How to 'Synth Tray' - Portable Dawless Mini Synth Studios
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 8 сен 2024
- How to Synth Tray - Mini Portable Dawless Synth Studios
If you'd like to help out the channel please consider using an affiliate link below. I will make a small profit from any purchase you make after using one of these links:
Amazon UK - Arturia MicroFreak amzn.to/3ztM1I4
Amazon USA - Arturia MicroFreak amzn.to/3iHlhwU
Amazon UK - Korg SQ1 amzn.to/3eJqx1R
Amazon USA - Korg SQ1 amzn.to/3BxGFx0
Amazon USA - Korg Volca Modular amzn.to/3zpTE20
Amazon UK - Korg NTS1 amzn.to/2UFn9hC
Amazon USA - Korg NTS1 amzn.to/3BwJQVV
Amazon UK - Handmade Electronic Music book amzn.to/3rsNgEk
Amazon USA - Handmade Electronic Music book amzn.to/3BzxEDB
Amazon USA - Volca Beats amzn.to/3iJFja3
Full Disclosure: I occasionally take on freelance work at Sonicware on an hourly rate producing synth & sample sound design, beta testing, checking English text, video manuals etc. This video wasn't paid for directly but as a result of my work with Sonicware it is marked as Paid Promotion
Apologies to anyone for which this is the most obvious idea in the world, but I've been enjoying playing my portable gear in the garden so I thought I'd share my setup and thoughts with you about my 'Synth Tray'. Kind of a daft idea I know and I only ever really intended for this to move gear from my studio to the next room, but then a strange thing happened, the sun came out on a bank holiday weekend in the UK. Weird.
You could of course ignore my advice entirely and just use an app on a tablet or something, but I like hands on hardware so this me doing it the hard way. Taking my gear out into the garden was a really inspiring experience and I'd recommend it to anyone who needs to get out of the studio and wants a bit of extra inspiration. It's a great way to chill out with a coffee and create something new. Cats are optional
To see the full version of the performance from the intro go here:
• Ambient Garden Jam on ...
Here is that Real Volca Modular Spec vide I mentioned:
syntherjack.ne...
If you enjoyed this video please consider supporting my channel through BandCamp, Redbubble or Etsy:
chrislody.band...
chrislody.redb...
www.etsy.com/u...
Please check out my other social media bits:
/ chrislodymusic
/ chrislodymusic
/ chrislodymusic
www.mandy.com/...
/ chrislodymusic
#ChrisLody
#Dawless
#MiniSynth
#SynthCat
#SynthTray
Incredibly gripping! I particularly like the idea of building a passive mixer on the breadboard. Then you can choose resistor values that work best with the equipment you have.
Thank you. I've built a few of these since because I have way too much gear now 😅 I settled on a Bastl Bestie recently for mixing because it's nice and small but the ae v-mix 10 r2 is also worth looking at even though it does run on batteries
I made a synth suitcase recently, having the backplane for FX pedals and such makes it really feel like a little modular
Yeah I did of making something box like which might be the next step. But I rarely use the same combination of gear so I'd still have it so you could move items around somehow
@@ChrisLodyMusic mine has industrial Velcro for that purpose. Works out decently.
Using a breadboard to breakout the jacks and pots is a genius idea :)
Thank you. More on that soon when I get time, plenty of ideas to explore there I think
I never even though about using my NTS 1 with my SQ 1. Great idea. Thanks Chris
Yeah it's pretty cool that it just connects with a mini jack cable. It's a shame it doesn't support slides over midi but still plenty that can be done with it.
@@ChrisLodyMusic That is a shame. I wonder if there maybe a way round that. Trying a different osc on the NTS 1 perhaps?
Will have to have a mess about and let you know. Everything I've used with it supports slides so that's a strange one.
Yes maybe a custom oscillator would allow you to transpose things around true
I used heavy duty velcro for my dawless desk tray #Dawless
What did you use as the tray?
I have a wood tray, I use for my collection of Volca gear.
It was a cheese platter, leftover after a holiday party.
I spray painted it.
I have that same Radio Shack mixer, lol.
Ha nice 😄 I'd like something better than that RadioShack mixer for sure! There are a few options but I've not invested yet
@@ChrisLodyMusic I don't have this one, but it looks good, with more features, but is more expensive.
6 channels, uses 1/4" guitar cables instead of 1/8" headphone size. Can be stereo or mono. and uses USB for power.
www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804577702018.html?spm=a2g0o.detail.1000014.10.14368a87JPCe2u&gps-id=pcDetailBottomMoreOtherSeller&scm=1007.14452.226710.0&scm_id=1007.14452.226710.0&scm-url=1007.14452.226710.0&pvid=06473a9e-6d9e-43ee-86f0-01601a122e12&_t=gps-id:pcDetailBottomMoreOtherSeller,scm-url:1007.14452.226710.0,pvid:06473a9e-6d9e-43ee-86f0-01601a122e12,tpp_buckets:668%232846%238107%231934&isseo=y&pdp_ext_f=%7B%22sku_id%22%3A%2212000030384427219%22%2C%22sceneId%22%3A%2230050%22%7D&pdp_npi=2%40dis%21USD%2147.96%2123.98%21%21%21%21%21%402103309f16703574260572928e788a%2112000030384427219%21rec&ad_pvid=202212061210260844148529932943632277_1
I think that was the one I was looking at. Behringer a smaller one like this, the MX400 but I don't think it's battery powered. They're also making the 1002B which is pretty big but has the features to match, though it's not available yet it seems
@@ChrisLodyMusic The Behringer MX400 is mono, the ones I am recommending are stereo, or mono/stereo switchable.
Great walkthrough of the setup! I’m working on a portable rig and it’s nice to see how others do it.
Thank you. We're lucky that there's plenty of battery powered gear to choose from nowadays, though mini battery powered mixers with things like EQ and FX sends are a bit thin on the ground. But have fun combining gear 😁
Great set up. Can’t wait to hear what you create for your upcoming feature film soundtrack. 😎
Thank you. It's going to be a lot of fun 😁👌
MIDI direct from SQ-1 to NTS-1 without dongle and 5-pin cable - MIND BLOWN!
Yes it's a proper tiny solution that. No messing about with din cables here!
Best value rechargeable batteries are the high capacity ones from IKEA - they're actually Panasonic Eneloop batteries apparently, but much cheaper due to IKEA's labeling. #psa
Ah cool thanks for the info. The other hybrid rechargeables I've heard of are the Eneloop ones so I'll have a look at IKEA next time I need some more
Inspiring video.
Every weekend I put my synths on the dining table, and it is a bit of work hooking it all up-and down after the jam.
The synth tray concept could be a great plug and play solution for this, thanks!
Oh awesome. I hope you find it useful. Just don't be tempted to make it too big, this one gets pretty heavy as it is 😄
Thanks for sharing the hybrid NiMH batteries, I didn't know such a thing existed. I very rarely use my Zoom recorder, and then when I needed to recently, the batteries, including the spare pair, were fully discharged.
Yes that's the annoying thing about rechargeables. The hybrid ones will still discharge but it takes a lot longer at least.
Great ideas. You are going to LOVE that Bastl Kastle Drum. I just bought a second one so I can use them together for more complex beats. Kastle Drum is such great fun to patch and play!The turn knobs are very sensitive. The slower you turn them the more sounds & drum tones you can find. I completely lose all track of time when using those little yet mighty Drum boxes. Can't wait to hear what drum patterns you create when it arrives and you unbox it then start patching it up~ Ciao💡🌌🤙
Yes very impressed with all the demos of it I've heard so far. I'm hoping the SQ1 will allow me to program in something predictable, but also I'm looking forward to embracing the chaos! I'm working on a horror film score that currently in pre-production so my plan is they will be my drum sounds, maybe 🤷♂️
I used to have that Radio Shack mixer! Damn. Wish I hadn't done away with it.
Yeah it's not a bad little mixer 😁
That radio shack mixer though... Aww... I miss radio shack. People just do not fix anything anymore. World of waste. Even the one small components store here is now gone. New Yorkers 🙄Mouser and Ebay now.. :-(. Granted where I used to live had Micro Center and was awesome. That mixer is better than a passive imo. Also, congrats on the MicroFreak!
Bit off subject....but maybe you know ...can the liven be somehow set to charge my rechargeables. I bought some AAs when traveling couple mos ago but no charger.
Here in the UK we had Tandy's which was related to Radio Shack somehow. My dad got me one of those 60 in 1 kits with the bendy springs and that's how I got started. Yes the disposal nature of modern tech makes me mad tbh
No the Livens can't charge batteries unfortunately. I've got two fast chargers so I can charge 8 batteries at once
@@ChrisLodyMusic I need to order a few fast chargers. If I would stop buying synths... Lol
I like it all.👍
Thanks 😊
My Setup
GAMEBOY with Nanoloop or LSDJ
Pocket operator 33 casual
Volca Sampler Pajen Firmware
Ipad
Korg monologue
Zoom g1 four (looper with bpm grid and a 4 fx chain multifx)
And proooo tipp
NINTENDO DS with nitrotracker and a audio splitter (headphone/ mic splitter)
To sample all your hardware stuff into the nintendo DS
For some jungle 90s stuff
Its like a lowbudhet polyendtracker mini
Oh awesome, I love console based music making stuff. I still use Korg Ds-10 a lot and Beaterator on PSP is pretty good. Shame I never quite got going with LSDJ. The complications of flash carts was enough to put me off when I had an original Gameboy.
Funnily enough Nitrotracker is the reason I bought a DS and one of the demo tracks that comes with it is one of mine, the one named Dstort. Bloody good bit of kit that
@@ChrisLodyMusic whaaaat
Thought you'd like that 😄
I must try the Pajen firmware for the V.Sample btw, still haven't done that
@@ChrisLodyMusic
Barfilter mode for longer sequence
And probability
Sample swap like elektron workflow
And the best thing
4 voice keyboard note
Why best thing
Use a sample that is a wavesound which modulate to another waveshape
Than use the looper mode
And change the start point
Its like a wavetable
Yes I'm looking forward to playing with that when I get time. Worth it for the probability alone I think, that's great fun on the Liven XFM anyway
Thank you very much! This video has been a great inspiration when i started putting my setup together!
Thank you 😁 Glad to inspire, have fun
Here in the US Eastern seaboard we're in the midst of a massive emergence of 17-year periodic cicadas. On a warm day their collective "hum" is incredibly loud, so any outdoor setup would need a live mic to add their distinctive drone to the mix.
Oh man I just went and looked up what that sounds like and I think it would drive me completely insane after a while 😄 Funnily enough I was listening to some experimental music today of a band jamming over a live feed of a bee hive which was pretty cool too
@@ChrisLodyMusic Fortunately they only sing during the day, and only for maybe four weeks max but it's pretty impressive. I sampled them in Koala and have been doing some fun little cicada jams.
Oh that's not too bad then. Yeah I'd sample the hell out of that too if it's only every 17 year!
Best video about a tray, no doubt.
Thanks 😂🏆Can't be much competition out there tbh
I really think you would love AE modular as well, don't know if you ever heard of them. YOu should definetely check em out if you haven't. Have a wonderful day.
Thank you. Yes I have looked at that, does look good 😁
Kudos for the volca specs! I've been looking for this for the longest time!
You always seems to bring some cool content too. Subbed^
Thanks very much, you're welcome 😁 Yeah that Volca Spec article is really useful
Tidy setup! Fun video to watch!
The MicroFreak is so much fun.
If you haven’t already make sure to do the firmware update.
I have a Korg Monologue also, and out of the two I struggle to pick which one is my favourite. I tried to explain to a friend the difference, in layman’s terms, and the best I could do was to say the Monologue was like a really expensive Japanese Chef Knife, where as the MicroFreak is like a crazy Swiss Army Knife with an insane amount of tools on it.
I used the Monologue last night, running through the NTS-1 for effects, and I zoned out playing with one patch for about 90mins, got lost in the soundscape.
Every time I play with the MicroFreak I find I learn so much more about it, I’ve only had it for a couple of months, so haven’t really even scratched the surface, but it’s a very enjoyable exploration every time I tinker with it.
Ha nice analogy 😄 I've not had it long and I'm super impressed. The fact that they keep adding options and oscillator types is a classy touch. I bought it mostly for a film score job because it's so different to my other gear with the poly aftertouch and strange keybed, that should enable me to do some wild stuff. I intend to dive in deeper with it on my lap in front of the TV connected to the NTS1, synth tray style 😁
@@ChrisLodyMusic I was put off of Arturia at first, as their older model synths, mostly the mini key ones, are well known for their cheap and nasty keys, they don’t feel nice from the go, and often end up breaking, this obviously doesn’t apply to the MicroFreak with it’s touch pad keys, which is why I got one. I’d seen the demo’s and was blown away. Works so nicely with the NTS-1 ...but what doesn’t right?
I’m pretty sure Arturia have stepped up their game, as the Keystep series has done really well, and no one ever complains about the build quality of those. I’d like to get the new Keystep 37, it has lots of onboard ARP functionality as well as the sequencer, but I’m waiting to see if they launch a black edition?
Arturia’s after market care is awesome, the update on the MicroFreak is ridiculously huge, not just patches but functionality also.
I’m thinking of getting a drum machine, and in light of how happy I am with the MicroFreak I’m considering getting the MicroBrute Impact?
Yeah they make some great looking gear now. This is my first Arturia product and I think I'll probably buy more. The Impact does look cool. The Minibrute 2s looks like a good option also
@@ChrisLodyMusic Looking forward to seeing some of your future MicroFreak vids :D
Check out this vid by Free Beat, if you haven’t already seen it, at 6:30ish it blew my mind ...ordered mine less than a week later!
ruclips.net/video/Jz_NI9F0ehA/видео.html
Noni haven't seen that, thanks for the recommendation
I'm new to your channel but from what I've seen you might enjoy AE Modular. It's compatible with the Volca Modular and depending on how big the system is can also be powered by a small power bank. It's a 5 volt system and there is a bread board module available for experimentation. I've been able to power 2 full standard rows of modules no problem. I've since added a 3rd row but haven't tried it with a portable power bank yet but either way it's right up your alley from the few videos of yours that I've seen. Apologies if you already own an AE Modular system and have made videos with it or if you're well aware of AE Modular and are uninterested. If you are curious The 5th Volt has the best youtube channel on the subject. Cheers.
I have seen those yes and I'm seriously considering diving into that. Not only will it talk to this gear but I find the price of the modules very attractive. Also I think having less options Vs something like eurorack will be a better fit for me as I tend to prefer to work with less. I have ended up on 5th Volt occasionally but I've not subscribed until just now, I'll go have a proper look 😁 Thanks for the recommendation and respect for your username 🤜🤛
Awesome! This is a very interesting concept!
Thank you. I know you can do this with a single Liven but I made it big enough for two anyway, got to be done 😁
Not a daft idea at all.
I think it was a brilliant idea.
I was wondering what your battery thingy was in the first video when you were in the garden.
I thought it was a gas cooker for a brew up!!!!
How does the SQ1 sequencer work?
I mean, once you have made a patch you then programme it into the sequencer ...and then do more patches and load them in...and then press the appropriate button and it plays the sequence in real time?
I ask because I want to do something with chord changes.
Eg patches in C , F and G and to use the Korg Nts1 to modulate which kind of chord.
Am I on the right tracks?
Pete
Ah now there's an idea, tea making equipment on the rig 😄
The SQ1 is quite limiting as you program the pitches in with the knobs and gates with the buttons, but unlike a lot of Korgs other products it doesn't have any memory slots at all. So you just have to do everything live and freeform. Only the knob positions serve as memory, even the button settings are lost when it's powered off. So you only really have 16 pitches to use at once max. Great if you like dialing things in to generate some unexpected results, but not for everyone. My secondary reason for buying it is that it will act as a usb midi to CV for my Ms10 so I can use it that way.
In this rig I suspect it'll get used with the Bastl Kastle Drum more to dial in drum sequences as that has no sequencer either
@@ChrisLodyMusic
Thanks for your reply.
That makes sense to me.
I am just learning what all these peripherals do.
It's nice to get the kit in but I think it is both addictive and there's a big marketing thing going on?
I will see what I can do with what I have which is minimal.
I am astounded by what people can do with just one Korg NTS1 amplified through a decent speaker.
Keep up the good work Chris.
Excellent stuff.
Pete
Thank you for this cool video! How do you like the Sonicware Liven XFM?
Yeah it's really cool, I've been working on sounds and patches for it ahead of its release. I could sit in the garden with just that to make tracks and be quite happy actually
Do you have any other ideas for using a pre-existing tray? I was looking abd bamboo cutting boards and butcher's blocks, or modifying something into two layers with a patch bay so the wiring is cleaner and centralized
As it happens another video popped up about adding synths to a pedalboard which have spaces for your wiring which might be a good idea, or DIY something like this with gaps in which would be similar to your two layer idea. ruclips.net/video/DhN4J-2Sbi4/видео.html
I do have synth tray v2.0 now, but it's just a bigger version of this 😄: ruclips.net/video/hAPca1TUvt0/видео.html
It's about 60cm x 40cm which is about as big as you can sensibly go without it being too uncomfortable
You need to add some colour to the tray, like some stickers
That's a good idea. All new gear seems to come with stickers so I have a drawer full of that stuff that I've not know what to use on tbh 😄
@@ChrisLodyMusic I had a similar idea but it wasn't as good as this, some stuff fell off
Gear fell off the tray? Damn. I've got a couple of other normal lap trays that both have a decent lip around them that stops gear falling off but I made this up because they aren't quite big enough. Plus I need those for my dinner anyway 😋
Chris, so how do we fight the GAS?
My solution is to run out of money but that's not too practical 🤔 Seriously though I like to learn my gear like the back of my hand or I feel guilty about buying it. Some of this new stuff if for a film soundtrack project which I'll make a video about soon
@@ChrisLodyMusic I guess we should hope for, let's say, volcas to be limited inherently so that the learning won't take up helluva time as it is with more classical instruments.
Or maybe a super complicated one so it takes so long to learn you don't need to buy any more gear 🤷♂️
My solution is to buy broken keyboard and then fix them, then play with them while waiting for someone to buy them, and start this whole thing over again.
... or you could just use a laptop. Job done.
True. There's a lot to be said for that solution, but even in the studio i tend to find I can perform better and get my ideas down faster on hardware. But that's just my preference
True. There's a lot to be said for that solution, but even in the studio i tend to find I can perform better and get my ideas down faster on hardware. But that's just my preference