Wow, the sound of the Six-Trak is awesome, you're really showing how rad it can be. And the thought of a vintage, analog groovebox is absolutely stellar.
Ah thanks Josh. It really is dope, of all the things I've done repairs on I'm really pleased with what this was on the other side. More than what I expected, you know?
I am a Six-Trak owner and lover, and I didn't know anything about this updated firmware you speak of. Off to search for it now! Thank you for uploading, great video. :)
It is kind of crazy how so many modern synths brag about being bi-timbral when like 40 years ago, there were synths like this that could play 6 different sequences with just 6 voice poly!
Great modern demonstration of this little charmer. Hope if you ever sell it, you find another one to repair! It's really fun to explore with modern eyes and ears what Sequential designed way back when MIDI was being implemented, especially when you look at the bit allocation they did for sysex to squeeze it all in (only the filter cutoff has resolution for 128 unique positions). For me, this synth sits right on the boundary between being truly vintage and modern, like the proverbial fish who grew legs and walked out of the ocean. Don't you love to watch the LEDs flash as each voice independently fires off? I would forever hold onto a six-trak, preferably modded with 6 outs, because of the haunting FX sounds, totally unforgiving filter/res and inescapable dialing in of the cem3394 parameters to find the sweet spot in amongst its easily cheesy fundamental timbres.
Cheers thank you! I wish every synth had voice led's purely for my enjoyment. lol. That sysex quirk is really interesting, and really goes to the credit of the designers.
Gotta love the pitch envelope! Both this and the Multi-Trak are absolute Sequential Circuits Gems that can be had for around $1000. The Multi-Trak is basically a Six-Trak with a longer, velocity sensitive key bed, and 6 individual outs (one per voice). However, the build quality of the Six Trak is much better. Both are super portable, especially considering what they provide sonically. The Split 8 is solid too! Lovely video Jorb!
@@JorbLovesGear i really enjoyed your showcasing of controlling the synth through midi CC. I’m going to do some of my own experimenting with that now. All the best!
That filter sweep at 21:54 reminds me of beastie boys! I like the six trak it preforms super well with pedals, it's pretty much became symbiotic with my zoia
Utilizing mono/stereo options on your output is totally useful. I notice a lot of people assuming that mono is inferior. As a recording engineer, you learn to use mono tracks more frequently, when stacking and layering sounds. Stereo tracks take up more field-space, and ultimately will start to smudge and phase each other the more you use. Mono tracks will cut through when you you need, and are easier to place in the stereo image; when mixed with the stereo content that help ‘dictate’ the perceived space of your track. This in turn, allows you make the space seem even more grand. To anyone turned off by a mono output, you can easily do what Jorb mentioned and get a cheap pedal that will allow for “stereo” output. A small detail, but the fact that you covered it at all, with a little extra, “I don’t care that it’s mono” attitude, is quite a positive 😎 it’s ok to be in mono sometimes.
And I also have to add, DAMN that thing sounds nice! Great demo and overview. Sone of your multitrack layers/Melodies remind me of Wind Waker a little bit. Love it
One of the synths I drooled over in Keyboard magazine and broke teenager. This and the Max had a certain appeal because of the different look and certainly the 6 track sequencer of this unit. I ended up eventually getting an Ensoniq ESQ-1 for its 8 polyphonic-though limited voices-tracks. Had to learn to create my own drums on the ESQ-1 because I could afford a drum machine as well, but I managed to create some decent demo tracks.
Wow. I can't believe I've never heard of this synth before 😳🤦🏾♂️ I was in high school in 1984 and was definitely into the synths of that era. I still have my sequential circuits drumtraks. This sounds awesome!
I’ve been wanting to build a diy 6-voice polysynth for a while, with simple controls in the style of a Juno-6 (no presets). But I think the 3394 chip might make it even easier, sure it’s not DCOs but it sounds damn nice. Might be worth keeping in mind. Thanks again for the quality videos!
Hahaha dude I just got one of these the other day. It is an absolute unit. I love this thing and it is about $1000 undervalued in my opinion. If any body sees one , go buy it . It’s worth it’s weight in gold and I’m sure a lot of people will crack the case soon and the price on these will eventually go up.
I had one already back in 1985..and i new already then how good it was..i loved it...decades went people snorted at it but my love for this synth held on....and what do i see..it's popping up everywhere now..finally folks are understanding this little beast of a synth...sadly mine went to synth heaven..and today i can'¨t afford to buy a new one with these insane prices...perhaps a Behringer clone..but it will not be the same.
Really nice explanation video! Thanks 🙏 I got a six-trak and sometimes I'm fucked up with the interfacing but on the other end it's really a beautiful snth 👍 Wish, the envelopes could be a little bit faster. Would be a useful mod..
Great Job!! You can plug in a foot switch then press it to lock held notes in the arpeggiator... when not using the sequencer or the arpeggiator the foot switch will increment the presets. The theme in my comment is... use a foot switch!! I don't know if the Tauntek upgrade removes the foot switch integration though. The Poly-Glide Portamento is really a great quirk on the Six-Trak... between that and the multi-track sequencer... I'll be holding on to my Six-Trak for a looong time to come.
I just procured one but it seems like some keys don’t work. I thought it would be cool but can’t really make it work very well. If it is broken what is something like this worth in that state?
There’s a third party programmer from Stereooping which makes it easier to tweak parameters on the fly. Also, there’s an iPad programmer called Model610 that looks good.
I think they are all different, if you're specifically curious about the sixtrak, or have a need for an additional poly than think about it . but you could get something way more different
I've had my 6T for...10 ish years. I think I bought it on ebay. It was not super expensive at the time. Its the first vintage analog synth I owned (and kept) and I love it. The sequencer is amazing... I've never managed to make the sequencer listen to clock. Really wanna figure that out..any tips? Also, a feature not mentioned as far as I noticed: You can clock the ARP from a trig into the footswitch input when in ARP mode. The rate/speed knob needs to be fully counterclockwise as well. If your not in ARP mode it will just switch between patches... An SQ-1 is great for this. I've spent many hours making ARP counterpoint with channel A of the sq-1 gate out driving the 6T and channel B on a Jupiter 6 (SQ-1 clocked on my MPC1000). F-U-N !
I used to sell these when they first came out, I thought they were terrible! There were so many better options at the time 106, dx7, hell even the Korg poly 800! Still, as usual, superb review.
This is a 60, but with VCOs, no Sub Osc, no Arp, but with 6 ch multitimbral with a sequencer, and 2 ENVs...so better than a 106 and 800, but doesn't compare to a DX7.
Wow, the sound of the Six-Trak is awesome, you're really showing how rad it can be. And the thought of a vintage, analog groovebox is absolutely stellar.
Ah thanks Josh.
It really is dope, of all the things I've done repairs on I'm really pleased with what this was on the other side. More than what I expected, you know?
I am a Six-Trak owner and lover, and I didn't know anything about this updated firmware you speak of. Off to search for it now! Thank you for uploading, great video. :)
It is kind of crazy how so many modern synths brag about being bi-timbral when like 40 years ago, there were synths like this that could play 6 different sequences with just 6 voice poly!
Everyday that Jorb uploads is a holiday
Chungus-giving
Great modern demonstration of this little charmer. Hope if you ever sell it, you find another one to repair!
It's really fun to explore with modern eyes and ears what Sequential designed way back when MIDI was being implemented, especially when you look at the bit allocation they did for sysex to squeeze it all in (only the filter cutoff has resolution for 128 unique positions). For me, this synth sits right on the boundary between being truly vintage and modern, like the proverbial fish who grew legs and walked out of the ocean. Don't you love to watch the LEDs flash as each voice independently fires off?
I would forever hold onto a six-trak, preferably modded with 6 outs, because of the haunting FX sounds, totally unforgiving filter/res and inescapable dialing in of the cem3394 parameters to find the sweet spot in amongst its easily cheesy fundamental timbres.
Cheers thank you!
I wish every synth had voice led's purely for my enjoyment. lol.
That sysex quirk is really interesting, and really goes to the credit of the designers.
I've had about 13 synths all in all but SixTrak was without doubt the one i had most fun with... loved it!!!
I own one and I love it to death ❤ It’s a box of magic. You can make such unique, cool, lovely little loops with the sequencer
The sequential multitrak has six individual outputs. It was branded as the update to the six trak. Just got mine working. Awesome!
Gotta love the pitch envelope! Both this and the Multi-Trak are absolute Sequential Circuits Gems that can be had for around $1000. The Multi-Trak is basically a Six-Trak with a longer, velocity sensitive key bed, and 6 individual outs (one per voice). However, the build quality of the Six Trak is much better. Both are super portable, especially considering what they provide sonically. The Split 8 is solid too! Lovely video Jorb!
I haven't tried the multi-trak, but knowing it has individual outs is really tempting!
Cheers, thanks so much.
@@JorbLovesGear Multi-trak has a much more usable sequencer, plus velocity, and on-board chorus too!
Thanks for the insightful vid Jorb. Some of those wonderful sounds you get from the Six-Trak would make for a great sample expansion.
Its in the sample pack back log!
This is a super thorough demonstration! Thank you for making this! It’s given me lots of inspiration for things to try out with my six trak. Cheers!
Cheers, appreciate that!
It's a really interesting one, glad to have one , and glad to share.
@@JorbLovesGear i really enjoyed your showcasing of controlling the synth through midi CC. I’m going to do some of my own experimenting with that now.
All the best!
@@RyansnevetS it's really powerful! Especially as a way to sneak in some automation.
Love it! Very thorough run through of the SixTrak!
That filter sweep at 21:54 reminds me of beastie boys! I like the six trak it preforms super well with pedals, it's pretty much became symbiotic with my zoia
It was kinda close! And great point, room on the panel to set one + mono output, its begging for pedals.
Utilizing mono/stereo options on your output is totally useful. I notice a lot of people assuming that mono is inferior. As a recording engineer, you learn to use mono tracks more frequently, when stacking and layering sounds. Stereo tracks take up more field-space, and ultimately will start to smudge and phase each other the more you use. Mono tracks will cut through when you you need, and are easier to place in the stereo image; when mixed with the stereo content that help ‘dictate’ the perceived space of your track. This in turn, allows you make the space seem even more grand. To anyone turned off by a mono output, you can easily do what Jorb mentioned and get a cheap pedal that will allow for “stereo” output. A small detail, but the fact that you covered it at all, with a little extra, “I don’t care that it’s mono” attitude, is quite a positive 😎 it’s ok to be in mono sometimes.
And I also have to add, DAMN that thing sounds nice! Great demo and overview. Sone of your multitrack layers/Melodies remind me of Wind Waker a little bit. Love it
Well said, somewhat counter intuitively it is the more flexible option.
high praise, haha, thank you!
i found one of my favorite albums of all time thru the wikipedia article of the six trak
One of the synths I drooled over in Keyboard magazine and broke teenager. This and the Max had a certain appeal because of the different look and certainly the 6 track sequencer of this unit. I ended up eventually getting an Ensoniq ESQ-1 for its 8 polyphonic-though limited voices-tracks. Had to learn to create my own drums on the ESQ-1 because I could afford a drum machine as well, but I managed to create some decent demo tracks.
I like the light you put on this one. Didn't even know that the AX-60 used the same voice/filter/vca chip.
Cheers thanks! Yeah, isn't that interesting? Demystifies things for me a bit, but in a good way.
Sounds way better than software....
Wow. I can't believe I've never heard of this synth before 😳🤦🏾♂️ I was in high school in 1984 and was definitely into the synths of that era. I still have my sequential circuits drumtraks.
This sounds awesome!
It's real cool. Wish I had a drumtraks! Tried to buy a few broken ones, no luck
I’ve been wanting to build a diy 6-voice polysynth for a while, with simple controls in the style of a Juno-6 (no presets). But I think the 3394 chip might make it even easier, sure it’s not DCOs but it sounds damn nice. Might be worth keeping in mind. Thanks again for the quality videos!
Oh yeah, that wouldn't be bad at all...you let me know if you do, I'd be curious to see how it turns out
Imagine that sat next to a Drumtraks mmm. Great video Jorb.
I tried, very hard to buy a broken one on reverb right after this video.
No dice yet, but fingers crossed!
Hahaha dude I just got one of these the other day. It is an absolute unit. I love this thing and it is about $1000 undervalued in my opinion. If any body sees one , go buy it . It’s worth it’s weight in gold and I’m sure a lot of people will crack the case soon and the price on these will eventually go up.
Highly agree, happy to bring some extra attention to a wonderful keyboard.
I had one already back in 1985..and i new already then how good it was..i loved it...decades went people snorted at it but my love for this synth held on....and what do i see..it's popping up everywhere now..finally folks are understanding this little beast of a synth...sadly mine went to synth heaven..and today i can'¨t afford to buy a new one with these insane prices...perhaps a Behringer clone..but it will not be the same.
Hopefully this means sequential uploads this week.
😂😂🤣
Really nice explanation video! Thanks 🙏
I got a six-trak and sometimes I'm fucked up with the interfacing but on the other end it's really a beautiful snth 👍
Wish, the envelopes could be a little bit faster. Would be a useful mod..
Great Job!! You can plug in a foot switch then press it to lock held notes in the arpeggiator... when not using the sequencer or the arpeggiator the foot switch will increment the presets. The theme in my comment is... use a foot switch!! I don't know if the Tauntek upgrade removes the foot switch integration though. The Poly-Glide Portamento is really a great quirk on the Six-Trak... between that and the multi-track sequencer... I'll be holding on to my Six-Trak for a looong time to come.
I haven't tried that with a footswitch, I'll have to!
Yeah, it's hard for me think of selling this one, even if I should....
I just procured one but it seems like some keys don’t work. I thought it would be cool but can’t really make it work very well. If it is broken what is something like this worth in that state?
There’s a third party programmer from Stereooping which makes it easier to tweak parameters on the fly. Also, there’s an iPad programmer called Model610 that looks good.
I saw that! Wish they weren't so expensive
great demo video. Question: I own a take 5 and pro-800. Do you think with that much "sequential" overlap I would gain much picking up a six track?
I think they are all different, if you're specifically curious about the sixtrak, or have a need for an additional poly than think about it . but you could get something way more different
I've had my 6T for...10 ish years. I think I bought it on ebay. It was not super expensive at the time. Its the first vintage analog synth I owned (and kept) and I love it. The sequencer is amazing...
I've never managed to make the sequencer listen to clock. Really wanna figure that out..any tips?
Also, a feature not mentioned as far as I noticed: You can clock the ARP from a trig into the footswitch input when in ARP mode. The rate/speed knob needs to be fully counterclockwise as well. If your not in ARP mode it will just switch between patches... An SQ-1 is great for this. I've spent many hours making ARP counterpoint with channel A of the sq-1 gate out driving the 6T and channel B on a Jupiter 6 (SQ-1 clocked on my MPC1000).
F-U-N !
hey jorb. could you do the organ and the main lead from chamber of reflection by Mac Demarco
love the vids keep it up
Hilariously, I covered this in a tik tok. vm.tiktok.com/TTPd2ydTG5/
I used to sell these when they first came out, I thought they were terrible! There were so many better options at the time 106, dx7, hell even the Korg poly 800! Still, as usual, superb review.
This is a 60, but with VCOs, no Sub Osc, no Arp, but with 6 ch multitimbral with a sequencer, and 2 ENVs...so better than a 106 and 800, but doesn't compare to a DX7.
👍
Great video, man!
My legato do nothing... I read the manual to try to find any hidden fuction to active it, but no. Any tip?
Not sure! any more detail? Sure your changing the active patch etc
@@JorbLovesGear when I use legato function in the unison mode, does the low note priority still "on"?
Sounds like the factory patches.
it is!
I am sorry I sold mine but was wearing out and buttons not always catching .. sold for 450$ several years ago rather than put money into repair..
Its always hindsight. I'll probably regret each and everything I sell at some point!
We need a duet of sixtrak and poly61
Ahhh wish I still had the poly61
@@JorbLovesGear yeah :’(
Starting to sound like Mike Post toward the end ;)
LOL not intentionally.
@@JorbLovesGear Oh, I know. I never see you with a mullet or neon Hawaiian shirt. ;)
Six Track Multitracks recordar since 23:43
I have the multi output mod but don’t know what to do with it.lol
Bally Sente essentially copied this synth's hardware into their arcade systems SAC-1 and SAC-2
Lol no way, arcade system with an analog synth inside?
what is Vengelis?
L99king at 9ne f9r sale here.
Ohh no. I was trying to buy one of these! Dammit Jorb. Now they will double in price. :(
P.S. Great demo as always.
Cheers, thank you! I would be really surprised if I had that effect on the market, but would see it as pretty flattering.
However more importantly can it sound like an angry toaster?
These are factory...lol
I almost bought one of these for a really decent price but I'm stupid, so I didn't
There will always be another, keep alerts on!