![Benedict Roff-Marsh](/img/default-banner.jpg)
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Benedict Roff-Marsh
Australia
Registrace 9. 06. 2008
Mix Engineer & Composer for hire.
My specialty is in helping people tell their Story. this means that everything is done by hand (ear) and is unique. No formula preset work here. My role is to help you deliver your message to the world. It is not about making 15-second slices of your track fit someone else's idea of "perfect" but to find and deliver the beauty in your message. That applies equally if you are in Pop Ballads or Death Metal. Please look at my Mix Walkthrough videos or Film Scores to understand what I do.
Always happy to answer any questions (that are fairly put))
:-)
My specialty is in helping people tell their Story. this means that everything is done by hand (ear) and is unique. No formula preset work here. My role is to help you deliver your message to the world. It is not about making 15-second slices of your track fit someone else's idea of "perfect" but to find and deliver the beauty in your message. That applies equally if you are in Pop Ballads or Death Metal. Please look at my Mix Walkthrough videos or Film Scores to understand what I do.
Always happy to answer any questions (that are fairly put))
:-)
Moon Wings - Ambient using Thor, Polytone, Europa & Grain in Reason 13
I was making some sounds and saw an advert for a (cloneware) grain synth and figured I would do the grain thing with a couple of lines rendered as my source. It wasn't to be a piece as it was essentially random. And then it was and I knew it was the missing part of the next album "Moons & Moons".
All sounds are pure synthesis - the only sample being the one I made of the initial phrase I rendered and put in Grain. With this final piece, I assume the album will feel ready to finalize - soon.
Official: benedictroffmarsh.com/
Bandcamp: benedictroff-marsh.bandcamp.com/
All sounds are pure synthesis - the only sample being the one I made of the initial phrase I rendered and put in Grain. With this final piece, I assume the album will feel ready to finalize - soon.
Official: benedictroffmarsh.com/
Bandcamp: benedictroff-marsh.bandcamp.com/
zhlédnutí: 33
Video
ALBUM PREVIEW: Dancer's Moon - Laconic Dancing Mix
zhlédnutí 152Před 14 hodinami
This is a remix of a piece from my 'soon to arrive' album "Moons & Moons". The album version is a lot lighter on the beat as it is ambient and sleepy music. This struck me as a slightly 80s 12" dance mix: imagine Goths dancing in a club in that sort of slow-motion thing they used to do. Official: benedictroffmarsh.com/
Will Mixing & Gear Fix Broken Music? - No
zhlédnutí 58Před 14 dny
I take the challenge laid down by AP Mastering in his video (link below) where he points out that fancy Gear & Mixing Tipz n Trix can never solve poor music. The tracks I am using here are the ones he shared so others could test his theory (truism). Oh, I do promise that I show what I did, but that ended up on the cutting room floor as apparently, that is too boring for words. AP Mastering Vide...
For The Man Who Was Here - and now is not
zhlédnutí 44Před 21 dnem
This is one of my favorite tracks from my new album "Stories of Speed". This piece was written in my sadness about the (unnamed) man shot in the failed assassination attempt of an (unnamed) politician. This person lost their life doing their civic duty by participating in the governance of their nation. A life can be lost so fast. This wasn't war but a life was wasted nonetheless. Bandcamp: ben...
Do All Synths Sound The Same : Yes
zhlédnutí 1,3KPřed měsícem
This is part of the conversation I have been having for decades, raised recently by AP Mastering in a few videos. Broadly I am showing that most synths can sound essentially the same as each other. Understanding this is a huge part of getting better skills (not to mention saving time & money). Hire Me: benedictroffmarsh.com/ Return Value: ko-fi.com/benedictroffmarsh - - - 00:00:00 Intro 00:00:1...
Sleeper Train to Guangzhou - Reason 13 Polytone synth
zhlédnutí 110Před 2 měsíci
Getting familiar with Reason 13. There are a few things to adjust to. I am using Polytone more than I expected but not loving Ripley as much as expected. To be fair on the Ripley thing, I have most of those features covered in my own personal VST already. That said I am using Ripley on everything anyway. It is good. Here in this piece you see/hear the Morph feature of Polytone in action with th...
Reason 13 - Hell Yeah!
zhlédnutí 120Před 2 měsíci
Everyone and their dog is doing Reason 13 vids and honestly, it is asinine. I have been asked my opinion and here it is - Hell Yeah! As you can see Ripley is everywhere from instruments to reverb and masters. Polytone sounds fabulous. The Sequencer is stylish. As for the Brower, I really don't care. Official: benedictroffmarsh.com/
Missed Moments - Album Visualizer
zhlédnutí 79Před 2 měsíci
Missed Moments is about our feelings when life has us in an in-between period. What if there is something else that we should be doing that would result in "better" outcomes? Perhaps, but if it really is that this is an in-between time, we are best to wait until we are ready to move and do things that matter for our own life. Buy: benedictroff-marsh.bandcamp.com/album/missed-moments Official: b...
Learning Synthesis Pt II - Digging into Sounds
zhlédnutí 113Před 4 měsíci
Part 2 of the Learning Synthesis videos. This time we deepen the understanding of how the basics flow out into vibrant instruments with lots of richness and movement. This time we cover the main sound forms & shapes. Pt I: czcams.com/video/cqa3X-HwAnE/video.html Hire Me: benedictroffmarsh.com/ Return Value: ko-fi.com/benedictroffmarsh 00:00:00 Intro 00:00:50 Recap 00:04:06 Support - Ko-fi 00:05...
Learning Synthesis Pt I - OSC, Filter, Envelopes & LFO
zhlédnutí 161Před 4 měsíci
Part I of a 2-part course on understanding how synthesizers work, the main modules Oscillator, Filter, ADSR & MSEG Envelopes, and LFOs. If you do the Practice (noted in green) you will soon find yourself making nice, usable instruments. Sections are broken into chapters which you can access easily for review. Pt II: czcams.com/video/cqa3X-HwAnE/video.html Hire Me: benedictroffmarsh.com/ Return ...
Some Sought Sanctuary: Some Found It - Full Album
zhlédnutí 95Před 5 měsíci
"Some Sought Sanctuary: Some Found It" considers what might happen to us after death - between the moment of death and whatever happens next. None of this is meant to be about any religion; for or against. It is merely Art. Speaking of Art, the cover artwork is by Lløtusshards. If you like the music, please purchase it for $5 at my Bandcamp as that is the only way Indie artists like myself earn...
Scene Stealer Background SFX ReFill - Trailer
zhlédnutí 42Před 6 měsíci
Scene Stealer is a ReFill for Reason. The Refill contains 64 patches for Europa (16), Thor (16), Subtractor (16), and Malstrom (16), along with one Combinator II effect patch. These sounds are all designed as backdrops of a scenic nature. While some can be used musically, it is not their main purpose. Purchase is via my Ko-fi linked below for $5. Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/s/1e384482b9 Official: benedict...
Good EQ Skills - Sound Design vs Mixing
zhlédnutí 91Před 6 měsíci
Looking at the Two Phases of EQing: how we should approach Equalizing Tone in our Mixes. While similar, each stage has different requirements, which if not understood will break the feel of the Song. See how with this approach (nothing but EQ), this mix goes from ok but somewhat untidy to classy and clean with a better groove and atmosphere, esp in "real world" listening. Hire Me: benedictroffm...
The Graveyard Shuffle - album teaser
zhlédnutí 70Před 6 měsíci
This is the "lively" track from my upcoming album "Some Sought Sanctuary: Some Found It". I am showing the initial concept sketches for the cover art by Lløtusshards. I asked for 3-4 angel statues as might be found in graveyards. The concepts are fascinating. One of these images will be taken to completion for the final album cover. Lløtusshards: llotusshards.wordpress.com/
Tape Deco - analog style echoes VST3
zhlédnutí 39Před 6 měsíci
Tape Deco is about building fat choruses and stellar clusters of 1974 space echoes - just call 'em reverbs. I deliberately made the architecture more like that found in pre-90s units, therefore very much unlike the usual suspects VST which are mostly designed to be safe (and as a result only deliver the same safe results). Anyone can use Tape Deco but it is going to suit outward-bound space exp...
Specialization - Importance of Collaboration via a Backline
zhlédnutí 52Před 6 měsíci
Specialization - Importance of Collaboration via a Backline
Wildergarden MAIM - Mp3 CODEC Distortion VST
zhlédnutí 102Před 7 měsíci
Wildergarden MAIM - Mp3 CODEC Distortion VST
Headphones vs Speakers vs Software Trickery - A Deep Look into Audio Basics and Why Tricks Do Damage
zhlédnutí 107Před 7 měsíci
Headphones vs Speakers vs Software Trickery - A Deep Look into Audio Basics and Why Tricks Do Damage
DAWville as a Toxic Religious Cult - the path designed to make you fail at music & life
zhlédnutí 78Před 7 měsíci
DAWville as a Toxic Religious Cult - the path designed to make you fail at music & life
Finding Your Path to Success - the usual suspects are usually wrong at least for you
zhlédnutí 67Před 8 měsíci
Finding Your Path to Success - the usual suspects are usually wrong at least for you
Mixes that Blam! - the Real Mixing Secret
zhlédnutí 129Před 8 měsíci
Mixes that Blam! - the Real Mixing Secret
Elegantly Drifting Apart - Full Album
zhlédnutí 148Před 8 měsíci
Elegantly Drifting Apart - Full Album
Developing A Rich & Deep Sound - Better Sound Design & Mixing
zhlédnutí 91Před 8 měsíci
Developing A Rich & Deep Sound - Better Sound Design & Mixing
Restoring A Classical Orchestra Recording
zhlédnutí 33Před 9 měsíci
Restoring A Classical Orchestra Recording
Stalingrad - Battlefields: Glory & Memories
zhlédnutí 75Před 9 měsíci
Stalingrad - Battlefields: Glory & Memories
Thermopylae from Battlefields: Glory & Memories
zhlédnutí 38Před 10 měsíci
Thermopylae from Battlefields: Glory & Memories
Nicely done!!
Nice waving patterns, like ocean tides upon a shore. Seagulls fly over sweeping the skies. But the beach is empty, only the footprints of a man who was here, and now is not. Beautiful piece and concept. 🍀🌹🍀
Beautiful piece Benedict. Thank you 🙏
Excellent!
I think some analog synthesizers sound more distinct in the mix, while not using a significant volume level. If the sound is similar, it is not identical to such a concept as distinctness in the mix. Some parts do not need such properties at all. Some styles of music require completely different sound qualities. I think that using analog synthesizers is not necessary. An analog synthesizer is first of all an instrument. With this instrument, I can more easily solve certain problems. Can I achieve a similar result using other synthesizers? Probably yes. Will this sound have all the same qualities in the mix as the original instrument? Not always.
If I want qualities, I identify what they are and add them. I don't need to agonize over whether my Sharp Microwave is as pro-ful as my neighbor's Panasonic. Sure many sub-sub-genres specify that certain sounds must be used but that is not really music so much as Gatekeepery Totalitarianism (to amuse those with small expression pedals).
@@BenedictRoffMarsh I agree, everyone finds their own way. Most of us use completely different resources and methods. Each of us has our own arguments. My arguments are subjective. I am happy to share my experience and my opinion and am always grateful to those who do the same.
@@gresagroup Indeed. I loathe all this "thou shalt use only this" (with matching affiliate link) that has taken over DAWville. Everyone is obsessed with irrelevant technicalities like arguing about how their Booger 902 Rev 3567 OSC has more presence than the Derringer 901 Rev 987 Patchbay. This is always wrong. What is right is focusing on the Scene & Story of the Song (or piece of music). Sadly this is effectively verboten these days. No wonder music is so sucky as a general rule seeing it is not music but synth workouts by people showing off their gear to TokTuk followerz. :-(
@@BenedictRoffMarsh. I don't see everything as tragic as you, but I understand the essence of your comments well. I agree with you, today a lot of attention is paid to secondary topics. But it doesn't bother me. Everyone can highlight what they need. I myself sometimes think that I lack a certain sound, but often the problems are completely different. This is normal. It also happens that I use another instrument and the mix is magically corrected. I can't be categorical in this matter. Subjectively, I believe that each instrument has its own tone and character. Only my consumer can objectively judge the sound. For him, sound is not the main evaluation criterion. In 99.9% of cases, it is important to me but not to the listener.
@@gresagroup "sometimes think that I lack a certain sound, but often the problems are completely different". This is a lot of what I am trying to get at here. People feel that only if they get the Jupiter 5s80c, will they be Pro-ful. When in reality, they could write things that are just as good with (just about) any other synth, hardware, VST, whatever. Ownership of these objects of emotively inflated misplaced desire will not bestow magic that is not being accessed by the user already. Learning (or a Record Producer) would be a better investment most times. But that is not fashionable. And yes, I often paraphrase Gene Simmons saying how guitarists obsess about tone when in reality the kids don't care. The kids care if it rocks them. Therefore all this worry is counter to the real object - rocking the relevant fans. Any guitar and any amp will do if you get passion on tape. With that, you compare guitar tones from the 60s-90s to now and what was common then is now declared un-listenable. That is off. Today I saw one of those Amateur vs Pro mix things where the guy did a 'loser' mix based on all the things losers do and then compared it to a Pro mix. The pro mix sounded very modern but was horrid as Art. The supposedly wrong mix was way nicer and had me interested in the song, rather than reaching for the "I'm outa here" button.
广州火车🚄
Something like that apparently yes :-)
Love it
Wow cool track, love the aciiiid!!!
Thanks :-)
I think the issue in so much whether things (the products) sound the same , but how much knowledge (time investment) and time you have or are willen to invest to get the result you desire. You may have to study twenty hours to get skilled enough to know how how to get Moog--like sounds from a plugin, or you may buy one that only requires pushing just one button. When that plugin costs you 80 buck, your 'wage' was 4 bucks an hours. That's the trade off you have to make. And that's dependent on how much money you have to spend and much much time you have to spend. So it's not only about the products. Apart of course of one ability to recognize/notice those differences.
Exactly. At no actual point was I suggesting as a total fact that Model D = DX-7 = Emulator. It is that if you understand what is happening in the Model D or DX, you can get close enough that the average fan will not care enough to care. Therefore, obsessing over whether your Derringer Jube 106 is cool enough to make you Pro is a shocking waste of time - that, as you rightly say, could be put to making what you have sing. :-)
Do all record producers sound the same : Yes
Do all whiny "I Can't finish my songs" non-Produca's sound sound da same? Hell yeah. It makes them feel like they are part of something special ;-)
@@BenedictRoffMarsh Yes, just like YT "content creators".
12:10 excelent advise but... I need more GEAR 🤣😂😇
"Some people get by with a little understanding Some people get by with a whole lot more I don't know, why you gotta be so undemanding One thing I know, I want more, I want more" - Sisters of Mercy "More"
@@BenedictRoffMarsh ha ha, good one :)
I think there's a few important caveats that you've buried in here with throwaway lines, and your answer is not an absolute "Yes" so much as "Yes, if they implement the same synthesis approach and have the same features". The user interface and workflow also matters, some software and hardware synths and more inspiring sound design and performance tools than others, but to be fair your video is titled Do All Synths Sound the Same so that's not relevant to the argument you're making. For the particular type of producer that works in the box, has a particular sound already in their head, and doesn't mind taking their time mousing around over controls to get to it, I think you've made a compelling case that you don't need to waste your time and money comparing and collecting every individual synth on the market and instead select a handful of flexible and feature rich soft synths that cover the range of synthesis approaches that you want to use and learn them inside out. Option paralysis is a thing and when you have one go-to tool for, for example, all your subtractive synthesis needs you've already skipped a sometimes time consuming step of deciding which synth to start playing with. But there's no one right way to make music, and some of us are inspired by different tactile approaches or even just that one patch on that one synth. I learned this about myself when I bought my first hardware synths, a Yamaha MODX, expecting it to be the one synth to end all synths, and for the most part it is. But while it's flexible and powerful its workflow is slow and not inspiring (for me). I've since picked up a number of other synths and getting my hands on each of them takes me to different places and does get me inspired.
Quite a petty, condescending and rather pointless video. It’s a splendid EQ and filter, as conventional or experimental as you want it to be. It’s not exactly $$$ either; you do seem to have an axe to grind against the dev. And to be telling professional programmers ‘you can do better boys’ is really silly. Try making one sometime. The ease with which something can be quickly corrected, outside of something like Pro Q is alone worth the price of entry. Not everyone has Bitwig. Best to you, but I’d focus more of constructive videos. 😅
This is what you say about yourself on your own YT: "A place for rational, tolerant, and open minded human beings. My goal is to stimulate debate, ask questions, and encourage dialogue." When you aren't grandstanding to prove what a perfect Woke Hipster you are, you are the complete opposite. Therefore, bigot, you have earned this: Before you make a greater fool of yourself, you really should watch the video. Otherwise, you look like a total spank when you say things no vaguely intelligent person would do: based on the actual content of the video. Your holier-than-thou attack is not tolerant, open-minded dialog, etc. Especially when you are attacking them for things you made up about them in the first place! Best you don't come back here - ever - as I have no interest in your brand of nastiness in my spaces :-(
Filter ok, but there are very good videos comparing Model D Clones and they create multibel patches that are shpwing the different capabilitys of the Model D and tested this vst's and a Minimoog Model D directly next to each other. And when you can not hear a difference between the different vst's i think sound design is then maybe not the perfect profession. The difference was massive noticeable and also after adjustments did not help at all. PS: Didn't wanted to be rude, but there are clear differences. czcams.com/video/S1h07ws--CM/video.html
Wasn't my point, but thanks to you as well for the boost to my stats ;-) As for the pointed insult, you did say it. Trying to roll it back whilst leaving it in the post (even after editing) doesn't actually make it so. Actually, it makes it even worse (for you). But hey, again I got your view and this engagement, proving to the Algo how popular and relevant I am ;-)
They sound different, envelopes, filters etc its different, but for avarage person not really. they cant say the difference. Take Diva and Serum. But it is woth to learn one, like havind them so many
Excellent video ! You have solved the age old problem, but there will always be people who think certain manufacturers have "secret sauce". In the case of digital,... trump would say NO ONE has seen NUMBERS LIKE THESE ! ! !
ha ha yes my invisible numbers are more betterer than any opponent's invisible numbers MSGA :-)
I like soft synths and digital synths as well, but even emulations are not the same than real analog, yes they could sound close for specific patches, but I think the real deal is not in achieving classic basic sounds, and on the other hand, for several patches there is some depth which is missing in emulations. The best emulation I have tried is Juno 106 (Model 84) and it is because the original has DCOs I think. For example, check the video of the channel Analogaudio1 playing Yamaha SK20 and good luck in trying to get that sound. I compared the Prophet 10 with the emulations (Softube) and even though the emulation sounded good, the real thing sounded better and deeper. I also think there is some character in some synths which is also relevant even for digital synths (example: the Nord sound is very characteristic and it doesn’t sound like a Virus). That’s my opinion at least based on my experience.
Um, ok. This vid is nothing about emulations at all but thanks for the bump in the stats. That Nautilus is sure a funny-lookin' thang - as it does a pretty good job of sounding like many other synths ;-)
@@BenedictRoffMarshyou are welcome! I talked about emulations because this video is about synths, and emulations are synths. The whole idea of the video at the end (correct me if I am wrong) is that everything sound the same because you can get similar sounds out of them, but I disagree with this, because there is difference in my opinion even for the same sounds, an analogy may be stating it is not the same the piano of a cheap Casio than a piano library for PC, even if they can be used for the same purpose (a piano line). For example, I don’t think the synths of my Nautilus will ever sound like my Prophet 10. And I viceversa it is the same, but I prefer the Prophet 10 :). I have a composition called Sirius, it is in my channel, and it was initially composed with Model 84 only, I thought it sounded great, but it wasn’t exactly the sound I wanted, then I tested by replacing a synth line with the Pro 800, which is analog, and it improved a lot, it sounded more deep and closer to the sound I wanted. Then I thought: what if I include my Yamaha SK20?? I did it and it was even better to my ears. I think software can sound great, but analog sounded better in this context, both tools working together could be great as well. But at the same time a Virus or a VST could give me some modern flavor which I can’t achieve with real analog. I think all tools could be great to have depending on your musical goals. Cheers!
I have yet to hear any soft synth that sounds that close to a Moog Muse. If anyone can point to an example, please do. Especially if you watch Mylar Melodies video on the Muse. I feel like some soft synths come close to sounding like “analog”, but there’s definitely a difference. Watch Vulture Culture’s latest stream where he creates soundscapes inspired by Alien on a Korg Monopoly. I just haven’t heard a soft synth be able to sound quite like that.
This wasn't a VST vs Moog Muse thing. It was: With enough understanding (and patience) most synths can cover each other off adequately. Find the recent vid where a fellow uses a DX-7 to do the Big V's "Blade Runner" intro and it works a treat. Not exact, but not worth going to war over either. Often we can't conceive of a thing but once we break it apart sound is always sound so if you put the things that matter in similar spots, the results are good enough for knife fighting (except remember we aren't having a war - that is for frightened children) :-)
nice one! great video! glad other serious engineers are on the side of reality rather than caught up in the la la land hypnosis of marketing hype. Your mixes were very different from my approach. Last time I used reason you didn't have the option to have audio in there. The closest you had were using redrum or whatever it's called, the drum sampler. I used to use it in like 2003 or something to make dnb. it's come a long way as software since then. I find the sound of the distortion is a bit too comb filtery for me but it was a gem for making gnarly dnb baselines back in the day ha ha!
Thanks. I find Reason very elegant for mixing. :-)
Hi interesting story and I can feel the depth of it in the piece, great work.
Thanks Mr Pappy :-)
Really nice Benedict. Thanks 🙏❤
Merci :-)
Controversial. Genrally, I agree, when it comes to data and calculations, digital synths can all be made to sound the same. I think real hardware has a slight advantage of drift and aging of circuits that make any two next to each other sounds slightly different, not due to the machine, but the passage of time affecting its circuits. But your point to lusting after a XXX synth because its new and shiny when you have a huge collection of unused and unlearnt VST emulations is rather silly.
The initial synth here has a lot of drifts built in - I know because I built it. I emulated that in Europa. As I discussed around 02:26 I had a Slim Phatty and no one ever picks it in the mix. So sure every architecture will bring different results, once fully understood, unless the process is truly different eg FM, the results are commonly far more duplicable than most would like to admit. QED, lusting after 45,678,926,434 different devices is wasting cycles better applied to finishing music. And yes, a slightly provocative title ;-)
@@BenedictRoffMarsh I'm wondering if its more to do with the human psyche, or perhaps the artistry of having something tactile on hand that triggers biases towards the instruments sounding better or different. Theres definatly something to be said for just playing a genuine vintage piece of gear over the thought of having to wrestle with a digital plugin to copy it. My patience for messing with plugins is usually gone in the time I've spend deciding with one of my many I have to chose from to use. Your Europa patch sounds amazing btw, can you share it?
@@CybreSmee 100%. This is the whole subtext of this post (and many others of mine). We build these ivory tower fantasies. I had tape, cassette, hardware synths, mixers... Fine. But nothing ever came back as it went in. I noted that in the Alan Parsons interview with Beato, he said that Abbey Rd had a rule that all monitoring was done Off-Tape so you only heard what was on-tape, not the now-lost original signal. A wise idea indeed. As for wrestling: Hardware is/was always waaaaaay more struggle. What worked one day didn't the next. Often for no apparent reason as the day after it worked again. Digital is not like that at all. I can open a Reason project from 25 years ago and it is exact, Thor is in-tune and the patch hasn't changed at all, the mix is pristine (not glued to the capstan). Thanks on the patch. Clearly not saved. I think you'd have to pause the vid and recreate. TBH probably nothing that special, just movement. 🙂
@@BenedictRoffMarsh Yup, agree. Love your channel, keep up the interesting vids. More Reason stuff too :)
@@CybreSmee Thanks. What would you want to see? I get tired of videos I think people need but no one seems to value.
This is a little unfair, as Reason has a full mixing console built in. However, mostly I agree with you. They layout is superior in Reason. I really like Waveform, it has some amazing ideas (the freeze block is genius), and while Reaper is lightyears ahead of both in terms of functionality and features, its a total hot mess, overly complicated and looks like garbage.
It is odd how Reason is the only DAW (I know of) with an "actual" mixing console, as opposed to the Pro Fools style matrix of plugins. Ultimately, they all say we can (and should) do it all in their environment. Just the F2 EQ window in Reason alone is soooo much better. I wonder why most DAWs make it so hard. :-)
@@BenedictRoffMarsh Harrison MixBus has one and its incredible. A perfect esample of a terrible DAW with a gorgeous mixer that almost makes it worth going through the pain of using it. Yes, Reason is excellent, I just struggle with a few major omission, such as no multiple MIDI output which makes composing in Kontakt impossible, no retroactive recording and no way to deal with articulation swapping (without hob nailing together some clunky note filtering in a Combinator).
@@CybreSmee I expected Harrison's "Analog with the sound of digital" Mixbork. It is indeed a clever idea made less useful at every turn. I think so far Studio One have done the "console sound" idea better than anyone else. For a while I thought Reason were missing that as a good idea but now not so much. I can't stand all that articulation changing of orch packages. Not fun at all. I don't like the results much either. Waste of time and money IMO (not that I should need to write IMO but there is always someone who thinks what I write is stone and not just my idea/ideal). 🙂
When it comes to basic analog synths, with the regular ADSR and the same basic and pure waveforms then yes, they all sound the same. Where analog emulations of vintage hardware will start sounding different is when these waveforms are not perfect. The saw wave on an ARP 2600 is not a pure waveform, it's slightly overdriven. Also the way a filter will react to what note is being played will differ. Example, the 2600 by Arturia is very equal across the keyboard, but the Cherry Audio version is not, and is brighter on higher notes. Which is much like the original. So even emulations of the same synth sounds different. Yes, the basic waveforms are pretty similar, though still not exactly the same, but Cherry Audio wins that comparison. Also features will differ, like unison or having each oscillator play several slightly detuned notes for a bigger sound. Not all do that the same way and on some it sounds great, on others not so much. And then there are the different types of synthesis, subtractive, additive, FM, which do actually not sound the same at all. And even though Dexed and DX7-V are modeled on the same digital synth, they do not sound the same. The thought behind this video I can agree with, meaning you don't need a big arsenal of soft synths, you can do with a few main ones and get all the sounds you need if you know what you're doing. And of course, how fast you get there does matter. Sometimes a lot.
I deffo agree on unisons - some really sound naf. Most just sound meh. Dune I think added a "Swarm" which was different - at leat on first look. Probably easy to emulate, once one has that as a target. :-)
You are right. They are leading us by the nose. However how fast and easy you get to the sound matters to me. That's why I like Odin2. It doesn't put me off. I twist a knob and I get there while other synths may require twisting many knobs to get the same result. It even has velocity knob. I don't nave to go to modulation matrix looking to find what controls velocity. It's right there. One knob. One knob for analog emulation. I don't have to asign bunch of LFOs. One knob. Filter envelope-I always get confused what direction the filter envelope is going. With Odin2 I don't get confused. Besides it's very CPU friendly. And it has all the effects I need on board. Delay is pretty cool. For someone like me who wants to get going without getting bogged into sound design forever Odin2 is great.
Indeed, while different synths can have different implementations of features, what matters most is that we find the workflow that works for each of us as individuals. I have that in Reason in general and Europa as my first go-to. You may know, I did a huuuge walkthrough/discussion of Odin 2 when it came out - when Thor was my go-to. :-)
@BenedictRoffMarsh I remember testing Reason when I was looking for a DAW. The one thing I do remember well was the killer drums they had stock. I am also aware of Europa. It looks pretty straight forward and I like things that are easy on the eyes. Even I didn't end up using Reason these are two things that I would like to have. But tools are tools. The important thing is to find a way to finish tracks. Lately I've been using FL Mobile a lot. Part because it's my favorite tool, part because of pain. It allows me to make music when in bed. My last 20 pieces probably wouldn't happen if there was no music app on my phone. They were almost entirely recorded in bed. 🙂
@@aspirativemusicproduction2135 Sorry to hear you aren't well. That is exactly it, synths & DAWs are tools. No different from a spanner. (sane) People don't go on about their spanner, they come fix your thing or not. :-)
Great video, Benedict. I stopped worrying about finding the Holy Grail of analog-modelled softsynths a long time ago. I agree it's "very easy to be fooled". Cheers!
i would answer the question 'do you need more synths?' with yes, because of 2 reasons: 1. Routing: Unless you are using a really modular synth like phaseplant there'll be a lot of pre-defined routing in the signal chain of the synthesizer and you don't have to think about it, but just use it, which is cool. My favorite synth VSTi, Synth1 by Ichiro Toda even has an LFO that is already mapped to pitch by default, because the developer knew users wanna add vibrato fast. That is just nice and reasonable. Or what if you wanna have 2 Wavetable oscillators routed into a single filter? You'd use Serum, easy. 2. Workflow: Making music with synths is about being inspired, so you wanna make sure if you get a new synth it comes with a workflow that you haven't experienced before or that is improved by the synthesizer. For example when Synplant2 dropped and was hyped for the Genopatch feature that lets you interpret input samples as synth patches. That's a sick workflow and it replaces the attempt to recreate a sound manually in an elegant way.
Sadly both things I wouldn't really rate at all but a bit moot seeing I have and use several synths (in Reason). :-)
@@BenedictRoffMarsh but what are you looking for in a synth? come on, you can't tell me it is just about the sound
@@Beatsbasteln Rather than me havin' to answer that, why not you take some time to research me and what matters. Otherwise, I fear we'll be talking apples and organic nuclear warheads. 🙂 BTW, you already know I like Europa.
@@BenedictRoffMarsh it's ok if you don't wanna tell me what you're looking for in a synth, but don't expect me to go search for the answer in your videos. i'm already following you for a while and you have some great topics, but your videos are too long and unedited for my average attention span, especially when i'm searching for a specific piece of information
@@Beatsbasteln Ok cool. Seems like you self-answered then. I like synths that are long and boring ;-)
nice one. a few people asked me about this subject too. I collect eurorack gear and im fairly certain the hardware sounds identical to VCV rack or whatever but I just like having the hardware the same way my phone tells the time but I like swiss watches. The problem comes when you think "the 8,000€ watch tells the time BETTER than the phone". Obviously the watch tells the time better because it's more expensive. Obviously the watch has a more "analogue" time value.
Thanks for dropping by. Yes it is like cars, a Hyundai and a Ferrari both drive you to the Kwik-E-Mart just dandy. Matter of fact the Hyundai is a lot easier in most cases. Altho less likely to get one laid of course. Synths are horses for courses but it does become silly when people blat on about how their synth is betterer and more Pro-ful than whatever everyone else owns. Spankery which leads people off-path once it becomes the zeitgeist. :-)
Well, Benedict, thank you for this video. I really appreciated the depth you went to to prove your point about these plug-ins - and yes it was quite uncanny how difficult (or, indeed, impossible) to tell the two apart. Your point was very well made! I will stick to what I said on FB, that hardware synths are inherently different by nature of their construction, aging etc. and therefore don't really fit into the remit of this video. Nevertheless, the discussion on FB has raised some really good points from different folk. Subbed.
Thanks. I'm not sure that I agree re hardware vs software as ultimately sound is sound is sound. Clearly, on the surface, the experience of an MO-DX will feel different from a Mini, from Europa on my Win 11 PC, BUT that doesn't immediately mean that there is not more essential similarity than difference. The same argument we (mostly) agree is correct with white people, brown people, green people... Because, as DM told us, people are people and we all have 7 arms, 43 legs, and spaghetti for brains (assuming we let AI draw us that is). :-)
Thank you Benedict 🙏
Brother your mic
Wasn't the mic, was some kind of codec error in the recording. Perhaps OBS? Never happened before, Never happened again.
Fad gadget gets no love.(and don't call them synthpop)
I had "Under The Flag" and, while I use it for marketing these days as one seems to have to, I never liked that SP term.
actually really nice singing. very interesting to learn new things about the niche music i enjoy
Thanks. EBM was the only space where I could (just) get away with "singing". While I don't do any hardcore EBM now, I still have a soft spot for the original style and use elements in my private work - and occasionally with clients but we don't tell them that ;-)
Nice track 🙂 Thanks Benedict 🙏
Thanks :-)
Oooh very nice!!
Panky Mr Pappy :-)
@@BenedictRoffMarsh Lol! :)
Very good!
Thanks Slava
Can't wait to update soon.
I expect you'll be happy :-)
Sweet music! Thanks Benedict. Cheers.
Merci :-)
Saved my TX802 😂
i always find it interesting when people know so much about the fundamentals of plugins yet cant produce a good track to save their life
You come on my channel pissing on me with your high n mighty 'tood but your "music" is nothing but same-same (c)Rap loop, loop, loop, stop. You need to learn some real respect. A thing that does not come from making an ass of yourself to try to cover how little you really have to offer :-(
I love morph eq and itd be so tedious to do all the automations I need for my freeform bass sound designs without morph eq and rift
I'd implore you to fix the audio. It is driving me crazy. It is a major detractor in my education. Let me know. I'd really love to give it a fair shake.
Don't you think that if fixing that audio was easy, let alone doable, I would not have done so before publishing? Come on, it is free. Roll with it; say thanks even. Stop complaining as it is the reason that I rarely post this sort of thing anymore as I am tired of givng for this sort of feedback. :-(
First, thank you. Second, I was merely conveying my honest feedback to your video post in hopes of understanding what you were attempting to convey. I've invested over two hours of my time trying to decipher your audio issue instead of a thank you. You attempt to guilt trip me. This is exactly why people don't give honest feedback. I hope someday you can look back and see the value in honest constructive feedback. You have really suck the air out of the room, like opening a window on a capsule. This was an experience I won't soon forget.
@@taewankim6283 Your first comment clearly proved that you didn't really watch the video. You expect respect for that!! Also you are guilt-tripping me about the time you spent when it is a fraction of what I have invested in these things - all to be given your condescending gaslighting BS. If you don't dig me, simply move along. I am far from the only person who has made these sorts of tuts. I owe you nothing here. You owe me an apology - only don't worry, as I don't want it. Your time here is over, please leave :-(
Superb vid!
Thank You :-)
Learning loads from these!!
Thanks. Expect to dop in and out a few times esp to the sound styles. 🙂
You seem to, so I hope you can find it. If it doesn't maybe do (assuming that it doesn't) and have you tried though? I used to when I was in my late teens, didn't for decades. As long as you don't, it actually helps, even if they don't. I think any kind, can have some of that domino effect, although that alone probably will not, but that's not it anyway.
@@hard_luck_case To be sure, to be sure.
Wow excellent thanks for this!!!
lucid explanation..thanks
Thanks for the hint via Ko-fi, and the course ... of course 🤝
Benny matey 🎉
Good info! I stopped at Reason 4, but remember how useful the Unison and Scream 4 devices were for this sort of thing
I've listened to a bunch of your stuff and this is the best! Some truly fantastic tunes
Thanks so much :-)