My own studio comprises mainly of Synths, Samplers, Drum machines and Sequencers collected over the years. I use a Roland SBX 80 Sync box to send Clock to a Drumulator and Roland JX3P and DIN24 is sent to the MC4 and MSQ700 Sequencers. Midi Sync is sent to the Atari ST, MC500 and R8 Drum machines and the recording HP Workstation. The MSQ 700 drives an Roland Juno 60 via DCB. The audio outputs are fed to the main channel inputs of the Soundtracs Topaz. Groups 1 & 2 are sent to the Samplers and the remaining 6 Group outs are sent to the audio ins of the HP Workstation using an M Audio Delta Soundcard. Audio is recorded in Sync using Ableton Live, Cubase or as a wild stereo leg. Channel inputs 1 to 8 of the Topaz are hard wired to the 8 analogue outputs of the Delta Soundcard and can be re-recorded using the Group sends - all monitored by two pairs of Genelecs. Outboard consists of a Roland DEP 3 processor, an ART Multi FX processor and Boss SE50 and SE70 processors. I have a few analogue outboard processors including a Carlsboro Spring Reverb and Evan's and Ibanez "Bucket Brigade" Echo Units.
Here's just a selection of my favourite gear.
Here's just a selection of my favourite gear.
Roland MC4b and OP8 DCB Interface
I bought this from a guy who had stored it in his loft for 25 years. Under the dirt was a pretty immaculate example of the second generation Microprocessor based sequencer from Roland. It was complete with the original User Manual, OP8 DCB Interface, the MTR100 Digital Backup System and Cables. It needed the careful attention of James Walker at Synth Repair Services but is now in full working order.
Yamaha CS5 Mono Synth
The first Synthesizer I ever bought (read my biog) and still giving plenty of service. A simple single oscillator synth but still capable of bass lines, FX and leadlines. I use a Kenton Pro Solo CV interface to drive it from Midi.
Roland Super JX 10
The ultimate pad machine! 24 DCOs, split, layer or single tones. This one has the Colin Frazer software upgrade to allow editing over Midi but I use the PG800 Programmer. Roland's last great analogue synthesizer.
Alesis Andromeda A6
OK, so it's not quite vintage but it is a programmers dream synth with numerous modulation possibilities reminiscent of the Oberheim Matrix 12. A bit too deep for my liking but the closest I'll get to a modular synth probably. A potential speaker buster!
Roland MKS70 & MKS30 Planet S Modules
The MKS70 module was purchased from Nik Kershaw's keyboards man complete with PG800 and M-64C cartridge. It's little brother the MKS30 based on the JX3P was allegedly the first keyboardless module. The sound sits somewhere between a JX3P and a Juno 106 to me. The same dodgy chips as the 106 though. Be prepared for voice failure.
EMU Emulator III
Some say the it is the Holy Grail of Samplers. I've waited twenty five years to own one of these to find out. I had several discussions with the seller before purchasing as I had read a lot about the reliability issues of the EIII. He convinced me "hearing was believing" and so I set off to find out. It's an incredibly powerful full sound. I bought it without hesitation.
Warning! Underpin your house before use. It will shake the foundations.
Warning! Underpin your house before use. It will shake the foundations.
Roland JX3P
Underestimated but I don't know why. Maybe some don't like the preset names on the front panel? Personally I think it is a great sounding two oscillator Synth. The essential PG200 Programmer can dial up results very quickly. The onboard 256 step sequencer is also a lot fun to use and sync-able with the SBX 80.
Roland Juno 60
Every home should have one!
Roland Juno 106
Immaculate condition but unused as I want to keep that way.
Roland S Series Samplers
I have the flagship 18 Meg S770 (Turbo model) an 18 Meg S750 and two 32 Meg S760s with all options. They sound as good as the Emulator EIII. A deep sounding character and great sound libraries. External control from a mouse and monitor is a must.
I wonder where they got that idea from?
I wonder where they got that idea from?
Korg Wavestation and Korg Z1
I attended an Audio Engineering Society trade show in Tokyo in 1991 and saw Dave Smith demonstrating the Wavestation based on his original Prophet VS.
I ordered one straight away on return to the UK. Still very unique sounding.
The Z1 is a strange animal. Very nice modeled electric pianos etc but capable of some weird and wonderful synth sounds if the effort is put it. Do not judge it on the presets. A future collectors item perhaps?
I ordered one straight away on return to the UK. Still very unique sounding.
The Z1 is a strange animal. Very nice modeled electric pianos etc but capable of some weird and wonderful synth sounds if the effort is put it. Do not judge it on the presets. A future collectors item perhaps?
EMU Drumulator
I remember playing with one of these in my local music store when they first came out with a retail price of £995. No Midi but clock-able from the Roland SBX 80. Great sounding basic Eighties drum machine used on countless recordings. I'd love to find the original alternative sound sets from Digidrums - later to become known as Digidesign.
Oberheim DXa Drum Machine
A later model "a" with factory fitted Midi. I paid a ridiculously low price for it although it needed some easy TLC. Non factory EPROMs fitted. Quite a big gated Snare and better Toms. Strange as it may be - I like to smell the inside of it as it's had 30 years of heavy studio use - know what I mean?
Roland Pad80 Octapad II
Great for those moments when you want to hit something. I originally bought it to trigger an Akai S950 Sampler.
2 x Roland R8 Drum Machines
Complete with 10 of the 11 sound cards available. They just seemed to stand out in 1988. I had used the Yamaha RX11 and a TR626 before but the R8 was so much better all round. I appreciate the R8 MkII has more sounds but I bought another R8 instead and sync them so I can use two sound cards together.
Roland TR707
Originally bought to sync with the MC4 via DIN24. The Rimshot trigger out can also be used to fire the Juno 60 Arpeggiator. Not a million miles away from a 909 but non tuneable sounds and cheap plastic build quality a shame. Seems to have gained some popularity in recent years.
Roland SBX 80 Sync Box
The heart of the studio even though no SMPTE or analogue tape is used. It's still a useful tool for master clocking different sync formats together.
Doepfer MAQ 16/3 Analogue Sequencer
An interesting tool for some old fashioned sequencing. Rotating the knobs gives unexpected results which would not normally be thought of when played conventionally. Midi and CV control outputs. Quirky but fun.
Alesis HR16 Drum Machine
I bought this as I wanted to use the STRELLIS ROM upgrade which fills the drum machine with eighties classic drum sounds including; Linn LM1 and Linndrum II, Oberheim DMX, Drumulator etc. Lovely 8bit samples. Check out this website for more information www.strellis.com/alesis.shtml
Simmons SDS9 Brain
I have no room for a full Simmons kit but the SDS9 Brain with Midi control means true simmons sounds can be triggered from a sequencer. Weird and wacky sounds can be created in realtime.
Roland MSQ 700 Sequencer
More a midi data recorder than a true sequencer as there are no real editing options available. Great build quality and easy recording. Midi and DIN24 sync to connect earlier devices but it will not convert Midi to DCB as some report. The user has to preset either Midi or DCB operation.
Roland MD-8 Midi/DCB Convertor
Roland's answer for connecting DCB devices and Midi (Later Jupiter 8 & Juno 60 models). Simple operation and works both ways so the Juno Arpeggiator can control another synthesizer with Midi.
Roland JP8000
The sound of the late Nineties with the famed Supersaw waveform but unfortunately poor plastic build quality. Not the best analogue modelling synthesizer in my opinion. Arpeggiator and phrase recorder offer instant gratification. Nothing like a real Jupiter.
Boss SE70 Multi Effects Processor
Simple, cheap Multi Effects units. Good quality and versatile.
I have the SE 70 and SE 50 models.
I have the SE 70 and SE 50 models.
Korg Prophecy MOSS Synthesizer
Korg's Monophonic Multi Oscillator Synthesis System. Expressive leads and FX. Not the easiest to program but fun trying. Polyphonic keyboard over midi.
Roland MC500 Mark II Sequencer
A Linear based 8 track sequencer with each track containing 16 Midi channels. Full editing of data unlike it's predecessor the MSQ700. 2 x Midi outputs and 10,000 event storage to 3.5 inch floppy disks. The back lights notoriously fade so buy a new one from here