loopop posts
Posts: 275
Files: 707
Infinity War! Plus Pedal vs Superego+
Hi!I'm a big fan of the concept of freeze/infinite sustain pedals. They can create long tails for "unsustainable" instruments with a quick natural decay - like pianos or guitars, and add polyphonic pads to monophonic or limited polyphony instruments like synths.By the way, the function of "freezing" incoming audio is sostenuto, not sustain, but both these pedals have sustain capabilities as well, using different layering techniques implemented in each pedal.Capturing a short moment in time isn't as easy as it may seem. I...
Roland JUPITER Xm, Review and exclusive video download
Hi!It has up to 256 voice polyphony; it has virtual analog and PCM/sample-based oscillators; it's multi-timbral; it's portable; but is it usable?That's the biggest question I address in this review of Roland's Jupiter-Xm.Setting aside analog vs digital, I can't help but compare the interface of Moog One to the Xm.When making the Moog One review, I hardly had to read the manual - I did, just to make sure I didn't miss anything, but I discovered very few things that could not be understood intuitively and quickly from the ...
November Book Update: Hardware Synth Buyer's Guide
Hi!Previous editions of my book have included buyers guides for expressive controllers/instruments and grooveboxes/samplers/sequencers.I've mentioned before that I think synths shouldn't be bought with a checklist. Whenever I’m asked “Which synth should I get?”, I answer that my advice is never to listen to other people’s advice, but rather listen to the synth. A synth purchase, in my opinion, is a very personal decision based on a particular combination of sound, layout, your emotional connection with a brand/“mojo”/nostalg...
POLY D reviewed and explained :)
Hi there!I see a lot of questions on-line regarding how Poly D's polyphony/paraphony works: I spend quite some time exploring it in this video, as well as every other aspect I could dig in to...As usual I'm happy to answer any questions below!All my best,Ziv (avoiding definitions and just explaining how it works on youtube as "Loopop"...)
Moog ONE Review, tutorial and exclusive video download
Hi!Well, this one was fun to make... Moog One: here's a full review and tutorial including every noteworthy feature I could find. Is it worth the price and room you need to clear up for it?Spoiler, it's not flawless, but yes, it's probably the ultimate analog synth (so far!) taking into consideration sound, features and ease of use. More importantly, it's not just packed with features, Moog have nailed it in terms of the interface, in a way that makes everything extremely accessible.It seems like Moog looked at every element of ...
BEHRINGER TD-3 Review, tutorial, vs TB-303, RE-303 and x0xb0x
Hello!Well, this one almost needs no introduction... Behringer just announced the TD-3 - their clone (with improvements) of Roland's TB-303, and they sent one over a unit for review. As per usual: Behringer has no influence over my content, reviews are never paid, and they're welcome to have it back.Analog 303 clones are no news - the original little plastic acid machines have been fetching such high prices in the used market that over the years a community of mods and clones has developed, including the DIN SYNC RE-303 replica and the ...
Pro-1 Review and Patreon exclusive video download
Hi!Yet another classic analog remake from Behringer is shipping - this time, the Pro-1, and yet they added a few interesting twists to this with a duophonic mode and a few additional patch outputs which give it quite a bit more flexibility.Pro-1 uses the same 3340 oscillators as Neutron, the MS-1 and Crave, and a filter chip that sounds very similar to the MS-1 to my ears (I don't have it anymore to compare...).I also don't have an original Sequential Pro-One to compare the two... but I liked what I heard, I can tell you that...This vid...
The October Book Update is here!
Hi!Here it is, the new and improved, and yet still In-Complete Book of Electronic Music Ideas Tips and Tricks - October 2019 edition!Aside from the new stuff, dozens of typos have been hunted down and taken out, thanks to Patron Yvonne Dickerson, who was kind enough to review the whole thing with a truly fine tooth comb. I added an acknowledgement section to the intro to the book – thanking Yvonne as well as Max0, Stefan Wolfrum and Jason Gillman Jr. who have also assisted in weeding out typos.If you find anything please don't hesitate to...
Pico System III review, "hack" + Patreon exclusive video download
Hi!I'm not at all against digital synths, but I just love the raw malleability of analog. If I tried what I did here on a digital synth it would probably just die... or just reply with a puzzled look.Let's back up a bit... Pico System III is a desktop/eurorack synth from Erica Synths - it's not necessarily an upgrade from System II - it costs less but its analog modules aren't as feature-rich as the digital ones.As a bundle of modules, it represents an interesting value if that's what you're missing, and I'll leave t...
Voltage Research Lab Review + Exclusive Video Download
Hi!Pittsburgh Modular has gone "West Coast" with Voltage Research Lab - an homage to Buchla synths with complex oscillators, wave folders, low pass gates, function generators, touch plates, 5 step sequencers and more.On each of those fronts, they've expanded and added a new twist. Wave shapers that make it possible to "fold" a square wave; voltage-controlled response for the low pass gates, MIDI support and a whole bunch more.For more details, pros and cons, check out the video.I've attached to this post a patreon exclus...
USTA - review + exclusive video download
Hi!One of the more interesting things to me about Eurorack is "unconventional" sequencers - sequencers not designed around a 16-step grid.With four independent tracks (meaning, each track can run at an entirely different tempo, or at subdivisions of a master BPM), arbitrary step (stage) lengths, and per stage randomization, USTA is definitely worth a look. If you're into microtonal scales, this will be a dream come true as there are plenty of those here to go round here.Those are my "pros". On the other hand, with power come...
LaunchPad X vs Mini MK3, plus custom MIDI layout tutorial
Hi!Novation just announced new versions of their "regular" mid-range Launchpad (now called LaunchPad X) and the new LaunchPad Mini MK3. They sent over review units of both a few weeks ago, so it looks like it's "vs video" time...The X was upgraded with velocity-sensitive pads and polyphonic aftertouch (like it's bigger brother the Launchpad Pro), and the Mini MK3 with RGB pads. Both now have USB C ports, but no MIDI outputs.A few additional Ableton Live centric features are covered in the video as well.However, the bigge...
DeepMind Review, Tutorial and 10 Hidden Gems + Download
Hi!This video came out quite long.... so don't say I didn't warn you!Even though DeepMind has been out for a while, after a little play with it in a store I was quite intrigued and decided to give it a closer look.Little did I know they weren't kidding when they called it DeepMind. Though the analog synth engine is quite simple with few frills, the little bells and whistles surrounding it, as well as the massive built-in effects engine and options, make DeepMind a very interesting synth.This video has three main parts: a tutorial se...
September book update is here!
Hello Dear Waveshapers!Here it is - the September Update to my ever growing book of Electronic Music Ideas Tips and Tricks.There are a lot of new Waveshapers this month, so I wanted to give a brief reminder of why your support is critical for the channel: I do not accept money from manufacturers for reviews/tutorials/content. I did consider it at one time, but the whole point of getting viewer support on Patreon was to make sure my loyalty is always to you. Yes, I do accept discounts on gear or having gear sent over for review. I often end up p...
MC-101 vs MC-707: Review and detailed comparison
Hi!The question I got asked most frequently following my MC-707 review was - "how does it compare to the MC-101?"The short answer is - quite well! Despite being about 1/4 of the size, it has the same synth engine, same 4000+ built-in tone sounds/drum samples and looper, and sounds really good. Most of the workflow remains intact despite the slimmed-down size. Obviously, features are missing both on the hardware and software side, but the MC-101 puts up a good fight in the groovebox market nonetheless and recaptures a lot of the MC-707 e...
Presets for Eurorack? Polyend's new modules reviewed
Hi!Polyend's new modules are now available and they've sent them over for review. The most interesting one is Preset - built around the idea of enabling presets for eurorack modules, but it also functions as a custom LFO, playable mini keyboard and limited sequencer.Anywhere is designed to let you power up to 1000mA's of modules using a phone charger - so I take the time to walk through mA's vs mAh's to hopefully sort that stuff out...And Poly 2, an update to their MIDI to CV module with a smaller footprint, 20 outputs inste...
Review: LaunchKey MINI MK3, Generative arp, Live integration and TRS MIDI rant
Hi!Novation just announced the MK3 version of its Launchkey Mini, and, aside from new features for controlling Ableton Live (many improvements but at points a slower workflow), it also has a built-in generative arpeggiator which can be used standalone with its TRS A type MIDI output.Yes! Novation has switched sides and gone from TRS B (the MIDI "standard" that didn't win, used by Arturia, 1010Music and Novation til today) to TRS A (Korg, Make Noise, Akai).If you have no idea what I'm talking about (it's in my book BTW...), t...
Deluge 3: Full tutorial and workflow walkthrough
Hi!Synthstrom just released Deluge firmware version 3.0, with so many material changes to what Deluge can do that this little groovebox is transformed once again.I don't think I've ever seen electronic music hardware with such post sales support and updates, and "hints" on the panel show even more promising features are yet to come.This small company from New Zealand is giving much bigger players a serious run for their money.Unlimited sample length? Check. As many arpeggiators and sequencers as you want at any length you like? ...
Matriarch vs. Grandmother // New Features in Moog Matriarch
Hi!The question I got asked most frequently after my Matriarch review was - what are the differences between Matriarch and Grandmother? I wanted to wait until Matriarchs are actually delivered to customers before I answered it, so now that they are - here it is!But, as appropriate for a video being released during an Apple Keynote (mistake...?), there's one more thing...Moog have released Matriarch's updated MIDI spec, and in it are quite a few nice hidden features - MIDI CC access to controls not previously available as modulation dest...
Roland JU-06A Review and comparison to a JUNO-60
Hi!Roland just released the JU-06A, an update to the '06 which now includes a JUNO-60 model, in addition to the 106.That's as good an excuse as any in my book to borrow a JUNO-60!Here's a detailed review and sound comparison between the two.By the way, I'll be reviewing the MC-707 as well later on today probably (gotta finish it up...) - since I don't want to send you all too many emails, I won't be sending another one about that, but feel free to ask me any questions about either one!All my best,Ziv (comparing sub oscil...
KORG Nutekt NTS-1 - review and full feature walkthrough
Good morning!Here's #2 of 4 for this week...Nutekt is Korg's "simple DIY" brand, and the NTS-1 is a Prologue /Minilogue XD digital voice and effects engine in a little $100 box.It takes under 30 minutes to build, it's got the excellent effects engine of its bigger brothers and can also process external audio, which the others do not.It also seems to run the third party user engines I tried on it quite well.Feel free to ask me anything about it, and see you tomorrow...All my best,Ziv
Hydrasynth review + busy week coming...
Hi!Several weeks ago a few companies asked if I was interested in reviewing products they were going to release, and I said "yes" to instruments I thought were compelling.Over time they updated me with their release dates, and it just so happens that they all thought it would be a good idea to launch this week.,,So this is a first of a few videos this week, but don't worry, there's no way I can keep up this schedule... anyway, here's the first:Hydrasynth is a synth from a new brand called ASM, which belongs to Medeli, a chin...
August Book Update
Hello Waveshapers!Here it is - short and sweet - the August book update: Added a new chapter about MIDI Effects Chains - significantly expanding on the previous couple of paragraphs on the topic. If you saw the recent video you're pretty much up to speed - looking forward to expanding this with new ideas as I experiment further in the coming months. Added DI boxes as a solution to noise in the “Eliminating Ground Noise” chapter.Well, the update about the updates is short, but the chapter itself is a bit longer...If all goes well the com...
Generative MIDI Effects Chains, inspired by Ólafur Arnalds (tutorial and chain ideas)
Hi! Here it is! Part 3 (or 2 depending on what you count generative...) of my series on generative music making. My first video was about phased loops, inspired by Steve Reich, and the second was about a bunch of tools and techniques inspired by Brian Eno.This video is heavily inspired by Ólafur Arnalds Player Pianos software and performances - check them out here.I've been planning to release the next chapter of my generative series for a while, but just as I was about to make this video a couple of months ago, Blokas reached out and invi...
Accurate teaches me to scratch..
Hi!This video is a little different from what you might be used to...It was such a blast being at Native Instruments' event celebrating 10 years of Maschine, but the real treat was meeting the other creators invited and the people behind scenes at Native.Each person carries with them the body of knowledge which they piece together over time based on their interests, and this was a great opportunity to try and suck in as much of that as possible... both from my "youtube peers" as well as the team at NI.I'm not that big of a fan o...
Mimeophon review + Got questions for Native Instruments?
Hi!When I first heard of Mimeophon I thought it was just a stereo delay and reverb, but after I got to know it, that's far from what makes it special. Mimeophon has two super interesting features - one quite rare and another the likes of which I've never seen:1. It's a playable stereo "dual oscillator" feedback based mini-synth: many delays will let you create Karplus-Strong style sounds, but Mimeophon tracks well across a 3-octave range, and with transposition can play a broader range. Its skew feature lets you create what ...
Empress ZOIA compared to three product types: boutique effects, multi-effects and modular environments
Hi!ZOIA by Empress effects is in for review this week. Since you're a supporter on Patreon, it's pretty safe to assume modular patching isn't a total stranger to you.ZOIA is quite small, and my gut reaction to first seeing it was that it's not the ideal environment for modular patching, and indeed it isn't.Then I looked deeper into the rapidly growing number of community patches available for ZOIA, and was drawn in by what its users where making for it, which caused me to re-frame how I was looking at it.There's a group ...
July Book Update + Exclusive "Play like Jordan Rudess Machine" download
Hi!I'll start this month's update with a rant I just added to the book: jargon may be a necessary evil of any domain of expertise, and sound design has its fair share of those, but the use of Sample and Hold probably irks me the most. This, for three reasons: first, while its name is technically true, its actual uses have nothing to do with what most people regard as sampling; second, because “Sample and Hold” is most often used to describe a “random value LFO”, which is not what that component does; and third, due to the pervas...
Organelle M and Orac 2: Review and tutorial
Hi!The Organelle is "just a shell": based on an open source operating system and patching language (Pure Data, as well as C and Supercollider) it can be practically anything. Most electronic music instruments have linux variant brains, so it's quite interesting to see how the Organelle has evolved to be anything but a typical electronic music instrument.Fixed grid 16-step based sequencers are nowhere to be found (at least not for the first few years), as are feature rich heavy, multi parameter synths and samplers.Rather, Critter and...
Moog MATRIARCH: Review, tutorial, patch ideas and exclusive download
Hi!About a month ago Moog asked if I wanted to check out a Matriarch prototype – so as a service to the public, I said yes...By the way, as usual, I never do paid reviews and often (as was the case here) pay quite a bit on import taxes – just wanted to get that out of the way, and thank you for your support that makes affording these things possible.So how is Matriarch? Pretty darn nice. It’s not for everyone obviously - $2,000 can buy you a lot of synth these days, and yet still, Moog has filled Matriarch with both obvious and hidden gem...
