A love letter to the Moog DFAM (that also explains it)
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- čas přidán 22. 05. 2024
- Here's a demo video explaining the Moog DFAM and why I think one of the most original, interesting analogue synths to come out in years. In it I'll explain how it works, jam a little, pairing it with a TR08, and Mother-32 at the end!
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Strangely I shot this video several years ago (March 2018 according to the files) but never got round to editing it at the time. In the spirit of better late than never - here it is now. A lot has changed since then, but then a lot has not. It's still a very original take on subtractive synthesis, and it can teach us a lot about approaches we can take on a modular synth too (think - sequencers controlling VCA’s that control envelopes that are used to modulate parameters). And it's still fun as hell to jam on.
PS. Spot the error when I'm talking about the noisy VCF input (actually what's happening is the pitch sequencer CV is directly stepping the filter since whatever you put into the socket replaces the default routing).
PPS. There's some plugin reverb on this not pictured (Valhalla Vintage Verb and Eventide Blackhole, UAD Galaxy Tape Echo)
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MORE VIDEOS I MADE ABOUT DA MOOGZ
▶Talk I did at Moogfest on live performance and Mother-32 + DFAM: • How to play synths liv...
▶ Another Live Presentation about Jamming on Mother-32 & DFAM: • Moog Mother & DFAM Liv...
▶ A big blissy jam with the holy trinity: • The Moog Subharmonicon...
▶ A livestream jam on Moog's channel on the trinity: • #SynthesizeLive with M...
▶ Subharmonicon Quickstart Vid: • Moog Subharmonicon 13m...
CHAPTERS
00:00 Hello and a montaaaaage
01:25 Explaining what DFAM is, and isn't.
06:36 The magic of the Kick Bass Snare Patch
08:05 Explaining the Controls/Routing
10:07 Wait, it's a melodic synth voice?
14:45 Explaining the Velocity sequencer
16:37 Patch: Electro Thump
21:00 Jams: "Just add 909" Techno
25:47 A Non Drummy Patch: Tubular Bells
29:24 Adding a TR08: What then?
31:32 Irregular Gate Pattern Fun
34:01 Mother-32 and DFAM together.
39:09 I trust you understand why I'm excited?
Edited in Davinci Resolve.
Still by far the best DFAM video on YT
Hands down.
What I learned from the DFAM; ABR, always be recording. This thing spits out “oh, that’s an entire track!” type things on the regs and is probably the best thing I’ve ever bought.
Agreed! I'm always recording too because of the "oops I like that groove". Loop it, filter it,, BAM instant track. So happy I bought this weird amazing box. When someone did a review and said "it's part percussion module, part I don't know what", I bought it the next day.
So true man! Most touched piece of gear in my studio. Amazing machine!
Everything is a performance. Even stuff I think is absolute junk will sound brilliant later
You mean you didn’t learn that from Lego Batman?!
@@finctank he taught me everything I know.
40 minutes of Mylar on the DFAM? Yes, please, yes.
Machines like the DFAM make me feel like a genius. And that’s something that I personally always try for when acquiring gear.
what other gear are you using ser? :)
never buy an octatrack then
What else
@@liamsparling 🤣
this comment takes the cake! ✨
The DFAM is the core of my eurorack rig. I had a custom case made, 4-tier, 120hp per row, and the left side top to bottom is DFAM, DFAM, Subharmonicon, Mother 32. I don't care what anyone says about racking semi-modulars; my case is the most fun I've ever had making music. Left side is pure Moog creativity and delicious analog tone, right side is just utility for the Moogs: VCAs, CV mangling, clocks, effects, Disting, Planar 2, mixing and the like.
Death to computers, long live analog synths!
it’s like nine inch nails in a single synth, all the ghosts and year zero sounds you could ever want! really great video!
Been feeling so much year zero vibe jamming on mine lately, good to see I'm not the only one picking that up!
Ok, good, it’s not just me. I kept feeling like everything I was making sounded like NIN. Couldn’t tell if it was a comment on the synth or me.
For anyone missing out on MIDI & variable step length the DFAM pairs wonderfully with the KORG SQ-1. That’ll give you MIIDI clock from a DAW over USB. You’ll also get two lanes of 8 steps just like the DFAM but with way more control to mute, randomize, reverse and alter the amount of steps quickly. You can also get polyrhythms going quickly by setting the top lane to be a different length from the bottom. It all works so well together.
Was about to grab an SQ-1, but found out that DFAM also pairs splendidly with my Analog 4 (no comparison price-wise, just for anyone who might be in a similar situation). I also believe it does very well with the Beat/Keystep Pro (the one that runs CV) 👍
Use my microfreak for midi and sequencing, and it works in a pinch! Though with a ms-20 in my kit as well, the sq-1 is sounding even tastier than before.
@@waxingcrescentmedia Cool. I also have an analog keys. I'll have to try out that combo. Thanks for the tip!
@UnderBridge Rock I agree. But I think the SQ-1 most closely mimics the hands-on style and layout of the included sequencer, but blows it way up in terms of functionality.
theres a midi adaptor for the dfam made by sonoclast, its very good.
Pairing dfam with a drum machine advice is a golden nugget. Adds so much character to your drums
One of the best videos on these Moog modular instruments I've seen yet, truly inspiring and inspirational. Well done and thanks!
Sir, you seem like a very humble individual and as such I will assume that I don't think that you really understand, truly how perfect this love letter is. I love this video so much.
thank you patrik!! x
Thanks for this incredible Master Class on the Moog DFAM. I love your perspective and enthusiam, as you explored all the rich sounds this device can create. You opened a lot of doors for me with your thoughtful approach to understanding the DFAM. I will be watching this video again and again to unpack all the knowledge that you shared, and would love to see more content like this, featuring other Moog synths, (Grandmother) and how they interconnect. Patching has been a somewhat abstract concept for me to grasp, and you elquently made sense of it. Thank you!!
You make an already great sounding synth sound even more awesome! I got some nice inspiration from this video for stuff to try on my own DFAM.
I asked on another YT whether a Volca Drum could be used instead of a DFAM.
You have answered my question beyond all doubts.
The DFAM is not just a drum machine but so much more with the adjustable sequencer pitches and that it can also give an electronic sound....so much more.
There is NO menu diving or pressing function, edit, blah blah blah buttons.
It also has a far superior sound!!!
I have the harmonicon, next week the Mother and a DFAM is deffo on my list now thanks to your video.
Good bye Korg ( you never wrote decent instructions anyway!)....Moog DOES!!!
With all three I will need nothing else.
THANK YOU
Have 2.
Thinking of 3.
DFAM’s are just a gold mine of sound, they just beg thinking different.
This!! If I shot this again, I'd certainly whip two out, and maybe ask to borrow a third. Two plus a 909 is crackers. Really two alone is crackers, very pleased that I own that configuration...
Holy mother this thing sounds amazing. The way the VCAs appear to be saturating when both OSCs and the Noise especially are blasting is amazing. It almost sounds like there was a tape machine in there adding this beautiful grit and drive. Amazing showcase of the machine!
I must have watched this video at least half a dozen times now, and it never gets old. Thanks so much for making this!
Absolutely brilliant video. DFAM had been on my list for a LONG time and I just got it delivered yesterday. Only had a few minutes with it so far, but it’s so great. Anxious to pair it up with my Subharmonicon and Crave. Thanks for this!! (And your Sub/Mother/DFAM video!!)
One of the coolest synth videos I've watched. Great explanation of the features and killer demos to boot. DFAM is in the mail. Cheers
Loved this video! Have M32 and DFAM and both are my favorites. Can't wait for what they came up next in this format!
Man this is by far the best DFAM video in the whole universe. I keep coming back to it since you've published it, even after having a dfam for a couple of years now. There's always some detail I didn't notice before or some new idea that this generates. Thank you SO MUCH for this
Thanks Rodrigo!! 🙌 Keep DFAMMIN’
how's your DFAM holding up buddy ?
This is an excellent video on the DFAM, perhaps one of the best. I've learned a lot of new things about it. Thank you!
This is probably one of the most inspirational insight into this or any other synth I've seen. Your enthusiasm and adoration for the DFAM is infectious and it makes my love for my two DFAMs grow all the more steadily.
Mylars videos are always inspiring, partially because of his enthusiasm, but I don't understand why he thinks this is the best piece of machinery made in thirty years. It can make percussion, bass, and lead sounds because . . . that's what oscillators, envelopes, and noise do. It's nothing unique to this instrument. People have been making these sounds on modular synths for decades. Oscillators with envelopes are flexible. Sustained envelopes create leads. Very short envelopes with pitch bends create percussion. Pitch the oscillators down two octaves and you've got a bass. Moog didn't invent the wheel here.
Brilliant explanation, this has taught me a lot about the DFAM, many thanks 👍🏻
This is the best DFAM demonstration on internet. Well done !!. Since I've seen your video, I'm using it more as a kind of mini-minimoog (with another VCO on the external input). I discovered how much it fit perfect with a Marbles :)
CZcams recommended this to me and I'm glad it did! Never looked at the DFAM before but it seems a beast! Love your walkthrough, subbed!
This is the first video I've seen that adequately exposes the potential of the DFAM. I recently bought one (paired with a Subharmonicon) and have struggled to figure it out. Thanks for opening my eyes!
The learning curve is longer than with most other instruments. Stick with just messing with them as much as you can and it will start to click. These synths will still be in use a 100 years from now.
Had a go on one for the first time today. The grooves/beats/rhythms that were just emerging as I twiddled blew my mind. There’s no question one will be bought at some point.
I just got mine and I was a bit frustrated because it’s not a drum machine. I’ve come to love it and I wish I had seen this video earlier, as it perfectly captures the mind set. Everyone considering buying one should watch this. Thanks!
One of best Moog modular videos to date. Cannot wait to get back home to play along with this. Lots of screen shots…
it's really amazing the endless sounds thay can be achieved with these machines
What really made me appreciate the DFAM *even more* was recreating it with discrete modules.
I really like the straight honest opinion about the gear. 👌
Thanks for that !
Greetings from Berlin. ✌️
Care to expand on this idea? Thanks!
Grab page 7 of the official manual and reverse engineer the patch using the block diagram!
Ghost in the Snare 👻 thanks for another awesome dfam video! The dfam has been a huge inspiration in my writing process. It is such a special instrument.
Best example of what these instruments can do I have witnessed. I have to own these now. Here is what I envisioned whilst watching you jam. Two (or more) person to do this...While one "jams and tweaks" another is sampling. As interesting things happen the "sampler" retains some of the best little "clips" and bringing them back later and flying in as needed. Sounds like a massive jam to me! 🤩😍😎
Love your vids! Always well explained and some nice music along the way!
Not only is it great that you unearthed this unreleased video from 3 years ago, but I actually prefer it when CZcamsrs take their time with reviewing a piece of gear instead of all publishing on day 1, and I wish more musicians / reviewers would revisit gear after a few years.
Yeah agreed - can be difficult when you rely on view counts is all (not that I do though thanks to Patreon) as of course there’s less interest as time goes on. I think AudioPilz has a good approach on this!!
I suppose the real question would be what would I do if I actually reshot this today (I’d probably show a second DFAM and use some stereo delay, and a 909 alongside it!)
Would love to see that!!
@@iSdtea @mylarmelodies Seconded, would love to see how your love affair with it has developed
@@mylarmelodies I think you should do that! You have to now! I have a mother 32, dfam and 909 also so I'd love to see your jam session. Also have a System80 808 and 860 filter coming soon. They will all play nice together. Love your channel and reviews. Very detailed and never seem long. 40 mins and I'd still watch another hour!
Keep up the good work. You are the reason I dove deep into modular 2 yrs ago. These instruments are a game changer in my musical journey. Thank you so much!
Literally the best electronic instrument available today. It's SO good.
Your delighted little giggles while jamming are so fun!
Love my dfam. Used on its own it’s great, but with some modular gear it’s awesome. Put it through a quantiser for superb bass lines. The possibilities are endless. But as others have said, make sure you’re recoding or you’ll miss something that was genius and regret it. Nice review. Thank you.
Yup, it's a terrific piece of gear and although there is an immediate gratification to be had, there is also a second layer which is a learning curve. That mystery, that learning curve is what attracted me to the moog sound studio and each of the 3 units offer a similar scenario in so much that there is always going to be more left over to discover into the future.
Truly innovative instruments.
this is the love letter the DFAM deserves! Thanks for this. You've also made me realize that, after a year of using a DFAM consistently, I didn't really understand what the velocity sequencer did. I've pretty much treated it like a volume-per-step sequencer, and it does work that way, but you've helped me appreciate it's subtlety here, that "special sauce" that makes it what it is. That being said, I've found the pitch sequencer pretty useless for sequencing pitch. I usually wind up patching it to noise level to get kick and snare in the same patch, and the selector switch lives in the off position. I put some bigger knobs on it in hopes that that would make it useable, but it's still too finnicky for me. I'm considering picking up a quantizer (currently looking at a 1u o_C tile) in hopes that this will allow me to actually use pitched sequences on the DFAM in a performance context!
Excellent presentation - which is not easy to nail. Just bought one today and hope to get to your level.
Very well done presentation! Just fell in love with the DFAM :)
I've been on a journey with my DFAM, when I first got it with the mother 32 I was using it as a limited kick snare machine, but as I added a separate drum machine I've been exploring the other spaces and textures beyond that. Fatten the M32 with another osc, do crazy bleep bloops, drive pitch through another sequencer, jam nine inch nails year zero tones for days! Getting a small Eurorack case and sampler soon and looking forward to the possibilities that will unlock with building kits, using DFAM for all the things
always love your vids. Since having the DFAM i was curious what you get up to with it.. but suddenly when you mentioned Attack/Decay.. it made me realise with my modular or when using synths in general (as i do alot of percussive, or very snappy bass riffs) i could look into getting Attack decay modules hehe. So really cool you made me think about that even tho thats not exactly the basis of this video. Apart from this you really smash the Dfam and i'm picking up some good info from you, cheers !!
THANK YOU FOR THIS! i'VE HAD MINE A FEW YEARS NOW AND i LOVE IT, BUT YOU just opened a portal! AWESOMENESS!
I fell in love with the DFAM the first time I heard it.
After buying it, I love it even more.
Probably one of my favourite demos of all time here! Thanks heaps!!
🙌
This is a very competent video. I have a subsequent 37, I think it can do most of this, it is less modular, but it does have a remarkable everything to everything internal routing thing. Again great video. Thank you.
Yeah, so I’ve been thinking for a while whether I should get a DFAM. After watching this video a couple of times I went out yesterday and bought one. Had a good jam on it last night (pairing it with a Volca Drum and some modular. Wasn’t disappointed. So thanks Alex. I’ve respected your videos and podcast since ages ago (fellow New Zealanders will get that one).
Just watched your talk with Vlad (fantastic) and had to revisit this again. This may be my favorite "piece of gear" focused video ever. I learn and remember to try something new every time I watch it. The narration, enthusiasm and quality of the sounds are just perfect. I liked it even more once I got my own DFAM. Thanks, mm!
Thanks m8!! 🙌
I'm watching this for about the 500th time. I think as an example of musical explanation with audio it is probably the best example of it ever made. PS the DFAM is simply fantastic.
Modules I love to pair with the DFAM for melodic sequencing:: Clep Diaz (LFO) + Mimetic Digitalis (CV + pitch) and Scales from Intellijel. The Clep Diaz can reset the Pitch sequence so it's nice for polyrhythms. TECHNO
Thanks for that. Got me to a better understanding of the relation between Env and velocity on the DFAM. THANK YOU :)
I WAS enjoying the music stuff I got for Christmas. Then this. Always great content, my guy
One of my all time favorite synths. Moog should make a super DFAM.
well , just get 2 DFAMs and that makes it a super DFAM :-)
@@MSHRadio-dj5zn or take it out of its case and put a bunch of modules around it! ☺️
The original DFAM is the super DFAM already :)
Yo. I want to thank you for changing my perception of the synth. I looked at it as a drum machine. I have two and this video rocked my mind. Thank you.
one of my favorite live techniques with the DFAM is to flick the filter type switch back and forth when doing filter sweeps. Flip it usually around 10 and 2
DFAM + Werkstatt = poor man's Minimoog. That third osc and added LFO opens the thing up so much.
I'm sold. This is a great break down.
Now I know what has been missing from my life for the last 60 years! This is f@#king brilliant! This turns a drum machine into a complete interactive rhythm thing!
Thank you very much for this video. It gave me a renewed appreciation of my DFAM!
Without a doubt one of my favorite pieces of gear :)
So organic sounds definitely one my fav machine in my studio
This is a video that delivers. I can feel why you like it, and I thank you for that.
man, the sound really makes me think of the new acid/core/tekno sounds you here coming op in Europe. i NEED to get this thing, there's really nothing like it. what an absolute bomb this synth is!
This video is so well presented man, I'd love to see you do some more demos with other pieces of hardware... Maybe the mother 32 next?
Thank you for putting together this amazing video! Very inspiring - going to feature my DFAM on one of my next Jamuary posts now!!
The DFAM jam is up!
Seriously sounds really good, i want one
Been looking at these modulators for ages, I think today you convinced me to buy.
That groove @30:00 is insane. 🤜🏼🤛🏼 Well done.
This is like nine inch nails, the hesitation marks album in a box, I want one!
I'm one of those folks that wished it did more to replace a drum machine but I've had a blast with it. I got it as part of the new 3 part sound studio and didn't get the paper templates but a fun workbook that makes use of all 3
I just got the Sound Studio with DFAM, Mother 32, and Subharmonicon and it's freaking amazing.
What a great inspiring video. Thanks for the input!
love mine and need to start recording it to my DAW so good. Not just drums but a great modular synth in and of itself.
I got one pretty much as soon as they came out and the first thing I said to my friend was .... "They should have called it the Jeff Mills, it is pure techno". However over three years later it is far more versatile than I originally thought. You can use it as a strange synth or as you say something that does a bit of everything to provide a backbone to a track. I think this and the subharmonicon are two of Moog's finest pieces of kit.
This plus rd-9 is purpose maker
I got one secondhand and didn't get the overlays, it took me about a week to figure out how to make it even sound like drums, I love it!
Been having mine about 2 years now and it's used in almost every patch. It's a unique beast for sure. Pro tip: pairs extremely well with WMD's Metron especially to get out of the 8 step loop trap due to ....yes I'm going to say it....lack of reset input.
Absolutely LOVE this video!
Got 2 of them. Also 2 Subharmonicons; they do not get the love they deserve.
On the DFAM: Throwing the tempo all the way up gives you a wave-shaper synth (with each step allowing you to shape the curve). If they stop making these they'll cost thousands some day.
I think you’ve just convinced me to get another one.
Yes indeed, one can get up to some serious mischief with a DFAM & SubH… I imagine 2 of each would be pretty spectacular!
Sadly not, because f£#@ing Behringer have made a clone. Not buying that; keeping my DFAM!
@@walrtbstudios5430 If people want to buy cheap, bad sounding crap that's their prerogative
I don't see why it matters what they will cost in years to come I personally love making music with mine now, I didn't buy this synth to sell it years down the road for profit or to make myself feel superior to others because I own a collector synth, but that's just me
Wow what a sound, can't wait for behringer edge.
My thoughts exactly ...
Thank you so much for this. I love my DFAM, but I'm such a novice synthesist that I know I get barely 5% out of it. This is going to help exponentially change that.
The more effort you put into it the better your results. Keep noodling around and you will develop your own unique sound and probably surprise yourself. Hours of fun in this box.
Beautifully done sir. Very enjoyable.
Thank you sah x
Crazy that in only 2 months this has entered your top 10 of your most watched videos ever. Not bad for a video that had lingered on a hard drive for 3 years.
I kno rite! It’s also a question about making videos about things that aren’t just eurorack modules too I think…
Damn, i havent understood how that velocity thing works until now, thank you a lot for that!
Fantastic demo!
Ahh I know the good ol edit while playing with the m32 and dfam. You get something awesome going on the DFAM and spend the rest of the night trying to make the m32 interesting enough to play alongside with it.
Best DFAM Video I found. Thanks a lot!
Thank this video has helped a lot. I`m knew to this and tried out the patch card and ran it through some Fxs and feels very moog 1970`s vibve. Cheers
‘‘Twas just listening to one of my dfam tracks when your video popped up!
Best Tutorial on this beauty Beast ever ever ever! Thanks a lot for spreading your love on this fantastic machine.
I can watch you for hours having fun with this.:) Oh, can you please make a video with the DFAM and the Mother 32-Combo? Some hints and tricks?
Ups. I wrote the comment before the last 5 Minutes.;) Would be nice to see a video only with the combo and share your tricks and experiences.
Check the description for the vid I did at Moogfest which is kinda that!! And merry xmas
No worries you just got the vid together. As your happy viewer, I also got Santa deal yesterday and exited to learn more while Rudolf brings it in :) I was as excited on DFAM become future classic in ‘18 and took some time to grew up my prod and grab it as a Studio 3 (had to feed piggy bank after ‘18 Subsequent 37 CV. I’m sure they will do superb all together). TNX!
This is so damn cool... love your narrative!
Awesome vid bro. Love the Pop Swatch too xx
No, thank YOU! What a rad love letter and explanation of a most uncanny and gnarly beast! I can't wait to get my own one and make bass faces all day 💀
Lovely synth top sounds love the fetures:D
Holy f*cking sh*t -- 25 minutes into this... Want a DFam...
You are Electro Maestro... and ..
MYLAR REPRESENT!
Very cool video
I've only recently come back into electronic music after decades absence..and I am blown away by the kit out there..especially the Volca Bass
volca bass is a gateway drug
DFAM was my second Moog and first semimodular. Even after buying other modular gear and pedals and weird other instruments, the DFAM is what I go back to over and over for track building.
DFAM will be my friend forever.
0:57 wow, that one is MASSIVE !