DX9/7 is an alternative firmware ROM for the Yamaha DX9 synthesizer that turns it into a 6-operator, DX7 compatible synth.
What the developer say about it:
“Its aim is to uplift the DX9’s functionality to more closely match that of the DX7. It restores features that were intentionally restricted in the firmware, such as increasing the operator count to six, and adding a pitch envelope generator. This ROM makes the synth properly patch-compatible with the DX7.
This is not a patch for the existing DX9 firmware, it is an entirely new firmware ROM. It has been assembled from the original binary, together with code from the DX7’s V1.8 ROM, as well as new code written from scratch.”
New Features:
Makes the DX9 able to play DX7 patches.
Restores the use of all six operators.
The synth is now sensitive to the velocity of incoming MIDI notes.
Implements the DX7’s pitch EG.
Implements DX7 style operator scaling.
Implements DX7 style portamento/glissando.
*Note: Potential users of the new firmware should note that it is not a patch, but an entirely new ROM. It does not turn the DX9 into a DX7, because some DX7 parameters have no equivalent controls on the DX9. The developer also describes the firmware as “highly experimental”, and we’re advised that “installing the firmware for everyday general use isn’t recommended just yet.”
Watch the video below to find out what the synth was all about.
It is fair to say that if you like the idea of getting a DX7 for a quarter of the price, check out the project at Github. If you are not hardcore, the stock DX9 sounds great and is still one of the best 4-op FM synths ever made.
via jrbattin
Austin-based synthesist geomagnetics shared this Roland MC-707 cover of the Tangerine Dream classic, Love on a Real Train, from the soundtrack of Risky Business.
The arrangement makes clever use of minimal gear. What they say about it:
“This is a cover of the great Tangerine Dream song. I wanted to stick close to the original version while keeping it strictly on the MC-707 and not use external gear.
I’ve loved this song for as long as I can remember, but covering it gave me a whole new respect for what they did in those studios before computers and grooveboxes.”
RYK Modular shared this video demo of the M175 Triple Resonator, a new module for the classic Roland System 100m modular synthesizer.
Consisting of three resonant Band Pass Filters arranged in parallel, the M175 is great for “adding some shape and character to a sound”. You can use the triple peaks to add acoustic style resonant spikes, or modulate them to create dramatic phaser style swooshes and sweeps. Additionally, you can tune the center frequencies to create formant-style vocal noises from waveforms with high harmonic content, such as pulse waves.
The M175 contains three dual Vactrols to control the center frequency of each resonator, which add a small amount of slew to the frequency modulation, famously associated with classic Buchla modules.
Features:
Three Vactrol controlled Band Pass Filters arranged in normalized parallel, or can be used as three separate filters.
Audio input signal is normalized to all three resonators, but can be overridden by inserting a jack into the resonators 1st inputs allow them to be used separately.
A mix output is available that sums the output of all three resonators, by inserting a jack into a resonators individual output overrides its output from the mix output.
Keyboard CV is supplied via the standard System 100m DIN connector, to the 1st modulation input of each resonator.
The 2nd input of the first resonator is normalized to each of the other two resonators
Authentic reproduction of Roland System 100m panel, with 100m grey paint finish and 70’s off white screen print.
