Haa! If you can spot a new constellation in the skies that looks like a hirsute, then you can call it like that and maybe start a new company. But Ursa Major (or as I call it -the ladle major) is up there and you can see it.
@@Vitalik_Sukin My joke has nothing to do with the sky. It is a reference to the facial hair of the lead character. But thank you for your over-reaction.
Hi Alex, the Space Station unit you demo'd used to belong to my best friend David Duhig, who passed away last December. David was the guitarist with the band Jade Warrior. The new owner of the Space Station sent me a link to your video, and it literally brought a tear to my eye. David would be very happy to know this unit is being used creatively and treated with the care and love it deserves. Many thanks to you Sir! ☀️
Hiya! Ah, thank you for filling me in, that's really great to know. It was a privilege to get to borrow it for a video, a very unique piece of history.
I'm so impressed that you write such harmonically complex demos for your videos. Most people would just do a jam to show off the product, but you write something worthy of a prog-rock concept album.
I used have an SST-282 and the small, modern 206. I spoke with Chris briefly before he sold me the 206 directly. Really nice guy. I didn't know that he passed away. He made a great contribution to recording technology.
I remember the 206 from an AES show many years ago, and I think Chris was running the booth himself. I was absolutely transfixed. The reverb is absolutely gorgeous, rivaling big EMT plates. It was out of my price range at the time, and looks like they have gotten even more expensive. Nice to know there's a plugin for us plebes.
Great work with your closing track! I used a Space Station in a studio I was at in London in 2009 and was transfixed by it. FYI Audiority Space Station UM282 came out this year and is a fantastic plugin emulation.
Something definitely clicked on when you said many studios may have this as a special weapon - then you did the contextual demo. Something about this sounds _incredibly_ familiar, and whenever that's happened it's been much loved tracks from my youth - but I'm struggling to put my finger on it!
Yes! I had a bunch of moments like that too. It’s hard to put my finger on it because I swear half of all my albums tweaked at least some of these effects!
Auditory made a great plug-in recreation of the Space Station that I absolutely love and use on almost everything. It creates such unique textures and harmonies. I can only dream of having a real one one day.
Woah! I instantly recognized that guitar sound at the beginning of the end jam, I can't put my finger on the specific song(s) but it must've been everywhere in the 80s
Wow - I remember Lansdowne Studios had a Space Station on approval (cheapskates - they never ended up buying one) but I rescued what would have been a really dull production music album with extensive use of the Space Station! Wonderful piece of kit!
Beautiful boxes! The sounds are full of character. I would have expected a digital delay/reverb unit this old to have a really garbled or glitchy sound, but these are truly lush. And what an amazing closing track, Alex!
@@AlexBallMusic That's true, but I genuinely feel for the majority, it's the way you compose your music, and manage to precisely capture the sound in a way which perfectly reflects the Zeitgeist/Soul of those days gone by. Thank you sir.
They had the Space Station at Monnow Valley in Monmouth Wales when I worked there in the late nineties. The studio was next to Rockfield and was set up by Kingsley’s brother Charles Ward after Charles left Rockfield. It was the same studio where Hawkwind did Silver Machine with Lenny on Vox. The Ursa was the main Vox Fx. Luckily enough to fiddle with that exact unit for a bit. Happy days…
I used to use the SST-282 at a studio I worked in years ago; absolutely loved it. For those looking for that sound in a modern format, the Audiotity plugin is really good.
It's funny, I was a massive Crash Test Dummies fan in the 90s and they did a track for an XTC tribute album and that's how I found them. I knew the hits of course, but hadn't ever really cottoned on to who they were.
I had exchanged a few emails with Christopher in 2006. He was very kind, and even shared his phone number to chat. He was planning to release a eurorack version of the Space Station under the Seven Woods Audio brand. Unfortunately it never came to fruition. If anyone is interested, there is a Space Station-like reverb under development from Binary Energy. I believe there are only plans for a few small runs at this time. Perhaps this could change if there’s enough demand!
It's evident that a lot of work goes into your vids Alex. It's most appreciated. Great work. There were times when you were demonstrating the Stargate when it sounded like some of the things Enigma did on their first album.
I'm a sucker for these old rack devices where they had more space on the panel than they could use with knobs, so they filled them with diagrams, schematics, etc.
I knew of its existence, but never heard it properly being demo'd! Of course, what better person to demo this unique piece of gear than Dr. Ball! Worth checking out Audiority's plugin of this unit, tried it for a bit and I'm very impressed by it! This might be just the effect unit I'd use if I need to get inspired, because it sounds so unique.
Those panning delays sound amazing! There is something transfixing when you are wearing headphones and sounds seem to be moving all over the place inside your head. Those vintage units seem like they could go head to head against the latest round of Strymons and Eventides.
I pined after it for two years while saving up. Worth every penny. Every time new GAS threatens to strike, I realise I know how to recreate the sound on the 6, and it goes away again!
Great work! The drum demos reminded me of the US group Barnes & Barnes (the great track “Fish Heads) who always ran their drums through a delay, that they would then tweak the time of as the song went along. And the outdo song… glorious shades of “Trevor Horn” era Yes. Prog-tastic!
Dear god, not only is that a cracking run through of these units, but the demo song at the end is a banger! Just brilliant. I now have total Ursa Major Envy.
I’m surprised that you allowed yourself to run the miniKorg 700fs through such lovely fx. Because the video internet told me it’s rubbish. And I always listen to the video internet. So I threw it in the bin. 😉
Many thanks for that, best Space Station video out there. Have mine since 15 years, 6 years defective as I found no one who was able to repair it back then. One of those unique devices worth owning.
11:08 Zappa used It for sure on Joe's Garage to treat the snare drum, kweaking the knobs in real time for that other wordly, distopic, sci-fi feel. Listen to "Packard Goose" for example.
I love that you have a carefully curated studio full of many of the most sought after pieces of kit over the last 40+ years, and you play that super shredder guitar with a handle in it.
Thank you for this awesome video and for putting Ursa Major in the spotlight! Great company and awesome devices that deserve all the love they can get! I've been lucky enough to acquire a Stargate 323 in mint condition and have spent the past 3 years working on an open source VST plugin. I'll post the link in the comment below :) (you'll probably need to approve the comment to become visible)
Brother Alex! You truly are an unparalleled genius at making inspiring gear-porn videos. But also, I SWEAR..........not only do I find your music to be pure, unbridled genius, but it's also FREAKY how much it externalizes just about EVERY musical impulse my soul has ever gravitated to! I mean, sound colors and textures, harmonies, melodies, rhythms and figures....EVERYTHING!!! You never cease to musically speak my mind for me, but FAR MORE elegantly than I ever have (or probably ever could). You're probably the one person who simultaneously inspires me, and yet makes me question what I'm even doing in this business! God Bless you, Brother. And, keep up the superb work.
I would buy a full version of found in the sound! excellent work man you are very inspiring and I get pumped each time you release a video! And traveller was very awesome as well!
Ursa Major kit was much sought after. Live sound/road worthy and it could be put in a rack. Lyricon originally not designed to be ‘tough’ or road worthy as we used to say. Tape delays had been king for years and to this day make the most beautiful delays that last forever. Think Pink Floyd’s ‘Echoes’. The problem there was the wear and demise of oxide on the tape loops themselves. Not as bad as a Mellotrons pre-recorded instruments tapes, but at the time the beginning of ‘electronic’ EFX box’s had become all the rage. Here is some of the reasons. 1) No analog tapes 2) No motors or mechanical parts to wear out (outside of electronic push buttons, circular knobs/pots, or slider/pots). 3) instant off on, no warming up motors. 4). Memory functions (eventually) Remember This was late 70’s through the 80’s. Very state of the art!! Isn’t it funny that now we run digital signals through plugins or boxes to EMULATE the noise, aging, warmth or harshness of analog equipments output or signal path?! I was there back then.
I wonder if he ever considered "Hirsute Major" as a company name..
🧔🌌🚀
Haa! If you can spot a new constellation in the skies that looks like a hirsute, then you can call it like that and maybe start a new company. But Ursa Major (or as I call it -the ladle major) is up there and you can see it.
@@Vitalik_Sukin My joke has nothing to do with the sky. It is a reference to the facial hair of the lead character. But thank you for your over-reaction.
Hi Alex, the Space Station unit you demo'd used to belong to my best friend David Duhig, who passed away last December. David was the guitarist with the band Jade Warrior. The new owner of the Space Station sent me a link to your video, and it literally brought a tear to my eye. David would be very happy to know this unit is being used creatively and treated with the care and love it deserves. Many thanks to you Sir! ☀️
Hiya! Ah, thank you for filling me in, that's really great to know.
It was a privilege to get to borrow it for a video, a very unique piece of history.
Jade Warrior is cool
I'm so impressed that you write such harmonically complex demos for your videos. Most people would just do a jam to show off the product, but you write something worthy of a prog-rock concept album.
These things are lovely
I used have an SST-282 and the small, modern 206. I spoke with Chris briefly before he sold me the 206 directly. Really nice guy. I didn't know that he passed away. He made a great contribution to recording technology.
I remember the 206 from an AES show many years ago, and I think Chris was running the booth himself. I was absolutely transfixed. The reverb is absolutely gorgeous, rivaling big EMT plates. It was out of my price range at the time, and looks like they have gotten even more expensive. Nice to know there's a plugin for us plebes.
Your work running the Super 6 through these effects is nothing short of beauty! I could listen to those moments for hours at a time..Cheers!
They goes together like peas and carrots...
Thanks. Yeah, the Super 6 responds to effects very nicely indeed.
Great work with your closing track! I used a Space Station in a studio I was at in London in 2009 and was transfixed by it. FYI Audiority Space Station UM282 came out this year and is a fantastic plugin emulation.
the track reminded me of Howard Jones ... avery good one btw😀
I suspect Audiority will be sending Alex and "thank you!" card for all the sales they're gonna get based on this video.
Also, a nice wee touch of Yes in that last track. Really great sound with enough dirt to really lift it up.
funny I was like "Yes?" ha ha
Beautiful ambient moments with the super 6 👌
Something definitely clicked on when you said many studios may have this as a special weapon - then you did the contextual demo. Something about this sounds _incredibly_ familiar, and whenever that's happened it's been much loved tracks from my youth - but I'm struggling to put my finger on it!
I had the same reaction.
"Hey! I recognize that sound!"
Instant mojo
Yes! I had a bunch of moments like that too. It’s hard to put my finger on it because I swear half of all my albums tweaked at least some of these effects!
Wow, I didn’t expect it to sound THAT good ! Some stunning playing there too, you’ve excelled yourself with this vid, super high end work.
Thanks Charles. Yes, very inspiring units.
That was a really touching tribute to the man at the end there, period perfect and done with transparent affection. Thank you.
These are our heroes.
Auditory made a great plug-in recreation of the Space Station that I absolutely love and use on almost everything. It creates such unique textures and harmonies. I can only dream of having a real one one day.
You’ve turned demoing obscure hardware into an artform Alex. Great vidya as always.
Really enjoyed this episode Alex. Your closing track was wonderful.
Thanks John.
Found In the Sound is such a great track! It gives me some early Peter Gabriel solo stuff vibes. Always a pleasure watching your videos!
- bit like a curry on a Thursday night. Classic!
A universal truth. 😉
Woah! I instantly recognized that guitar sound at the beginning of the end jam, I can't put my finger on the specific song(s) but it must've been everywhere in the 80s
Same. Lots of 90s and even some 00s tracks too.
Wow - I remember Lansdowne Studios had a Space Station on approval (cheapskates - they never ended up buying one) but I rescued what would have been a really dull production music album with extensive use of the Space Station! Wonderful piece of kit!
Beautiful boxes! The sounds are full of character. I would have expected a digital delay/reverb unit this old to have a really garbled or glitchy sound, but these are truly lush. And what an amazing closing track, Alex!
You always manage to come up with authentic-sounding songs in your vlogs, you creative genius, I love it.
Thanks! I guess it's a lot to do with the sound of the gear of the era.
@@AlexBallMusic That's true, but I genuinely feel for the majority, it's the way you compose your music, and manage to precisely capture the sound in a way which perfectly reflects the Zeitgeist/Soul of those days gone by. Thank you sir.
They had the Space Station at Monnow Valley in Monmouth Wales when I worked there in the late nineties. The studio was next to Rockfield and was set up by Kingsley’s brother Charles Ward after Charles left Rockfield. It was the same studio where Hawkwind did Silver Machine with Lenny on Vox. The Ursa was the main Vox Fx. Luckily enough to fiddle with that exact unit for a bit. Happy days…
How cool! A very vibey processor, I can understand why it was the go-to for vox.
Cheers Alex, knew the name but never heard one demoed. I can see why they were so common in studio equipment lists in the 80's, really rather lovely.
Yeah, nice vibey effects.
8:08 flashbacks to the Grid in Tron: Legacy, never noticed how much reverb/delay contributed to that sound :o
Wow that Ursa Major gear really Really likes that Super 6.
The feeling appears to be mutual.
Like curry on a Thursday night! 😂😂🙈I’m dying here!!
I used to use the SST-282 at a studio I worked in years ago; absolutely loved it. For those looking for that sound in a modern format, the Audiotity plugin is really good.
Very handy thing to have around. Will have to check out the plugin.
The reverb on Charly García's Yendo de la cama al living! Love it
Ooooh I feel some XTC in that closing track, nice!
It's funny, I was a massive Crash Test Dummies fan in the 90s and they did a track for an XTC tribute album and that's how I found them. I knew the hits of course, but hadn't ever really cottoned on to who they were.
I have a Stargate 323 that I bought a few years ago for about a tenth of what they go for these days. It’s my favourite reverb for guitars. So lush.
I had exchanged a few emails with Christopher in 2006. He was very kind, and even shared his phone number to chat. He was planning to release a eurorack version of the Space Station under the Seven Woods Audio brand. Unfortunately it never came to fruition. If anyone is interested, there is a Space Station-like reverb under development from Binary Energy. I believe there are only plans for a few small runs at this time. Perhaps this could change if there’s enough demand!
LOVE THIS ALEX!!! your voice is so expressive, loved the song and the sound is truly incredible...
Thank you Natahnael!
Damn, it sounds sooooooooooo good!!!
I'd lend you my Stargate for a "Bad Gear" episode but too few people even know about it and also nobody would have a reason to hate it :D
It's evident that a lot of work goes into your vids Alex. It's most appreciated. Great work. There were times when you were demonstrating the Stargate when it sounded like some of the things Enigma did on their first album.
Cheers. A pleasure to do videos with this stuff, I'm very fortunate.
incredibly inspiring!
edit: there is one on ebay atm that I'm hovering the buy button on 🤯 pricey but omg the digital crunch is just too lovely
Apologies in advance to your finances.
Thanks Alex, you're the gift that keeps on giving. Another fun video. The Space Station has a lovely charm to it.
This video contains some of my favourite little demos of yours.
Could have listened to that randomised Super 6 arp for ages.
What a truly quality end jam.. you never cease to amaze ….👏👏
I'm a sucker for these old rack devices where they had more space on the panel than they could use with knobs, so they filled them with diagrams, schematics, etc.
Yeah, part of the appeal is the look and size.
Absolutely! I luv the 80ies rack modules and Synth. The more digital, 8/12 bit, the better.
I knew of its existence, but never heard it properly being demo'd!
Of course, what better person to demo this unique piece of gear than Dr. Ball!
Worth checking out Audiority's plugin of this unit, tried it for a bit and I'm very impressed by it!
This might be just the effect unit I'd use if I need to get inspired, because it sounds so unique.
Cheers Xavier. Yes, definitely intrigued by the plugin version having fiddled with the hardware. Very handy and unique.
Those panning delays sound amazing! There is something transfixing when you are wearing headphones and sounds seem to be moving all over the place inside your head. Those vintage units seem like they could go head to head against the latest round of Strymons and Eventides.
I wonder if the panning the Super 6 already does helps :)
Unintended consequence is I'm pining after a Super 6 again after this
Yeah, I know what you mean.
Sorry. 😉
@@AlexBallMusic you are forgiven 😒
I pined after it for two years while saving up. Worth every penny.
Every time new GAS threatens to strike, I realise I know how to recreate the sound on the 6, and it goes away again!
Lovely track and piano playing today!
Cheers!
Great work! The drum demos reminded me of the US group Barnes & Barnes (the great track “Fish Heads) who always ran their drums through a delay, that they would then tweak the time of as the song went along.
And the outdo song… glorious shades of “Trevor Horn” era Yes. Prog-tastic!
Wow I wasn’t expecting the final “demo” track to sound so good. Stunning work with the units.
Thank you.
The ursa major is a poetic unit. Thanks for the demo.
My studio-neighbor has the Space-station. It is absolutely fab!
so nice ,, love these ,, we Jamaicans love echo and delays ,, love the keyboard sound at 7.50 ,, sounds so mellow..
Another superb video. Your channel has some of the best value content on RUclips. Love the demo track.
Cheers!
The best review cold be ever made! Thank you for it!
Once again, Alex Ball drives up the price of excellent gear! 🤣Great video, great effects units.
Was already up unfortunately. Been expensive for a long time.
Gotta love the noise floor!
In space everyone can hear you hum..
Yes. I was waiting for this one.
Strong Colin Moulding vibe from the closing track . . nice
Dear god, not only is that a cracking run through of these units, but the demo song at the end is a banger! Just brilliant. I now have total Ursa Major Envy.
Amazing video, the jam at the end hit me like a ton of bricks !
I’m surprised that you allowed yourself to run the miniKorg 700fs through such lovely fx. Because the video internet told me it’s rubbish. And I always listen to the video internet. So I threw it in the bin. 😉
Haha, yeah. Good old Internet silliness.
Great synth.
Lovely song at the end
Thanks
Thanks for this trip down memory lane, I can't even remember the last time I played with a space station ( 80s...) they are awesome!
Many thanks for that, best Space Station video out there.
Have mine since 15 years, 6 years defective as I found no one who was able to repair it back then.
One of those unique devices worth owning.
Yeah, great piece of gear.
Is it still broken? I know people who could fix it, depending upon your location.
@@AlexBallMusicgot it fixed fortunately , thx!
Ah great!
That closing track is fire. Amazing demo!
Thank you!
After watching really informative content, Alex’s closing tracks are alway a highlight for me. Just superb.
Wow, I have never heard of these before. They sound amazing!! Great demo mate!
Yep, only 1900 Space Stations originally made, probably a similar amount of Stargates. People hold onto them too.
Ending track is super and great to honor this great man with his amazing effects units
Awesome song at the end!
Ace to see these demoed, and banging tune at the end ;)
Cheers. Always a pleasure to get to do "the video", was surprised it hadn't been done.
@@AlexBallMusic I need to do my H3000 at some point!! H90 first though 😗
@@mylarmelodies Yeah, do it!
I just got a Lexicon PCM-41 too, so I'll have to do a video.
Wow, what a great song at the end! 👏😀
Thats def a secret weapon. Beatiful song!❤
I've always wanted to try some of the Ursa gear, and this has only intensified that desire.
11:08 Zappa used It for sure on Joe's Garage to treat the snare drum, kweaking the knobs in real time for that other wordly, distopic, sci-fi feel. Listen to "Packard Goose" for example.
Wonderful piece, again, alex. Your storytelling and beautiful music touch my heart! Especially the closing track.
Oh lord ... that 5:00 moment is pure bliss
It's become hard to imagine RUclips without Alex Ball. Thanks for the excellent content you spoil us with:)
Thanks!
I love that you have a carefully curated studio full of many of the most sought after pieces of kit over the last 40+ years, and you play that super shredder guitar with a handle in it.
Cheers! I got that Ibanez JEM as my first pro guitar. Was 2002, if I recall. 🙂
All the demos in this one were awesome dude! Really love the sound of these hardware units
Nice! Great tune too.
I had one of these many years ago and should never have let it go. your outro songs are amazing.
You've had it all! And let it go...
Your musical compositions/productions are just delicious! They are like a slice of homemade musical bread soaked in 60’s, 70’s, 80’s harmonic gravy.
great tune at the end! bravo
Absolute banger at the end there. Well done.
Thank you Zachary.
Wow, what a super track you put out.
Dammit, "Found in the Sound" is delightful! Getting some Trevor Rabin-era Yes vibes (which I fully intend as a compliment!).
Cheers Matthew.
Thanks Alex that was brilliant!
Thank you for this awesome video and for putting Ursa Major in the spotlight! Great company and awesome devices that deserve all the love they can get! I've been lucky enough to acquire a Stargate 323 in mint condition and have spent the past 3 years working on an open source VST plugin. I'll post the link in the comment below :) (you'll probably need to approve the comment to become visible)
Wow the demo track at the end absolutely slaps! Love the composition along with all the production.
Brother Alex! You truly are an unparalleled genius at making inspiring gear-porn videos. But also, I SWEAR..........not only do I find your music to be pure, unbridled genius, but it's also FREAKY how much it externalizes just about EVERY musical impulse my soul has ever gravitated to! I mean, sound colors and textures, harmonies, melodies, rhythms and figures....EVERYTHING!!! You never cease to musically speak my mind for me, but FAR MORE elegantly than I ever have (or probably ever could). You're probably the one person who simultaneously inspires me, and yet makes me question what I'm even doing in this business! God Bless you, Brother. And, keep up the superb work.
Thank you Christian, that's very kind.
It seems you picked the perfect synth for this demo. Great stuff as always Mr. Ball 😎
Legit great tune at the end!
Vibey Vintage 😎
Awesome ending demo. Gave me ELO and Donald Fagen feels 👌
Awesome sounding effects. Another Hit Song at the end of the video.Well Done. 👏
0:07 I was expecting the Amen Break at any moment because that voice drop was jungle af
I would buy a full version of found in the sound! excellent work man you are very inspiring and I get pumped each time you release a video! And traveller was very awesome as well!
You played the effects just as beautifully as you played the synths...très cool.
very cool🙃💙thanks for sharing
Great song to finish off the video!
Shades of "Bombers" by Gary Numan in the drum sounds in demo 1. Brilliant video and an excellent insight into these
Ursa Major kit was much sought after. Live sound/road worthy and it could be put in a rack. Lyricon originally not designed to be ‘tough’ or road worthy as we used to say. Tape delays had been king for years and to this day make the most beautiful delays that last forever. Think Pink Floyd’s ‘Echoes’. The problem there was the wear and demise of oxide on the tape loops themselves. Not as bad as a Mellotrons pre-recorded instruments tapes, but at the time the beginning of ‘electronic’ EFX box’s had become all the rage. Here is some of the reasons.
1) No analog tapes
2) No motors or mechanical parts to wear out (outside of electronic push buttons, circular knobs/pots, or slider/pots).
3) instant off on, no warming up motors.
4). Memory functions (eventually)
Remember This was late 70’s through the 80’s. Very state of the art!!
Isn’t it funny that now we run digital signals through plugins or boxes to EMULATE the noise, aging, warmth or harshness of analog equipments output or signal path?! I was there back then.
Great sounds. Crying out for dbu!
Big ups for covering these rare unicorn weirdo... things! Always wondered how they sound!
Yep, over the moon to borrow these.
Beautiful music!