd_sound Рік тому +9

      @@anonymoushuman8344 and it retains its value more

  • @rich_in_paradise
    @rich_in_paradise Рік тому +370

    I think the greatest thing about this synth is that you get to feel like a scientist performing a dangerous experiment in a 1950s b-movie when you're working on it.

    • @Rr0gu3_5uture
      @Rr0gu3_5uture Рік тому +31

      I worked for IBM in the 90s and still have my anti-static labcoat. I'd definitely dig it out and wear it when I was playing this thing! Pretend I was a big important, serious sciencey man!😂

    • @RealmsOfThePossible
      @RealmsOfThePossible Рік тому +2

      I'd only wear a white lab coat when using it especially if I have visitors 😀

    • @gladlawson61
      @gladlawson61 Рік тому +6

      You could build your own modular and feel the exact same way.

    • @bonsaimusic8078
      @bonsaimusic8078 Рік тому +17

      ​@@gladlawson61Don't tell me how to feel

    • @HOLLASOUNDS
      @HOLLASOUNDS Рік тому +2

      This synth has been purchased by mostly Schools and Universities, as a teaching tool.

  • @Xaero188
    @Xaero188 Рік тому +158

    This monstrosity is a straight up nuclear plant control panel and I love it.

    • @cromulence
      @cromulence Рік тому +1

      They should've called it the T-437 Safety Command Console.

    • @GudieveNing
      @GudieveNing 9 місяців тому

      Exactly what I thought, "Don't forget to lower the control rods before they go critical!!"

  • @anonymoushuman8344
    @anonymoushuman8344 Рік тому +67

    It's good to know there are at least 60 studios that have a Colossus in them.

  • @mikegeary8056
    @mikegeary8056 Рік тому +28

    This synth is perfect for a electronic music program at a school. One could learn basically everything about synthesis and signal chain on this monster.

    • @unclepaddy1
      @unclepaddy1 11 місяців тому

      I agree 100%! I learned on a Synthi100 in university

  • @tweakingtuesday1743
    @tweakingtuesday1743 Рік тому +113

    Also worth noting that in 1971 the EMS Synthi 100 cost around £6500, equivalent to more that £117K in todays terms. Tom’s Colossus is a bargain!!

  • @ultratone
    @ultratone Рік тому +15

    Oh look, there’s a double one… I laughed out loud. Glad I caught that. Especially after that surreal last piece. Beautiful.

  • @mattevans7884
    @mattevans7884 Рік тому +44

    Having seen this behemoth at Synthfest last year......it is simply staggering in person. And the fact that you have been able to produce this video, demo it in your own style and that Tom let you "borrow" it. We are so very lucky

  • @Mark_Ocain
    @Mark_Ocain Рік тому +28

    Magnificent. Isn't it wonderful to know there are instrument makers out there that still have the will to create such masterpieces? Thanks for letting us have a brief look at this awesome synthesiser, Alex! I bet you enjoyed having it in your studio to play with! This has taken some of the concepts of the EMS Synthi 100 and arrived at a place where it can be as raw or as musical as the imagination allows. A brilliant piece of kit!

  • @gaetan4164
    @gaetan4164 Рік тому +32

    Oh awesome I often see pictures of it but I don't think I've heard it. That thing sounds amazing and you can totally hear the Analogue Solutions signature in there. What a beast.

  • @classicaudioadventures
    @classicaudioadventures Рік тому +61

    That synth is absolutely mental.
    Your Peggio and Helix demos are lovely.

  • @johnpaulpatton9786
    @johnpaulpatton9786 Рік тому +31

    I would endlessly listen to an album of the type of music that you have made with this machine toward the end of the video. So beautiful and relaxing!

    • @AlexBallMusic
      @AlexBallMusic  Рік тому +9

      Cheers! Nice to experiment with something different.

    • @davisuture9610
      @davisuture9610 Рік тому

      I'd defo play that first track out

  • @OriginalRaveParty
    @OriginalRaveParty Рік тому +24

    Those filters sound incredible. I'm very pleased that there are eccentric geniuses around who can make these kind of beauties.

    • @AlexBallMusic
      @AlexBallMusic  Рік тому +4

      Yeah, he's tweaked the designs I believe. The 2-pole is particularly potent.

  • @AaronAlso
    @AaronAlso Рік тому +2

    Look your 2 minutes in and I"m already in love with the sound of this thing, and Googling the cost. WORTH EVERY PENNY!!!

  • @marcoose777
    @marcoose777 Рік тому +82

    Wouldn't the world be dull if some people didn't dream big

  • @Hainbach
    @Hainbach Рік тому +11

    That track at the end deserves a release

    • @AlexBallMusic
      @AlexBallMusic  Рік тому +2

      I suspected a pulsing drone might attract a passing Hainbach. 😀

  • @lefunghi6151
    @lefunghi6151 Рік тому +13

    One of those Synths that most people may never ever get to have their hands on, let alone own. And for those (unlucky) many, you've created some incredible demos to listen to and enjoy this beast. One of a kind and despite how overwhelming it is, the musicality you managed to squeeze out is yet again second to none! Totally fell in love with that last demo!

    • @HOLLASOUNDS
      @HOLLASOUNDS Рік тому +2

      Something Alex missed is that this Synth was intended for schools and Universities.

    • @AlexBallMusic
      @AlexBallMusic  Рік тому +8

      ​@@HOLLASOUNDSThe Synthi 100 was. The Colossus is built in a different era and meant for naughtiness.

    • @HOLLASOUNDS
      @HOLLASOUNDS Рік тому

      @@AlexBallMusic I'll take your word for it. 😀

  • @bondbug73
    @bondbug73 Рік тому +4

    Love it! Sounds and looks spectacular. 1972 Doctor Who, The Sea Devils, was done with a Synthi 100.

  • @jerbusf
    @jerbusf Рік тому +65

    I'd love to see what it took to get it into the studio.

    • @JohnLloydDavis
      @JohnLloydDavis Рік тому +6

      I wonder how they deliver it when you order one!

    • @brianmorton4127
      @brianmorton4127 Рік тому +6

      they make one that is double the size

    • @thedukeofbreakfast
      @thedukeofbreakfast Рік тому +36

      ​@@JohnLloydDavisIf I understand correctly, Tom from Analogue Solutions actually arrives with it, wearing a lab coat, to give it to you. He then presents you with an honorary lab coat of your own. No, seriously!

    • @LightBranches
      @LightBranches Рік тому +2

      @@brianmorton4127 do you mean half the size? There is the Quartz, recently reviewed by @starskycarr

    • @jasonmoyer
      @jasonmoyer Рік тому +5

      One thing that's neat is that, unlike the 100, they designed it to fit through doorways.

  • @glenesis
    @glenesis Рік тому +17

    Utterly spiffing demo, Bubba. I freakin LOVE the sound of this thing. Tom really outdid homself - and everyone else - when he created this thing. Blew my mind when it made its first appearance. Happy synthing! 🥳

  • @edphooey81
    @edphooey81 Рік тому +17

    Whoa! thats immense, love what looks like a lab oscilloscope bolted into it

  • @Bobbias
    @Bobbias Рік тому +3

    This thing is absolutely gorgeous. There's just so much this thing has to offer. And I love the inclusion of not one but two built in oscilloscopes.

  • @grogboggoth
    @grogboggoth Рік тому +30

    It's testament to your musicianship and programming skills that you can make anything resembling actual music using this monster. It looks incredibly intimidating and I'll never complain about my synths having too few LFOs and envelopes ever again.

  • @uhuebner
    @uhuebner Рік тому +4

    it took me 10 minutes to realize this is _not_ a vintage gear review. gorgeous!

    • @AlexBallMusic
      @AlexBallMusic  Рік тому +1

      Yep, this unit is about 2 months old. Newest synth I've ever had in my possession.

  • @jasonbeatty831
    @jasonbeatty831 Рік тому +4

    Love AS products! I had a Nyborg 12 for a long time, sold it to a friend after getting a fusebox, and their Generator sequencer is amazing as well. One foot in the past while looking towards the future.

  • @Psychlist1972
    @Psychlist1972 Рік тому +7

    Such a beautiful and epic synthesizer.

  • @Mouxbar
    @Mouxbar Рік тому +18

    Ah sir, another massive organ on display. And a fine specimen as well! 😍

    • @HOLLASOUNDS
      @HOLLASOUNDS Рік тому +2

      Imagine having this at your school? Today kids We are going to learn about synthesizers.

  • @tobitweaks
    @tobitweaks Рік тому +1

    Imagine 30 EMS made and yet the talk and the desirability - I think you can say there is a serious demand for these. There are some products we have enough of and that we maybe don‘t need more made - like a Dx7. And then again there is this, and maybe we do need more of these. What a wonderful instrument! Thank you for the fantastic demo. All the best, Tobi

  • @misophoniq
    @misophoniq Рік тому +23

    The Colossus... when just the transport of your synthesizer costs as much as buying a regular synthesizer.

  • @bostich1
    @bostich1 Рік тому +2

    The best video explaining the function of the Colossus that I have seen to date, totally inspires me to dream of one day having this majestic instrument, congratulations!

    • @AlexBallMusic
      @AlexBallMusic  Рік тому +2

      Hey Ramón! Glad you enjoyed it.

    • @jumpstar9000
      @jumpstar9000 Рік тому

      Majestic, haha, that is definitely one way of putting it. What a machine!

  • @aphexequation5216
    @aphexequation5216 Рік тому +3

    absolutely fantastic demos

  • @johnny5805
    @johnny5805 Рік тому +1

    I can't imagine the complexities of designing the circuit boards and wiring ! It's a miracle of engineering.

  • @aeiouxs
    @aeiouxs Рік тому +3

    Incredible synth, and definitely feel you've surpassed your high quality bar with your musical demos on this one Alex!

  • @EnryMusica
    @EnryMusica Рік тому +2

    Amazing synth! Thanks for your work!

  • @markusfuller
    @markusfuller Рік тому +6

    Wow what a beautiful sounding work of electronic art. Thanks Alex for your amazing knowledge and musical talent.

  • @jerometournier5467
    @jerometournier5467 Рік тому +1

    It sounds as big as it looks!Gorgeous!

  • @bcroson82
    @bcroson82 Рік тому +7

    Sounds amazing, nice demos.

  • @BassFunMusic
    @BassFunMusic Рік тому +1

    Your music is my jam! Keep it up! 🎶👏♥♥sounds

  • @briancassidy6678
    @briancassidy6678 Рік тому +7

    Wow. Fine particles of dust blew out from my studio monitors unless it was actually the cone paper itself. Yes. The world does need the Colossus. It's by far the greatest single invention known to man at this point. The wheel, fire and the Colossus. And not necessarily in that order. Thank you, Alex.

  • @leinadisjourneys
    @leinadisjourneys Рік тому +2

    Particularly enjoyed the demos for this instrument, especially the intro jam. Awesome job, and great sounds!
    What a crazy, glorious instrument.

  • @derekholland3328
    @derekholland3328 Рік тому +3

    yeah....colossus is the perfect name for this brilliant monster.

  • @stavard
    @stavard 8 місяців тому +1

    Rumor is if you strike the right sounds you will summon the ghost of Keith Emerson. Lovely machine. Thank you for sharing your time with it.

  • @Lesgo
    @Lesgo Рік тому +5

    Wow!! Just WOW!! what a monster... Great demos too

  • @singechamberlain2967
    @singechamberlain2967 Рік тому +2

    Some of the best demo songs I've heard you do. Brilliant!

  • @gionspenzers
    @gionspenzers Рік тому +3

    Now that's what I called a Synth Space Station! I'd imagine how long it took for you to learn how to use this beast of a synthesizer.

  • @Shevaron
    @Shevaron Рік тому +1

    That was the best sounding patches I've ever heard. So musical too.

  • @Rhythmicons
    @Rhythmicons Рік тому +5

    Absolutely fantastic content. You were reverant, honest, and not trying to bill it as the greatest synth in the world. This is a lovely tour of the configuration of modules and controllers coupled with tasteful demos.

  • @kvmoore1
    @kvmoore1 Рік тому +2

    The Colossus is very impressive. It looks like something straight from a scientific research laboratory. Same goes for the EMS Synthi 100 it was based on.
    Thank you for making this video. BTW, I love the track you made using the Colossus. Superb work!!!! You are so talented you can make ANY synth sound magnificent!!!!

  • @DSZI.ShyHunterBB
    @DSZI.ShyHunterBB Рік тому +3

    Now we’ve got something that would make even the greatest of synthesizers cry patch cables at this incredible instrument that is truly from another world of sound!

  • @carlosserrano3985
    @carlosserrano3985 Рік тому +1

    Colossus sounds amazing and I can see the limitless possibilities. The first song blew me away, finally Alex and the Simmons SDSV, I hope an upcoming video of the SDSV and the interesting story of it's creator Mr. Dave Simmons.
    Cheers!

  • @cln5510
    @cln5510 Рік тому +4

    You might have the greatest studio I've ever seen

  • @ajn465
    @ajn465 Рік тому +1

    That’s clearly an amazing sounding piece of audio gear just to begin with. The bottom end of it had such an ease and firmth.. and the mid range of all the tones were so rich and juicy sounding. No question it will be a sought after piece of gear forever

  • @timdanyo898
    @timdanyo898 Рік тому +17

    Every living room across the world should have a Colossus unit.

  • @ffz8262
    @ffz8262 Рік тому +2

    This is insanity. And the Helix demo is so beautiful

  • @vivo-audio
    @vivo-audio Рік тому +3

    Gosh! I think I'm in love. Nothing mental about this.

  • @intershumN.P.5357
    @intershumN.P.5357 Рік тому +1

    This is very good. I always wanted such a sound structure. I really enjoyed it.✌️🙃

  • @Rockky67
    @Rockky67 Рік тому +4

    Amazing synth and some vintage Jupiters have been selling for that sort of money too

  • @KaeseNachos
    @KaeseNachos Рік тому +1

    The demo at the end. I could listen to a 10 hour version of that. Such a lovely low end on that beast.

    • @AlexBallMusic
      @AlexBallMusic  Рік тому +2

      Cheers! When was running off footage I left that running like a very niche radio station. Really cool to let it play itself.

  • @2point7182818284590
    @2point7182818284590 Рік тому +3

    What a phat sounding monster system! And you can also use it for playing battleships.

  • @steviox
    @steviox 9 місяців тому

    Genuinely brilliant instrument beautifully demo-ed. thank you!

  • @MEGAMIGA
    @MEGAMIGA Рік тому +3

    I love how knowledgeable you are of every synth you put your analogue mitts on!

  • @sophrapsune
    @sophrapsune 4 місяці тому

    It makes me happy that this thing exists and can be purchased new.

  • @chriswareham
    @chriswareham Рік тому +3

    I saw the Synthi 100 when Tom had it in his garage! At the time it looked cosmetically perfect, but he did say it was a work in progress from a technical perspective.
    As for your demos, the second one reminded me of the mighty Cabaret Voltaire with those sampled bits of dialogue. Appropriate, since the Cabs are in the news today as some vinyl copies of Taylor Swift's new album have been mispressed with one of their songs on it!

    • @antitheist2000
      @antitheist2000 Рік тому

      I saw it in his garage too 😊 and the mass of wires hanging out the back 😊

    • @jeffreybarton1297
      @jeffreybarton1297 Рік тому +2

      This can only be an improvement on Taylor's album.

  • @JohnSk82
    @JohnSk82 Рік тому

    I like how your room is expanding every time you make a new video. SportBilly the synthesist hah. Great stuff as always matey

  • @littlebritain64
    @littlebritain64 Рік тому +3

    Ahhh, the good old days of the experimental music labs by national radio channels and university around the world: Italy, Germany, Japan, France, U.S.A., U.K......
    They all probably have liked this masterpiece!!

  • @ModulerDrone
    @ModulerDrone Рік тому

    You made a great point at the last exposition point
    and personally I definitely see you Alex, blessed with your patience and attention to detail, surrounded by kids patching away on this Collossus and teaching the art of sound design on analog subtractive modular matrix based synthesis
    BUT only on the double one... you only live twice!

  • @HexanaMusic
    @HexanaMusic Рік тому +4

    Blimey! The thumbnail alone nearly crashed my laptop

  • @MrWazhead
    @MrWazhead Рік тому

    I've listened to many many vids on this channel, but the sound of that synth held my full attention for the full duration. I could listen to that for ever. Hope it becomes a classic. If I save the money from my UK gas bill and instead spent it on this beauty, it would make good sense: this thing is so 'warm', I wouldn't need to put the boiler on.

  • @SamLowryDZ-015
    @SamLowryDZ-015 Рік тому +3

    Not a single mention of the Radiophonic Workshop - or Malcolm Clarke's score for the Sea Devils.

    • @AlexBallMusic
      @AlexBallMusic  Рік тому +4

      That wasn't this synth.

    • @SamLowryDZ-015
      @SamLowryDZ-015 Рік тому +1

      @@AlexBallMusic Oh I know but as you said the Collosus is based on that one. (ps. asked my employer if I can switch to a Sunday Paper round)

    • @AlexBallMusic
      @AlexBallMusic  Рік тому +3

      ​@@SamLowryDZ-015Sure, but it would be a weird tangent to then discuss music not made by this synth. They have different features and functions too, it's just broadly inspired by it.
      I would absolutely love to do some videos on EMS synths, they're at the top of the list, so all that stuff can wait for that.
      Paper round - just take the extra Sunday run and you'll have saved up in no time.

  • @brujua7
    @brujua7 Рік тому

    Gorgeous video! You deserve your place as {insert word for representative of synth world}, so glad Alex Ball exists and makes videos synths

  • @AnalogueSolutions
    @AnalogueSolutions Рік тому +4

    Very nice

  • @xpavpushka
    @xpavpushka Рік тому +1

    Your demos are always really good.
    Keep em coming!

  • @thedukeofbreakfast
    @thedukeofbreakfast Рік тому +8

    OOOOH LOOK AT THE SIZE OF THAT etc etc
    Wowee. First minute is by far the best demo of the Colossus I've seen so far. Nice one Alex 🙌

  • @FrozenLonesome
    @FrozenLonesome Рік тому

    Another great video @alexball . I appreciate how you included other gear in your jams to show how the Colossus could fit into a studio environment if one had the $$ and physical space.

  • @rozzgrey801
    @rozzgrey801 Рік тому +5

    Maximum Kudos to Dave Cockerell who designed the EMS Synthi-100!

    • @Peter_S_
      @Peter_S_ Рік тому +1

      Dave Cockerell created what most people feel outer space is supposed to sound like.

    • @AlexBallMusic
      @AlexBallMusic  Рік тому +4

      The EMS guys are absolute heroes.

    • @rozzgrey801
      @rozzgrey801 Рік тому

      @@AlexBallMusic Absolutely. Any chance you could do one of your brilliant documentaries on EMS? We lost Peter Zinovieff last year, but Dave Cockerell is still knocking about, and it could be a last chance to interview the genius behind the VCS3, Akai S-series samplers and several innovative Electro-Harmonix pedals?

  • @davidhrivnak
    @davidhrivnak Рік тому

    Excellent demonstration/exploration as always, and that last track Helix was so beautiful. It was really special to be able to hear this synth in that way

  • @mrotaveria
    @mrotaveria Рік тому +4

    If I ever win the lottery I wont tell anyone but there will be signs.

  • @2.7petabytes
    @2.7petabytes Рік тому

    That’s one Hell of a machine!!! Great video as always Alex!

  • @GizzyDillespee
    @GizzyDillespee Рік тому +5

    I thought Colossus was of Rhodes, but this is clearly a synth. Then again, the Hydra(synth) does a decent Rhodes, so you never know!

  • @MarshalArnold
    @MarshalArnold Рік тому +2

    Oooh there it is! Man, that thing is ridiculously cool 😎

  • @log4p
    @log4p Рік тому +6

    I really didn’t want to love the sounds. I tried. But boy… does it sound glorious! I have no space for it, it is way too expensive… it crazy. I wish I had access to it.

    • @HOLLASOUNDS
      @HOLLASOUNDS Рік тому

      Its target buyers are schools, and universities.

    • @log4p
      @log4p Рік тому +1

      @@HOLLASOUNDS ok, I’ll have to start a school. clear.

  • @alfredgravy6375
    @alfredgravy6375 Рік тому

    Holy moly this thing is awesome, had the whole house shaking with the tone sweeps …absolutely sublime synth.

  • @eugenecanady5452
    @eugenecanady5452 Рік тому +4

    12 oscillators... because why not. Why not indeed?

  • @lucid484
    @lucid484 Рік тому +1

    Man, Heft Side Brain reminds me of the great music I used to listen to back in the 90s! Love it!

  • @Homecastlefoundation
    @Homecastlefoundation Рік тому +5

    It sounds like the BBC Radiophonic workshop, 1975

    • @AlexBallMusic
      @AlexBallMusic  Рік тому

      Perfect.

    • @gothpuppy1123
      @gothpuppy1123 Рік тому

      @@AlexBallMusic Any chance of a cover of the boinkity-boing version of the Doctor Who theme?

  • @prototek4187
    @prototek4187 Рік тому

    Oh mate… your videos are ALWAYS a treat. Many thanks, please keep at it!!

  • @cravecave505
    @cravecave505 Рік тому +4

    A synth that looks like the control console of a nuclear power plant from the 60ties. Maximum GAS! I need a sedative.😵‍💫

  • @trevorlevick1564
    @trevorlevick1564 Рік тому

    Thank you for the presentation. A wonderful piece of analog work of art!

  • @happygolucky2231
    @happygolucky2231 Рік тому +5

    sell everything else and buy a colossus? 🤔

  • @mikejames-er6di
    @mikejames-er6di Рік тому

    Again, an absolutely tremendous video. Love the "double" bit at the end.

    • @webup1789
      @webup1789 Рік тому

      the double is real... Do a UA-cam search

  • @Peter_S_
    @Peter_S_ Рік тому +3

    Too much of everything is just enough.

  • @LFOVCF
    @LFOVCF Рік тому +1

    The sort of synth that would have you disappearing for so long that all the potholes have been repaired, and England have won the world cup.
    Yet again you have, squeezed the juice from a synth, and made some great genreless music. I love all that s***🥰

  • @tweakingtuesday1743
    @tweakingtuesday1743 Рік тому +1

    “Oh look, there’s a double one!” at the end made laugh out loud! 😂

    • @webup1789
      @webup1789 Рік тому

      The double is real and on YT

    • @tweakingtuesday1743
      @tweakingtuesday1743 Рік тому

      @@webup1789 I know it, for those that find 12 oscillators is just not enough! 😆

  • @professionalhuman4429
    @professionalhuman4429 Рік тому

    Astounding in every way Alex!

  • @lesynthlofi
    @lesynthlofi Рік тому

    You had me in the first 5 seconds. KILLER opening track, fattest thing I’ve heard in ages. Sensational!

  • @InSurrealtime
    @InSurrealtime Рік тому

    Your little demos are always great, I really loved that last piece.

  • @L15U5
    @L15U5 Рік тому +1

    sounds really cool masive and with saturation

  • @danniielle
    @danniielle Рік тому +1

    LOL @ Oh look, there's a double one!! :)
    I would LOVE to have one of these beasts in my studio! Great video as usual Alex. 😎

  • @digitalduch1111
    @digitalduch1111 Рік тому +1

    Awesome presentation of an awesome synth / monster ❤

  • @brettreynolds1929
    @brettreynolds1929 Рік тому

    what a wonderful synth and well played